Griffith Homeplace Museum 

The Griffith Homeplace Museum was built in 1875 by pioneer rancher, merchant, and businessman David Griffith. Located at 805 1st St, Terrell, TX 75160, the museum is an oasis of history and culture with artifacts dating back to the 1800s. The home features period furnishings and artwork that give visitors a glimpse into life during the 19th century. David Griffith was born in 1837 in Ogle County, Illinois. After his parents died when he was young, he moved in with his uncle and aunt near Chicago. He attended class at Whitewater College while working as a clerk for Stifel & Company from 1857 to 1860. At the age of 20, Griffith married 11-year-old Sarah Elvira McCarty (1836 – 1920). They had six children together, four of whom survived to adulthood: Robert Maud (1860 – 1925), David Edward (1862 – 1932), Forrest Lela (1863 – 1902), and Jessie Ina (1865 – 1925). In 1862 after the Civil War broke out, David enlisted as a private in Company H of the 77th Illinois Infantry Regiment under General John Logan under orders from President Abraham Lincoln to quell the rebellion that was taking place in Arkansas. From 1862 until 1863 during his downtime as a soldier, David worked as a clerk at Winton Brothers Mercantile Store & General Merchandise Store in Carbondale before moving forward with his career with close ties to agriculture at

David Griffith’s Terrell Ranch

In 1863 Griffith returned to Illinois to take over the family business from his uncle. This move was a big change for Griffith and his family, however they knew they had to move west to continue their lives in the fields. In 1867 the family packed up and made the journey to Texas, settling in Terrell on a 500-acre ranch along the Salado Creek. The ranch encompassed what is now the northwestern section of Terrell while the Griffith family residence was located in the center of the property. The home was a large two-story structure with a large wraparound porch. It featured a walk-out basement, two bedrooms upstairs, and outbuildings located on the property. The home was a very functional yet antiquated structure.

Modern Impression of the Griffith Homeplace Museum

The Griffith Homeplace Museum is a quaint yet richly decorated home. The property features a garden that includes a walking path with benches and a gazebo. The museum features an impressive collection of antique furniture, tools, and other memorabilia from the 19th century. The museum is located in the original home, which was built in 1875. The museum is named after David Griffith’s granddaughter, Mary Griffith, who married Dr. Harvey Ray Wilson in 1918. After Dr. Wilson’s death in 1939, Mary Wilson Griffith donated the museum to the community as a tribute to her late husband and as an homage to his family. A great post.

The Lawnmower Girl and Other Treasures

The lawnmower girl is a 1932 Ford Model A roadster. The car is painted in a hot pink color, with white flowers and white tires. The model A is a popular vintage car and is a prized possession of the museum. The museum also holds a collection of fine art and artifacts that were donated by the Griffith family. The collection includes a set of early 20th-century portraits of the Griffith family painted by renowned artist Sam Hamilton. The paintings clearly depict the family’s dynamic personalities, including David Griffith’s love for the outdoors and fascination for the ranching industry.

Future Plans for the Museum

The museum has developed a strong following and is a favorite for visitors of Terrell, but the facility is in need of repair. The museum could be greatly enhanced with a new entrance, new restrooms, and an elevator. Expanding the hours of operation would also be beneficial as the current hours are limited. A new sign and banner would help draw more visitors to the museum and encourage them to explore the rich history of the Griffith family. The museum could also benefit from more partnership with local schools and community groups. The museum is currently open on weekends only, and seasonal hours could be expanded to include daily hours during the summer months. Learn More.

Conclusion

The Griffith Homeplace Museum in Terrell, Texas offers visitors an amazing look into the lives of the early settlers of Texas. The museum offers a glimpse into life during the 19th century, including a collection of antique artwork, period furniture, and memorabilia. The museum is rich in history, and it would be great to see it thrive and expand even more with the help of donations and partnerships.