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(From the Gatesville Messenger: Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007)

Museum Project Gets Large Financial Boost

The Coryell Museum and Historical Center is taking a page out of history to pay to complete restoration of the Burt building that was donated by Wes Gilbreath, a Leon Junction native who became a successful Houston businessman.

The campaign was announced Saturday during an apprieciation luncheon at the museum for volunteers sponsored by Gilbreath, who also made the first donation for the capital project.

Board president Billy Byrom recalled a piece of local history in which Miss Jessie Faunt Le Roy donated the first dollar in 1947 to have the historic log jail relocated to Raby Park. The log jail, built in 1855 by John H. Chrisman, is now housed in the museum.
But Byrom said the museum has many artifacts that need to be stored in a climate controlled environment, and he is calling on every citizen to donate a dollar for the restoration project.
Gilbreath got the ball rolling with a $50,000 donation, announced at Saturday's luncheon, which was held in the room named in Gilbreath's honor.
Former board president Helen Swift recalled the history of the museum, which began in 1986 in the old J.R. Graham Lumber Yard Building. With the addition of the Lloyd and Madge Mitchell spur collection, it became apparent more space was needed.
As the museum board considered building on land donated by Mr. and Mrs. L.V. Arnett, Swift said some people were concerned about moving the museum from the downtown area. It was then that Gilbreath stepped forward with the donation of the old Powell Supply store, and the Burt building.
Community squads from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice restored the Powell building and the museum moved in 1998 to the new location at 8th and Main Streets.
On Saturday, Gilbreath recalled first meeting Swift in his sister's (Ruth Jones') business where they discussed the needs for a new museum. He was impressed with those involved in the project and made the offer of the two connected buildings.
He said the hard work of the many volunteers will preserve Coryell County's history to be enjoyed by future generations.
During the past year, the museum has averaged 112 visitors a month, Byrom reported, including persons from 37 states and 10 foreign countries.
The museum is charged with the collection and preservation of artifacts that continue to be donated almost every month. Many are left in storage for safety and preservation reasons, but space is at a premium and renovation of the remainder of the Burt building would go a long way in providing desperately needed space for those artifacts.
Anyone willing to assist in the project can send their donations to the Coryell Museum and Historical Center, P.O. Box 24, Gatesville, TX 76528.
Address:
718 Main St.
Gatesville, TX 76528
254-865-5007

Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday
10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Email:
coryellmuseum@htcomp.net

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