pioneer heritage townsite center

People are whizzing by the highways, and maybe they see a sign for something or another and never bother to stop because they assume a small town will have nothing worth stopping for. Folks, you need to slow down and take some time to go one block off the highway from the courthouse and visit the Pioneer Heritage Township Center. Bring the kids, bring the grandparents, bring everyone and plan to spend a fun couple of hours exploring how things used to be.We had read the books about the Abernathy family: Bud and Me about Louis and Temple Abernathy's amazing childhood adventures, as well as Catch Em' Alive Jack, the story of the two boys father, Jack Abernathy. We were intrigued by their story and wanted to visit Frederick to see the exhibiti about the Abernathys. I contacted the head of Historical Society to find out the hours. Joe was so nice and contacted me immediately to apologize and explained the museum is all volunteer and usually closed during the weekends but is open on Saturday during special occasions. He told me there was an upcoming event, Arts in Action on Saturday, 9/15/2012, and the museum would be open that Saturday.My husband and I drove up on Saturday from Dallas, it was a pleasant two hour drive to Witchita Falls, and another hour to Frederick. The Frederick courthouse sits on the highway, and there is plenty of parking on the north side. To the west of the courthouse, not visible from the road, is the township center. This is a beautiful site, both physically and structurally, and a bit of a shock to see this professional historical site in a small town.The townsite center is enclosed with a very attractive wrought iron fence with painted figures of the Abernathy boys and other recognizable figures, its a fun touch and sets the tone for your visit. Go through the entrance and there is are walk ways wide enough to accomodate a wheelchair or scooter. There are large trees and benches which provide a visitor comfortable spots to sit in shade and rest. There were very clean, large restrooms available on the side of the general store. There are at least ten buildings, several which are original buildings which have been moved to the site and have been exquisitely rennovated. There are photos of the buildings in their original state, and then you look around and realize what a tremendous amount of work has been performed to restore these structures. The buildings and the grounds are gorgeous and well groomed. We absolutely marveled how a small town could raise the funds and maintain interest to create such a center as well as support this site ongoing. We just visited the Mayborn Museum in Waco, and frankly, this place puts the Mayborne to shame, the Maybourne is deteriorating with half the buildings unavailable to the public whereas the township center has all its buildings clean, pristine, and is just beautifully maintained. Given a choice between the two, given the distance is approximately the same, I would select the Pioneer Heritage Township Center.The Abernathy collection is in the barn, not a large collection, but very professionally done. The Brush car that the boys drove from New York to Frederick is in the museum, with some photos and other items. The general store is well stocked for the turn of the century, and houses items which can be purchased from the historical society including copies of books about the Abernathys as well as books about Tillman County and Oklahoma pioneers.The school house has been lovingly restored down to the wood stove in the corner and the water pitcher and bowl on a stand for washing hands. There are photos of the original structure, and again, its just awesome that this small town would invest so much money and effort to maintain their history.The museum is small but contains some surprising treasures. There are very detailed wood models of buildings which will amaze you with the craftsmanship. There is a wall of quilts which for someone who loves quilts, are quite stellar. One in particular, of a quilt made of embroidered birds, is stunning in its workmanship. There are a number of other buildings to visit, the depot, the implement shed, others. The township site gives a full flavor of what it was like to be in a town and farm during the early pioneer days of Oklahoma Territory.The volunteers we met there were some of the sweetest people we had ever encountered. Each building we visited had someone inside who was more than willing to chat about their building, its clear these volunteers love their work and are dedicated to the task of keeping history alive. The lady in the musuem allowed us to step inside the office to admire intricate wood models of the school house and church, and explained the history of the models (you want to know, you can go and ask her yourself). We repeatedly had folks walking up to us, asking if we needed help, and pointed us in the right direction and telling us about what else there was to see. Everyone we met, at the Township Center, on Main Street, at the book sale, even on the sidewalk, were so friendly and so kind to a pair of strangers. We hear about small town friendly.. we found it in Frederick.This is a lovely and charming place to visit with the entire family, and there is such a dearth of places that are family fun. The good folks of Tillman County should be commended for their hard work and love of their country to create this township center to share with the rest of us. There was no fee, but please folks, leave a donation in the museum, because this treasure needs to be around for future generations and we should help the Tillman County Historical Society to continue this high quality gem hidden away in Frederick, OK.My husband and I are already planning our next visit.Visit the Federick Oklahoma Chamber website, Places to See, Pioneer Township Site.http://www.frederickokchamber.org/