MICHIE TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM

Charles and Diane Mashburn have been instrumental in the restoration of the Michie Transportation Museum. Displayed in the museum is one of the trucks that belonged to Mashburn Trucking Company, a 3 generation family owned business that was in existance in Childress for many years before they closed several years ago. Also included in the exhibits are many antique cars, a fire truck, some railroad displays and buggies. Of special interest are fringe topped surrey and the "Hug Me Tight" buggy as well as Col. Sam Privitt`s chuck wagon.

A scale modelof FW&D Railroad freight train can be seen upon entering the Michie Museum. The miniature steam engine alone is 6` long and weighs 600 pounds. It was built in 1949 by the late George Johnson, who was employed by the FW&D RR for many years.

FW&D Railroad Engine 501 rests proudly in R. Wright Armstrong Park, adjacent to the railroad tracks on which it labored for many years and is the symbol of the railway industry that was vital to the county from its very beginning. Walter Chrysler, founder of the Chrysler Corp.,began his climb to fame as an employee of the FW&Denver City Railway in Childress in the early part of the century. Visitors are encouraged to view the handsome old steam engine at any time. It is located between Main Street and Commerce St. on Avenue A NW.

The museum is searching for World War II Era Fort Worth/Denver railroad blacksmith`s handmade knives. According to legend the railroad employees handed them through the windows of the train to the GI`s as they passed through the shop yards. If you have one we would like to hear from you. Call 940-937-2261 or email childressmuseum@sbcglobal.net