The University of Georgia’s Hargrett Rare Books and Manuscripts Library is bringing some of its athletics- and Putnam-related holdings to Eatonton this Friday.
The exhibits will be in the Eatonton-Putnam Library and next door in the Plaza’s Old School History Museum from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 9, with the athletics items in the library and the Putnam-related material in the Old School History Museum.
Ever wondered what social life was like on a bunch of spread-out farms on the Georgia western frontier in the 1820s? Some clues might be found in John Robinson’s tavern account book from that time. It will be in the Old School History Museum.
Ever wanted to see what one of UGA’s diamond-encrusted, walnut-size football national championship rings look like, up close and personal? An example will be in the library.
Ever wondered what courtship was like in the years leading up to the 1860s Civil War? Was marriage recognized only with entries in a family Bible or perhaps church records? Mary Nisbet Branham kept a “memory book” and her marriage license, and both will be in the Old School History Museum.
Ever wondered what it was like to play football in Grandpappy’s day without all the pads and scientifically designed and hard helmets? A 1930s-era helmet – no face guard, just leather and some cotton padding – will be in the library.
Ever wondered what it might be like to get a book published? Some of Putnam County native Alice Walker’s print proofs will be at the museum. And there will be a lot more – including Jack Davis’ original fierce Bulldawg drawings and a Kirby Smart visor at the library – and Adele Theater bookings from the 1920s at the museum.
This one-day visit presents a unique opportunity to see and connect, sometimes in unusual ways, with discoveries to be found in a major research library.