At the Jan. 16, 2010, meeting of the LaPorte County Historical Society, Wally Smith presented a program about the Kingsbury Ordnance Plant.
Smith told of the various types of ammunition produced during the plant’s time in operation from 1941 to 1945 and during the Korean War, closing permanently in 1960. He had display boards showing types of buildings at the facility. The grounds now house an industrial park except for the acreage for a nature preserve.
Smith was introduced by Jan Boardman, program chair for the month.
Susie Richter, museum assistant curator, announced upcoming events at the museum:
— Friday, Feb. 5, 5 to 9 p.m.: “Night at the Museum” for kids in grades 4–8. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required.
— Saturday, Feb. 20, 1 p.m.: Fern Eddy Schultz, LaPorte County Historian, will present “The Early History of Blacks in LaPorte County” in conjunction with Black History Month.
— A special prom event is in the offing. A call is out for donations of prom dresses for the historical society’s collection and prom photos that may be copied and originals returned to the owner. Further information will be announced as plans are finalized for this event.
— Bruce Johnson, Program Chair for February, announced Virginia Bushong will be the guest speaker. Her topic will be part two of “Lincoln’s Indiana Years,” which will include information about Lincoln’s funeral train through LaPorte County.
Boardman, membership chair, stressed that membership in the society allows free admission to the museum.
Refreshments were served by Phyllis Miller, Lester Chadwick and MaryJo Pflum.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. at the museum. Guests are welcome and the facility is handicapped accessible. For further information about special events and fees, visit www.laportecountyhistory.org, e-mail info@laportecountyhistory.org or call (219) 324-6767.
