 The
Sterquell Wagon Collection was acquired from U. C. (Sterk) and
Betty Sterquell from Amarillo, Texas. Mr. Sterquell began collecting
and restoring wagons in the 1960s. The collection was on public
exhibit for a time in Amarillo. Sponsored by the Panhandle Plains
Historical Society, the museum was part of a revitalization effort for
the downtown central district.
Mr. Holt Hickman, a Fort Worth businessman and community leader, and
his wife Jo heard about the wagon collection and decided that it would
make an interesting display in the Stockyards Historic District. The
wagons were transported by 18-wheelers to the Stockyards as the
restoration of the Horse and Mule Barns (constructed in 1912) was in
progress.
Along with the Sterquell Wagons and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame
(acquired from Bobby & Susan Kerr of Hico, Texas), Mr. Hickman wanted
to honor his good friend John Justin. Justin Industries provided
materials from their company archives for 3 large cases (boots,
trophies, photos and other memorabilia, tracing Mr. Justin's
impressive life.)
The museum opened as the "Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, featuring the Sterquell Wagon Collection
and the John Justin Trail of Fame" on April 9, 2001.
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