Step into a time capsule of Victorian opulence as history and fashion converge outside the Old Miners Cabin in Thurber, Texas. Adorned in resplendent traditional attire, individuals capture moments reminiscent of a bygone era against the backdrop of this once-thriving coal-mining town. Though now a ghost town, Thurber's vibrant past resonates through this image, harking back to a time when it flourished as the heart of Texas' bituminous-coal industry from 1918 to 1920. The legacy of a population that once thrived, now preserved in the picturesque ruins of Thurber, awaits discovery in the northwest corner of Erath County, seventy-five miles west of Fort Worth.

Embark on a captivating journey at W.K. Gordon Museum, Thurber's time capsule. Engage with interactive exhibits, from artifacts to motion films, unraveling the town's industrial tapestry. Stroll past meticulously reconstructed landmarks, including the grand opera house and legendary Snake Saloon. Nestled within Thurber's ghostly embrace, this museum preserves Texas' industrial narrative, connecting generations through history's threads.

Step into the past with this captivating photograph capturing a man adorned in a dapper three-piece suit and a timeless hat, striking a pose at the historic Miner's House in Thurber, Texas. Amidst the remnants of this once-thriving coal-mining town, the gentleman stands as a modern-day tribute to an era of refinement and labor. Thurber, now a ghost town, once thrived as a bustling community, and the Miner's House stands as a silent witness to its vibrant history. Nestled in the northwest corner of Erath County, seventy-five miles west of Fort Worth, this evocative image transports us to a time when elegance and industry converged.

Text about attractions in Thurber, Strawn, and Mingus, Texas that was published in the "Essentials" section of a June 2005 Texas Highways magazine article.

Transport yourself to a bygone era captured in this enchanting photograph. A charismatic cowboy band takes center stage, serenading patrons at an old-world cafe in Thurber. Amidst the rustic charm, two couples are swept away by the music, dancing in each other's arms. The captivating scene encapsulates the fusion of timeless melodies, historic ambience, and joyful moments, painting a vivid vignette of Thurber's enduring allure.

Immerse yourself in the past at W.K. Gordon Museum, a gateway to Thurber's vibrant heritage. Engage with interactive exhibits, from artifacts to captivating motion films, weaving the tale of the town's industrial saga. Wander through reconstructed landmarks like the grand opera house and iconic Snake Saloon. Embraced by Thurber's ghostly whispers, this museum preserves Texas' industrial essence, fostering a timeless connection between eras.

Immerse in a taste of history at Smokestack Restaurant, nestled in Thurber's heart. Founded in 1971 within an old drugstore, it rekindles memories for families along I-20. After a fire in 1992, the restaurant found new life within the historic Texas & Pacific Mercantile, built with Thurber's original bricks. Amidst this living heritage, dine under the watchful 128-foot smokestack that once powered Thurber, relishing in a blend of flavors and stories.

Step into history at Smokestack Restaurant, Thurber's culinary gem since 1971. Once housed in Thurber's original drugstore, now reborn within the historic Texas & Pacific Mercantile building, we pay homage to the town's past. Our name honors a towering smokestack that powered Thurber, while our cuisine delights modern palates. Visit us in downtown Thurber, where time-honored bricks and flavors entwine.

Text for an article about Thurber, Texas that was published in the June 2005 issue of Texas Highways magazine.

Research for an article about Thurber, Texas that was published in the June 2005 issue of Texas Highways magazine.

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of yesteryears as the Old Miners Cabin in Thurber, Texas, becomes a stage for Victorian charm. Enthusiasts clad in exquisite period attire gather, freezing moments in time against the backdrop of this ghost town's remains. Once a bustling coal-mining hub with a population reaching 8,000 to 10,000, Thurber's echoes of prosperity resonate in this photograph. Today, its legacy lingers as a testament to history, nestled in the northwest corner of Erath County, seventy-five miles west of Fort Worth.

Unveil Thurber's rich history at W.K. Gordon Museum, where stories of the past come alive. Delve into interactive exhibits showcasing Thurber's industrial legacy through artifacts and motion films. Wander by reconstructed landmarks, from the grand opera house to the iconic Snake Saloon. Nestled in the ghost town's heart, this museum preserves Texas' industrial heritage, bridging generations.

Photograph of John Magnie performing with the Subdudes at the Kerrville Folk Festival in 2004. Magnie is facing to the left of the camera, playing the accordion and singing.

Photograph of Monte Montgomery performing at the Kerrville Folk Festival in 2004. Montgomery is facing to the right of the camera, looking down and playing an acoustic guitar.

Photograph of Tom Kimmel performing at the Kerrville Folk Festival in 2004. Kimmel is facing to the left of the camera, playing an acoustic guitar and singing. Stage lights are shining behind him.

Photograph of The Laws performing at the Kerrville Folk Festival in 2004. John Law (right) and Michele Law (left) are standing side by side on stage, playing the guitar and bass respectively and singing as a man plays drums behind them. Text on the stage backdrop reads, "Kennedy Outdoor Theater / Kerrville / www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com."

Photograph of two women enjoying a meal at the oldest Dairy Queen in Texas, located in Henderson. Since 1950, Dairy Queens in Texas have served a separate menu from the rest of the franchise restaurants throughout the United States and Canada.

Photograph of two customers enjoying soft serve ice cream inside of the oldest Dairy Queen in Texas, located in Henderson. Since 1950, Dairy Queens in Texas have served a separate menu from the rest of the franchise restaurants throughout the United States and Canada.

Photograph of the exterior of the oldest Dairy Queen in Texas, located in Henderson. Since 1950, Dairy Queens in Texas have served a separate menu from the rest of the franchise restaurants throughout the United States and Canada.

Discover the awe-inspiring architectural marvel of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, the museum's concrete walls and transparent glass elements create a harmonious blend of form and function. Marvel at the massive planar walls, the elegant floating pavilions, and the captivating play of natural light that illuminates the galleries. This iconic building stands as a testament to the seamless integration of art and architecture.

Experience the awe-inspiring design of Tadao Ando as massive concrete walls and transparent glass create a harmonious blend of form and function. With its floating appearance and abundant natural light, the museum captivates visitors and provides a stunning backdrop for contemporary art.

Discover the awe-inspiring design of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, hailed as one of the world's most beautiful art museums. Designed by acclaimed architect Tadao Ando, the museum's concrete and glass structure showcases bold lines and immense transparent walls, creating an exquisite interplay of light and space. With its iconic Y-shaped columns and captivating reflection on the surrounding water, this architectural masterpiece is a must-visit destination for art and design enthusiasts.

In Martin Puryear's captivating sculpture, Ladder for Booker T. Washington, the artist masterfully employs forced perspective to create an illusion of vast distance and height. The towering thirty-six-foot artwork gracefully reaches towards the gallery's lofty ceiling, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of progress, aspiration, and equality. Displayed at the renowned Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Texas, this monumental sculpture captivates with its striking form and thought-provoking presence.

Delve into the captivating world of Anselm Kiefer as he explores the profound symbolism of books. "Book with Wings" features a massive lead book adorned with majestic wings, symbolizing the artist's quest for knowledge and his exploration of the limitations of human understanding. Another notable work, "die Aschenblume," presents a thought-provoking reflection on national identity and transformation through unconventional materials and powerful imagery.