Oldham County Chamber of Commerce

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From The Director's Desk

Meet the Board of Directors

Oldham County Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture

Meet The Board

The Oldham County Chamber of Commerce is guided by a dedicated team of local leaders who are passionate about strengthening our business community, supporting economic growth, and promoting the unique character of our region. Our Board of Directors brings together a diverse blend of experience, expertise, and vision, working together to ensure our Chamber remains a valuable resource for businesses large and small.

Each board member plays a vital role in steering our programs, advocating for members, and helping shape the future of Oldham County. Their commitment, leadership, and volunteer spirit drive our mission forward every day.

Our Board Members

Board President

Provides strategic direction, facilitates board meetings, and oversees Chamber initiatives to ensure we continue serving the needs of local businesses and the community.

Vice President

Supports the president, assists with planning and community outreach, and helps guide long-term goals and special projects.

Secretary

Keeps accurate records, ensures smooth communication, and maintains all official documents vital to Chamber operations.

Treasurer

Oversees financial health, maintains transparent financial practices, and supports budgeting and fiscal planning.

Board Directors (At-Large)

Represent our members’ interests, contribute ideas, and support programs, events, and strategic decisions that help the Chamber thrive. Each director brings unique experience from various industries across Oldham County.

What Our Board Does

Our Board of Directors works year-round to:

  • Support the success and growth of local businesses
  • Strengthening tourism, community engagement, and economic development
  • Organize and guide Chamber programs and events
  • Promote Oldham County as a great place to live, work, and visit
  • Connecting members with resources, networking, and opportunities

Their leadership ensures the Chamber continues to be a strong, reliable partner for the business community.

Meet Our Junior Board Members

In addition to our governing board, the Chamber proudly introduces our Junior Board Members, a group of motivated students who represent the next generation of leadership in Oldham County.

Our Junior Board is made up of high school students who demonstrate strong leadership qualities, community pride, and a desire to learn more about business, civic responsibility, and economic development. They serve as youth ambassadors for the Chamber and help bridge the gap between our business community and the future workforce.

What the Junior Board Does

Junior Board Members:

  • Assist with Chamber events and community programs
  • Provide youth perspectives on community needs and opportunities
  • Participating in leadership training and professional development
  • Learn about local businesses, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement
  • Serve as role models within their schools and community

Their involvement not only supports Chamber initiatives but also gives them hands-on experience in leadership, communication, teamwork, and community service.

Why Their Role Matters

The Junior Board helps cultivate future leaders by allowing students to:

  • Build meaningful relationships with local business owners
  • Gain early insight into career pathways and local industries
  • Develop confidence, public speaking, and organizational skills
  • Understand the value of giving back to their community

These young leaders play a vital role in shaping the future of Oldham County, ensuring that our community continues to grow with fresh ideas, strong values, and an engaged next generation.

 

A Community-Focused Team

From our Board of Directors to our inspiring Junior Board, the Chamber is supported by dedicated individuals who believe in the power of collaboration. Together, they help build a stronger local economy, foster meaningful connections, and ensure our region continues to grow in a positive, sustainable direction.

Meet the Board of Directors Read More »

Local Flavor & Hidden Treasures: Spotlight on Oldham County’s Dining and Retail Gems

Oldham County is full of places that feed us, treat us, and brighten our days with unique local finds. From home-cooked comfort meals to handcrafted treasures, our community is rich with small businesses that add flavor, character, and charm to life in the Panhandle.

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on the restaurants, food trucks, bakeries, cafés, and retail shops that bring joy to locals and visitors alike.

 

Dining, Food Trucks & Local Flavor

 

Whether you’re craving a hearty meal, a quick bite, or a sweet treat, these local favorites serve up the best of Oldham County hospitality:

  • Mama Jo’s Pies & Sweets – Homemade pies, desserts, and baked goods made with love.

  • Hickory Inn Café – A beloved local spot known for good cooking and warm service.

  • Mike’s Bar and Grill – Great food, cold drinks, and a welcoming local atmosphere.

 

  • Rooster’s Mexican Restaurant – Nothing fancy, just good food!

  • Nana’s Fixins – Home-style meals and comfort dishes.

