SpringVisitorsGuide2017 by Jeff Wick

Proud Member of Fayette County Tourism Association

979.476.2757

Property Maintenance Services Lodging & Reservations

Jordan Fischman, Broker 979.476.2757 www.countrybutlertexas.com • info@countrybutlertexas.com • 208 W. Fayette St. • Fayetteville, Texas 78940 Member of the following chambers: Fayetteville, Round Top, La Grange, Columbus, Washington County, and Schulenburg.

979.476.2757

Home & Property Care Services

ONLINE RESERVATIONS SELECT IT! CLICK IT! BOOK IT!

What can the Country Butler do for you?

Guest Lodging facilities for you in Fayette County and surrounding communities. Homes and Cottages. We have a variety of properties for your visit and relaxation.

EVENTS • REUNIONS • WEEKEND ESCAPES WEDDING ACCOMMODATIONS • BIKE RIDER HOUSING EXTENDED STAYS • LOCAL BREAKFAST PACKAGES

Country Butler aims to provide peace of mind. We offer a range of services dedicated to home owners on a regular basis. • Full Service Painting Inside/Outside • Lawn Mowing Service Country Butler can play a crucial role in helping you maintain your investment as a relaxing and worry free experience.

We have an automated on-line reservation system, where you can view the properties and book it on-line 24/7/365. Or, you can call us and we will help with the process. If you need more than one place for an event or have a special need or requirement. We can help you with information about your visit to our area.

Imagine arriving at your property to find your driveway cleaned, your house immaculate, air conditioned, and stocked with provisions, for your enjoyment. ARRIVAL SERVICES • FREEZE & STORM PROGRAMS • WEEKLY PROPERTY VISITS • PHOTO UPDATES PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE • GARDEN SERVICES • CONTRACTOR MANAGEMENT • EQUIPMENT SERVICES POWER/BRUSH WINDOW WASHING • HOME REPAIRS • EQUIPMENT DELIVERY & INSTALLATION. HOME CLEANING SERVICES • PAINTING • PLUMBING • ELECTRICAL • TRACTOR SERVICE . ROAD GRADING • VEGETATION CLEAN UP • BARN CLEAN OUTS . COMMERCIAL CLEANING AVAILABLE • LAW CUTTING

Don’t see a service you need, call Country Butler! We aim to please.

Lodging & Guest House Owners

Meet the Country Butler Jordan Fischman and the team know what you need and more importantly, know what you expect. A strong commitment to prompt, professional and reliable service is the primary focus of the company and all associated with it.

Let Country Butler Manage Your Facility Reservations & Bookings 24/7/365

Jordan Fischman, Broker

Whether you need Property Care & Services, or need a great place to relax with our Lodging & Reservations Program, we aim to please and make it enjoyable. Insured and Bonded • References on request

We do the Billing-Payments, Hotel Tax Processing Website Programs Included & Additional Programs House Cleaning Service Laundry Services Lock Box Control Turn-Key or Reservations Only Programs

979.476.2757 “Kick Back & Relax, Let Country Butler Do The Work”

opening summer 2017 2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

pring and summer are times to get out and explore, and you’ll find no shortage of adventures awaiting in Fayette County. This year’s cover story on a local bakery tells you how you may want to fuel up for those adventures, while the rest of this 84-page guide tells you places to visit to work off those kolache calories. Fayette County sits less than an hour and a half from three of Texas’ largest cities – but Fayette County feels a world away from Houston, Austin and San Antonio. With carefully preserved European roots, charming small town squares and a rural landscape of rolling hills to hardwood forests, Fayette County is like no other place in Texas. Here you’ll find: • The historic Painted Churches around Schulenburg

LA GRANGE • Page 6

FAYETTEVILLE • Page 42

• La Grange with its historic courthouse, a bustling town square, the Texas Quilt Museum and the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center • The antiquing meccas of Round Top, Warrenton and Carmine • Fayetteville, which is quickly becoming a center for the arts and artists • The historic railroad town of Flatonia And there’s so much more. Whether you are a visitor or a local, we hope this guide makes you feel excited about everything Fayette County has to offer. – Jeff Wick, Editor The Fayette County Record

ON THE COVER Father and son duo, Jim and Philip Weikel have created a worldfamous bakery in La Grange using time-tested family recipes.

