by Rich Gonyeau (May 5, 2007)
It is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of our museum curator Vince Eggert in late April. Vince's death marks the end of a vital era in the history of our organization. Vince and his late wife Carmen were the only curators we've known since the Grand Pacific House Museum opened its doors in June 1987. Much of its success was due to their tireless and dedicated efforts.
However, our loss extends beyond Vince's work at the museum. Many of us were personal friends of Vince and his family. Vince also reached out beyond the Society as seen in his many contributions to the New Baltimore community, his church and as a veteran of World War II. His war stories were legendary including his time as a POW in Germany.
With heavy hearts we close this chapter in our history. We will truly miss our special friend. As one member recently remarked, "Vince was a gentleman's gentleman in the truest sense of the word."
The family has requested memorial donations to go the Society and to Honor Flight Michigan, Inc. Honor Flight was recently formed to enable World War II veterans to visit their monument in Washington, D.C. free of charge.
A special memorial will also be held in Vince's memory at our Installation Dinner in June at Cedar Glen. There, we will reflect on a long life well lived and full of purpose.
To his children - Matthew, Annmarie, Alicia and the late Helen Ornelas and his grandchildren, Gayle, Michelle, Rachel and Maddox, our condolences and our thanks for sharing this wonderful man with us. It has been our privilege to have been part of his life.
Installation Dinner
The Installation and Award Dinner will take place at Cedar Glen Golf Club located on 25 Mile Road in New Baltimore on June 28, 2007. Social time and cash bar begins at 6 PM. Dinner will be served at 6:30 PM. Dinner reservations are requested by calling Shirley at 725-0842 by June 23.
Before the program begins, the installation of all officers and directors will take place. The following will assume their duties: Richard Gonyeau, president; Dan Stucky, vice-president; Judy Stucky, secretary; Larry Marentette, treasurer; Barbara Richards, Bob Mack, Rose Connors, and Shirley Hageman, directors.
News briefs:
- - Sincere sympathy to life member Larry Marentette on the recent loss of his son Jim.
- - Many thanks to member Jerome Shornack for the donation of a coffee maker for the museum.
- - The Taste Fest will be back this year! June 19, 5 to 8:30 at the Bay-Rama tent. Admittance is $25; students $5.00
- - This is the 20th anniversary of the Museum. Volunteer help is always needed.
Museum Notes
Recent acquisitions include:
A wooden rocker received as a wedding gift in 1901 to Paul and Delia Schmidt. Donated by Sharon Steffey, daughter of Marie Marsh who is the daughter of Paul and Delia.
A woman's long velvet coat donated by Shirley Wegner of New Baltimore. The coat belonged to her mother.
Dress form donated by St. Mary's which can be used for displaying period or military clothing.
Summer's Not Boring
The 16th annual program will begin this year on June 27, and continue on July 11, 18, 25, and probably finish on August 1 or 8. This is geared for children ages 8-12. The program details will be published in the Bay Voice. This is being organized by Mary Ann Bayer, 725-9879. New ideas and offers to help are always appreciated.
Bay-Rama Float
Ideas and/or offers to help with the float for the parade on June 24 would be welcomed. Contact Dan at 725-5249.
May 17 Program
"Early Car Dealerships of Macomb County" is the May program of the New Baltimore Historical Society. Noted Macomb County historians Donald Green and Cindy Sue Donahue will present a new documentary featuring rare old photos of car dealers, early ads and interviews with past and present dealership owners. Mt. Clemens alone had over 40 different car dealers. The documentary also includes unusual episodes in county history such as a 1930's murder in a Mt. Clemens dealership.
Donahue and Green are well known in Macomb County historical circles. Donahue serves as Staff Historian of Macomb County. Green serves on the Macomb County Historical Commission. Green has also presided over the Clinton Township Historical Society and the Board of Trustees for the Clinton-Macomb Public Library.
The program takes place Thursday, May 17 at 7PM at the First Congregational Church Youth Building located at 36223 Alfred in New Baltimore. There is a one dollar admission for this program. For more information, call 586.725.2770 or 586.725.5249.