  • Jordan’s Family Kitchen – Family recipes and friendly service that feel like home.

  • Longhorn Coffee, Tea, & Gifts – Delicious drinks and unique finds, perfect for sipping or gifting.

Retail, Gifts, & Local Treasures 

These shops and local makers offer one-of-a-kind gifts, essential goods, and touches of Oldham County charm:

  • Jan’s Jewels – Beautiful, curated jewelry and gifts for every occasion.

  • Beer Box – A convenient local stop for all beverages essentials.

  • Vi’s Inspirations – Handmade crafts, décor, and heartfelt gifts created locally.

  • Longhorn Coffee, Tea, & Gifts – A blend of local shopping and delicious drinks under one roof.

Support Local. Taste Local. Shop Local.

 

These businesses represent the spirit of Oldham County, creative, hardworking, welcoming, and uniquely ours. By choosing local restaurants and retailers, you help fuel our economy, support local families, and preserve the character that makes our community special.

Let’s continue to celebrate and support the small businesses that give Oldham County its flavor.

Local Flavor & Hidden Treasures: Spotlight on Oldham County’s Dining and Retail Gems Read More »

Shop Small, Support Big: How Local Spending Strengthens Oldham County

In Oldham County, “shopping small” isn’t just a seasonal slogan, it’s a way of life that strengthens our towns, supports our neighbors, and keeps our local economy thriving. Whether you’re grabbing lunch in Vega, picking up a unique gift in Adrian, or fueling up before heading down Route 66, every dollar spent here makes a difference.

This week, we’re highlighting three big reasons to think small: embracing Shop Small Saturday—every week, understanding the true impact of shopping local, and taking advantage of Chamber Bucks, one of the easiest ways to keep dollars circulating locally.

  1. Shop Small Saturday… Every Week!

We all know Thanksgiving weekend brings national attention to Small Business Saturday, but here in Oldham County, our local businesses are open and ready to serve all year long.
From the family-owned business to the generations-old cafés and service providers, these shops truly are the heartbeat of our communities.

By making a conscious effort to shop small each week, whether it’s grabbing dessert at a Mama Jo’s, buying groceries from Taylor’s Vega Market, Groneman’s servicing your vehicle or picking up coffee and gift from Longhorn Coffee, Tea & Gifts; you help ensure these businesses stay open, grow, and continue contributing to our county’s character.

A few easy weekly swaps:

  • Choose a local diner over a chain restaurant
  • Buy gifts from local makers
  • Hire local contractors and service providers
  • Attend local events and vendor markets
  • Purchase produce, meat, and goods from local farmers and grocery stores.

Small habits have a big impact!

  1. How Shopping Local Strengthens Oldham County

When you shop locally, more of your money stays right here in our community, supporting jobs, funding improvements, and helping small businesses reinvest in their operations and families.

Here’s how your local purchases help:

  • Boost the local economy. More local revenue means stronger schools, infrastructure, and services.
  • Create and sustain jobs. Small businesses are major employers in rural communities.
  • Preserve our character. Oldham County’s charm comes from the unique local businesses visitors remember long after they leave.
  • Support future growth. Healthy businesses attract new entrepreneurs, residents, and visitors.
  • Strengthen community pride. When you know the people behind the counter or the product, you feel invested in their success.

Working together, we can build the kind of thriving community our children and grandchildren will want to return to.

  1. Chamber Bucks: Spend Local, Support Local

 

One of the easiest ways to support local businesses, especially during the holidays—is by giving or spending Chamber Bucks.
Chamber Bucks work like a gift certificate that can be used at participating businesses across Oldham County. They make perfect gifts for teachers, employees, friends, and family, and they ensure your dollars stay right here at home.

Where You Can Use Chamber Bucks

Chamber Bucks are accepted at Mama Jo’s Pies & Sweets, Milburn-Price Culture Museum, Groneman’s Service Station, Texas Auto, Roosters, Mike’s Bar & Grill, Beer Box, Dreammaker Station, Jan’s Jewels, Longhorn Coffee Tea & Gifts, and Taylor’s Vega Market.

