AUTUMN 2007
FESTIVAL OF THE FORKS
Gardner House Museum Hours
Friday, Sept 21, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sept 22, 11:00 a.m-4:00 p.m.
Sunday, Sept 23, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Also open
Saturday, Sept 29, 2-4 p.m.
Sunday, Sept 30, 2-4 p.m.
Free and Open to Everyone
Please visit Gardner House Museum during the Festival of the weekend during their extended hours. This year we also will have a booth downtown so if you are in the area please stop in and say hello. You will have the opportunity to join the Albion Historical Society or to renew your membership.
If you can help at the Museum during this Festival weekend, please call Dolores Manthei at 629-3041, or Andy Zblewski at 629-9974.
Corn Festival
October 6, 2007
Open 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Just in time for the A-maizing Corn Festival, the Gardner House Museum has received the gift of a 19th century farm implement known as the Black Hawk Corn Sheller. Presented in 1872 by A. H. Patch of Clarksville, Tennessee, the invention was awarded the “highest award for ingenuity at the 1893 Columbian World’s Fair in Chicago. A major theme of the fair was that of the value of corn as a crop and a dietary staple. The sheller was discovered in an old barn of the Langworthy family located at 700 E. Michigan Ave. and was donated to the Museum by the present owners, Leslie and Wesley Dick.
Veterans’ Day
November 11
Open 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
In late September filmmaker Ken Burns will feature the stories of four American towns in his landmark series on World War II on PBS. With the assistance of the Gardner House’s World War II historian, Bill Blomquist, as a mentor, students of A Sense of Place, Albion and the American Dream, a first year experience course at Albion College, plan to make Albion the “fifth town” by researching Albion during the war years. In addition to research using local resources and oral histories, the group will travel to Washington, D.C. for Veterans Day in November to attend national ceremonies. The course is taught by Professor Wesley Dick and local historian Leslie Dick.
Nov 27, 7:00 p.m.
Dolores Manthei would like to thank the volunteers who have worked Saturdays and Sundays since May: She would like to encourage our members to volunteer to work at the museum during our open hours from May to September and for special events.
The Gardner Gardens
Soon it will be time for a fall cleanup at Gardner House Museum. October 20th at 10:00 a.m. is scheduled for leaf raking and cleanup. Can you help? Wear your old clothes, bring a rake, and join us. We will provide hot coffee and cocoa for workers.
GENERAL MEETING
October 28
Gardner House Museum
Watch for more information about this meeting. The program committee is planning a special event for all members and prospective members.
Wow, it’s hard to believe summer is about over. We have had a busy season at the museum starting with the annual Mother’s Day tea back in May. It was very well attended and many thanks to all of our volunteers. We then had a farm days program in June in cooperation with the Albion Dstrict Library where we had the museum full of young children learning about the early days of farming. There were some farm animals brought in by Linda Kubiak for the children to enjoy.
During the summer we added a new exhibit to the museum consisting of children’s toys from earlier days to the present time. Special thanks to Richard Lewin, Elaine Rice, Mary Habicht, Karen Yankie, and Holly Zblewski for putting this display together.
The museum also received some very special donations of pictures and art work by Edward (Jim) Stahl. The family came to visit from Minnesota and Montana to present these items as well as a generous monetary contribution. We appreciate their donations.
Bill Blomquist and Leslie Dick continue to work on the WWII display and they plan to have DVDs or books available of this collection in the near future.
We also received a grouping of pictures of the Geiger and Boyd families and a 1930’s era dress worn by Martha Edith McBride Courtney. This dress was made by Edith Geiger McBride. The items were donated by Robert Courtney of Lithia, Florida.
Note that the Museum will be open on Veteran’s Day, Sunday, November 11, and the WWII veterans’ exhibit will be on display.
Memorial Gifts
In memory of Verne Plassman
From
Bill Blomquist
Jean DeVoe
Mary Habicht
Doloros Manthei
Martha Prescott
Elaine Rice
Karen Yankie
Andy & Holly Zblewski
Historical Society Board
Term expires 2007: Richard Crandall, Mary Kinney-Habicht, Dolores Manthei, Nancy Pierce, Marlene Plassman. Term expires 2008: Sue Kruger, David Murray, Martha Prescott, Elaine Rice, Andy Zblewski. Term expires 2009: Bill Blomquist, Jean DeVoe, Richard Lewin, Karen Yankie, Holly Zblewski.
Officers: President: Andrew Zblewski, Vice-President: Bill Blomquist, Secretary: Holly Zblewski, Treasurer: Phillip Fitts, Editor: Marlene Plassman.
Website maintained by volunteer Leslie K. Dick
Reminder
Your last renewal date will be circled in red if we have not heard from you lately. If the date in the upper left corner of your label is not ’05 or ’06 we need to know if you wish to continue your support of the Albion Historical Society. If your label says “tr” in the top left corner of the label, you have received this newsletter as a special invitation to join the financial supporters of the Albion Historical Society and the Gardner House Museum.
Name __________________________________
Address_________________________________
City_________________State_____Zip_______
____Regular ($5) ____Century ($100)
____Supporting ($10) ____Endowment ($300+)
____Sustaining ($15) ____Junior (16-) ($2)
____Contributing ($30) ____Senior (65+) ($3)
____Benefactor ($50) ____Other donation $____
Spring 2007
May 12 through September 30
Saturday & Sunday
2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
∞∞∞
Next Board Meeting
Mon. Aug 13, 7:00 p.m.
Spring Events
Spring Clean Up
Sat., May 5, 10:00 a.m.
Memorial Day Open House
Mon., May 28, 10:30 a.m. –1:00 p.m.
Barnyard Days
Sat., June 9, 1:00 p.m.
Notes from the President
In order to honor the first Mother’s Day, believed to have originated in Albion, Gardner House Museum will start the 2007 season with a Mothers’ Day High Tea on May 12th. A light meal will be served as well as tea and coffee. The times are 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Reservations for this yearly event are recommended and can be made by calling Andy Zblewski at 517 629-9974.
I am very honored to have been chosen as the new president of the Albion Historical Society. We have a busy year ahead of us. Bill Blomquist and Leslie Dick are working on making the World War II exhibit something permanent. The Historical Society Board is looking at ways to open unused areas of the museum for future displays.
