This photo first ran in the Wednesday, January 21st, 1947 Tribune.
The original caption follows: Among the first House of Yesterday
visitors to see the unique rattlesnake this week were three first
grade pupils from Longfellow school. Intent upon the vibrating
rattles are, left to right, Allan Shaffer, 6, who is pressing the
button which puts the display into action; Steven Cushing,7, and
Larry Knudson, 6.
THEN: In 1948, the rattlesnake display complete with guest interaction became an instant hit at the House of Yesterday.
NOW: More than 60 years later, the Hastings Museum, as it is now known, still displays that same exhibit just off the main entrance to the Diorama Hall on the museum’s main level.
The display is a large wood box on a pedestal with benches around it.
Peering into the glass, visitors see an adult rattlesnake surrounded by 16 baby rattlers.
For many, it’s not the snakes themselves but the interactive button that draws them to the exhibit.
The display was installed in 1948 and doesn’t have flashing lights or digital displays that are commonplace in many museums, but museum director Becky Matticks said the rattlesnake display is still a big draw today.
To read more, see Friday's Hastings Tribune or the Tribune e-edition.>>>
