The History of
Pamer County Museum
Parmer County Museum Circa 1930
In 1906 Friona's first church, an entirely wooden structure was constructed. The building was struck by lightning and burned in 1921. Later that year, the existing adobe chapel was erected. In 1969 a new sanctuary was built, and the adobe church became inactive. Years later, in 1973, the building was donated to the Girl Scouts as a meeting hall.
The church has always been recognized as a historical place. Records indicate that the Parmer County Historical Commission while researching and applying for the marker, discussed the preservation of the building for a museum. The historical marker was placed on the site in 1975.
Deed presentation, June 1973
In 1995 a concerned group of citizens gathered to save Friona's first church. The building was decaying rapidly, and action was needed to save the Landmark. The original group attending the first meeting on October 30th included Fay Reeve, Reba Holt, Ron Carr, Peggy Monroe, Carrie Tatum, Doris Richards, Billie Tongate, Tammy Richards, Jim Johnston, Mary Johnston, Mary Pryor, Benny Pryor, Shana Fleming, Teena Hughs, Robert Neelley, Bruce Fleming, and Donice Jones. The project became the Pioneer Heritage Chapel & Museum. Their goal was to save the building and create a church/museum, with the basement becoming a museum and the first floor remaining a chapel. The building was purchased from the Girl Scouts for $486.89. The Friona Pioneer Heritage Chapel & Museum Inc., a non-profit 501 C3 organization, was and is the current owner of the historical site and building.
In 1995 the projected restoration was estimated at 570,750.13. To date, the community has well surpassed that amount in time and dedication to creating the Parmer County Museum. The project slowed after the interior stucco was completed and a new roof and windows were installed.
In 1999 the Museum Directors contacted Wendy Carthel, and she agreed to assist in readying the building for its opening on Maize Days, 2000. That was our first public viewing since the initial meeting in 1995. Only the upstairs was open, as the basement was still not acceptable for use.
First Opening, 2000
After September 11th, President Bush declared its anniversary to be a day for serving in your community and called all Americans to go out and serve. The students at Friona High School wanted to participate but needed a project, so they asked if the museum could use some help. Of course, Wendy said yes, and on September 11th, 2003, around 150 students showed up to serve their community; hence, the Pamer County Museum was born. When there are that many students willing to work, there are many tasks that can be accomplished. The next year, Wendy was ready for them, and the upstairs wooden floors were cleaned and oiled. The students also sorted through all the donated items, and they were even able to begin repairing and picking up donated items.
Before Senior Workdays, 2003
In early 2004, the students decided they needed to work more than just one day. Consequently, the TAKS testing days in April, when the senior class must leave the campus, became Senior Workdays. The seniors came for three consecutive days and stayed for several hours each day. They were able to begin work on the basement.
Work on the basement continued into 2005, and much progress was made. The windows were trimmed, the floors were finished, the walls were painted, and the area was thoroughly cleaned. Upstairs, ceiling and trim work were done and completed.
The entire building was opened to the public on Maize Days 2005. The Friona Service-Learning Program also hosted its first Cultural Fair for Friona 4th graders. The day was a success.
The students finished the kitchen in the spring of 2005 and cleaned the storerooms. The ceiling in the basement was removed, and lighting was installed throughout the entire museum. Plumbing was repaired in the kitchen and bathroom, and the students built, gathered, and arranged displays. The museum also joined the state organization the Texas Plains Trail Region, which is dedicated to preserving Texas history and historical tourism.
Workdays in 2006 consisted of cleaning and arranging displays. The museum hosted its first annual Living History Day for the 7th-grade students of Parmer County, which was a huge success. The museum also applied for a county donation to assist with its ever-growing budget.
Service Learning Program with Author Ruby Bridges, 2006
In 2007, Friona High School Service-Learning students partnered with the Texas Plains Trail Region Board to produce an award-winning heritage tourism promotional DVD. Year-round programs and tours also began for all of Parmer County's students. The response thought the county was excellent, and the number of visitors doubled. The Parmer County Museum was well on its way to becoming a full-time presence in all communities. Later that year museum commissioned four large displays, and wooden blinds were purchased for all the windows.
Parmer County Centennial, 2007
Girl Scout Display
In 2008 the museum initiated a tiered money contribution campaign and became a line item in the county budget. It also assumed the lease on the American Legion Building and transferred storage items to the building. The museum partnered with and allowed a portion of the Legion building to be used as a bookstore. The museum was extremely successful with its membership in the Texas Plains Trail Region and was asked to give programs on our many Service-Learning Projects.
In 2009 the museum continued displaying items from "founding families" and school historical items from each of the county's schools. A new roof was purchased, and repairs were made to the exterior of the building.
Over the next few years, the museum was directly involved with the Parmer County Centennial Celebrations beginning with the celebration of the Parmer County Centennial, the Farwell School's Centennial celebration with the many displays created using historical school items and the Friona School Centennial celebration.
In 2009 the museum hosted pre-K through 8th -grade students at the museum. Special emphasis was given to Parmer County's many Centennial Celebrations. Tours and special events continue to be held on a regular basis.
In 2017 the museum again commissioned two more wooden lighted displays from Danny and Stephen Campbell to be placed upstairs and downstairs. The donations continued, and the museum thrived.
In 2019 the American Legion Building was legally deeded to the Parmer County Museum, and renovations began. The EDC of Friona gifted the museum funds to initiate the reconstruction of the building. A new roof and complete removal of the interior was the first stage. Stage two came with the Parmer County Commissioner Court gifting the second round of funds, which is currently in the process of building a new restroom facility and a storage area. New flooring for the front room of the building, as well as preparing five new displays. The building will remain American Legion Post #206 and an extension of the museum.
The future of the Parmer County Museum is one of continued growth, and we are all excited!
Make a donation.
C. Ellis, 2007
We never charge entrance fees; your donations are vital to our day-to-day operations and directly support the exhibitions and programming at the Museum.
Give a Donation and help support the Museum.
Contact us.
parmercountymuseum@gmail.com
(806) 346-2263
218 W 6th
Friona, TX 79035