Coming in October 2010
What It is About
Journey Stories is a traveling exhibition, part of the Museum on Main Street program created by the Smithsonian Institution. The Old Stagecoach Stop Foundation is one of six hosting groups in the state selected for the Journey Stories exhibit. Following is a brief description of the exhibit concept.
Journey Stories
Journey Stories – tales of how we and our ancestors came to America – are a central element of our personal heritage. From Native Americans to new American citizens and regardless of our ethnic or racial background, everyone has a story to tell. Our history is filled with stories of people leaving behind everything – families and possessions – to reach a new life in another state, across the continent, or even across an ocean. The reasons behind those decisions are myriad. Many chose to move, searching for something better in a new land. Others had no choice, like enslaved Africans captured and relocated to a strange land and bravely asserting their own cultures, or like Native Americans already here, who were often pushed aside by newcomers.
Our transportation history is more than trains, boats, buses, cars, wagons, and trucks. The development of transportation technology was largely inspired by the human drive for freedom. Journey Stories will examine the intersection between modes of travel and Americans’ desire to feel free to move. The story is diverse and focused on immigration, migration, innovation, and freedom. It is accounts of immigrants coming in search of promise in a new country; stories of individuals and families relocating in search of fortune, their own homestead, or employment; the harrowing journeys of Africans and Native Americans forced to move; and, of course, fun and frolic on the open road
The story of the intersection between transportation and American society is complicated, but it tells us much about who we are – people who see our societal mobility as a means for asserting our individual freedom. Journey Stories will use engaging images with audio and artifacts to tell the individual stories that illustrate the critical roles travel and movement have played in building our diverse American society.
For a schedule of hours and events, click here.
Another Christmas on the Square has been celebrated. It seems we have lost count of how many. However, we did count cups and we served more than 500 cups of hot chocolate, cider, and coffee along with many sandwiches and cookies. This is always a big event for the OSS, with hundreds of people filing through the building to snack, warm up, chat. The much improved heating system made the OSS an even cozier place on a very chilly evening. The vounteers weren't even wearing coats as they served the refreshments. We again sponsored a horse and buggy for rides around the square.
Installing the HVAC (see story below) was only the first step in upgrading the heating/cooling in the building. The OSS, in true Ozark vernacular style, was built on stone piers with a crawl space under the building, open all around except the front porch. The foundation needed to be enclosed (above left) to keep in the heat under the building and to keep animals out. Before this was completed, an animal did get under the building and destroyed 30 feet of flexible ductwork. The attic needed reinforcement (above center) to hold the added weight of the furnace and insulation. Cellulose insulation (above right) was then blown in the attics over the main building and the leanto. This year marks the first winter that we did not have to winterize the building: turn off the water, drain the lines, and put antifreeze in the fixtures.
The last day of our 2009 Tour Season was Saturday, September 26. It has become a tradition to call the last day "Appreciation Day" and to host a range of activities at the OSS, along with a few refreshments. The day started with a little precipitation but ended with quite a bit of participation.
Above (left to right): Volunteer Pam Barnabee cheers on two young butter makers. Jeanie Porter discusses the the craft of basketmaking with four young ladies. Those young ladies make hanky dolls under the canopy, assisted by Kitty McKelvey. Mark Zurbrick discusses the life of a Union soldier with a visitor.
Below (left to right): Wood carver Mike McKelvey provides guidance to a would-be carver. Ladies from the Gone to Pieces Quilt Guild demostrate the fine art. Music was provided by the Riverberry Players who are Railan, Lulie, and Billy Aistrope.
