Autumn Fest Display at John A. Logan College

Posted on by November 2, 2015

Autumn Fest 2015 (6) Sized

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.

WCHS Annual Meeting Held

Posted on by October 27, 2015

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The Williamson County Historical Society held its annual membership meeting on Sunday, October 25, 2015 at the county museum. The event was attended by 35 people. The meeting was held to review the previous year’s activity, outline future goals and elect the board of directors for the year 2016.

President, Sam Lattuca, reviewed the activities of the previous couple of years and outlined the future pressing needs of the museum. The new board of directors elected for 2016 were as follows: Sam Lattuca, President; Colleen Norman, 1st Vice President; Helen Lind, 2nd Vice President; Dolores Thetford, Treasurer; Ursula Richey, Secretary; George Mavigliano, Director till 2018 and Andrew McRoy, Director in 2016. Bob Jackson already maintained a seat as Director until 2017.

A number of previous board members were forced to resign this year due to illness and death requiring three new positions to be filled.

A program followed the meeting, conducted by Colleen Norman about basic genealogy and the use of our museum’s resources.

Land Grant Records Added to Site

Posted on by October 26, 2015

We recently rediscovered about 60 + early land grants at the museum. Some are on paper and others are on sheep skin. Due to a lack of space, the property description wasn’t included here but can be discovered by using the Contact Us tab or calling the museum. When the land was awarded to a veteran of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 or one of the incident Indian wars as a bounty, they are listed as Patentees. If the land was just purchased outright from the government, no patentee will be listed. Bounty land grants were often sold by the patentee.

The Land Grant Records can be accessed on the Records Tab, then Land Grants.

Society Looses One of its Own

Posted on by October 10, 2015

Clyde E. Bailey, Sr.

SOCIETY LOOSES ONE OF ITS OWN

We lost one of our dedicated society members today, October 8th, 2015. Clyde Bailey of Herrin passed away this morning. Clyde was a seriously dedicated worker who could always be counted on. He was a joy to be around and always had a joke to lighten the mood. He was a veteran of the Korean War and spent about 22 years in the Air Force. He will be desperately missed. We love you Clyde.

Clyde’s visitation will be held at Meredith-Waddell in Herrin on Tuesday the 13th from 9 to 11 AM with military graveside service to follow. Link to Obit