The town of Thurber has a knack for rising from the ashes. Originally built as a company coal mining town, it became a hub for brick factories in the late 19th century. Thurber peaked at 10,000 residents, claiming to be the largest town between Fort Worth and El Paso. In its heyday, Thurber was a mini-melting pot, with men from 18 different countries working the mines. But the oil boom and the Depression turned Thurber into an abandoned ghost town. Thurber's industrial past earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic places and a reputation as a destination for Texas history buffs. A busload is headed up to Thurber on Saturday. In addition to a visit at the W.K. Gordon Center for Industrial History of Texas, there are original buildings and a cemetery from the mining days to explore. Lunch will be at the Smokestack Restaurant. The bus leaves Dallas Heritage Village at 9 a.m. on Saturday and returns at 6 p.m. Tickets are $65. RSVPs were requested by September 25, but tickets may still be available. For more information, call 214-421-4500, ext. 101 or visit dallasheritagevillage.org.
Sat., Oct. 10, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., 2009