Military Exhibit: ‘Beyond Expectations’
Twin brothers who were shipped off to different countries in military service still found a connection during wartime.
One twin, Don Mosbough, was shipped to the Philippines, training medics for Vietnam, while the other twin, Ron, was serving in Vietnam. One day, Don felt a sharp pain in his right arm. He found out later that, at that very moment, his twin brother — a medic — had taken a bullet to the right arm.
The poignant story was one of several shared during the recent opening of the McDonald County Historical Society’s “Stories of Military Service” exhibit.
The Mosbough twins — former student-athletes in Noel — attended the special opening. Both were attired in their military uniform, and relayed various stories that day about their time in the service.
The brothers’ historical impact is among the McDonald County veterans’ photos and stories now being showcased on the second floor of the McDonald County Historic Courthouse Museum in Pineville.
Since unveiling the new exhibit over Memorial Day weekend, Historical Society volunteers have heard quite a few complimentary remarks about the work.
“The day of the opening was very emotional for a lot of people,” said Historical Society board member Lynn Tatum.
“People came in uniform. People with post-traumatic syndrome shared how they coped with that. People were happy to be remembered and to share their stories,” Tatum said. “They were very appreciative.”
The exhibit features 113 framed black and white photos, each staged on an individually quilted piece of fabric. Of the 113 veterans celebrated, five of the veterans lost their lives in service.
Every military branch is represented. Veterans honored include those who served in the Civil War through Afghanistan.
In addition, four large notebooks are filled with 130 alphabetized veterans’ stories and their photos. Organizers plan to continue to
collect more veterans’ stories of service.
Each photo collected — both black and white and color — was digitally transferred as a large black and white photo on a piece of quilted fabric. The Bunker Hill Quilters created 113 unique quilted pieces, which look like a quilted block. Each is made with strips of fabric, ranging from several different navy, burgundy, cream and patriotic-themed materials.
From there, every 18”x 24” framed quilt background with the photo was placed on the courtroom walls.
People visiting from other states — as well as McDonald County neighbors — have enthusiastically responded to the exhibit.
Responses have been “beyond my expectations,” Tatum said. “It was very well-received. The time, effort and care were appreciated.”
Visitors have also praised volunteers for the special 12-minute video, which is featured in the Military Room on the first floor. The video is a supplement to the exhibit upstairs. Those who cannot climb the stairs to the second floor are able to understand the depth of the exhibit, Tatum said.
Anticipation for the exhibit’s opening was high. In fact, leaders believe the museum set an all-time high attendance record on opening day, a first since the museum opened in 2013.
Some who came to the opening were attired in military uniform. Some had their photo taken in front of their photo in the exhibit.
Jason Knowles of Winfield, Kan., called his trip to the museum “a wonderful visit” that featured very knowledgeable volunteers and “a lot of history and stories that are wonderfully preserved.”
“I will definitely return,” he said.
Visitor Jean Bird of Novato, Calif., said historical society volunteers created a platform to showcase military service.
“Thank you McDonald County for a great museum of saving our history and thank you veterans so much. Freedom is not free,” Bird wrote in the special visitor book at the museum.
“This was a delight to enjoy your town and especially this museum,” wrote Arlene Talbert of El Dorado Springs, Mo.
The museum’s exhibit will remain open through the season. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. However, anyone who has family visiting or is anticipating a family reunion in town may call the museum and ask for a special day to view the exhibit. Tatum asks for a two-day notice.
The exhibit gives viewers a sense of history and the amount of dedication and sacrifice veterans gave to our country, Tatum said.
Many people served in different roles to aid our country, from cooks, seamstresses, technicians and pilots, she said.
“They said they saw the world and learned discipline,” Tatum said.
The McDonald County Historical Society Museum is located at 400 N. Main, Pineville. Admission to the museum is free.