Old Courthouse Museum

From the TCHGS Archives: "Burnsville 1950s Revival Congregation"

We are heartbroken by the loss of our precious friend, Benjamin. Ben was a loyal Old Courthouse Museum volunteer. Even after he went away to college, Ben could always be counted on to return to the museum to help with special events or just to stop by for a visit to see if we needed help with a project. He could be found throughout the courthouse, cheerfully whistling away while doing his work and brought joy to anyone who was lucky enough to know him. Ben fought the good fight and will be greatly missed by our community.

Do you have a photo from a class reunion? If so, the Old Courthouse Museum would love to have a copy for our archives. You can email a photo to [email protected] or bring it by the museum Wednesday through Friday from 9-4, and we will make a copy. If you choose to email a photo, please include the names of anyone you recognize.

Happy Veteran's Day!

Tonight!

🎶 🪕 🎻 🎶

The Significance of Preserving Historical Artifacts

On a beautiful fall morning, Mrs. Mauney and her daughter, Martha, embarked on a trip to Iuka, Mississippi, with the intention of visiting the Old Courthouse Museum. Mrs. Mauney's health prevented her from exploring the entire museum, but the staff's thoughtful gesture of providing her with a pictorial book enabled her to experience the museum and its artifacts. This accommodation allowed her to engage with the exhibits and share her own memories of the olden days. Mrs. Mauney's fondness for the old quilt and rocking chair in the museum entrance brought back memories of her mother and granny sitting in a rocker, piecing quilts, and telling stories. She said they faced challenging times but their ability to persevere was worthwhile. The old quilt serves as a tangible link to the past, as Mrs. Mauney stated that quilting was a creative endeavor that brought families together as they shared their stories about family while engaging in a meaningful activity. Quilting was not merely a practical skill; it was a communal and creative endeavor that brought generations together. Through the process of piecing quilts, the women in Mrs. Mauney's family shared stories that strengthen their familial ties. Days like this bring an awarding experience for the museum staff.

🎶 🪕 🎻 🎶

A HUGE thank you to Harold Lomenick State Farm, The Iuka Rotary Club, and Dr. Jim Perkins for sponsoring the restoration of The Old Courthouse Museum’s historic Iuka sign located in the heart of downtown. It looks fantastic!

Bob and Delores Roberts from Memphis, TN had wanted to visit the Old Courthouse Museum for a long time. After eating at Cream and Sugar, they made their way to what they considered the “best” museum with its vast array of historical artifacts. Opening the door of their car, Bella, their Aussie Doddle, leapt out and made her way into the museum. Upon entering, she stopped and eyed the long stairway, but decided she better use her manners and just sit like a good girl at the bottom of the stairs. Before leaving, Bella even gave the tour guide a hand shake as thank you for a job well done. 🐶

The Significance of Preserving History in our Local Community
“A visit from the Secretary of the Reverend Billy Graham”

The museum stood proudly on this beautiful fall day, welcoming visitors Joseph and LeAnn Ramirez with open arms. Their purpose was to immerse themselves in the rich history of the Civil War artifacts housed within its walls.

As they wandered through the museum, their attention was captivated by the stunning architecture of the old 1870s building. However, it was the typewriters that truly mesmerized Joseph, an avid collector of vintage typewriters. He proudly shared that he still types on an 1858 typewriter to this day (and promised to send us a post card typed on one of his 1850s typewriters). For Joseph and LeAnn, their visit to the museum was more than just a leisurely outing. It was a birthday present they had given each other; a chance to explore the old courthouses and battlefields of the South.

As they ascended the stairs, their awe grew as they stepped into the courtroom, admiring the old benches and cast-iron stoves that once filled the air with the smell of burning wood as it added warmth to the room. Continuing to the back of the courtroom
where the items from old blacksmith shops are contained, the couple was captivated by the authentic ambiance of all the tools that once occupied various shops around the town. Joseph said he could almost hear the sound of hammers striking hot metal, the grinding stone sharpening tools, and the broom maker gathering fresh broom straw to make a broom. Their attention shifted to the assortment of old medicine bottles and prescriptions displayed in a room dedicated to Harry Cosby and local drug stores. LeeAnn said these artifacts served as tangible reminders of the advancement of medicine today, and she said she and her husband take no medicine at ages 82 and 86. Looking at one another they said they contribute their lifestyle to longevity and mobility. Their diet consists mostly of vegetables, fruit, and venison. LeeAnn excitedly showed pictures of her flower gardens that would look like the botanical gardens to most folks. Leaving the museum, they began their trek through Mineral Springs Park and the downtown area before heading to Iuka's Civil War battlefield.

Our visit from this sweet couple made our day. As they were leaving, they plotted their hometown of Minnesota on the museum's entrance map, and LeeAnn shared that she has been doing volunteer work since retiring as a secretary to the Reverend Billy Graham.

Wedding Bells on July 5, 1954

Mrs. Shirley Weddell Hester's visit to Iuka to show her daughter where she got married in 1954 sheds light on the significance of this small town as a wedding destination during that era. In her recollection, Mrs. Hester explained their decision to choose Iuka due to the absence of a three-day waiting period and no requirement for a blood test. In the first photo, she is standing in the same place as she did back on her wedding day in 1954. She shared that her husband passed away in December, but wonderful memories remain alive. Mrs. Shirley and her husband made their home in Florence, Alabama.

We hope to see you there! 🎨

Exploring Local History: A Visit to the Museum

On September 22, 2023, Evan Norvell, a dedicated history teacher at TCHS, took his enthusiastic history class on a field trip to the Old Courthouse Museum. The purpose of this visit was to provide the students with a hands-on experience, allowing them to engage with artifacts, explore the Native American and Civil War rooms, and witness other historical items related to their current study.

