History

The roots of The Great American Screen Door Exhibit lie in the 1980s, a period of nostalgia-infused civic projects across America. In 1987, the Meshville Historical Recreation Society embarked on an ambitious plan to revive interest in local history through tangible elements like the humble screen door. At its peak in the 1950s, Meshville was renowned for its booming screen door production, primarily driven by the famed Meshville Meshworks. The Society secured a modest $15,000 grant from the Tennessee Arts Council, intended for the transformation of an abandoned hardware store into a local museum celebrating this element of Americana.

The construction phase was not without its hurdles. As work commenced in early 1988, the exhibit space, previously used for storage, revealed significant structural issues, including a leaky roof and unstable flooring. Forced to allocate additional funds and extend project timelines, the society faced complications that postponed the opening beyond the planned summer unveiling. Moreover, a parking dispute with a neighboring dry goods store led to prolonged negotiations before resolution was achieved with a shared usage agreement. Nevertheless, perseverance paid off, and the exhibit officially opened in December 1988, drawing visitors with its charm.

The inaugural ceremony was a blend of pomp and simplicity emblematic of small-town pride, featuring a ceremonial ribbon-cutting by Mayor Cletus Reymore. More than a static exhibit, the museum houses over 150 screen doors, meticulously cataloged and displayed, each accompanied by plaques detailing historical context, design evolution, and cultural influence. The exhibit quickly became a haven for historians, enthusiasts, and casual visitors alike, captivated by the unexpectedly rich narrative these everyday objects offered. However, it wasn't until a local newspaper piece drew attention to the collection that the exhibit started seeing an uptick in regional tourism.

A particularly harsh winter of 1993 left the museum’s exterior in need of restoration, prompting a community-led fundraising initiative. Local businesses and residents raised $2,500, allowing for weatherproofing and fresh paint—efforts that have endowed the building with the careworn dignity it displays today. As a result, The Great American Screen Door Exhibit transcended its original purpose, becoming a symbol of community resilience and an enduring testament to Meshville’s industrial heritage.

Local Legends

A popular tale among townsfolk suggests that the gentle creaking sound occasionally heard on clear nights is not just the wind, but the long-lost whispers of Meshville Meshworks employees, reminiscing about their workbench days.

Every February, a series of uncanny coincidences tend to restore the exhibit’s largest screen door exhibit with a mysteriously new patina, leaving the community speculating whether it is human handiwork or the structure itself preserving its history.

Town lore persists that one of the screen doors on display once belonged to a historic residence rumored to be haunted, since mysteriously relocated following a fire, though such claims have never been substantiated.

The Controversy

A lively debate ignited a few years after the exhibit’s inauguration concerning whether guests should be allowed to touch some of the more delicate screens. Interest in maintaining the integrity of these relics clashed with visitors' desire for a tactile connection. As a compromise, the board approved the creation of a 'Please Touch' section featuring non-historic reproductions intended to fulfill educational purposes. Balancing preservation with interaction, the decision helped avert ongoing disputes while enhancing the guest experience, resulting in an amiable resolution that most parties agreed was constructive for all involved.

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