It has been a long time since I have written an article for the newspaper, and I just hope that I haven’t forgotten how to do it. As all of you know, the Museum has been closed for over a year. Just as you were confined to your house, and the kiddos not able to go to school or see their friends, the “Pandemic” affected everyone. We all lost someone we loved, prayed for those who caught the virus, and praised God that we didn’t suffer as some did, and were “Thankful” for the supporters and survivors who braved the disease to help us all.
SO, now that things have lifted a bit, we (the directors, the board and faithful supporters) are anxious to re-open the Museum. The problem we have now, is that since we weren’t open and I couldn’t send out notices, we are out of money because no-one paid their dues. And since the utilities have to be paid, we are in extreme trouble. As you know, the utilities and phone bill run about $450.00 a month. That is a lot of money. AND, that doesn’t even include spending more on water to keep the grounds in beautiful shape.
Some of you may know that we lost a wonderful man, Larry Nickles, in December of 2019. He was the local ‘Windmill” man, and was determined to get a well up and running to do nothing but water the lawn and vegetation. But, it didn’t happen. We miss him so much, not only because he couldn’t finish the project he started, but because he was a wonderful person and a joy to be around. SO, if you know ANYONE who could take his place, PLEASE let me know.
For you new people who have moved to town, the DUGGAN HOUSE (museum) is where it all started. It is a wonderful story, and it is exactly what we are trying to keep alive so that the children are aware of where it all started. In the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, Littlefield was a booming town with a fantastic downtown with many shops and restaurants and things to do. YES, it has fallen on hard times since then, but because we really think this is a great place to live, the town can re-build itself and grow. Maybe not like it used to be, but in a different direction that will be even better than it was. That is one reason we want the museum to survive. The museum is more a keeper of the past, than a museum you are used to. All the articles we have in the house on display have been donated by persons who are, or were, so proud to be living in, or from, Littlefield, Texas.
We need all of you to pay dues to the museum to keep it running. The dues are only $50.00 a YEAR for a family, and the dues are deductible on your tax returns. IN FACT, anything and everything is deductible because we are a 501- C-3 corporation. Another thing we could ask for, is if anyone of you is able to write Grants for money for the museum, I would really like to meet you.
As soon as we have the funds from you, our supporters, we will again have our famous Wine Tasting and Thanksgiving Luncheon. We are also looking forward to many functions we can have to get better acquainted with all of you and have some fun. After the past year, WE are ALL entitled to have a LOT of fun.
In February and March, I had my granddaughter here and she was on Zoom on the computer to do her school work in California. SO, I sincerely empathize with all of you parents who were dealing with the same thing. NO ONE who has not gone through this time with the children, can really understand what a trying time it was.
Now that we are nearly half way through the year 2021, I think that it is time to get started and forge forward. I hope you are able to read all this rambling and understand what is happening and support the museum. We could become a force to be reconciled with if we all pull together. Please send your Dues and any other monetary funds to:
Littlefield Lands / Duggan House Museum, P.O. Box 734, Littlefield, TX 79339.
You are all in my prayers always,
Wanda