Rick Patrick
Greene Publishing, Inc.
It seems appropriate that the Treasures of Madison County Museum is located in a historic building in downtown Madison. The W.T. Davis Building, which currently houses the Treasures Historical Museum, was built in 1892 by William Turner Davis. One thing that makes this beautiful building unique is that it is one of only about three buildings in the state of Florida that is covered with a galvanized steel façade. By the 1870's, sheet metal had replaced iron in most architectural façade designs. Galvanized sheet metal became a good, economical choice for small communities, such as Madison. The second floor of the building was used as an opera house and entertainment and social center for Madison from 1892 to 1910. The building has been used for many businesses, including the law offices of Charles Edgar Davis, the son of W.T. Davis, and Charles Edgar's son, William Turner Davis. They were the only father and son to both serve as President of the Florida State Senate. Charles Edgar in 1915 and William Turner in 1955.
The museum itself is packed with many items and artifacts from throughout Madison's rich history. Roaming through the museum, one can see historic military uniforms and other military memorabilia. There are pipes from the old pipe organ and elaborately decorative chairs from the old Presbyterian church. There is an exhibit from the old movie theater, complete with an antique movie projector and movie posters from Hollywood's golden age. There are even exhibits from old schools from Madison, with old cheerleader uniforms and textbooks. Also on display are the portraits of Madison and Ariana Livingston, who sold 160 acres to the County of Madison in 1838 for the establishment of the City of Madison.
Admission to the museum is free and donations are accepted. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The museum is located in the W.T. Davis building at 200 SW Range St., in downtown Madison. More information about the museum can be found at www.treasuresofmadisoncounty.com.