Exhibits
Click on the name of the exhibit on the left to read more information about the exhibit and see images on the right.
African-American Heritage
Our area defied the norm back in the late 1800’s with a large population of African-Americans living here. They were vital to keeping the hotels running. The wait staff at the French Lick Springs Hotel was legendary.
Soon there were black churches, a school, social organizations, a hotel, and even a casino style establishment. Boxing champ Joe Louis trained here.
Perhaps the biggest local celebrity of his day was Yarmouth Wiggington, Mr. Pluto. You’ll learn his fascinating story and that of the West Baden Sprudels, an all-black team that played some fine baseball.
Mr. Wiggington was a respected member of the African-American community and served as the leader of the Knights of Pythias lodge. He is buried in the black section of Mt. Lebanon cemetery in French Lick.
This postcard photo of Yarmouth Wiggington in costume is set inside the World Famous Pluto Spring. He was known as "Mr. Pluto" and his job was to dip the water from the spring for the guests who were taking the cure. (Note the long handled glass in his hand.) Over the years he was photographed in many different costumes as he performed the task of serving the spring water.