Round Top
Shoot – It’s Always a Good Time When Round Top Schützen Verein Puts on an Event Continued from previous page In preparation for the ceremony, the previous year’s König makes a crown of cedar boughs. At 6 p.m., the new König is escorted into the hall by a procession of all the members. Following his introduction to the crowd, he is crowned by the previous king. At that point, some members (usually youngest and strongest) hoist the new König into the air three times to the shouts of “Hoch sol er leben, hoch sol er leben, drei mal hoch”. The new König does have responsibilities though. The first of which is to treat the RTRA members and their guests to a nice cold keg of beer.
Blasmusik
Enjoy the toe-tapping strains of an authentic German Brass Band. Blasmusik Texas, the Texas All-State German Band travels to the Round Top Rifle Hall on the first Saturday of August each year. Come and enjoy the free concert – and kick up your heels to a rousing polka refrain! The Hall opens at 4 p.m. for social hour and a delicious German meal will be available in the kitchen at 5 p.m. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m., but get there early for a good seat! Admission to the concert is free. The German meal (sausage, sauerkraut, german potatoes, pickles, peaches, bread and tea) is $8.
New Year’s Eve
Every New Years Eve, the
Round Top Rifle Association hosts a community party to ring in the new year. A toe-tapping band plays and partiers of all ages take to the dance floor. Yummy hamburgers are served in the kitchen. At midnight, cheers and toasts bring in the new year and the Hall serves the traditional cornbread and black-eyed peas (for good luck in the upcoming year!) Tickets go on sale in late November and are available at local Round Top merchants and from the Round Top Rifle Association members.
OctoBierFest
Every October the Round Top Schützen Verein hosts a festival which includes German food, music and, of course, bier. 2015 Schützen Verein Events • Round Top 4th of July Parade, oldest continuous Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi River. • Blasmusik Texas Concert Aug. 1, Round Top Rifle Association Hall. The 45-piece Texas All State German band entertain the crowds with polkas and waltzes from German, Czech, Alsatian and Austrian roots. • Schützenfest, September 1920, Henkel Hall - Henkel Square Market. Dinner, dancing and the crowning of the crackshot König (king) are the highlights of this target-shooting competition, dating back to 1965. • 3rd Annual OktoBierFest, Oct. 24 Round Top Rifle Association Hall
C
ome and meet MimiBella. Beautiful linenwear, unique jewelry, Ropin West leather and other fabulous finds! 1234
Bellville 979.865.2121 Round Top 979.249.5757 faceBook: mimiBellafinelinenweaR on ByBee SquaRe, Round Top open yeaR Round mimiBellaS.com info@mimiBellaS.com
Round Top
Round Top Family Library A Gem Inside and Out The Round Top Family Library opened its doors in 2000 and is situated on an approximate 2.5 acre site. Round Top Library Assoc. Inc. is now purchasing the land and the Rummel Haus from Bybee Foundation. The Rummel haus restoration is a project at this time. Today the facility is composed of two buildings, including the historic Rummel House which hosts a variety of Library programs. The larger building, called the Sterling & Marianne McCall Library Building, was formerly the Hope Lutheran Church, a historic gothic building first constructed in 1925. It was dismantled and moved in seven pieces from Milam county to Round Top and immaculately restored. The project was made possible by a generous gift from Sterling and Marianne McCall. Among the events the library hosts are: Garden Workday - first Monday of each month at 9 a.m. Contact Jeanette Schoenst at (979) 278-3239 for more
information. • Afternoon Yoga - every Monday with Betty Melton at 5:30 p.m. Betty has been conducting this class for over five years. Because of its popularity, it is now held in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church community room. Come find the healthier, more limber you. • Walking, Exercise or Sit & Be Fit - Tuesday & Thursday 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at St. John’s UCC in Burton. Morning Yoga - Wednesday 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at St. John’s UCC in Burton. For information, contact Connie at (979) 203-0524. • ESL Classes - Every Thursday beginning Jan. 15, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. Contact S. Simpson (979) 966-7550 (speaks spanish) or M. Leitko at (979) 966-7563. Round Top Library Association, Inc.; 206 W. Mill; P.O. Box 245 - Round Top, Texas 78954 (979) 249-2700 Hours: Monday - Saturday 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Closed Sunday.
Above is what the Round Top family library looked like before it was moved to town and renovated, and, left, is how it appears now.
