Macoupin County Historical Society holds fall festival

Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Ceremony for the new Heritage Museum on Sept. 20 at 8:30 a.m.

By: RUTH GILL

Enquirer Democrat Reporter

The Fall Festival at the Macoupin County Historical Society was held this past weekend, Sept. 20-21.  The event was very successful with a great turnout of visitors. One was able to view different demonstrations and several hands on activities.

The festival kicked off with a Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Ceremony for the new Heritage Museum on Sept. 20 at 8:30 a.m.   The Star Spangled Banner was sung by Julie Close.  Dan Hauter started the presentation by introducing the different officials who were present.  From the County were Larry Schmidt and Tony Wiggins.  The Chamber of Commerce members were Sandy Smith, Sarah Klopinski and Gretchen Killam.  Also in attendance was Lindzy Laird from Great Rivers and Routes Tourism along with  Board members from the Historical Society such as Patty Ambrose, Mary Tinder, Brandy England and several others. Dan introduced Tim Loveless.  MCHS is honoring the Loveless family for their contributions in which they donated the building many years ago.  Tim gave a presentation about his parents’ involvement in the Historical Society.  His parents Lindell and Jean Loveless donated money and set up different fundraisers to assist the Historical Society in purchasing the Anderson Mansion and to build the building that was known as Building #2 which is now the Heritage Museum.  Tim mentioned his parents were interested in history and historical items.  Whenever they traveled they would visit local museums and try to soak up as much local history as they could.  He later found out after his parents passing, they donated to a variety of different museums such as one in London, Kansas and Oshkosh.  Tim also said his Grandfather John Leach, was connected to the Historical Society.  The Grandfather refinished all the woodwork in the living room of the mansion.

After cutting the ribbon, Rodney Eichen, long time member and manager of the Heritage Museum, was recognized.  Rodney was very instrumental in getting the museum all ready.  He said the last time the building was open was probably in 2011. Everything was pretty much already in the shed but they went through and organized the items into different categories.  Rodney wanted to thank Becky Miller for helping to rearrange the items, Alvie’s Towing in which they brought in a tow truck that assisted in moving different items around and Bill and Nancy Lange who helped clean up. He especially wanted to thank the whole board for sponsoring him and helping him out.

Read the full story and view more pictures in the September 25, 2025 issue of the Macoupin County Enquirer Democrat.