By HOLLY GASKILL
Members of the community gathered Sunday afternoon for the dedication of a recently renovated military exhibit at the Wells County Historical Society and the Museum.
The exhibit is located in the museum’s annex, just behind the main building. The building was constructed by students from the Southern Wells Jr./Sr. High School building trades class in 2018. Over the last month, volunteers for the historical society renovated the annex for the display and transported exhibit items from the second and third floors of the main building.
During the program to dedicate the exhibit and honor veterans, Mayor John Whicker issued a proclamation marking the day, Nov. 5, 2023, as a day of dedication and celebration for those who have protected the freedom of the U.S.
Connie Brubaker served as the main speaker, filling in for Dr. Gene Bell, who was ill. Brubaker shared the history behind “Morgan’s Raid,” part of which took place in Indiana. Sam Thor also spoke about Captain Benjamin Wiley, a Union veteran from Bluffton and namesake of Wiley Avenue.
The program also featured a presentation of the Gettysburg Address delivered by Bill Goshorn, who dressed as the speech’s original orator, Abraham Lincoln. Goshorn’s wife, Becky, also dressed as Mary Todd Lincoln. Rick Henly and Rich McConnell also led the audience through “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
The museum and the new exhibit are open from 1-4 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday. Additionally, Christmas in the Mansion will be 2-6 p.m. Nov. 25-26 and Dec. 16-17. Parlor City Christmas in the Mansion will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 9.
holly@news-banner.com
