Williamson County Illinois Historical Society

Ninety Marion fifth grade students took a walk into the past on Thursday May 14^th. The students were accompanied by about 10 teachers and parents. The visit was part of Washington school teacher Rosy Gribble’s efforts to teach the students about local history. Gribble arranges the tour for her students each year to expose the children to how local citizens have lived their lives throughout the county’s history.

The museum allows students to see how people have entertained themselves over time as well as experiencing what the inside of a jail cell is like, what turn of the century stores looked like and how people dressed.

On Thursday afternoon, April 30^th, the Williamson County Museum hosted a field trip by a John A. Logan antique class. The class is part of the college’s continuing education program and is taught by Teresa Ewell of Johnston City.

Teresa likes bringing her antique students on trips to the historical society because of the large amount of antiques and objects that can be found in the museum.  The building which is deceptive from the front entrance hides the fact that there are four floors counting the basement and about 26 rooms, most of which have items on display and usually requires about 1 ½ hours to see everything.

Among Teresa Ewell’s students and present on the trip were Sandra Jent, Marlene Schroeder, Peggy Carroll, Jeanne Warren, Dorothy Serbin, Ann McMurphy and Bill Young. Tours were conducted by museum coordinator Sharon Vansaghi and WCHS president Sam Lattuca.