A trip through time_

The authentic covered wagon came to the Wrights in pieces they had to reassemble. The wagon once belonged to a McMinnville bank, and is filled with an authentic trunk, and various farm appliances.

The couple opened their museum about four years ago, after many years of farming in West Virginia.

‘It was like God led us here from West Virginia. Our children didn’t want to continue on the family farm; we found we liked Tennessee, and we moved here,’ said Georgie.

They have acquired a huge amount of vintage farm implements, restored antiques and machinery along the way. Many items have been donated to their collection by anonymous donors, thus helping make their decision to open the museum.

The museum is a tribute to past generations of farmers and their technology. What stories some of the equipment could tell ‘ of both poor and plentiful crops, floods and droughts, and both happy and sad times.

Located on the square near the post office, the museum is open by appointment, and welcomes individuals, students, clubs or community groups. Recently, some Covenant Academy students toured the museum, asked numerous questions, and finished their day with a hay ride and complimentary fudge bars.

Teacher Mildred Parsons, who seemed to be having as much fun as her students, said, ‘Children learn about history by touching and seeing, not just reading about it in books. This museum is a wonderful opportunity to do just that.’

The museum holds many interesting pieces, everything from a vintage Farmall and John Deere tractors, to a covered wagon. There are butter churns, grain threshers, coffee grinders, lard presses, saddles, small hand tools, as well as larger pieces of farm equipment, some dating back to the 1700s.

Tommy’s favorite piece exhibited in the museum is a McCormick Deering grain binder that had belonged to his father. Hers is a historic grain cleaner, still embellished with original artwork on the sides.

The museum also serves as a gathering place for a group of Rook-playing gentlemen of the community. They gather almost on a daily basis in winter months, to catch up on the local news and enjoy a few games of Rook.

‘I have to say there are a lot of man hours wasted here. This is our twelfth game today,’ laughed Dock Lewis.

The museum ensures the rich history and promising future of farming, and is showcased for all to experience and enjoy. The real treasure is Tommy and Georgie themselves, as they share their love of farming with others.

The Wrights can be reached at 931-635-2332.