Charity and Chamber Bucks

When you purchase Chamber Bucks from the Chamber of Commerce, 10% of Chamber Bucks sales will be given back to a local Oldham County Charity. By using Chamber Bucks, you not only support small businesses, but you are also supporting local charities.

Together, We Keep Oldham County Strong

Shopping small isn’t about spending more, it’s about choosing to spend your money where it matters most. When you support local businesses, use Chamber Bucks, and put Oldham County first, you’re helping build a community with a strong economy, vibrant Main Streets, and a bright future.

Thank you for continuing to shop, dine, explore, and invest in Oldham County.
Your choices truly make a difference!

Shop Small, Support Big: How Local Spending Strengthens Oldham County Read More »

The Spirit of Route 66 in Oldham County, Texas: Where the Mother Road Still Lives

Few places along the historic Route 66 capture the heart of the Mother Road quite like Oldham County, Texas. Stretching across the wide-open plains of the Texas Panhandle, Oldham County offers travelers an authentic Route 66 experience, one rooted in history, small-town charm, and the quiet beauty that once defined cross-country travel. For many, this stretch of the highway feels like stepping back into a simpler, more nostalgic America.

From restored landmarks to quirky museums and windmill-lined horizons, Route 66 continues to shape Oldham County’s identity and invite visitors from around the world.

A Road That Shaped the Panhandle

Route 66 first passed through Oldham County in 1926, carving a path directly through the town of Vega. Before the interstate, Vega, along with small communities like Wildorado and Adrian, served as essential stops for food, fuel, and hospitality.

When Interstate 40 eventually replaced much of the highway in the 1970s, many Route 66 communities began to decline. Yet Oldham County never forgot the role the Mother Road played in its story. Instead, the community chose to preserve, restore, and honor the places that made this stretch so memorable.

Magnolia Service Station: The Crown Jewel of Vega

One of the most recognizable Route 66 landmarks in the entire Panhandle sits right here in Vega, the Magnolia Service Station.

Built in the 1920s, the two-story station originally housed the operator’s living quarters upstairs. For decades, it served as a beacon for travelers crossing the plains. When the interstate bypassed town, the station fell into disrepair, but locals refused to let it fade away.

Thanks to a Route 66 Corridor Preservation Grant, the community restored the building to its original charm. Today, the Magnolia Station stands as an interpretive visitor center showcasing:

  • Vintage gas pumps
  • Old photographs and Route 66 memorabilia
  • Oral histories from longtime Vega residents
  • Carefully preserved architectural details

It’s a must-see stop for anyone wanting to feel the true spirit of the Mother Road. During the summer months, local volunteers can be found greeting travelers and giving informational tours of the Magnolia Station.

 

Dot’s Mini Museum: Small, Quirky, and Full of Heart

Just a short walk from the Magnolia Station is a tiny treasure unlike anything else on the route, Dot’s Mini Museum.

Created by beloved local resident Dot Leavitt, this small building is overflowing with decades of collected artifacts: cowboy gear, Route 66 trinkets, vintage bottles, family heirlooms, and pieces of Vega history.

Outside, you’ll find one of Oldham County’s most photographed curiosities, the famous Boot Tree, where visitors hang old boots as a nod to ranching life and Dot’s contagious sense of humor.

Dot’s Mini Museum is more than a stop; it’s a love letter to Oldham County and a reminder of how much Route 66 history is held in the hands of everyday people.

 

Milburn-Price Culture Museum: Preserving the County’s Story

For travelers wanting to dig deeper into the area’s heritage, the Milburn-Price Culture Museum in Vega offers a rich look into Oldham County’s past, from pioneer days and ranching life to the arrival of Route 66 and the growth of the community.

It’s a great place to learn how Oldham County evolved alongside the highway and why preserving these stories matters to locals.

Route 66, Wide Landscapes & Modern-Day Travelers

One of the best parts of Route 66 in Oldham County isn’t a building, it’s the drive itself.

As you travel the quiet stretches of road near Vega, you’ll see:

  • Vast prairie horizons
  • Rustic windmills
  • Historic Ranchland
  • Old bridge alignments of original Route 66
  • Vintage motels and fading billboard signs

This portion of the route is peaceful and scenic, offering a slower-paced experience that many modern travelers crave.

