Bloomington Military Museum
This canteen from World War I shows the “canteen art” that some servicemen did while in the trenches.
This photograph by Bloomington area veteran Harold Wagner shows one of the Japanese Surrender documents which were signed on Sept. 2, 1945.
Some old newspapers with huge headlines and articles are part of the museum.
This is just part of the glass case which takes up one wall.
Military Museum in Bloomington helps spread knowledge
By Ted Pennekamp
The village of Bloomington has quite a nice Military Museum in which people can view numerous items from World War I to the present day.
The museum is in downtown Bloomington above Ma’s Bakery in the Abraham-Hickok-Wetmore Post 148 American Legion Hall.
The museum’s historian and curator Dayle Meyer, a World War II veteran, said the museum began about eight years ago and several individuals and families have donated items since. In fact, all four walls are covered with items, including a glass display case full of items along the length of one wall.
“We might have to build more display cases if we keep going,” said Meyer. “People have been very generous. We appreciate it very much for helping us out.”
Meyer said that donations of items can come from anywhere, they don’t have to be from Bloomington. He also noted that people who donate items can have those items back should they ever want to. A lot of items would probably have been destroyed had they not been donated to the museum, said Meyer.
One of the first items one sees upon entering the museum is a photograph of Lincoln Abraham Jr., who was 17 years old when he died in Liverpool, England on Oct. 1, 1918 in World War I. Abraham is one of the veterans by which American Legion Post 148 gets its name.
An item that most military museums would not have is a photograph of the Japanese Surrender Documents of World War II, said Meyer, who noted that photos of the historic documents were taken by Bloomington area veteran Harold Wagner.
There are historic photos, military uniforms of all eras and branches of the service, medals, firearms, swords, helmets, canteens, old newspapers, and numerous other items including weapons and helmets from the Japanese and German military.
“Dayle has done a tremendous job,” said American Legion Post 148 Adjutant John Horkheimer.
“I had quite a bit of help,” replied Meyer.
Horkheimer said the museum helps to spread knowledge about United States military history that citizens or students might not gain in other ways.
“We accommodate school groups,” said Horkheimer. “The students we’ve had were enthusiastic and asked a lot of questions.”
Horkheimer and Meyer also said American Legion Post 148 is always looking for new veterans to join.
Any veterans wishing to become members, anyone wishing to donate items, or anyone seeking more information about the museum can call Dayle Meyer at (608) 994-2735 or John Horkheimer at (608) 994-2872.
