The Marion County Historical and Archives Museum is getting ready to present a new exhibit in October. Prohibition is the theme of the newest exhibit, an issue that has affected both the nation and locally in Marion County. The exhibit will open Oct. 7.
The exhibit examines the prohibition from the very beginning from the Middle Ages until today. While nationally the prohibition was from 1920 to 1933, Marion County did not become a “wet” county until Aug. 1971.
Marion County has a rich history when it comes to prohibition. In July, 1923 Henry and India Garrett had a distilling operation in the Spring Cottage area of the county. They were not the only ones with such an operation, but probably one of the most famous. After being tipped off, the Treasure Department was prepared to ambush them at their still. A witness said India Garrett patted her shotgun and said, “Good. This time we ain’t running. We are tired of being chased.”
No one knows exactly how it happened. There have been conflicting stories over the years, but the Garretts were killed by multiple gunshot wounds. In fact, it was determined the Garretts’ bodies could not be embalmed. Their bodies were placed in caskets with ice poured all around the bodies, due to the summer heat, while the funeral was held at their church, Payne’s Chapel. Because it was done the way it was, a hole was drilled into the floor to allow the caskets to drain during the service.
Payne’s Chapel has since been moved to the John Ford Home’s location. However, the hole in the floor is still there and visible.
That was not the only known incident with prohibition. When J.V. Polk first ran for sheriff in 1951, bootleggers were already trying to bribe him. Polk was determined to do right, and even after being elected Polk stood firm on his stance on enforcing prohibition. It was a determination that cost him his life, 60 years ago on April 22, 1960, when he was gunned down by Willie B. McCain on Polk’s front porch, a move believed to have been orchestrated by Marion County bootlegger kingpin, Hilary Thornhill. Both McCain and Thornhill received life in prison for the killing. Polk’s wife, Ollie, took over and served as sheriff.
The exhibit at the museum will contain all kinds of artifacts, photos and items to showcase the time of prohibition.
In addition to the prohibition exhibit, there are also civil rights and black history exhibits.
On Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. in front of the museum will be a working moonshine still for everyone to see how it works. It is part of a fundraising event for the Historical Society in lieu of having to cancel the Heritage Fest. Chicken plates, apple cider and other items will be available for purchase.
For more information about the exhibits and the fundraiser call (601) 731-3999 or (917) 575-1501.
The full prohibition exhibit will be opened on Oct. 7. There is no charge to view the exhibits.
