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The Science Spectrum recently opened Margaret’s, the cornerstone exhibit of what will become the Margaret and J.T. Talkington Gallery of Business on the museum's third floor. The newly created display showcases many of the original fashions and sense of style for which the upscale ladies store was famous. Many of the original furs, garments, shoes, accessories and ads will be featured in a setting reminiscent of the Margaret’s store on Broadway.

Additional plans are in place to add kiosks and displays of businesses that started in Lubbock and the families who made them successful. Margaret and J.T. Talkington, and the store they created, were chosen to be the first and most prominent exhibit because of the company’s remarkable business success, philanthropy and positive impact on the City of Lubbock.

The up-scale women’s store, “Margaret’s,” and the “Margaret’s Woman” who personified it, is a legendary example of the modern-day pioneers who moved west following WWII and created one the greatest booms in America’s history. After the war, Margaret and J.T., who had served in the Navy, decided to go west to seek their fortune. In 1946, after visiting numerous cities in West Texas and New Mexico, they chose Lubbock, Texas as the place to call home.  J.T. started his Certified Public Accounting office, and Margaret saw the need for a better line of women’s clothing. She named her store, “Margaret’s.”

The original Margaret’s store was located in Lubbock’s first non-downtown shopping center at 26th and Boston. She later moved the store to its famous Broadway location in 1954.  Margaret was an innovator, bringing avant-garde designers and their fashions to West Texas and by establishing her store away from the traditional downtown locations. Her innovative style shows, personal service and ability to stay on the fashion cusp was quickly recognized and her customers came to Lubbock from across Texas and beyond.

J.T.’s accountant’s eye and monetary management attracted the attention and partnership of developers who were based in Lubbock, but whose projects reached across the nation and J.T.’s passion became investment in real estate.

Margaret and J.T.’s complementary skills served them and Lubbock well for more than half a century. Their public service and philanthropy in education and the arts helped make Lubbock the great city it is today.