At 1:30 p.m., Mark Pruis addressed the audience that filled the Morrison’s Heritage Museum Hearth Room, on Sunday, June 22, 2014. He described planning that led to his creation of an elegant, cherry display case, now in the center of the upstairs gallery. It was put to use for the first time on this occasion, in remembrance of two notable Morrison, IL, women. Margaret Haines died January 19, 2012. Anne Petersen passed May 18, 2013.
Pruis had designed four levels of display, and all were utilized to showcase dance clothing and shoes, American Quarter Horse photos and a trophy, poems, programs, posters, and photos–spanning 77 years–for two lives well-lived.
Board of Trustees member MaryEllen Brackemyer reminded Pruis that his name appeared on an engraved plaque at the top of the case. It was his request, she said. He remembered this was so his seven grandchildren could visit the museum and know that he built the beautiful item.
Brackemyer shared her adult experience taking tap lessons from Petersen and her solo ballet performance, in one of three Nutcracker Ballet performances Petersen produced. The latter was an unexpected role, but she accepted Petersen’s faith in her. They were quite good friends. Brackemyer invited family and guests to share their stories. There were warm comments, sometimes tearful, as the loss of a mother, friend, and teacher crept into the remembrances
Ruth Mitick described her 62-year friendship with Margy Haines, which began when Mitick was the young girl’s physical education teacher in Morrison. She told how, as a University of Wyoming freshman, Haines had been denied admittance to the veterinary medicine program, because she was a woman. This was a blow for the long-time animal lover, but she found satisfaction and prominence training and showing American Quarter Horses.
Mitick describe the unique painted boulder that marks Haines’s grave in Grove Hill Cemetery and one of Margy’s favorite quotations.
A good friend commented on Margy; a Morrison High School student also remembered her.
Brackemyer and Morrison Historical Society President Harvey Zuidema then noted the generous gifts Margy Haines gave or made possible. Two wing chairs and a folding coffee table were early gifts and have been in the Heath Room for years. Last year, MHS received the anvil from the former Lind Blacksmith Shop. It was in Margy’s collection and is now on display in the front yard of the museum. Monies from the Haines estate funded the display case; comfortable chairs upon which guests sat for the first time; two new tables; several new mannequins for displaying textiles. Future purchases will include audio-visual equipment.
The Board of Trustees is deeply grateful to this generous benefactor. The public will enjoy the effects of Margy’s financial gifts.
Petersen’s daughter, Patti Austin, stands at left; Jill Kaufman is at right. Austin recalled asking her mother to consider moving near her in Springfield, IL, after Anne’s husband, Warren, died. Petersen replied that Morrison was her home.
Kaufman spoke of the powerful impact Anne Petersen had upon her elder daughter, Sunny Kallas. Kallas is a professional dancer who could not attend the tribute, because she was receiving a prestigious choreographic honor. Kaufman shed tears as she described her daughter’s achievements and love of dance as being due to Anne. Kaufman assisted at recitals and became a good friend of Petersen’s.
Elizabeth Bramm spoke as a former student. She, too, became overwhelmed with emotion. Anne’s sudden passing was painful for so many, but that is balanced by her enduring legacy.
107-year-old Gladys Ludens reminisced about watching Warren and Anne Petersen dancing on a platform at her church. She recited the first two lines to a song and added her own lyric at the end.
Margaret Haines, left, and Anne Petersen received a wealth of tributes. Those we loved remain vital through our stories about them. Today was a rich sharing of experiences, defining moments, and humorous memories. For example, Brackemyer stated she had felt Petersen “telling” her where to place items in the display case. When Brackemyer asked again if anyone had something they wished to say, the phone rang. She is convinced it was her friend, Anne Petersen!
The next public program will be Sunday, July 27, at 1:30. The Board of Trustees invites the surrounding public to “Meet the Mannequins” who wear military uniforms, bridal gowns, and dresses from generous donors. Some donors will be present to explain the vintage items.
Bring the family to visit Morrison’s Heritage Museum to see the display case at 202 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL. Hours are Friday through Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Make arrangements for another viewing time by calling 815-772-8889.