Morrison Historical Society Board of Trustees requests the pleasure of your company and your “plus 1-guest,” at a reception in honor of 15 resident mannequins, who live within Morrison’s Heritage Museum, 202 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2014, with official introductions beginning at 1:30. Casual attire is acceptable. There is no need to RSVP, as seating and refreshments will be provided for all invited guests. (Pssst: Reception crashers are most welcome!)
Uniforms, bridal gowns, an infant funerary gown, and summer affair dresses are clothes that tell the story of these individuals in their earlier lives.
You are invited to converse with, or salute, the mannequins, but kindly refrain from shaking their hands. We know, of course, that you would never touch these honored guests or their historic apparel. You may, however, shake hands with the real-life, human manifestations of some of the mannequins or their descendants. At the event will be some of the kind donors who gifted Morrison Historical Society with heirloom clothing.
Meet your United States Postal Service carrier, Harry Horning, pushing his mail bag. His uniform, jacket, and hat adorn the mannequin. A newspaper retirement clipping accompanies the display.
Smile at two brides and view photographs after they glided down the aisle. The first woman is the newly-wed Harriett Schroeder. A nuptials photo shows her husband Edwin, his Best Man, Jay Wilkens, and the latter’s wife, Virginia, Harriett’s Maid of Honor. Jean Rawlins married Howard Nelson at Morrison United Methodist Church on November 18, 1942. Her gown, train, and veil and their wedding photo are on display.
Helen Volckmann, wife of Brigadier General Russell Volckmann, chose a yellow satin dress encrusted with sequins and beading on green velvet, for her visit to an elegant White House State Dinner. Nearly 47 years ago, the couple were invited by President Lyndon Baines Johnson and his wife to honor Philippines President and Mrs. Ferdinand Marcos, on September 14, 1966. Mrs. Volkmann or her son hopes to tell you that story on July 27.
Two U. S. servicemen face each other in the Hearth Room. The United States Navy uniform belonged to Gerald L. Hook. He is shown at the time in an accompanying photo, taken during the 1940’s. Captain Rick Reichert wears a Class A Army uniform of the Signal Corps. He wore it from 1984 to 1987.
Nine other mannequins will attend the reception Sunday, July 27. They look forward to meeting you, as you “Meet the Mannequins.”