Saturday, June 9, in partnership with Albion District Library, Barnyard Days will be held again. We hope to have a program this summer to replace the popular garden party.
Rick Crandall is a new member of the board replacing Carolyn Fox who has resigned. We welcome him and look forward to working with him. Thank you Carolyn for your commitment to the Gardner House Museum.
George Gale Portrait
.
A painting donated by John M. McClung in 2005, now is displayed in the dining room of the Gardner House Museum. The unframed painting was dirty and damaged when the museum received it. Martha and Bud Fierke, with funding from the Albion Historical Society, had a full restoration and authentic reframing done to this work of art. I urge everyone to stop in and see this portrait of one of Albion’s early businessmen. Many thanks to Martha and Bud for their time and travel getting this done.
Volunteers Needed
Dolores Manthei will be scheduling the volunteers to work throughout the season. If you are able to be a host she would appreciate a call from you telling her when you can work. Her telephone number is 517 629-3041. She especially needs hosts for Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27 to work from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Volunteers also are needed for the spring clean up this month. And anytime during the season that you have time to stop and pull a weed, we appreciate the help.
Special Hours
The Gardner House Museum will be open on Monday, May 28, Memorial Day, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for viewing the house and the World War II exhibit.
Edward Stahl and Family
Photograph of Edward (Jim) Stahl from Albion in World War II exhibit, second floor, Gardner House Museum
Edward (Jim) Stahl, who resides in Minnesota, and his three daughters, Jane MacCarter, Rebecca Karnes, and Corinne Bolser, will be visiting Albion and the Gardner House Museum. They will be touring the museum and donating some items to the museum on Thursday, May 10, at 5:00 p.m. This event is open to all members and interested friends.
The Stahl family also plans a reception for Jim Stahl at Cascarellis on Wednesday, May 9, from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. You are welcome to meet Jim and his family at that time also.
Memorial Gifts
In memory of Howard C. Claucherty
From
William Blomquist
Jean DeVoe
Philip Fitts
Dolores Manthei
Marlene Plassman
Martha Prescott
Elaine Rice
Karen Yankie
Andrew & Holly Zblewski
Term expires in 2007: Rick Crandall, Mary Kinney-Habicht, Dolores Manthei, Nancy Pierce, Marlene Plassman
Term expires in 2008: Sue Kruger, David Murray, Martha Prescott, Elaine Rice, Andy Zblewski.
Term expires in 2009: Bill Blomquist, Jean DeVoe, Richard Lewin, Karen Yanke, Holly Zblewski.
Officers: President: Andy Zblewski, Vice-president: Bill Blomquist, Secretary: Holly Zblewski, Treasurer: Philip Fitts, Newsletter: Marlene Plassman. Web: Leslie K. Dick
Reminder
Your last renewal date will be circled in red if we have not heard from you lately. If the date in the upper left corner of your label is not ’07 or ’08 we need to know if you wish to continue your support of the Albion Historical Society. If your label says "tr" in the top left corner of the label, you have received this newsletter as a special invitation to join the financial supporters of the Albion Historical Society and the Gardner House Museum.
Name ______________________
Address____________________
City_________________State_____Zip_______
Autumn 2006
Celebrating
the
50th Anniversary
of the
GALE FAMILY DONATIONS
Monday, Sept. 5
MUSEUM OPEN HOUSE
Friday, Sept. 16, 6 - 9 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 17, 11a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 18, 2 – 5 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 17, 2:00 p.m.
November 12
Time and place to be announced
VETERANS DAY OPEN HOUSE
November 11, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
On September 29, 2005, the Albion Historical Society will mark its 50th anniversary. The Board will celebrate the anniversary during the Festival of the Forks on Saturday, September 17, at 2:00 p.m. A tree will be planted on the front lawn in honor of past presidents of the Society.
The first annual meeting was held September 29, 1955, at the log cabin skating shelter. Guest speaker was Henry D. Brown, head of the Detroit Historical Museum and a former Albion resident.
The Albion Historical Commission was created by a resolution of the Albion City Council on January 31, 1955. Seven members were appointed by Mayor Charles E, Hughes to establish a Community Historical Museum. Two members were to serve for five years, two for three years, and two for two years, and one City Council member.
On April 13, 1955, the Commission met in Mayor Hughes’ office. Those present with Mayor Hughes were Vernon Bobbitt (chairman), Mrs. Clifford Smith, Dr. Philip Henderson, Miss Audrey Wilder, Mrs. Reginald Smith, Mr. Ernest Gray, Mr. James Frye, Miss Naomi Lane, and Mrs. Robert Geyer (acting secretary).
Present at a meeting May 17, 1955 were Vernon Bobbitt (chairman), Mrs. Clifford Smith, Mrs. Charles Hughes, Mrs. William Harton, Miss Naomi Lane, Miss Audrey Wilder, Dr. A.G. Davis, Dr. and Mrs. Philip Henderson, Miss Ethel Hungerford, Mrs. Reginald Smith, Mrs. George Dean, Mrs. Robert Geyer, and Mayor Charles Hughes.
A constitution was adopted to be presented at the annual meeting in September. A nominating committee was appointed with Mrs. Reginald Smith as chairman, and Dr. A.G. Davis and Mrs. William Harton to select a slate of officers and trustees.
Mayor Hughes requested the honor of becoming the first sustaining member of the Albion Historical Society and paid $10.00.
Honorary Members in 1955 were H. H. Sheldon, Fred A. Groff, Mrs. W.A. Krenerick, Fred Gress, and Henry D. Brown.
Charter Members in 1955 were Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Hughes, Mr. and Mrs. C. Reginald Smith, Charlotte Parkhurst, Dr. and Mrs. Philip Henderson, Carl Oxenrider, Mrs. E.M. Chauncey, Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Geyer, Naomi Lane, Julia McCune, Audrey Kenyon Wilder, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon L. Bobbitt, Mrs. Lyle Johnson, C.A. Fiske, Mr. and Mrs. Edward G. Martin, Hugh Sebastian, David Morris, Helen D. Ewbank, Paul C. Ewbank, Belle Pruitt, Georgia Pruitt, Mrs. George Dean, Charles Miller, Carl Hart, Marc Reed, Don Rousseau, Charles Swan, Dr. and Mrs. J. V. Garland, Barbara Bitney, Glen Sebastian, Nellie Field, William Blomquist, Ruth E. Engstrom, Floyd Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. William Harton, George Mather, Helen Smith, Clifford Smith, Henry D. Brown, Ruth F. Rogers, Mrs. William Kearney, and Marjory Sturtivant.