Round Top
History and Shopping Mix at Henkel Market
N
estled in a historical setting, Henkel Square Market is a collection of shops which contain artwork, real estate, pies, artist demonstrations, and clothing. The mid-1800s Haw Creek Church is a spectacular wedding destination that is surrounded by beautiful live oak trees. The church has been renovated and is ready for the bride and groom. A spectacular hand-painted stenciled ceiling adorns the church. Other amenities: pipe organ, ample seating, bell tower, landscaped for photo opportunities. Henkel Hall, an 8,000 square feet building, located beside Haw Creek Chapel, is a state of the art building. The beautifully landscaped Henkel Hall includes the following amenities: solid oak wooden floor, dynamic sound
Arlene Johnsey 713.724.1125
Frank Johnston 979.249.7315
system, 22 foot long walnut serving buffet, doors that open to The Grove (cluster of centuries-old live oak trees that have their own lighting), full catering kitchen, two multi-purpose rooms, event parking, strolling pathways throughout the grounds, band accommodations, maximum 300 guests, table and chairs for up to 200 guests, and on-site manager. Schedule your event for wedding receptions, concerts, art exhibits, performing arts, reunions, meetings, classes, etc... For information regarding your event plans, please contact Gerald or Debbie Tobola at (979) 249-5840. Henkel Square Market will be open Thanksgiving Week for you to get started on your Holiday Shopping. Most shops open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday thru Wednesday.
Royer’s Pie Haven at Henkel Market
...come home to your heritage
TM
Your Round Top Team
JoAnn Ayres 979.249.7494
Betty Melton 979.966.3088
Peg Richardson 979.249.7584
W W W.H E R I TAGE T E X AS COU NT RY. C OM
Maxine Coppinger 979.702.0425
Ken Powell 281.802.0270
Carmine
The spacious Village Market has given travelers yet another reason to stop a while in Carmine while traveling on busy Highway 290. Photo by H.H. Howze
Carmine, a Truly Unique Antique Town The little town of Carmine is right on the beaten path. Located directly between Austin and Houston on Highway 290, Carmine (pronounced “kahr MEEN”) is a perfect mid-way stop for travelers and antique shoppers. “Many people stop here for gas or a short break and then come back when they see what the town has to offer” explains Vicki LaRue of the local Economic Development Board. “We have the basketball museum, the train depot and visitor’s center with displays of the history of Carmine in its earlier days as a cotton and railroad city. We have a beautiful shaded park for the kids or pets to get some fresh air, and we have great art galleries, antique stores and more.” With the best antiques shows in the country scattered over the surrounding area during the fall and spring, Carmine touts itself as the “Gateway to the Antiques Festival”. But Carmine’s antiques aren’t just on the roadside a few time each year, many of the historic buildings house antiques stores that are open
all year around. With a wonderful blend that ranges from fine furniture to “repurposed” junk, there is something for everyone. Founded in 1883, Carmine is located in the heart of Central Texas. In fact, the city motto is “The little city with a big heart.” With thousands of cars passing right through town on 290 everyday it makes the city the northern entrance to all of the other communities of Fayette County. Carmine was incorporated in 1973 with an active city government, an excellent consolidated school system (Round Top-Carmine I.S.D.) with the high school campus in Carmine and the elementary campus located in Round Top. Carmine Bank, a well-established area bank, is famous for once being robbed by members of the Bonnie and Clyde gang. The small population and quiet atmosphere allow for a great getaway from the stress of the larger cities. Carmine is only about a 1 ½ hour drive from Austin or Houston making
it an easy day or overnight trip to the country. Visitors can enjoy shopping for antiques, visiting the cities museums, experiencing the events and activities of the area and enjoying the accommodations at local Bed & Breakfast. The City of Carmine also has a beautiful public park with picnic tables, barbecue pits, a playground for children and a pavilion for family gatherings, birthday parties and other events. Carmine is a great place to live if you are raising a family or looking for a place to retire. If you are looking for a place to start a small business please consider Carmine. There a many business opportunities in Carmine which has low taxes, local incentives and a very supportive community. With its wonderful history, great antiques shopping, beautiful Fayette County countryside, and friendly people, there is something for everyone in Carmine.
