2003 Year in Review

Eagle Scout Project Serves Morrison's Heritage Museum

The Morrison Historical Society opened its newly-remodeled museum on Sunday, April 27. Nearly two hundred guests explored two floors of vignettes and display cases that showcase Morrison’s past. There was much to see, read, and learn.

Often, in a museum, the sign that informs us about a display or an item is taken for granted. Roped barricades are merely something to lean over, when you would prefer a closer look at an item. Few people wonder how this equipment was obtained. The members of the Historical Society are not so inclined.

We are thrilled with the new sign stands and white barricades! They were created for us as part of Ryan Damhoff’s Eagle Scout project. This is the highest honor a Boy Scout can attain, and a comprehensive service project is a major aspect of the award.

Ryan’s construction project took a month. It included seeking permission from Scout Master Steve Gatz and Historical Society board members. His parents, Arnie and Linda Damhoff, and five additional Boy Scouts were actively involved in the task: Matt Drosopoulos, Larry Gatz, Eli Gravert, Curtis Stuart, and Doug Vandermyde.

Father and son built a prototype of the sign stand and showed it to the Historical Society board members. Next, the team cut all the wood pieces and pre-drilled the holes. Sanding and staining the sign stands began at the same time as priming the barricades. They varnished the signs, painted the barricades, touched up the stain, and had Spahn and Rose cut plexiglas sign covers. This collaborative effort made it possible to meet the deadline for the museum opening.

Morrison’s Heritage Museum now has 10 sign stands and 10 barricades to serve our patrons. These wooden sentinels will be on duty each day, helping inform people or protecting artifacts. We are so grateful to the Damhoff family and Ryan’s Boy Scout friends for these useful items!

“Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands,” wrote young Anne Frank in her diary. Ryan Damhoff is well on his way to constructing a fine character for himself.

by Stephanie A. Vavra, Guest Columnist
May 1, 2003