POW camp at Ruston
Exhibit from National WWII Museum coming to Farmerville
A traveling exhibit from the National World War II Museum in New Orleans will be displayed for six weeks in the Union Museum of History and Art in Farmerville beginning June 17. “The Pelican State Goes To War: Louisiana in World War II” exhibit chronicles the herculean effort of Louisianans to prepare the United States for war through pictures, artifacts and stories. Several associated events will be held (see list below) and the exhibit will be open during the Louisiana Watermelon Festival July 26-27. “This will be an opportunity for area residents to see an outstanding display from the number three museum in the United States,” says Jean Jones, Union Museum exhibits coordinator. “We are honored to have been chosen as a host site for this meaningful collection that tells the story of people and times that changed the course of history.”
On December 8, 1941, just one day after the Pearl Harbor attacks, the United States officially entered World War II. Louisiana, however, was already front and center in the country’s defense preparations. From 1940 to 1945, Louisiana hosted the largest maneuvers in US military history, witnessed massive changes to its industrial base, and saw its citizens become enthusiastic contributors to what President Franklin D. Roosevelt deemed “The Arsenal of Democracy.” The war afforded new, previously unimaginable opportunities to Louisiana’s residents. Through it all, these wartime experiences in the Pelican State laid the groundwork for sweeping economic changes in the new, postwar world that emerged from the 20th century’s greatest struggle.
For more information, visit www.nationalww2museum.org
A traveling exhibit from the National World War II Museum in New Orleans will be displayed for six weeks in the Union Museum of History and Art in Farmerville beginning June 17. “The Pelican State Goes To War: Louisiana in World War II” exhibit chronicles the herculean effort of Louisianans to prepare the United States for war through pictures, artifacts and stories. Several associated events will be held (see list below) and the exhibit will be open during the Louisiana Watermelon Festival July 26-27. “This will be an opportunity for area residents to see an outstanding display from the number three museum in the United States,” says Jean Jones, Union Museum exhibits coordinator. “We are honored to have been chosen as a host site for this meaningful collection that tells the story of people and times that changed the course of history.”
On December 8, 1941, just one day after the Pearl Harbor attacks, the United States officially entered World War II. Louisiana, however, was already front and center in the country’s defense preparations. From 1940 to 1945, Louisiana hosted the largest maneuvers in US military history, witnessed massive changes to its industrial base, and saw its citizens become enthusiastic contributors to what President Franklin D. Roosevelt deemed “The Arsenal of Democracy.” The war afforded new, previously unimaginable opportunities to Louisiana’s residents. Through it all, these wartime experiences in the Pelican State laid the groundwork for sweeping economic changes in the new, postwar world that emerged from the 20th century’s greatest struggle.
For more information, visit www.nationalww2museum.org
Reception to honor WWII vets and munitions workers
A public reception from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, June 17 will open the "Pelican State Goes to War" exhibit in the Union Museum of History and Art, 116 N. Main St., Farmerville. The occasion will also honor 17 living Union Parish military veterans and munitions workers who served during World War II. The ceremony for veterans will be at 4 p.m. in the lobby of Origin Bank, across the street from the museum.
"Now in their 90s, these treasured people are living heroes," says Jean Jones, exhibits coordinator. "We want to tell them in person how much we appreciate their service to our country."
“The Pelican State Goes to War: Louisiana in World War II” is a traveling exhibit from the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, which selected the Union Museum of History and Art and seven other statewide venues as host sites. The local exhibit runs from June 17 through July 27.
Lead sponsors of the local exhibit and associated events are Marion State Bank and Origin Bank, with additional support from the Union Parish Tourist Commission.
A public reception from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, June 17 will open the "Pelican State Goes to War" exhibit in the Union Museum of History and Art, 116 N. Main St., Farmerville. The occasion will also honor 17 living Union Parish military veterans and munitions workers who served during World War II. The ceremony for veterans will be at 4 p.m. in the lobby of Origin Bank, across the street from the museum.
"Now in their 90s, these treasured people are living heroes," says Jean Jones, exhibits coordinator. "We want to tell them in person how much we appreciate their service to our country."
“The Pelican State Goes to War: Louisiana in World War II” is a traveling exhibit from the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, which selected the Union Museum of History and Art and seven other statewide venues as host sites. The local exhibit runs from June 17 through July 27.
Lead sponsors of the local exhibit and associated events are Marion State Bank and Origin Bank, with additional support from the Union Parish Tourist Commission.
Events planned during WWII exhibit
June 17, 4 to 6 p.m. -- Opening reception at museum, with honored guests: World War II military veterans and munitions workers of Union Parish. Public is invited. Ceremony for veterans will be at 4 p.m. in the lobby of Origin Bank (across the street from the museum)
June 22, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. -- “Hershey Bar Day,” in museum, with free chocolate bars for all visitors. The famed Hershey bar began its life as a lowly field ration for WWII soldiers, who reported that the bar was dense and tasteless. Between 1940 and 1945, some 3 billion of the Hershey D ration and Tropical Bars were distributed to soldiers throughout the world. Following the war, the Hershey company changed the formula to the tasty, sweet bar we know today.
