Cowgirls 'top off' museum and hall of fame

By JULIET BRISKIN | Central Texas Edition

July 26, 2001 -- The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is one step closer to opening its doors. The museum recently reached its highest point in construction and hosted a topping off ceremony to celebrate the occasion. Construction on the building began in early February 2001 in Fort Worth and is expected to be complete by early next summer.

At 9 a.m. on July 19, Elaine Agather called everyone into the building to begin the ceremony. After a short speech by District 7 City Councilman Jeff Wentworth, who touted the efforts of all involved in the building of the museum, the crowd moved outside.

Bree Worthington, a professional trick rider from Weatherford, carried the ceremonial cedar tree on her horse to the front of the building, where it was attached to a larger cedar tree. The two trees were then hoisted by rope to the highest steel beam of the construction.

Worthington's great aunt, Jackie Worthington, is a member of the Cowgirl Hall of Fame and Bree herself was nominated four years ago. She has not yet been inducted herself, but hopes to be someday.

Worthington has performed all over the U.S. and she feels the museum is a positive step in recognizing cowgirls across the nation. She added that this is going to be a great place for young girls to fuel their dreams. "A lot of little girls set their sights real high," she said. "I know when I was a little girl I wanted to be in the Cowgirl Hall of Fame."

According to Susan Fine, director of development for the National Cowgirl Museum, she got teary eyed watching the tree ascend to the top of the building. "We have reached a milestone we've been waiting so long for," she said. "This is just wonderful."

A good crowd was on hand, despite the heat, and Fine said she is looking forward to celebrating the grand opening of the museum and hall of fame currently scheduled for June 6-8, 2002.

For more information about the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame visit www.cowgirl.net.