As you enter the museum, on the right is a speaker’s stand made by James Turner which holds the guest register. Just beyond that is an extensive display of Native American artifacts collected by Kelton White. The arrowheads were collected from his farm at the end of Maple Street in Arcadia. Hanging over the mantle are remnants of a flag found on the battlefield on September 27, 1864, the day after the Battle of Pilot Knob. Just beyond is the Civil War case which contains copies of telegrams sent and received during the Civil War and other related materials. The two portraits above the case are of Brig. Gen. and Mrs. John Gray. The encased Union uniform belonged to Lewis Ogle, a well-known family from the Viburnum area. Private Ogle was killed at the Battle of Pea Ridge in Arkansas. Private Ogle’s grandson, Theodore Ogle, loaned the uniform to the Society.
The large portrait is of Jerome Berryman, educator and Methodist minister who started the Arcadia College as a Methodist institution. The portrait was painted in 1909 from an original by William J. Hinchey. The elaborate chair is one of two that was in the Fort Hill Church along with the portrait for as long as members can remember. There under the portrait is also one of four jury chairs from the courthouse.
Near the teller window is a railroad exhibit on loan from the
Charles Ottman family. Mr. Ottman was one of the last of the telegraphers in this area. The railroad was a very important part of Iron County’s history. The exhibit case was made to Mr. Ottman’s specifications by local
woodworker,
Jake Turner. The chair to the left of the display was used in the depot office and donated by the family of Jim Tracy. Across the room is a vertical sales case for items being sold by the Chamber of Commerce and the Historical Society.
Brochure racks are located in the center of the room to ensure travelers are aware of all that the beautiful Arcadia Valley has to offer. They also include schedules for the Texas Eagle which stops everyday early morning and late at night.