FLATONIA • Page 50

SCHULENBURG • Page 56 4

Cover photo by Andy Behlen

CARMINE • Page 62

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

ROUND TOP • Page 67

Recreation: Monument Hill, Kreische brewery, Faison Home Museum, other historic sites including the Painted Churches; hunting, fishing, lake; German and Czech ethnic foods; Prazska Pout in August, Octoberfests. Minerals: Oil, gas, sand, gravel, bentonite clay.

609

Flatonia

10 90

1295

Recreation: Golf courses (2), State Parks (1), City Parks (13), Museums (18), Art galleries (12). Transportation: Bus service via Capital Area Rural Transit. Hospital: St. Mark’s Medical Center in La Grange (979-242-2200) is a general medical and surgical hospital with 44 beds. Airport: Fayette Regional Air Center; 850 Airport Road, La Grange; 979242-4056; Major Cities: LA GRANGE (4,749) County seat; electric-power generation, varied manufacturing, tourism;

615

D A

Ellinger

ad o

Co lor

1965

MONUMENT HILLKREISCHE BREWERY STATE HISTORIC SITES

155

1291

2503

955

Holman Ammannsville

High Hill

3171 Swiss Alp

2672

Engle UP Praha 590'

Obar Hill

Dubina 1383 90

10 1579

Schulenburg

957

LAVACA

Schulenburg (2,945) manufacturing, food processing; festival in August; Round Top (92) music center, tourism; antiques shows; Winedale (67), historic restorations; Carmine (258); Ellinger (386), Fayetteville (262) tourism, antiques, Lickskillet festival in October;

Flatonia (1,401) food production, cattle ranching; rail history museum, Czhilispiel in October; Ledbetter (83); Muldoon (95); Plum (145); Warda (121); Warrenton (186); West Point (213), and Winchester (232).

THE FAYETTE COUNTY

RECORD

Agriculture: Beef cattle, corn, hay, sorghum, pecans, dairies. Market value $66.4 million. Firewood sold. Education: Five public school districts, three private schools,one junior college.

2238

3233

1383

E. Na vid a

Freyburg 2762

956

154

1115

2237

2436

Rek Hill Fayetteville

O’Quinn

159

P O R T A

2237

Mullins Prairie

389

Willow Springs

1291

Park 159

155

609

954

Fayette County Reservoir

159

LA GRANGE

154

Muldoon

Rutersville

220

Cistern

2981

Rabbs Prairie Plum

237

West Point

Oldenburg

1457

Warrenton

2145 Walhalla

Winedale

2714

Round 1291 Top

Nechanitz

153

237

543

458

ve Ri

Race/Ethnicity: (In percent) Anglo, 72.2; Black, 6.9; Hispanic, 19.9; Asian, 0.4; Other, 2.4. Vital Statistics, annual: Births, 245; deaths, 349; marriages, 142; divorces, 89.

Kirtley

Waldeck

v er Ri

History: Lipan Apaches and Tonkawas. Austin’s colonists arrived in 1822. Germans and Czechs began arriving in 1840s. County created from Bastrop, Colorado counties, 1837; organized, 1838; named for hero of American Revolution, Marquis de Lafayette.

Winchester

290

mm in 1291 C ree s k

Economy: Agribusiness, production of electricity, mineral production, government/services, small manufacturing, tourism.

Warda

448

3011

153

iv e

Physical Features: South central county bisected by Colorado River; Fayette County Reservoir; rolling to level; sandy loam, black waxy soils.

1482

Ledbetter

R E Cr abb L E 77 eek s

R ad vid Na W.

