Local museum host to interesting exhibitions

A number of intriguing exhibits are on display at the Putnam County Museum.

The restoration of a number of Elisha Cowgill paintings – along with photos of what the pictures looked like before restoration -- occupy the south wall.

Next is a tribute to two Putnam County basketball stars, both of whom attended DePauw University. Troy Greenlee from South Putnam and Brett Hecko of Greencastle High School are highlighted with a number of articles and memorabilia.

The William Vietor collection of muzzleloaders and tools used for them flanks the Monon Railroad exhibit of signs, trunks, maps and wagon. A newly refreshed exhibit of the Prevo clothing store – including the distinctive cash register, hats and other clothing -- along with articles about founder Edgar Prevo, and manager and eventual owner Bob Matthews is found toward the right of the display room.

In the center lies a miniature replica of the Goldsberry farm crafted by Bob Goldsberry.

The newest exhibit celebrates the 200th anniversary of Greencastle’s First Baptist Church with its three locations over the years, listing of pastors from the 1840s onward, original documents concerning the establishment of the church by 13 faithful who had chosen the name Church of Christ of Big Walnut for its new congregation.

The church began in May 1822 and met in various homes and locations until it built its first building on the southwest corner of Madison and Franklin in 1839. Later in 1855 the group purchased land for $300 to build on the corner of Poplar and Water streets (now Spring Street), and finally to its current location on Judson Drive in February 1969.

Significant firsts as well as a selection of articles called “Ripples on the Shallow Waters” written by David Barr, local newspaperman, for the publication called The Baptist Observer also can be seen in this part of the museum. Minutes from business meetings in the 1930s and the ladies’ missionary societies are included with the exhibit.

More recent items include an original song written by the current music director and teacher Carrie Hamilon titled “The Road Is Up.”

And of special interest is a quilt crafted by Darla Clodfelter that graces one of the display cases. The quilt is reminiscent of a portion of the 2020 pandemic. Darla used fragments of hundreds of masks she made to comprise this fascinating piece. An altar cloth given by Taku and Katie Longkumer, missionaries to India, is hung above the history of the three buildings that were First Baptist.

Depictions of more current projects and outreaches are also remembered through a number of items in the display.

Don’t miss the many books and artifacts toward the front of the museum that tell the history of Putnam County, its families, significant events and places. Most are on sale and of interest to natives and visitors alike.

The hours of the museum are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays -- and 10 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.