Warren County
Local History by Dallas Bogan |
Contributor: |
Dallas Bogan on 14 September 2004 |
Source: |
original article by Dallas Bogan |
Return to Index to see a list of other articles by Dallas Bogan |
Within our midst lies a facility that is ranked among the top museums in the
United States, the Warren County Museum. It is operated by the Warren
County Historical Society and is located in Harmon Hall on South Broadway
Street in Lebanon.
The Society had its beginnings in 1940 with its first meetings being held in
the Golden Lamb Hotel. Quarters were later set up in Glendower in 1945. And
in 1961, after various moves, Harmon Hall was made its permanent residence.
The first charter members of this fine organization were: Ladora S.
Owens, Jennie C. Stanley, Essie M. Keever,
Louise A Herrick, Hazel Brooks, Mary
G. Forgy, Hazel Spencer Phillips, Mary Jane
Phillips, Wm. Mason Phillips, and Perle M.
Riley.
G.H. Townsley, Audrey E. Townsley, Lee
S. Dodds, Harry C. Schwartz, Frank C. Anderson,
Lucy J. Anderson, Doris Hawke, John
E. Holden, and Charters D. Maple, its first President.
Dixon Maple, son of the first President, presently holds the
same position as his father. Dixon has offered much information
regarding the Museum for this article, in which the writer is grateful.
Mary Payne became assistant director in 1982 and was appointed
present director in 1991. Personnel that also dedicated themselves to the Museum
preceded her.
Gladys Minuette has been employed by the Museum for 31 years
in the custodial capacity. I guess if one were to pry into past personnel and
concerns of the organization, they would probably ask Gladys.
At this time we shall explore some of the countless features incorporated into
the Museum.
As we enter the facility we see many fine saleable items which are located in
the Rocking Horse gift and bookshop.
The Village Green is the center piece for the many outstanding shops on display.
Within this area, these store-like replicas are presented as businesses of times
past.
The Blue Ball blacksmith shop has on exhibit many handmade items along with
devices for making them. Included is a large bellows with a fireplace depicting
the same time period.
Cowan's carpenter shop exhibits many old wooden hand tools
that have since disappeared from our modern workplace.
Also on exhibit are an old bank building and its contents.
Most unique is the general store and its large inventory. Included are many
flowery dishes, clothing articles, and for entertainment, an age-old checker
board.
For those who are interested in old dolls, there are quite a few just waiting
for someone to cherish them.
Also for you gun enthusiasts, a display room, complete with several old flintlock
rifles, assorted pistols, and powder horns, is exhibited.
An early doctor's office, mostly equipped with surgical equipment, is also located
on this floor. Close-by is a medicine shop and, in times past, I'm certain these
remedies had great healing powers.
We should not forget the silversmith shop, or the clock shop with its numerous
timepieces of the past.
A shoe shop with its shoe making devices, and an attorney's office is also on
display.
Also exhibited on this floor are timeworn sleighs and buggies. A replica of
an old hatter's shop can also be viewed.
The balcony has assorted items displayed such as antique glassware, furniture
and a classic grandfather clock.
Russell Wright was a native of Lebanon. In this section we
glimpse a number of his immeasurable contributions to the Society.
His designs included practical styles in china, glassware, wood and plastic
ware, furniture, and the creation of spun aluminum. All these products found
their way into most households in the 1940's and '50's. They helped lead America
into a more informal life style.
This section also includes an array of dolls and baby carriages. Vintage musical
instruments are to be observed and studied.
We now enter the Shaker Gallery. Featured are separate
chambers that have their own identity.
Among these rooms is an early Shaker trustees office
complete with furnishings.
A textile room, integrated with looms, spinning wheels, and workbench, is highlighted.
Also a display case with Shaker household utensils can
be seen.
An actual broom-making apparatus is to be examined. Brother Theodore
Bater of the Shaker faith, as we know it, developed
the first broom, in 1798. It was soon sold in every part of the world.
A dining area, complete with cupboard, dining table, and eating utensils, seemingly
makes one want to set and dine.
Life would not be complete without a kitchen. On display are dough-trays, an
apple-peeler, a flour-sifter, cupboards, stove, sink and many other items of
interest to the housewife.
The bottom level continues with much inquisitiveness. Of special interest to
the writer is the large room display of the many fossils and Indian artifacts
found in the vicinity of Warren County.
A schoolroom, complete with desks, books and study guides, displays a likeness
of the classrooms of yesteryear, which tends to bring back fond memories to
our senior citizens.
A unique pottery display can be viewed, with all the items being either made
or contributed by residents of the County.
Of special interest is the rather large farm implement arrangement in this section.
The writer could not identify some of these tools of the past. However, with
help from Mary Allen, assistant director, I was able to gather
much knowledge regarding these items.
Amidst this exhibit is a wooden horse-drawn scoop farmers used for this particular
type work. Also, early plows, seeders, grinding wheels, and a large assortment
of wooden hand tools can be inspected.
A non-denominational chapel is partitioned off into a room by itself. Several
different churches in the County have donated the furnishings.
A representation of an early Western Star print shop, along with a primitive
type press and accessories, is of much interest.
An 1827 carriage, built by Stacy Cramer, local wagon-maker
from Lebanon, is exhibited, accompanied by a well-preserved Waynesville mail
hack.
One item that should be mentioned is the 1908 Buick that was donated by the
Albert L. Ertel family of Warren County. It is in excellent
shape considering the age of the vehicle.
Let us not forget the fine library with its historical and genealogical resources.
Mary Klei, head librarian, has taken on the project of reorganizing
this department and has worked wonders.
Also on display in this section is a large exhibit of photographs. Joe
Worley and Herb Schwartz have taken it upon themselves
to submit hundreds of photos and slides with respect to Warren County. They
are all categorized as to community and event.
The Museum cannot operate without a sound Executive Board. And a tip of the
hat to the many volunteers who take time out from their busy schedules to lend
a hand. Without them the Society would be at a standstill.
Numerous events are scheduled each year to help compensate the facility regarding
its upkeep. It has survived for many years and is still in an upward swing.
NOTICE: All documents and electronic images placed on the Warren County OHGenWeb site remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. These documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the submitter, or their legal representative, and contact the listed Warren County OHGenWeb coordinator with proof of this consent.
This page created 14 September 2004 and last updated
28 September, 2008
© 2004 Arne H Trelvik
All rights reserved