Data from 2017 Texas Almanac 25,110 Population – 959.8 Area (sq.mi.) – 200–590 Altitude (ft.) – 40.46 Rainfall (in.) – 39.2 Jan. avg. min. – 95.5 July avg. max. – 12,277 Civilian labor – 3.8% Unemployed % – $51,176 Per Capita Income – $5,643,034,869 Property Value – $363,889,637 Retail Sales –

8 MILES

Fayette County at a Glance

WASHINGTON Carmine

Published every Tuesday and Friday, except the publication immediately following Christmas, by Fayette County Record, Inc. Serving Fayette County since 1922. Locally owned by the Barton family since 1976. (USPS 188-440) 127 S. Washington, P.O. Box 400, La Grange, Texas 78945. Telephone: 979-968-3155; Fax: 979-968-6767 Email: editor@fayettecountyrecord.com; www.fayettecountyrecord.com

Publisher

Regina Barton Keilers

Editor

Jeff Wick

Digital Editor Andy Behlen

Advertising Director Becky Weise

News and Office H.H. Howze Lou Ann Adcox Hertha Kruse

Classified Advertising Jackie Daniels

Accounting Nonnie Barton Joy Skelton

Production Manager John Castaneda

Circulation Theresia Karstedt Bobby Bedient Jo Ann Mueller Bennie Vasek George Kana Leigh Ann Bedient Sandra Boehm

POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to The Fayette County Record, P.O. Box 400, La Grange, Texas 78945 Periodicals Postage Paid at La Grange, TX SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Fayette County: Year $49.00; Elsewhere in Texas $57.00; Out of State $62.00. Special Rates for Senior Citizens: In county, $44; in Texas $52; US $57.

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

The Kolache Kings

Weikel’s Offers up a Taste of Fayette County, Hot and Fresh Every Morning By ANDY BEHLEN The Fayette County Record

Few folks know the kolache business like father and son Jim and Philip Weikel of La Grange. Their family business, Weikel’s Store and Bakery, has become a landmark for travelers on Texas State Highway 71 in search of an authentic taste of Fayette County. The business’s slogan, “We gotcha’ kolache,” couldn’t describe the place better. But that’s not all they sell. Whether you’re craving cinnamon rolls, poppy seed rolls, sweet rolls, cupcakes, muffins, fruit pies, meringue pies, buttermilk pies or klobásníky (pigs-inthe-blanket), they gotcha’ covered. The key to Weikel’s success has been a combination of an old family kolache recipe and the sharp business

acumen of Jim and Philip Weikel. Weikel’s Bakery is actually the second business success story for the Weikel Family. Back in 1929, Jim Weikel’s father and brother, Alvin and Pop Weikel, opened a little cafe a half block away from courthouse square in La Grange. They called it the Bon Ton. The cafe quickly became known for its pies and fresh homemade bread. Jim Weikel entered the business in 1969. “Being a pretty aggressive young person, I decided to conduct a survey to see how many customers came off of Highway 71 and how many were local,” Jim said. “It became obvious that 71 was carrying the day.” So Jim built a bigger, modern

Continued on next page

Weikel’s signature product, kolaches.

We Gotcha Kolache!

2247 W. State Hwy. 71 La Grange, Texas 979.968.9413

VOTED BEST KOLACHE, BEST PIE, BEST DESSERTS, BEST PIG-IN-THE-BLANKET in Fayette County!

. . . .

Award Winning Bakery Deli Drinks Gifts Gas

Come Czech Us Out! www.weikels.com

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Weikel’s Uses Old Family Czech Filling Recipe Continued from previous page restaurant on Highway 71, which at that time ran through town on Travis Street. Then in the early 1980s, Texas Department of Transportation announced plans to build a bypass for Highway 71 around La Grange. “I kind of got burned out of the restaurant business and sold it in 1985.” said Jim Weikel. Bon Ton closed a few years later under different management, but to this day folks in Fayette County still wane nostalgically about the restaurant’s homemade bread and pies. “Around that time Department of Transportation held a meeting about the bypass they were going to build,” Jim said. “I got the idea to buy this piece of property that was close to where the bypass was going to hook back up with 71.” Jim juggled a few different ideas for the property before settling on building a convenience store. He was working with a representative from the Humble Oil Company, now Exxon, to build the station. The Humble rep offered Weikel some sage advice. “He said, ‘Jim, It’s going to be tough out there where you’re at. You’ve got to get people to stop, just like you’ve been getting them to stop at that restaurant all these years,’” Jim said. “That’s the best advice I’ve gotten.” The Weikels decided to include a bakery inside his convenience store, thinking that morning travelers might stop at his gas station for some breakfast while they fill up. “But I didn’t know anything about the bakery business,” Jim said. He approached an established local bakery about handling the food side of the new convenience store. “They weren’t interested,” he said with a grin. “But those were different days. So I said I’ll do my own bakery.” Jim’s wife, Jo Ann, shared with

