More Museums

http://texarkanamuseums.org/

The title of this website is Texarkana Museums System. There are three museums: Museum of Regional History and Wilbur Smith Research Library, Discovery Place, Children’s Museum, and the Ace of Clubs House. I guess there is a system to linking them together.

I stepped inside the Regional History Museum first but it was a tease. I was promised the fascinating story of the city in two states and Scott Joplin, a native son but the details were not forthcoming on this website. It seems they prefer physical visits to 219 N. State Line Avenue, Texarkana, TX 75501.

The Ace of Clubs House was much more interesting. Local legend says that money to build the Ace of Clubs House came from the winnings of a poker game won with the draw of the ace of clubs. Not the sort of story you hear everyday so I believe it.
The floor plan was based on the ace of clubs which translated means one rectangular and three octagonal rooms arranged around a central octagon. It was built in 1885 by a confederate vet James H. Draughon and there have been a few additions over the years, most notably a bathroom in the early 1900’s.

I poked my head in the doorway of the Children’s Museum but the sound from the two children and one adult playing the Sound Wall was rather deafening so I quickly left.

What I learned that was special:
• One of the premier collections in the Ace of Clubs House is that of Miss Olivia's shoes, which were purchased primarily at Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas , Texas .