Museum unveils new salute to Bicycle Band October 1
The Clinton County Historical Museum, Paine-Gillam-Scott House is pleased to announce an unveiling ceremony of “The Drummer”, on the grounds of the museum located on the west side of the Courthouse Square in St Johns, MI. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 1 at 11:00 a.m. on the grounds of the museum; and some seating will be available.
Designed and created by well-known, local artist, Ivan Iler, “The Drummer” pays homage to the St. Johns Bicycle Band that performed in parades and shows from 1886 to 1891. The thirteen young men all from St Johns and the surrounding area, played their band instruments while riding high wheeled bicycles. At the time, the band was thought to be the only one of its kind in the world.
Bill McCarthy, a long-time volunteer at the museum, had spent several years in pursuit of an authentic high wheel bicycle to display at the museum but discovered that the bicycles are in high demand and difficult to find. After the death of his wife Rosemary in May 2021, Bill decided to use donations made to the museum in his wife’s memory to create a reproduction of a high wheeled bike. He approached Iler to design and create the sculpture and as they say, “the rest is history.”
Iler was immediately intrigued about the project. “I had no idea that the SJ Bicycle Band even existed and was honored that Bill included me on this project. Its exciting to create art that represents history and I am so pleased I am able to be a part of this.”
Although Bill passed away unexpectedly in June, his family and museum volunteers were determined to see the project through to completion. Local St Johns company, Smith Lawnscaping is creating the concrete base as well as the landscaping around the sculpture to complete the project.
Refreshments will be available. For those interested in more information about the SJBB, the Museum will also be open to the public from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 1.
Homegrown Productions presents Musical Comedy in October
Homegrown Productions presents The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 written by John Bishop and presented by permission of Dramatists Play Service will be o the following dates:
Friday, October 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 9 at 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 16 at 3:00 p.m.
It’s not a musical, it’s a comedy. A little music, a little mayhem, a murder here or there.
Starring Kallie Marrison, M.D. Nelson, Sandy Thomasson, Ralph Sims, Michelle Hill, Bob Murrell, Debbie Lundeen, Darryl Schmitz, Marci Balogh, and Christopher Hibbs, all performances will be held at the Wilson Center Auditorium, 101 W Cass Street in St. Johns.
Tickets are $15 general admission and $12 students and seniors. Tickets will be available at the door.
Homegrown Productions is supported by Clinton County Arts Council, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Museum undergoing exciting changes
The Paine-Gillam-Scott House has gone through changes through the inside of the house. They opened this spring featuring new repairs and interior design changes. Now the museum is getting a facelift outside.
The work will continue in a few areas, but you are invited to visit and view the changes made to the inside and outside of the house. Thanks to Michigan Graphics for installing the pediments over the exterior windows.
Don’t forget the Swegles General Store and the Carriage house. They continue to receive artifacts with local provenance for all buildings in the complex, and there is always something new to see. Don’t forget to view the 2022 display of the notable people born in Clinton County. You may be surprised what they accomplished in their lifetime.
The complex is open Wednesdays 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Closed holiday weekends and is located at 106 Maple St., west of the Courthouse. For questions call 989-224-2894 or 989-292-9096. Email them at pgsmuseum@gmail.com, the website pgsmuseum.com and Facebook at Clinton County Historical Museum, Paine-Gillam-Scott House.
Rotary honors First Responders
by Maralyn Fink
On Tuesday, September 20 the St. Johns Rotary Club honored local First Responders/Heroes at their weekly Luncheon Meeting at Clinton Commons.
“St. Johns Rotarians were pleased to honor our community’s First Responders/Heroes in recognition of the 9-11 historical Patriots Day, and we especially thank our local Heroes, who steadfastly serve our community with pride and dedication,” said Rotary Club President Chris Brewbaker. “We’re also excited to celebrate the amazing new First Responders’ Art Mural on St. Johns Fire Hall that we helped sponsor. The motor vehicle traffic on M-21 that goes by this Art Mural is incredible and provides great statewide visibility to our dedicated St. Johns Area First Responders.”
Following is the list of honorees who received Certificates of Appreciation from Rotary
– St. Johns Fire Department Jordan Whitford, Chief
– St. Johns Wastewater Department Jordan Whitford, Manager
– St. Johns Police Department David Kirk, Chief
– St. Johns Department of Public Works Jeremy Ritter, Supervisor (represented by Jeff Pease, Asst. Supervisor)
– St. Johns Department of Public Services Steven Martin, Director
– St. Johns Water Division Justin Smith, Supervisor
– Clinton Area Ambulance Service Authority Lynn Weber, Director
– Clinton County 911 Emergency Operations Center Christine Collum, Director (represented by Aaron Spitzley and Christina Finch)
– Clinton County Sheriff’s Department Sean Dush, Sheriff
– Sparrow Clinton Hospital Emergency Department Diane Simon, Manager
– Sparrow Clinton Hospital Pharmacy Danielle Rodewald, Manager
– St. Johns Public Schools Mark Palmer, Superintendent
Also during the morning of September 20, 2022, local Rotarians delivered a dozen delicious cupcakes to the 12 places of work for First Responders and their co-workers. as appreciation for their dedicated service to St. Johns community.
Finally, Mural Artist Tracie Davis was the guest speaker both at the St. Johns Rotary Club Luncheon and in front of the Art Mural on St. Johns Fire Hall wall. She thanked the Rotarians for their generous donation and for being a key sponsor along with State Rep. Graham Filler and others.
“Of all the Art Murals that I’ve done in the Greater Lansing Area, this is my favorite,” said Artist Tracie Davis. “It means so much to me to include children, adults, and our First Responders to help paint it over the last few months. To see the new St. Johns First Responders Art Mural finally be finished, it’s a privilege to honor our local First Responders for their amazing work every day and night in our community to keep us safe and serve the general public and local businesses.”
St John’s Lutheran hosts 3rd Annual Oktoberfest October 14
You are invited to the 3rd Annual Oktoberfest Celebration at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Friday, October 14 from 6-9 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 511 E. Sturgis St. in Saint Johns.
This year they have added a live polka band straight out of Frankenmuth, “The Polka Riot.”
There will also be a silent auction with dozens of interesting and amazing items. Cash, checks, and credit accepted for the auction.
Included with your ticket is a full traditional Oktoberfest meal, including brats, hot dogs, potato salad, mac and cheese, sauerkraut, applesauce, desserts and beverages. Beer and wine will be for sale.
Tickets are $15 and are available at the church office. Just call 989.224.6796 or visit the church office Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. to order your tickets.
Jewelry Making and Bead Swap is September 29
Bring your beads and your friends on Thursday, September 29 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. for a fun night of jewelry making and bead swapping, This bead swap is completely free, but please sign up so they know how many people will be in attendance for spacing.