A new veterans museum will open soon at Eagle Station in Patterson.
A grand opening for the museum will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at 3507 Williams Street in Patterson.
Rhonda Cooper gave details about the artifacts and collections featured in the new museum during an interview with The Times last week.
The museum’s creation has been spearheaded by Patterson High School alumnus Frances Thomas Wilbur. Wilbur is the daughter of Nesbert and Thelma Thomas. Mr. Thomas was a former Mayor of Patterson.
Wilbur’s collection dates back to her high school days in Patterson. She recalls that her class was given a choice between taking a final exam or doing a project. The idea to feature veterans came from a series the Atlanta Journal Constitution was publishing at the time. The ideas there became the basis for the research project. Wilbur’s scrapbook became the starting point for the Never Forgotten Museum at Eagle Station. Launched with Wilbur’s private collection, the museum features artifacts and memorabilia from and about local veterans and covers all conflicts America’s armed forces have participated in. Wars covered include the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Indian Wars, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War (both Union and Confederate), the Spanish-American War,
Open House will be held Thursday, March 20 beginning at 5 p.m.
World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm/Desert Shield and the Global War on Terror. Artifacts and displays include Native American axe heads and knives dating from 1600, a pistol from the Indian Wars, a sword from the Civil War and a gas mask from World War I among other items. The museum’s goal is to ensure the contributions of local veterans are “never forgotten.”
In an effort to record the history of those who served, all Pierce County Veterans are requested to share a photo of themselves with a description of service, so they can be honored for their service to the country at the museum. Cooper and Wilbur invite everyone to come to the event.
