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Green Frog Village

  This "Village" is a privately owned tourist attraction in western Tennessee in Madison County. Just a few minutes from Jackson, and close to Alamo (I'm sure it's named for the Alamo in Texas where notable Tennesseans fought). It is in the early stages still, but is an attempt to preserve rural Southern life from the early part of the 20th century. It's a self-guided tour, but there are explanatory signs at key displays, and you have a map to get you around.

    Most notable is an authentic cotton gin, which has been relocated from a more Southern locale. It's a good look at budding industrialization. For those in manufacturing or with an interest in assembly lines, this can be quite fascinating. It also brings to life many things school children study. There are cotton branches everywhere, cotton fibers, seeds, a steam engine, and machines that operate on two floors at once. There's a pond close by, corn fields, and honey bees.

    A school and a church have been located there. These are not replicas, but are authentic buildings relocated here. The desks in the school are old, but are varied styles from different periods. The owners have  recently obtained a confiscated still and are setting that up in an old log shed, for display only, not for operating. One building has a print shop, demonstrating newspaper printing. Everything dates back to a period before air-conditioning or central heat. Of course, all buildings have electric lights, which would not be the case in the early 1900's, when electricity was a luxury in the country. 

      It was only in the 80's the day I visited, but it was pretty hot and sweaty in the cotton gin. I thought how awful it must have been for the men who worked there in the deep South on summer days with no ceiling fans or other cooling. Some of the machinery was dangerous and could mangle a hand. They didn't have built-in safety features like we do today. You just had to remember, don't touch or adjust manually while operating.

      I was also attacked by hornets! How real was that! I finished out my tour in pain, but found it fascinating. As they continue to build their display and improve the Village, Green Frog will just get better. For families, Green Frog Village is a great place to stop. As with any tourist stop, there is a store and cafe. The locals seem to enjoy the food there and gather early for lunch. There is considerable walking, so wear comfortable shoes. It doesn't have a glitzy, commercial entrance, so you'll probably drive past before you realize it. Be prepared for a u-turn. And if you want to donate some old farm equipment or tools, I'm sure they will display it!