July 11, 5 p.m. in Union Parish Library, 202 W. Jackson St., Farmerville -- “Ruston POW Camp of WWII,” talk by Wesley Harris, author of Fish Out of Water: Nazi Submariners as Prisoners in North Louisiana During World War II. Built in 1942 on 770 acres just northwest of Ruston, Camp Ruston was one of the largest prisoner of war camps in the United States. At its peak , the camp held 4,315 prisoners.
July 13, 11 a.m. in the LSU AgCenter, 210 E. Water St., Farmerville --- “Victory Gardens, Then and Now,” demonstration by Marianna Langston, SU Extension Office nutritionist. The Victory Garden campaign was a successful means of boosting morale, expressing patriotism, and safeguarding against food shortages on the home front. A renaissance home garden movement has begun in recent years to promote self-sufficiency and healthy eating.
July 18, 5 p.m. in Union Parish Library, 202 W. Jackson St., Farmerville -- “My Father’s Memoirs of WWII in Europe,” talk by Carole Cotton Winn, author of My Darling: A World War II Scrapbook, a personal account of wartime as experienced by William Davis Cotton of Rayville. Winn will describe her father’s deployment with the Transportation Corps and his involvement in the planning of D-Day and other transformative events of the war.
July 23, 5 p.m. in Union Parish Library, 202 W. Jackson St., Farmerville -- “Flying the Hump,” talk by WWII veteran Jay Vinyard about his experiences flying military transports over the Himalayas into China 1942-1945. The India–China airlift delivered approximately 650,000 tons of materiel to China at great cost in men and aircraft during its 42-month history.
June 17, 4 to 6 p.m. -- Opening reception at museum, with honored guests: World War II military veterans and munitions workers of Union Parish. Public is invited. Ceremony for veterans will be at 4 p.m. in the lobby of Origin Bank (across the street from the museum)
June 22, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. -- “Hershey Bar Day,” in museum, with free chocolate bars for all visitors. The famed Hershey bar began its life as a lowly field ration for WWII soldiers, who reported that the bar was dense and tasteless. Between 1940 and 1945, some 3 billion of the Hershey D ration and Tropical Bars were distributed to soldiers throughout the world. Following the war, the Hershey company changed the formula to the tasty, sweet bar we know today.
July 11, 5 p.m. in Union Parish Library, 202 W. Jackson St., Farmerville -- “Ruston POW Camp of WWII,” talk by Wesley Harris, author of Fish Out of Water: Nazi Submariners as Prisoners in North Louisiana During World War II. Built in 1942 on 770 acres just northwest of Ruston, Camp Ruston was one of the largest prisoner of war camps in the United States. At its peak , the camp held 4,315 prisoners.
July 13, 11 a.m. in the LSU AgCenter, 210 E. Water St., Farmerville --- “Victory Gardens, Then and Now,” demonstration by Marianna Langston, SU Extension Office nutritionist. The Victory Garden campaign was a successful means of boosting morale, expressing patriotism, and safeguarding against food shortages on the home front. A renaissance home garden movement has begun in recent years to promote self-sufficiency and healthy eating.
July 18, 5 p.m. in Union Parish Library, 202 W. Jackson St., Farmerville -- “My Father’s Memoirs of WWII in Europe,” talk by Carole Cotton Winn, author of My Darling: A World War II Scrapbook, a personal account of wartime as experienced by William Davis Cotton of Rayville. Winn will describe her father’s deployment with the Transportation Corps and his involvement in the planning of D-Day and other transformative events of the war.
July 23, 5 p.m. in Union Parish Library, 202 W. Jackson St., Farmerville -- “Flying the Hump,” talk by WWII veteran Jay Vinyard about his experiences flying military transports over the Himalayas into China 1942-1945. The India–China airlift delivered approximately 650,000 tons of materiel to China at great cost in men and aircraft during its 42-month history.
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Art installation dedicated in Farmerville
The "Fishing Fantasy" art installation designed by local mosaic artist Jamie Anderson was unveiled and publicly dedicated Friday, Dec. 28, at its location on the south lawn of the Union Parish Courthouse in Farmerville. The Union Museum of History and Art led the project as a gift to the community. Second Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Jay McCallum and Farmerville Mayor M. Stein Baughman Jr. spoke briefly during the dedication ceremonies, emceed by museum board chairman Brittany Unkel.
The seven-foot tall concrete sculpture is sheathed in colorful glass pieces and depicts rippling blue waters, many-hued fish, and abundant sunshine so beloved in Union Parish.
