Edinburg history told through objects, great and small
IF YOU GO
WHAT: An exhibit titled "Edinburg: A Centennial Salute, 1908-2008"
WHERE: Museum of South Texas History, 200 N. Closner Blvd., Edinburg
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday; closed on Mondays
COST: $5.50 for regular admission; $3 for children under 12
EDINBURG -- Miss Edinburg 1978 and a member of 1938's state champion baseball team are sharing a Coke from a vintage vending machine in the corner of the room.
The pageant cape and satiny uniform share space under the broad heading of "civic life" in the Museum of South Texas History's eclectic exhibit honoring Edinburg's 100th birthday.
The city formerly known as Chapin became the Hidalgo County seat on Oct. 10, 1908.
Museum staff raided the regional archive's storerooms for photos, artwork and artifacts that represent the city's century of history.
There is a photo of students at the Edinburg School from 1915. Two pictures of the old county courthouse -- which was demolished to build the current modernist building -- are sad reminders of the city's architectural loss. And a bowling pin from the long-forgotten Park Bowl on Closner Boulevard may stir memories of a youth spent on the lanes.
Artifacts have been grouped according to their perceived relevance to government, education, civic life and the economy, but the riotous display of Rio Grande Valley relics resists categorization. While most individual objects are trivial on their own, the whole tells the story of Edinburg in a new and interesting way.
The exhibit is scheduled to remain on display through the spring of next year.
The museum plans to offer free admission Oct. 5 for the kickoff of its centennial celebrations.
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Sara Perkins covers Mission, western Hidalgo County, Starr County and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4472.
