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Maureen Dorgan Douglas will play harp
at 2 p.m., and Pat Miller with her guitar will provide Christmas
music and some singalong time at 3 p.m. Both are gifted local
musicians.
The open house is planned to welcome
village residents and out-of-towners alike to view the Knapp Library
and Museum at 101 S. Clinton in Middletown. The museum opened June
23, 2002, and the library opened July 1, 2003.
On display for the first time will be a
donated piece from the wing of the original Vin Fiz airplane, the
first plane ever to fly across the United States. The Vin Fiz ran
out of fuel and landed in Hinck's pasture at Middletown on Oct. 9,
1911, putting the community on the map of the historic flight. The
pilot, Cal Rodgers, had begun his transcontinental journey in New
Jersey and finished the flight in California in 72 days.
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On Oct. 6, 1986, Jim Lloyd of New York
re-created the original flight, retracing the same route. When he
landed in Middletown, he and his entourage were feted at the school
and church.
In the summer of 2002, Lloyd flew his
own modern plane at his own expense to visit Middletown during the
"Yesterday's Tomorrows" exhibit sponsored by the Smithsonian
Institute and co-sponsored by the Illinois Humanities Council. The
unique display he brought with him includes a photo of the original
Vin Fiz.
Visitors can
view the display at the Christmas open house. Refreshments will be
provided. The facility is handicapped-accessible.
[News release]
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