Historic Room & Museum

Touch of Class Historic Room & Museum

Full of surprises and “Wows” for the whole family!
Featured in this 2500 sq. ft. Historic Room & Museum is an 11′ by 14′ mural that accurately depicts Downtown Sherman in the 1860’s. Stepping back in time, you will see everything from an antique toy collection to a prairie schoolroom with original texts books and maps from the 1800’s. Ladies will appreciate the 1860’s vintage clothing displays and an 1892 Grayson County patchwork quilt, which includes historic events and famous people. Men will view an interesting collection of old bullets (pin fire, Civil War, etc.), prisoner restraining devices and military memorabilia including a rare “yard wide” photo of Gen. George Patton and his entire Division in Ft. Benning, GA, dated October 25, 1941.

In addition this museum displays the original MKT Railroad “forms cabinet” used in the Denison terminal, a conductor’s hat other KATY items. Also featured is a vintage telegraphers table, which is still used by local telegraphers to demonstrate how Morris Code works and sounds. Other unique items are on of the earliest models of X-ray machines shown in one of Norman Rockwell early paintings and a Slide Rule collection including rare 1880’s drum slide rule invented by Edwin Thatcher called the K & E Calculator. This mechanical device is two feet wide and is considered by some collectors as a pinnacle of slide rue collecting.

The entire family will enjoy displays from a local 1800’s print shop, blacksmith shop, a cobbler’s shop and funeral parlor. (Yes, portions of this building were once used as a funeral home and some people think there are still ghost in the building). You will also see one of the largest collections of antique photo equipment in North Texas including two large studio cameras used by local studios. Photography has made great strides since the displays of glass negatives and Tintype photos. In the Victorian era when photography was scarce, vintage hair wreaths and hair jewelry were made as a keepsake to remember someone who died or loved ones separated by distance.

You can often find the owners Ivert and Jeanette Mayhough in the mall and they are happy to answer questions about Grayson County history. Reference books, newspapers, and old city directories are available for research of your ancestors. Group or school tours can be arranged by calling 903-891-9379. The building is on the National Registry of Historic Places and is a Texas Historic Landmark.

Touch of Class Historic Room & Museum is located on the 3rd floor of A Touch of  Class Antique Mall at 118 W. Lamar St. in Downtown Sherman, Texas. Just 3 blocks east Hwy. 75, Exit 58. Open 7 days a week, Touch of Class also serves as the Downtown  “Tourist Center” for the city of Sherman. Put this on your “to do list, today!