Through some miraculous level of willpower the workers at Weikel’s fill over a thousand kolaches daily without licking their fingers. Photo by Andy Behlen

him her family’s kolache recipe that was brought to America by her grandmother, Annie Kulhanek, when she migrated to the US as a young child. Jo Ann’s mother, Nolie Schobel, perfected the recipe. Jo Ann worked up the recipe for a commercial bakery. She created old fashioned Czech fillings from scratch such as cottage cheese, prune, apricot and poppy seed. These are the same authentic recipes being used to this today and set the bakery apart. To have a wider offering, she took her love of baking into cakes, cookies and many other treats as well. The recipe is a closely guarded secret. Jim’s son Philip said the secret lies not only with the ingredients, but more importantly, in the process of making the dough. “My mom scaled it up to use in the bakery, but those secret things are very much a part of what we do in the bakery.” Philip said. “It’s a combination of my

dad’s entrepreneurship and my mom’s authentic Czech recipe passed down the generations that makes us such a success.” That process and set of ingredients results in the fluffy, sweet, pillowy kolaches for which they are famous. The family razed the old gas station and bakery in 2011 and built a sprawling new kolache mecca on the site. Today the bakery usually makes enough dough for about 4,000 kolaches daily, but on its busiest days the bakery can sell 15,000 with 20 different varieties of fruit and cream filling. During Thanksgiving the store typically sells more than 850 pies. “All of that is done by hand and it’s amazing to see,” Philip said. If kolache-making was an Olympic event, Weikel’s could surely field a gold medal team. The bakers at Weikel’s begin work in the kitchen about 6 p.m. for the next day’s busi-

ness. Some of the bakers have worked there for decades. All ingredients are measured by weight instead of volume – down to the gram. One of the trickiest parts of making kolaches, Philip said, is dealing with the weather. “Yeast is a living organism and it’s going to behave differently under different temperatures and humidity. When we make that dough, some days it will rise faster than other days. Being able to adjust while production is going is a skill bakers have to acquire over time.” Philip said his expert team strives to put out a consistent product, day after day and year after year. “We’re doing a lot of work now to get our dough recipe and ingredients down to an absolute science, where it’s very specific,” Philip said. “We wish it were all science and no art,

Continued on next page

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Weikel’s Sells Products in LG, Carmine and Schulenburg Continued from previous page because science you can control, but it’s just not that way.” Weikel’s employs more than fifty people from the La Grange area, but only two people make the hundreds of pounds of dough Weikel’s uses every day. And just two other people fill the thousands of kolaches that patrons enjoy every day. Another two people make pigs-in-the- blanket. As for the hundreds of shortbreads, cookies, muffins and cupcakes, just two more people make all of those. “We’re our biggest critics – every day we’re having meetings and saying, “This isn’t quite right or we need to work on that,’” Philip said. Today Weikel’s ships their products fresh daily to Frank’s Restaurant in Schulenburg and The Village Market in Carmine, besides their flagship store in La Grange.

“The old store included a very small deli where we made sandwiches on homemade bread,” Philip said. “But when we built the new store we wanted the deli to be on equal footing with the bakery.” Deli patrons can order a myriad of different sandwiches, wraps, breakfast croissants and cheesesteaks made with bread baked fresh each day in the store. Weikel’s houses a high-end gift and apparel shop called Honey Bunny’s, which is run by Jim’s wife Sandra and step-daughter Jenna Janacek. Sandra started Honey Bunny’s as a separate store in 1998 and it was integrated into the existing business when Weikel’s expanded into their current facility in 2011. The gift shop features unique lines of adult apparel, children’s clothing and gifts, decor, can-

dles and more. To complete the shopping experience, Weikel’s includes a large convenience store with all the necessities along with a full line of private label jellies, pickles, pastas, nuts and more. The convenience store offers Shell gasoline. Travelers love the store’s large, impeccably clean, and private bathrooms. Customers can also order kolaches, pigs and other products online and have them shipped fresh to their door. Order online at www.weikels.com. Jim and Philip Weikel have some exciting expansion plans for the near future, although they weren’t quite ready to announce them just yet. But stay tuned, because you may be able to pick up one of their kolaches a little closer to home in the near future.

