We were requested to install a display for the annual John A. Logan Autumn Fest activity that is scheduled for November 14 and 15th 2015. The theme was specified as “the 1940’s.” The display was put together by Sam Lattuca and Sharon Vansaghi of the Williamson County Historical Society and was installed by them on November 2nd and will remain on display until late November at the college outside the conference rooms in the main building.
The display highlights the “Roots of the Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge” by showing story boards related to the development of Crab Orchard Lake followed by the development of the Illinois Ordnance Plant otherwise known as Ordill in 1941. The plant was closed on V-J day in 1945 at the close of WWII. All of the property was later repurposed as the wildlife refuge in 1947.
Also highlighted in the display is our involvement in WWII, our military commitment and what life was like at home during the war. Featured are reproduced newspapers, WWII ration books, OPA tokens used as change from merchants when ration stamps were used and many more other items related to the 1940’s, the war and home life.
A special thanks goes out to Andy Sisulak of Baysinger Architects on N. Market Street in Marion for the printing of the large newspaper reproductions and posters that were specially made for the display.