Featured Exhibit
Spurs & Straps: A Legacy in Metal & Leather, the Life Story of R. F. and Liz Ford
The W.K. Gordon Center is proud to announce its upcoming exhibit, Spurs & Straps: A Legacy in Metal & Leather, celebrating the artistry and enduring legacy of R. F. and Liz Ford. The exhibit will feature the craftsmanship of the Fords, whose handmade spurs and leatherwork have become iconic symbols of Western heritage and cowboy culture.
Visitors will journey through decades of dedication to traditional techniques, with displays featuring custom spurs made by R. F. Ford, intricately tooled leathers produced by Liz, along with personal artifacts and images that tell the story of a couple whose work bridged the line between function and fine art.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the craftsmanship, culture, and character behind one of the region’s most respected names in Western gear. The exhibit opens September 13, 2025, and will run through March 29, 2025.
Permanent Gallery Exhibits
Coal Mine
Diorama of a coal mine shows how miners had to work lying on their side in a very small space.
Mercantile Store
The Mercantile Store displays items that were available for sale in Thurber.
Concord Stagecoach
A special “Concord” passenger stagecoach was used between Thurber and Mingus, Texas.
Opera House
The Opera House serves as the museum’s theater showing a 20-minute video featuring actual motion pictures from the coal mining town. This exhibit can be seen featuring 1 of 6 interactive touchscreen displays that are place throughout the museum.