Ponderosa panels arrive at Salem museum

By D.A. WILKINSON

wilkinson@vindy.com

SALEM

Photo

Kerry Smocira, former entertainment director at Ponderosa Park in Salem, points out the signatures of June Carter Cash and Johnny Cash on a backstage wall at the park. The park is closing, and efforts are being made to preserve the wooden panels.

Wood panels that bear the signatures of country music’s top performers are now in the Salem Historical Society’s museum.

The panels were part of the now closed Ponderosa Park north of Salem, and will go on display this weekend during the Quaker City Weekend Cruise.

For many years, performers signed the panels that were part of the backstage wall. They have been angled to get most of them into the society’s meeting room.

Most of the comments left on the panels were gracious, but a few were a bit salty. Volunteers were marking small portions of the panels that will be temporarily covered with pictures during the show. A volunteer explained that the society did not want to offend parents or their children.

Three metal doors that also were signed will be displayed just off the meeting room; a large sliding door with signatures will be on view in the society’s historical garage. Photos of the performers over the years also will be part of the exhibit.

The society will be open 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the museum, 208 S. Broadway Ave.