Try Them All

A true kolache, despite what big-city franchises might try to tell you, are sweet pastries baked with a generous dollop of fruit (or cream cheese, cottage cheese or poppy seed) in the middle. And boy do the bakeries in Fayette County know how to make these traditional European treats. Each place has their own variations, but every one is great. In addition to Weikel’s Bakery, the subject of this story, there’s several other great places to get kolaches in Fayette County. Try these too: • Hruska’s Bakery at 109 W. Texas 71 in Ellinger. Call 979-378-2333. • Lukas Bakery at 135. N. Main Street in La Grange; 979-968-3052 • Original Kountry Bakery is at 110 Kessler Ave. (US 77 ) in Schulenburg; 979-743-4342.

Imagine the possibilities with a low rate mortgage from National Bank & Trust! We are proven, experienced lenders that provide you with the best financing solution customized to fit your specific needs. Ready to purchase your dream home to retire in or a quaint starter home to begin a family in? Maybe you need a weekend getaway out in the country? Whatever your dream may be, we have the answer!

NBT is your Full Service Lender! *FIRST TIME HOME BUYER PROGRAM * NO MINIMUM LOAN AMOUNT * LOW CLOSING COSTS *LOCAL PROCESSING AND SERVICING * LOW RATES * ADJUSTABLE OR FIXED RATE OPTIONS

www.nbt-texas.com

145 W. Colorado • La Grange, TX • 979.968.3136 8

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

ANUME Changing Lives Through Nutrition A mission to revive the human body back to health is serious business. For most of us, we visit physicians, attend exercise classes, go to counseling and find sleep remedies. All of this is important, however the air you breathe and the food you digest is most critical. Meet the ANUME Foundation. Born in May of 2014 as a 501(c) (3) non-profit, ANUME developed a business model that singled out the underprivileged and dedicated its farm to growing only organic vegetables for food banks, shelters and crisis centers. Understanding how important eating organic is to the mind, body and spirit of an individual, ANUME decided to not only feed people but educate them too. Schools, organizations and individuals who visit the farm can learn about the soil web – the real source of where nutrients, minerals and ecosystem play together to bring a healthy plant into fruition. ANUME encompasses 12 acres sitting under a spring-fed pivot irrigation system to feed its people. The concept of ANUME is 75% of our produce is donated while 25% is sold to Fayette County and Houston area restaurants to sustain operations. Using heirloom seeds, organic product lines like Microlife and Nature’s Way leaf mold compost are some of the many advantages of eating our food. ANUME also has its own compost with temperatures rang-

ing from 140-150 degrees that we apply regularly to our land. Our numbers are growing – not only in people we feed but food we grow. In 2016, we surpassed our goal of 10,000 lbs. of organic food out the door. This year, we hope to reach 20,000 lbs. in hopes of accommodating at least four shelters – LaGrange’s AMEN Pantry, Schulenburg Food Pantry, Central Texas Food Bank (Austin) and Bastrop Family Crisis Center. Please visit our website at anumefoundation.org for more information or telephone Victoria Velarde at 832-589-6871.

Sunrise at ANUME.

Photo by Christian Sacra

Growing for the greater good. Learning about giving, loving and sharing starts with humans and nature. Treating our bodies and land with respect will result in pride, health and balance. ANUME grows, feeds and inspires. We educate, we give and we bring our community together. Our mission is to feed people in need healthy organic vegetables grown from our fortified soil with inputs from mother earth. To help us with this endeavor, please consider a donation to the ANUME Foundation, a non-profit organization located in La Grange, TX.

anumefoundation.org 10

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

The lawn of the courthouse square in La Grange is a sea of families during the Movie Nights, sponsored by the city several Fridays every summer. The movies begin at dark. This year’s movies are: June 9 - Zootopia; June 23 - The Lego Batman Movie; July 7 - The Secret Life of Pets.

