Staff Writer

What do some people do with things they want to keep but don't really have the space in their homes?

They put them in the attic; and that is the theme for a new display at the Union County Museum - “Treasures From the Attic.”

“It's a way of displaying things you might not ordinarily see in the museum,” said executive director Ola Jean Kelly.

“Treasures in the Attic” is featured in the museum display room that faces Main Street. Museum board member Gene Logan changes the display several times a year and it has featured a one-room school house and a kitchen and parlor from bygone days. To give the attic display better effect, Logan created rafters out of Styrofoam.

You will find a hodgepodge of items in the attic display, including sporting equipment, dolls, tools and gadgets.

Some of the more interesting items include a crossbow from Germany donated by the late Buck Arthur and is 150 years old, a plantation desk from the Sedalia Post Office, circa 1850 and a corner cupboard from the Crawford and Beckham families.

A peddle sewing machine came from the attic of Col. William and Packy Whitener. A variety of old patterns donated by Esther Senn sit atop it in a basket.

The bust of an Indian maiden came from Tinsley's Jewelers. Leroy Meador used it in his home as a hat rack.

Twig Adams donated an early Electrolux vacuum. The display also includes other dated gadgets like an old telephone and radio.

(The Union County Museum is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday from 2-5 p.m. )