New path for Old Trails Museum

Richard Randall honored and new board members elected

In step with the changes occurring in Winslow these days ­ there appears to be new excitement in the air for the Winslow Historical Society.

Last Friday night in downtown Winslow the historical society hosted a fundraising dinner to over 50 people, both members and non-members alike. This yearly event was significant to the musuem and historical society because new museum board members were elected, and an honor was given to the retiring Museum President Richard Randall.

Randall, who has been president of the Winslow Historical Society since 1982, was officially honored with the title ­ Winslow Historical Society President Emeritus.

"I would like to see the museum keep going in the direction it is going now. It has done this community a lot of good," Randall said.

Board Member Pat Raygar presented the award to Randall, thanking him for his dedication and service to this important cultural institution of Winslow.

Local volunteers like Dan Lutzick and Randy Hummel were recognized for their services, which museum board members said kept the museum going.

A common sentiment in the crowd that night was that stronger the museum is ­ then the stronger this community will be.

Karen Harvey, owner of Dominique's Hallmark, just a few doors down from the museum, testified to the museum importance to tourism in town.

"I hear a lot of positive comments from tourists coming into town. They think that place is great," she said.

Interest in the museum is growing. In 2004, there was a recorded 906 visitors to the museum. In 2005, there were 2,576 visitors recorded.

Board members said that increased and consistent hours of operation at the museum have contributed to its increase in popularity.

Randall said he would like to see the museum's back room storage be cleaned out and used to expand the public display space, which could make the museum almost twice as big as it is now.

With roof and security problems fixed, volunteers are now facing the daunting task of going through their collections and trying to update to a computer cataloging system used by most other museums.

After everyone at the fundraiser was treated to Neil Harrah's barbeque beef, they were entertained by Mel Bradshaw, a cowboy musician and artist.

After the entertainment, paid museum members elected nine people to their board.

Those elected were: Sue Bumpus, Linda Chambers, Randy Hummel, Dan Lutzick, Sandra Martinez, Bert Peterson, Patricia Paygor, Bert Sorenson, and Sue Tecklenburg.

"This was the first time I've ever seen a fundraiser like this. I hope they can continue like this," said Mariellen Plese, a seven year member.