General, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Specialized
The museum contains everything from native american artifacts (on loan from the Rebstock family) to a circa 1918 mail rig to hundreds of tools, photographs, and vintage clothing. One highlight are the hanging tools of Hawthorne township farmer Phil Hanna, "the humane hangman", who ended the life of Southern Illinois' most famous or infamous outlaw, Charlie Birger. Hanna presided over many early 20th century executions. The Haas Store building is a wonderful example of a cast iron storefront, and is located directly across from the Ratcliff Inn. You can tour the museum on line at L.Haas Store Museum. The museum underwent repairs in 2001 and has been organized with church and kitchen areas, communications, homelife, Native American, medical, military, and Carmi sections.