La Grange A Summer Fun Spot

By JEFF WICK The Fayette County Record

From outdoor recreation in local parks, to the numerous festivals held here, La Grange is a beloved destination for spring and summer fun. Back in 1838 the Texas Congress tried to establish the Capital of the Republic of Texas in La Grange. Even then folks knew how special this place was. Thanks to a veto by Sam Houston, La Grange never became the capital, but what was the government’s loss was the gain of those who love the small town-charm of this place. By Fayette County standards, La Grange is actually a big town. It’s Fayette’s biggest city (with a population approaching 5,000) and the county seat.

Rising above downtown is the historic 125-year-old courthouse, designed by famed architect J. Riely Gordon. It underwent a massive restoration in 2005. Surrounding the courthouse on all four sides is a bustling town square filled with boutiques and shops – everything from a bakery, a barbeque joint and meat market, to a gourmet cookware store – all housed well-preserved historic buildings. The downtown square is the site of a Farmers Market every Saturday morning year-round. The historic centuries-old Muster Oak juts out into the street downtown. It was where generations of local service men and women have gathered before going off to battle during the Texas Revolution, the Indian Wars, the Civil War, the Spanish-

American War and World Wars I and II. Just a block off the downtown square is the Texas Quilt Museum which draws visitors from all over the world to a collection of exhibits that changes several times a year. Nearby is the historic train depot and museum, the Texas Heroes Museum, which is housed in the old county jail, sitting a block off the town square to the south. Speaking of Texas heroes, on the limestone bluff overlooking La Grange (which was carved by the scenic Colorado River that flows through town) sits Monument Hill/Kreische Brewery State Park, where the remains of numerous Texas revolution-era soldiers are buried. The Fayette County Fairgrounds, located just north of La Grange on Highway

Continued on next page

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

La Grange a Place for All Seasons Continued from previous page

Attendees enjoy themselves at last year’s Oktoberfest in downtown La Grange. This year’s Oktoberfest is Oct. 7. Photo by Andy Behlen

77, not only hosts the annual Labor Day Weekend County Fair but also the Best Little Cowboy Gathering and the Best Little Quilt Show in Texas. Adjacent to the fairgrounds is the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, a massive complex devoted to keeping the history of the Czech settlers alive. La Grange is also home to several festivals – often centered around food and drink like La Grange Uncorked (every March) and Schmeckenfest (every December) and Oktoberfest. One of the nation’s premier “listening room” concert venues is in La Grange. The Bugle Boy regularly plays host to Grammy winners, who love the intimate feel of the former WWII army barrack-turned concert hall. La Grange is home to a Class

4A school district of about 2,000 students that is often state-recognized for its academic achievements. La Grange High School is also the alma mater of former NFL All-Pro Johnnie Johnson and current Cincinnati Reds star pitcher Homer Bailey. La Grange’s St. Mark’s Medical Center is a 65-bed 100,000 square foot modern hospital, which was built in 2005. It has a clinical affiliation with St. David’s HealthCare in Austin. Visitors often use La Grange as a base-camp of sorts for exploration of other parts of Fayette County because La Grange has several major hotels, grocery stores, etc. Whether its a day-trip here, or a long weekend, La Grange can be your capital city for enjoying Fayette County.

Monument Hill State Park Showcases Nature, History Situated on a bluff overlooking the Colorado River, this beautiful state park is one of the hidden gems of the system since it’s only a day park and no camping is allowed. The name Monument Hill refers to the 48-foot art-deco stone monument inside the park commemorating heroes of the Texas War for Independence, including the men of the Dawson Massacre and Mier Expeditions, that are buried on the park grounds. In the Mier Expedition, which was a response to the Dawson Massacre, a group of 176 Texan revolutionaries trying to avenge those massacred at Salado Creek were captured, marched toward Mexico City, and attempted an escape, General Santa Anna ordered that they all be executed, but the Governor of Coahuila 12

begged for mercy. Santa Anna’s compromise was to draw from a jar of beans anyone who drew one of the seventeen black beans was to be executed and those that drew a white bean were spared. The 17 men who drew black beans are buried at Monument Hill. Texas Heroes Day is an annual event at the park on the Saturday closest to September 18. This year’s event is on Sept. 16. It’s a day of ceremonies and music and exhibitions honoring those who fought and died for the Republic of Texas. The ruins of the Kreische Brewery are also located at Monument Hill State Park. It was the third largest brewery in the State of Texas at peak of it’s popularity. Heinrich Kreische began a brewery on this site in 1860, utilizing the cool waters of a spring to help bottle his beer.

