The Western Mining and Railroad Museum was filled to the brim with well-wishers, friends, family and history buffs on Tuesday evening as a special individual was celebrated and a brand new exhibit was debuted.
This exhibit, entitled “Aldene Thomas ‘My Life Story,'” was presented in honor of her 100th birthday, which was on the same night of the opening. Thomas was in attendance at the opening and celebration, spending a great portion of the evening greeting and hugging the many that were in attendance to wish her well and learn her life history.
Thomas is a long-time volunteer at the museum and grew up in the near coal towns that are thoroughly cataloged in the museum. The exhibit was curated from Thomas’s life story and is in her own words. Those that visit were able to play witness to the many memories that Thomas holds on to of what it was like to grow up in the Carbon County coal camp towns of Standardville, Spring Canyon and Rains in the 1920s and 1930s.
To further commemorate Thomas, a large card was passed around for attendees to sign. Small sweet treats and a large cake was also presented and served during the two-hour event. Thomas’s exhibit will be a permanent fixture in the museum.
“It was really heartwarming to see all the love and support from so many of those who have known Aldene throughout her life. The best part was having the birthday girl in attendance and seeing her still doing so great and spreading her joyful spirit,” stated museum director Jason Huntzinger.
