The Invitation
My experience with the the THPS started earlier this year when I first met Joey Wiginton(Vice President of the THPS) over a school project. In casual conversation, I voiced the interest I had in my hometown of Eclectic as I learned about their history and wanted to help. His reaction was then to invite me to get to know the Talisi Historical Preservation Society.
What I found was active and passionate people, deeply invested in Tallassee and Alabama history. They were working to improve current historical sites and encourage knowledge and engagement in the community. Not long after, I joined as a member of the organization. I hope this post properly echoes the efforts I have seen that night and since.
A special thanks to Susan Dragone, Alan Parker, and Randall Hughey for the information provided below.
The Heart of the Society: The Tallassee Falls Museum
A Treasure Chest on Barnett Boulevard
Upon entering the museum for their regularly scheduled 3rd Monday meeting, I was immediately impressed. Tallassee boasts a modest population of about 5000 and what I saw was not something I expected of a smaller city. Booths are set up detailing different periods, events and topics.
I have noticed quite the complete knowledge and collection with a Native American Heritage display that touches on the subjects of “Tuchabatchee – Creek Nation” with information about historical leaders, many of which lived in Tallassee. It also includes artifacts found in local fields.
Of course the museum would not be complete without the Industrial History detailing the Mills with blueprints and the 1890s wooden cotton carding machine. This also includes pieces that show the different name changes over years as well as old products, pictures and even a miniature weaving loom! Historical businesses, some of which are no longer standing, have typewriters and other equipment and products such as antique bottles on display.
Even Tallassee has been touched by the wars throughout history. Displays show homage to those who served in the area in World Wars, along with many items such as uniforms, helmets and weapons. Naturally with the confederate armory so close, many items relating to its presence and role in the Civil War are also available for viewing.
Other aspects of the museum showcase local history both old and new. Images of the school with yearbooks are available for viewing, pictures of the Thurlow Dam, art depicting life in times before and records and images relating to local Black Heritage all line the walls.
I could not help but notice the gift shop as well with small images and several books from local authors. Several that have written books include:
- Debra Hughey
- Larry Williamson
- Charles H. Pollard
- Raymond E. Hall & Francine Coleman Larson
- W. C. Bryant
- Jack Payne Solomon
- Myra S. Johnson
- Willie G. Moseley
- Dr. E. W. Wadsworth
- Virginia Noble Golden.
If you know of an author listed with an online bookstore, please let me know.
A Resource for Everyone
The museum acts as a very functional resource as well for people looking to learn anything and everything about Tallassee history, Alabama history, resources relating to North and South Carolina history, and Native American history. There they house several books and sources for learning for school, personal interest and even family history.
Currently there exists significant records about the Fincher and Sistrunk Family histories. Susan Dragone, the organization historian and museum curator, is working with the group and community to expand this. There are also records that detail family histories local to Elmore, Tallapoosa and Coosa counties. These include biographies, family histories, place descriptions and other items that would be of great interest to those looking into their family history in Alabama.
Not only has the museum been of use to locals, but people have come from all over to see the museum. Even an Auburn architectural student come in to get some information about the Benjamin Fitzpatrick Bridge. amazed at the beauty of our river. Other visitors have visited from Pennsylvania, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio, North Carolina, Texas, Minnesota, Kentucky, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Utah, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, Mississippi, Illinois, Panama, Nova Scotia, and England. Some were visiting relatives here – some just passing through.
In one experience Mrs. Dragone notes:
“I recently had some women from the Birmingham area contact me about their McKinley family. I was able to find some things and they came down to get them. We enjoyed a tour of some of the places in town where their family lived and went to church, as well as visit to the Rose Hill Cemetery. I was able to give them some information about their family that they did not know.“
To me, that is a type of personal historical experience you can only get in Tallassee.
Mrs. Dragone also notes that the American Indian collection has expanded considerably and may prove useful to researchers. But the society’s work extends beyond the museum walls into the very landmarks that define Tallassee’s landscape.
Preservation in Action: Saving Tallassee’s Landmarks and Relations
More than A Museum
Tallassee Confederate Armory
The Confederate Armory is perhaps one of the most impressive physical representations of Tallassee’s History and Alabama History to an extent. Often referenced as the second oldest standing building in the state, it was the only Confederate Armory to escape destruction by the Union forces. It was originally a Cotton Mill until Colonel Gorgas had Richmond Arsenal relocated to this site just south of the Benjamin Fitzpatrick River Bridge to preserve carbine production.
The is a special focal point for the society as they have the long-term goal to move the museum to this building. Currently they are restoring the bell tower on-site and installing the bell soon thereafter.
The Patterson Log Cabin
The Patterson Log Cabin was built in 1845 and is the oldest dwelling in Tallassee. Bill Patterson’s (current local resident) ancestors were the ones that built it. This cabin was a center for learning in the community before a formal school was established. It is located 501 Sims Ave, Tallassee, AL 36078 and is available to be rented for events.
The Mill
The THPS purchased the property several years ago. With the help of the local radio station, WACQ, they produced a downtown music concert for 18 years to pay off the mortgage of the property
The “Friends of Tuckabatchee” Initiative
Alan Parker, current President, shared a note not long after I joined saying:
“In 2010 several members of THPS talked about forming Friends of Tuckabatchee (FoT) to pay tribute to Tallassee’s American Native Americans in plays and/or events. The first play was in 2011. FoT had several mutual connections to Indians in Oklahoma and encouraged FoT to include them in our play and other events of that week. The group of Muskogee, Ok, Indians came and assisted FoT with the first play. Mayor McCain presented the group from Oklahoma, with a key to the city. In turn the citizens of Tallassee were presented with an Indian blanket. The blanket has been framed and now hangs in Tallassee City Hall.“
How you can Be Part of Tallassee’s Story
Being part of the THPS has been nothing but a rewarding experience. I have been able to connect with so many more people in town, learn more about this city’s rich history, and take a more active role in protecting the past. In turn, they have kept me very busy but, I have loved it.
I would encourage all get involved in some way. You can…
Visit the Museum at no cost to you. They are open most Saturdays from 10:00AM to 3:00PM at 201 Barnett Blvd, Tallassee, AL 36078
Attend a meeting that they hold on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6PM. That way you can see the society in action.
And if you feel called to the work, become a member by picking up a brochure at the museum. Dues are $60/year per member with a family membership available as well.