The museum board is grateful to Anderson and others who made this project possible: the Union Parish Police Jury; James Gatson, concrete contractor; Brooke Foy, public art consultant; and all donors who purchased commemorative bricks.
This project was supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Inc. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works.”
The "Fishing Fantasy" art installation designed by local mosaic artist Jamie Anderson was unveiled and publicly dedicated Friday, Dec. 28, at its location on the south lawn of the Union Parish Courthouse in Farmerville. The Union Museum of History and Art led the project as a gift to the community. Second Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Jay McCallum and Farmerville Mayor M. Stein Baughman Jr. spoke briefly during the dedication ceremonies, emceed by museum board chairman Brittany Unkel.
The seven-foot tall concrete sculpture is sheathed in colorful glass pieces and depicts rippling blue waters, many-hued fish, and abundant sunshine so beloved in Union Parish.
The museum board is grateful to Anderson and others who made this project possible: the Union Parish Police Jury; James Gatson, concrete contractor; Brooke Foy, public art consultant; and all donors who purchased commemorative bricks.
This project was supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Inc. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works.”
Artist Jamie Anderson, creator of the "Fishing Fantasy" sculpture, accepts a bouquet of flowers at the dedication Friday, Dec. 28
Dedication ceremonies were emceed by Brittany Unkel (right), chairman of the Board of Directors, Union Museum of History and Art. Speaking briefly were Second Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Jay McCallum (left), Farmerville Mayor M. Stein Baughman Jr., and artist Jamie Anderson.
The newly installed "Fishing Fantasy" sculpture is located on the south lawn of the Union Parish Courthouse. The project was supported by 55 individuals and organizations who purchased commemorative bricks, and by a state arts grant.
Union Museum of History and Art gratefully acknowledges arts grants
Several projects of the Union Museum of History and Art have been supported by grants from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Inc. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works.”
Several projects of the Union Museum of History and Art have been supported by grants from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Inc. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works.”
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"First Friends" of the Museum
Sincere thanks go to these individuals and organizations that launched the museum in 2014
by underwriting the gallery construction expenses.
The Lions Club of Farmerville - Lighting System Sponsor
Union General Hospital - Community Showcase Sponsor
Bruce and Cindy Hampton - Large Display Panel Sponsor (2)
Plum Creek -- Lead Flooring Sponsor
Architecture +, Monroe, LA
The Carr Family - Fred, Tommy, Jeffery, Tinnie, and Deanna -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Community Trust Bank (now Origin Bank) -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
The Futch Family - Alan, Lance,Todd, and Jimmye Carol -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
The Gazette -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Steve and Jean Jones -- Flooring Sponsor
Kilpatrick Funeral Homes -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Nancy Love -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Read Lumber and Supply -- Flooring Sponsor
Jerry and Joan Taylor -- Flooring Sponsor
Brittany and Steve Unkel -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Ricky and Debbie Albritton -- Display Panel Sponsor
The Banner -- Display Panel Sponsor
John Belton -- Display Panel Sponsor
Dr. Clyde Brashier -- Display Panel Sponsor
Town of Farmerville -- Display Panel Sponsor
Lum and Dottie Farr -- Display Panel Sponsor
The Museum is forever indebted to the Union Parish Chamber of Commerce, which began the museum idea as a special study project in 2011. The Chamber's Board of Directors enabled the concept to become a reality, and today the Union Museum of History and Art is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose exhibit gallery is located in the Chamber building.
Sincere thanks go to these individuals and organizations that launched the museum in 2014
by underwriting the gallery construction expenses.
The Lions Club of Farmerville - Lighting System Sponsor
Union General Hospital - Community Showcase Sponsor
Bruce and Cindy Hampton - Large Display Panel Sponsor (2)
Plum Creek -- Lead Flooring Sponsor
Architecture +, Monroe, LA
The Carr Family - Fred, Tommy, Jeffery, Tinnie, and Deanna -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Community Trust Bank (now Origin Bank) -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
The Futch Family - Alan, Lance,Todd, and Jimmye Carol -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
The Gazette -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Steve and Jean Jones -- Flooring Sponsor
Kilpatrick Funeral Homes -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Nancy Love -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Read Lumber and Supply -- Flooring Sponsor
Jerry and Joan Taylor -- Flooring Sponsor
Brittany and Steve Unkel -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Ricky and Debbie Albritton -- Display Panel Sponsor
The Banner -- Display Panel Sponsor
John Belton -- Display Panel Sponsor
Dr. Clyde Brashier -- Display Panel Sponsor
Town of Farmerville -- Display Panel Sponsor
Lum and Dottie Farr -- Display Panel Sponsor
The Museum is forever indebted to the Union Parish Chamber of Commerce, which began the museum idea as a special study project in 2011. The Chamber's Board of Directors enabled the concept to become a reality, and today the Union Museum of History and Art is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose exhibit gallery is located in the Chamber building.
