Visitors can stroll down memory lane and glimpse life in the 1890s through the 1970s at a new decade-by-decade history exhibit in the La Grange Area Historical Society’s Samuel Vial House, 444 S. La Grange Rd.
“A Walk Through Time,” a free, self-guided public exhibit is open from 9:30 a.m.-noon on Wednesdays and from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, May 14-Oct.10. The exhibit features artifacts from the Historical Society’s collection.
“We tend to display our items by topic,” said Sarah Parkes, executive director of the historical society. “We decided it would be an opportunity to showcase multiple decades.”
Among the artifacts on display will be an Edison’s Talking Machine, which Parkes called “a really unique item.” There will also be a 1930s era radio, beautiful clothing, military items and children’s games on display, among many other artifacts, she said.
Visitors will also learn facts about La Grange, including the story of the 1920s strike by the La Grange police force, from which photos and police helmets will be on display.
The exhibit is being launched with a kick-off event, “An Evening Through Time,” from 7 to 9 p.m. May 8 and 9.
“We do usually try to have a grand opening event of some kind for our exhibits but this is definitely something that’s on a different scale than we’ve done in the past,” Parkes said.
Visitors will walk through the first floor of the building, to tour the exhibit decade-by-decade, from the 1890s through the 1970s. At each stop they will hear about that decade from a costumed interpreter and sample either a food or beverage from that period.
The goal, Parkes said, is to have visitors “fully immersed into that culture and learn a little bit about that period in time both locally and universally.”
Lynne Schaefer, a La Grange Area Historical Society board member and exhibit committee chair, created the idea of the “A Walk Through Time” exhibit. She also wrote the scripts that will be used by costumed interpreters at “An Evening Through Time.”
She was assisted by a committee that includes Beth Augustine, another La Grange Area Historical Society board member.
“I am hoping that people will learn a little bit — just a tease, almost — about what life was like for an 80-, 90-year span of time,” Augustine said. “It’s an experiential and immersive event. They’re going to walk through and see fashion, see furniture, see technology displayed from one corner to the next over this long span of time.”
Both Schaefer and Augustine are participating in the “An Evening Through Time” event as costumed interpreters.
“We really wanted the grand opening event to be truly immersive,” Schaefer said. “People who attend this event are going to be able to sip a cocktail from the 1920s. They’re going to stroll past fashions from the 1890s. They’re going to be able to taste what was popular in the 1970s. They’ll get a drink, a bite, a dessert.”
That will include a Palmer House brownie from the original 1880 recipe. They’ll also enjoy a meatball with grape jelly, ambrosia salad, and quiche lorraine, among other treats.
Attendees will also hear a story from an interpreter in each decade about what life was like at that time.
Augustine will be talking about the 1920s at the event. She chose that decade because, “I have my great, great aunt’s flapper dress,” she explained.
Schaefer will discuss the 1890s. “I’ll be the first person that people see.” In addition to talking about that decade, she will discuss how the event works.
Other attractions at the event will be a speakeasy on the porch where bartenders will serve drinks, a VW bus from the 1970s and a VW bug in the side yard where people exit, and a tent holding a 1970s disco with a DJ. Food and beer will be served there.
People who attend the event are encouraged to dress up in clothing from their favorite decade.
Augustine declared, “We’re trying to make history fun.”
Tickets to “An Evening Through Time” are $50 and are available at lagrangehistory.org/etn/an-evening-through-time-3. That charge covers all the food, beverages, and activities. There is a limit of 50 guests per evening.
Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
