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December 17, 2008

Historical figures to greet guests at museum

BY BARBARA GREENBERG The Commercial-News Wed Dec 17, 2008, 12:40 AM CST

DANVILLE — A plethora of special events will fill Saturday’s Vermilion County Museum Society’s second annual holiday open house with even more fun than last year.

“We’re opening both buildings this time,” Sue Richter, museum director, said. “It gives us a lot more room to do things.

“This is something families can enjoy together. They can just stop in, even as a break from their Saturday shopping.”

A visit from Santa Claus will be one highlight of the afternoon event at the museum. He’ll greet visitors at the 1930s-era street scene, where photos can be taken and children will receive small treats.

On the museum’s second floor, Abraham Lincoln (as portrayed by Joe Woodard) will receive visitors and sign autographs in his law office exhibit.

Guests of all ages will enjoy Ken and Mona Hunter’s old-fashioned toy display. Both Jodi’s Dance Company and Marilyn’s Danceworks will perform, as will Four on the Floor barbershop quartet. Punch, hot cider, and cookies will be served during the afternoon.

The Bloomin’ Rails train and floral exhibit continues on display in the museum. This exhibit features two model trains and a trolley surrounded by model historic buildings and floral displays.

Costumed characters from Vermilion County’s past will greet guests at the Fithian Home. Dr. William H. Fithian (Jim Wolfe) is among them.

“Events like this make local history come alive,” Wolfe said. “Years ago, I came to the museum and listened to Mary Lou Spain as Mary Todd Lincoln. She made it seem real for me. I hope to do that for others.”

Others who will relate tales from the past are: Josephine Fithian (Julia Megan Sullivan), “Uncle Joe” Cannon (Sonny Downing), Amelia Feldkamp (Gretchen Elliott), Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Holloway (Eric France and Jennifer Dixson), Stella Barkley (Kelsey Daugherty), the cook (Connie Cohen), the nanny (Beverlie Pippenger), the upstairs maid (Marilyn Blanton) and the butler (Frank Smith).

A group from Danville Light Opera — including Tom Fricke, Brad Smith, Ann Soderstrom and Kathleen Spain-Swiersz — will entertain guests with songs in the home’s parlor.

Visitors can tour the neighborhood by wagon on a first-come, first-served basis.

“The wagon rides are always one of the biggest hits whenever we offer them,” Richter said. “It doesn’t matter what the weather is like.”

OPEN HOUSE

The Vermilion County Museum Society, 116 N. Gilbert St., is hosting Holiday at the Museum from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Jodi’s Dance Company performs at 1:30 p.m.; Marilyn’s Danceworks performs at 2:30 p.m.; Four on the Floor performs at 3:30 p.m.

There is no charge and free parking is available adjacent to the museum. For more information, call 442-2922.

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