We want to thank the Portland Foundation for the $2000 grant we recently received.  The money will be used to purchase several beautiful display cases which will enhance our growing collections.

Although we had requested $5000 to add to other anticipated donations, totalling $7000 to purchase 15 cases (10@ $400 and 5@ $600) we will now need to ask all our members to step up to help us complete this phase of our museum renovation.

Larry and Sandy Bubp have offered to sell us these lighted glass show cases for $600 for the all glass model and $400 for the glass front-solid side model. They are virtually new and 1/2 the cost of new cases, plus we will have no shipping since they are in Portland.

If you would like to help us by purchasing a display we will gladly install a placque on the case with your chosen wording.  You could make a memorial or honorary dedication to a loved one or simply have your name as donor.  Simply send us a check or money order indicating your preference-$400 or $600 and the wording you would like and we’ll take care of the rest.  Of course we welcome any gift, large or small which will help us to better do the work of your Society.

Feel free to contact us with any questions and thank you for your support.

Be My Valentine?

Thanks to former Jay County resident Bernice (McGahey) Barger, we’ve got Valentine’s Day covered. Bernice has been a collector of all kinds of memorabilia for the past 35 years and when you name a subject you can bet she has enough interesting items to fill a couple of display cases. Fortunately for us, she and her husband and sister have decorated our displays with some very interesting items relating to Cupid’s mission. From elaborate 3-D cards to beautiful heart motif china, we’re sure you’ll find something to inspire you to share your love with someone on Febuary 14th.

For more wonderful pictures click on the link below to vew a slide show. Enjoy!

Rebecca James Museum Slideshow

After six fruitful years as president of The Jay County Historical Society, Kay Locker will be turning over the gavel to vice-president Tom Young.

The changes in JCHS during the past six years have been remarkable and are a tribute to Kay’s “can-do” nature and her ability to work effectively with an all volunteer staff, making everyone feel the value of his or her contribution is recognized.

With her collaborators Jane Spencer and Janice Stucky, the “Jay County Journal ” went from a fledgling publication sent out to a membership of approximately 250 members to one of over 900 copies printed every month of the year.

In that same period of time, Rosie Grapner and Sandy Bubp shepherded the annual Heritage Festival from a simple bean supper to the major two-day event with re-enactors, artisans, musicians and other entertainment.

Another major accomplishment during Kay’s administration was the renovation of the museum, insulation, siding, heating and cooling systems, security system and cameras and improvements to the grounds.  Another large undertaking was the professional assessment of the museum and its collections done in 2008.

Of course, Kay would say that these tasks were done by the board of directors, the volunteers and committees, but it took someone with vision and organizational skills to plan and implement the work. Kay’s efforts to get grants to help pay for the work was another key to her success. 

The good news about the change in leadership is that Kay will continue to be very much involved in the Society and will continue to manage the Journal publication and the membership records.  The new officers and board members will value her guidance and advice as we move forward with new challenges in 2010 and beyond.

March 25, 2009

We had a standing room only crowd for our program on the interurban.  President Kay Locker updated those attending on the goings on at the Society and then turned the program over to Tom Young.  Tom gave a short explanation of our new website and showed everyone how to navigate around it.  He then presented the slide show and DVD as described below.  After the show there were refreshments served by Luetta Bowen. Thanks to all who attended.

Are you fortunate enough to remember the Muncie & Portland Traction Co.’s interurban cars which ran through Albany, Dunkirk and Redkey, as well?

They operated from 1906 to 1930. The tracks, power lines, and some buildings were around for a long time after. If you don’t remember or simply want to know more about this nostalgic time in Jay County’s history, come to our program meeting Tuesday, March 24, to watch a slide show of those times. The pictures are accompanied by snippets of music actually recorded in those early days. There will also be a movie showing interurban cars in action and stations from Northern Indiana routes which operated into the 1940’s. The slide show is short. The movie will run during refreshment time, and you can stay and watch as much or as little of it as you wish. As always, admission is free. Please join us.

Location: Jay County Historical Museum, 903 E. Main St., Portland, IN

Contact info: 260-726-7168