(Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo) The IXL Historical Museum will honor the late Eugene “Geno” Arduin, who was a charter member of the IXL Museum Board, at the renamed Geno’s Vintage Day on Sunday. The annual event is planned from 12:30 to 4 p.m. on the museum grounds. Shown is Arduin of Hermansville in 2017 with a 1931 fire truck.

HERMANSVILLE — The IXL Historical Museum Board will honor its late former charter member Eugene “Geno” Arduin Jr. on Sunday.

Geno’s Vintage Day is planned from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Hermansville museum complex, W5551 River St.

They will unveil the memorial plaque honoring Arduin that will be on permanent display in the main office building.

IXL Board Secretary Janey Hudson noted the board created a “storyboard” that showed Arduin’s dedication to the museum.

Arduin was instrumental in getting the museum established, she said.

“He was very knowledgeable about everything at the museum and Hermansville history,” Hudson said.

Arduin served on the board for many years and provided guided tours until he passed away in August 2022 at age 83.

Arduin also served as the grounds caretaker. “He even made special blocks for candles to sit in the window during Christmas time so the large building was lit for the holiday,” she said.

Renaming the community celebration to Geno’s Vintage Day will continue to honor him for years to come, she said.

“He cared so deeply about the museum and we want to show our appreciation,” Hudson added.

The day this year will feature a 1920s theme. Everyone is encouraged to come dressed in ’20s attire.

Young members of the theater group will be walking throughout the crowd acting out skits based on that era.

“We thought it would be a fun addition,” she said.

Hudson noted that Arduin owned a 1920s vintage vehicle that he would drive around the grounds during special events.

Another of the day’s highlights will be the return of blacksmith Dave Hudson of Hermansville. “He will be doing a forging demonstration in the permanent shop added to the grounds,” Hudson said.

The Wallens of Ishpeming will perform from 2 to 4 p.m. The acoustic duo plays a variety of folk, bluegrass, blues and original music.

The Curious Pig will have a food truck on site offering several of their specialty menu items.

“We encourage everyone to grab lunch early, as they sell out,” Hudson advised.

June Schoen will offer her popular homemade sugar cookies. They have also brought back We Be Poppin’ kettle corn.

Everyone is encouraged to bring a lawn chairs to sit and enjoy entertainment and lunch on the museum grounds.

Crafter and vendor booths will be set up on the grounds of the multi-complex museum.

All the buildings will be open for tours for the event.

The multi-structure complex includes the 1881-82 Wisconsin Land & Lumber Co. office building that contains artifacts and many original pieces, and the “company house,” one of the oldest homes in Hermansville.

“The community will be able to see the changes and additions that have been done this season,” Hudson said.

Admission to the museum grounds is by donation.

Hours are 12:30 to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. They will be open again Aug. 30 through Sept. 2, and will close for the season after Labor Day weekend.

Hudson is looking for volunteers for next year, when they will reopen Memorial Day weekend. Anyone interested can call the museum at 906-236-5163 or leave a message on the Facebook IXL Historical Museum page.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.