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The Gardner Museum committee had their mind set to create an exhibit that highlighted local businesses in the city after the furniture industry era. The committee wanted to celebrate the city’s centennial by showcasing the growing local economy of the city. The exhibit displays the recent history of local business through posters, letters, artifacts and photos given by business owners.
Museum Coordinator Marion Knoll said the committee wanted to show residents that despite the furniture industry leaving Gardner, local business in the city is flourishing and continues to grow. She said they wanted to celebrate the growing community by showcasing successful family- and locally-owned business that have thrived.
“Although the furniture business left Gardner, there are businesses still doing well in Gardner that should be spotlighted,” she said. “We wanted to showcase a positive history on thriving local businesses that are worth mentioning.”
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What else can be seen at the exhibit
Besides the displays of Gardner’s history as the biggest chair manufacturing city of the 19th century, the museum exhibit committee wanted to display overlooked pieces of Gardner history.
On top of one of the glass display cases, a small black 1-inch binder is laid open for visitors to read about how former City Councilor William A. Mcham attempted to get the United Nations to put its international headquarters in Gardner. The binder shows the application that Mcham submitted to the UN in the early 1950s. The application was rejected, and the UN replied to Mcham that they were not impressed by Gardner.
Knoll said there are a few more details of Gardner’s history sprinkled around the museum that will spike curiosity.
“When we get people from out of state or even out of the country, they are always amazed by what they can find here,” she said. “People are just impressed by how much the people of Gardner have contributed. The first time-clock was invented here.”
The centennial celebration exhibit is open to the public until Thursday, Aug. 31. The Gardner Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. A $3 donation for adults is encouraged during a visit.
