Marie Louise Olmstead Memorial Museum
South Depot Street
Somonauk, Ilinois
(815) - 498-2417
Open Sundays
2:00 - 4:00 Pm
except holiday weekends
The Olmstead Museum has the
most extensive collection of local memorabilia in Dekalb County
and it has the most extensive natural history collection in LaSalle County;
truly, it has been described by an eminent Sycamore historian as "a
hidden gem".
Statement of Attorney Olmstead copied from original Museum Guide Book of 1924
MARIE LOUISE OLMSTEAD MEMORIAL is the name I have chosen for the collection which contains among its relics and curios the objects especially listed on the following pages, and many other which are constantly accumulating. For the information of those who do not know the reason for my choice of this name, I need only say that Marie Louise Olmstead was my beloved wife, who departed this life on October 30, 1916, and I wish to dedicate this collection to her memory. She was born at Lutzenhausen, in France, February 14,1860, and came to America with her parents, Frank and Marie Clair Miller, settling in LaSalle County, Illinois, sometime during the year of 1867. We were married at Somonauk, Illinois, October 7, 1884.
For a number of years I gathered up such relics as came my way, not anticipating that they would ever become so varied and numerous, until I was brought to such realization by the fact that my office, barn, cellar, and wood house all became more or less cluttered with them. I had no place for them and no inclination to give them up.
Some years ago while making a trip through the Rocky Mountains in company with my friend, C. A. Darnell, we were one day discussing my collection and remarking upon the confusion and lack of arrangement, which detracted so much from its educational value, when he suggested a plan which he urged me to carry out. This plan was subsequently adopted and has resulted in the building which now houses the collection ( a small cut of which is shown on the preceding page) and the more orderly arrangement which the contents of that building has assumed.
The rapid growth of the collection since its more orderly arrangement, has been due to the many contributions made by those who appreciate the educational value of such a collection and, as will be noticed, I have sought to give due credit to each contributor. While it has added greatly to the size of this little book to give such credit and mention, it has, nevertheless, been gladly done. I fear, that owing to the multitude of contributors, I may have omitted, in some instances, to give proper credit. Should this be found true, it will be a source of regret on my part and I shall heartily welcome suggestions for corrections, so that they may be made in the first of the annual or biennial supplements which it will be necessary to issue.
In closing this statement I wish to leave with all who may read it, the fact of my great thankfulness to all who have aided in any way in making the memorial complete and interesting and my appreciation, not only for the articles contributed, but also for the spirit in which, I am sure, all of them have been given.
Somonauk, Illinois, July 15, 1924.
We are pleased to announce the incorporation of Friends of the Olmstead Museum, a support group for maintenance and growth of the museum thru various financial avenues. Donations in the form of a check made out to Friends of the L.B.Olmstead Museum Inc. are greatly appreciated for the continued well-being of this fine museum. Donations may be sent to Mr. James Elliott, PO Box 265, Somonauk IL 60552. If you have questions or comments about Somonauk History, please send us an e-mail. We'd like to hear from you.
A member of the Friends Of The Olmstead Museum is seen here accepting a check from a Director of the Dekalb County Community Foundation. The check for $7000 was a grant received in support of the Olmstead Museum roof maintenance.
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11/19/1997
