A Home with a History – McRitchie-Hollis Home
Every house (and every home) has a history—each with its own stories, memories, and legacy of those who once lived there. Many homes also reflect the history of the community in which they live. One home that encompasses an abundantly rich history of both its many residents and its community can be found at 74 Jackson Street in Newnan, GA. This 1937 Neoclassical house has such a rich history that it has served as a museum (and home base for the Newnan-Coweta Historical Society) since 2013.
Before you go, or if you are unable to, you certainly will want to join us for an online discussion about this wonderful museum. The McRitchie-Hollis Museum will be the focus of our quarterly presentation on Sunday, July 23rd, 2023, at 3:00 PM EDT (2:00 PM CDT). This virtual presentation (once again on Zoom) will feature the director of the museum. Our presenter, Ms. Larisa Scott, NCHS Exec. Director, will share the history of NCHS and the future of the museum and other NCHS services.
The Newnan-Coweta Historical Society is a non-profit over 50 years old. Originally housed in the Male Academy Museum, the organization’s home base is now the McRitchie-Hollis Museum. Located near downtown Newnan, the museum is undergoing a major transformation. Once owned by Ellis and Mildred Peniston, members of a prominent mill family, later became the hospital auxiliary offices before becoming a museum. It still houses many of the Peniston’s former belongings (and even has their family kitchen preserved in its original state).
There are also many relics from Newnan itself on display. In the Peniston’s former dining room, one can find preserved wooden blocks that once lined the streets of Newnan’s picturesque Courthouse Square. In the adjacent room, one can find the Museum’s “meet the locals” exhibit featuring local Newnan-born figures (such as Country music legend Alan Jackson). Also, there is an exhibit dedicated to the infamous “Murder in Coweta County” (a 1948 court case notable for a White defendant, wealthy and powerful John Wallace, being convicted by the testimony of two Black laborers). This infamous case became memorialized in a 1976 book by Margaret Anne Barnes (and later as a 1983 television film starring Andy Griffith and Johnny Cash).
In another room, there is an exhibit on one of Newnan’s most notable residents: former Governor Ellis G. Arnall. Elected in 1943, Ellis Arnall was notable during his day for his opposition to the Poll Tax, White Supremacy, and the prominence and influence of the Ku Klux Klan. Unfortunately, his opposition to such things cost him his re-election bid in 1947 to Herman Talmadge. Interestingly enough, Talmadge died soon after the election, igniting what became the infamous “Three Governors Controversy”. Ellis passed away in 1989 and is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, just across the street from the Museum itself.
Our presenter, Ms. Scott, is a Georgia native and Newnan resident for 25 years. She is very passionate about history, storytelling, education and preservation. She looks forward to sharing the history of NCHS and the museum, plus future plans.
Join us for this very informative and interesting presentation on July 23rd. To attend this virtual meeting email ccpowers02@gmail.com prior to 12:00 PM noon (EDT) on Sunday, July 23rd. You will then be sent the Zoom link with instructions regarding how to join the meeting.