Column: But, can she dance?

column-but-can-she-dance

Dear readers,

Look closely at today’s photograph. It was snapped as Grover Museum Director Alex Krach reached into his pocket retrieving the keys to the museum and handing them over to Sarah Richardt, the museum’s new director.

Since the museum, known by me as “The Grover,” is a history museum, I was using my Kodak Brownie camera. I tried to get an action shot of Alex handing the keys to Sarah. Unfortunately, when I got the film developed the photo was blurred.

I’m not sure if the photo was blurred by the speed at which Alex handed over the keys or the speed of the shutter on my antique camera. I guess I should have used my cell phone. It’s just one more moment in history lost to future generations like the moment my pinewood derby car crossed the finish line in 1962.

Alex and his fiancé, Natalie Gearhart, are getting married and moving to Saranac Lake, New York. And no, I’m not officiating the nuptials at “The Helbing.”

Alex and Natalie passed on the chance to make some Shelby County history and become the first couple to tie the knot at The Helbing. I’m certain that Alex wanted to, but Natalie probably wanted the day to be about her and not me. 

Alex is leaving The Grover in good shape. If you haven’t visited recently, you really should do so. If you have young children, the museum hosts special days around most holidays. The kids can trick or treat at The Grover or meet Santa.

If you are an old-timer and grew up in Shelbyville, you really should avoid the holidays. Stop by The Grover some weekday when it isn’t busy. Revisit your youth. 

I recently spent an afternoon at The Grover and several displays triggered fond childhood memories. One of my favorite exhibits featured the Kennedy Car Liner. In later years the company was known as KCL.  When I was a boy, many people who worked there just called it “The Car Liner.” 

The exhibit features a memoir written by John Coffin titled “Memories of Frank Coffin, My Dad, and The Kennedy Car Liner.” 

John’s retrospective remembering both his father and a visit to where his dad worked is wonderful. Reading John’s reflections on his father and significant events in his life was a highlight of my trip.

Maybe for you it will be seeing the actual cash register from “Toyland” at the J.G. DePrez store on the public square. Yes, the cash register really is as big as you remember it.

So what does all of this have to do with the title of today’s column, “But, Can She Dance?” 

The title refers to the new museum director Sarah Richardt. Mark your calendar for October 20. The Grover is having an old fashioned “Sock Hop” as a fundraiser.

The event is being held at the Carl “Mac” McNeely Civic Center, also known as Paul Cross Gym for you old-timers. The band Common Ground will be playing all your favorite songs from the 1950s and 1960s. There will be great food, drinks, and a silent auction where a copy of my book may or may not be included. 

Call the museum at 317-392-4634 for reservations and details. It is a great opportunity to raise some money for The Grover, meet the new director, and find out if she can dance. 

See you all next week, same Schwinn time, same Schwinn channel.

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