Carmine
Antiquing Heaven
Northern Fayette County Welcomes Thousands of Vendors for Spring and Fall Shows By H.H. HOWZE
The Fayette County Record
E
ven before Texas Governor Rick Perry made plans to build a home near there, the tiny community of Round Top was well-known to antiquers and flea market browsers all over the United States and beyond. The Round Top antiques markets started there in 1967 but long ago outgrew its origins and spread all over the countryside – initially north to Carmine and west to Warrenton. The shows now encompass six little towns, sixty venues and thousands of vendors, quickly followed by tens of thousands of shoppers. Traditional dates are “the first full weekends of April and October,” but in practice, many venue owners require 10-16 day booth space rental. Setting up, tearing down and moving out take another 10 days. All in all, it’s about a month of paranormal activities in the countryside twice a year. Lines of vehicles on farm-tomarket roads are the key indicator – along with miles of white tents and almost-continuous Continued on next page
Carmine
Dozens of folks line up just to be the first ones in the door on opening morning of the Big Red Barn antique show last spring near Round Top. Photo by Alyson Svec
It’s an Antiques Extravaganza Continued from previous page roadside attractions – that the twice-yearly event is occurring again in northern Fayette County. Rooms are booked in all area motels, B&Bs and private homes far in advance. There’s no overall organizing authority, according to Robert Alvarado, who probably has a better grasp of the phenomenon than anyone. He has been publishing his guide to the venues, Show Daily, since 2000. It is the serious shoppers’ bible, but there’s so much to see, just wandering around also works fine for most people. Over the last several shows, many female shoppers have affected a certain style which might be described as “gypsy cowgirl” meets “shabby chic.” It consists of tapered jeans or flowing skirts, high boots – western or high fashion – and faux-battered cowboy hats. The fashion statement has been popularized by the Junk Gypsies, a College Station mother-and-sisters act and “Shabby Chic” fashionista (and London ex-pat) Rachel Ashwell. The Gypsies’ tongue-incheek name for themselves reflects a departure from the rather
hoity-toity tone of the original antiques show in Round Top. Although their original venue location was in Warrenton, a new Junk Gypsy “world headquarters” is located near Round Top. Ashwell’s home turf is a bed and breakfast retreat northeast of Round Top on the way to Shelby. It’s dubbed “The Prairie.” The irony is that what is now a massive middle-class phenomenon started as a rather exclusive party for wealthy Houstonians. How it grew so big – it’s acknowledged to be one of the largest markets in the country – is an interesting tale. The original Round Top antiques show was the idea of three Houston matrons way back in 1967. There was one venue – the historic Round Top Rifle Hall. Hazel Ledbetter, Faith Bybee and, most notably, philantropist Ima Hogg, were all involved with the “discovery” of the rich local heritage of European-influenced art, craft and architecture. Their interest in buying, restoring and furnishing 19th-century homes in the area – especially Hogg’s work at Winedale and Bybee’s in Round Top – attracted the interest of their circle Continued on page 72
An estimated 5,000 antiques and collectibles vendors descend on northern Fayette County every spring and fall for a month-long extravaganza of shows and exhibits.
Carmine
Carmine
It’s a good idea to bring a truck to the antique shows. Never know what you might want to take home.
Photos by H. H. Howze
Antiques Shows Here Began in 1967 – With 22 Vendors Continued from previous page of friends in Houston, some of whom bought ranches and built homes in the area. They became known locally as the “mink and manure set.” In 1967, Ledbetter, Bybee and Hogg recruited their antiques dealer friend, Emma Lee Turney, to set up the first Round Top show. It was scheduled to coordinate with activities at Winedale. The show was intended to be a rural entertainment for country gentry and others drawn by the
restoration efforts. Ralph Willard, one of Turney’s original 22 vendors, described it as “a real sort of society thing.” There were the usual fine American and European antiques, but the hottest items were pieces of handmade 19-century Texas furniture which had suddenly become “hot” due to the collecting efforts of Hogg, Bybee and others. The show became a regular event on the River Oaks social calendar in the late 60s and early
70s. As concerts and other cultural activities flourished at Hogg’s Winedale and Bybee’s Henkel Square (including piano concerts by Hogg’s artistic protege, James Dick,) the antiques show grew too, becoming twice-yearly, originally, “the first full weekend of April and October.” Money attracted money and social cachet didn’t hurt. Quite soon, Round Top was not just another dying little agricultural town – it was re-invented, much in the manner of Santa Fe, as a
cultural and artistic center. Meanwhile, in the late-1980s, down the road in Warrenton, the growing popularity of the Round Top shows was not going unnoticed. Bernitta McCormick and her neighbor B. J. Renck both opened up venues along SH 237. It was the beginning of the Warrenton shows. Now venues stretch from La Grange to Burton along SH 237 and US 290 including shows in Fayetteville, Shelby and everywhere in between. Happy shopping.
