PRESERVING HISTORY–Tim Fahey and Charles Ratz are pictured with the Wm. Melly concrete block and marker that has been placed at Ratz Memorial Park.
The Red Bud Area Museum’s mission statement is to collect, preserve and display historical items from the Red Bud area for present and future generations to enjoy and become educated.
Since the museum opened in 2012, thousands of items have been donated by almost 400 generous people who are interested in preserving area history.
There is a constant search to continue providing history for future generations. Charles Ratz, chairman of the museum board, saw something advertised on a sale bill that caught his eye. It was a block of concrete inscribed: “19 Laid by 07, W.M. Melly, Red Bud, Ill.” So he bought it. Since it was too large for the museum, it was decided to put it at Ratz Memorial Park. Why there? It was placed near the site where the Melly family had their brickyard and kiln. It was felt it was the proper place to display it that is near the main shelter.
For more information, please see this week’s print edition.