Route 66 brings international visitors to Oldham County every year, from motorcycle groups and vintage car clubs to solo explorers checking the Mother Road off their bucket list. And every visitor who stops here finds something special: authenticity.

Why Route 66 Still Matters in Oldham County

Route 66 helped shape Oldham County’s identity, economy, and spirit. But more importantly, it continues to give the community something to celebrate:

  • Heritage worth preserving
  • Tourism that supports local businesses
  • A connection to people from around the world
  • A shared pride in keeping history alive

Oldham County embraces its role as a steward of the Mother Road, offering travelers not just something to see, but something to feel.

Plan Your Oldham County Route 66 Adventure

If you’re travelling on the Mother Road or looking for a memorable day trip, don’t miss these local highlights:

⭐ Must-See Stops

  • Magnolia Service Station
  • Dot’s Mini Museum & Boot Tree
  • Milburn-Price Culture Museum
  • Historic Route 66 road segments
  • Nearby Midpoint Café in Adrian
  • Dreammaker Station

⭐ Tips

  • Bring your camera — these spots are full of vintage character.
  • Stop in town for food or fuel to support local businesses.
  • Take your time — Route 66 is meant to be savored, not rushed.

 

Oldham County: A True Slice of Route 66

Route 66 in Oldham County offers a rare gift, the chance to experience the Mother Road the way travelers did decades ago: slowly, peacefully, and with a sense of wonder. Whether you’re photo stopping at the Magnolia Station, discovering Dot’s treasures, or simply soaking in a Panhandle sunset, this stretch of Route 66 stays with you long after you’ve left it behind.

The Oldham County Chamber of Commerce collaborated with NewsChannel 10 to participate in the Go Route 66 App with the help of generous donations from local businesses in our communities. The app can be downloaded in the App and google play stores, so we encourage you to download the app and explore and learn more about what it offers. The Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting tourism and supporting local businesses to enhance Oldham County as an exceptional place to conduct business, a fun place to visit, and a wonderful place to live. Our efforts are made possible by the ongoing support of our communities and local businesses, for which we extend our sincere appreciations.

https://www.goroute66.com/

 

The Spirit of Route 66 in Oldham County, Texas: Where the Mother Road Still Lives Read More »

Honoring Our Heroes: Veterans Day in Oldham County

Each November 11th, our nation pauses to honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a time to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who have defended our freedom, both at home and abroad.

Here in Oldham County, we’re proud to have deep roots of service and patriotism. Generations of families from our community have answered the call, representing every branch of the military with pride. Their commitment reminds us that the freedoms we enjoy every day were secured by ordinary citizens who performed extraordinary acts of service.

As we observe Veterans Day, we encourage everyone to take a moment to thank a veteran, whether through a handshake, a heartfelt note, or by attending a local ceremony. Small gestures of appreciation can mean so much to those who gave so much.

Let’s also remember the families of our veterans. Their support and sacrifice behind the scenes are an essential part of the story of service.

From all of us at the Oldham County Chamber of Commerce, we extend our deepest gratitude to our veterans and active-duty service members. Your courage continues to inspire us and strengthen the spirit of our community.

Thank you for your service.

In collaboration with our local school districts, the American Legion, and the courthouse, I have compiled a comprehensive list of Veterans from Oldham County. If you are aware of any Veterans who may have been omitted, please contact me at info@oldhamcofc.org so they can be appropriately included in our honorary list.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13pDzllNO9rrdeoju9hOb48O-6__PwAzT/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=102895261271436705035&rtpof=true&sd=true

Honoring Our Heroes: Veterans Day in Oldham County Read More »

History and Haunts

The Oldham County Courthouse: A Sentinel of the Plains

Standing proudly at the heart of Vega’s downtown square, the Oldham County Courthouse has been a symbol of progress, perseverance, and community pride for over a century. Completed in 1915, the courthouse marked a turning point in Oldham County’s history, a new era after the rowdy frontier days of Tascosa faded into legend.

From Tascosa to Vega: A New County Seat

When Oldham County was first organized in 1880 and became a county in 1881, its seat of government was in Tascosa, the infamous “Cowboy Capital of the Panhandle.” But as the 20th century approached, the once-bustling frontier town began to fade, while the newly founded Vega—established along the railroad in 1903—was growing fast.