Carmine
At Round Top
Rustic B&B Ranch Weddings Retreats
Bob Springer is shown here at his Texas Basketball Museum days before its grand opening in 2009. It’s only grown since then. Photo by Jeff Wick
Texas Basketball Museum Calls Carmine Home The Texas Basketball Museum located halfway between Austin and Houston just one block south of highway 290, had its Grand Opening on June 14, 2009 and since then hundreds of visitors every yeat enjoy the great display of memorabilia of Legends of the Past, all from the High School ranks to the Professionals. Visitors from as far aways as Sweden, Switzerland, England, Germany and Brazil have made the stop into the Basketball centerpiece of Texas. Everyone who is recognized in the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame and displayed in the Museum is
from Texas, where they played or coached high school basketball. So, if you are a lover of Basketball, its a good stop to stretch your legs and take in all of the displays that feature items from the Olympics, including uniforms, vintage basketballs, whistles, cards, games, trophies, photographs, shoes, knee pads, stamps, first day covers, banners, and signatures of the greats. Please call in advance for large parties at (800) 364HOOP (4667) or contact us at texasbkb@swbell.net For more information go to our website www.texasbasketball.com.
Just ten minutes from Round Top is a 70 acre homestead where you’re always welcomed like family. Sit by the fire, share stories, drink wine and enjoy the essence of Texas.
The adventure begins where the blacktop ends! Rustic charm with a Texas Kick 972-689-0386 Www.NightBirdRanch.com
Carmine
Train Depot Serves as a Museum in Carmine Located at 248 Sylvan Street, the building housing the museum was the actual Southern Pacific Railroad Depot building for the City of Carmine. Through the generous donation of the land by Mrs. Gladys J. Krause and the building by Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Wagner, the depot, which had been moved out of the city of Carmine was returned to the city and restored to become the city’s historical museum. Numerous area residents have donated historical items for the museum and today it provides a historical review of Carmine dating back to its founding in 1883. The museum is open on the second and fourth Fridays and Saturdays of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Special tours may be arranged by calling (979) 277-4613.
The Carmine Depot Museum.
Photo by H.H. Howze
Carmine’s Albers-Muehlbrad Park Perfect for Play, Picnics The Carmine city park was created by the generous donations of the land to the City of Carmine by Mr. & Mrs. Emil Albers and Mr. & Mrs. Fred Muehlbrad. The vision and hard work of local leaders and community volunteers with the donation of materials, labor, money and time to clear and shape the land and construct and install playground equipment, benches, picnic tables, barbecue pits and the bridge across the creek and the pavilion created the park over the course of four years. The park was dedicated in 1982 as a community park for all to enjoy. In 2010, after six years of planning and raising money, which enabled the city to receive
grants from Texas parks and Wildlife and the LCRA, the city installed sidewalks, new playground equipment, picnic tables, benches, more barbecue pits and lighting, as well as refurbishing some of the existing equipment and making the restrooms ADA compliant. The park and the pavilion are available to rent for special events by calling (979) 278-3273.
Carmine
Shopped CARMINE Lately? Be sure to check out the Little City with the BIG Heart.
