Info and photo from Susie Richter, curator
(Click on photo to enlarge)
The LaPorte County Historical Society Museum is now home to an icon from a recently lost landmark.
In May 2013, the cross from the top of the steeple of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ was donated to the historical society by Pavey Excavating Co. The tall church, which stood in front of LaPorte Hospital on Lincolnway, was razed earlier in May. The historical society also received the church’s cornerstone and contents from Vickie Frohne.
“We are so proud to be the recipients of the cross,” said museum Curator Susie Richter. “It makes us proud to know a part of it can still be seen at the museum.”
Here is a full list of items donated to the society in May:
– Flower bearer’s dress worn by Debbie Read at LaPorte High School 1961 Prom, photo of 1961 Prom, Allis-Chalmers magazines, 2 pairs of white gloves, Rebecca Read
– Cannonball found in the 1950s by Crichfield School, Larry Wahlstrom
– Wedding gown with shoes, veil, necklace and photo, c.1960s, June Reeves
– World War II Japanese flag, taken from helmet of soldier on New Britain; World War II Samurai sword from Guadalcanal, Ralph Leonard
– Sterling teaspoon engraved with “La Porte, In”, Frederick K. Paine
– Cornerstone and contents, digital copies of contents, all from St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Vickie Frohne
– 1950s laundry flakes, laundry starch and Domino Sugar bag, Ellen Christiansen
– Cross from the steeple of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Pavey Excavating Co.
– Library book, Paul Clark
– Archival items, Presbyterian Church of Michigan City
– Items for the sale table, David Price, Presbyterian Church of Michigan City, Fern Eddy Schultz, Jean Chlupacek, Margie Bender, Joann Nickerson, and Sue Harmon
Museum visitors, events
For the month of May, the museum welcomed visitors from 17 Indiana counties and 14 states, as well as Germany, Australia and Holland. Tour groups included a Corvette club, Lake Hills STEM Magnet School, Hailmann School, Pioneer Auto Club, and the Jonathan Edwards Academy.
The historical society hosted the May Idea & Information Exchange for the County Visitors Bureau at the museum. The “Historical Broadway” variety show was very well attended.
For the months of June, July, and August, the display is “With This Ring …”, featuring mid-century wedding gowns, photos and memorabilia from the historical society’s collection. A 1950s-style wedding reception kicked off the display.
Coming events:
– On June 22 and 23, the annual Civil War Days will take place on the museum grounds. Re-enactors will set up camp, conduct skirmishes and more. Anyone wishing to “adopt a cannon” may call the museum at 219.324.6767 and ask for Susie. The Civil War Ball will be held on the veranda of the museum, weather permitting, on Saturday, June 22, at 7 p.m. The public is invited.
– Later on in the summer will be a wedding fashion show, the 6th annual Old Car Show, the 2nd annual Memorial Gardens, and a Family Fun Day. More details to come!
The museum is located at 2405 Indiana Ave., LaPorte, and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10-4:30. Admission is just a few dollars. For more information, visit www.laportecountyhistory.org and call 324-6767.