In 1872, brothers Andrew and Fred Sherley opened a Hardware store in the newly established town of Anna in Collin County, TX. In 1894, they built a building that still stands today and was Collin County's first brick building. In its lifetime, the building, always under ownership of the Sherley family, served many functions. While primarily a hardware store, the "A. Sherley & Bro. Hardware Store," as it's known, also served as a furniture store, undertaker's parlor, and general store. It closed its doors to the public in 1979.
Shortly before the turn of the 21st century, and over 100 years after the store was first opened, current owners Jan Sherley Miller and her husband Virgil decided it was time to do something with the old two-story building and the hundred year’s worth of treasures, inventory, and “stuff” sitting inside. In the effort to preserve the history, the building and its contents were turned into a museum. In an interview Mrs. Miller explained, "We’re going to hang on to everything we can for as long as we can so people will have something to see."
Around that time, in 1999, the state of Texas also honored the special building by making it an official historic landmark. Today, and by appointment only, those passing through Anna can stop in and immerse themselves in TX history and Americana going back as far as the state’s roots themselves.
Click here for more photos
Shortly before the turn of the 21st century, and over 100 years after the store was first opened, current owners Jan Sherley Miller and her husband Virgil decided it was time to do something with the old two-story building and the hundred year’s worth of treasures, inventory, and “stuff” sitting inside. In the effort to preserve the history, the building and its contents were turned into a museum. In an interview Mrs. Miller explained, "We’re going to hang on to everything we can for as long as we can so people will have something to see."
Around that time, in 1999, the state of Texas also honored the special building by making it an official historic landmark. Today, and by appointment only, those passing through Anna can stop in and immerse themselves in TX history and Americana going back as far as the state’s roots themselves.
Click here for more photos
