Breckenridge museum features Burch Hotel exhibit
Breckenridge’s Burch Hotel — nowadays known as the First National Bank building — turned 90 earlier this year, and helping to mark the occasion is the latest exhibit at the Swenson Memorial Museum.
The small exhibit is featured in one of the front display cases. It includes old photographs of the hotel, as well as linens, old keys, stationery and other items from the Burch.
The Military Exhibit at the Swenson Memorial Museum features a variety of uniforms, as well as photos, newspaper clippings and other items. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
The display cases also have a veterans exhibit with items from various wars. The veterans exhibit is just around the corner from the museum’s military exhibit that features uniforms, photos, newspaper clippings and more.
The Swenson Memorial Museum is Breckenridge’s historical museum, located in the former First National Bank building downtown. It has two floors of exhibits about early Breckenridge and the surrounding area. Exhibits include displays on Stephens County’s ancient history, as well as many that focus on 20th century life in Breckenridge.
Some of the other exhibits include a Jerry Tubbs display, featuring photos and mementos from his football days with the Breckenridge Buckaroos, the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Dallas Cowboys; a Basil Clemons photography section; a Breckenridge High School section, complete with old letter jackets, sweaters and even a 1954-55 BHS cheerleader uniform; the McClymond Doll Collection; as well as displays of western saddles, barbed wire and more.
Additionally, the museum maintains a collection of family histories and newspaper clippings, including obituaries, that can be used by genealogists and other researchers.
The museum is funded entirely through donations. There are three employees and several volunteers, as well as a board of directors, who keep everything running. In recent months, several areas in the museum have been repainted and had new lighting installed.
“As money comes in, we make improvements,” said Pat Dudley, one of the museum’s staff members. “The displays are constantly evolving, and we’re preparing to re-open the Oil Museum.”
Keno Night at the Museum
An evening of fun and games will benefit the Swenson Memorial Museum via a Keno Night fundraiser beginning at 6:30 p.m.Tuesday, May 8, at the Woman’s Forum, 1804 W. Walker St. Tickets cost $25 per person and are available at the museum, 116 W. Walker St., and the Chamber of Commerce, 100 E. Elm St. Seating will be limited.
Information
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
For more information, call 254-559-8471.
Story by Carla McKeown/Breckenridge Texan
