PLANO

Population 136,340

Altitude 655

General

First settled in 1845; named Fillmore for Millard Fillmore. Name changed in 1851 when post office was granted. In 1881 most of the city was destroyed by fire. Another major fire in 1895 also destroyed many businesses. With the growth of nearby Dallas, city grew from 3,695 in 1960 to 72,331 in 1980. Many early buildings survived and are described in historical guides available at the Chamber of Commerce. Historic downtown with brick streets has undergone a revitalization project with brick sidewalks, turn-of-the-century lampposts, and plaza to enhance specialty shops, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.

City has become known as "Balloon Capital of Texas" with hot air balloon races scheduled last weekend in Sept. Large arts & crafts fair held in conjunction with balloon festival.

FAIRVIEW FARMS

HERITAGE FARMSTEAD MUSEUM (FARRELL-WILSON FARMSTEAD

INTERURBAN RAILWAY STATION MUSEUM

J C PENNEY MUSEUM

MOUNTASIA FANTASY GOLF

PARKS

SOUTHFORK RANCH

Attractions

• FAIRVIEW FARMS - It's been more than 100 years since Clinton Haggard moved to Plano from Kentucky. Today, the Haggard family is still active in farming and has created an area to bring farm life to the city. There's a farmer's market, arts barn, museum, general store, farm animals, party pavilion, and restaurant. Seasonal demonstrations held throughout the year include sheep shearing, horseshoeing and other events depicting farm life. Open daily. U.S. 75 at Parker Road. (exit 30)

• HERITAGE FARMSTEAD MUSEUM (FARRELL-WILSON FARMSTEAD - Built in 1891, was center of working farm until 1972. Four acre site includes preserved windmill and out-buildings. Listed in National Register of Historic Places. Guided tours. Open June - August. Tues. to Fri. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• INTERURBAN RAILWAY STATION MUSEUM - Between 1908 and 1948 the Texas Electric Railway ran from Denison to Waco, linking Dallas to smaller cities. Plano's Interurban Station was completed n 1908. The building was restored to its original condition, contains memorabilia of railway history. Taller portion of building housed large transformers that converted AC power generated in McKinney to the 600 volt DC power used by interurban cars. Outside, not open to public, is electric car being restored. Open Sat. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In Haggard Park, 9012 East 15th Street.

• J C PENNEY MUSEUM - Home office of one of the largest retailers in the world. Beautiful campus, tours usually Tues. - Wed, and Thurs. at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tour includes company's fitness center, mail room, and historical museum. Museum features re-created first store James Cash Penney opened in Kennemere, WY. in 1902 called the Golden Rule Store. Merchandise selection taken from original inventory; logos on boxes derived from invoices of original suppliers, and the pine counter is the first actual counter used in the first store. Other exhibits trace the history of the store through the present. From U.S. 75 take exit 31 Spring Creek west to Preston Road; turn north to Legacy ?Drive then west on Legacy Drive to headquarters. Park in north parking garage on level one. For museum information , call 214-431-7927.

• MOUNTASIA FANTASY GOLF - A 54 hole miniature golf courses takes golfers through caves, waterfalls, and other obstacles. Can accommodate 500 golfers. 7,000 square foot clubhouse includes the latest video games available. At 2400 Premier Drive off U.S. 75 (between Park and Parker Road) Admission.

• PARKS - Award winning park system includes two indoor pools and one outdoor, 21 court tennis center, municipal golf course, outdoor learning center, playground, playground for handicapped children, and a bike and hike trail system 15 miles long connecting seven park sites.

• SOUTHFORK RANCH - Many visitors to D/FW enjoy a visit to Southfork Ranch, made famous by the "Dallas" TV series, a number one hit in 83 countries were shown. Visitors can tour mansion and grounds, a museum dedicated to history of the TV show, and see horses and Longhorns. There's also Miss Ellie's Deli restaurant and "Lincoln's and Longhorns" western store featuring original Lincoln Continental Jack Ewing drove n the show. Open daily. From U.S. 75 North, take exit 30 and drive east on F.M. 2514/Parker Road about six miles, turn right on F.M. 2551 (Hogge Road) and here's the ranch. 214-442-7800. Admission is charged.

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This file was last modified Thursday, 12-Oct-95 01:44:21