"J. A. " Milk & Meat Cooler, National Ranching Heritage Center (moved from TX Route 207 & Farm Road 2272, Claude, Armstrong County, TX), Lubbock, Lubbock County, TX

Significance: Colonel Charles Goodnight entered Palo Duro Canyon shortly after Indian occupation had ended in the mid-1870's and, in partnership with Englishman John Adair, established the "JA" Ranch. Before the advent of electrical refrigeration, ingenious methods were used in keeping perishables fresh in the hot, dry plains. Open ventilation throughout the building, causing evaporation from a series of water troughs, kept the temperature low enough to prevent spoilage of beef hanging from rafters. Milk and butter were placed in the cold running water in containers. The construction date of the milk and meat cooler has not been confirmed, but could be as early as 1878. In 1970, the museum received this unique structure through the donation of Mr. H. W. Ritchie.
Survey number: HABS TX-3236
Building/structure dates: ca. 184q Initial Construction