Watch for more history in future issues.
Bill Blomquist, president
The Albion Historical Society was founded September 29, 1955. To commemorate this golden event, the current Board members plan to plant a tree on the south lawn.
Please join us for the planting and dedication at Gardner House Museum, Saturday, September 17, at 2:00 p.m.
For more information, please call Bill Blomquist at 629-6853.
Mr. John M. McClung from Apple Valley, California, is donating items from the Marcia Gale estate. Marcia was the daughter of Albert Augustus Gale and Martha Brockway Gale. Albert, a pharmacist, owned and operated the Thomas-Gale Drug Store and later had the first soda fountain in Albion.
The donated items include:
· An original Kellogg painting of George Gale (Albert’s grandfather), who owned a hardware store in Albion
· Two Gale family crazy quilts with Michigan Civil War items sewn into them
· A Gale family white baby quilt (in perfect condition) dated 1805
Mr. McClung will present these items to the Albion Historical Society on September 5, 2005.
Albert’s father was Augustus (A. J.) Gale, who was connected with the Gale Manufacturing Company in Albion.
A portion of a Gale wooden plow continues to be on exhibit at the Museum. An original Gale plow was on exhibit in 1878 at the Paris Exposition and was awarded first prize. That plow is now on exhibit at the Michigan State Museum in Lansing, Michigan.
Marcia Gale was born in Albion in 1902, attended schools here, and later moved with her family to California. She lived a rather simple life in a 1910 wood-frame one-bedroom home with no electricity or gas. A cleverly written narrative of her life and family history by Mr. McClung will be on display as well.
A Celebration of Quilts
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Albion Historical Society, many quilts from the Museum’s collection will be on display. Included is one from Anna Gale (Marcia’s grandmother), which she made before her marriage to Augustus.
Some of the quilts made by former Gardner House Quilters will return for a “visit” along with several of the original quilters.
Stop by the Museum Friday, September 16, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, September 17, from 11:00-4:00; or Sunday, September 18, from 2:00 to 5:00 to see the latest acquisitions and quilt display. Help us celebrate the Albion Historical Society’s 50th Anniversary!
Submitted by Martha Fierke and Scott Marvin
Please stop by the Gardner House Museum on the next sunny day to enjoy seeing three beautiful plants called “Turtlehead.” Their small, pink flowers will be in full bloom. They really do resemble a turtle. Seeing is believing!
Other flowers are giving their last “show” and will be leaving some great seeds for the birds to enjoy during the cold days ahead. If you wish, shake seeds into your hand and sow them in your own garden.
With the help of some wonderful volunteers, the flower beds will soon be cleared of their weeds and prepared for another winter. Stop by and see our progress and give us a helping hand.
The garden had reached the time when every day and every night it seemed as if Magicians were passing through it, drawing loveliness out of the earth and the boughs with wands. It was hard to go away and leave it all.
~~Burnett
What nature-lover’s tongue can tell,
What golden pen portray
The outpoured, flaming splendors
Of a bright September day?
~~Stater
From
Dr. C.M. and Lorene Spencer
From
Elizabeth Hull
Marge and Nancy Jo Lutzke
Kenneth Orwig
Kitty Katz
Lee (Joe) and Hope Lohrke
Mr. and Mrs. Bud Fierke
Bill Blomquist
Jean I. Dellage
James and Beth Bortnem
Term expires in 2005: Jean DeVoe, Wes Dick, Keith Moore, Cal Williams, Andy Zblewski
Term expires in 2006: Bill Blomquist, Shirley Claucherty, Becky Markovich, Scott Marvin, Thomas Reeves
Term expires in 2007: Carolyn Fox, Mary Kinney-Habicht, Dolores Manthei, Nancy Pierce, Marlene Plassman
Officers:
President: Bill Blomquist
Vice president: Thomas Reeves
Secretary: Shirley Claucherty
Treasurer: Phil Fitts
Your last renewal date will be circled in red if we have not heard from you lately. If the date in the upper left corner of your label is not ’05 or ’06 we need to know if you wish to continue your support of the Albion Historical Society. If your label says “tr” in the top left corner of the label, you have received this newsletter as a special invitation to join the financial supporters of the Albion Historical Society and the Gardner House Museum.
Sponsorship Form
Mail to:
Albion Historical Society 509 S. Superior St. Albion, Michigan 49224
Name __________________________________
Address_________________________________City_________________State_____Zip_______
____Regular ($5) ____Century ($100)
____Supporting ($10) ____Endowment ($300+)
____Sustaining ($15) ____Junior (16-) ($2)
____Contributing ($30) ____Senior (65+) ($3)
____Benefactor ($50) ____Other donation $____
Opera Company Program
with
Elton Amsden
2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 2, 2004
Naomi
Lane Room
Albion
Public Library
For the Festival of the Forks, the Gardner House Museum will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, September 18, for viewing and tours.
Elton Amsden will present a program about his family and its connection to the Opera Company in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The program is scheduled for October 2 at 2:00 p.m. in the Naomi Lane Room of the Albion Public Library.
The final Open House of the season at the Gardner House Museum will be the weekend of September 25-26, from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
The “High Tea” which was hosted in the Museum on May 15 was well attended. Thanks to Nancy Pierce, Scott Marvin, and Tom Reeves for a job well done. Tom and his daughters also snapped pictures of visitors in costume.
Sincerely,
Bill Blomquist
Amsden Opera Company
Program
Elton Amsden, former Albion resident, will speak about the Amsden family history and his parents’ many years as performers in the opera companies that performed all over the country.
Amsden is the great grandson of the man who built the White Mill, and his family had lived in Albion since that time.
