An additional Kermit Oliver scarf designed for Hermes of Paris has been added to the exhibit currently on display at the Refugio County Museum, bringing the number to 13. Only one of his 14 designs is missing.

“I don’t know of another exhibit like it anywhere in the country, or in the world for that matter that has all but one of his scarves,” said Bart Wales, curator. “Most exhibits only have two or three.”

The silk scarves are from personal collections on loan to the museum. Bursting with historical figures, events and symbols, the scarves will be dismantled and returned to their owners before Christmas and may never return in this number, Wales said.

Many people have been drawn to the exhibit since August. The guest book has been signed by people from France, Canada and across the country, who visit specifically to view the Oliver collection.

“The first thing they ask is, ‘Where are the scarves?,’” said Rosemary Kelley, co-curator. “They think they are paintings, because they’re framed and are so colorful.”

Dorothy Perkins, who also works at the museum, said a lady visitor from Victoria also came just to see the collection.

“She told us she owns one of Kermit’s scarves but she wears hers,” Perkins said.

Perkins, an octogenarian, is friends with Kermit’s mother and watched him grow up in Refugio. Oliver graduated from Refugio High School in 1960. The school yearbook is also on display because Oliver designed numerous pages in the book as a teenager.

One of the visitors from Paris was surprised to find such a lovely museum in South Texas, according to Wales.

“He thought it was amazing to see all this and came back to Refugio to see the museum,” Wales said. “Actually, I think that he believed the stereotype that all Texans are cowboys and country bumpkins.”

To completely dispel the myth, Wales gave him a tour of his home, Anaqua House, one of the turn-of-the-century mansions of Refugio. He also took him on a driving tour of the other grand old homes.

“He said some of the finest chateaus in France couldn’t compare,” Wales said.

The museum also welcomed back seventh-grade students from Baytown Junior High a few weeks ago. The junior high students returned for the 30th consecutive year to Refugio to visit the museum, Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church and other historic sites in the area.

“It’s important that students learn about our Texas history, and Refugio is on their list of places to visit,” Wales said.

The curator said the museum welcomes all students, especially seventh-graders who study Texas history.

Wales, who also serves on the board of directors for the Texas Tropical Trails, said the museum is scheduled to greet several groups in the spring, including the Daughters of the Republic of Texas in March.

However, with the Oliver exhibit set to come down before Christmas, Wales said he’d like to see more county residents discover the art and talent of a native son, Kermit Oliver.