“Visiting with the community members” That’s what 89-year-old Roger “Pete” Schmidt loves most about the Uptown Hamel Library/Museum. He’s a local treasure himself. This small wooden building wasn’t always a museum. It started as a summer kitchen next to the old Hamel schoolhouse. Today it holds a wealth of history.
The Uptown Hamel Library/Museum is more than just a building. It’s a time capsule. Inside you’ll find historical documents and photographs. Vintage books line the shelves. You can even see a drum from the Hamel Concert Band. An old wood-burning stove sits in a corner. Binders filled with family and community histories are a fascinating resource.
Pete Schmidt played a key role in Hamel’s history. He was a member of the Hamel Hawks baseball team. He even managed the team for a year. He’s in the Hamel Hawks Hall of Fame. He’s also a syrup maker carrying on a family tradition that dates back to his great-grandparents. He still taps maple trees on land where he was born in 1928. The Uptown Hamel Library/Museum reflects this deep-rooted connection to the community.
People love the Uptown Hamel Library/Museum. They love bringing items to add to the collection. They enjoy being involved in preserving local history. The museum’s open on Thursday afternoons during June July and August. It also opens during special events such as the Hamel Rodeo Parade and the Church of St Anne Parish Festival. Pete along with two other volunteers keeps the history alive. The Uptown Hamel Library/Museum isn’t just a place to visit. It’s a place where community connects with its past. It’s a living testament to the spirit of Hamel. It’s a story waiting to be discovered.