Sherman Anderson exhibit highlights re-opened historical museum lineup

The Skagit County Historical Museum in La Conner has re-opened with an exhibit that literally hits the ball out of the park.

The life of Sherman Anderson, Jr., the World War II bombardier for whom the spacious baseball and fairgrounds complex in Mount Vernon is named, is the new display at the museum, which last Friday began greeting visitors again after having been closed since spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The exhibit, curated by museum archivist Mari Densmore, features a collection of photos, news clippings, service medals and related memorabilia provided by Kevin Anderson, grandson of one of Skagit County’s most highly decorated veterans of the second World War.

In sports terms, it covers all the bases, which is quite fitting given Sherman Anderson’s prowess as an athlete.

Prior to serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps, he was well known locally as a talented fastpitch softball and semi-pro baseball player.

Anderson would gain greater fame for his heroic actions in the brutal Italian campaign during the latter stages of World War II.

On his 45th mission, in the summer of 1944, Anderson was lead bombardier with a B-25 unit assigned to strike a large road junction in central Italy. His plane was repeatedly struck by flak with shrapnel from the blast twice knocking Anderson from his bombsight.

Despite losing much blood and suffering severe injuries to his hand and right leg, Anderson managed to struggle back to his post and accurately drop his bombs.

After signaling the pilot that his job was done, Anderson collapsed. He survived, but never walked again.

Anderson died 11 years later at age 39, the recipient of numerous medals and commendations, including the Distinguished Service Cross.

Densmore and Museum Director Jo Wolfe said shrapnel from Anderson’s wounds forced pieces of his flight suit into his body. That material was not found at the military field hospital where he was initially treated. It caused recurring infections, leaving him bedridden the rest of his life.

Anderson received universal admiration in his hometown of Mount Vernon – where his family owned a grocery store – and throughout Skagit County.

The 3.4-acre ballpark and fairgrounds on the south side of Mount Vernon, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Franklin D. Roosevelt Administration, was named for Anderson in the late 1940s and still hosts an array of special events, gatherings and sports contests.

Baseball, coincidentally, played a key role in bringing the Sherman Anderson exhibit to La Conner, Wolfe told the Weekly News.

She said La Conner High baseball coach Jeremiah LeSourd reached out a few months ago to tell her that Kevin Anderson, his cousin, had a collection of Sherman Anderson’s items and wanted to find a place for their safe care.

“Jeremiah recommended the museum, called me and we connected Kevin with Mari,” Wolfe said. “Mari met with Kevin a few times and received from him the treasures that are now on exhibit at the museum.”

Displaying those items, however, was put on hold while the museum remained closed because of the pandemic.

Gov. Jay Inslee provided a guidance for museum reopenings Aug. 20. Densmore quickly went to work on the exhibit.

Wolfe said Densmore spent a week carefully arranging and labeling the Sherman Anderson display items.

“Mari,” said Wolfe, “created a wonderful display in the east wing, telling Sherman’s story.”

A side benefit, Wolfe said, is that LeSourd and Kevin Anderson have been able to collaborate on the project.

“Turns out, they’re cousins,” Wolfe said. “So that was an amazing connection. It’s been a great time for them reconnecting as relatives.”

The museum, on Fourth Street on top of the hill, is now open Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

For the safety of guests, staff and volunteers, Wolfe said those entering the museum must wear masks at all times, and the number of visitors will be limited to 25 per cent of gallery capacities. Staff does frequent sanitizing of surfaces throughout the day, she stressed.

“We’re having great success with the monitored flow of visitors,” said Wolfe, “and everyone is being wonderful about wearing their masks.”