Double Officers' Quarters

There was little left of the Double Officer’s Quarters when work began on it in 2006. This building was important to both military and ranching history. It not only served as an Officer’s Quarters, but also served as the first Ranch Headquarters. The Odom family resided in the building until a fire broke out on September 24, 1919, completely destroying the quarters. An article appeared in the Dallas Morning News telling about the fire, and that the Odom’s lost family relics that were some 100 years old. 

Archeological excavations uncovered some 300,000 artifacts. The top few inches of soil uncovered later day surface finds, while the burn area uncovered numerous civilian type items, such as buttons, pottery, flatware, and china. 
Even a fragment of hand painted china with the name Edna Odom signed in
gold was discovered. Edna was known for painting china. In fact, the family still has pieces today matching the script found on the fragment. Miss Odom later married Conda Wylie.

Deeper into the excavation, below the burn area, military items began to unfold. Again, buttons, cartridges, canteen parts, musket balls, along with other military type artifacts were discovered.

Following the archeology, the building was restored in 2007, and today is one of the most beautiful buildings on the grounds. The furniture that decorates the interior is family heirlooms from the
Odom family.

Before

After

Fragment of China found during excavation. Edna Odom signature.