The Pink Palace

A bit over five years ago, my husband and I took a "grand tour" trip -- visiting friends and family.  One of the places we went was Tennessee.  While there we went to Memphis and visited The Pink Palace Museum.  It is actually several museums in one, including natural history and cultural history.  Truly a treasure trove for anyone interested in early Southern history -- including textiles. 

One of the highlights of this varied museum include a full size walk through of the first Piggly Wiggly, including canned and boxed staples, and a pharmacy counter for both medications and beauty products.

Another of the highlights is the Clyde Parke miniature circus.  

Just a small portion of this wonder

But, you're here to read about textiles, and the museum does not disappoint.  Throughout the exhibits showing the history of Memphis and the mid-South, there are examples of clothing, needlework, spinning and weaving, and even this lovely chatelaine. 

 These are the kinds of museum displays I love -- showing the ways people lived, and often tying them to our own stories.  So, if you find yourself in Memphis, break away from the music and food and spend a day at the Pink Palace.