Museum Grand Opening

The week before was crazy, trying to put the finishing touches on the Museum. Scott Dean and I (Robin Root) drove to Atlanta to pick up a computer donated by Gary Evans. Tents were set up, thanks to our neighbor city Grovetown. Landscaping was finally finished. Displays set, handouts printed, caterer briefed and agenda set. We were finally ready for the day we all anticipated.

At 8:00am, we began to welcome the “Sons of the Dessert” convention to Harlem, with a warm reception and continental breakfast. Everyone was asked to sign a poster board and were given hand outs of the days activities. After everyone had a chance to stretch and fill them selves with delicious food, we gave a big Welcome to all and huge thank you’s to the Museum committee for all their hard work. By the time we finished it was already 9:30am. Everyone was free to walk through town and see the points of interest (we provided a map).

At 10:00am, The Ribbon Cutting ceremony was underway. There were three television stations there and the local newspaper. Some of the residents came out and the “Sons of the Dessert” found their way to the Museum as Scott Dean, Mayor-ProTem started with a Welcome. The Woodmen of the World gave the Museum a flag, which the Boy Scouts put on the flagpole and began to raise as Mona Morris sang the National Anthem and the whole crowd joined in. It was wonderful! From there, the building was dedicated by Bette Sargent to Eugene Clary. This gentleman has donated $25,000.00 to the Museum. Senator Joey Brush read a letter of greetings from Governor Roy Barnes. Then it was my turn, I gave a brief history of how we got to the point of the Museum and thanked all for the hard work it took to get to this point. There were no relatives of the “Boys” present so we asked the celebrities that came to cut the ribbon as the Look-a-Likes (Dale and Dennis) held it at both ends. As the ribbon was cut all applauded. The celebrities were Jean Daring, Jerry Tucker and Dorothy Debora. As Stan and Oliver (the look a likes), fumbled with the door the cameras watched. Oliver opened the door (because Stan couldn’t figure out how to) and welcomed one and all into the Museum.

Movies were played in the theater “Babe’s Bijou”, donations of collectables were offered in front of cameras and to the donation table. The reception that we received from everyone was absolutely fantastic, above all we could have hoped for. There were only the best comments made and we enjoyed receiving them, which made all the work worth every minute. There were six countries represented at the opening, I’m only sure of a few: Netherlands, England, Ireland, and Canada.

We had many volunteers who offered that Southern Hospitality, helped to make sure everyone stayed comfortable and found what they needed. In the back of the Museum on the lawn, we offered cookies, popcorn, coke and lemonade. Also a chance to become a member of the Berth marks Tent.

Regretfully I was unable to speak with everyone. I felt as though I was being pulled from one conversation in another. Understanding I enjoyed every bit of it, but I would have loved to talk to everyone in length.

This is only the beginning of the trip we are about to take.
I know it is going to be great.

The next steps to take are

Some things will come in time but we are still always accepting donations to keep the Museum at float! And we’ll always be “a work in progress”!