One of the oldest buildings still standing in Alvarado is the old Park Hardware Wagon Barn, and there are plans to make sure it continues to stand for generations.
In 1890, G.H. Park brought his family to Alvarado. They opened up a hardware store that was heavily relied on by the strong local farming community.
In 1908, Park built a steel barn across the street from the hardware store to assemble buggies and wagons ordered by customers.
In 1993, the Park family donated the old steel barn to the city of Alvarado.
Even then it wasn’t in great shape, but fell into greater disrepair over the last few years.
That was until the Alvarado Heritage and Preservation Foundation stepped in to refurbish the property, and turn into a museum to educate people about the rich history of Alvarado.
The arduous process is nearing completion, and the museum should be ready for the public in the next year.