His parents, Claud and Hazel Amsden, performed in an opera company for many years. Claud joined the company in 1883 and later met his wife-to-be. Hazel joined the Opera Company at the age of 13.
As a baby, Amsden was taken on tour with his parents where he slept in drawers and other strange places. He will have many interesting stories to tell and photographs to show. The Albion Historical Society has several costumes worn by the family during their performances.
The Historical Society invites old friends and the general public to attend this fascinating look at the Amsden Family and Albion’s past.
—Jeanne Bryden
From
Janet and Lucille Wickens
Marjorie and Harley Ulbrich
and Pete
Schmidt
From
Octavia Turner
In memory of
Thelma
Hilborn, Rita Stahl, Gerrie Bearman,
Esther
Haskins, and Larry Merrild
From
Carolyn and Bud Fox
Mail to:
Albion Historical Society 509 S. Superior St. Albion, Michigan 49224Name __________________________________
Address_________________________________
City_________________State_____Zip_______
____Regular ($5) ____Century ($100)
____Supporting ($10) ____Endowment ($300+)
____Sustaining ($15) ____Junior (16-) ($2)
____Contributing ($30) ____Senior (65+) ($3)
____Benefactor ($50) ____Other donation $__
Spring Events at
Gardner House Museum
Be sure to read this newsletter for details
on all of these upcoming events:
Michigan Reads
Spring Cleaning
Doll Display
Notes from the President
This issue is dedicated to Claire Watson Torrey (Aug. 8, 1916-Dec. 14, 2003), the one person, in my opinion, who saved the Gardner House Museum with his master craftsmanship and leadership in its reconstruction. He served his country for six years in the U.S. Navy (1940-1946) and was president of the Historical Society (1988-1989). He will be missed by family and friends.
Clare Watson Torrey
1916-2003
Thanks to Marjorie Ulbrich for your leadership for the past six years.
Visible signs of Albion’s history seem to be disappearing daily. Think of how much has been torn down in the name of progress: Gale Mfg., Service Caster, McGraw, Union Steel, Brooks and now Malleable Iron, Darrow Boat Shop, Youngs Elevator, White Mill, Albion Elevator, Wildt Plumbing, Gross Tinshop, Marshall Label ‘n Tag, two barber shops, Eslow Building, Caines. All of these are now only memories. Gone with them are part of Albion’s tax base and places of employment. What’s to fall to the wrecker ball next?
Be sure to read the MICHIGAN READS!
article in this newsletter and watch your news sources for additional details as the events grow closer.The Museum had a good turnout for Twelfth Night. Thanks to all who helped make it a success on a cold, snowy night.
Please check your mailing label to see if you are current on your dues.
Regarding the ongoing "Veterans Project," we are still looking for photographs to copy for the
following servicemen who gave their lives during World War II: Richard M. ALEXANDER, G. Harvey BIGGS, Joseph D. BRABANT, Everett L. BROWN, James V. CASEY, George C. CROWDER, Raymond Dale EVERETT, Johnnie FIELDS, Robert A. GILL, Justin HAMILTON, Jay Marvin HUFF, George F. KIMLER Sr., Russell MARSHALL, Donald R. MOODY, Leston L. MUZZY, Nicholas J. PAVLUCHIK, Albert L. POLLMAN Jr., Bernard Jack RINNE, John R. WAITE, Joseph K. WILLIAMSON, William J. WILLIAMS, and other Albion area World War II veterans. Sincerely, Bill BlomquistMICHIGAN READS!
Come and join the Gardner House Museum, the Albion Public Library, Kids ‘N’ Stuff Museum, and the Albion College Whitehouse Nature Center for a week of MICHIGAN READS! events April 17 through 24.
MICHIGAN READS! is a statewide program which highlights the importance of early childhood literacy by focusing on a picture book for children to age five. The program’s goals are:
· To promote the value and benefits of reading early and often to preschoolers
· To encourage family bonding through reading
· To increase awareness and usage of Michigan’s hundreds of public libraries.
Voted this year’s MICHIGAN READS! selection is Barnyard Song by Rhonda Gowler Green, illustrated by Robert Bender.
In keeping with the theme of introducing children to farm life and rural culture, the Gardner House Museum members will be on hand to give
tours of the house, with emphasis on the unique qualities of rural life and cultural artifacts in our collection. Volunteers will demonstrate farm tools, items from domestic life, and folk music.Anyone who has a special skill or knowledge of farming, rural life, or domestic science is invited to participate in the day’s events by calling Bill Blomquist at 629-6853.
Events Schedule
Saturday, April 17, 2:00 p.m.
State Senator Mark Schauer will read Barnyard Song at the Kids ‘N’ Stuff Museum. Admission to this event is free.
Wednesday, April 21, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Children are invited to the Naomi Lane Room of the Albion Public Library to build a barnyard scene. Admission to this event is free.
Saturday, April 24, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
One Potato, Two Potato Gardening for Children ages 6 to 10 at the Albion College Whitehouse Nature Center. This is the first of a series of meetings; a schedule will be announced. Admission to this event is free, but enrollment is limited. Call 629-0582 or email
tcrupi@albion.edu for information.Saturday, April 24, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Farm Life and Culture at the Gardner House Museum. Admission to this event is free.
These programs are funded in part by the Michigan Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Signs of Spring
Snow is melting with the warming temperatures, birds are once again calling in the woods behind my house, the days are longer, and the sun is shining—right away I think of spring housecleaning.
We have planned a work weekend March 27-28 from 10-2:00 to ready the Gardner House for visitors. Mothers Day is May 9, and we will once again be open Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 4:00.
Weather permitting, we will work outside raking and removing much from the bulbs we planted last fall. The oudoor workday is scheduled for Saturday, April 17 from 10 to 2:00. If you can help, please call Scott Marvin (629-0001), Bill Blomquist (629-6853), or Jean DeVoe (629-8042).
Sincerely,
Jean DeVoe, board member
Gardner House Museum Welcomes Spring!
Dolls on Display
Originating from Africa, the Caribbean Islands, and the southern United States, the colorful dolls on display in the upstairs showcase are worth a visit to the Gardner House Museum.
Also included are mass-produced dolls, pictures, and advertising memorabilia.
