A beautiful stained glass window with pictures of the founder
of one of
Auburn's best-known businessmen inside was
dedicated Sunday in a ceremony at the
Auburn
Museum.
The late Ellsworth Strickler's associates at
Strickler Stained Glass created the window, which includes three likenesses of
Strickler along with the old
Auburn
School and the old L&N Depot. The
vertical window now hangs near the entrance of the museum, which is located on
Main Street at the rear of the Auburn
Library.
Eloise Hadden, the guiding force behind the museum, gave those attending a
brief oral history of the Auburn Historical Society and the museum.
She said it originated from trying to get
Auburn designated as a
Kentucky
Certified
City in the early 90s. The team
studying the application suggested documenting the town's rich history,
including getting some of the downtown area included in the National Register
of Historic Places.
With Hadden leading the way, the city got National Register designation along
with an historical society, a museum, and an outdoor history area in the 90s.
Now the main building is filled with items which show a wide variety of the
community's heritage.
Ellsworth Strickler was a farmer, conservationist, businessman, sports
enthusiast, and magistrate. He founded Strickler Stained Glass along with
Joyce Britton and Marvin Jarboe. Britton, whose daughter, Pam Pitts, is now
part of the firm, spoke during the ceremony.
She said if you spent any time with Ellsworth you became more than an
acquaintance, you became a friend. He had a very liberal adoption policy in
moving you from friend to family, she said.
I wasn't surprised his heart was enlarged. He had the largest heart I've
known, she said.
Also on the program were Tabitha Oberhausen, who sang My Old Kentucky Home,
and Helen Jordan, who led prayer.
Refreshments were provided by Auburn Historical Society members and directors,
led by Bobbie Peters.
Involved in preparing the program were Bell Wylie, Judy Baggett, Marie and
Dermot Foley, Hadden and Peters.
Several family members were present, including Mr.
Strickler's wife, Sally Ann Strickler, and one of his sons, Stanley
Strickler.
Officials present included Representative Sheldon
Baugh, District Judge Sue Carol Browning, Mayor Dewey Roche and Councilman Ron
McGee.
Photos taken at the
Dedication of the Strickler Stain Glass Window - June 4, 2006
Ellsworth at work A favorite of Ellsworth Ellsworth at work
