Dear Madam Editor,
Once again, as summer is upon us, the Board of Directors of RAHAC (Russell Museum), wishes to invite friends, family and the general public to the Russell Church Museum and the Gilmour House.
As many of you may know, the Gilmour is now the oldest house in Russell. Not only is it the oldest house, but it is almost completely furnished in 1900’s style.
In the Church Museum, we have dozens, no… hundreds of artifacts from Russell history, from the sports corner (1890’s to the 21st century) to the Military display honouring those who served in the Boer War, World War I and World War II to present day. As always, we are looking to add to our collection.
The purpose of adding to our collection is to entice and encourage people to come in, again and again, to learn more about Russell and area history and to instill a desire to preserve that history.
This summer we have compiled a “Wish List”. On this list, we are asking for items that will embellish and add to the richness of our collection. While this is not the complete wishlist, it is a start…
1. Old telephones-all and any
2. Old hats- men or women’s-dressy or otherwise
3. Hymnals- all or any church
4. Church paraphernalia- pew cushions; crosses; icons
And on another tangent, besides our wish list, we are looking for businesses or offices that would consider allowing RAHAC to set up display. Our Museum has limited display space, but an abundance of artifacts we would love to present to the public.
For example: *a creamery display which would include milk bottles; creamery uniforms; milk tokens; Manco jacket… a little of everything!
*A garage display: Clement’s; Fenton’s; Galatiuk’s, Bicknell’s which would include advertising memorabilia; calendars; signs.
*Kids’ toys from 1900’s to 1990’s
*’50’s -’60s-’70’s remembering that the 70’s were a mere 50 years ago.
Museum hours are Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
For individual tours after hours, please do not hesitate to contact any member of the RAHAC Board of Directors: Lenore Fenton - President; Pauline Glasman - Vice President; Louise Ewankiw - Treasurer; Donna Reid - Secretary; Directors: Guy McMurray. Honey Affleck, Cathy Clemence
Hoping to see you all, as we step back in time and appreciate the pioneers of Russell and area, as well as those in the present, who made this town what it is today.
Sincerely, Honey Affleck
(Granddaughter of Andrew Mather, Mayor of Russell 1945-1955.)