Orange Grove Area Museum

“We’re Making History Every Day!” Come join us at 119 Eugenia Street Orange Grove, Texas 78372

Board of Directors
The museum is a 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit organization under IRS certification. Daily operations are overseen by Curator Mrs. Betty Box. Geraldine Goetzel works as the Museum secretary. Mrs. Effie Schacherl works as tour guide and information specialist. Charter Board Members are: Sam and Corolyn Armstrong; Betty Box; Billy S. Schmidt. Current Board Members are: President: Seale Brand; Vice President: Jeanette Herschapp; Treasurer: Paula Gebert; Director: Minerva Scott; Director: Joe Kalinec.

Museum History
The Orange Grove Area Museum was founded in 1998 by a group of citizens concerned with the ever dwindling number of “old timers” in the area and subsequent loss of valuable area history and artifacts. Thus, documenting and housing local history in a community museum became top priority, and with the donation of a building by Corolyn and Sam (Mac) Armstrong, the Orange Grove Area Museum was created. Along with preserving the past, our goal at the museum is to help prepare the community for the future. We strive to provide an important link between the generations and cultures in the area.

Museum Location
Located in Jim Wells county, Orange Grove is situated at the intersection of SH 359 and SH 624, approximately 40 minutes west of Corpus Christi, Texas. The area is prairie-desert-like, filled with a variety of native cacti, mesquite, huiesatch, and wildflowers.

Orange Grove, Texas
The original town site was a part of the Ventana Ranch, one of the original ranches in the area, so named because of two live oak trees that had created a look-through area that reminded early residents of a window. In 1889 the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad came to town and local ranchers donated land for a rail stop and so the town of Orange Grove was born. Originally, Orange Grove existed as a town in Nueces County, in the area which changed to Jim Wells County later in 1911. Official layout and incorporation came later between 1935 and 1938. True pioneer families arrived in early- to mid-1800’s, and included names such as the Reynolds’, Miller’s, Adams’, Wade’s, McNeill’s, Hinnant’s, Wright’s, Shaeffer’s and Dodson’s. Settlers prior to the Civil War were mainly of English and Germanic descent, many of whom continue to have relatives in the area. Today the population of Orange Grove is about 1,500, and is currently experiencing promising growth once again in the farmland and desert prairie areas surrounding the town.

Museum Hours
Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday, 10-4; Saturdays 10-1. Special occasions or events may make alternative arrangements.

Museum Exhibits
The Orange Grove Area Museum is contained in approximately 2,600 square feet of building space, nearly doubling our size in just the past 6 months of our 3 year existence! We house area artifacts, family relics, and area history in a manner that is easily toured and enjoyed by all. The museum features exhibits on pioneer living, the King ranch, early farm implements, early transportation, veterans memorial, and library. We also have exhibits on the early oil industry, cotton industry, watermelon farming, and the famous Knolle ranch milk production. Displays include original pieces from the pharmacy, doctors office, hotel, bank, and post office.

Museum Events
There’s always something going on at the museum—we offer a conference room for community or club use, we host a variety of group gatherings. Winter Texans visit here on bus tours from the Valley. We have hosted the mobile dairy program for the school, as well as offer demonstrations on early settler’s skills such as wood working, blacksmithing, toy-making, quilting, and cooking. Our big event for the Spring of 2003 is “Pioneer Days”, on Saturday, April 5. Call the museum for additional information on these and other upcoming events such as toy making, blacksmithing, cook-off, and cultural events.

Donations
If you or your organization would like to become part of legacy of the Orange Grove Area Museum, please contact Betty Box, Curator at 361-384-1300.

Reservations
To make reservations for your group, school, or family tour, please call Betty or Effie at 361-384-1300. Catering is available with tours in groups of 20 or more individuals. Conference room

Contact Us!
For more information on our museum, please feel free to contact us! Orange Grove Area Museum, 119 Eugenia St., P.O.Box 594, Orange Grove Texas 78372. Phone 361-384-1300