Comments for A Sense of Place

Comment on Changes in Elkhart County Agriculture by Jon Zirkle

Jon Zirkle — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 04:17:11 +0000

Hello! This is a great piece of writing, and you’ve already clarified many things I’ve wondered about as a Hoosier new to this part of Indiana. Please contact me – I am a gardener in Goshen and hang out/go to church/spend times with friends there quite a bit, though live in Mottville, MI. I am an agriculture Extension agent in St. Joseph Co., Michigan to the north of town, and I have lots of interest in ag history as well as connecting more Goshen College students to agriculture opportunities.

My work number in Centreville, MI is 269 467 5510, and work email is zirklejo@anr.msu.edu.

Best,
Jon Zirkle

Comment on 2012 Quilt Garden by HattieBelle

HattieBelle — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 15:52:16 +0000

I’ve lived in this area most of my life but have never visited the museum. Shame on me! I loved this article as well as your article about Elkhart County farming. Great blog!

Comment on Learn the Historic Craft of Corn Husk Dolls by museum

museum — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 19:55:53 +0000

Hi Patricia,

Thank you for contacting us with these questions. You are asking great questions on how to best preserve your valued item and curtail further deterioration.

Like all organic items corn husks need to be protected from risks such as – light, pests, fluctuating or incorrect temperature and relative humidity, physical damage, the effect of chemical agents (e.g. volatile organic compounds released by packaging, cases, other objects etc), pollutants, dust particles, cleaning materials, and most damaging – handling. Like all objects it needs to be kept safe from fire and water damage as well.

Keep it stored in acid-free packaging that supports and protects it but allows it to be easily and safely seen and removed when necessary. Keep handling to the minimum and wear clean nitrile gloves. Protect it from light, when not exhibited in your home, and from ultra-violet radiation at all times. Check it for possible mould and pests and make sure no pests can infest it. Monitor it regularly and if you’re interested keep a record noting any changes. Keep the conditions as stable as possible and be aware that increased moisture brings a great risk of mould and damp, but if it becomes too dry it will become increasingly brittle.

One solution to help with the brittleness is to create a humidification chamber. Tear a small corner off a sponge, dampen it (but not dripping wet), and place it in a petri dish inside the container with the doll. It could be as simple as a shoebox. Place plastic or plastic wrap over the top or opening of the container and place in a warm humid place. Even placing the corn husk doll outside in its container, but not in direct sunlight during a humid day is another viable option. The humidification process could take several days for results, if any. It is very important that you don’t create too much moisture during this process and cause mould or mildew. Monitor daily if you decide to try this process.
Hope that gets you started. If you are looking for more extensive conservation work the Indiana Historical Society has a list of conservators on their website that you can contact – http://www.indianahistory.org/our-services/conservation.

Best of luck!
Liz Haeuptle
Curator of Collections

Comment on Learn the Historic Craft of Corn Husk Dolls by Patricia Schilling

Patricia Schilling — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 21:04:39 +0000

What is the best way to preserve a corn husk doll?
Our family has a small, refined little corn husk doll that seems so dry and brittle, however it is still in good condition. I’m 65 and am sure it long precedes me, but have no idea how old. It is very well crafted, has a small head, and complex design, but purely made of husks, without coloring. Somehow we would like to keep it in good condition. What is the best way to do so?
How do we keep it from crumbling? being eaten? or, otherwise deteriorating?

Comment on Palm Sunday Tornado Remembrance by Mike Brighton

Mike Brighton — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:37:12 +0000

Hello,
Would it be possible to obtain a DVD copy of this event, and the footage of the tornado the Police Officer took? Thankyou

Comment on Museum opens exhibit showing work of local artist Ted Drake by Patti Nickell

Patti Nickell — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:31:28 +0000

George and I fell in love with Mr. Drake’s style. We own approximately 12 original paintings. None of them are Amish. We have a cowboy, deer, nautical, floral, and sports style. Some are water colors. We would be willing to share these with you should you have the desire to feature his work sometime in the future.

Comment on Meet the new Curator of Collections by museum

museum — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:08:32 +0000

Hi Bob,

The ECHM is lucky to have such generous supporters and contributors such as you. It is truly an honor to receive your father’s artifacts memories. We take pride in how we for care and maintain our collections for the Elkhart County community. Anytime you are interested in learning more about our volunteer opportunities, let Rebecca Oestreich, Curator of Education, or me know.

I would definitely be interested in taking a historical tour of the area in the future.

Thank you for your kind words and support.

I hope to see you soon again!

Liz

Comment on Ode to Conn Ltd. by museum

museum — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:42:54 +0000

Hi Paul,

Thanks for your message. Someone from our research staff will contact you soon via email to help answer your question.

Take care!

Comment on Ode to Conn Ltd. by Paul Berkey

Paul Berkey — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 04:01:36 +0000

To Whom it May Concern:

I am attempting to research serial numbers from old saxophones manufactured by Buescher in Elkhart circa 1919 – 1963. I understand the company evolved and changed owners many times. My desire is to associate individual names with vintage instruments I have collected. Do you know of any archives available for reference? If company documents still exist, where would you suggest I search for them? Do you know what happens to these sorts of buisness documents and/or whom I might request additional information from?

Kindest Regards,
Paul

BUESCHER INSTRUMENTS BEING RESEARCHED:

1919 Buescher True Tone Low-Pitch alto Saxophone C Melody
Serial Number = 54024
1921 Buescher True Tone Low-Pitch alto Saxophone C Melody
Serial Number = 94268
1926 Buescher True Tone Low-Pitch alto Saxophone
Serial Number = 209195
1925 Buescher True Tone Trombone Silver Finish
Serial Number = 191490
1948 Buescher True Tone Trombone Aristocrat
Serial Number = 310800
1963 Buescher Coronet
Serial Number = 528244

Comment on Meet the new Curator of Collections by Bob

Bob — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:01:03 +0000

Hi Liz,

I was so happy to meet you on Monday last. After meeting with you for over an hour, I am confident you, the staff and volunteers at ECHM will take excellent care of my father’s artifact memories donated by our family. I would consider volunteer work at ECHM when available. If you and Matt Schuld would be interested in a historical tour of Goshen, New Paris and Middlebury please contact me. I know you both are new to Elkhart County and I would be pleased to show you some of the places and landmark I mentioned during our meeting.

I know you and Matt will do well in your new positions.

Bob