The Iola Historical Society (IHS) has received a $2,000 grant for a musical instrument display.
The grant is from the Waupaca Area Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.
The grant of $2,000 along with a $3,600 gift from Maynard Stromberg will allow the historical society to start on its project of building a display case that will house a collection of finished violins, along with a residual supply of parts and the special tools used to make the violins.
The display case will run continuously, about 17 feet along two walls and 6 feet tall with sliding glass doors and shelves.
The violins were created by Engebret “Bert” J. Stromberg, of Iola. The collection was donated to the historical society last year by his son, 93-year-old Maynard Stromberg.
The violin parts will be displayed in the sequence in which they were made and showing the different stages of construction. The exhibit will also tell the story in words with each item so people can relate to and understand the tedious work involved in the making of a violin.
IHS is dedicated to promoting the preservation of historical data, artifacts, landmarks and architecture consistent with the history of Iola and the surrounding area. It also endeavors to increase an awareness of the importance of supporting the preservation of local, county, state and national history. IHS was established in 1953 and is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Anyone interested in making a donation, may contact IHS at P.O. Box 412, 210 Depot St., Iola, WI 54945, by e-mail at [email protected], or by calling 715-445-4652.