Each year in the fall the Edwardsburg Museum plans the rotating exhibits for the following year.

Last November the decision was made to limit the displays to only three for this year.

When the museum opened 16 years ago there were six revolving exhibits. As the group has aged it was decided to cut the displays to four.

Then last November the volunteers decided three was what they could handle. Picking the topics always creates interesting dialog and a decision is always made by consensus.

Trying to draw young people into the museum to learn about Edwardsburg’s history has always been a goal. So for the beginning display this year, “Youth on Parade” was chosen as the topic. Historical groups for young people were chosen: Boy Scouts and Cubs, Brownies and Girl Scouts, Bluebirds and Campfire Girls, 4-H and a newer groups: the Leos were to be highlighted.

It was difficult at first to find information and items for the displays, but when the word got out, Boy Scout artifacts were flooding the museum. They could have filled the entire display area.

Items were sent from as far away as Upper Michigan, and California. Duane Riley and the family of Bob Lindley have loaned the museum many items. Artifacts of all descriptions were brought or sent to the museum. The Boy Scout display will be changed periodically to include most items while the display is in place.

Other areas of the exhibit were harder to come by. A few Girl Scout and Camp Fire items were brought in, but the 4-H display with many awards and ribbons is missing leader information.

The one fact that is missing from all of the displays is the date that the groups started in Edwardsburg. There is a Girl Scout uniform was hand made in the 1930s, but is that the first group to be formed? Who started the Boy Scout groups in Edwardsburg?

Who were the leaders of all of these groups? The history of each has not been found or documented. Many Edwardsburg youngsters have been members of these groups over the years. I was a Campfire Girl, my sons were Cub Scouts and one of my daughters was a Campfire Girl. I served on the board of directors of the Singing Sands Girl Scout Council.

There does not seem to be a list or roster of members and leaders.

This exhibit will be in place until July 20. If you have any information that could help with this documentation, please contact the Edwardsburg Area Historical Museum at (269) 663-3005 and leave a message. This information should be recorded for the future. Groups that are currently meeting are invited to visit the museum and learn the history of the area.

 

JoAnn Boepple works with the Edwardsburg Area History Museum.