AMERICUS — To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the National Prisoner of War Museum, the Andersonville National Historic Site has created a special commemorative Christmas tree ornament. The ornament is offered for sale by Eastern National at the museum bookstore, is available for $14.95. The two-sided pewter ornament is in the shape of an oval. The front side shows an engraving of the museum and the year 1998, the year the museum was opened. The back of the ornament is engraved with Andersonville National Historic Site.
This is the second year the park has created a Christmas ornament. Last year’s ornament is back this year as well. The popular Andersonville Pickle ornament was offered for sale last year. This ornament has been placed on many Christmas trees all over the nation. The tradition is that good luck comes to the person who can find the green ornament in hidden in the Christmas tree.
What most people don’t know is that the tradition originates at Camp Sumter from a Union prisoner of war. Bavarian born John Lower was a solider in the 103rd Pennsylvania Infantry. According to family legend, Lower was close to death when he begged a guard for a pickle to eat before he died. The guard took pity on him and brought him a pickle, which according to the prisoner, was enough to keep him alive.
Two different styles of the pickle ornaments are available for sale (one for $5.95 and another for $6.95) at the Museum and both come with an explanation of John Lower’s story.
The National Prisoner of War Museum is located at Andersonville National Historic Site , 10 miles north of Americus on Ga. Highway 49. The park is open daily from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call 924-0343 ext. 204.
Local News
November 26, 2008
Andersonville adds Christmas ornament
- Local News
-
-
Lost in time
-
Let’s go! Here we go! Let’s go! — Annette’s victory
-
7 graduate from Law Enforcement Academy
- Morning clouds, afternnoon sunshine today
-
Sumter Gymnastics bring home first places
The Sumter County Gymnastics Academy team has entered its competition season for 2012. They attended two meets in January and brought home first places awards in both.
- PDA meets today
- BOE work session gets large turnout
-
Jimmy Carter National Historic Site presents Theodore Roosevelt
The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site invites you to a Presidents’ Day Weekend Celebration full of history, artifacts, and a visit from the great Rough Rider President, Theodore Roosevelt.
-
Celebrate Presidents’ Day with President Jimmy Carter
- TV book changing to Sunday
- More Local News Headlines
-
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
