ABOUT US
The Museum of Appalachia is a living history museum — a pioneer mountain farm-village that lends voice to the people of Southern Appalachia through the artifacts and stories they left behind. Founded in 1969 by John Rice Irwin, the Museum is now a non-profit organization, and a Smithsonian Affiliate museum.
We offer self-guided tours with limited handicap accessibility and we are open seven days a week.
LOCATION
2819 Andersonville Hwy.
Clinton, TN 37716
ARTIFACT OF THE WEEK:
A Father’s Letter of Blessing
The practice of asking a father to marry his daughter can be traced back to ancient Rome. During this time, the daughter would have been viewed as the property of the father. By the 18th and 19th centuries this custom had evolved from a transfer of ownership to seeking a blessing from the father as a sign of respect and honor.
In this letter, dated March 15, 1893, Ed League of Carthage, Tennessee, responds to a letter written by John Clark (J.C.) Parrott (1865-1939) of Briceville, Tennessee, seeking a blessing to marry his daughter, Mary (Mollie) Bertha League (1863-1949). What is somewhat peculiar is that the two men had never met.
In response to the request, League writes, “I know nothing about you at all, only what I have heard from others to wit Dr. Madison and wife, and also my son, Lafayett League. They all say that you are the most worthy gentleman that can be found in that county, and also, I will have to say for my daughter Mollie that she is also a worthy lady of any nice gentleman if I do say it myself.”
In a second letter written on August 13, 1893, after the marriage of John and Mollie, League expresses his longing to see his children again. He writes, “I would love to be where I could see my children often. Nothing on Earth affords me the pleasure like seeing and being with my children, but I can’t at this time. I hope sometime it will be so.”
J.C. Parrott is pictured (second from the left) while working as a stoker on the railroad. He is also pictured with his friend, Dr. Pryor M. Madison (mentioned in League’s letter), around the time of his marriage in 1893.
Roam our 65 picturesque acres and experience a recreated Appalachian community complete with: 35 log cabins, barns, farm animals, churches, schools, gardens.
Over 250,000 artifacts in 3 buildings, with vast collections of folk art, musical instruments, baskets, quilts, Native American artifacts, and more.
The Museum also contains a restaurant specializing in Southern Appalachian country cooking, a Gift Shop featuring locally made products, and a Banquet Hall for events!
Founded by John Rice Irwin in 1969, the Museum is now a non-profit organization, and a Smithsonian Affiliate museum. Visit our “About Us” tab, or see below for more info.
