DARLINGTON — A new display has been created at the Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Museum, thanks to the generous donation of artifacts and information about Hampton Lindholm, a Darlington Police Officer from 1961 to 1968.  

The Society was contacted by children of former Chief of Police Lindholm, Terry Williams of Darlington and Eileen Lindholm Azzinaro of Colorado Springs, Colo.  Eileen said the idea came to her after a visit “back home” that included a stop at the Museum. 

When Eileen was growing up in Darlington, the Museum was the public library.  Eileen stopped in to enjoy fond memories of practically “living” in a corner of the library where she knew every Nancy Drew mystery and other books that were her constant companions. Museum staff was pleased to know that she enjoyed seeing the changes and that the character of the library remains. She was enjoying the many displays and was struck by artifacts related to the Fire Department.  She immediately thought there should be a display honoring the history of the Police Department and, as her father was Chief of Police, and family members had artifacts and information to share, she could make it happen, and Terry Williams was ready to help.

The Museum has had a display for some time regarding City Marshall Frank Moran who died in the line of duty in 1927. With the addition of artifacts from Terry and Eileen, there is now a display to honor police, and the Museum expects it to grow. 

On display are police badges, handcuffs, “billy club,” and more.  As more items are donated they will be added, and the display enlarged.  Back in the sixties, the ambulances were “well equipped” station wagons. Chief Lindholm took a special training class in Chicago in order to be able to repair the city’s new parking meters.  These and more fascinating facts can be learned at the Museum. 

Terry and Eileen worked with Darlington Police Chief Jason King, who is also researching the history of the police in Darlington and was helpful regarding information on Chief Lindholm and other past “Chiefs,” and interested in the new display. 

The Museum has a request of county residents:  If you have historical information, keepsakes, or artifacts related to the fine men and women that have served our county as law enforcement, please consider donation to the Historical and Genealogy Society to add to our Law Enforcement display.  The history of these people is sometimes mundane, sometimes dangerous to the point of lethal public service, is worth honoring and sharing with everyone. 

For information on the display, donations, or visiting the museum call 608-776-8340.