This trip was organized with the intention of enhancing the students' understanding of local history and fostering a deeper appreciation for the subject matter. As the students entered the museum, their excitement was palpable. The staff greeted them warmly and began guiding them through the various exhibits. The first stop was the Native American room, where the students were able to observe a range of artifacts, including pottery, tools, and artwork. The students were encouraged to ask questions as they continued their tour through the Civil War room and on to the up-stair’s courtroom. To finish off the tour, Mrs. Beth Davis, owner of Twin Magnolias, gave the students a tour of the room that was possibly the place soldiers laid Brigadier General Henry Little upon his death during the Battle of Iuka. Lastly, students went outside to the rose garden and discussed when General Little was buried and students asked questions as to why was he buried at night, why was he buried in a rose garden, was a funeral home in charge, did they put flowers on his grave, and many more questions that their teacher answered.

Days like this make the staff feel like they have shared a piece of history that will leave a lasting impression.

Tonight! 🎶🪕🎻 🎶

Hope to see you there!

❤️❤️❤️

We would like to extend our appreciation to the following sponsors for making Living History a resounding success! Without you events such as these would not be possible.

Segar’s Clinic
Cutshall Funeral Home
Friendly Florist
Clark Law Firm
Coke of Corinth
EM Storage (Milligan)
Harvell Auto Parts
B B’s Cakes
Just A Kind Word Florist
Hometown Pizza
State Farm Insurance (Harold Lomenick)
Cornerstone Insurance & Financial
The Apron Museum
Pepsi
Tishomingo County Tourism
Southeast Auto
Piggly Wiggly
Brooks Grocery of Iuka
Hollie Milligan, Ricky Johnson, John Driscoll, Ruby Brown Smith-Holloway, Dr. Ben Kitchens, Henry and Carolyn Terry, Glen Rikkard, and Don Berryman for the use of his car.

We had a blast at Heritage Day!

Be sure to join us tomorrow, Saturday, September 2nd, for Living History on the courthouse lawn and a textile show upstairs in the courtroom. Hope to see you there!

We enjoyed our visit from the folks at the Huntsville-Madison County Senior Center!

The Old Courthouse Museum in Iuka is set to join in the celebration of Heritage Day on Saturday, September 2, 2023, by presenting a unique event called "Living History". This event aims to provide visitors with an immersive experience of the past by showcasing historical artifacts, offering guided tours, and hosting various interactive activities.

The museum will charge a donation fee of $5.00 for entry, which will contribute to the preservation and maintenance of the museum's collections. One of the highlights of the event is the historical tour of museum artifacts. This tour will allow visitors to learn about the history and significance of the pieces on display. Another aspect of the event is the display of many handmade quilts and textiles which have been collected from across the region and aprons from our local Apron Museum. In addition, Jack Martin from Hockaday Handmade Brooms and Glen Rikkard will be on-hand demonstrating broom making, basket weaving, and chair caning.

The Old Courthouse Museum was known as the “Marriage Capital of the South” back when there was no three-day waiting period or blood test required to get married. Over 44,000 marriage certificates were issued in the Old Courthouse. As a way to honor this aspect of our county’s history, we will also be hosting mock weddings complete with a “preacher” and “wedding license” for lovebirds to keep as a memory of getting “married” at the Marriage Capital of the South. You may use your phone to take a photo of your wedding. Just a Kind Word Florist will have an outdoor wedding venue decorated for all participants.

*If any adults would like to be married that day, please feel free to bring your minister/judge. Where else can you have a unique wedding for $5.00?

Below is an itinerary of events for the day:
Museum opens ----------9:00 a.m.
Tours, quilt display, textiles, and aprons----9:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.
Meet and Greet with Cherokee Deer Clan—10:30 a.m.---11:00 a.m.
Guest speaker on antique quilts----11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m.--2:00 p.m. (upstairs in the courtroom)
Outside: Refreshment Tent with cold drinks, lemonade, water, and chips----$1.00 each
Mock Wedding—--------------$5.00
Photo Prompt—$5.00 use your own phone or camera

On display will be a 1938 Buick Century. This prop will be ideal for family, wedding, class, or senior photos.

**If you purchase a Museum Tour ticket for $5.00, you will be entered for a door prize drawing. There will be a drawing every hour from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.********

We would like to thank our sponsors for making this event possible:

Segars Clinic, Harold Lomenick--State Farm Insurance, Friendly Florist, B B’s Cakes, Hometown Pizza, Harwell Auto Parts, Cornerstone Insurance & Financial, Tishomingo County
Tourism, Clark Law Firm, E M Storage (Milligan), Southeast Auto, Pepsi, Just a Kind Word Florist, Coke of Corinth, Piggly Wiggly of Iuka, and Brooks Grocery.

We had a great time at Meet the Artist today for Tony Bullard at the mural restoration project in Tishomingo! A huge thank you to everyone who attended and to our sponsors. We especially enjoyed meeting our student helpers!

Platinum Sponsors:
Mississippi Arts Commission
Tishomingo County Historical & Genealogical Society/Old Courthouse Museum
Town of Tishomingo
Gatlin’s Pharmacy

Community Sponsors:
Mike Kemp, Martyville,
Main Street Cycle, Napa
Parts, Gun & Pawn Shop,
Momma’s Garden, Coke of Corinth, First
American National Bank of Tishomingo, and Rainbow Dollar Store

After you’ve attended Living History at the Old Courthouse and Heritage Day at Mineral Springs, pop over to hear the symphony with our friends at Cherry Mansion!

Save the date! September 2, 2023 on the lawn of the historic Cherry Mansion! 🎶

Tour Hardin County
Savannah Arts Commission

The Tishomingo Jam scheduled for August has been canceled. Performances will resume in September.

We’re still needing quilts!