News
2012 Scholarship
PLANO, TEXAS -- February 14, 2012 -- The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc. today announced that the group is now accepting applications for its 2012 scholarships.
The group will award three scholarships to Plano Independent School District seniors seeking to study historic preservation, architecture, archaeology, anthropology, urban planning or certain fields of engineering.
The Norwood M. Brenneke Scholarship of $3,500.00 and two other scholarships of $2,000.00 each are being offered for 2012. All applications must be postmarked no later than April 27, 2012. Applications are available for download at www.planoconservancy.org/scholarships or students interested may call the Conservancy at 972.941.2117 to obtain an application.
The Norwood M. Brenneke Scholarship was named in honor of Mr. Brenneke who was a founding board member and first treasurer of The Plano Conservancy.
"We encourage all qualified students to investigate this funding opportunity," said Maggie Sprague of Plano, co-founder of The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc. "These scholarships give The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation an opportunity to ensure that preservation management and stewardship of our cultural heritage will continue forward in generations to come."
About The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc:
The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc., a Texas corporation 501 (c)(3) non-profit, is an organization dedicated to promote civic pride in the past, to increase preservation awareness through education and public outreach, and to provide financial assistance to protect and preserve our heritage resources for this and future generations. For more information, please visit www.planoconservancy.org or call 972-941-2117.
Dallas Child Magazine February 2012
Extra, extra, read more about us! The Interurban Railway Museum is featured in the February 2012 edition of Dallas Child. Print version in the photo at left, or online version here. Enjoy!
Young Cemetery Cleanup
On Saturday, January 14, 2012 volunteers from Collin College helped move more than three yards of donated mulch into a grove of trees in Plano's historic Young Cemebery. Volunteers also set up a composting area and moved logs from a downed tree into the compost pile. Mulch was donated by the City of Plano.
Dickens in Downtown 2011
Plano's Interurban Railway Museum was filled with guests during "Dickens in Historic Downtown Plano" on Friday, December 2. Visitors enjoyed museum tours, a special children's story time, and live music performances."The downtown area was filled with music, carolers, concessions, shopping and holiday fun," said Maggie Sprague of Plano, co-founder of The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc., the group that manages the museum. "This popular event gives us the opportunity to showcase the Interurban Railway Museum to guests who have not have had the chance to experience the museum before."
The museum offered a special children's story time, featuring a reading of "The Polar Express". Uniformed railway motormen guided guests through the museum and were available for photo opportunities with children. The musical group 15th Street Singers also performed at the museum.
The museum also hosted a raffle drawing for a variety of fun packages including several "Holiday Treats and Eats" bundles featuring restaurant gift certificates and other goodies from downtown Plano merchants, gift certificates for a private wine tasting at Premier Wines of Plano, a tote from Barnes & Noble overflowing with children's books and activities, and a "Train Lover's Delight" train-themed children's basket.
All money raised through the raffle benefits the ongoing restoration of rail car 360, which is located directly outside the museum.
The Plano Interurban Railway Museum is located at 901 E. 15th Street in historic downtown Plano and is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday 1-5 p.m.
The museum features a variety of displays for adults and children, including:
-train depot lobby including a ticket counter, pot belly stove and waiting benches
-history room features an overview of regional history and details about trains, cotton, cattle and crops
-science room features interactive displays that teach the principles of electricity
-artifact room features a working "O" scale model train layout, railroad track components, a model rotary converter, artifact cases and much more!
For more information call 972.941.2117 or visit www.planoconservancy.org
About The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc:
The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc., a Texas corporation 501 (c)(3) non-profit, is an organization dedicated to promote civic pride in the past, to increase preservation awareness through education and public outreach, and to provide financial assistance to protect and preserve our heritage resources for this and future generations. For more information, please visit www.planoconservancy.org or call 972-941-2117.
Archaeology Fair 2011
Pint-sized explorers, budding artists and junior archeologists were among those who visited this year's Annual Archeological Fair on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at Bob Woodruff Park in Plano. The event was sponsored by sponsored by The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, GeoMarine, Inc., and the City of Plano Parks and Recreation Department."This year's event featured record attendance and was great fun for all involved. Children, parents, grandparents, volunteers and educators all enjoyed a day full of unique learning opportunities," said Plano Conservancy Co-Director Maggie Sprague of Plano. "This annual event is a wonderful learning experience and features fun for the whole family."
The fair featured a variety of activities and exhibits including a flintknapping demonstration, pottery demonstration and design transfer, rock painting, a petroglyph site and a pictograph wall. Guests had the opportunity to use a pumpdrill and try their hand at grinding their own corn. The event also featured a digging sandbox for small children.
"Our guests had the opportunity to participate in hands-on excavation, enjoy Native American drummers and dancers, see a variety of exhibits and demonstrations and much more," Sprague added.
Plans are already underway for next year's Archeological Fair, to be conducted in October 2012. If you or your company is interested in sponsorship or participating, please contact the Plano Conservancy at 972-941-2117.
