History lives through living museum

Hartsville residents will have the chance to step into a bygone era with the introduction of a new Living History Museum. The house was opened to the public for a short viewing Thursday afternoon.

Chamber of Commerce Director Natalie Knudsen said that some caring local residents "adopted" a 1930s log cabin and there is an effort to restore it to period accurate furnishings to allow residents a glimpse of life in the Great Depression.

"Betty [Rackley] came and adopted this house and brought in a Cedar tree and some other decorations," Knudsen said. "We thought it would be fun to open it up for an hour for people to come and see it."

Local historian John Oliver was also on hand for the open house, and explained a few of the features that are being restored. There are two metal framed beds in the smaller room and a wood burning stove and small kitchen cabinet space in the living area. Oil lamps light the space.

"Most people are familiar with the Civil War items, so we thought we would hit a different era," Oliver said.

Rackley and her sister Jean Quinn hosted the event. Rackley brought in Christmas decorations and cleaned up the house in order to be festive for visitors. Knudsen said they are looking forward to being able to host another when more of the restoration is completed.