Morgan County Heritage Museum
Life Along the Emory Exhibition
Exhibit Dates and Times are May 26 through June 20, 2025
Open Thursdays and Fridays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Museum Located at 121 North Kingston Street Wartburg, TN
Map Shown Below
Thursday May 29, 2025
( I am including this as a Local Business Spotlight)
I got an email from a lady over Memorial Day weekend asking me if I'd allow my Gobey photos to be used in a historic exhibition? It was to be Life Along the Emory, and was to be held at the Morgan County Genealogy & Historical Society building in Wartburg. The lady's name was Barbara Langley. We made arrangements for me to meet her on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at the museum in Wartburg to proof the photos. According to the Morgan County News this program has come about because of the museums participation in the Neighborhood Story Project.
I agreed to the use of my photos readily as I am a history nut and love Morgan County and especially Gobey. I was told in the past Gobey was a sketchy place and not a place to be out alone.
It has turned out to be false. I have only encountered the nicest sort of people there. Mostly I don't run into many folks there as it is pretty isolated. I was honored to be asked to participate.
I was intrigued as I didn't even know the museum existed. One more example of me being Chronically Late to the Party. Ah well, I know about it now! I can make up for lost time. I met Barbara there on Thursday afternoon. I also got to meet the very nice Jill Jones -Lazuka . Both ladies were very welcoming and friendly. I spoke with them both awhile, but Jill had to get going as she lives in Cookeville.
Barbara is a lady with short styled brunette hair, twinkling eyes and a big smile. She is an interesting person who possesses not only knowledge of history, but an incredible curiosity. Being curious myself and interested in history I admire these qualities. She clearly has a passion for what she does and it brings the history to life. She was born and raised in Gobey! She gave me a tour of the museum and the starts of the not yet finished exhibit. She did a magnificent job on printing my photos and displaying them. She selected exactly the ones I'd have picked out.
Below: the building where the museum is housed. It is very distinctive! It used to be a bank!
Below is a photo of my part of the display which was not 100% complete. Barbara had a few last touches to add. She did an amazing job! I was thrilled she used a bit of my narrative from a blog entry.
Below: Barbara working on a display.
Include photos of the Radio equipment, outdoor display, etc.
Below: Info on Nemo Bridge Area
Below: the old original radio equipment from the only Morgan Co radio station at that time WECO
Below: historic photographs of the Emory River Lumber Company , their employees and the lumber yard.
Below is a photo of my copy of the book I bought that Barbara Langley and Jean Pollard wrote.
You can purchase a copy at the museum. I have enjoyed it. I'm taking my time with it as suggested. It has already inspired one great trip to Gobey! Thanks Barbara! With lots more adventures to come. It made me grateful that I got out there and experienced things that I did. Saw the houses and photographed them when I did. Two of them are now gone. It was great to be able to learn about the people and label my photos!
I am deliberately not adding too many photos or info because I want people to go see this place for themselves. It is vitally important to preserve these stories and memories for future generations.
We need to learn from them. We need to appreciate the toughness and determination of the souls who lived, worked, worshipped in these remote places in the past. It is very satisfying to me to visit these spots and eventually learn the story that goes along with the scene.
Just meeting Barbara and Jill and visiting the museum and reading her book has caused me to be inspired. It has caused me to learn something! I learned that the Emory River was named for a soldier who died crossing it. I also learned its original name Babahatchie given by Native Americans which means "babbling waters".
Just meeting Barbara and Jill and visiting the museum and reading her book has caused me to be inspired. It has caused me to learn something! I learned that the Emory River was named for a soldier who died crossing it. I also learned its original name Babahatchie given by Native Americans which means "babbling waters".
I made a new, lovely friend into the bargain. I gained a little dose of validation for my photography and writing efforts. It is an encouragement. It is further proof to me that writing this blog and visiting these places is part of the timber of who I am. It is what I'm meant to do.
It is just one more blessing that has come from it all.
To Donate to the Morgan County Heritage Museum to support this worthy cause please scan the QR Code shown below.
Future Trips--
Visit Boogs Den aka Draft Dodger Cave this Winter! (and write about it of course)
Eat at Tanners Historic Cafe in Wartburg.
I am concluding this blog entry with a video of the Obed River Band singing "When I Was Young" The words and sentiment are perfect for this.
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Thanks for reading and commenting. I enjoy hearing from those who read & make use of my blog. I have made some wonderful friendships through emails from readers. I respond to all comments and emails. I appreciate folks reaching out to let me know when my blog entries are not functioning correctly or if the situation somewhere has changed. Many Blessings to you!
Dana 🐝