Window on the Plains Museum

1900's Street Scene A view of businesses 100 years ago can be seen in the replica of a 1900's street scene. A general store, post office and doctor's office can be seen by walking down a wooden sidewalk.

		Phillips and Son General Store A general store was started in Dumas as early as 1892. It later became the Phillips and Son General Store that operated until 1994.

Physician, Druggist, and Dentist Office Early day doctors took care not only of medical problems, but also served as druggists and dentists.

		Early Moore County Ranch House Ranching was one of the early occupations for Moore County. This replica of a typical rancher's home was constructed of wood from a barn that was over 100 years old.

Ranch House Office An inlaid bookcase from the Sneed ranch decorated the ranch office. Some other items date back to 1903 and 1905

		Ranch House Kitchen A beautiful Majestic wood stove was donated by the Irwin Wiseman family. The stove and several of the other kitchen furnishings came from the Wiseman family.

1920's - 1930's House in Moore County Many years of experience by a master carpenter helped design this replica of an early 1920's family home.

		Early Moore County Home Most 1920's to 1930's homes were small, usually just four or five rooms. This home has a dining room, parlor and bedroom.

Dining Area in 1920's House This dining area includes a wall crank telephone. The table and sidebar are gifts from the Irwin Wiseman family. An étagère holds a collection of china and crystal.

		Bedroom Area of 1920's House A beautiful bird's eye maple bedroom suite fills the bedroom of the 1920's home. Other decorations include a wall hanging woven from human hair and a sewing machine brought by ship from White Russia in the early 1900's.


Blacksmith Shop The replica of a blacksmith shop includes a forge used by Dumas' original blacksmith and the original insurance policy that covered his business.

		Roundup Scene Saddles cover the fence surrounding the campfire area of a cattle roundup. The cowboy represents Marshall Cator, a well known local rancher, who is recognized in the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Tent Meeting Camp meetings were held by traveling preachers to bring religion to the scattered communities. Tents were set up and visitors would camp in the area and attend the meetings.

		Playa Lake Playa lakes are important for both ranching and for wild life. Runoff from rain gathers in low areas and provides water for cattle and wildlife. During dry seasons many of the lakes dry up.

Farming and Ranching Farming and ranching opportunities brought the first settlers to the area, and remain a staple of High Plains economy and culture.

		Early Communication When telephones first came to Moore County, the lines were sometimes run on top of fences. Switchboards and many styles of telephones are displayed in the Agriculture/Industry Addition.

Military Display	Military Display	David Swinford Wall	David Swinford's Office

	Window on the Plains Museum 1820 South Dumas Ave Dumas, TX 79029 Located on the southwest corner of Dumas on busy Highway 87-287 (806) 935-3113 Fax (806) 934-3621 dumasmuseum@windstream.net Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. Admission is free.