The past Sunday was another really entertaining day at the Lawrence County Historical Society museum. The Rock Hill music department, under the direction of Rhonda Pemberton, gave us a real nice afternoon. We thank them.

This Sunday, Pat McCoy with his Southern Ohio University Activity Band, will be with us at the museum. We always look forward to hearing them.

Every Sunday has been an outstanding day. Dec. 14 is the last Sunday for the special programs. This day Santa will be with us, and the first 20 children attending will receive a gift from him.

Sharon Bradshaw will play Christmas music. Surely this will stir the Christmas spirit in all of us.

I would like to tell you about an interesting display at the museum. In the Nannie Kelly Wright room, along with the Queen’s picture, you can find two big beautiful dolls that were given to the Society by Carl and Clarice Eliason.

Clarice, called Dolly, was a doll collector and a doll doctor at their store at 2125 South Fourth Street several years ago. She also gave us a small doll that you will find in a carriage that looks so natural.

These dolls were made in Germany, have special hair and dressed by a helper. Dolly’s maiden name was Fugett and she passed away about six years ago.

We received the dolls about 10 years ago. What a wonderful sight to see these dolls that look like little girls. It is a privilege to display them and when you see these dolls remember they were given to us by Dolly Eliason to enjoy and for all to come in and visit. You and your children will enjoy them.

We received good news that the veterans are trying to save the old city hall. This building was built for the Civil War veterans and their families. It was a beautiful building and can be again. Good Luck to the veterans.

Remember, the last day the museum will be open is Dec. 14 and then it will be closed until April.

4Historical Fact: When the town was laid out in 1849, Fourth and Railroad streets were set aside as the Market Square. The Market House was the center of business for many years.

In 1892, the square was given to the Grand Army of the Republic for a Memorial building. The first floor was taken over as GAR post rooms, and the Briggs Library. The second floor was an auditorium with stage.

On Dec. 18, 1905, the building burned and fell except the stone front and tower. The building was rebuilt in 1908 by the City of Ironton with the same stone front, and the tower somewhat shortened in height.

Two marble tablets, salvaged from the fire, and replaced in the walls of the new building, tell its history.

(Material taken from the “Story of the Glorious Past”)

Naomi Deer is a trustee for the Lawrence County Historical Society.