Waukesha museum plans Paul memorial

Published on: 8/14/2009

The Waukesha County Museum is inviting Waukesha County fans of Les Paul to stop by, see without charge a make-shift memorial of some of Les Paul's items, and sign a guest book.

Among the items, which eventually will be part of the museum's long-planned permanent exhibit to Waukesha's native son, are the musical wizard's handprints in cement.

Jim Hahn, director of development and marketing for the Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum, said museum officials are also developing plans for a low-key, wake-like musical memorial service that likely will be held the night after he is interred in Waukesha.

Paul's mother, Evelyn Polfuss, was buried at Prairie Home Cemetery in 1989.

Musician Steve Miller, who was Paul's godson, said he plans to sing at Paul's burial ceremonies in Waukesha. A private funeral service is planned in New York, with services in Waukesha announced at a later date, according to the Web site of Gibson guitar company, which sold Les Paul guitars.