The Bennett H. Perry, Jr. Museum will open Friday, October 16th in downtown Henderson. The City of Henderson and the Corbitt Preserv
ation Association will occupy the downstairs of the former Perry home, located at the corner of Chestnut and Church Streets. The house was willed to the City by well-known and civic-minded, local attorney, Bennett. H. Perry, Jr.
In a notice emailed by Cynthia Walker to Corbitt Preservation Association members, Walker said, “Much work has been done, including painting inside and adding a handicapped ramp outside. The inside is truly gorgeous!!”
Charles Powell, President of the Corbitt Preservation Association, has been talking about this day. And you can hear him discuss it live on “TownTalk” Thursday at 11:00 A.M. Walker wrote, “For some time, (the Association) had searched for a home for its photos and memorabilia of the Corbitt Truck Company, which was a major business in Henderson for 50 years.”
During WWII, Corbitt trucks were in service in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. In addition to producing heavy-duty trucks, Corbitt also had a line of farm tractors.
“Many local residents still remember the Corbitt family,” Walker wrote, “some thinking that Mr. R. J. Corbitt, President and Founder of the Corbitt Truck Company, was well matched with his wife, “Miss Jennie”, who was known in her own right for her cookbook and Tea Room.”
Donations have made the museum attractive, and “a number of Corbitt Preservation Association members have labored long and hard to make the museum a reality. In addition, the contributions of the City of Henderson are evident,” according to Walker.
The museum opening will be held at 2:00 P.M. Parking will be available on Church Street or in the courthouse lot behind the museum.
A full Corbitt display can be seen in downtown Henderson this Saturday, October 17 at the corner of Montgomery and Williams Streets, as part of the 14th Annual Show, Shine, Shag and Dine presented by Vance County Tourism.
(Editor’s Note: John C. Rose is a member of the Corbitt Preservation Association. The links throughout the article will show you additional information. Much thanks to Cynthia Walker.)