By 1915, the county’s population and prosperity had shifted south, and voters decided to move the county seat to Vega. That same year, construction began on the courthouse that still serves Oldham County today.

Architecture and Design

Built in 1915, the Oldham County Courthouse embodies the Classical Revival style, a popular design choice for early Texas courthouses. Constructed of red brick and white stone trim, it reflects both elegance and endurance.

The building’s balanced symmetry, tall windows, and refined details give it a stately, timeless presence. Inside, visitors can still find original woodwork and craftsmanship that harken back to a simpler, sturdier era of Texas architecture.

The Heart of County Life

For generations, the courthouse has been more than a government building, it’s the center of community life. The courthouse square has hosted parades, local celebrations, and now serves as a picturesque gathering place for annual traditions like Trunk or Treat and Christmas on the Square.

It remains a proud emblem of Vega’s identity, standing as witness to over a century of county history, change, and progress.

A Living Landmark

Now listed as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, the Oldham County Courthouse is one of the few in the Panhandle still used for its original purpose. It continues to house local government offices and court functions, preserving both its heritage and its role in everyday community life.

A Must-See Stop

Whether you’re a history buff, a Route 66 traveler, or simply exploring small-town Texas, the Oldham County Courthouse is worth the stop. Its enduring architecture, friendly surroundings, and classic courthouse square make it a perfect photo opportunity and a window into Oldham County’s past.

Halloween Haunts

Since today is Halloween and there are tales of eerie happenings at our historic courthouse, I sat down with David Medlin to listen to his spooky stories from as far back as the 1980s. In those days, Medlin worked night shifts as a deputy sheriff in the courthouse and repeatedly heard crashing noises, but each time he checked, everything seemed untouched. After several mysterious incidents, Medlin jokingly decided it must be a poltergeist and gave him the name Charlie.

Charlie’s tricks carried on for years. When a new county attorney moved into an office at the courthouse and noticed papers being mysteriously shifted, he thought about changing the locks. Medlin simply advised, “You can change the locks all you want, but that’s just Charlie.” Though Medlin eventually stopped working nights and wasn’t sure if Charlie continued causing mischief, his final account came from the mid-2000s. At that time, a deputy was heading up the courthouse basement stairs when, out of nowhere, a wad of keys struck him in the back—another unexplained event attributed to Charlie.

📍 Location:
Oldham County Courthouse
105 S Main St, Vega, Texas 79092

Visit in December for Christmas on the Square, when the courthouse lawn fills with small-town cheer and holiday magic!

History and Haunts Read More »

Divine Intervention

This week’s blog post is going to seem a little all over the place but really, it’s a story of a little bit of divine intervention, God’s will and plan, and a story bigger than us all.

We’re starting the story with local Dr. Wanda Omatine (Price) Milburn who was born February 3, 1927, in what was Indian Territory (Maysville, Oklahoma) and later moved west to New Mexico during the Dust Bowl era. Wanda was the first woman to enter the PhD program at the University of Michigan, deeply involved herself in hearing sciences, enhanced the English language, held various patents,  worked for NASA, ran a lab with equipment donated by Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, created and coded a two handed alphabet system, even more effective than ASL, thus carrying forward the work of Alexander Graham Bell. Wanda passed November 14, 2024, at the age of 97, she was a truly REMARKABLE woman!

Wanda’s life connected academia, local heritage, and community investment in West Texas. By returning to Vega and helping preserve a historic building for a museum, she anchored her legacy in place as much as in her professional field. Her story is one of bridging national level achievement with local roots and giving back to her community.

The Milburn – Price Culture Museum (Wanda’s Name Sake) was previously the home of Western Lumber & Hardware Co. (1926) and then Roark & Sons Hardware (1958). The museum seeks to educate the public and travelers of the history and culture of the Oldham County area with its more than “glass case” hands on experiences for visitors of all ages. From local Texas Panhandle history, small-town culture, vintage vehicles, the legacy of route 66, the museum offers an immersive experience rather than only passive displays. If you’re around on a weekday morning, I recommend stopping by for a cup of coffee and a tale from the “local liars club”.

