Open House Held on May 17th, 2014

The Williamson County Illinois Historical Society hosted an open house on May 17th, 2014 to celebrate the museum’s extended hours of operation and also the 175th Williamson County Anniversary. The event was held from noon till just after 3 P.M. and was attended by approximately 90 people.

Coverage was provided by the Southern Illinoisan and WSIL Channel 3 television. Dr. Courtney Kisat distributed educational information and several board and society members served as hosts for visiting patrons.

Additional exhibits were introduced involving original drawings and data of the Illinois Ordnance Plant known as Ordill which operated from 1941 till the end of WWII in 1945 and employed 10,000 people at its peak. Society President, Bob Jackson, brought in an interesting collection of Ray Fosse memorabilia and Museum Coordinator, Sharon Vansaghi, brought in an exhibit of antique cameras, antique light meters, related equipment and photographs dating back to the 1880’s.

The event was considered a successful one and gained an additional society member. Society members and officers working the event were Bob Jackson, Mary Jane and Clarence DeMattei, Helen Sutt Lind, Clyde Bailey, Harry Boyd, Sam Lattuca, Sharon Vansaghi, Colleen Norman and Violet Grisham. Special thanks go out to Dr. Courtney Kisat for her assistance in planning and promotion.

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