Carmine City Hall 979-278-3273 www.cityofcarmine.org Chamber of Commerce 979-278-4200
Market Realty 979-830-9600 Wellmann Insurance 979-836-3613 Ronnie Eckhart
HALLS for RENT Carmine Lions Club 979-278-3613 Carmine Hall 713-553-4122 carminehall@yahoo.com Carmine Volunteer Fire Dept. 979-278-3250 Carmine’s Muehlbrad- Albers Pavilion 979-278-3273
FOOD 4G Convenience Store 979-278-3000 JW’S Steakhouse 979-278-4240 The Village Market 979-278-3333
MUSEUMS Carmine Chamber of Commerce Museum & Visitors’ Center 979-278-4200 Texas Basketball Museum 979-278-4222 SERVICES Carmine Charolais Ranch 979-278 3270 Carmine State Bank 979-278-3244 www.csbcarmine.com Carmine Feed & Fertilizer 979-278-3111 City Garage 979-278-3377 Darlene’s Custom Sewing 979-278-3325 Diane Langley, Realtor Associate Round Top Real Estate 979-525-1324 Honest to Goodness Growers 979-278-3053 J.R Flasowski Septic Service 979-830-3643 L.A. Mayer Enterprises Monty Mayer 979-542-7988 Lila Garlin, Realtor Associate Round Top Real Estate 281-705-4647 Lisa Mayer, Broker Associate Round Top Real Estate 979-966-3686
BUSINESSES D&T Antiques 979-865-2136 Hour Glass Trading Co. 979-278-4040 Antique Mall 979-278-3866 Hill Country Collectibles 979-278-3314 McCall Style mccallstyle@yahoo.com Neese’s Antiques & Collectibles 979-278-3280 Stoney Creek Antiques 713-898-7667 Texas Casual Cottages 979-278-3015 Unique Antiques 979-278-3690 West of Brazos Trading Co. 979-278-3010 LODGING Aunt Clara’s Guest House 713-569-9274 Pecan Grove Inn 979-278-3965 Umland Street Sunday Haus 832-514-9345
RV PARK
Dixieland RV Park 979-278-3805
Carmine
The Communities That Make Up Fayette County Ammannsville
FM 1383, 9 m. SE of La Grange Settled during the 1870s by German and Czech immigrant farmers. The first settler in the community was Andrew Ammann, who arrived on March 12, 1870. He was a noted architect as well as a farmer.
Carmine
U.S. 290, at Washington Co. line Still an incorporated city, Carmine and Round Top share a school system. The elementary is in Round Top, the high school in Carmine. The Carmine bank was robbed by Ray Hamilton and others from the Barrow Gang in the 1930s. Now it’s known for its antique dealers.
Cistern
State Hwy. 95, 12 mi. NW of Flatonia Settled during the 1850s on a hill overlooking fertile prairie land. Water wells in the area contained such high concentration of minerals that residents were forced to build cisterns to trap rainwater for domestic use.
Dubina
FM 1383, 2 mi. N of U.S. 90 First Czech settlement in Texas, beginning in November 1856. Named Dubina (Czech for “oak grove”). As favorable reports about Texas reached the old country, the number of Czech settlers entering Dubina increased greatly, and Dubina became the stopover place for Czechs entering Texas. In 1873, the railroad bypassed Dubina.
Ellinger
Hwy. 71 at FM 2503 Famed for kolaches and barbecue, Ellinger is 11 miles southeast of La Grange. It was established as a point on the La Grange Tap spur of the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway.
Engle
U.S. 90 between Schulenburg and Flatonia Settled by Bohemian and Czech immigrants in the 1850s. Named for J. E. Engle, an engineer on Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway line. Post office established in 1888 and the first store in 1890.
Fayetteville
State Hwy. 159 at FM 955 The Congress of the Republic of Texas es-
tablished Fayette County in 1837, and the community of Fayetteville was officially founded shortly thereafter. Fayetteville had a post office and postmaster during the Republic of Texas.
Flatonia
Interstate 10 at Texas 95 Established on April 8, 1874, on land acquired by the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway, it was named for pioneer merchant F. W. Flato. At that time residents of the original Flatonia settlement, one mile southeast, and Oso, three miles northeast, loaded their homes and businesses on wagons and moved to the new location on the tracks. The post office that had been established at old Flatonia in 1870 was moved to the new town without changing its name.
Freyburg
FM 956 at FM 2238 Founded about 1868 by Germans and named for a town in Germany. In 2004 the recently restored Freyburg Methodist Church celebrated its 125th anniversary.
High Hill
FM 2672, 14 mi. SW of La Grange Settled in the 1830s. According to some sources, residents of High Hill refused to allow the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway to build through their community in 1874, fearing the railroad would destroy the tranquility and culture of the town. The line went to nearby Schulenburg and many of High Hill’s residents moved there. St. Mary’s Church is on the National Register of Historic place.
La Grange
State Hwy. 71 at U.S. 77 The county seat of Fayette County, this is where La Bahia Road crossed the Colorado River. Aylett C. Buckner settled near here about 1819 and in 1826 John Henry Moore built a twin blockhouse within what are now the city limits. A town was platted in 1837. The Republic of Texas named Fayette County in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette. La Grange was the name of Lafayette’s home, which came from his wife’s family.
