World War II Program receives rave reviews
The Aurora Historical Society and the Aurora Memorial Library hosted a World War II program Thursday afternoon, Nov. 9th in honor of military Veterans. The program began with an introduction, by historical society Director Dr. Marcelle Wilson, to the various activities that Americans did on the home front to contribute to the war effort. The film “The Home Front: 1941 – 1945†was shown and a discussion followed. WWII Navy Veteran Harry Stillings, Sr. spoke about his experiences on Omaha Beach and how he was one of three to survive the operation. AML Branch Manager Cheryl Chlysta introduced some wonderful books about the war, highlighting Charles Osgood’s Kilroy Was Here: The Best American Humor from World War II; Finding Betty Crocker :The Secret Life of America’s First Lady of Food, by Susan Marks; and I’ll be home for Christmas : the Library of Congress revisits the spirit of Christmas during World War II, all available at the library. Afterward, the AHS’s museum was open and visitors saw the World War II: Hard Work and Great Sacrifice exhibition, sponsored in part by the Ohio Humanities Council. In January, a portion of this exhibition will travel to local schools, businesses, museums, and other interested venues. It focuses on the multifaceted response to the war and how local people and businesses contributed to it through rationing, bond drives, Red Cross work, war work, and similar activities. The exhibition runs through May of 2007. The AHS is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 – 4:00 and by appointment, 330-995-3336.
Creative Decorating for the Holidays.
The Aurora Memorial Library and the Aurora Historical Society presented Lisa Kushner from the Aurora Farms Premium Outlets who will give a decorating demonstration and provide many great ideas for holiday decorating. Dr. Marcelle Wilson, Director of the AHS, will discuss some Victorian decorating trends from the late 1800s. AML Branch Manager Cheryl Chlysta will recommend the latest and best books available on decorating and holiday entertaining. At 4:30, Aurora High School students will present a puppet show for children. The AHS museum will be open during these hours for tours. These events are free and open to the public, please make reservations by calling the library at 330-562-6502.
“Tea for Two, Your Doll & You: An Event for All Ages.†Thursday, Nov. 16th 4:30 – 6:00
The Aurora Memorial Library and the Aurora Historical Society are cosponsoring a fun event for residents. There will be crafts for children, a speaker on the history of dolls, and a tea. Mary Jane Poley is the featured speaker. She is the owner of Mary Jane’s Dolls, which specializes in Antique Dolls & Accessories. She has been buying, selling, and repairing dolls for thirty five years and sells her dolls at doll shows in Ohio, New York, Illinois, and Maryland. She will discuss dolls from the early 1800s through the 1960s.
After the tea, the Aurora Historical Society will open its museum so that everyone can view its two new exhibitions: World War II: Hard Work and Great Sacrifice, (sponsored by the Ohio Humanities Council) and Child’s Play: Dolls and Toys from Childhood: 1870s – 1980s. Visitors can also view Louise Leek’s beautiful collection of paper dolls in the Community Collector’s Exhibit. Leek’s dolls spans the late 1800s through the 1980s. This program is free and open to the public, please make reservations by calling the library at 330-562-6502.
