Tales N’Trails History Museum
The small town of Nocona, Texas holds a jewel of a museum within its boundaries.
The Tales N’Trails Museum is relatively new. Opening only ten years ago, it is packed with so much North Texas history that the building seems about to burst.
Upon entering, you get a sense of well-organized collections of Native American artifacts and European trade goods. The industry of a young nation is represented by these collections. This gem of an archive focuses on Native American culture and Western heritage, which is represented by the vast collection of Joe Benton. Spurs, saddles, arrowheads, memorabilia and aboriginal artifacts are creatively displayed to immerse the visitor in the past.
Another major focus of the museum is on the legacy of the leather goods industry of Nocona.
Aside from the leather items on display in a dedicated hall, the visitor’s attention falls on two large murals made of hand tooled leather by Dell Motley.
The history of agriculture, as well as the oil and gas industry in the area are represented at this museum.
Collections of implements, photographs and scale models of people and equipment are on display both inside and out.
Outside the main building is a large collection of agricultural equipment and machinery from a bygone era.
Behind the museum’s main building is a pumper’s house. It provided a home for the family who were caretakers to the pump jacks and drilling equipment in nearby oil fields. When entering the house, period furniture and all necessities of domestic life transport the visitor back to earlier days in the 20th century.
About a hundred feet from the pumper’s house, and rising high above the prairie grass is a real spudder. We saw a tabletop-sized one inside the museum. Now outside, we stood, dwarfed by its height, underneath the real thing. We enjoyed inspecting all of its working parts.
This wonderful museum is a great place for historians, genealogists, authors and people delving into family history.
Contained within its walls are family archives, an oral history project and a research library. The friendly, accommodating staff will graciously take the time to help you and answer questions.
Of course, there is a gift shop stocked with many artisan-crafted items.
I have so enjoyed these rag rug coasters everyday since bringing them home as a souvenir of this delightful excursion. Also available for purchase are books from local authors. There are many titles suggesting subjects such as natural history as well as the history of man in this area. And, as if all I have mentioned wasn’t enough, there is a picture frame shop in the same building, along with the Nocona Chamber of Commerce.
Put Tales N’Trails at the top of your travel itinerary when in Texoma. Plan to spend no less than an hour (we spent two). Bring a camera and plenty of smiles in return for the many you will receive.
Tales N’Trails Museum
1522 East U. S. Hwy. 82
Nocona, Texas 76255
940-825-5330
Go to their website talesntrails.org for hours, directions and admission fees; or call 940-825-5330