CHRISTMAS MEMORY TREES 2010

The Annual Christmas Memory Tree Program was held on Thursday, November 11, at the Lake Odessa Freight Station Museum. Approximately 60 gathered for the tenth year of this holiday tradition. Ornaments were hung as the names were read of almost 600 loved ones. These ornaments have all been donated in memory of someone and represent our family, friends and neighbors. Shown in the photos are above Betty Erickson hanging an ornament in memory of her father, Lee A. Hazel. Below is Rosemary Hickey hanging an ornament in memory of her sister, Marie O'Mara. This is a special time that begins our holiday season at the museum. The Memory Trees will remain up through January....come and check them out!

DARBY SCHOOL HISTORY

A recent donation to the Lake Odessa Area Historical Scoiety was a project completed by Jack and Elaine (Allarding) Garnaat and Phyllis (Lepard) Olmstead. The project is a collected book form and focuses on the history of the Darby School. This rural school was located in southern Campbell Township which later became part of the Lakewood School District. The book includes photographs of the school and students throughout the years, a copy of the abstract and deed for where the school property is located, documents related to teachers and students, a list of teachers plus a great deal of additional information related to the Darby School. This wonderful history is an addition to the collection of rural school histories that are housed in the School Room at the Lake Odessa Museum Complex. This history and others are available for public viewing and anyone interested in the Darby School or others are encouraged to stop by. There are still many other rural schools that need to be chronicled and it is hoped that this project will inspire others to do the same. Thank you for this great contribution and for all the work that was put into this!

WHAT'S GOING ON?

This photograph shows some type of celebration or festival taking place on Main Street perhaps in the 1920/30's. This may be a view of an early community celebration sponsored by the merchants. The shot is taken from the intersection of Fourth Ave. and Second Street looking north. Notice the closed booth has rugs hanging and the other booths seem to be selling wares. Any help on what is going on in this photo? Let us know if you can help identify this!

GERMAN POW DISPLAY

On Monday evening, July 5, 2010, the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society was pleased to be able to dedicate a new display at the museum. The display focuses on the German Prisoner of War Camp that was located in Lake Odessa in 1944 and 1945. This historically significant event is interpreted through photographs, artifacts and documents highlighting the camp. It was a distinct privilege to have the widow and family of Heinz Hanft, a former prisoner in the Lake Odessa Camp, present for the dedication of this display. Shown above is Edith Hanft viewing the display and a picture of the Hanft family present for the dedication. A large crowd filled the museum to hear accounts of the camp and its impact on the war. Thank you to the Hanft family and to all who contributed to make this display a reality. The display is a permanent feature of the Lake Odessa Museum and may be viewed during the last week-end of each month and during special events.

LOHS ALUMNI WEEK-END

You just never know what will happen during the Lake Odessa High School Alumni Reunion week-end! It was a great turn out for the event held the last Saturday in June. The Museum was open with displays from 1888 through the Lakewood School System today. Shown above is Elaine (Allarding) Garnaat (Class of 1945) in the bath tub that was in her home on Tupper Lake St. The bath tub is now part of the collection of the Lake Odessa Museum. The Allarding home later became the Lake Odessa Hospital and the bath tub was donated as part of that history. Elaine just couldn't help getting in and bringing back the memories of "bath time." Many other alumni visited the museum and continue to be great supporters of our Lake Odessa history.

MARIAN KLEIN-GRAND MARSHAL 2010

Congratulations to Marian Klein on being selected as the 2010 Grand Marshal for the Lake Odessa Fair Parade. Marian was chosen by the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society for her dedication and community service. A reception was held at the Lake Odessa Freight Station following the parade with a standing only crowd. Marian has been a member of our society for many years and is a faithful supporter. Good job Marian!

FRED MORRIS ON DISPLAY!

It was a privilege to have Fred Morris in attendance at the recent Veterans Hall of Fame Tribute. Fred is a veteran of World War II and has donated his uniform to the Lake Odessa Museum. This photo shows Fred posing next to his uniform as we recognize his service to our country. Thank you to Fred and to many others who have donated items to make our military display so great! The collection continues to expand as we relate the history of our local veterans.