Museum summer intern Lisa Hensell wears a 1975 wedding gown donated by Catherine Malec. The gown is in the current display, “With This Ring … .”
Visitors to the LaPorte County Historical Society Museum for the month of June 2013 came from 20 counties, 23 states, Australia, Canada, England, and Norway. Tour groups included a child care group, the Mid-West Tool Collectors and the Swanson Activity Center.
Upcoming events at the museum include a Wedding Fashion and History Show on Saturday, July 6, at 1 p.m. that correlates with the current display, “With This Ring …”; the sixth annual Old Car Show on Saturday, July 27. New this year at the car show: The descendants of Preston Tucker will be on hand to greet the public next to Dr. Peter Kesling’s Tucker automobile that is on permanent display.
Events for June included the start of the current display “With This Ring …”, a look at mid-century wedding apparel. A small reception was held June 1 with cake and punch to open the display, which will run through the end of August. The fifth Annual Civil War Days re-enactment was held June 22-23 and included skirmishes, camp demonstrations, artillery drills, programs and a Grand Ball. It was very well attended.
June donations
– Man’s formal tuxedo, belonged to Dr. Slawson and then passed to the late former curator James Rodgers; man’s purple sweater that belonged to Rodgers, Margaret Bender
– Models of LaPorte Fire Station and City Hall, scrapbook made by LaPorte High School seniors, Michael Kravcar
– Copy of Civil War diary, translated by LaPorte resident Myrtle Swanstrom Beck, Anne Rose
– Framed 1982 photo of LaPorte County Courthouse taken at night, Jeffery Gropp
– Wedding gown and veil worn by donor in 1975, Catherine Krochta Malec
– Wanatah High School graduation announcement from 1928 for George Watt, leather railroad wallet that belonged to Watt, Sandra Trueblood
– Coffee mug labeled “LeMans Academy,” Karen Piper
– Framed New York Herald newspaper, April 15, 1865, announcing Lincoln assassination, Robert E. Taylor
– 1950 “coin” from Temple News; 1962 dog tag from LaPorte Animal Hospital; Christmas card from Gov. Handley; 1956 water ski badge; Boy Scout patches & neckerchief; Moore & Richter Lumber Co. plastic toothpick, pencils & apron; LaPorte Public Schools Kindergarten Handbook from 1940-50; Saint Mary’s High School newsletter from 1929; Michigan City NIPSCO progress photos from 1931; Florence Chroback political fan from 1960; various photos showing donor’s father at Republican events, etc., from 1950s & ’60s, William Angrick II
– Items for the sale table, Margie Bender, Don & Doris Major, Karen Piper
– Archival information, Don Pagos, Don & Doris Major, Carol Bozek
Anyone wishing to donate an item with LaPorte County significance may call 219.324.6767 and ask for Susie.
Submitted by Susie Richter, curator, LaPorte County Historical Society Museum