Mansfield Historical Society News
Our Projects
Man House Demonstration Kitchen
Demonstration Kitchen Update – December 31, 2025
December was a busy month at the Man House Museum grounds. Substantial progress was made on the Demonstration Kitchen, and we’re excited for the final phases of construction in January!
Demonstration Kitchen Update – November 25, 2025
After a very long wait, we are seeing movement on the construction phase of the Man House Museum Demonstration Kitchen!
Demonstration Kitchen Update – September 2025
There have been a great many changes to the plan for a Demonstration Kitchen at the Man House Museum. Originally, we were partnering with the City of Mansfield to move what is known as “The Cook Cabin” from its current location on East Broad Street to the grounds of the Man House Museum. Unfortunately, this plan became cost prohibitive as the structure has sustained a lot of damage over the years.
The new plan is to build a structure in the style of the mid 1800s with an accurate, period appropriate cooking hearth. Weather and all other conditions cooperating, we hope to see construction begin soon. Stay tuned for updates!
Foster Diaries – Spring 2025
Many years ago the original diaries of Malvinia Louisa (Phillips) Foster and those of her youngest son John Collier Foster were donated to the Mansfield Historical Society by her descendants. In 2024 MHS Member Jack Crowder began transcribing the diaries for publication.
The result is a book titled The Private Thoughts of a Traveling Preacher’s Wife which was released in March 2025. This edited compilation of the diaries offer insightful reflections and a unique perspective through the compelling storytelling of a traveling preacher’s wife. Available for purchase in our Little Museum Store and online, the diaries explore a journey filled with personal growth, faith, and thought-provoking experiences.
Foster Cookbook – Fall 2024
The Malvina Foster personal cookbook is a Texas Pioneer Cookbook dating from 1860-1867. It gives an in-depth view into the kitchen of early pioneer settlers in Texas. The recipes use ingredients available at the time and has been transcribed exactly as Malvina Foster recorded them.
Membership & Meeting News
MHS Annual Meeting – November 18, 2025
This year’s Annual Meeting was held at the Mansfield Activities Center, where we enjoyed live music and a Thanksgiving meal catered by Cotton Patch. Program entertainment was provided by special guest “General George Washington” (aka Jack Crowder…) who regaled us with stories of his dating life, and some gossip about his colleagues.
MHS Advisory Board Member Honored – October 15, 2025
The Tarrant County Historical Commission awards Raymond Meeks (center) the Volunteer of the Year Award for his outstanding dedication to the history of Tarrant County, Texas. Congrats Raymond!!
Events
Founders’ Day – October 4, 2025
Our booth at Founders’ Day this year was well visited! As part of the day’s festivities we donated trees to the Heritage Tree Giveaway and provided a Petting Zoo for guests to enjoy. We also began a fundraising campaign for the Demonstration Kitchen furnishings in the form of a kitchen sampler, Friends of the Man House Kitchen. The completed sampler will be framed and hung on the service porch within the Man House Museum.
