old fire station museum

The review by filmbuffintexas below is excellent and I was surprised at this little museum's unique exhibits. The museum was closed when I arrived on Tuesday and I was told by Diane Newsom at the Chamber of Commerce that it was open by appointment only at this time. She referred me to Elaine McFeely, Executive Director of the Franklin County Historical Association, who was leading tours at the Majors-Parchman House just south of the downtown area. Mrs. McFeely gave me a tour of this historic home and then drove over to the Fire Station Museum to show me around. I enjoyed the extended tour and found the unique collection of over 200 bird's eggs, hundreds of beautiful butterflies, and the fascinating wood-carving collection most interesting. The museum is also home to an excellent exhibition of SMU and Cowboy quarterback Don Meredith memorabilia. Mount Vernon has a number of interesting museums and due to a current shortage of volunteer docents it is best to call ahead for tour information or stop by the Chamber of Commerce for information on the local attractions. Mount Vernon is a great place for a day-trip, fun of friendly people and interesting things to see and do. Recommended.

This Fire Station Museum is surprisingly chock full of cool exhibits. Life legacy exhibit of Don Meredith and amazing bird egg exhibit of over 200 bird eggs collected prior to 1900. Wow!! Many other interesting things as well, Native American artifacts and arrowheads, local artists work. Lots to see. Downtown square is very picturesque as well. Worth the trip off the Interstate 30.

Housed in a 1940 WPA financed fire station, the Old Fire Station Museum has displays of bird eggs, butterflies, wood carvings and Indian artifacts. The Rare Bird Egg Exhibit with more than 170 bird eggs on display are all more than 100 years old! Of particular interest, especially to an oologist or those like minded, are the eggs of 3 North American extinct birds: the Carolina Parakeet, the Heath Hen and the Passenger Pigeon. In fact, I understand that this is the only museum in the world that has these 3 eggs on public display.We stopped by the Museum to see the exhibit of Don "Dandy Don" Meredith who was born and raised in Mount Vernon, Texas, a small, charming town about 100 miles east of Dallas. The exhibit which is located on the museum's ground floor is dedicated to the life and career of the Dallas Cowboys Hall of Famer. And many of us of a certain age also remember him as an original member of the ABC TV Monday Night Football broadcast team along with Howard Cosell and Frank Gifford.The Franklin County Historical Association operates this museum. It is open to the public from Thursday - Saturday from 10 am - 2 pm or by appointment. Tour groups are welcome and it is suggested that you call ahead for tour groups of 10 or more. Admission to the Old Fire Station Museum is free but a donation is appreciated.Directions from Interstate 30: Exit at Exit 146, Drive north on Texas Hwy 37, Turn right on US 67/Main Street/Bankhead to Mt. Vernon Square, Turn right on Kaufman Street, Left on Scott Street by the Rail Road depot. The Old Fire Station Museum is on the right in front of a delightful small park.