Years ago the museum was gifted a miniature loom used for demonstrating loom operation, but it never was functional. However, thanks to the skills and work of WCHS member George Mavigiano and his wife Renee we now have a fully operational miniature loom for demonstration purposes. The Mavigliano’s got the unit outfitted with missing pieces and set it up for operation. This will be extremely helpful since we actually have a fully functional barn loom almost exactly like it downstairs in the museum that was built in the 1850’s before the Civil War.

George Mavigliano joined the society this year and has proved to be an asset to the museum. He and his wife live in Carterville and operate a small book store and gallery called the Side Door Store at 100 E. Illinois in Carterville which is open Tues-Saturday from 10 AM till 5 PM.