Calling All Museum Junkies
This little museum is in Harlem, Georgia. For 27 years they’ve held a festival in October to celebrate their native son, Oliver Hardy. That’s as in Ollie Hardy and Stan Laurel. Laurel and Hardy. You remember them. And this is their museum.
Hardy was born here in 1892. He attended Georgia Military College, Atlanta Conservatory of Music and UGA. He left Georgia in 1913 for a film colony in Jacksonville, FL, and in 1918 left for Hollywood. He worked as supporting actor there until accidentally teamed with a young Englishman, Stan Laurel. Ollie and Stanley became the perfect stand-up team and went on to make 106 movies together and even won an Oscar. They were lifelong friends. Oliver died in 1957. His ashes are buried in Hollywood.
But his soul rests in Harlem, Georgia.
In this little museum are all things Laurel and Hardy. From salt and pepper shakers to toys and masks, dolls and dishes. And of course, you can buy a derby hat. Amazing how many and varied items carry their images.
This was a fun museum and one kids would get a kick out of, even if they said “Who?” There is a movie to watch in the Cinema room to introduce them to the youngsters and bring out the laughter from the whole family. If you remember a time before video games and big screen special effects, you’ll remember when simple and silly was cool. And you remember when Laurel and Hardy were household names.
Harlem is a cute little town of 3000, that also has a historical downtown walking tour featuring 22 stops, guided by cell. It's at exit 183 (Harlem/Appling) off I-20, open Tues-Sat 10-4. Get off the highway and check this place out.