By ALEXANDRA NEWMAN

“A Day in the Life of Westchester Twp.”, currently on display at Westchester Twp. History Museum is definitely a “Must See” exhibit for everyone who lives in our little slice of heaven!

If you think that is an exaggeration, visit the exhibit, and become a believer. Midwest magazine could publish some of these photos, enticing readers to visit here, and, for those who live here, to realize some of the places many take for granted are captured in a way they too will realize are special. What’s more, these photos are taken by amateurs.

The 108 photos on display amazingly capture the reason so many people have moved here and the reason the old-timers have stayed here.

Beginning just before 6 a.m. June 15, 2007, the time frame flows from one photo to the next until 8:30 p.m. Each photo has the time documented and a catchy phrase describing the action. Not too surprisingly, the first photo is a man on the beach looking at the horizon over the lake. The last photo is a group of people, who refer to themselves as “The Sundowners” watching the sunset at Indiana Dunes State Park.

Lake Michigan, very much a factor in the rhythm of life here, sets the scene also in other photos taken at the beach, reflecting a backdrop with which many are familiar - from the lifeguards on a stand to kids playing, to others just people watching.

To accomplish this exhibit, originated by Phil Baugher, WPL director, there were many staff members and some volunteers who participated in its creation. Jane Walsh-Brown, WPL assistant and curator of the museum, was in charge of the planning and design. She organized eight teams of two people per team to take photos and document the time and location. She assigned each team a specific area, allowing spontaneous shots, according to their discretion.

Local professional photographer Dan Bruhn and Bonnie Real, Indiana University Library School intern helped in the initial planning and digital technology. They showed the teams how to use the digital cameras both technically and creatively.

The eight teams of two people each, included Jackie Page and Marcia Ritchea; Jane Walsh Brown and Jill Lyons, a Valparaiso University intern; LuAnne DePriest and Rick Clark; Joan Costello, Julie Bohannon and Sue Smith; Tory Duhamell and Jill Lyons, Lynne McGrath and Tracy McDonald; Eva Hopkins, Susan Shields, Dan Bruhn and Bill Meyer and Claire Williams and Sandra Schrader.

The graphics team was headed by LuAnne DePriest with the assistance of Tory Duhamell and Bill Corrigan and museum volunteers, Nancy Hokanson, Lynn Welsh and Betty Canright.

Team members saw the fruits of their labor recently, when they came together for a photo shoot of them together for this article.

“I like the photo of Deloris and Ralph Brooks in Chesterton Cemetery,” said Joan Costello, adding that she was not the person who took the photo.

“I like the one of two men getting haircuts by the barbers at the Porter Barber Shop,” said LuAnne DePriest.

Walsh-Brown said she liked the one of the Concert in the Park. That sparked conversation about how attending concerts and movies in the park are a tradition for those growing up here. People cope with the trains interrupting the event with their rumbling noise and horn blowing as they cross Calumet Rd. and 4th Street intersections. Lots of memories there.

Susan Shields pointed to the photo of an employee next to a sign, “Leeches Are In” in the Bait Shop on U.S. Hwy 20.

Many commented on the appropriateness of a photo of Ed Gustafson sitting on a stoop, reading the Chesterton Tribune. (Ed is a frequent contributor to the Voice of the People). However, no names are used in the exhibit.

“It’s not about names, but about the community,” Walsh-Brown said.

Several enjoyed the shot of campers sitting by their RV, with their laundry hanging in the breeze at Indiana Dunes State Park.

The list went on from kids selling lemonade, people enjoying the eating establishments, bowling, attending pre-school, at work in various businesses and firemen and policemen on duty at their respective stations. It all takes place within a little more than 14 hours.

The display brings lots of smiles and lots of memories. It also makes one aware how many different things are happening within a one day period.

According to Walsh-Brown, a CD version of this exhibit will soon be available in the museum store, and eventually, an expanded version will be placed on the Museum’s website. The CD could be a thoughtful gift for those who have left the area.

The exhibit runs through April. Museum hours are from 1-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Posted 1/23/2008