By Maggie DiGiovanni
Special to the Elmore/Autauga News
After months of waiting, the Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting of the new Eclectic Museum will be held on October 1, 2022, at 1 p.m.
Located between the Fire Department and the Public Library, the museum will represent the historic beginning and growth of Eclectic, Alabama between1907 when it was founded and present day. Along with donations from Elmore County merchants are artifacts from generations of those who made their homes in this town. Included are two novels by this reporter’s mother, Mary Kimbro Butler, who began writing after she raised three children and saw them safely out in the world on their own. Books from other local authors, as well as the history of Eclectic, are available for viewing.
Other memorable items include a large wall phone from the 1920s that belonged to Mack and Leila Keith Avant. Donated by their granddaughter, Jane Avant Golden, it was the last phone on the Eclectic exchange headed north towards Kowaliga in its heyday. When needed in emergencies, the Avants welcomed neighbors to use it. Sometimes people came in the middle of the night to call, but the Avants never turned them away. Unlike today where everyone carries a cell phone, the remarkable wall telephone was one of very few back then.
Previous to the town being formally founded, an academy of higher education existed before Elmore County High School came into existence. Through class pictures taken in front of the buildings, it is easy to follow the change from plain, wooden buildings to the more up-to-date brick versions.
The history of land originally allotted to Creek Indian Ho-Pic-You-Che in 1832 and the location of the first post office on Dr. Fielder’s front porch in 1879 are small samples of the fascinating information available in the museum. Although a small building, it is filled with items and knowledge that will be of interest to all.
Cotton was king in Alabama as in other Southern states. Eclectic was no exception. Even today it is celebrated by a Cotton Festival each year. October 8, 2022 is the date for this year’s festival for those who want to have a day of fun and festivities.
The Birmingham and Southeastern Railroad once connected Eclectic with other cities. From Fort Davis to Milstead, AL, a twenty-mile stretch was completed and in operation about June 1912, and from Tallassee to Eclectic, 14.42 miles of rail was completed and in operation on June 15, 1913. The entire 41.92 miles of road between Union Springs and Eclectic was built under contract by W. N. Blount.
When the Depression forced the shutdown of the rail, the town returned to its quiet, rural lifestyle. (Information from Mississippi Rails History and Heritage by Gil Hoffman) Though the people worked hard, a feeling of comfort and relaxation returned to Eclectic. Often people visiting today decide to make a permanent move as they succumb to the easy way of life and friendly people.
Following in the tracks of the railroad, the Bank of Eclectic was established on October 1, 1913. Through acquisitions and changes in ownership, that bank is known as Trustmark Bank of Eclectic.
Once-thriving hotels closed or became other businesses and homes, such as Strickland’s Cloth Barn, which boasts a plethora of materials for the ladies’ quilting parties and beautiful clothing. It remains today, with Mr. Strickland willing to talk awhile with anyone who stops by.
The living history is shown in videos throughout the museum.
