The Plano Historical Society has been meeting quietly for several years, collecting items, and planning. Finally, they dreams have come true, with the opening a new Museum at 4 S. West Street in downtown Plano.
Plano Area Chamber of Commerce assisted in a ribbon-cutting at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. The Museum will be open most Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with additional opportunities to visit by appointment.
The Museum features several cases and wall displays as well as a visual media presentation featuring photographs that just would not fit otherwise!
The history of Plano encompasses a rich manufacturing and farming heritage. Many know of Plano as the “Birthplace of the Harvester.” It has been the site of many other manufacturers, including Plano Molding, now part of Pure Fishing, which makes molded plastic items of all sorts, most notably their plastic tackle boxes, Fox Valley Molding, which makes custom molded plastic items and parts, Federal Huber which once manufactured plumbing fixtures, Gray Stamping, which produced metal items, including toys that went into Cracker Jack boxes, Davis Manufacturing, which made items such as vacuum cleaners, portable car heaters and other small appliances, two of which are on display at the Museum, and multiple foundries as well as other small companies which made items such as metal beds, swings, and ladders.
Other businesses that called Plano home include a movie theater, dry goods stores, hardware stores, photographers, judges, and animal breeders. Exhibited at the museum are articles of clothing, business promotions, photographs, historical documents, and some appliances manufactured in Plano.
There will be rotating temporary displays as well as new donations. Historical items are accepted on loan, with the approval of the Historical Society. There are even Plano mysteries to discover. The Historical Society hopes visitors will help them identify and offer information about several items in their collection.
The Museum has three publications available for purchase. The 2023 calendars sell for $10 each. The Plano Images of America Book is on sale for $15, and the book, Better than the Reaper, is available for $10. Now through January 7, 2023, all three items may be purchased together at a special holiday offer of $30. Cash or check is accepted. In the new year, the Historical Society plans to offer credit card sales.
The Plano Historical Society is actually a young group which formed in 2007. Before that there was a group of history buffs who called themselves “Plano’s Past.” They met for a few years and the fruits of their labors are among those items on display at the new Museum. Some members of Plano’s Past have joined this new Historical Society. There are records of a much earlier Historical Society in Plano. Of course, as these types of groups come and go, enthusiastic membership is of utmost importance. The future depends on dedicated individuals who can and will help out and promote membership. Right now, the momentum is definitely in their favor, and the addition of this Museum has breathed new life into the organization.
This hardy group of 10 members has pulled off quite a feat in bringing the Museum to Plano. They are thrilled to see increased interest in the City’s history and the artifacts they are protecting. They would love to see new members join them, too. Membership in the Plano Historical Society is just $15 annually. A lifetime membership is available for $100. The Historical Society holds monthly meetings at 6 p.m. on the last Tuesday each month.
Inquiries and research questions may be directed to Plano Historical Society at planoilhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
Barb Nadeau is the community relations manager for the Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois, representing five counties. Barb’s career includes many years as a professional television and radio host, as well as a print and social media journalist, and as a volunteer coordination professional, networking amongst non-profit social service agencies throughout Illinois. She is a freelance writer and an elected alderman in the City of Plano. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.