Wow – Halfway through August! This summer has been a blur or special and delightful activities, all of which took weeks of advance planning – busy time!           

Summer got off to a grand start with the June Jaunt. Those of you who attended the Saturday event at El Quartelejo Museum were well-entertained by the talented trio, Blue Steele. What a pleasant afternoon!          

We began work immediately on the All-School Reunion sports display in the temporary gallery. That took more than two weeks of research and photo copying. Our visitors enjoyed that display, even though we wern’t able to highlight every winning team from every year! And believe me, there were those who let us know we’d missed a few “really important teams!”

We had a great turn-out of alumni and friends during the three day reunion and many carried away duplicate copies of high school annuals we had been storing for many years. We still have a couple of boxes of those, so we might have that one you are looking for. Come out and see.

The historical society received a unique gift earlier this year in the form of a $100 check from the Schwanke family, honoring the 100^th birthday of their mother, Louise Schwanke. We often receive memorial gifts, but what a lovely way to pay tribute to a living loved one! Perhaps that will inspire you to do the same.

El Quartelejo Museum and The Jerry Thomas Gallery have enjoyed a good increase in visitation this season, and our gift shop has been very popular. If you’re looking for unique gifts, come check us out. Jerry Thomas prints that are carried in the gift shop are currently half price, so this is a good time to think about Christmas! And do remember our galleries when you are entertaining family and friends from out of town. This is a great place to spend some time.

We have just scheduled a speaking engagement and book signing with Stew Magnuson, author of “The Last American Highway.” (Highway 83) Although our galleries are not on Highway 83, Scott City and the State Park are both highlighted in his book. The book is well-written, and he is very easy to visit with on the phone. That event will take place on Thursday, September 24^th, at 7:00 p.m. at the museum. More details later, but put that date on your calendar.

We are saddened by the recent loss of long-time members, Margaret Lee and Margaret Harper, but a most sincere welcome to new members: Fran Work, Larry & Pat Snow, Norma Cunningham, Art & Stephanie Gomez and Joy Haverfield.

Dog Days of Summer ~ Endure/Enjoy!