Throughout 2015 the Northfield Historical Society has been celebrating 40 years of collecting and preserving Northfield’s history. The rotating “40 For 40” exhibit has been an opportunity to showcase important aspects of our shared history using the objects donated to NHS over the years.
Choosing only 40 broad themes that are indicative of the Northfield story has been a challenge because so many wonderful items have been donated over the years, and so many interesting stories have been capture. Regrettably, the three short exhibitions of items that have made up the 40 For 40 exhibit have barely scratched the surface of all there is to share about Northfield’s past.
As the final installment of the year-long exhibit is displayed, we hope that people of Northfield feel a sense of pride at their rich history, and that they continue to collect and donate items to preserve them and deepen the continuing story. Just imagine what the next 40 years might bring.
The final 40 For 40 exhibit opens on October 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Northfield Historical Society, 408 Division Street.
Here is a sneak peek at what the final installment will feature:
Wellstone Button and Bumper Sticker
Paul Wellstone’s political buttons and bumper stickers could be seen all around Northfield when the former Carleton College political science professor was campaigning. His grassroots style and his agenda of social justice made him memorable. Even today, green and white “Wellstone!” bumper stickers can be seen on vehicles in the community.
Pennant
Felt pennants were a popular decoration for the students at Northfield High School who were eager to show their school spirit. This pennant belonged to Hilda Schrader from the class of 1913. Many items from Hilda’s high school days have been donated to NHS in recent years.
Grand Theater Chair
The Ware Auditorium was renamed the Grand Theatre by Everett Dilley. Dilley had
an interest in “moving pictures,” and the theater regularly began to show silent movies as well as live theater under his ownership. An organ was purchased to accompany silent movies, and in 1929 the first “talkie” was presented to the people of Northfield. This chair was most likely in use when the Grand Theatre presented the first movie with sound to a Northfield audience.