Come and take a look-see and please add to the display if you own related items.
Thank you! Nancy PierceGardner House News
"Cathedral Windows" are beginning to take shape as the quilters learn how to piece the small squares together in this "quilt as you go" project.
We continue to enjoy our time together but are also able to carry this project with us if we are traveling, as several of our group will be doing in March and April. Hopefully our "windows" will become pillow tops. Respectfully submitted, Martha Fierke
"I’ll promise my blossoms, the Crocus said,
"When I hear the blackbird sing."
"And straight thereafter," Narcissus cried,
"My silver and gold I’ll bring."
"And ere they are dulled," another spoke
"The hyacinth bells shall ring."
But the Violet only murmured "I’m here,"
And sweet grew the air of spring,
Yes, millions beginning to grow.
~~Emerson
Ismon House Restoration
Originally built as a private clubhouse, the Ismon building at 300 S. Clinton Street is quietly being readied for restoration as a multi-use public facility. Built by Mary Sheldon Ismon in 1898-99 and offered to the city of Albion, this grand, four-story Romanesque structure was leased for 99 years to Mrs. Ismon’s ELT club and to her husband’s Gentleman’s Leisure Hour club.
When the original 99-year lease expired in 1999, a group of Albion residents organized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. The Friends of the Mary Sheldon Ismon House dedicated themselves to preserve and adapt the Ismon House for community use. We need your help to make this happen.
Because the Ismon House is for everyone, your donation is a gift to all of us. Your tax-deductible contribution is an investment in Albion’s future. Please help us meet our Gerstacker Challenge Grant with a generous pledge. Call the Volunteer Center at 629-5574 and ask for campaign literature and a pledge card. Go Ismon!
Johann Stohl, President, Friends of Ismon House
Memorial Gifts
In memory of
Claire Torrey
From
Mr. & Mrs. Normal Hull
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Dunn
In memory of
Richard Leach
From
Robina Quale-Leach
2004 Individual Sponsorship Form
Mail to:
Albion Historical Society
509 S. Superior St.
Albion, Michigan 49224
Name __________________________________
Address_________________________________
City_________________State_____Zip_______
____Regular ($5) ____Century ($100)
____Supporting ($10) ____Endowment ($300+)
____Sustaining ($15) ____Junior (16-) ($2)
____Contributing ($30) ____Senior (65+) ($3)
___Benefactor ($50) ____Other donation $_
Your Board
Term expires 2004: Kitty Bartell, Jeanne Bryden, Leslie Dick, Nancy Pierce, Peg Bristol. 2005: Jean DeVoe, Wes Dick, Keith Moore, Andy Zblewski, Cal Williams. 2006: Bill Blomquist, Becky Markovich, Shirley Claucherty, Scott Marvin, Thomas Reeves.
Editor: Kathleen Seidl
Reminder: Your mailing label shows the expiration of your sponsorship. For example, 1/04 indicates your last donation was made in January of 2003. Life means you paid for a life membership prior to 1990, when those were discontinued. Your donations are what keep the Albion Historical Society active. Your volunteer hours are what keep the Gardner House Museum open and maintained.
Twelfth Night Open House
January 6, 2004
6:00 to 9:00
p.m.
Gardner House
Museum
and
Sunday “walk
through”
January 4, 2-4
p.m.
Be sure to visit the Gardner House Museum on either of the above dates. Wearing its holiday finery, the Museum is even more lovely at this time of year. Enjoy music and refreshments, good company, and fine exhibits.
It is my great honor to announce officers for next year who were elected at December’s board meeting. For 2004, Bill Blomquist is our new president, Jeanne Bryden will continue as vice president, Shirley Claucherty will remain secretary, and Keith Moore will continue as treasurer.
During the past six years we have accomplished many things, but we cannot relax and let things slide or assume that someone else will take care of the museum. Each one of us has to think about what we can do to increase our museum’s value to the community.
Here are two problem areas that we need to work on. Whenever we have larger than normal events with many visitors, we are unable to provide a personal tour for each visitor. This means that manypeople have questions about what they are seeing but cannot get their questions answered. At other times a new volunteer is sometimes called in to act as a guide to the museum, but the new volunteer lacks the information needed to give a detailed tour of each room.
One solution I have seen at many other museums is the “Room Guide,” which is a detailed sheet of historical information about the items in each room. One copy is laminated and placed near the entrance to the room for visitors to pick up and read. The guide provides a general overview of the room, its purpose and history, and details about the items in
the room and/or incidents relating to them. For example: where did that fireplace come from, what style and period is it, who is the person in the picture, why is he/she important to Albion, what is the story
behind the chandeliers, why is that woman important to Mother’s Day, what was that piece of machinery used for, was that item manufactured in Albion? The questions and answers can go on and on for each room and all permanent fixtures and large pieces of furniture.
The room guides are invaluable for drawing the visitor’s attention to the high points of each room, but they also provide extra detail about items specific to the visitor’s interests. I am sure the volunteers will appreciate having an unobtrusive resource to draw upon as a memory aid in each room.
Another problem we should try to tackle this year is the inaccessibility of the upstairs rooms. Too many times we have had visitors who would like to see the exhibits upstairs but are unable to climb the stairs. Our stairway is too narrow to install a chair lift, and other than receiving a huge donation that would enable us to add on an elevator, we will have to come up with another solution. Perhaps we could take a detailed video, with narration, to tell visitors what they are seeing. The visitor can watch the video while comfortably seated in one of our main floor parlors. The same video could be taken to nursing
homes, schools, community programs, etc., to show people our latest exhibits. The video would be an excellent training tool for new volunteers or a review for volunteers returning from a long winter down south.
This is my last letter to you. I have learned a lot in the last six years, and I have enjoyed meeting many of our members. I look forward to seeing you at Twelfth Night.
Honored to be your Past President,
Marjorie Ulbrich
In the absence of the president, Vice President Jeanne Bryden conducted the business meeting of December 9, 2003. Along with the regular business, officers were elected.
