The Sam Rayburn Library & Museum
By Jeff Campbell
Sam Rayburn was born in the eastern part of Tennessee in 1882. The Rayburn family moved to a farm just west of Bonham, Texas in 1887. "Mr. Sam", as he was affectionately known by friends, colleagues and constituents, would grow up to be one of the most influential politicians in American history. (One note on the term "Mr. Sam"; in the south using Mr., Mrs. Or Miss along with the person's first name is known as the "informal/formal". It's a way to show a person respect while at the same time being friendly.)
Mr. Sam was a true statesman and a man of integrity, who represented the people of North Texas from March 4, 1913 - November 16, 1961. In the 1930's he helped pass the Truth in Securities Act, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Public Utilities Holding Company Act, the Emergency Railroad Transportation Act, the Rural Electrification Act and helped President Roosevelt push the New Deal program through. He also served as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives for 17 years, the longest tenure in U.S. history.
Sam Rayburn was awarded $10,000, in 1949, by Collier's Magazine for distinguished service to the nation. Rayburn decided that the funds would be used to establish an endowment. This endowment, with additional gifts, would eventually grow large enough to support the construction and the O&M Operations and Maintenance of a library and museum.
The museum was founded by Sam Rayburn as a library for the people of Bonham and the surrounding North Texas area. The architecture of the building is Greek Revival and it is built from Georgia white marble. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The building contains three sections; a museum, a recreation of Mr. Sam's office and the library. The office is the first thing to greet the visitor on entry; with the museum to the left and the library to the right.
Just in front of Mr. Sam's replicated office is a 360 degree panorama touchscreen. This touchscreen allows guests to learn more about Mr. Sam's office. Guests can pan the office on the touchscreen and tap hotspots to learn more about the items and furniture in Mr. Sam's office.
The museum section contains memorabilia photographs, original letters, political cartoons, original art, and original furniture that belonged to Sam Rayburn. The museum traces Mr. Sam's life from a Texas farm boy to one of the most powerful men in United States government.
The library is referred to as the reading room. This room contains Mr. Sam's personal book collection. The collection contains a complete collection of the published proceedings of the United States Congress from the First Continental Congress of 1774 to the present. There are also books about world history & events, American history, biographies plus the writings of American presidents and other national leaders. (Many of these are signed by the authors and/or donors). For a researcher or history buff a whole day can be spent in this room.
Rural Americans have always faced challenges that their city counterparts could not even conceive of. Mr. Sam gave Rural Americans, in North Texas, a voice in Washington.
Bonham, Texas makes a good day trip from Dallas. Dallas is about a one hour drive from Bonham. On half of the drive you will actually drive on Highway 121 also known as the Sam Rayburn Highway. Also you can visit Bonham State Park, a Civilian Conservation Corp built park, that Mr. Sam pushed his friend President Roosevelt to add to the C.C.C projects. Construction of the park gave much need work to men from Texas and Oklahoma. Another historic attraction is Mr. Sam's house and farm which is operated by the Texas Historical Commission. Visitors can also walk through the historic Willow Wild Cemetery, the final resting place for Mr. Sam and other people that settled the area.
