Former Designer of Wolf and Dessauer Displays to Speak at History Center

Come to the History Center on Sunday, December 7, from 2-3 p.m, as Walter Tharp speaks about his memories as the display manager for Wolf and Dessauer’s various department stores in Fort Wayne. Tharp was one of the first African-Americans to hold such a position in Fort Wayne.

Tharp started working at Wolf and Dessauer while still in high school, graduating from Central High School in 1946. He worked at W&D from 1946 to 1984. For decades, Tharp was in charge of purchasing materials and designing the famous and nostalgic W&D holiday displays, which generations of Fort Wayne residents remember most fondly. The animatronic elves and children on display during the Festival of Gingerbread were his purchases many years ago and used in W&D displays.

History Center admission is $5.00 for adults; $3.00 for seniors and students; free to children age five and under and History Center members.

The History Center is located at 302 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana. For more information, call (260) 426-2882, or visit http://www.fwhistorycenter.com/.