About the Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation
The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc., a Texas corporation 501 (c)(3) non-profit, is an organization dedicated to promote civic pride in the past, to increase preservation awareness through education and public outreach, and to provide financial assistance to protect and preserve our heritage resources for this and future generations. For more information, please visit www.planoconservancy.org or call 972-941-2117.
Book: Plano and the Interurban Railway
The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc. is pleased to announce its recently published book, PLANO AND THE INTERURBAN RAILWAY. This book, through historical images and captions, chronicles the development of a regional electric rail system a century ago. Rarely seen photographs transport the reader back to a simpler time while providing a glimpse of the social and significant events of that golden age.
The book is available for sale through Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com or Arcadia Publishing. Should you wish your copy signed by the authors, please stop by the Interurban Railway Museum Monday thru Friday between 10:00 AM. and 2:00 PM.
Super Sleuth's Guide to Cemeteries
The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation recently released a new, interactive, scavenger-hunt style guide to Plano's historic cemeteries entitled "A Super Sleuth's Guide to Plano's Historic Cemeteries."
When following the guide, pint-sized explorers can search and sleuth for answers to questions such as:
-Which cemetery features a missing gate?
-Which cemetery contains an antique water pump (which still works!)
-Which local cemetery is the resting place of relatives of U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson?
"Whether you're a parent, an educator, a Scout leader or a history buff, we think many will be interested in this fun brochure," said Plano Conservancy Co-Director Maggie Sprague of Plano.
"The brochure features a map of some of Plano's old, historic cemeteries, includes some guidelines for cemetery etiquette for kids, and includes some, fun scavenger hunt style questions so kids can "sleuth" at each cemetery to find the answers," Sprague added. "Answers are included on the website, as well, or you can snap the QR code on the back of the brochure with your smartphone to pull up the answers either at home or while you're out hunting!"
About the Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation
The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc., a Texas corporation 501 (c)(3) non-profit, is an organization dedicated to promote civic pride in the past, to increase preservation awareness through education and public outreach, and to provide financial assistance to protect and preserve our heritage resources for this and future generations. For more information, please visit www.planoconservancy.org or call 972-941-2117.
2010 AAUW Holiday Tour of Homes
We are happy to announce that we have four lovely homes scheduled to be on our Annual AAUW Holiday tour of Homes on November 20 and 21.
The historic Carpenter House on 16th street will take you back in time to the grace and charm of the late nineteenth century. It is a classic example of Queen Anne Victorian architecture built in 1898 for Colonel Overaker and his new bride Maude. Three years in completion, the house was set in the middle of a former cotton field which was part of the colonel’s land holdings. Prominent in social circles, Overaker was Plano’s eighth postmaster and the owner of a lumberyard. Maude used to play the piano in the front room and passersby would sit on the front porch and listen to her play. Gibson Edgar Carpenter, a gentleman farmer, lawyer, and judge, purchased the house in the early 1920’s to ensure his children would receive a fine education in the Plano school system. The Black family purchased the home in 2000. It now serves as a Bed and Breakfast and the venue for weddings, and Special Occasions of every description. Right across the street is the “Schell House” built by Alex R. Schell, a former mayor of Plano, and completed in 1937. The house was originally located on 15th Street until July, of 2001 when Michael and Debra Hamilton obtained the house from the builder’s son. They sealed the deal with $1.00 and a handshake. They then moved the house to its’ present location. Michael has been decorating homes on our tour since 1989 and his wife Debra is an artist. This unique and charming home is the result of their eclectic partnership.
Two blocks away on 15th street is the “Roller House”. A. G. McAdams began construction on this Queen Anne Victorian house in 1898 and completed it in 1901. The house is a Sears Roebuck house plan and is customized by the rare and ornate millwork throughout the interior of the house. The house was owned by a couple of other families and was later purchased by the Roller family in 1909. The Rollers added large pillars to the front porch and lived there until the 1940’s The home is now owned by Leah and Randy Edwards. When they heard that the home was going on the market in 2003 they decided to take a look and felt it would be the perfect place to raise their children. Since they have made some interesting renovations to the interior to meet the needs of their family.
The home of Liz and Royce Brown on Riverside Drive in Plano was featured in the December, 2009 issue of the Plano Profile . Liz is a decorator and her designing skills take center stage at Christmas time. She has chosen to use trees in every room of the house, all beautifully decorated in various themes and adorned with family keepsakes, special gifts, and vacation mementos collected over decades. These family memory trees and elegant Christmas collections all boast her signature touch.
Archaeology Fair 2010
On Saturday October 16, 2010 The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, in partnership with Geo-Marine and the City of Plano hosted their annual Archaeology Fair in observance of Texas Archaeology Month. The clear skies and mild temperatures beckoned participants from the Metroplex area.
Young and old alike were enthralled by the spectacular costuming of the Native American dancers, the haunting drum beats, and the dances that were truly an inspiration to all attendees.
Archaeology Land with a myriad of activities including rock painting, storytelling, flint knapping demonstrations, and numerous other venues, held the imagination of the children, many of whom resisted going home. Those individuals involved in actual hands on excavation were treated to an educational experience that few will ever know. The Geo-archaeology hike through the creek bed awakened the senses. The whole day was a magical encounter.
The Plano Conservancy