The Mini Museum
What I refer to as a "Mini Museum" is located in the basement of my home and is a simple display area that features cases dedicated to certain eras and theaters of operation. This display area does not include the storage area, which will also be shared on this page.
A video produced by Shaw Spotlight
This is from a feature they have been promoting called Preserving History. The producer came to the house and shot some video and a story line of an poignant letter and artifact group in the collection
The U.S. Army Air Force Theaters
Two Artist Proof prints by Robert Bailey, Display cases for the European theater and China Burma India theater
Leading into the World War Two Area
Original V-E. Day newspaper from Lethbridge Alberta. Of course Betty Grable's famous pose.
The Canadian Soldier of World War Two
Interesting posters on the Cotton Industries War Effort contributions and two Victory Issues of Stars & Stripes. The Canadian soldier in full gear, with his No. 4 Lee Enfield
The American Soldier of World War Two
The American Soldier full outfitted for warm European continent service. He is carrying the M-1 Garand and late 1944 equipment.
World War One with Doughboy & Unit Photos
The Doughboy resting after setting barbed wire entanglements. The Unit photos are all from the 88th Division. The two papers above the trench image are, "The American Sentinel" published in Archangel Russia and "Here & There with the 31st" published in Vladivostok Siberia
Looking Into the Display Area from the Storage Room
The entire display area...truly a Mini Museum!!!
Civil War and Indian War era Artifacts
The 1876 Prairie belt and Mills 1880 belt are seen in this case. Additionally, the 1880 Hunting Knife, 1874 Hagner Entrenching tool, Colts 1849 and 1851 Percussion revolvers, as well as the 1855 Musket Cartridge Box, Cap pouch and bayonet, as well as the Civil War Canteen and 1874 Canteen.
World War Two Equipment
The case includes an original opened WW2 K-ration, Field Bag, Enamel Canteen, Cartridge Belt, Magazine Pouches and First Aid Dressing.
World War One Equipment, Left Wing
Along with the M1910 Cartridge belt and 1917 Bolo you will see the Colts M191 45 ACP pistol and the Springfield Armory M1911, 45 ACP pistol. Some mess equipment and the standard issue gas mask.
World War One Equipment, Right Wing
This case features the M1905 Bayonet, the T-Handle Shovel and entrenching Pick-Mattock. Early variations of he Cartridge Belt Canteen Carrier and 45 ACP magazine pouch are also included. The Manuals are for the M1917 Rifle and Soldier Manual.
European Theater of Operations Flight Equipment
Original B-17 Flying Fortress Operating manuals, Pilot's Information File, Flight Computer and variety of insignia and a named Type A-2 Flight Jacket.
China, Burma, India Theater U.S.A.A.F. Flight Jackets
The Hand Painted Chit on the back on of the Shearling Type D-1 jacket is augmented by a beautiful Tigers head on Chinese Nationalist insignia on the chest of the coat. The Type A-2 Jacket has a reverse shadow image of the 20th Air Force and Saipan. Aircrew snacks, and cigarettes round out this display case.
The Springfield Armory M1863 Civil War Musket and Cartridge Conversions, M1865 and M1866
Following the development of the Breech-Loading rifle this case features the M1863 Civil War 58 caliber Percussion Musket. The 58 Rimfire First Allin's Conversion, one of 5000 built and the M1866 50-70 Second Allin's Conversion one of 50,000 built
Original C.P.R. Caboose Stove with Ammo Crates and Dad's Trophy Mule Deer
A few Ammo and K-ration Crates next to and Original Canadian Pacific Railway Caboose Heating Stove