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The Chisago County Historical Society is pleased to announce there’s a new exhibit at the courthouse in Center City.  “Chisago County Collects: Old and Interesting” is arranged in the four display cases on the first floor and highlights antique and vintage items that have been collected by local residents.  

The exhibit is showcasing a portion of Nancy Cartier’s collection of “sad irons”.  Sad is an old word for “heavy”.  These were heated on a hot woodstove and used to iron the wrinkles out of clothing, linens, etc.  Looking at these gives one new appreciation for the easy care fabrics of today!

Also on display, Nancy Klammer’s collection of “invalid feeders” – small vessels that were used in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s to drip nourishment into the mouths of invalids being cared for at home.  Nancy’s collection started with one that was used by a family member in the 1890’s and expanded when she received a gift of several more from the estate of a “friend of a friend.”

The third case contains a portion of Neil Gatzow’s collection of men’s shaving paraphernalia.  Who knew that there were so many types of razors, blades, shaving kits, etc.?  (Note:  Due to a problem with the display case, Neil’s collection has been temporarily removed but a photo will show you what was there).The society is hoping to replace it as soon as possible.

The fourth case spotlights Lin Strong’s collection of advertising buttons from 1890’s to the 1960’s.  Lin has been collecting these celluloid and tin lithograph buttons for over 40 years.  They were initially given out as premiums in early cigarette and gum packages and progressed to cereal boxes and were handed out at events to advertise entertainers, etc.     

The exhibit will remain in place for several months.  Please stop by and have a look!   

“Folk Art” and a “Spring Fashion Show” and many other new displays continue, free to the public, at the History Center in downtown Lindstrom, open from 10-4 on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

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