November 2013 Veterans Exhibit at Niles Public Library Honors WACs and JFK

This fall’s November Veterans Day exhibit acknowledges the contributions of the WACS, the Women’s Army Corps, during World War II and also honors the memory of the nation’s 35th President, John F. Kennedy,  who served with distinction in the U.S. Navy. Fifty years ago in August of 1963, he wrote

"Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction, 'I served in the United States Navy,'" 

The library acknowledges the help of the Niles Historical Society and its curator, Dan Smaczny, and the invaluable assistance of Niles resident, Chris Reuscher in mounting the exhibit. Dan arranged for the loan of the painting by the distinguished artist Konrad Hack. Once again, Chris shares historic uniforms from his personal collection and his considerable expertise in their display.

Here's a close-up of the Konrad Hack painting of General George Marshall and Colonel Oveta Culp Hobby,
"Inspecting the WAC," which now hangs back at its current home at the Niles Historical Society where the artist will appear in a public program on Saturday, November 23, from 2 - 4 pm.The NHS telephone number is 847-390-0160.

Annual May Memorial Day Exhibit





 May exhibit in the west display case of the Niles Public Libary honors America's fallen heroes, acknowledging the major contribution of Illinois native son, General John Logan, to the establishing of Decoration Day, the forerunner of Memorial Day. Major components of the exhibit include the distingushed work of artist Konrad F Hack - Death in a Corn Field, 2001 on loan from the 1st Division Museum in Cantigny, Illinois; an original gunpowder flask on loan from the Niles Historical Society, and Civil War replica artifacts loaned by the Pritzker Military Library. Also displayed is an original soldier's cap from the 37th Pennsylvania Regiment which belonged to a Mr. Neuman who had immigrated from Germany in the 1840s. The cap and identifying information were provided by Ken Schwuchow.

The library’s annual May display to honor our veterans and highlight the local Veteran’s History Project was initiated by Battle of the Bulge veteran, Al Aronson, of the US 28th Infantry Division or the “Keystone”/Bucket of Blood Division in 2009. Mr. Aronson’s interview transcript is available along with those of 51 other heroes in the 3rd floor Reference Department and via the library’s website at

http:/www.nileslibrary.org/vhp.

This year’s exhibit focuses on the Civil War, and the library acknowledges the generous courtesy of the Niles Historical Society and its curator, Dan Smaczny. The library also thanks the Pritzker Military Library and its outreach co-ordinator, Nancy Houghton.

This year’s exhibit again benefits greatly from the advice of Niles resident and World War II collector Chris Reuscher.  http://www.usww2uniforms.com/index.html.