Plans are being made for Twelfth Night, which will be held January 6, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the museum. A “walk through” preceding Twelfth Night will be January 4, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
The Board wants to extend to Marjorie Ulbrich our thanks for the great leadership she has given to the Historical Society these last six years. So many improvements and new additions have been made, and without Marjorie’s able leadership these things could not have been accomplished. We will miss her as president, but we know she will still be helping with many things. Marjorie, thank you for your many contributions and we will miss you.
There are two new board members beginning their terms in 2004: Peg Bristol and Becky Markovich. We thank them for being willing to serve.
The Board is saddened with the passing of Claire Torrey. He was one of the leading members of the Albion Historical Society from its beginning. As president and as master builder, he spent many hours restoring the house. There are many pictures of the part he played in the beginning of the Historical Society and the improvements that were made under his direction.
We also appreciate the many hours Mia Washington spent putting the archives on the computer. This job will be completed by the first of the year. Most people will never realize how much she has contributed to creating a permanent record of the archives. We also appreciate Leslie Dick’s supervision of this project.
We want to acknowledge the contribution made by the quilters and their faithfulness these many years.
We can be proud of the many contributions made by the members of the Albion Historical Society in making the Gardner House Museum the wonderful historical home it is.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Bryden
Co-vice president
The quilters are missing their time at the quilting table at the Gardner House. Margarete Vidich is doing a great job of teaching us the “art” of needlepoint, but we may try a small quilting project: the “cathedral window.” Perhaps we will be able to make a pillow top with those colorful squares!
We still enjoy our time together twice a month and just had a delightful Christmas luncheon at the home of Joann Fetters. Her decorations were beautiful!
Please remember to mark January 6 on your calendar for our annual Twelfth Night Open House. Happy Holidays to you all.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Fierke
When woods are bare
And birds have flown,
And frosts and
shortening days portend
The aged year is near
his end.
Of the year to
consider the miracles of seeds alone,
I should never, I
fear, reach my garden plot at all!
On Saturday, November 8, volunteers Keith Moore, Holly and Andy Zblewski, Becky and Tracy Markovich, Martha and Bud Fierke, and Jean DeVoe gathered at 10:00 to plant 250 daffodil bulbs—25 around each of the trees between the sidewalks and the street, 25 around each of the weeping trees, 50 around the historical marker, and 25 around the gas lights in front of the porch. Leaves were raked and ten yards of mulch were spread by 12:30. Thanks to a great group of volunteers. Look for and enjoy our handiwork next spring.
Many thanks to Cal Williams and Bill Blomquist for the beautiful outdoor decorations.
The maintenance of the museum is looked after by Tom Reeves and his crew. They take care of the many day-to-day problems that go unnoticed but need attention, such as painting the kitchen and installing step guards on the porch.
Twelfth Night will soon be upon us. We need volunteers to decorate, supply cookies, play music, and clean up. The Museum will be open Sunday, January 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. and Tuesday, January 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. Please call Martha Fierke (629-9394) or Jean DeVoe (629-8042) if you can help.
Joy and Peace to you this holiday season.
Jean DeVoe
As most of you know, the Local History Room at the Albion Public Library archives and references the Albion Historical Society Collection. We also provide microfilm access to local newspapers, yearbooks, city directories and other documents informing the history of our community.
For the present, public hours of Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from noon until 7:00 p.m. will continue as before, but the total hours of the public historian have been reduced. This cut comes at a time when the Local History Room is experiencing increased patronage and when important new collections are in need of conservation and cataloging.
To date, work-study students have posted nearly 20,000 entries in the online obituary database. In addition, the obituary and veteran databases are updated regularly to include all 21st century local obituary records. Our volunteer staff—Julia Miller, Cal Williams, Bill Blomquist, and Marlene Plassman—provide invaluable assistance without which the Local History Room would be unable to continue the important services it provides to our community. We hope the public will not be seriously inconvenienced by delays in service due to the adjustments to scheduling.
Please bear with us. We can always use volunteers to assist in database entry, and gifts specific to the conservation and storage of our collection are always welcome. You can visit us online at www.albionlibrary.org
You will also find a link to the Gardner House Museum from the Local History Room homepage.
Leslie K. Dick
Public Historian
Local History Room
Albion Public Library
Milton and Kathleen Hillis Sova, Jennie and Ezra Sova, Leonard and Alice Hillis, and Samuel Hillis
From Jeannine Ann Jones
Dorothy Frye
From Paula Tice
Term expires 2004: Kitty Bartell, Jeanne Bryden, Leslie Dick, Nancy Pierce, Peg Bristol. 2005: Jean DeVoe, Wes Dick, Keith Moore, Andy Zblewski, Cal Williams. 2006: Bill Blomquist, Becky Markovich, Shirley Claucherty, Scott Marvin, Thomas Reeves.
From
the
Albion
Historical Society
Mail to:
Albion Historical Society
509 S. Superior St.
Albion, Michigan 49224
Name __________________________________
Address_________________________________
City_________________State_____Zip_______
____Regular ($5) ____Century ($100)
____Supporting ($10) ____Endowment ($300+)
____Sustaining ($15) ____Junior (16-) ($2)
____Contributing ($30) ____Senior (65+) ($3)
____Benefactor ($50)
____Other donation $____
10/09/2007
Dear Members,
In the June issue of this newsletter I told you about the donation of a garden planting and maintenance manual written specifically for the Gardner House Museum gardens by Jeff VanNorwick of Environmental Landscape Services. At that time I made an appeal to our members for your overflow perennials and ground covers.
We have had a good response from our members. I want to extend a big thank you to Doretta Wilson for the dozens of plants she donated from her extensive gardens as well as a thank you to Jane and Doyle Vickers and Mary (past president) and Dick Deardurff. We had to delay accepting additional donations due to the approaching summer heat and possible lack of rain, but the Vickers and Deardurffs have offered more plants this fall, as has Betty Beese. If you have some plants, bulbs, or bushes you can donate, please give me a call so I can schedule a time to come and dig them up.
We are planning a work day to dig and replant on Saturday, September 27, from 9:30 to noon. If there is rain (mist doesn’t count!), we will postpone the work until Saturday, October 4, at the same time. I am counting on at least 18-20 workers to show up with your own work gloves at the Gardner House gardens. If you can’t get down to plant them, we will let you dig the holes, pick up trimmings, rake, or bring some cider, donuts, or cookies for a snack to keep our volunteers energized.
