History and Fun at Pioneer Village
By Camille McClanahan
Daily Sun
The Navarro County Cotton Gin Scale House is the latest acquisition at Pioneer Village, located at 912 W. Park Ave. in Corsicana. This particular gin scale house was built in the 1930s after the Depression when the economy became better as Jim Skinner established a new electric cotton gin at Corbet. The gin scale house is now a work in progress at Pioneer Village.
While there is a wagon, some harnesses and a few other things from cotton ginning, more items are needed.
“We are very excited about the Gin Scale House,” said Bobbie Young, executive director of the Navarro County Historical Society and curator of Pioneer Village. “We plan to have a very comprehensive history of the cotton industry and we have some historic photographs and stories. We are really looking for history from all the gins in Navarro County. We would like a picture of the Gin Scale House plus any other gins that we don’t have.”
Young said any old photographs related to the cotton industry would be appreciated. Small cotton gin equipment items would are also needed.
“But we’ll take anything cotton related. We really want to tell the story of the whole cotton industry,” Young said.
Pioneer Village has been a Corsicana attraction since its inception in 1958, and is frequented by schoolchildren as well as a plethora of visitors — from local residents to international tourists. Located in Jester Park, formerly the Old City Park, Pioneer Village boasts 18 structures. Thirteen are historic structures and five were built on site. You will find pioneer artifacts, family heirlooms and early furnishings in many of the facilities.
From the Lefty Frizzell Country Museum to the Harmon Hoodlum Wagon, from the Peace Officers Museum with an extensive collection of photographs and articles about Bonnie and Clyde to the McKie Play House with toys of yesteryear, there is something for every age to see.
“Where else could you get so much bang for your buck? You can tour Pioneer Village for less than you can get a burger and a shake, and you can learn so much history,” Young said.
Currently, Pioneer Village is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children. For more information, call (903) 654-4846.
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Camille McClanahan may be contacted via e-mail at camille@corsicanadailysun.com. Want to “Sound Off” on this article? E-mail: soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com