What happens in a museum after hours? If you have ever watched the movie about the “Night at the Museum,” you know that the characters in the exhibits come to life.

Unfortunately that is not the case in the Edwardsburg Museum. But what does happen when the museum is not open?

The Edwardsburg Museum is only open on weekday afternoons and on Saturday mornings and early afternoon. But what happens when it is not open?

Each week on Wednesday morning a random group of people wander into the museum to talk about Edwardsburg history and share remnants of the past. There maybe be 10 people or there may be 20 people. The visitors are all old enough to remember the past and even “the good olde days.”

Ten years ago a core group started the museum and are still in the group. Some have passed on and some have moved in to take their place. The group is always willing to accept newcomers.

What is a newcomer? That is someone who has lived in Edwardsburg for at least 40 years, give or take a few years! Some newcomers have joined the group in the last year or two.

There are no dues. There is no initiation. No attendance taken. No coffee or muffins are served. There is no age requirement. You don’t even have to come if you don’t feel like it. There are no job assignments. You don’t even have to be good at anything.

Oh, I am mistaken, There is one requirement. A donation of $1 is asked for the use of the restroom, whether you use it or not.

This is the story. Since the museum is funded strictly from donations, a few years back when the sewer came through, the bathroom was inoperable. A portable toilet was placed in the back yard. In order to pay for the rental, a $1 toll was charged.

It became a habit to throw in a buck and is has continued and has been a source of income. No one seems to miss the dollar a week even though there is an indoor restroom available.

Now where was I? Oh yes, the weekly regulars. Who comes to the museum every week?

Mary Montgomery has missed very few weeks. She was there when she and Otis started the museum discussion. Mary is a Smith with connections to Smith’s Chapel but many may remember her as Mrs. Montgomery, a teacher in the primary school.

Then there is Mary Catherine Morse, a former Walters from the original Walter Grocery store. She worked for many years behind the cash register of her dad’s store and then along with her husband operated the store that was on the corner where the old fire station now stands empty.

Next is Loyal Lane, who at one time knew everyone in the Edwardsburg area because he delivered their mail. All three of these fine people are 90-plus years young and all hold the distinction of being graduates of Edwardsburg High School.

Oh, the stories they can tell! You don’t know what you are missing! Come to a Wednesday morning 10 a.m. meeting at the museum. All are welcome, newcomer or not!

Next week, more about the museum regulars.