The military collection of Col. Thomas M. McCabe, USMCR (Ret.) has arrived at the Spring-Ford Area Historical Society's museum. The former home of the collection was the 111th Infantry Regiment PNG Museum located at the Spring City Armory. The armory is located near the Southeastern Veterans Center in East Vincent Township. Major renovations at the armory necessitated the relocation of the collection, and Col. McCabe made a decision to donate the collection to the historical society.
McCabe's collection was amassed over a period of forty years and encompasses the Spanish-American War, the Civil War, WWI, WWII and the Korean War. Thousands of items are a part of the collection and it will be housed on the second floor of the Fetterolf Gallery.
Museum volunteers are sorting through more than 40 boxes of artifacts and will be displaying the items in twelve glass display cases, also included with the collection. Eight mannequins, all in uniform, also made the trip to Royersford.
The museum recently received what will become the centerpiece of the new military room, a massive 5'x7' painting of General Washington at Valley Forge. The painting, by Spring City native, George "Bucky" Walters, which had been on display at St. John's Lutheran Church in Phoenixville, is entitled "Lutheran Veterans at Valley Forge."
Due to the substantial size and scope of the McCabe collection, the society is unable to provide a firm date for when the collection will go on display for the public, however a Fall 2019 opening is anticipated. Stay tuned for more information.
It is with sadness that we report that Col. McCabe passed away on Saturday, February 10. Col. McCabe served with the Marine Corps during the Korean War and also served in the Marine Corps Reserve and the National Guard. We extend sympathy at his passing as well as thanks to his family for his service to our country. Click HERE for Col McCabe's full obituary.
DRW