Dallas, Texas: Dallas Heritage Village - Part One

Tuesday morning we set off to the Dallas Heritage Village, where authentic historic buildings have been relocated to preserve and protect the history of North Texas.  Set on around ten acres there are bout 40 historical buildings most of which you can go in, some of which are still be restored and preserved.  It was ever so interesting!

My partners in crime!  Jackie, Marti, Donna & Barbie

Which way to go first?

Looking back at the entrance...

First we saw the Citizen's Bank.  This was built in 1905 in Justin, Texas.

Banks were usually situated in the heart of downtown on a corner location and the door on the corner allowing access from adjoining streets, minimising a security risk of having two doors.  The style of this bank is known as 'Richardsonian-Romanesque' designed by the Boston architect Henry Richardson, who combined aspects of Roman architecture in his buildings. 

When you walk through the doors you see the corner counter

There s also one to the side with a security grill - I have a look inside.

Perhaps this is where a senior member sat to do their work.

The view inside - at the back various members of staff would work. 

I was surprised to see the stove in the corner - it is so hot here I can hardly imagine it ever being cold enough to need this!

At the back of the bank was the dentist....I told Mum that I didn't want to go in here!

Look!  Dr Pepper and a lion!

I point out that Dr Pepper MUST be good for you!

My friend comes to join me...she is a little apprehensive

....but I assure her that the lion won't hurt her.

One of the oldest buildings is the Miller log house built in 1847.  Apparently the reason this is called a log house and not a log cabin is because the logs were 'square hewn' which distinguishes them from from a house and not a cabin....I wasn't really sure what this meant, but I think it means the way they are cut. 

The front

The back

It is not very big and yet apparently about nine people lived in it at one time.  I go inside.

I peak through...

It is surprising light considering how low the ceilings were.  

The cabin is furnished with serviceable, well made furniture. 

Time to look around outside.

I notice a cute little building near the cabin.

I peak through the door as it was locked and we weren't allowed in.  This was a play house and had all sorts of exciting things inside that I would have liked to have played with!

It wasn't long before the Millers wanted something larger and more grand than their log house to live in....

Between the years 1855 and 1862 their big house was built, with the help of his slaves he owned at the time.   I didn't like to think that he owned people...this seems very wrong to me....

Apparently the house is built in 'Greek Revival' Style...they had funny names for their houses.  It just looks like a house to me, albeit a rather large one!

We sit on the porch in the shade for a while before venturing in.

The house was very grand indeed inside.

Beautiful furnishings.  You could tell this was a wealthy family

I wanted to go upstairs to have a look in the children's rooms.

I walk down the hallway.

First I see this wonderful quilt on a bed.  My Mum quilts, so was interested in seeing all the beautiful quilts that were made so long ago.

The first room we look in was the girls bedroom.

There was a helpful sign pointing out what things were.

Just look at the beautiful furniture - it was all very large as well.  You wouldn't get much of it in our bedrooms back home in England!

Dolls pram with some China head dolls.

Wash stand

Another quilt

Information about when the quilt was made.

A painting

Information telling us about this painting.

The other bed with the quilt on top and a dress or nightgown.

The bed in the far corner also had a dress/nightgown on it.

The chamber pot was cleverly hidden in this piece of furniture with a door that can close on it.

time to move on....

The master bedroom also had much to look at.

A younger child's bedroom/nursery.  I think probably a nursemaid/nanny also lived in here as there was a small bed and a sewing machine.

But enough of sewing machines, I wanted to find the boys bedroom.

It wasn't quite as exciting as I had hoped...they must have been bigger boys than me, as there weren't any toys to look at!

 A writing desk

Table & Chairs

A trunk - maybe the toys were in there?

A camera - that was a funny looking camera, that is for sure.

Copper bath.  - wouldn't get much of you in that!

We went to see the sitting room next.

Painting on the wall - apparently these were done when a child died - to reassure those in mourning that the child was being safely cared for..

Hall stand.

The back veranda/balcony was added in 1912 by daughter, Minnie

I think this must have been a well for water.

I pose for the obligatory photo before we explore what else is here.

There was so much to see and do here, and many photos taken, so our visit here will be split up into several posts.

Part Two tomorrow.