Is it safe to say that spring has sprung? I felt this way a couple of weeks back, but those warm weather thoughts may have only jinxed us as we were treated to a bout of spring snow. No matter, the robins are arriving, the sun is climbing higher in the sky and warm days are sure to come soon.
When it comes to the McLeod County Historical Society, spring is always a favored time of year. Not only does that mean we are about to open the log cabin and clean the grounds, but spring indicates that our annual May event is right around the corner. This year we have a real “doozy” planned for you!
Get your calendars out and circle Thursday, May 2, because MCHS is pulling out all the stops for a “Back to the 50s” fundraising event. There’ll be food, beer, a classic car show, and a 50’s costume contest with prizes for the best dressed. The real treat, however, is live music provided by “SHAW-LILE” 50s and 60s review, a tribute band made up of Mike Shaw, Greg Muellerleile, Mike Wendolek and Danny Grossnickle.
As of right now, Shaw-Lile is a one-time appearance, so if you’re a fan, be sure to come check them out. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the event runs until 8:30 p.m.
Advance tickets are $15 and can be bought at the museum until April 26. After that date or at the door tickets are $17. Tickets do not include food.
Speaking of events, we’ll be hosting another “Movie Night at the Museum” on Thursday, April 18. If you like John Wayne and old westerns, April’s movie night is for you. We’ll be showing the Duke in his classic role as Quirt Evans in “Angel and the Badman.” It’s the story about an injured gunfighter who must choose between his violent ways or going “straight” after being nursed back to health by an attractive young woman. As a forerunner, we’ll be showing the 1903 silent classic “The Great Train Robbery.” This was the first western ever to be recorded for the silver screen and even features authentic Old West outlaws and gunslingers in the cast. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 for kids 12 or younger. One free popcorn is included with admission. More concessions will be available.
As always, we’ll be hosting Breakfast Club 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 15. This month’s topic is “Mysteries of McLeod County,” History writers will meet again at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18. Both events are free to members of the museum. Need a membership? They start at $25.
In other museum news, you’ve maybe noticed that we have a new website. The address is the same as it was — www.mcleodhistory.org. This new site is much more mobile friendly and has capabilities for purchasing memberships and ordering images online. Make sure to check it out when you get a chance as well as browse through our online collection — one of the most popular features of the site.
Spring of 2024 is certainly shaping up to be a fun time down at the museum, so make sure you circle May 2 on the calendar, and we’ll see you there, or like they said in the 50s, “Be there, or be square!”
— Brian Haines is executive director of the McLeod County Historical Society and Museum, 380 School Road N.W., Hutchinson. The museum is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday and by appointment. Admission is free. For more information, call the museum at 320-587-2109.
