Accidental Museums: Goodsell display features artifacts from Teich’s, The Farm Restaurant, and Strand Theatre

"Accidental museums" give birth to an accidental exhibit at the Town of Webb Historical Association's Goodsell Museum.

by Dir. Gail Murray, Town of Webb Historical Association

The Town of Webb Historical Association would like to announce a few changes to the displays at the Goodsell Museum, 2993 State Rt. 28 across from the Old Forge Post Office.

During the past few months, volunteer Deb Evans has been hard at work putting together two interesting exhibits for the Webb Room on the second floor.

As Deb searched for new ideas in the photo and business files maintained at the Historical Association, she was attracted to three businesses and the new display “Accidental Museums” was created.

Deb learned that as Frank Teich and his brother Reinhold; Frank Burnap and his family; and Bob Card and Helen Zyma were establishing their primary businesses of eateries and a movie house, they morphed their buildings into museums—displaying their collections for the education and enjoyment of their patrons.Recreated on the walls of the Webb Room, visitors will find farm and logging tools, antiques and a life-size, cloth stuffed figure named Claude from the Farm Restaurant.

Many items from the former “Teich’s Old Trading Post” are also displayed on stockade fencing including animal heads, posters, vintage tools and the miniature replica of the restaurant.

One wall of the room has been painted to match the interesting colors used currently used in the Strand Theatre and is the background for a collection of still cameras, motion film equipment, and movie memorabilia.

The Trading Post and The Farm Restaurant are gone now, but they live on in everyone’s memory that enjoyed a great meal, warm hospitality and unique atmosphere.

The Strand Theatre in Old Forge is still in operation and currently has over 800 items in its own “accidental museum.”

In addition, the winter exhibit in the Webb Room was changed over to the history of winter sports in this area during the 1940’s and 50’s.

Displays in the Webb Room will remain in place through December.

For more information, please contact Gail Murray, Director, at (315) 369-3838 or visit our website at www.webbhistory.org.

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