NOBODY gets in …

NOBODY gets in to see the WIZARD. Not nobody. Not nohow.

Wizard of Oz Memorial

Outside of City Hall, downtown Oconomowoc, is this Memorial to the Wizard of Oz. It is little known that the premiere of the movie took place at the Strand Theatre in Oconomowoc — not Hollywood.

Model Trains at the Oconomowoc Historical Society

Sometimes everything clicks at the right time.

Last Sunday, as I was docenting with my cousin, Pat Bouton, at the Oconomowoc  Area Historical Society & Museum (OAHSM), a young man came in to look at our model trains. He had recently moved to the area, heard we had a model train village and came to see it. Taylor had inherited his grandfather’s HO model trains and was very conversant on the subject. I was not. After telling him my expertise was limited to turning it on and off, I suggested he sign up to work with the volunteers on the train.

He seemed a little worried and asked if older men were on the committee. I told him that yes, usually it ‘s run by a group of model train enthusiasts, but they would probably welcome his interest and help. He didn’t think some older guys would want a “kid” helping them out. When he said that, I thought I had lost him (for volunteer work)…but at that same time, our “head” engineer, Harry came in with his grandson. I introduced them, and Harry talked to Taylor for about 15 minutes. Then he invited him to join the model train enthusiasts. He let him know when the next meeting was at the museum and they parted.

As he was leaving, he stopped over and thanked me for my help…and said “I’ll see you around the museum. He let me know when they meet, just like you said.”

What a great day.

And the Packers won too!

Halloween at the Oconomowoc Historical Museum

It was crazy. Over 302 people, adults and kids, came for treats and a tour of the museum during trick or treat in Oconomowoc, from 6 to 8 pm, Saturday, October 27. Most of our docents were witches (type-casting?) and I was the only historical figure: a pioneer woman, complete with an arrow through my head. The kids kept asking me if the arrow hurt, but I told them I took an aspirin.

Model A Car Club visits the Oconomowoc Museum!

Well, usually when I docent at the museum we are lucky to get 5 or 6 visitors to wander through. This past Sunday, October 7, we had an entire “Model A” Car Club. The day was sunny, but brisk and these enthusiasts traveled here for the “movie” and tour. Almost 50 folks!! Close to a record. My thanks to “Cousin” Pat Bouton and Shirley Hinds for assisting with the group.