Herbert C. Morrison

Herbert C. Morrison graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1919. After a year at Wabash College (his father was a Wabash Alumnus), Morrison took a job at Crawfordsville State Bank and began his lustrous career. In 1927 Elston Bank and Crawfordsville State Bank merged and in 1941 he became the bank president. After 29 years in this role he retired in 1970.

Senior Picture, Crawfordsville High School Yearbook

This painting of Morrison is in the Carnegie Museum

Elston bank was acquired by National City Bank in 1991 and then National City was acquired by PNC in 2008. The Elston Bank name can still be seen on the buildings at 201 East Main Street and 101 West Main Street.

March 1, 2014 the Carnegie Museum will re-open, be sure to stop by and learn about Montgomery County History!

In Honor of National Puzzle Day

Do you celebrate National Puzzle Day in January every year? If not, consider stopping by the Carnegie Museum beginning March 1 to enjoy Montgomery County and world history. The featured puzzle can teach which cities had populations of over 500,000 and which were the largest in the world during World War II.

There is a section about Allied Nations, Axis Powers, and an explanation of "Why Sea Lanes and Airways are Shown as Curved Lines."  The Gorman Company, Chicago, partnered with Mercator Projection to create this splendid puzzle. Mercator Projection was developed in 1569 by Gerardus Mercator as a navigation tool.

Perfectly Played Paris

The 1916 CHS symphony.  Wilbur (back left) as a drum player.

Wilbur de Paris was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana on September 20, 1900 to Sidney G. and Fannie (Sarilda) Paris. This soon-to-be talented musician graduated from Lincoln School in 1915 and then became a CHS (Crawfordsville High School) Athenian. After leaving his hometown, he became one of the leading Jazz bandleaders in the mid-1900s.

1918 CHS Band; Wilbur (back left) as a tuba player.

Not only did Wilbur de Paris play the trombone with Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong, he led bands until 1961. He passed away on January 18, 1973.

Wilbur as trombone player.

Did you know? 
In 1958, Wilbur de Paris spent three months in Africa as a goodwill ambassador for the President, earning distinction for his dignity.

You can find out more about Wilbur de Paris in your Carnegie Museum (re-opening March 1st)! The Montgomery County WOW Gallery serves as a "Hall of Fame" for people, places, and things from Montgomery County. 

Mapped Out!

We've been busy here at the Carnegie taking down last year's How Does it Work? Exhibit. These big, empty rooms and cases will soon be filled with our new exhibit, Mapped Out! Have you ever wondered how some streets got their name or how mapping technology has changed over time? Be sure to come check it out when we reopen in March!

MAKING STUFF Wilder, Colder, Faster, and Safer!

As a proud member of the MAKING STUFF Outreach Community program, we are excited to announce that we have now received our box of four activity kits that we will be sharing with you! Those who participate with us will be exploring how to make things wilder, colder, faster, and safer.

The MAKING STUFF project is sponsored by NOVA, a television science show in its 40^th season. NOVA aims to educate its viewers by showing hour-long documentaries on numerous things such as the latest technology and things in nature. 

Closed for the season

The Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County is closed until March 1, 2014.

The museum is still open by appointment until our regular hours resume this spring!

See our web page at http://www.cdpl.lib.in.us/carnegie.php for upcoming details.

Elementary & Middle School Art Show

Tonight, and on display through December, the museum is displaying local artwork done by elementary and middle school students. There's big pictures, small pictures, colorful and black and white pictures, as well as everything in between. These kids are very talented and we are proud to display their works of art. So don't you miss out on being able to see it! Hope to see you soon!

-TONIGHT, November 14: reception for the artwork is from 5-7, light refreshments will be served