Traveling Museum: Ranching, Brands, and Cattle Trails | Traveling Museum: Historic African American Families | Traveling Museum: Historic Hispanic Families | Reservation Request Form

Farming in Early Denton County

This traveling museum includes artifacts that were used in farming in historic Denton County. This presentation includes actual artifacts dating from about 1880 to 1900 as well as some illustrations.

Artifacts

• Cotton in a wooden bowl, with a demonstration of finger spinning
• Lye Soap
• Flat Iron
• Butter Mold
• Waffle Iron
• Toaster
• Rug Beater
• Ladle or Dipper
• Curling Iron
• Flattening or Straightening Comb
• Child's Chamber Pot
• Copy of 1890s Dress
• Pillow cases made from flour sacks
• Apron made from flour sack
• Bonnet made from flour sack
• Flat Iron
• Flour Sifter
• Biscuit Cutter
• Washboard, including how it can be used as a musical instrument
• Ice Tongs
• Window Card for Ice Delivery
• Wooden Toy Tops
• School Bell
• 4th grade reader from 1914
• Wrench for starting Model-T

Illustrations

• Photograph of a adult, ornate adult chamber pot
• Illustration of wood burning, cast iron, pot belly stove
• Children's clothing from 1880
• Boy's jackets and short pants from 1900
• Boy's swim suits from 1920
• Girl's swim suits from 1920
• Woman's clothing from 1900
• Woman's clothing from 1920
• Men's clothing from 1900
• Men's clothing showing watch fobs from 1910

Demonstration

Information is shared in an anecdotal, storytelling type dialogue with interaction encouraged from the students and/or group.

These artifacts are appropriate to illustrate about any family living in late 1800s Denton County including the African American and Hispanic families.

Prior to the start of the actual presentation, a brief description will be given of the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum, the Courthouse, and John B. Denton's grave. The groups are encouraged to visit the Museum and Courthouse and see additional artifacts and learn more about Denton County history.

Scheduling

Groups are encouraged to schedule ahead of the requested date. The months of October, November and early December, March, April, and May are especially busy, so we encourage you to plan ahead so that we can schedule the requested time.

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills

This traveling museum is suitable for teaching about Denton and Denton County, early Texas history, or about communities in general. It can be adapted for grades K-12.

Please contact the Education and Tourism Director to discuss the TEKS that are appropriate for each grade level. Depending on the grade level, the traveling museums are appropriate for teaching multicultural, history, social studies, reading and language, writing, and some fine arts, science and mathematical skills.