The gardens directly around the Museum have not had any new transplants, as the house was being repainted this summer and much heavy equipment and workers were often in the area. We will concentrate on planting those gardens as well as putting in a lot of ground cover under the large white pine tree.
During the repainting project, Jim from JMS Interiors and Exteriors found extensive damage that had been done by carpenter ants. He called in Ruff and Kreger Builders to repair the damage to the overhang and roof areas. The damage was so extensive that the work continues as this newsletter is being printed. Jim and Clarence donated some of their own time, equipment, and materials for this project, so we thank them very, very much for helping to keep the Museum in tiptop shape.
You might be interested to know that Clarence Ruff was one of the original workmen who helped to renovate the Museum when the Historical Society purchased the Gardner House and started its extensive renovation in 1966. One of the repairs Clarence took on this time was to find and replace some of the slate roof tiles. We didn’t know where to find replacements, so thanks to Clarence we don’t have to worry about that problem anymore.
All of the repainting and wood replacement left us with bills much higher than originally anticipated or budgeted. Thus far the total cost has been in excess of $16,000, and the work is not yet completed. This is the time we absolutely need to be sure you have paid for your current membership, as these sponsorships are what pay our bills—we have no outside source of income. The Board and I thank you in advance for any extra donation you can make to help pay these bills.
At our last board meeting on August 25, we welcomed Peg Bristol to our board to replace the vacancy created by Jean Voncina, who resigned to move to Arizona with her husband Jerry. In the past, Peg has been instrumental in helping to plan and put up decorations for several of our Twelfth Night celebrations. We are very happy she is on our board and look forward to having her input and knowledge of interior design for future plans for the Museum.
Were you aware that this is my sixth year as president of the Historical Society? Our constitution states that a member can serve six consecutive years and then has to be off the board for one year. My term is up at the end of December.
We have our Fifth Annual Membership Dinner Meeting scheduled for November 1, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. At that time we will vote on new board members and elect a new president. I don’t know yet if we will put out a newsletter following the dinner meeting or wait until the December board meeting when new officers are elected. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped at the Museum and helped me over the last six years. This has been a fantastic experience I will never forget.
Read on and I will tell you more about the annual dinner meeting and plans for our World War II exhibit.
Honored to be your president,
Marjorie Ulbrich
November 1, 2003
6:00 to 8:00 pm
Gardner House Museum
$10.00 per person by reservation only
Please contact us by October 24
for your reservation
(only 42 spots available)
Please call
Marjorie Ulbrich 629-4994
Jean DeVoe 629-8042
Peg Bristol 629-8911
Scott Marvin 629-0001
Menu
Will include everything from shrimp to
cream puffs and everything in between.
Guaranteed to be delicious!
WWII
Exhibit Ends November 11
Due to unprecedented interest and response from our visitors the World War II Exhibit has been kept on display for two years. Now it is time to pack it up and begin putting up something new. Tuesday, November 11, from 2:00 to 4:00 will be the last opportunity to view this extensive exhibit.
Bill Blomquist, the creator, felt that the residents of Albion would be interested in seeing photographs, uniforms, artifacts, and articles about the people who served from Albion.
The exhibit opened January 6, 2001, during our Twelfth Night celebration. The positive response was immediate. Bill received photos of service people from family members almost daily for the past two years. Along with the photos came stories of what it was like during the war for the person in the picture. Bill was assisted by the Local History Room staff, and Historical Society assistant Mia Washington in scanning the photographs.
Bill has now amassed at least 325 images of Albionites who served in the war. “Not only has this exhibit served to honor our service people, but it has also served to teach our children what World War II was all about,” Bill commented.
Bill Blomquist will be on hand during these last two hours of the exhibit to relate some of the stories he has heard. If you haven’t visited the Museum during the past two years, you should put November 11 on your calendar and come to see this exceptional display.
So many people have asked the Museum Quilters if we will miss our Wednesday afternoon quilting, and our answer is, “Yes, we have mixed feelings.” It has been a joy for all of us to get to know one another. We’ve shared our ups and downs these past 10 years. At the same time, we’ve been happy with our contribution to the upkeep of the Museum with the raffle of our quilts during the Festival of the Forks each fall.
Our group will continue meeting on Wednesdays, when Margarete Vidich will once again guide us in the “art” of needlepoint. This time we will make something for ourselves while we continue our camaraderie.
If you walk past the gardens you may smell a lovely chocolate aroma! Scott Marvin and Martha Fierke have been spreading cocoa bean shell mulch around the plants. More flower beds are in need of mulch as they are being weeded and prepared for winter. Let us know if some of you can lend a much needed helping hand!
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Fierke
The Gardner House Museum will close for the season on September 28. We had a wonderful summer with much interest from students returning to attend class reunions, Albion College students doing research, and people who learned about the house on the Internet.
After September 28 we will open for special events. We want to thank all the volunteers who helped make the summer of 2003 a success.
Proud to be a Board member,
Jean DeVoe
Foote Hospital donated photographs from the files of Trillium Hospital. Included are framed photos of Albion physicians and many images that inform the history of health services in Albion. Recent budget cuts at the Library have delayed the processing of these items. Donations to help defray the costs for continuing work on this collection are welcomed.
The Local History Room has acquired a copy of Lynn Bogue Hunt : A Sporting Life, by Kevin C. Shelly, recently published by Derrydale Press. It acknowledges research assistance by Albion College and Local History Room historian, Leslie Dick.
Hunt was born in Honeoye Falls, New York, and moved to Albion at age twelve. He learned taxidermy from the curator of Albion College’s natural history collection and took painting lessons from Franklin C. Courter, Albion College professor best known for his portraits of Abraham Lincoln and Sojourner Truth. Hunt became one of the top commercial outdoor illustrators of the 20th century. His illustrations graced the covers of Field and Stream, Saturday Evening Post, L.L. Bean Catalogue, and Io Triumphe, to name a few. A second copy of this publication is available for circulation in the Adult Room of the Albion Public Library.
