As the Duke Ellington and Irving Mills song “It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got that Swing” proclaims, some 150 people arrived Saturday evening at the Hoard Historical Museum, Fort Atkinson, to swing, and otherwise move to the music of yesteryear.
The museum hosted a reenactment of a 1940s USO show, which attracted an enthusiastic, toe-tapping crowd to the facility’s grounds. Event-goers were treated to the nostalgic sounds of Glenn Miller, the Andrew Sisters and Dorsey brothers.
Music was performed outdoors by the “Vintage Swing Band.” The 20-piece band is from Elgin, Ill.
During the concert and inside the museum, World War II exhibits greeted guests.
The event was held in collaboration with the Johnson Creek Historical Society and sponsored by PremierBank.
Jefferson County-area historical societies displayed World War II items from their collections.
Dance lessons were offered in advance of the band’s performance by Al and Rachel Henriquez of Watertown’s Ready 2 Dance Studio, and “Rosie the Riveter” and “Uncle Sam” lookalike contests were held as part of the event.
Photos from the event follow.
An attendee views a vintage Jeep which was on display at the Hoard Historical Museum during Saturday’s 1940s USO reenactment. The vehicle was suppled by Larry Splinter and his granddaughter, Emma Moeller, not pictured and both of Janesville. Splinter is part of a Rock County military collectors group.
Fort Atkinson resident Bill Woods, from left, discusses World War II radio communications with reenactors Carson and Peter Graves, both of Janesville.
Cynthia Ficenec, Fort Atkinson, views World War II memorabilia displayed by the Jefferson and Johnson Creek historical societies.
Performers, each representing a member of the Andrew Sisters trio, perform alongside the Illinois-based Vintage Swing Band.
Three photos above: The “Vintage Swing Band” performs for an enthusiastic crowd of more than 150 on the grounds of the Hoard Historical Museum.
Volunteers dressed as “Rosie the Riveter” take a food order from Fort Atkinson resident Carolyn Nord.
Fort Atkinson residents Rich and Marlene Janowski enjoy snacks while listening to the Vintage Swing Band.
Hoard Historical Museum Assistant Director Dana Bertelsen, dressed as “Rosie the Riveter,” and her son, Benjamin, enjoy the swing music.
Zach Dixon, from left, and Katie Seichter, both of Milton, and Geri and Nick Kempf, both of Hubertus, share a hotdog with “Gretel,” a terrier mix.
Three photos above: Couples dance to yesteryear tunes as played by the Vintage Swing Band.
Two Korean War veterans are among attendees responding to a request made for those who served to stand and be recognized.
Two photos above: More than 150 people find space on the Hoard Historical Museum’s lawn to enjoy the World War II USO concert.
Two photos above: At top, three “Rosie the Riviters” lookalike contest contestants, with two identified by first name only as Lydia, who emerged victorious as the contest winner, from left, and Pam, and Fort Atkinson resident Joan Mittag, each present their rendition of “Rosie.” “Without all the Rosies, we never would have won that war,” Mittag said, referring to the women who, buoyed by the motto “We can do it,” worked in the factories and supported the war effort. Above, with no contestants coming forward to compete in the “Uncle Sam” lookalike contest, an audience member, Bill Johnson, was selected because he had a white beard and was awarded the contest prize.
Chris Spangler photos.
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