"Postcards from World War II"
The Vernon History is commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II by opening an exhibit entitled “Postcards from World War II” on Sunday August 17th from 2pm to 4pm at 734 Hartford Tpke, Vernon. Over 130 postcards sent by local residents serving in the military to Stephen Von Euw, the editor of the Rockville Journal, will be on display. Von Euw saved letters, postcards, documents, press releases and posters from the war years. The Vou Euw collection contains correspondence and materials from over 700 people who served in the war.
The postcards on display include photographs of military training facilities and views of scenic places in the United States. Postcards from overseas came from areas that were near locations of military campaigns. One set of postcards shows the humorous side of adjusting to life in the military.
In addition to the postcard exhibit, a special display will honor the wartime service of Rockville native, Army Air Corp. 1st Lieut. Noel Kloter. Kloter’s family recently donated his restored bomber jacket. The donation also included military documents and photographs as well as a telegram announcing his first child’s birth in 1944 while he was stationed in England. This display serves as an example of the experiences of one that reflects the reality of many who fought in the armed forces during the Second World War.
The postcard exhibit and Kloter display are free and open to the public. They will be on display at the Vernon Historical Society during its regular hours of operation: Thursdays from 10-12 and from 2-4 and on the second and 4th Sundays from 2pm to 4pm.
Special Exhibit of the Work of Local Artist Gustave Hoffman
In November 2019 a new and permanent collection of etchings created by Gustave Hoffman (1869 – 1945) was installed in the lobby by the side entrance of the museum.
A resident of Rockville for most of his life, Mr. Hoffman studied art and became known for his paintings and especially for details and hues of his etchings.
A collection of Mr. Hoffman’s etchings was donated to the Vernon Historical Society by Mr. Michael R. Sharon in honor of his father and mother, Dr. Michael and Jean Sharon, who provided medical care services for many community members in the Vernon/Rockville area.