Lots of school groups visit the Cole County Historical Society's Museum every year. About 10 years ago, one group was so large the docents had to keep some of the children on the sidewalks of Madison Street until they could go on their tour.
"While we were waiting out there, we started talking about things that were just on Madison Street, which is a lot more history than I imagined," said Terry Casey, Cole County Historical Society board treasurer and volunteer for almost 20 years. "They really enjoyed it.
"It gave me an idea."
That vision was to host an event where guests can enjoy an interactive experience and learn about the important buildings and history of Madison Street.
Casey's idea will come to life during the Madison Street Walk Through Time event from 1-4 p.m. Sept. 16 on Madison and State streets near the museum.
Attendees can walk the streets, stopping by at least 18 stations showcasing history spanning from 1800-1900 that was or still is part of that area of Jefferson City. Museum docents, local historians and volunteers will be at some stations talking about specific topics, while others may have exhibits for guests to view.
"There were so many changes during that time with the Founding Fathers on this hill. The first Capitol was built in Jefferson City and housed here," said Casey, the Madison Walk committee chairperson. "This is an important area."
Lewis and Clark, Missouri Pacific Depot, the Gunn Family Log Home, Indian Sand Pits, Rising Sun Hotel, the first Jefferson City Capitol, and the first and second Governor's Mansions are among the pieces of the area's history to explore. Some of that history will come to life during the event.
Sounds of live period music from singers Adrienne Fisher and Bruce Troyke will fill the Victorian-period drawing room filled with artifacts at the Cole County Museum, which also will have its DeLong Room that houses the first ladies' gowns and Civil War room open during the event. Attendees will have a chance to interact with re-enactors, including former Missouri Gov. B. Gratz Brown, who built the row houses where the museum resides.
The historic Upschulte House, in which the Cole County Historical Society has renovated and now rents for small weddings and parties along with the brick courtyard, will be open for tours.
While gathering information to present during this event, Casey and fellow committee and board members discovered some interesting bits of information to share.
"I was looking at something about the first Capitol. It was built in 1825-26, and it burned down in 1837. They appointed a fire chief for the first time when it burned. His recommendation for the next fire is to have a bucket in every household," Casey said with a smile. "I just love that."
Casey said, at that time, when large buildings were torn down, individuals could come and use different pieces for their houses.
"The first Governor's Mansion was in the Capitol, and the family did not live there. Then they decided to build a house for the governor's family to stay in Jefferson City, which is now across the street from the museum," Casey said. "When it was torn down, they took rocks, bricks and mortar to the prison to help make additions. Then it sounded like everything could be sold or given away. Recently, we had homeowners contact us saying they had a fireplace mantel from the first Governor's Mansion. Now it is displayed in the gown room."
The Cole County Historical Society plans to open a World War I exhibit at the museum in November, continuing to add to its artifacts and exhibits. As a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization, the society hosts fundraisers, like the Madison Street Walk, rummage sales, bus tours to fellow museums to help supplement the expense of operating the museum, outside of admission fees, donations and membership contributions.
"It is a fundraiser, and we are hoping to raise money for the museum. At this point, funds are needed to keep us going," Casey said. " We are always trying to find new ideas, to bring in new members and people interested in history. There is so much here people would really like if they came in to look at it."
Anyone who has pictures or stories to share about the historic Madison and State streets area, including the previously mentioned topics presented at the event, is encouraged to bring them to the Madison Street Walk on Sept. 16. In addition, they welcome any volunteers who would like to help at the event, as well as with the museum or society.
Tickets to the event cost $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12. Children 5 years old and younger will be admitted for free. Tickets are available in advance at the Cole County Historical Society and Museum office, 109 Madison St.; Samuel's Tuxedos; Southbank Gift Company; and Carrie's Hallmark Shop. They also are available at the society's website, colecountyhistoricalmuseum.org, and the day of the event.
For more information, contact the society/museum office at 573-635-1850.