On this date 100 years ago the Pantagraph reported a "curio exhibit" at ISNU. The exhibit took place in the old Thomas Metcalfe building and featured items owned by residents of Bloomington and Normal Illinois.
On display were old books, Bibles and papers. Mrs. Ewing showed an 1865 copy of Lady Godey's Journal. Miss Morehouse, a Normal teacher had a Latin book from 1564 and a Geneva Bible from 1608. Harvey Watson lent a collection of letters written by a British Subject in the 18th century from West Florida.
The desk, chair and rug belonging to the late president of the university, Dr. Edwards was on display as well as other smaller furnishings from his office.
One room was filled with old coins and paper money that belonged to the collection of Ralph Pierson of Normal Illinois. A room screen made entirely of stamps by Alice Barton was a marvel in that room as well.
In another room there were Native American relics -- a lynx coat from Alaska owned by John A Goodwin and the war jacket of White Eagle, a Souix killed in battle in 1856.
Lincoln memorabilia was in the Civil War room. Governor Fifer loaned a cane that had belonged to Lincoln and there was a order of divorce written out by Lincoln. George Knapp displayed an army blanket which he used during the war and Mrs Knapp displayed a Confederate soldier's belt which she picked up on the Gettysburg battlefield after the fighting was over. General Hovey's dress sash and sword were on display in this room.
Colonial items had also been treasured by members of the community. A coverlet owned by Mrs. H B Quinn of Shirley was made by a niece of John Hancock. This lady had helped to defend Daniel Boone's home in Kentucky by making bullets during an attack. Mrs. Packard loaned a sampler from 1770 which was the oldest in Illinois, outside Chicago.
How many of these lovely items, on temporary loan formed the basis of the museum which was at one time housed at the ISU campus?