October 16, 2014 – Beecher Herald – Staff Reporter
Volunteers are needed for a Fall Festival at the Beecher Mausoleum from noon to dark on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014
Beecher Mausoleum Fall Festival flyer 11 1 14The festival, while still in the planning stages, will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the historic Beecher Mausoleum. It is also meant to be a party to honor and thank the many volunteers who have donated and helped to protect and preserve this historic national landmark.
One major cause for celebration is the replacement of the mausoleum roof, badly damaged by the passage of time and neglect. The huge undertaking, which will be done by volunteer labor, is expected to be completed within the month.
Often times, folks in and around Beecher are unaware of the existence of the mausoleum. This festival will be a chance for folks to visit, tour the interior, and to learn about some of the souls who once lived and worked in their town and its surrounding area.
Brian & Jill @ Will County Historical Musuem 9 2014The festival being envisioned, will carry a harvest theme, but with a touch of Halloween. Participants are asked to wear costumes–anything befitting the purpose that celebrates the past 100 years. That could mean anything from a period costume, historical characters to a favorite Disney character. Nothing ghoulish, please. Prizes will be awarded.
There will also be entertainment. The First Michigan Engineers, a group of Civil War, World War I, and World War II re-enactors will perform.
Food and beverages will be available.
Much of the success of this festival depends on volunteers. Therefore, the Beecher Mausoleum Guardian Angels Association is looking for a few of the following items:
Bales of hay,
* Autumnal harvest decorations, pumpkins, gourds, potted plants
* Vertical heater to use inside the mausoleum in case of inclement weather
* Popcorn machine, hot dog machine or grill, cotton candy machine (electric power will be available via generator)
* Items would be appreciated to donate for use as a fundraiser, such as bake sale items or home-canned jams and jellies, homemade candy apples
* Participants interested in setting up a quilting display, or any other historical items, tooling, medical equipment etc
If anyone is interested in helping out or wants to donate one or more of the above items, or has anything else they would like to add, please contact Sandra Thielman at her home, (815) 728-8318, her office (815) 788-9710, or via email at sandra@beechermausoleum.org.