One of the visitors that have passed through the doors of the Milburn-Price Culture Museum is author Keith E. Smith. In the Summer of 2019, Keith had spent time in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado with a group of writers searching for inspiration when they settled for the night in an Airbnb right here in Vega. As the sun rose on our quite little town, the beauties began to reveal themselves. The Courthouse and Magnolia Service Station flashing a glimpse of historic days past before all the attention was captured by the mural of Comancheros and Comanche people trading on the side of the museum. As the group of writers toured the museum, they were shown yet another captivating and beautiful mural, one painted of Valerie Doshier.

Keith parted ways with the group of authors and headed west towards family but couldn’t get the mural or the feeling he felt out of his head and heart, so he did what any writer would do and blogged about it. That blog about a beautiful mural in a small-town museum led to regular correspondence with D’Ann Swain (Valerie’s Mother) and later turned into Nowhere Near the Middle: The Life Story of Valerie Doshier.

“Through her story, I found my own renewed purpose. Valerie had lived with a fierce love for life and people, and through her, I began to see what it truly meant to live with intention.

When the book was finished, Vega came alive once again. What was supposed to be a small book signing turned into a town-wide art show and celebration that drew hundreds of people. It was a night filled with laughter, tears, and music, a fitting tribute to the woman who had quietly changed so many lives, including mine.”

6 years later, Keith has become a part of our community, you can find him lending a helping hand at the museum, Mama Jo’s, or anywhere he can be of service. He has helped me build this blog into what is today and been my editor to make sure this wanna be writer doesn’t sound too bad before I publish!

All of this to say, God’s plan, divine intervention, call it what you will, but everything happens for a reason and we all cross paths with who we are intended to, and life is truly a beautiful thing.

I have linked his personal blog below if you would like to go check out his post about Valerie or any of his others (which I highly recommend, he has also written about Richard Sandoval and Imogene Galbraith).

straightupliving.com

Straight Up Living Blog about Valerie 

Straight Up Living Blog about Imogene 

Straight Up Living Blog about Richard 

Keith’s substack blog

Divine Intervention Read More »

A Little Free Library with Big Heart at the Milburn-Price Culture Museum

In the heart of Vega, Texas, the Milburn-Price Culture Museum has added another charming reason to stop by, a Little Free Library! This small library, nestled right outside the museum, is open to everyone and runs on a simple but powerful idea: Take a book, share a book.

This wonderful addition to our community was a community effort. Greg Conn and his grandchildren along with Keith Smith did the groundwork and installed the granite slab for the old postal box found by Jalie Crawford, Mitch Reeve placed a window to keep the books safe from our wild Texas weather and Sawyer Naugle was the first donor of children’s books.  Alfonso Garcia, who is known for his outstanding artistic abilities as the artist behind the murals of Vega, showcased his talent once more with the little free library artwork.

 

 

Visitors, locals, and travelers passing through on Route 66 can now pause to swap stories in more ways than one. Whether you’re looking for a travel read, a children’s book to share, or a bit of local history, you’re bound to find a treasure inside.

So next time you’re visiting the museum or just cruising through Oldham County, stop by the Little Free Library, borrow a book, and maybe leave one behind. It’s a small shelf with a big purpose: keeping the love of stories alive in the heart of the Texas Panhandle. The little library can be found on www.littlefreelibrary.org.

📍 Location: Milburn-Price Culture Museum, 1005 Coke St., Vega, Texas
📖 How it works: Take a book. Share a book. Share the love of reading!

A Little Free Library with Big Heart at the Milburn-Price Culture Museum Read More »

Discover Dot’s Mini Museum in Vega, Texas — A Tiny Treasure on Route 66

Nestled in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, the town of Vega proudly sits along the historic Route 66, once known as “The Mother Road.” This small community embodies the welcoming spirit of roadside America — where travelers still stop to stretch their legs, take in the local stories, and experience the nostalgia of a bygone era. Among Vega’s most charming stops is a true hidden gem: Dot’s Mini Museum — a delightful, one-of-a-kind collection that captures the history and heart of the town.

The Story Behind Dot’s Mini Museum

Dot’s Mini Museum was the creation of Dot Leavitt, a longtime Vega resident whose passion for collecting turned into one of the town’s most unique attractions.

