The Walworth County Historical Society recently acquired a 1953 Korean War Jeep, similar to vintage WWII Jeeps, according to Jim Boardman, society president.
In an effort to raise money to build a Veterans Memorial to house the Jeep – and other war-related items – the society will host a fundraiser in November. Prior to then, however, the Jeep will be on display at area vehicle dealerships.
Jeeps have been a staple in the vehicle industry for a very long time, leading to avid fans still wanting to buy them, and others doing up older models to have something ‘vintage’ in their collection. This does mean a lot of research and checking out the best jeep jk headlight upgrade as well as how to change the steering wheel, etc. People visiting this exhibit will get a look at one of the older and historically rich models that they definitely cannot store in their driveway, but it may give them ideas on what they can do for their own.
“We’re going to display the Jeep at different car dealerships in the area for a week at each one so people can see it,” Boardman said.
Beginning Friday, Sept. 8, the Jeep will be at Elkhorn Motors, 910 N. Wisconsin St. through Sept. 15. Details about where the Jeep will be on display beginning the second week will be announced as soon as additional dates and locations have been decided.
On Saturday, Nov. 4, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., the society will host a 1940s-type USO dance at the Monte Carlo Room, 720 N. Wisconsin St. in Elkhorn.
Tickets, which will be available soon, are $15 per person. The event will feature a band playing 1940s swing-era music and a cash bar. Attendees are welcome to purchase their own dinners during the fundraiser, if they so choose.
Boardman said the society has a large number of war items on display currently but additional space is needed.
“Local veterans and families of veterans have given us a lot of items and now *Bob Webster donated the Jeep so we want to get that on display and other items we don’t have room for,” Boardman said.
For more information about the Walworth County Historical Society visit walcohistory.org or call (262) 723-4248.
Additional details about the Jeep display and where to purchase tickets for the Nov. 4 fundraiser will be announced soon.
*Editor’s note: it was brought to our attention after this story published that the Jeep was donated jointly by Philip Jones and Bob Webster. We apologize for the error.
