Vigo County Historical Society

Museum offers look at babyhood

Imagine walking into a room and seeing a new baby or a small child for the first time. This sight automatically brings a smile to everyone’s face.

This has been the same reaction for those viewing the new exhibit, "And Baby Makes Three" in the Vigo County Historical Museum.

A delightful display of children’s clothing, toys and accessories lights up the exhibit room as one enters the museum. The items shown are just a part of the society’s children’s collection. Everything from wicker bassinets and baby buggies to first shoes and favorite toys are included.

The long, white christening dresses with beautiful hand stitching, dating from the 1800s, are a joy. Also featured are adorable toddler outfits for both girls and boys. Photographs of children throughout the display, as well as baby coverlets and carriage robes, are sure to charm.

One of the highlights is pictured. It is a Victorian highchair purchased by Mr. and Mrs. E.T. Hazledine for their daughter, Margaret, born in 1888. The chair served their family of three daughters and one son, Kenneth Hazledine.

Ken and Jane Hazledine subsequently refinished and rebuilt it several times. It served their four children and now is used to the five great-grandchildren. The ingenious gear mechanism permits conversion to four different heights, including a rocker.

The doll seated in the highchair is wearing the white christening dress worn by Jane Hazledine’s mother, Bess Rippetoe Cunningham, who was born on July 6, 1884.

If you’d like to revisit the days of babyhood without the hassle of diaper changing and formula making, spend an afternoon at the museum enjoying "And Baby Makes Three."