The history of the past...

Like most museums, Log Cabin Village maintains archival collections consisting of documents, photographs, newspaper clippings, and other ephemera related to our mission (19th century Texas). We also keep archives related to the Village itself, such as records of special events, cabins being moved in, and particularly noteworthy news stories. While we actively collect the information as we see it, we are also fortunate often to inherit the personal "Village archives" held by dedicated staff and volunteer members when they pass.

Recently we received a wonderful file folder filled with 1960s-1970s newspaper clippings related to the Village. These clippings document everything from a school visit to the work of a resident wood carver. What a treasure!

Here are a couple of my favorites:

This clipping, dated February 15, 1974, shows the Shaw Cabin right after it was converted to a working grist mill. We've been grinding corn in it ever since!

Caption: SPINNING WHEEL--A water-powered grist mill will open tomorrow in Log Cabin Village in Forest Park. Opening is set for 1 p.m. Visitors to the city park will be able to watch corn being ground in the mill, after which it will be offered for sale. Old spinning wheels also will be in operation during the day. Admission to the park is 25 cents for adults, 10 cents for children. Sitting by the water wheel is park curator Mrs. Betty Erie.

I don't have a date for the following clipping, but given its reference to the bicentennial "next year" and the jaunty Colonial (rather than frontier pioneer) costuming, it must be sometime during 1975. Who knew that you could gather vegetables, churn butter, and admire a stereoscope all at the same time? Must be the power of the mob caps...

Caption: BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION--Three members of the Texas Girls Choir, from left, Karen Jerigan, Lisa Beckner, and Daphne Eley, will be seen in the choir's upcoming spring concert at 8 p.m. Saturday in Convention Center Theater. The girls are in the Pickard Cabin at Log Cabin Village in Forest Park. The theme of the concert will be the nation's 200th birthday next year.

Both clippings are from the Star-Telegram...