The Akron Chamber of Commerce has unanimously selected the Washington County Museum as the July Business of the Month.
Open from 1 to 3 p.m. Sundays from June through August, the museum boasts six different facilities that are sure to grab your attention.
“I truly think we have a neat setup with our museum. We’re very blessed to have all of it,” Museum President/Curator Henrietta Uhlenhopp said.
The museum consists of six different facilities. Located at 202 West Railroad in Akron are the 4-H Building, Dormitory, Caboose and Depot. Sitting across from Odells Super’s on Highway 34 are the Prairie View Schoolhouse and Rock Building.
The Rock Building was the first building in Akron, serving as essentially the entire government building for the town. Inside the building were Town Hall, the jail and the water facility. A large windmill used to sit on top of the building, and visitors today can still see where the water well was inside. Sitting next to the Rock Building is the Prairie View District 43 one-room schoolhouse.
The majority of the buildings lie by the railroad, which once served as a major hub for Akron. The Dormitory housed guys from the train who would stay waiting for the next train to come in. Rooms are situated on each end, as well as showers.
The 4-H Building was moved over from the fairgrounds years ago after the construction of the Event Center. The 4-H Building showcases an old hearse, fire truck and a two-headed calf.
The Depot, which was the actual train depot in Akron, holds a lot of history inside. After the old wooden one burned down, another was built.
Rounding out the facilities is the Caboose, which was finally cleaned out and opened up for tours this year.
For those who may not be able to swing by for a Sunday tour, the museum will be open from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 18. The evening will begin at the Rock Building and then head to the 4-H Building, Dormitory and finally the Depot. Private tours are also available upon request.
Assisting Uhlenhopp on the Board are Christi Jones, Treasurer; Bernice Cosner, Secretary; Terry Alexander; and Richard Parker. If anyone is interested in learning more about volunteering or scheduling a private tour, please contact Uhlenhopp at hhenrietta@centurytel.net.
