Phil Harris-Alice Faye collection available to view at Carnegie Heritage and Art Center

Norma Witherspoon of rural Linton passed along some good news the other day.

The Phil Harris-Alice Faye memorabilia collection is on display at the Carnegie Heritage and Arts Center.

The center is housed at the former Margaret Cooper Public Library, 110 East Vincennes St. in Linton.

The collection has been at the center for over a year and was available for viewing by appointment. Now it's open during normal hours and by appointment, Witherspoon said.

The collection includes photos of the famous couple and their friends, Witherspoon points out, and "remind us of another era, when radio and movies were almost the only entertainment media."

Witherspoon added that you can visit the collection on any Wednesday, Thursday or Friday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Harris was born in Linton on June 24, 1904 and passed away Aug. 11, 1995.

He was a singer, songwriter, jazz musician, actor, and comedian.

But he may be best known today for his voice work in animation. He was Baloo the Bear in "The Jungle Book," and he also worked the Disney movies "The Aristocats," and "Robin Hood."

Harris was a close friend and associate of Bing Crosby, and when Crosby passed away, he served as color commentator for the Bing Crosby Pro-Am Golf Tournament.

Harris and Faye also hosted a television show that started in the 1940s and ran until 1954.

The Harris-Faye collection used to be housed at the old library before it was moved to a downtown bank. It was a popular exhibit during the former Phil Harris Weekend, which has evolved into the Greene County Foundation Festival with Country Music Hall of Fame member Roy Clark highlighting the weekend.

Kudos to everyone involved with the Carnegie Heritage and Arts Center. An idea has blossomed into someplace where artists and others are using the old library.

There was talk at one time of tearing the library down, but thank goodness a group of people had a vision and they made it a reality.

Witherspoon added that the center is also home for the Superior Driving School.

She added that piano, keyboard, stringed instruments and vocal lessons are also available by appointment.

Call the center at 847-0165 for more information.

Paintings and drawings, photography, and books by local artists are on display.

"The historic memorabilia and stories of an older Greene County brings back memories of other days and other ways," Witherspoon noted.

"We will be glad to welcome you and/or your group to visit any time."

If you would like more information, or to arrange a visit, call 847-0165. The center's regular hours are Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Chris is the general manager/editor of the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by telephone at 847-4487 or 1-800-947-4487 or by e-mail at cpruett79@gmail.com .