Hidden behind the seemingly plain walls of the old school on South Seventh Street are treasures to delight those interested in local history and local color. The Raymondville Historical and Community Center is a host of varied treasures that range from King and Kennedy Ranch memorabilia to thousands of historical photographs.               

    It really takes several hours to persue the rooms hidden behind the walls of this simple red brick building that was constructed as a school building in1924 on South 7th Street. However, a history buff that enjoys reading about the area's history could spend days in this hometown museum. An artist might find multiple treasures as well. Among the museum's artistic treasures are local artist Elmer Kochert's painted murals in six exterior halls within the museum complex; and although the Historical Center boasts many exclusives, two recent additions have enhanced an already-fascinating collection.

    The Costume Room, as it has been dubbed, was recently refurbished by local ranch owners , Stella Zarate, and her daughter, Monica Burdette. From World War I and II uniforms to Mary Bertha Garcia Mallett's ornate ball gown worn in the 1956 Fiesta de San Jacinto in San Antonio, the room contains many interesting items. Dressed mannequins don exquisite hand-beaded gowns and trains worn during Corpus Christi's  Buccaneer Days celebrations and Laredo's Washington's Birthday celebrations, among other events. A stroll through the room allows the visitor to imagine the pomp of the coronations represented by the local girls and the military representation from young men of Raymondville. Other collections and displays in the museum are noteworthy as well, this is just one of the many. Visitors are welcome Saturday mornings or Wednesday afternoons to spend time in this historical treasure house.  Come by so you can "See it to believe it!"