Clarke County Museum News - Spring, 2008

Restored Mathews Cabin Dedicated

       Dr. David Mathews, a descendant of Josiah and Lucy Mathews, was the keynote speaker.
 

After three years of restoration work, the Josiah and Lucy Mathews Cabin was dedicated Sunday, April 30. The event was planned to be held outside in front the cabin, but an afternoon shower brought a few last minute changes, and the dedication was moved to Grove Hill Town Hall. A standing-room only crowd listened as project chairman Walter Davis described the restoration process that began in 2005 when the Historical Society purchased the cabin from Lucy Dortch and her son, Bill. Before it was moved, the cabin suffered damage from hurricanes Ivan, Dennis and Katrina. Even more damage occurred as the cabin was moved from its site along Mathews Cemetery Road to the Clarke County Museum Complex. When the cabin reached its final resting place, it was merely a shell, barely four walls with no roof, ceiling, floor, or porches. (See photos here)

Several contractors were sought to do complete the daunting task of restoring what was left and rebuilding what was not, but none were willing.  In the meantime, volunteers erected a tin shed over the cabin to protect it from the elements.  Finally, contractor Lou Como inspected the cabin and believed he was up for the challenge. Within a few months, the cabin had already made quite a transformation.  Dozens of businesses donated materials and a group of society members volunteered their services. Numerous donors contributed funds to pay Mr. Como.

Dr. David Mathews gave the keynote address, giving a brief history of the large number of families connected to the cabin. He recognized Lucy Dortch and her son, Bill, thanking them for being for ensuring the cabin’s safety for all those years. He also told about a unique discovery by Mathews cousin Bill Hearn just after the cabin was moved.  During the time the area was experiencing drought condition, Mr. Hearn went to the old house site and happened upon a stash of letters that had been tossed out by the movers.  The letters were written in the 1860s by Mathews family members and were a treasure trove of the family’s, as well as the cabin’s, history.  Check out photos of the dedication.

Following Dr. Mathews’s address, the crowd of about 150 guests made their way to the museum complex for old-fashioned treats at the Helms House and tours of the Mathews Cabin  By this time the rain had subsided, and everyone enjoyed visiting with the costumed re-enactors portraying the original inhabitants.  It was a wonderful day to celebrate the history of our county!

“A Yellow Watermelon” book signing

Clarke County native Ted Dunegan was at the museum Saturday, April 26 to sign copies of his novel “A Yellow Watermelon.” About 50 people came by to get their copies of the book at the museum store and have Mr. Dunegan sign them.  The book is available in the museum gift shop. Call 251-275-2014 to get your copy.

Clarke County Museum News - Winter, 2007

Volunteers make Pioneer Day the best ever!

The unseasonably warm temperatures and bright sunshine brought an enormous crowd to the museum’s Pioneer Day in November, 2007.  This was the eighth year the living history event has been conducted on the museum grounds. All of the popular pioneer demonstrations were back this year, with the addition of several new ones.

The big hit of the day was the Josiah and Lucy Martin Mathews Cabin which is still under restoration.  Re-enactors portraying the Mathews family greeted visitors and gave tours of the historic structure. 

Many dedicated volunteers make this event possible.  We would like to thank demonstrators: Jim and Martha Herod, Frances Ohme, J and E Blacksmiths, Brent, Sylvia, Abbie Fuller, Shirley Counselman, Mary Lee Criswell, Margaret Marks, Jerrold Syphrit and family, Steve and Ann Kennedy, Dewayne Schultz, Ferrell Hinson, Kevin Breeland, Greg Sellers and Scotch Lumber Company, Dana Dunn, Charles Pezent, Maurie Outlaw, Wendy Padgett and Clarke County Extension Service, Clarke County Re-enactors Association, Denny Hare, Randy Luker, Rojean and Harold Reid, Gay DeWitt, Melvin Joiner and the entire Western Swing Band, Tommy and Brenda Hart, Dink Logan, Denny Hare, Walt Bradley, David Foote, Cheryl Horton and the Grove Hill Area Chamber of Commerce, the Grove Hill Arts Council, the Southern Magnolia Study Club and Clarke County High School and Clarke Prep School volunteers.  

Special thanks also go to Marion Bumpers for all of her hard work orchestrating the very successful bake sale fundraiser as well as those who made cakes and goodies for us to sell. Thanks to the many “room sitters!” We also appreciate Allen and Kate Jordan cooking the food for the concession stand and the Town of Grove Hill and its employees their volunteer efforts!

Thank you to the following businesses: Andrews Associated Foods, Coca Cola, Golden Flake, Greer’s Food Tiger, McDonald’s, Sara Lee and Wal-Mart.