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Piece of wood flooring from the 7th floor of the Texas School Book Depository
Piece of wood flooring from the 7th floor of the Texas School Book Depository

Piece of wood flooring from the 7th floor of the Texas School Book Depository

Object number1987.001.0083
Date1903 - 1970
ClassificationsArtifacts
ObjectArchitectural element
Credit LineThe Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza Collection
MediumWood
Dimensions5 3/4 x 33 x 39 in.
Collections
DescriptionPiece of wood flooring from the northwest area of the 7th floor of the Texas School Book Depository that measures 5 3/4" H x 33" W x 39" D. The square piece of flooring includes three layers of wood, illustrating a cross-section of the original floor structure. The top layer of flooring has 2 1/4" wide wooden planks while the second layer has 3 1/4" wide planks, and the bottom layer has 5 1/4" wide planks. Each layer addiitonally varies slightly in thickness. Overall, the flooring is very worn, and there are some original nails still protruding in places.
Curatorial Commentary
When The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza expanded to the seventh floor in 2002, a new metal and concrete stairwell in the northwest corner of the building provided easy access between the sixth floor to the seventh floor without needing to use the exterior elevator. To accommodate the new addition, this section of wooden flooring was removed from the seventh floor in 2001. This segment provides a unique cross-section showing layers of flooring over the years, though sharp-eyed visitors using the northwest corner stairwell today will see a similar cross-section as they move between the sixth and seventh floors. -- Stephen Fagin, Curator 
This object was part of the Fragments special installation on the Museum's 7th floor, on view from November 3, 2021 through July 3, 2022.