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Ladies dressed in period attire prepare to place wreaths on the grave at Monument Hill State Park as part of the annual Texas Heroes Day event.

The Kreische brewing operation did not continue because despite having six children, none of them had children of their own. The elder Kreische died in 1882.

The park is located at 414 State Loop 92 in La Grange. It’s open seven days a week year-round and admission is free. Hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and it is closed on Christmas Day.

Tours

Maps & Brochures

Restrooms

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

A 501(C)(3) nonprofit, The Bugle Boy not only provides live concerts, but takes the healing and educational power of music into the surrounding community through outreach programs in schools, nursing homes as well as programs for hospice patients and veterans.

Experience Original, Live Music In One Of America’s Premier Listening Rooms THE BUGLE BOY offers concerts by regional, national, and international, independent artists, performing original works that include blues, folk, jazz, rock, swing, country, western and singer/songwriters. A favorite venue of both artists and audiences, we also serve coffees, espresso, milkshakes, wine and beer. The Bugle Boy Foundation is supported by generous donations from music fans like you! Concerts are sponsored by the Bugle Boy Foundation

LL AN INT IMATE CONCERT HA

CONCERTS EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY. SHOWTIME 8:00 PM. DOORS OPEN 7:00 PM. 1051 N. Jefferson (US 77 N) La Grange, Texas 979-968-9944 For Information and Tickets: 14

WWW.THEBUGLEBOY.ORG

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

The Bugle Boy: It’s Like Having a Personal Concert The Bugle Boy is an intimate concert hall housed in a World War II army barracks located in La Grange. Doors opened in January of 2005 and shortly after, The Bugle Boy became one of the premier listening rooms in the country. As a non-profit organization, The Bugle Boy Foundation also sponsors music outreach programs in the community. What is a “Listening Room,” you ask? It’s just what the name implies: a space where you go to listen. Talking is discouraged during performances. A Listening Room environment creates the best and most intimate experience that an artist can share with an attentive audience. It’s like having a personal, live concert in your own living room. Artists who perform at The Bugle Boy have great things to say about this special listening environment, many stating it is their favorite venue to play. The audience often drive a great distance to see their favorite artists in this room. In 2017 The Bugle Boy earned a State-wide spot in the Austin Chronicle’s Best Of Music Poll as #2 Best Venue outside Austin City Limits. The focus is on original, independent singer/songwriters, who perform folk, blues, rock, jazz, swing and everything in between. The venue also attracts “bigger name” artists like Ray Wylie Hubbard, Ray Benson, Joe Ely and others. In addition to wonderful music, the Bugle Boy is a nonsmoking establishment and offers coffee, assorted teas, fine wines and beer. Bugle Boy takes its name from the Andrews Sisters’ 1940’s hit “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” The barracks now housing the Bugle Boy originated at the WWII Camp Swift Infantry Base in Bastrop. Since doors opened in January of 2005, The Bugle Boy has presented more than 1,000 performances of original, independent music and has become one of the premier listening rooms in the country. In 2008, supporters of The Bugle Boy created The Bugle Boy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, to sustain and elevate original live music through the operation of the listening room as well as many music outreach programs in the community. The Bugle Boy sponsored “BluzSkool” programs in all Fayette County elementary schools, a blues harmonica clinic which encourages creative expression. The Bugle Boy is an ambassador of two programs benefitting the elderly or infirmed. Music & Memory provides personalize iPods to nursing home residents, particularly helpful to dementia and Alzheimer patients, and Swan Songs provides personal concerts to patients in Hospice care. Soldier Songs & Voices provides free guitar and songwriting workshops exclusively for Veterans and Active Duty Military, hosted by professional touring musicians. All outreach programs are provided at no cost to the recipients. The Talent Trust is a program that helps up-and-coming artists promote a CD project. The Bugle Boy has awarded these funds to five artists to date, with one CD Grammy nominated for Best Americana album. In January 2012, the Bugle Boy became the first “Fair Trade” music venue in Texas, in recognition of our payment guarantees to performing artists. The Bugle Boy relies on your donations and a dedicated crew of volunteers to sustain the high quality of our programs. For more information on the Bugle Boy and its outreach programs, or to see their performance schedule, visit thebugleboy.org

