The lovely 1937-38 home has always been a beautiful setting for fine furnishings and the little things that go with them. My latest visit, however, showed me what a generous benefactor can do for a museum. The house has been repaired and restored. Now filled with antiques collected by Edgar B. Hollis and his family, the McRitchie-Hollis Museum offers a slice of affluent living with a 1940s ambience. The painted murals, gleaming wood, rich fabrics and fanciful ornaments and lamps combine to create a lush, rich experience for visitors. "The focal time really encompasses Newnan during World War II," said Joanna Arrieta, executive director of the Newnan-Coweta Historical Society. Walking through the home, there is a feeling that the residents
have stepped away – perhaps to work in the Victory Garden or to attend a War Bond rally. The hand-painted mural in the entryway to the house by Mike Shepard features birds of many kinds and colors – inspired by the paintings of Italian-born Georgia artist Athos Menaboni. "The reason we chose to do the classical bird mural was we wanted to set the stage for the story we are trying to tell," Arrieta said. Plus, Edgar Hollis really liked birds. A lot. Birds pop up here and there as figurines or on art pieces. The open, inviting parlor is outfitted with elegant sofas and a piano. There are plans to put a floor model radio in the room to play a broadcast from the attack on Pearl Harbor. Arrieta also said she envisions showing newsreels from
LOCAL HERITAGE
Birds pop up here and there as figurines or on art pieces.
World War II over the mantel. A nearby room is outfitted for gentlemen to smoke, talk and read. Diplomas for Edgar Hollis from Newnan High School and Emory
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