New Exhibits in Historical Museum Listed in Annual Report

New historical materials acquired by gift or on loan during the past year are listed in the seventh annual report of the Wilmette Historical Commission. They include: amber necklace and mother-of-pearl purse, E. Fred Lechler; Army gas mask, World War I, William M. James; lamp base, Mrs. Kerry Meagher; financial records, records of social events, and membership lists 1887-1936 Ye Olde Towne Folkes; umbrella, suit case, and man's suit, Miss Alice Wheelock; pictures of the Wilmette tornado of 1920; family charts of Charles and John Westerfield; whist frames used from about 1900 to 1940; pair of child's boots; program of annual Christmas celebration, 1930; annual report of village treasurer for 1915; Civil War medals, loaned by Mrs. Meagher; and articles of clothing, old razor, books and pictures, Mrs. Blymyer.

Museum redecorated
Cataloging of the materials has been carried out by Bailey Shearer, member of the commission. Eight meetings were held during the year by the commission, and this year the Historical Museum in the basement of Village Hall has been redecorated. A new ceiling has been installed and the exposed pipes covered with aluminum paint. A glass display case has been donated by the school authorities, which makes possible a more effective display of many objects. Complete files of the first six annual reports and samples of all Historical Commission publications have been presented to the Village Hall, Public Library, and Wilmette Life.

Dedicate Plaque
The annual Charter Day program, September 19, 1954, was marked by a special exhibit in the museum, dedication of a plaque marking the site of the Antoine Ouilmette log cabin at the foot of Lake Avenue, and a public gathering in Central School at which a number of villagers spoke informally on "The Wilmette I Knew." The bronze plaque is set in a large boulder placed in the public park at Lake and Michigan Avenues. Its cost was met in part by a contribution from the Rotary Club, and the Park District secured the boulder and prepared the site.