Doris Reinke, president of the Walworth County Historical Society, has announced that space is being made available in Heritage Hall, across Washington Street from Webster House to display military memorabilia from World War I through the current wars and conflicts.
Initially, a room with approximately 600 square feet of space will contain items of memorabilia from World War I to date.
For years Webster House has had a Veteran’s Room with items dating back to the Civil War. Civil War items will continue to be seen in that room.
The society is undertaking the task of renovating and redecorating Heritage Hall. Roof repairs have been completed. The Walworth County Council of the American Legion has volunteered to assist in setting up the room where items will be displayed.
Bob Miller, Commander of the Walworth County Council of the American Legion, stated that over the years many veterans and their families have approached their local Legion post offering military items they wished to donate to be displayed and preserved.
Until now there has been no ideal location to do this. After much searching and with the cooperation of Walworth County Administrator David Bretl and the Walworth County Board, the Historical Society made the space available for this purpose. The Legion has embraced the project and will be actively involved.
Webster House is the home of famous Civil War- era composer, Joseph Philbrick Webster, best known for Civil War song “Lorena” and popular hymn “The Sweet By and By.” It is filled with pieces that belonged to Webster and his family.
The Music Room showcases Webster’s brilliant composition, as well as his beloved rosewood piano and many more priceless period instruments.
The Veteran’s Room features many rare items dating back to the Civil War era.
The Society is a 501c3 organization and is supported by tax deductible donations.
It maintains a website at www.walcohistory.org . The mailing address is P.O. Box 273, Elkhorn, WI 53121 and can be reached by phone at (262) 723-4248.
Persons with questions or items to be donated can contact the Historical Society or Bob Miller at (262) 279-6429 or Bob Webster at (262) 275-6587.
Items accepted will be stored pending completion of the display area. Obviously, some items (such as uniforms) are so common that there is a limit as to which can be accepted for display.
Pictures, letters, guns, medals, flags, maps, captured items and citations are among the most welcomed. Those items that can be identified and tied to past or present Walworth County residents are most preferred.
Official opening date for the display has not been determined but it hoped to be open and available for viewing by Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, 2013.
