Appanoose Artifacts is a feature presented by the Appanoose County Historical Society. Each week, a different exhibit within the museum is featured. To find out more about it, you may come to the Appanoose County Historical & Coal Mining Museum, which is open week days from 1 to 5 p.m.

This antique Cannonball Safe was built by the Mosler Safe Company of Hamilton, Ohio. It came from the Iowa Trust and Savings Bank in Seymour. In the early days, a cannonball safe was considered “robbery proof" because the common practice of a bank robber was to capture the banker, lock him in the walk-in type of safe, and get away with the loot! Secondly, a cannonball safe weighs approximately 3,600 pounds – a robber couldn’t just carry it away!

NEW! Trivia question of the week: Where was the former “Wooden Savings Bank” located? Answer to last week’s question –

Where was Glen Hagen Park located? Just north of the Country Club, down in the woods, by the creek The winner of the Dutton prints for April is Clarence Ashby – stop by the museum to pick up your prize!

Email your answers to appanoosehistory@yahoo.com or send them in the mail to Appanoose County Historical Society, 100 West Maple, Centerville, Iowa 52544. All correct answers will be put into a drawing, and at the end of each month, a drawing will be held to choose a winner. The winner of the drawing will receive a set of limited edition prints that feature area landmarks!

We’d love to feature your item! If you have items you would like to donate to the Appanoose County Historical Museum, please bring them by any weekday between 1 to 5 p.m., while the museum is open, or call 856-8040 or email us at appanoosehistory@yahoo.com.