Historic Tally Ho Stage Coach completes journey to new home
Published 12:40 pm Monday, April 28, 2025
The Tally Ho Stage Coach was positioned in a newly constructed glass-encased room at the front of the museum, allowing all passersby to appreciate it. (Photo by Storme Smith)
The Historic Tally Ho Stage Coach made a short but significant move on Friday. (Photo by Storme Smith)
The Tally Ho Stage Coach was positioned in a newly constructed glass-encased room at the front of the museum, allowing all passersby to appreciate it. (Photo by Storme Smith)
The coach was escorted by the Columbus Police Department. (Photo by Storme Smith)
Museum Director Larry Wright carefully disassembled parts of the stagecoach to facilitate its passage through the doorways. (Photo by Storme Smith)
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Museum artifact now on display at 33 Gibson Street
COLUMBUS—The Historic Tally Ho Stage Coach, once housed on Walker Street, made a short but significant move Friday, April 25, traveling two blocks to its new glass-encased home at the House of Flags Museum, now also the site of the Polk County Historical Association Museum.
A group of community volunteers and museum staff gathered to assist with the move, showcasing their dedication to preserving local history. Museum Director Larry Wright carefully disassembled parts of the stagecoach to facilitate its passage through the doorways. Greg McCool removed the door to allow for the moving of the stagecoach by Brent Jackson of Jackson’s Towing, with assistance from firefighters of the Columbus Fire Department, who helped load and unload the roughly 3,000-pound coach.
Upon arrival, the stagecoach was expertly rolled off the tow truck and squeezed perfectly into its designated space at the House of Flags. It has been positioned in a newly constructed glass-encased room at the front of the museum, allowing all passersby to appreciate it. Among those present were Mayor Pat McCool, Museum Board Member Susan Speight, and House of Flags Executive Director Robert Williamson.
“Everything went wonderfully after many sleepless nights and concerns, and we are pleased to see ‘Maude’ in her new home,” said Speight, who arrived in attire representative of Maude Coxe, the stage’s namesake. “The coach represents a vital piece of Polk County’s equestrian history, and its new home will allow for enhanced preservation and improved public access.”
Originally completely refurbished in 1972, the stagecoach has traveled through various venues over the years. It was often stored at different locations, previously owned by the Tryon Riding & Hunting Club and then at the Tryon Depot, before being gifted to the museum in 1982.
The Tally Ho Stage Coach is categorized as a Park Drag, a lighter and more elegant version of the original park coaches, which were primarily used for cargo transportation. In contrast, Park drags were used for leisurely excursions, carrying food, passengers, and refreshments.
Williamson spoke on the significance of the move.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the community, as both museums are now co-located,” he said. “We’re intermingling our collections, and the new room out front will primarily showcase the Historic Association with the coach. Upstairs, we’ll have the Genealogy Library in conjunction with the House of Flags Museum Library. There is also a 70-person classroom upstairs that will be utilized more, and with both organizations here, we are genuinely excited about what this means for the community. It offers a one-stop visit to explore national history, local history, and county history all in one place.”
The House of Flags Museum and Polk County Historical Association Museum are located at 33 Gibson Street.
The relocation of the historic Tally Ho Stage Coach was more than just a transport; it was a celebration of heritage and a commitment to preserving the rich history of Polk County for future generations.
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