This portrait of the late Carl Krentz, who was mayor of LaPorte from 1996-2000, was given to the historical society by his wife, Viola. It was painted by his niece, Jan Zabilski, and the frame came from Thanhardt-Burger, Krentz’s family business. (Photo provided; click to enlarge)
Visitors to the LaPorte County Historical Society Museum during December 2014 came from seven counties, 13 states, Switzerland and The Netherlands.
Upcoming events
Antique valentines will be on display starting in mid-January. Plans are gearing up for the spring display and programs are being planned for February and March.
If you have vintage photos of the LaPorte County area, events or people, please bring them to the museum. Copies can be made on site so you do not have to leave the original at the museum.
Recent events
The holiday theme was “Santa’s Special Trees”; 13 trees were decorated by museum volunteers and were very well received. Events included “A Visit with Santa Claus” on Dec. 6; visitors enjoyed cookies and punch. The historic Giese Church was up and running for its 68th year, much to the delight of visitors. Many families and out-of-towners came to the museum over the holidays.
December donations
— Pink shoehorn from Smith Shoes of LaPorte, ca. 1950s; photos; Rae Ann Brown
— B-K Root Beer gallon jug, Michigan City, Ralph Coursel
— Child’s billiards set, including balls, cues and rack, from the 1940s, Joyce Blint
— Man’s Arrow dress shirt in original plastic, 1950s, in a shirt box from Stanley & Peck of Michigan City, Loretta Sikorski
— Painted portrait of former LaPorte Mayor Carl Krentz by Jan Zabilski, scrapbooks from Krentz’s term of office, 1996-2000, Viola Krentz
— Archival information, Kathy Calvin, Charles Carpentier
Volunteers welcome
If you’re interested in volunteering at the museum, call 219.324.6767 and ask for Susie, or stop by to fill out an application. Duties can include greeting the public, dusting, etc. There are always a few projects for someone interested in history.
The museum is located at 2405 Indiana Ave., LaPorte, and is accessible to those with disabilities. For more information, visit www.laportecountyhistory.org.
Submitted by Susie Richter, curator