Ledbetter
U.S. 290, 8 mi. E of Giddings In extreme north Fayette County, it was the first community in the county to be served by a railroad, which reached it in 1870.
Nechanitz
FM 3011 at FM 2145 Settled in 1853 by Wenzel Matejowsky, the first settler from Bohemia to enter Fayette County, it was named after his native city in Bohemia.
Muldoon
FM 154, 9 mi. N of Flatonia On a grant of land originally made in 1831 to Father Michael Muldoon, the Irish Catholic priest who officially “converted” nonHispanic Texas settlers to meet the legal requirements of Mexico. The town was not platted until 1886, when the Waco branch of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway extended its line between West Point and Flatonia.
Plum
Hwy. 71, 8 mi. W of La Grange Plum Grove is the second oldest established community in Fayette County, dating to 1828. It still has its own post office, which was first established in 1880.
Praha
FM 1295, 3 mi. E of Flatonia In 1858 the Bohemian settlers changed the town’s name from Mulberry to Praha in honor of Prague, the capital of their homeland. Since 1855 the community has celebrated the Feast of the Assumption on August 15. The event now attracts more than 5,000 visitors, many of them Czechoslovakian.
Round Top
State Hwy. 237 One of the smallest incorporated communities in Texas, on the old La Bahía Road between La Grange and Brenham. Area first settled in 1826. Oldest continually celebrated July Fourth celebration west of the Mississippi, since 1851.
Rutersville
State Hwy. 159, 5 mi. NE of La Grange This site on the La Bahía Road was surveyed in 1838 and incorporated by the Republic of Texas on Jan. 26, 1839. Rutersville College, chartered in 1840 by the Republic of Texas, was the first Protestant college in Texas. In 1856, by an act of Congress, Rutersville College was consolidated with the Texas Military Institute of Galveston.
Schulenburg
Interstate 10 at U.S. 77 Founded in 1873, when the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway built through the site, it was named for Louis Schulenburg, who donated land for the railroad. The community was granted a post office in 1874.
Swiss Alp
U.S. 77, 11 mi. S of La Grange Established about 1865 by German settlers, who were followed by Wendish families from Serbin in Lee County.
Waldeck
FM 1291 at FM 2145 Purchased in 1843 by Count Ludwig Joseph von Boos-Waldeck, who was an agent for the Adelsverein, an association of German noblemen who planned for emigration to the Republic of Texas.
Warda
U.S. 77, 10 mi. N of La Grange Named for Wartha, Saxony. Wendish immigrant A.E. Falke established a general store here in 1874 and other Wends soon arrived.
Warrenton
Hwy. 237, 12 miles NE of La Grange Founded by William Neese, who landed in Galveston in 1847 and named the new settlement that grew around his store for Warren Ligon, another early colonist.
West Point
Hwy. 71, 12 mi. W of La Grange Intersection of Union Pacific’s north-south tracks (Waco to Victoria) and east-west tracks (Houston to Smithville, formerly MKT Railroad).
Winchester
FM 153 at FM 448 First settled in 1827. The town was platted in 1857 and named for Winchester, Tenn. It was a shipping point on the Waco branch of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway.
Winedale
FM 2714, 4 mi. NE of Round Top Winedale Historical Center, in northeast Fayette County near Round Top. Ima Hogg purchased more than 130 acres, restoring the buildings and eventually donating them to UT.
Carmine
Ledbetter Lane of Lights a Local Holiday Tradition The annual Ledbetter Lane of LIghts has become a local holiday tradition. It’s an annual fundraiser and community service of the Ledbetter Volunteer Fire Department. Enjoy a hayride through nearly a mile of lighted Christmas scenes including numerous animated displays. Stop to view two historic houses, visit Santa, enjoy the
Ledbetter Homemaker’s homemade cookies, drink hot chocolate and wassail, amble along the walking trail, and enjoy music and singing by the warm and toasty campfires. Santa is present every night and has small treats for the children. Located in Ledbetter at the corner of
US 290 and FM 1291. The hayride trailers will pick you up from Stuermer’s store and return you to this location. Check us out on facebook: Ledbetter Laneoflights. Email questions or comments to: ledbetterlaneoflights@yahoo.com Every Friday and Saturday evening beginning Thanksgiving weekend.