In memory
of
From
Ernestine Anglin William Anglin
June Polzin Irene Snyder
Sponsorship
Form
Name __________________________________
Address_________________________________
City_________________State_____Zip_______
____Regular ($5) ____Century ($100)
____Supporting ($10) ____Endowment ($300+)
____Sustaining ($15) ____Junior (16-) ($2)
____Contributing ($30) ____Senior (65+) ($3)
____Benefactor ($50) ____Other donation $____
Your Board
Bill Blomquist (co-vice president), Shirley Claucherty (secretary), Scott Marvin, Tom Reeves, Marjorie Ulbrich (president), Kitty Bartell, Jeanne Bryden (co-vice president), Leslie Dick, Nancy Pierce, Wes Dick, Jean DeVoe, Keith Moore, Andy Zblewski, Cal Williams, Peg Bristol
Editor: Kathleen Seidl
Webmaster: Leslie K. Dick
history@forks.org
Newsletter
Spring Edition
President’s Message
Our gardens at the Gardner House Museum are in full bloom and just waiting for visitors to admire them. The Museum officially opened Mother’s Day weekend. This year was extra special as we were celebrating our first ever High Tea on Saturday, May 10. The tea was by reservation and had three different seating times. If you were lucky enough to get the 3:00 seating you were entertained by a presentation on tea etiquette by Alice Pengra. A large array of teapots and tea memorabilia were on display for all three time slots. Many thanks go to Nancy Pierce and Scott Marvin for having the vision to hold a High Tea as well as orchestrating the event.
At our April board meeting we gave thanks to board member Jean Voncina for all of her enthusiasm and hard work during her time on the board. Jean has resigned her position to move to Arizona with her husband before the snow flies again. It is the president’s responsibility to fill any vacancies that come up midterm. At this time I would like to ask if any of you have given thought to serving on our Historical Society board. It is impossible for me to know the interests of all of our members, so please consider joining the excitement and challenge of keeping our wonderful museum active and available for our community to enjoy.
The highlight of our April board meeting was the presentation of a custom landscape management manual for the grounds and gardens at the Gardner House Museum. The manual was professionally prepared for us by long-time friend
and member of the Historical Society, Jeff VanNortwick of Environmental Landscape Services, LLC. Jeff dedicated the manual in memory of his great uncle, Warren Vern VanNortwick, who loved growing up in Albion. The manual covers recommendations for improving and maintaining our landscape and a biographical list of trees, shrubs, bulbs, vines, perennials, and ground covers that will enhance the whole yard.On the list of perennials we hope to plant this year are plants that many of us have in abundance in our own yards. I am asking that you contact us to come out to your home and dig up these extra plants and bulbs to replant here on the Gardner House Museum grounds.
The plants Jeff recommended are:
Garden Mums; Hosta Varieties; Bleeding Heart; Gayfeather; Coneflower; Shasta Daisy; Peony; Fern Varieties; Yarrow' Lilies; Poppies; Tall Garden Flox.We need lots of pachysandra to plant as groundcover under and around the tall white pine that stands on the north side of the front corner of the house. If you have daffodils, crocus, or grape hyacinth in abundance, please give us a call and we will gladly dig them up and transplant them at the Gardner House Museum.
Last, but definitely not least, I want to say a big thank you to Nancy Pierce for having a special opening at the Museum on March 29 and 30. She displayed her Native American artifacts, collected by her family since the turn of the century. I also want to thank Bill Blomquist and Greg Zimmerman for the two days they had informational sessions on Native American artifacts at Kids ‘N Stuff.
Do plan to visit the Museum on any Saturday or Sunday from 2-4:00 p.m. now through the end of September and see this new and very interesting exhibit Nancy is sharing with us.
Honored to be your president,
Marjorie Ulbrich
Visiting the Gardner House
The Museum is in need of volunteers to host our visitors. Anyone who would like to work on a Saturday or a Sunday for two hours, please call Jean DeVoe at 517-629-8042.
Regular visiting hours are 2- 4:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The Museum will close for the season on September 28.
Program: Native American Artifacts
Nancy Pierce will speak about her extensive collection of Native American artifacts. The public is invited to bring items to "show and tell." Be sure to attend this fascinating program Sunday, June 22, at 2:00 p.m. in the Naomi Lane room of the Albion Public Library. Refreshments will be served
Last Gardner House Quilt
The Gardner Museum Quilters are feeling a bit sad as we finish our last quilt. Margarete Vidich deserves a golden crown for guiding us in making eight quilts.
Our first quilt was pieced by some unknown person over 100 years ago. It was not easy, but we struggled along and finished it so it could be raffled off at the Festival of the Forks in 1994. Bill Anglin was the lucky winner. Under Margarete’s guidance the quilters pieced and quilted seven more quilts.
Other winners of our quilts were:
Lois McClure White, 1995
Katie Shelters, 1996
Leslie Dick, 1997
Thelma Burkwalt, 1998
Jerry Nelson, 1999
We started to slow down and decided to piece in 2000 and quilt in 2001. Rosemary Keller of Newfane, VT, won that quilt.
The fellowship enjoyed by the quilters will never be forgotten. They all deserve silver crowns for the many stitches they put into each quilt. Margarete has taught us so much, and now we are able to make our own quilts at home.
The quilters are Joann Fetters, Martha Fierke, Peggy Glahn, Luella Jorgensen, Hope Lohrke, Lucy Rustenholtz, and Margarete Vidich.
Each quilt has brought in a great amount of money, which is being used to repair and restore furniture in the Museum. Many thanks to all of you who have faithfully bought tickets each year. We wish that you all could have been winners! You have one more chance. Tickets will soon be available at the Museum or from the quilters. The quilt will be raffled off September 20, 2003 at the Festival of the Forks.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Fierke
When I go into my garden…all the cares, perplexities, and griefs of existence, all the burdens of life slip from my shoulders and leave me with the heart of a little child that asks nothing beyond its present moment of innocent bliss.
~Thaxter
Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday
Noon – 7:00 p.m.
Albion Public Library
501 S. Superior St.
or go to the Albion Public Library at
email:
history@forks.org
Leslie Dick, Local Historian
2003 Individual Sponsorship Form
Albion Historical Society
509 S. S