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Last week, we started a look at the Tennessee Maneuvers and showcased some of the excellent photographs from the Coffee County Historical Society’s massive collection of Hugh Doak’s negatives. Let’s take a small glimpse of the exhibit highlighting the Tennessee Maneuvers, specifically in Coffee County, now open at the Coffee County Historical Museum.

Much has been written over the years about the Tennessee Maneuvers, but nothing brings it more to life than seeing photos by a skilled local photographer and reading the stories of local people who experienced it. That is what this exhibit presents. I was fortunate to get a guided tour of the exhibit by museum volunteer Sandra Bennett, who is extremely knowledgeable about the subject at hand. She wrote many of the stories accompanying photographs and artifacts in the display.

The Tennessee Maneuvers spanned 21 counties in Tennessee, including Coffee and every county that adjoins it but one. However, this exhibit is comprised of stories from Coffee County, and there are plenty. The display is so extensive that it starts in the hallway as one enters the Coffee County Courthouse from the Main Street entrance. There are period uniforms on the wall along with a large bulletin board entitled “Impact of Army Maneuvers on our Citizens.” That sets the tone at the entrance to the museum. Look at the accompanying photographs here, and then make plans to visit the exhibit soon.

The Coffee County Historical Museum, located in the Coffee County Courthouse in Manchester is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday.

If you value history and its preservation, consider becoming a member of the Coffee County Historical Society. Check their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CCTNHS) and their website (www.cctnhs.org). Next week, we’ll examine the maneuvers’ effect on the patriotic citizens in Coffee County.

Do you have sharp pictures of buildings, businesses, churches or events from Tullahoma’s past? If so, reach out to me at alanmayes@lighttube.net.