Small Town, Big Steaks JW’S Steakhouse has earned quite a reputation as one of the better resturants in the area, thanks to their Angus beef steaks. JW’s is located at 122 Hauptstrasse Street in Carmine.
Stuermer Store in Ledbetter.
An Old Time General Store The Stuermer Store is a working museum located in the original 1870 General Store and features antique store furniture and merchandise; crafts supplied by local artisans such as bonnets, crocheted items, painted wood designs.
The saloon is restored and operates as an ice cream and sandwich shop. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and located at 100 US 290 East at FM 1291 in Ledbetter. Their phone number is (979) 249-5642.
Little Bank in the City with a Big Heart Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are now available at Carmine State Bank
235 Centennial Street Carmine, TX • 979.278.3244
Jeff Wunderlich, right, is the owner and operator of JW’s Steakhouse in Carmine.
STUERMER STORE 979-249-5642
Open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm Breakfast 8am-10:30am Lunch 11am-2pm
Take a step back in time when you visit Stuermer Store, which has been owned and operated by the same family since 1891.
Burgers • Sandwiches • Blue Bell T-Shirts • Toys • Pottery • Watkins Honey • Staples Located in Ledbetter Hwy 290 @ F.M. 1291
Bus tours please call ahead
Fayetteville
Local royalty rides on the Fayetteville float in the annual Lickskillet Days Parade in downtown Fayetteville. Lickskillet is held the third weekend of October every year. Photo by Jeff Wick
Fayetteville – The Way Texas Used to Be By PAT JOHNSON
Fayetteville is a paradise for history buffs and cultural explorers alike with its museum, preserved architectural traditions as well as community celebrations like Lickskillet Days on the historic square. Our art scene is lively and diverse. You can hear Mozart in a historic hotel and see world class art at the galleries. Visit Fayetteville and wake up the artist within youǃ There is a good reason that Fayetteville has drawn artists here for decades. Whether you are 8, 18 or 80 years old, get inspired by the unique blend of history, arts and cultural heritage. Remember to look around every once in a
while, the Fayetteville landscape with its rolling hills and wildflower prairies can be the best canvas of all. Arts for Rural Texas (ARTS), headquartered in Fayetteville, enhances the area’s exposure to the visual and performing arts. Founded in 2003, they have been augmenting school art programs in Fayette, Colorado and Austin counties with Art after School and Fine Art Assemblies. The assemblies bring individual artists and groups, such as the Houston Grand Opera and the Austin Ballet, to perform and teach in local schools. Summer Art Camp is held annually for area school children. It
provides art enrichment through five-week summer sessions. They also host art exhibitions, music events and film screenings. Check out their website for schedule of events and times, www.artsforruraltexas.org. ArtWalk is the annual outdoor juried fine art show on the square in Fayetteville held May 2 – May 3. ArtWalk promotes local, regional and national artists. There are over 60 participating artists, a schedule of performing musicians and children’s art instruction and activities. Over $6,000 is awarded to the artists selected by a judge’s panel. In addition to the art, there are wine tastings, food booths and other
attractions that make for a wonderful “fresh air” event on the historic courthouse lawn. The Red and White Inn and Gallery has further placed Fayetteville on the art radar. The old Red and White, built in 1835, has had many businesses in it over the years including the original grocery store. Owners Joan and Jerry Herring restored the upstairs of the historic two story building into a 4-bed, 4-bathroom inn. On the first floor the Red and White Gallery shows solo and group exhibitions. The gallery opened in December 2012 with Edgar von Minden’s folk art building of Continued next page
Fayetteville
Since its opening three years ago, the Red and White Gallery in Fayetteville has consistently brought major exhibits to Fayette County.
