Clement Railroad Hotel Museum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Halbrook Hotel
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Clement Railroad Hotel Museum
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 Location in Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Location | 100 Clement Pl., Dickson, Tennessee |
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| Built | 1913 |
| Architect | Ridings, R. F. |
| Architectural style | Early Commercial |
| NRHP reference No. | 90000915 |
| Added to NRHP | June 14, 1990 |
The Clement Railroad Hotel Museum is a special place in Dickson, Tennessee. It's located in the historic Hotel Halbrook, which is one of the few old railroad hotels left in Tennessee. This museum opened its doors on June 2, 2009, and many people have visited it since then.
The Hotel Halbrook was built in 1913 and worked as a hotel until 1954. Today, the museum inside tells many stories. You can learn about the history of Dickson County, the American Civil War, and the hotel itself. It also teaches about the American Civil Rights Movement and the life of Tennessee Governor Frank G. Clement. Governor Clement was born right in this hotel on June 2, 1920!
The State of Tennessee owns the Clement Railroad Hotel Museum. It's recognized as a State Historic Site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum gets some money each year from the Tennessee Historical Commission to help it operate. You can find it at 100 Clement Place in Dickson, Tennessee.
Contents
Discover the Museum's Cool Exhibits
Journey Through Railroading History
Step back in time and explore the world of trains! This exhibit has old tools like an oilcan, a brake wheel, and a lantern. You can also see maps, postcards, and books about trains. There's even a small model of an old NC&St.L engine, just like one from the 1920s. A special touch-screen lets you explore what the Dickson rail-yard looked like back then. You can also get a hands-on feel for a steam engine cabin and see a real NC&St.L engine headlight.
Explore the Clement Family Home
Imagine living in a hotel! The Clement family rooms are set up to look like they did in the early 1920s. This is when Belle Goad, Maybelle, and Robert Clement lived in the manager's apartment on the first floor. Room #5 is extra special because it's where Governor Frank Clement was born. It has furniture that belonged to the Clement family, including a bed, a trunk, and a cradle.
Dickson County's Early Businesses
Learn about the businesses that helped Dickson County grow! This exhibit has displays about many early companies and industries. You can see a Dixie Swatter baseball bat, which was used by professional baseball teams in the 1920s. There's also a Commodore youth bat and an old Coca-Cola bottle from the 1930s with "Dickson Tenn." printed on the bottom. Another cool item is the 50-millionth shirt made by Red Kap, a famous workwear company.
This section also shares the story of the iron ore industry in the county. It highlights different communities like Burns, Charlotte, and White Bluff. You can also learn about unique places like the utopian community of Ruskin and Promise Land, which was founded by people who were once enslaved.
Amazing Model Trains Display
All aboard for fun! The Dickson Model Railroad Club has created a permanent display of model trains at the museum. It includes tiny landscapes and buildings. Volunteer "engineers" are often there to keep the trains running and teach visitors about model railroading. This exhibit shows what the Dickson Rail-yard looked like in the 1920s and 1930s.
Meet Governor Frank G. Clement
Head to the second floor to learn all about Governor Frank Clement. You'll follow his journey from his childhood in Dickson to his campaigns for governor in 1952, 1954, and 1962. Discover his many important achievements, such as helping to end segregation in Tennessee and supporting the Civil Rights Movement. He also made sure Tennessee school children received free textbooks. Governor Clement helped create the South's first community college system and established the state's first department of mental health. He also worked to expand roads through the Interstate system in Tennessee.
The Halbrook Hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