Dot and her husband moved to Vega in the 1940s and operated Vega Zero Lockers, a freezer-storage business. Over the years, Dot began collecting pieces of local life — everything from Route 66 memorabilia and cowboy gear to vintage bottles and old Avon perfume containers.

By the time she opened her “mini museum,” it was brimming floor to ceiling with treasures that told the story of small-town Texas and the travelers who passed through. Even after her passing in 2006, Dot’s family continued to lovingly care for her collection.

In 1997, Dot was inducted into the Texas Route 66 Association Hall of Fame. A Texas Historical Marker was placed at the site in 2003, recognizing it as a preserved piece of Route 66 heritage.

What You’ll Find

Dot’s Mini Museum isn’t large — it’s more like stepping into someone’s personal time capsule. Inside, you’ll find:

  • Route 66 collectibles and postcards
  • Cowboy hats, boots, and saddles
  • Old bottles and trinkets
  • Vintage signage and local history displays

Outside, you can’t miss the famous “Boot Tree”, a whimsical sculpture where visitors hang old boots as a tribute to Texas’ ranching culture and the Mother Road spirit.

Although the museum is small (roughly an 8×20-foot room), it’s packed with personality. Some days it may be open for visitors, while other times you’ll only be able to view it from the outside — but it’s worth a stop either way.

Where to Find It

Address: 105 N. 12th Street, Vega, Texas
Location: Just off Historic Route 66, minutes from Vega’s town square

* Tip: Combine your visit with a stop at the Milburn-Price Culture Museum nearby to round out your Vega history tour.

Why It Matters

Dot’s Mini Museum isn’t just a quirky roadside stop — it’s a heartfelt reminder of what makes Route 66 so special.

  • It celebrates the personal stories behind America’s most famous highway.
  • It preserves the everyday history of a small Texas town.
  • It captures the creative, independent spirit that defines the Mother Road.

In a world where roadside attractions are fading fast, Dot’s Mini Museum stands as a testament to one woman’s love for her community and its history.

 

Before You Go

  • The museum’s hours can be unpredictable — many visitors simply stop to explore the outdoor displays.
  • Be respectful of the property, as much of it is privately maintained.
  • Don’t forget your camera — this is classic Route 66 photo material!

 

Dot’s Mini Museum may be small, but its charm is enormous. Whether you’re a Route 66 enthusiast, a history buff, or just passing through Vega, this little landmark will leave you smiling.

It’s proof that sometimes, the tiniest stops on the map can hold the biggest stories.

Discover Dot’s Mini Museum in Vega, Texas — A Tiny Treasure on Route 66 Read More »

The American Legion Mural

The American Legion is a congressionally chartered, patriotic veterans’ organization established in 1919. It plays a significant role as an advocate for veterans, striving to secure benefits, promote mental health initiatives, prevent suicide, and foster patriotism and community engagement. Comprised of U.S. veterans who served during wartime, The American Legion now boasts a membership exceeding 1.6 million individuals worldwide, spanning more than 12,000 posts.

Recently, Vega’s local American Legion Post 168 commissioned artist Alfonso Garcia to create a mural at the Milburn-Price Culture Museum. Renowned for his work throughout Vega, Mr. Garcia brings considerable talent to this project. The mural is situated near both the 911 memorial and “Hank” the ankylosaurus, installations crafted by Greg Conn.

We extend our sincere appreciation to The American Legion Post 168 and the local veterans within our community for their service, dedication, and for enriching Vega with this remarkable mural.

The Milburn-Price Culture Museum displays flags across Vega on several significant holidays: Flag Day (June 14th), Independence Day (July 4th), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Patriot Day (September 11th), Labor Day (first Monday in September), and Veterans Day (November 11th). The museum welcomes all community members to join them at the Memorial Park Overpass (west of Vega) on July 4th to wave and display flags as travelers pass through. Individuals interested in volunteering for The Avenue of Flags or demonstrating their patriotic spirit on these occasions are encouraged to contact Greg Conn at the Milburn-Price Culture Museum or Brittney Janssen at The Oldham County Chamber of Commerce.

The American Legion Mural Read More »

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