Greene Publishing, Inc. Photo By Emerald G. Parsons, September 20, 2016
Jim Stanley stands next to the extremely rare 1919 Dodge Brothers hearse on display at the Beggs Museum.
Greene Publishing, Inc. Photo By Emerald G. Parsons, September 20, 2016
A historic clothing display from WL Parramore & Company.
Rick Patrick
Greene Publishing, Inc.
In the heart of downtown Madison one can seemingly take a giant step back in time the moment you step foot in the Beggs museum. While looking through the many displays showing the rich history of one of Madison County's oldest families, and much of Madison's history as well.
On display are items from WL Parramore & Company, a clothing store that operated in downtown Madison, beginning in the early 1860's. Above the Parramore store, caskets were made for the family funeral business. Thomas “Tommy” Beggs, III is the oldest of the three Beggs brothers (Ashley, Billy, and Tommy). The Beggs family still operates Beggs Funeral Home. Tommy recalls that “people would hear hammering from upstairs and wonder who died.”
One of the popular displays is a 1919 Dodge Brothers hearse. This extremely rare vehicle was one of only two such vehicles brought to the state of Florida. At the time of its arrival in Madison, it was one of only two motorized vehicles in town. The owner of the other motor vehicle in town, Dr. D. H. Yates was summoned when the hearse arrived to show the new owner, T. J. Beggs, Sr., how to start it. One thing that makes this vehicle unique is the fact that the exterior of the hearse is carved out of wood. According to Jim Stanley, a longtime employee of TJ Beggs and Company, the hearse still runs, but it is impossible to get any parts for it, due to its rarity.
In addition to items related to the Beggs/Parramore family businesses, visitors can also see old military uniforms that date from the Civil War up to present times.
Walking through this museum and observing the many historical displays, one can get a true feeling of the rich history and heritage of the Beggs family. A family that has added much to history and heritage of all of Madison County.