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The Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Society: The Historical and Genealogy Society Appreciates Our Community
Letter To The Editor

From The Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Society

Darlington

To the Editor:

The Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Society has many to thank for their support of the recent event “Night (and Day) at the Museum, 2023.” This is the type of big event (on a shoestring budget) that is not just more fun with everyone involved – it’s downright impossible without the gifts everyone brought to share. Dedicated Staff and Volunteers put in countless hours to prepare and then serve during the event: Peggy Davis, Dave Blaser, Richard Fernstaedt, Ursula Fecht, Emily Dotson, and many more. The Board of Directors that contributed so much, in materials and by their presence: Ray Scott, Richard March, Tammy Kilby, Margaret Pyfer, Shirley Holland, Sarah Goebel, Bill Holland, Jack Shannon, Nikki Larson, Barb Nemec, Nancy Winslow, and Jeanette Zee. Our Cast of Characters in addition to those already mentioned: Marion Howard, Joe Boll, Leona Havens, Jeff and Ann Kluesner, Mary Ellen Jacobson, Joe Keyes, Judy Hastie, Nancy and Terry Sorchy. Dick Anderson who educated and entertained. Dennis Fox with his amazing artifact display. The Organizations that portrayed other eras: Yellowstone Flint and Cap, Inc. and Third Iowa Light Artillery, and Eighth Illinois Cavalry. The Musicians that added so much to Saturday evening:  Fever River String Band, Dan Nolan, and The Blarneys.  

The Darlington Community Fund provided financial support. City of Darlington Parks Department gave the beautiful space, and turning the lights off at night for our campers. City of Darlington Police Department and Lafayette County Sheriff graciously permitted our noisy shooting demonstrations and heavily armed participants. Food vendors kept us fed: Darlington Optimists Cheese Curds etc., Lucky Cow Gelato and Coffee, Lions Club, Gimpy’s Gourmet Popcorn. The Farm Market provided shopping on Saturday. Southwest Graphics brought printing and help with advertising ideas. The Republican Journal and all of the area publications allowed space for our articles and calendar items. Judy Boll and WBGR (Big Radio) created a radio spot, and arranged recorded and live interviews, and wonderful advice. Weather that held out for us.   

And the people we did this for. The Teachers that brought students from Black Hawk Schools, and home school (they sure had fun indoors and outdoors). Don’t forget to send us the bill for school transportation costs. The visitors from near and far that discovered the treasure within the Museum and enjoyed our participants’ love of history. The generous donations in the jars at the end of the day. Everyone we met said they’d learned something new and had fun doing it!

If we left anyone out of our thank yous, please know it’s unintentional. Our hearts are full of gratitude but our memories are less than perfect. In short everyone that was part of this has our sincere thanks.

We are collecting feedback and suggestions for “next time,” which will be in 2025. Call or email ideas or interest in participating, 608-776-8340, info@lafayettecohistoricalandgenealogy.com.