(PRESS RELEASE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
MILITARY DISPLAY … Pictured with the display case is Lane Stimpfle.
MILITARY ARTIFACTS … Pictured with the motorcycle is Jim Moon (left), and Randy Scott (right).
On display at the Williams County Public Library Local History and Genealogy Center are military artifacts and memorabilia ranging from the American Civil War to the Vietnam War.
All of these items are from local military collectors Lane Stimpfle, Randy Scott, and Jim Moon. Lane Stimpfle of West Unity, had interests in military memorabilia beginning at the age of 9 years old.
It wasn’t until the early 1990s that he became a serious collector when one of his family members gave him some WWII items.
Some of his favorite pieces would be his WWI cloth insignia collection. Lane states “I did not serve, but my collection is a way for me to say thanks to all who served and sacrificed”.
Randy Scott of Pioneer served in the Marine Corps for 3 years in 1966-1969 and was stationed in Vietnam for 6 months during the war. In Vietnam he was awarded a purple heart and gallantry cross.
Randy has been collecting military artifacts for around 25 years and his favorite piece is his WWII British motorcycle.
Jim Moon of Nettle Lake began collecting in 1956 at the age of 12. His first ever piece was a 1918 WWI British Lee-Enfield Mk III. All three collectors hope to collect as long as possible and spark interest with future collectors.
In correspondence for Veterans Day, this display will be viewable at the Local History Center during the month of November.