Museum preview draws appreciative crowd
By SHARON KERR Staff Writer

Newsboy photo/ Charles Kerr TOM HARKIN (center) and Louis Berry both loaned items from their private collections to stock the museum preview. Harkin holds an engraved glass brick patrons can purchase.

Several years in the making, the Jasper County Historical Museum held their dedication and a sneak preview during Azalea Festival in Jasper March 15.

Long-time supporter Tom Harkin happily announced, "This baby is happening."

He noted that he purchased and donated the old Stone Pharmacy building many years ago. The first hang-up was removing all the asbestos in the building. Then, just as the Jasper County Historical Society (JCHS) was making progress, Hurricane Rita ripped the roof up.

Jeanette Coffield, president of the JCHS, said, "I've been in a white panic the last few days, but here we are."

Coffield said they are in negotiations to sign on a new director who will oversee the grand opening of the museum soon.

Contractor Hugh Hamilton, architect Ray Harper, and volunteers like Juan Flores from San Juan Graphics, Liz Street from the chamber of commerce, and Bonnie Walker of Few Ready Mix scrambled to make sure the ground floor was "ready for company."

Newsboy photo/ Charles Kerr MARTHA HANLON demonstrated spinning yarn at the preview and dedication of the Jasper County Historical Museum.

The museum opened for the festival with temporary exhibits provided by Louis Berry, who collects military memorabilia, and from Harkin's personal collection.

Harkin was also a key player in raising funds for the renovation, contacting fellow history buffs all over the county. One donation from Frank and Helen Freed of California was stock; the sale netted more than $52,000 according to Coffield.

"You know whenever two or three are gathered, I'm going to ask for money," Coffield said, pointing out a donation jar. "So many in our community have contributed to make this possible."

Harkin showed the commemorative bricks that museum patrons can purchase for $500 each; engraved with a name, the bricks will be lighted and displayed in the museum, an idea taken from the Crystal Cathedral in California.

First National Bank and Few Ready Mix both pledged $5,000 per year for five years, to ensure the ongoing operation of the museum.

Coffield said the museum has levels of membership, and that this kind of community commitment is important when JCHS seeks grants to complete the development.

Future plans include developing the property behind the museum, donated by Tom Bledsoe, as a repository. The addition will have a three-story elevator to make the museum handicapped accessible on all levels. The mezzanine level will have computer stations for students to use for research.

"Right now we have a 'wish list' just to get the museum office open on a regular basis," Coffield said. "We'd like to appeal to the community for a file cabinet, a lap top computer, a scanner/ printer/fax, a coffee pot, a small refrigerator, a microwave, a small table and chairs.

"And what we need most of all are more volunteers, whether it's one or two days a week, afternoon or mornings, a few hours on Saturdays. It's going to take quite a few people on a regular basis before we can announce regular hours of operation," Coffield said.

To donate or to volunteer, call the museum at 384-6666.