Museum Center @ 5ive Points - A Dream Come True

Museum Center @ 5ive Points in Cleveland will celebrate its 25 anniversary next year. The museum center was Mayor Emeritus Tom Rowland’s idea. The popular mayor said, “Bradley County – Cleveland, Tennessee has so much history that needed to be preserved so I appointed a committee and the work started." Mr. Rowland said the Chamber of Commerce got involved and the idea snowballed.

Admission is free but donations are appreciated to support the museum’s day to day operations.

Executive Director Lucy J. Rhymer said planning is now underway for next year’s 25th anniversary. “It will be something very special for Cleveland and Bradley County and beyond as we celebrate our rich heritage, it’s going to be big.”

On Thursday, the former mayor hosted a small luncheon with some friends who toured the museum and shared stories mostly about his lengthy career in radio and government. Mr. Rowland talked about people he’d interviewed and some area news stories including the Melissa Gibson Child Abuse Case.

The Air Force veteran enjoys sharing about the museum center which is home to so much area history. One of his favorite displays is that of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Paul Huff from Cleveland. “I knew Mr. Huff; he was a dedicated soldier.”

There are medical displays honoring doctors and nurses, a Southern Railway display and a room full of history displays about area industry.

Mr. Rowland’s City Hall mayor’s office has been re-created in the museum with his desk, computer and chair. There’s dozens of his pictures and awards hanging on the wall and Mr. Rowland has a story about each one.

During our visit at the museum, Mr. Rowland shared memories of meeting presidents dating back to Dwight David Eisenhower. He and his wife, Sandra, especially enjoyed their time with President Bush and his wife Barbara. Mrs. Rowland said, “They were an extra special couple.” Mr. Rowland has a saucer he acquired from a White House visit that has an interesting story.

Mr. Rowland said the late Dr. Billy Graham preached his first two sermons in Bradley County while he was a student at Bob Jones University when the school was in Cleveland. Mr. Rowland had several conversations with the late Cliff Barrows (a Graham associate) who spent four years at the Cleveland school.

Mr. Rowland’s very proud of Cleveland’s industrial history including Magic Chef. “You’d be surprised what’s made here and shipped around the world."

Mr. Rowland said the museum represents hundreds of hours of work documenting the area history. “I’m very proud of what our community’s done and is doing, and look forward to next year’s anniversary celebration.”

His wife is much involved in the community. Mrs. Rowland shared some of her experiences while working nearly 25 years at the Cleveland Daily Banner. Mrs. Rowland points out the Red Back Hymnal display, documenting how the church song book originated in Cleveland. She said, “That song book has been used and still used in so many churches.” There’s a printing press on display at the museum.

Mrs. Rowland quickly added, “I’m so proud of my husband’s accomplishments, who had a close brush with death in 2021.”

Steve Hartline, who operates the popular station my mix 104.1 said, “We are behind Rowland and museum organizers to make the 25th anniversary a festive occasion. We’ll be telling our listeners more about the celebration as we get closer to the date.”

Former broadcaster Brian Trotter said a lot of Mr. Rowland’s stories are being documented and plans are being made to release a recorded collection when completed.

TV news anchor David Carroll said, “He’s an amazing person, just asked Tom a question and chances are he has a story to tell.”

Mr. Rowland covered so many news stories and hosted a popular morning radio program on WCLE radio before deciding to run for mayor.