Volunteers organizing a veterans exhibit didn't expect to become emotional while seeing the project through. But when they saw the 113 framed black and white photos, each lovingly staged on an individually quilted piece of fabric, the project took on a life of its own to stand as a stark, yet poignant, reminder of the sacrifices McDonald County veterans have made throughout the years.
McDonald County Historical Society volunteers will unveil the "Stories of Military Service" exhibit, located in the former courtroom of the McDonald County Historic Courthouse Museum, on Saturday, May 26.
After working for 15 months on the project, the hope is that those who view the project will come to learn, appreciate and value the service the veterans have provided. Of the 113 veterans celebrated, five of the veterans lost their lives in service.
"The project means a lot to us," said committee member Lynn Tatum. Volunteers hope to honor "those who have served to preserve our freedom and democracy, their history and who they are," she said. "The exhibit covers the last 100 years. Both the exhibits and the stories are quite powerful."
Exhibit committee chairwoman Sam Alps was speechless as workers placed the framed quilted veterans' photos on the museum's walls.
"After they were hung, and it was finished ... I don't know how to express it," Alps said. "It's absolutely gorgeous."
The call for veterans' stories went out last year, with Jan. 31 posted as the deadline. Organizers asked for photos and stories of any McDonald County veteran who has served. In that time, stories from sparse to heartbreaking to lengthy were submitted. Many families chose to honor their loved ones. Veterans honored included those who served in the Civil War through Afghanistan.
One hundred and thirteen photos line the walls of the former courtroom, which is the second floor of the old courthouse on the Pineville Square. Organizers launched the project as a 2-year standing exhibit on that floor. The former exhibit, "100 Years of Fashion," completed its cycle and the exhibit committee planned a new and different exhibit, hoping to honor veterans.
Today, as volunteers prepare for the exhibit launch, four large notebooks are filled with 130 alphabetized veterans' stories and their photos. Organizers plan to continue to collect more veterans' stories of service.
"We hope to have 20 of these," Tatum said.
Each photo collected -- both black and white and color -- was digitally transferred as a large black and white photo on a piece of quilted fabric. The Bunker Hill Quilters created 113 unique quilted pieces, which look like a quilted block. Each is made with strips of fabric, ranging from several different navy, burgundy, cream and patriotic-themed materials.
"Each one is different," Tatum said.
From there, every 18x24 framed quilt background with the photo was placed on the courtroom walls.
"It's beautiful," Tatum said. "It has been quite the journey."
The exhibit also features a Civil War couple -- a lady and soldier's attire on display -- in the front of the room. The couple symbolizes a time of great turmoil in the county, with some fighting for the North and some for the South, Tatum said.
The first four-square, three-story brick courthouse on the square was burned during the Civil War in 1863, just two years after it was built, Tatum said.
The green dress is an antique one from the Civil War era and the soldier's jacket, hat and pants are well-done reproductions, she said.
As part of that display, organizers have placed a Civil War-era saddle and a picture of seven Civil War McDonald County veterans sitting in front of Allman's Store on the main street in Anderson in the late 1800s, including Jacob Carter, Alvin Chamberlin, George Friend, Mr. Rogers, Squeaky Wier, Andrew Mitchell's father and Mr. Craft.
Helping the project take shape has been rewarding. On the day the photos were placed, Tatum and Alps watched Scott and Jamie McGowen from Scott Frame and Art create their magic throughout the day. They cried as the photos were lovingly placed on the walls.
"The stories are funny, touching and heartbreaking," Tatum said. "With all the different uniforms, medics, pilots, you really get a breadth and depth of military service. After you see the exhibit, there's no way you can take our veterans for granted.
"We have many who 'just wanted to be of service,'" Tatum said. "We have some Purple Heart recipients, men and women who served. Many who served in World War II. The depth of this exhibit makes me teary. It just makes you proud to be a part of McDonald County."
For those who cannot climb the stairs to the second floor, organizers have created a 12-minute video that will be featured in the Military Room on the first floor. That display also has been updated and honors veterans for their service.
The McDonald County Historical Society Museum is located at 400 N. Main, Pineville. Admission to the museum is free.
General News on 05/24/2018