KILGORE, Texas – The East Texas Oil Museum announced a heartfelt addition to its Home Life exhibit: a 70‑year‑old piano gifted by the Grandstaff family, longtime contributors to the region’s oilfield legacy.
Family History Behind the Instrument
The piano originally belonged to Dale and Billie Grandstaff. Their daughter, Sharon Holden, recalled that the instrument stood in the church where her parents exchanged vows in 1954. When that congregation dissolved in 1959, the piano was presented to the Grandstaffs and remained a cherished family heirloom for decades.
Why the Museum?
While renovating her parents’ former home, Holden reached out to the museum to find a fitting home for the piano. “I felt that it was very important to put that piano in the right place, out of respect,” Holden explained. “And what better place than the East Texas Oil Museum?”
Angela Turner, manager of the museum, echoed the sentiment, noting the Grandstaffs’ deep ties to the oilfield industry. “The owners were a big part of the oilfield and the oilfield industry and of course, that’s what we’re famous for here,” Turner said.
Preserving Local Heritage
Turner expressed excitement about the donation, saying the museum staff is “over the moon” to welcome the instrument. The piano will be displayed in the Home Life section, allowing visitors to appreciate both the cultural and industrial history of East Texas.
Holden added that her family hopes the piano will inspire future generations. “Dad would be happy. My mom. My family would be glad. For generations, it’ll be here for people to learn about and appreciate,” she said.
Visiting the Exhibit
Guests to the East Texas Oil Museum can now view the piano during regular opening hours. The museum continues to serve as a repository of the region’s rich oil heritage, offering educational programs and exhibits that celebrate the community’s past and present.
For more information on museum hours, upcoming events, or to plan a visit, please contact the East Texas Oil Museum directly.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
