WHAT AN OPENING, WHAT A SHOW

WHAT AN OPENING, WHAT A SHOW

By Carina Elgin

Several hundred local residents, town officials and just plain history buffs filled Madison Street on a warm summer night to celebrate as The Middleburg Museum officially opened its doors on June 30. Those present enjoyed this long-awaited event by meandering through exhibits, listening to music and enjoying donated refreshments.

Committed to recording, preserving and sharing the rich history of the historic village and its surrounding area, the museum began as a vision by late Town Council member Eura Lewis, who was represented by a number of relatives attending the opening. The newly renovated space at 8 N. Madison Street is ample for exhibits and events, making it a one-stop destination for those seeking information, past and present.

Suzanne Obetz, the museum’s executive director, said, “We welcome any significant piece of history you may come across. I’ve worked in other museums where there’s an existing collection to choose your exhibits from. Somehow it seems more exciting to start from scratch. Everything that comes in is important.”

Since the opening, Suzanne said she’s been getting countless calls and emails from people who want to donate items to the museum, and she’s delighted to give them a home. There also has been a steady stream of visitors every day.

At the opening, one of the most popular items on display was the sign from the old Coach Stop restaurant hanging in the museum’s front window. And in the front room, the original recipe for its famous “Hi Y’all” drink was being served. That’s how the late Loretta Jilson, the restaurant hostess and wife of long-time Coach Stop owner Brian Jilson, would greet guests walking in the door.

One of the more remarkable artifacts on display was the old bar top from the Red Fox Inn that was taken out of its restaurant during a renovation in the 1950s. That same bar top, with blood stains and all, is said to have served as an operating table for a military hospital that occupied the Inn during the Civil War. Later, it belonged to famous Middleburg author Jane McClary, who used it as her writing table many years later at her home on Zulla Road.

The recent closing of The Fun Shop after 66 years will result in a special exhibit on the town’s iconic store. The museum is getting the Fun Shop sign that hung above the front door. The family of photographer Howard Allen, who’s wife Nancy, originally owned and operated the business for many years, has donated many of his photographs that will be available for viewing.

The Middleburg Museum, as a nonprofit, relies on donations and fundraising. “The community can help by becoming a member, buying a legacy brick, or making a monetary contribution,” Suzanne said.

Several events are being planned, including the second annual chili cook-off on Oct. 13 in the Pink Box Garden next door to the museum. That also will be the site for the Christmas Tree lighting on Dec. 1, and the lighting of a menorah celebrating Hanukkah from Dec. 7-15.

Sponsors included: JS2 Enterprises - provided the wine from Slater Run Winery, Mark Metzger - provided the beer from Lost Barrel Brewery, Carol Lee – catering, Goodstone Inn - Jefferson Van Allen – catering, Etten’s Eden - flower arrangements and JSC Construction. For more information, go to www.themiddleburgmuseum.org