Traces of the Interurban Talk on May 27

The general public is invited to attend an encore presentation of “Traces of the Interurban,” by Tracy Gierada, Director of Education at the North Berrien Historical Museum. She will discuss the interurban railway service through North Berrien from the 1890s – 1920s, using images and stories to guide you through an imaginary journey on the line. The talk will be held at the North Berrien Senior Center on Thursday, May 27 at 12:30pm. Admission is free of charge.

The interurban tracks in North Berrien once ran from the twin cities through Millburg and Coloma, where the line split, with one branch terminating on the north shore of Paw Paw Lake and the other just north of the Paper Mill in Watervliet. Gierada’s presentation will retrace the paths of the interurban trains in North Berrien and consider them from the perspective of the people who lived through the era. Although little still remains in our landscape from this system, the green building in Coloma’s Lions Park is a rare exception as the only surviving interurban station in Berrien County.

For more information contact Tracy Gierada at the North Berrien Historical Museum at (269) 468-3330.

Ray Bradbury Book Discussion May 13 at Coloma Public Library

The Coloma Public Library will host a book discussion of the science fiction classic The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury on Thursday, May 13 from 5:30 pm – 7 pm. Extra copies of the book are available for loan from the Coloma and Watervliet Libraries. Led by Tracy Gierada, Director of Education at the North Berrien Historical Museum, this book discussion is open to anyone interested.

The Martian Chronicles is a collection of short stories that describe the human colonization of Mars from the years 1999-2057. Conflict erupts between the Martians and the human colonists as Earth moves toward eventual nuclear devastation. Published in 1950, The Martian Chronicles reflects popular concerns about atomic weapons in the postwar era and is recognized as one of the best sci-fi novels ever published.

This book discussion is held in conjunction with the traveling exhibit The Life Atomic: Growing Up in the Shadow of the A-Bomb on view at the North Berrien Historical Museum through May 15. Questions may be directed to the museum at 269-468-3330.

Sock Hop fun

As part of The Life Atomic programming, the Coloma-Watervliet Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored a Sock Hop at the Coloma Middle School on April 16. Visitors of all ages dressed up in period costumes and enjoyed 1950s music. The hula hoop contest was a big hit - with four contestants taking home gift ceritificates to Safarai Joe's in Watervliet.

A special thank you to all of our sponsors: AEP, Chemical Bank, John's Glass, Easy Street, T's Tap, Lane Automotive, Ron Postelli, Brookfield Dodge, Duffield's Cottages, Michigan Mold, Safari Joe's, Innovative Salon, Pizza Hut, Friendly Tavern, Lake Michigan Hills, Board of Trade, Hardings, Papa Scotts, Phillipi Grocery, Vitale's Market, Burger King, Loma Theatre, McDonalds, True Value, Big C Lumber, Wil-o-Paw Animal Hospital, Community Hospital, Coloma Motor Sports, Rick Rasmussen.

(below) Contestants take part in the hula hoop contest.




(below) Volunteers at the front table during the Sock Hop


(below) The Miss Coloma Court judges the costume contest.

Atomic Fun at the Museum

The Life Atomic: Growing Up in the Shadow of the A-Bomb is now on view at the North Berrien Historical Museum. Check out the fun visitors are having with this unique and engaging topic.

(Below) Visitors watch a series of civil defense public service annoucements.


(below) Staff and volunteers dressed as their favorite 1950s celebrities for the opening. (l-r) Alex Gates, Tracy Gierada, George Richter, Maggie Richter, Elizabeth Meyer


(below) Miss Atomic Bomb and General Eisenhower demonstrate life in a fallout shelter.


(below) Pauline Morris made our own verison of the infamous Atomic Bomb Cake for the opening reception. Is it offensive or just something to eat?


(below) Visitors hula-hoop during 1950s Spring Break.