Historic Mark Monroe Corn Crib gets a new roof

The Mark Monroe corn crib on the grounds of the Union County Museum sports a new roof, thanks to Dan Wyrick and the employees of Wyrick Roofing on Highway 33, who donated their labor to preserve a Union County historical landmark. Billy Myers contributed new lumber to make sure there were no leaks. Judson Palmer and Dennis Johnson, both members of the Union County Historical Society, assumed the responsibility of providing the cedar shakes and materials so the Wyricks could use their skill.

HMHS yearbooks available at UC Museum

The Union County Historical Society has acquired a number of past year books from Horace Maynard High School. The books are available for a $50 (cash or check only) minimum donation, first come first serve. They can be obtained at the Union County Museum on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. or on Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The following years and quantities are available: 1967(2), 1968 (8), 1975 (2), 1980 (2), 1983 (1), 1984 (1), 1985 (3), 1990 (5), 1992 (2), 1993 (21), 1994 (3), 1995 (1), 1997 (2), 1998 (1), 1998 (1), 1999 (2).

And the winner is.......

President Charlie Hamilton read the winning ticket number for the handmade Christmas Tree Quilt at the Union County Historical Society Christmas Brunch on December 17 at the Union County Museum. Judson Palmer won the quilt. Proceeds from the quilt donations will go toward helping pay for needed repairs.
Palmer announced that the museum will receive a grant from the Tennessee Museum to replace the flooring. The museum will most likely be closed from January 28 through most of February while the flooring work is completed.

Tuesday night jams at the museum

The Union County Historical Society has opened the doors of the museum every Tuesday for an acoustic music jam. Everyone who plays an instrument, sings from the heart or just loves tapping their toes and clapping their hands to good ole country, bluegrass and gospel tunes is welcome.
The music begins at 6 p.m. and winds down about 8:45.
Recently, Norris Freeway came to play. Musicians come from all parts of the county.
Noted fiddle player Wayne Goforth coordinated the fun and makes sure everyone gets involved.

State preservationist addresses historical society

“Developers purchase land and think that they own the cemetery that is on the property,” related Graham Perry, Historical Cemetery Preservation Specialist at the Union County Historical Society last month, “But they may or may not own the cemetery.”
Perry also explained that cemeteries cannot be blocked from visits by relatives, but the activities of visitors in the cemetery can be regulated by the owner.

State Cemetery Preservationist to Speak at Museum

Mr. Graham Perry, developer of the Tennessee Historic Cemetery Preservation Program, will address the Union County Historical Society on Sunday, March 19, at 2:30 at the Union County Museum on Maynardville Highway. Mr. Perry will explain the progress of the historic cemetery program and entertain questions regarding cemetery preservation. Mr. Perry previously was the Curator of Social History at the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville where he developed the permanent exhibit, Tennessee Transforms: 1945-present.

Dave Chesney shares The Good Stuff

Dave Chesney, a native of Union County and father of country music chart-topper Kenny Chesney, gifts the Historical Society with a donation of official Kenny Chesney memorabilia. Record labels recognize their artists’ achievements with record milestone awards, such as gold (500,000 albums sold) and platinum (1 million albums or 500,000 singles sold). These keepsakes are also presented to those who support an artist’s career; as such, Chesney has received several awards commemorating his son’s achievements.