LETTER: DCHS has a lot to offer historically

To the Telegram:

Recently, I was able to see a performance of the play, “Waiting for MacArthur,” at the Douglas County Historical Society.

The play describes through the letters of a young U.S.A. Army nurse what she felt during the wait of General MacArthur’s return to Corregidor Island, in the Pacific, during World War II.

The play portrayed the agony of war — the loss of life, the wounded that suffered because of lack of food and medicine. It also spoke of the heavy emotional pain of wondering if they had been forgotten.

The actors were able to transport me emotionally to another time, to see and hear of the devastation of war. It brought to my mind a quote of General William Tecumseh Sherman: “It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of wounded who cry aloud for blood, more vengeance, more desolation,” he said. “War is hell.”

Waiting for MacArthur is one of the many excellent plays that are presented at DCHS. The historical society also has guest speakers that share their memories, and the history of our area.

Some presenters have been Greg Guenard, Captain David Johnson and Aaron Isaacs.

Greg spoke of his memories of his father’s candy shop on Tower Avenue. Captain Johnson presented his research of major fires of Superior and Aaron Isaacs from the Minnesota Streetcar Museum spoke of the trolleys of Duluth and Superior.

DCHS offers opportunity to our community to delve into our rich history. The historical society has something for everyone. Come, learn and enjoy what they offer. You’ll be glad you did.

MaryAnn Katzmark,

Superior

Tags: opinion, letters