April 2023
Upcoming Meetings
History of Margaret Shontz Library
April 17th
Presenter: Retired librarian Betty Ecklund
Our monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Sportsman's Club in Conneaut Lake. It is open to public free of charge. Hall is handicapped accessible and smoke free. Refreshments will follow the program.
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History of the Ice House
May 15th
Presented by: TBD
New Exhibits
Each year, the exhibit committee introduces a new exhibit when the museum opens. This year's exhibit includes Conneaut Lake Park history with the original sign from the Hell Hole as well as updates to the Blue Streak car and exhibit. Visitors can sit in one of the original cars of the Blue Streak, watch and hear a video simulating the actual ride, complete with a map of the Blue Streak tracks and the light bulb showing where the car is on the ride.
It's an exciting addition to the museum and allows visitors to take a trip down memory lane.
The skeel ball game from Conneaut Lake Park also will return this year for visitors to play a quick game and see if they still have those skills from yesteryear!
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We have tentative plans to have a day-long Skee-Ball tournament at a date to be announced.
In addition, through the generosity of John and Jody Sperry, you can see how the streets of Conneaut Lake have emerged over the decades by using a smartphone to see the aerial pictures.
Another sign to bring back memories is that of Mama Bear's restaurant. A new display case showcases various historical items, which don't have a specific display. Come and check out the large shoes from one of Conneaut Lake Park's clowns, a loudspeaker from the Lakeside Drive-in Theater, some baby shoes, and a Centennial plate among others.
Admission to the museum is free of charge. Donations are accepted.
Golf Tournament is Coming
Our fifth annual golf tournament is set for June 23 -- a change from the usual date in July.
If you want to be a sponsor, please see the attached flyer for information.
If you want to play golf, the information is there as well.
If you know a new (or old) business, who would like to be a sponsor, please let them know or call one of the historical society members.
All the proceeds benefit the historical society.
As you know were are a non-profit, 501-C-3 organization, meaning all donations are tax deductible.
New Roof Being Added
We have hired a contractor to repair the rear of our roof (which covers the stage area) so that is a big project. We had to do that to protect the museum and the archives.
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We received a $5,000 grant from the Dietrich Foundation to help pay for it. The cost is more than $28,000, but thanks to the generosity of our supporters over the years, we have the funds to pay for it.
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Thank you to everyone who supported us through donations, purchases, and other means to help us preserve our history.
Yearbooks Needed
We have a large collection of yearbooks that have been donated to us over the years.
We are missing a number of years though. If you have any of the books from the following years and no longer have any use for them, we will be happy to accept them. A lot of visitors enjoy looking at the yearbooks showing their parents or grandparents -- and even themselves when they tour the museum.
Here are the years we need: 1967, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2011.
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Thanks in advance for your help! We appreciate it.
Annual Meeting
Our annual meeting with election of officers is April 17 after the program.
Please mark your calendar.
New Blue Streak Pen Raffle
One of our members, Tim McKay, has made four pens from wood from the Blue Streak that we will raffle them this year.
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The tickets will be $2 each or three for $5.
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We will have tickets available in May and will award two pens on Labor Day and two pens at Pumpkin Fest.
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They will be in a black cardboard pen box so if you don't want to keep it for yourself, it will make a beautiful gift!
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For more information, call Jane Smith at 814-337-6377.
Two New Items in Gift Shop
We have two new items available for purchase.
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After we offered the Pilsner glasses, we had numerous requests for wine glasses as people said they prefer wine over beer. So we decided to offer wine glasses as well as the Pilsner glasses.
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The Wendell August wine glasses are those without the steams. They include medallions of the Blue Streak on them.
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They come in a set of two and are in a nice black cardboard box. It also includes a note card with a picture of the Blue Steak and a brief history of the popular ride.
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We believe they are beautiful gifts for yourself or others as you enjoy your favorite wine and possibly reminisce about the Blue Streak and your great memories of Conneaut Lake Park.
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Cost is $45 plus $2.70 tax. If you want them shipped, please add another $11.00.
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If you need them before May 6 (the day the museum opens), please call Jane Smith at 814-337-6377 and arrangements can be made to get them sooner.
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And, don't forget, if you are a member, you receive a 10 percent discount on all purchases.
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The second new item is a "gripper," -- the item you use to open jars that the lids are on too tight.
The gripper is blue in color with the words "Get a grip on life at Conneaut Lake" with the historical society logo in the center.
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It is designed for functional use, but also as a memento of your visit to the museum or a reminder of life in Conneaut Lake.
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Cost is only $2 plus 12 cents tax and $1 shipping.
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We are always looking for new ideas for gifts to sell, so if you have an idea, please contact Jane Smith, projects and promotion chairman, at the above number.
Facebook Page
Our web site is updated monthly, but if you want other news, we do post on our Facebook page frequently. Posts include pictures of ongoing activities as well as any updated news. Check us out at Conneaut Lake Area Historical Society on our Facebook page.
Membership
We are always accepting new members. Cost is only $12 a year or $150 for a lifetime.
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If you would like to join, just send us a check and your information: Name, address, phone number, email, and any special interest you may have.
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If you are a member and would like to serve on a special committee, please contact Chuck Groger at 814-382-8722. We welcome new members and new committee members!
Museum Opening
The museum will open for the summer on May 6 at 10 a.m. Hours for the summer are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Special appointments for tours during non-hours may be made by calling Chuck Groger at 814-382-8722.
Docents Needed
We always welcome new docents (fancy name for tour guide) to work at the museum on weekends. If you are willing to work, please contact Chuck Groger at 814-382-8722 and get on the schedule.
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We will have special docent training on April 22 at the museum.
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The work is easy. You greet visitors, answer any questions and help man the gift shop. You won't be alone as two people are scheduled each day.
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It is a fun way to share our history as well as learn a lot of history from visitors!
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendar for the following special events. If you are interested in helping at any of them, please let us know.
April 22: Docent training.
May 6: Museum opens
June 23: Golf outing
July 8: Car cruise
Aug. 5: Paddlefest
As you can see, we have a busy summer planned and hope you can join us -- as a volunteer or as a visitor!
Ornaments
We have our new Dreamland Ballroom ornaments still available at $12, plus 72 cents tax as well.
They have been well received as people told us about their grandparents and/or parents having met there. One woman said how thrilled her grandmother was with it.
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As you know, you don't have to wait until Christmas to display them. They are ornaments but can be displayed at any time.
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We think they make a nice memory of days gone by at that beautiful dance hall.