This fireman's horn, presented to the LaPorte Fire Department in 1869, was donated to the LaPorte County Historical Society by Robert Sabie in December.
The LaPorte County Historical Society Museum had a busy December 2011. Visitors to the museum came from 11 Indiana counties, 15 states and Switzerland. Several special events took place, including a visit with St. Nicholas Dec. 10 and the Mayors Roundtable Christmas party Dec. 1, hosted by former Mayor Kathy Chroback. Many mayors from across northern Indiana were impressed with the museum and its exhibits. And the Giese Church is still a popular draw during its 65th season of celebrating Christmas in LaPorte.
On Dec. 5, the La Porte County Historical Society was awarded the Outstanding Historical Organization Award by the Indiana Historical Society. Representatives accepting the award in Indianapolis were Arnold Bass, historical society president; Fern Eddy Schultz, LaPorte County historian, and Susie Richter, museum assistant curator.
December donations
– Motorcycle belt, gloves and goggles worn by Marvin Neuman, Jim Keene
– “Across the Curriculum” teaching aid, Jim Lampl
– Cannonball, shotgun cleaning rod, Christopher Putz Sr.
– Photo of first South Central basketball team — 1962, Ron Clindaniel
– Original minutes from Michigan City school board meetings, mid-1800s, Michigan City Area Schools
– Drinking glass from Shoreline Brewery, 1980 yearbook from Elston High School, Arnold and Barbara Bass
– 1869 fireman’s trumpet, dance cards from firemen’s balls, Robert Sabie
– Various photos from around the LaPorte area, Mike Keyworth
– Indiana General Assembly proclamation honoring Leon Kaminski, Paul Kaminski
– Labels from Jacob Spahn, LaPorte, “Klondyke Fizz,” Rich Dudiak
– Razor, Rumely songbook, various brochures, Jan Wooden
– Pitcher and stool from Pan-Am Games held in Michigan City in 1987, Kevin and Mary Jo Novinger
– Archival information, Lawrence Tanber, Haley Linder
– Photo, M. Timberlake
– Books, magazines, records, newspapers for the sale table, Leanna Benge, Gerri Fisher for Don Blaze, Karen Piper, Mary Butts, Jan Pinkerton, Harold Miller, and Wally Wisnieski.
Anyone wishing to volunteer at the museum may call 219-324-6767 or come in and ask for Susie. The LaPorte County Historical Society Museum is located at 2405 Indiana Ave. in LaPorte, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call ahead for admission prices at 219-324-6767, or visit www.laportecountyhistory.org. The facility is accessible to those with disabilities.
Submitted by Assistant Curator Susie Richter