Fayetteville Called the Artful Escape – With Good Reason Continued from previous page Fayetteville. Then they featured Jesus Moroles, internationally recognized sculptor and 2008 recipient of the National Medal of Arts. He exhibited work in granite, steel and paper. Other exhibition include painter William Anzalone, watercolor artist Mary Quiros and photographer Laura Wilson. This spring noted Houston designer and artist, Jerry Jeanmard will present works on paper from the recently published book of his work. New to the Fayetteville art scene is The Artist’s Vault, a unique venue situated in the Old Bank Building on the town square. Exhibits showcase local talent as well as guest artists. Come stroll through the old bank to see what is on display on the walls and in the vaults. Located at 123 N. Washington it is open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Throughout Fayetteville’s history, music has always been an important part of everyday life. Traditional Czech music can still be heard on the square
during the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Lickskillet Days the third weekend in October. This family friendly event offers something for young and old. Located around the Fayetteville Town Square and SPJST Hall, activities including kids’ activities, pumpkin patch, kiddy train ride, ice-cold refreshments, hamburgers, pastries, pies & kolaches, arts & crafts, silly contests, live music, BBQ and Bean Cook-Off, horseshoe tournament, and parade. The Texas Pickin’ Park is a free jam session also held under the shady trees on the town square. Traditionally bluegrass, jams are the second weekend of each month April thru November. There are always free workshops starting at 11 a.m. on Saturdays (except November when there is plenty of stew and goodies to eat). Jamming goes on all afternoon and into the evening hours. Some folks come out on Friday night for a smaller jam in the old Fire House. They ask that you only bring acoustic instru-
ments...oh, and a good attitude. For additional information email at info@texaspickinpark.com or contact Tom Duplissey at (512) 415-3177 Fayetteville Chamber Music Festival is proud to continue the musical tradition. Every year, extraordinary musicians from Europe and around the United States come to the Fayetteville Chamber Music Festival to rehearse and perform. The Festival presents house concerts throughout the year. For a complete schedule visit www.fayettevillemusic.org. Each May, the Fayetteville Chamber Music Festival presents concerts of chamber music during which the audience sits near the musicians and experiences the music close-up. The Annual May Music Festival is performed in the 100 year-old Moravian Room at the Country Place Hotel, in downtown historic Fayetteville where the natural acoustics bring a perfect warm, intimate sound to the musicians’ violin, clarinet and
piano. The first concert honors Fayetteville’s Czech heritage by performing exclusively Czech music. Open Rehearsals, Preconcert Lectures, and School Concerts are included. Friday and Saturday concerts will be held May 8 through the 16th. Many events make the Country Place Hotel a center for the arts. The Country Place Gallery is located across the garden from the Country Place Hotel and is also the studio for local artists and architects Clovis and Maryann Heimsath. Other studios around the square include stained-glass artist Dick Bour who has been producing large scale stained glass projects with the assistance of Fayetteville High School students. Religiously-themed work is a Bour Studio specialty. Artist Pat Johnson has been working in clay for over 25 years in the old Schuhmacher Bank Building on Live Oak Street. Johnson was commissioned by Fayette County to produce a bust Continued on next page
Fayetteville
Fayetteville is on National Register of Historic Towns Continued from previous page
of the Marquis de la Fayette for the County Courthouse. Her studio is open by appointment only. One of Fayetteville real art treasures is a group of paintings located in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Recovered and restored in the early 1990s they were discovered to have been painted by Moravian painter, Ignaz Johann Berger, 1822 - 1901. Berger was most well-known for his religious paintings. He was commissioned to paint the images in St. John’s in the late 1800s by the Fayetteville parishioners. The paintings in St. John’s are impressive for their scale and intense detail. Berger’s works shows his early training in Vienna and reflect a highly skilled and educated artist. Even after his death, his work was seen and appreciated as etchings used to illustrate calendars, hymnbooks and religious texts. The church is open during the week so visitors may view the six paintings. And if you love history and architecture, you’ve come to the right place, too. Fayetteville’s rich past is preserved in historic landmarks located throughout the city. Fayetteville is designated on the National Register of Historic Towns with over 400 structures on the list including a Georgian-style mansion and several arts and crafts bungalows. Once a year, during Country Christmas, the second Saturday in December, Fayetteville’s Chamber of Commerce hosts their Homes Tour and invites residents and visitors to have an inside look at some of these unique structures. The Ringing of the Church Bells and Lighting of the Luminaries surrounding the Courthouse sets the scene for the horse drawn carriage rides. Tours take the curious and romantic alike about town, showcasing Fayetteville’s unique architecture and Christmas lights. Fayetteville is a magical, exuberant, colorful journey at any time of the year. Our history and culture will fascinate and inspire you. The slow and gentle pace of Fayetteville will rejuvenate you. Settle yourself into the country comforts of local inns and B&Bs, partake of our sumptuous local cuisine and treat yourself to our art and architecture. For more information on the many art’s events in Fayetteville check out the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce website, www. fayettevilletxchamber.org.
The charming Fayetteville precinct courthouse and bandstand.