There were 22 entries in the Old Mill's Table Place Setting/ Chair Contest organized by Grace Hudson as part of the Smithsonian/Michigan Humanities Council's tour which ends March 16. At 4 p.m. Sunday, March 9, Sara Alexin, Old Mill Museum Director, announced the winning chair-designers chosen by the public over the weekend.

First place went to "Dressed for Dinner," a handsome, tuxedo-wearing lamp and chair by Judith Reed of Petersburg. Ms. Reed spent approximately 20 hours creating the dining special that received the most votes by the public.

"Semper Fi," a tribute to the Marines designed by Debbie Amwake of Newport, was second and a crowd-pleaser.

Seven-year old Emily Brace of Monroe won third for her "Lunch in Emily's Garden" which featured garden tools as well as a place setting. Emily's mother, Joanna Brace, has been teaching the Monroe County Community College's Michigan History course at the Old Mill Museum on Tuesdays.

Fourth place went to another youngster, 10-year-old Yvonne Amwake, of Newport. Yvonne created her entry, entitled, "Dawg Gone Friends," using many pictures of dogs
and strings of milkbones.

There were many interesting entries including "Snowy Night," "Young Wyatt Earp," "Bone Appetit" (featuring a dalmation), "Can You Bake a Cherry Pie," "Girls Night Out," and "Thyme to Relax." It is fun to see so much creativity with a knife and fork.
The last Smithsonian-related activities take place this weekend. Friday, at noon, the Michigan Foods Luncheon will be served by the culinary arts students of MCCC. Call the college at 242-7300 to register.
The finale activity is a Brunch with the Easter Bunny on Sunday, March 16, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Please call the museum at 529-8596. It's $10 for children and $2 for an adult. The fee includes lunch, photo and the traditional egg hunt. The Easter Egg Hunt will take place in the Banquet Hall to accommodate the weather.