Don’t you hate it when you visit a town and later found out you missed its most quirky attraction? That doesn’t happen often to Sweetums and me because, as you know, we are well-versed in quirk. But it happened with Iuka, which we visited on the way to Tupelo a while back and later discovered it is home to the only Apron Museum in the country.
Guess we’ll have to go back. You really haven’t lived if you haven’t been to an Apron Museum. I’m guessing.
Any-hoo, here’s a little info on Iuka and it’s well-known springs, along with photos.
The City of Iuka, founded in 1857 on the site of a Chickasaw Village, is named for Chief Iuka (eye-yu-kah). It is the seat of Tishomingo County and has about 3,000 residents.
It is a stop for Civil War historians and enthusiasts because it was the site of the 1862 Battle of Iuka, which resulted in the deaths of as many as 1,500 soldiers. They were buried in a mass grave that is now part of Shady Grove Cemetery.
Downtown Iuka is home to a picturesque covered bridge and Mineral Springs Park. The park has a fountain where guests can drink directly from the mineral springs. The springs are known for winning first prize as the purest and best mineral water at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis.
While I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting the Apron Museum, here’s what I learned from the About section on Facebook: “A unique museum dedicated to aprons and the stories they tell. Vintage and/or USA-made items for sale. To plan your visit, it’s best to call ahead to make sure the museum will be open. The owners live nearby. Call 662-279-2390.” It is located at 110 E Eastport Street.
The city also has a number of antebellum homes and the picturesque Church of Our Savior, now known as The Little Church, built in 1873.
KellyKazek.com 