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Joint Gala at Prospect House Museum [UPDATED]
Published 9:53am Wednesday, January 9, 2013 Updated 11:57am Wednesday, January 9, 2013Working together closely, the Prospect House Museum and Otter Tail County Historical Society (OTCHS) raised almost $900 in a joint fundraiser gala in December. Two 1920′s-themed events brought people together over hors d’oeuvres, music and a bit of theatre for this $20 per-person fundraiser.
Chris Schuelke, director of OTCHS, donned a 1920’s hat and tie to play the role of “Cap” Colehour, owner of the Prospect House during that time. As Colehour, Schuelke recounted the story of early life, Civil War days, work in Chicago, and the move to Battle Lake in the 1880s for health reasons.
Two talented musicians gave solo performances in the beautiful furnished, holiday-decorated living room. Jake Dyrhaug, consummate jazz pianist and pastor of First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake, played keyboard and led guests in a 1920′s sing along. On the second evening, Dan Carlson, Band Director at M-State in Fergus Falls, gave an outstanding performance on trumpet with music from the period.
During the evening, Jay Johnson, “Cap’s” great-great grandson gave tours of the four-story museum, including the Civil War room with artifacts, letters, and mementoes dating to the civil war. Johnson’s wife, Abby, greeted guests in 1920′s flapper attire replete with feather headdress.
Johnson formed a nonprofit organization, the Prospect House Museum, in 2010 and turned operations over to the organization and its board of directors. The museum is open for tours year-around.
Both non-profit organizations would like to thank those who attended the gala events for their support.