BABY & CHILDREN’S GIFTS • CANDLES • JEWELRY • YELLOWBOX • CLOTHING HOME & GARDEN DÉCOR • INSPIRATIONAL ITEMS • & MUCH, MUCH MORE!

SHOP & PLAY the busy b

Thanks for visiting Fayette County, please enjoy:

ONE REGULAR-PRICED ITEM Present this coupon now through Nov. 30, 2017 to receive 20% off any single regular-priced item. Some exclusions may apply.

Visit us for all the details!

Holly McBroom, Owner

Louis & Vicky Bargas

The Proffesionals with a Personal Touch

LANDSCAPE DESIGN & INSTALLATION | LAWN & CHEMICAL MAINTENANCE IRRIGATION • LANDSCAPE LIGHTING | ROCK WALKWAYS, PATIOS & FIREPLACES LOUIS BARGAS LI#0017521

22O2 E. STATE HWY. 71 • LA GRANGE, TEXAS • 979.249.3280

Home of Town & Country Chimney Sweep

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Czech Center Keeps Rich Culture Alive developed there, which includes authentic old Czech homes, businesses and an old dance hall. There’s a wall depicting the names of Czech settlers who helped to found the area, an amphitheater built into a hill on a bank facing the mighty Colorado River, self-guided walking trails with legends in English and Czech, and a gift shop and library to trace your Czech ancestry.

With its rich heritage, it’s no surprise that La Grange is the hub for celebrating the Czech culture in Texas. Over 80 percent of the Czech-Moravian families who settled in Texas at some time lived in Fayette County before they spread out across the state. Celebrating that colorful heritage, which deeply enriches this community, is the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center. At its 70-acre site neighboring the Fayette County Fairgrounds just north of La Grange on Hwy. 77 is the multifaceted home of the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center. A replica of a late 19th and early 20th century CzechMoravian community is being

The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center is open: MondayFriday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact them at (888) 785-4500. The center is located at 250 West Fairgrounds Road in La Grange.

Lindemann Real Estate

ST OF F

ST OF F BE

TE C

O T Y •

TY •

•

ST OF

ET AY

TY •

E T T E CO AY

•

E T T E CO AY

www.lindemannrealestate.com 821 E. Travis • La Grange, TX 979-968-5803 Katy@lindemannrealestate.com

test

seal

Let us take you on a stroll through time back to Grandma’s house.

Katy Michalke Broker VOTED BEST Real Estate Agent In FAYETTE COUNTY

•

Serving Fayette and Surrounding Counties for over 50 years! We are here to serve you with Courtesy, Integrity and Professionalism!

seed cultivate distill

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

108 N. Washington

213 W. Travis

979-966-8390

979-639-5172

Thank You! Děkuji! Once again, you voted us Best Museum in Fayette County! Museum • Genealogy Library • Hanslik Banquet Hall Gift Shop • Amphitheater • Pavilion Czech Music Museum of Texas Restored Histroical Czech Family Homes & Buildings

250 West Fairgrounds Rd.

888.785.4500

Hours: Monday - Friday 10-4, Saturday 10-3 • www.czechtexas.org 2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Visit the Jersey Barnyard: A Taste of Farm Life

…a REAL farm experience! -All Year Around Feed Animals Milk a Cow Hay Rides Hay Maze

100% Grass Fed Grade A Raw Jersey Milk Free Range Eggs Organic Chicken Farmstead Cheese Local Products

Grass Fed Beef

You can try your hand at milking a cow at the Jersey Barnyard.

By FAITH FRERICHS

The Jersey Barnyard invites everyone to spend some quality time on its beautiful centuryold dairy farm with family and friends The Jersey Barnyard offers guided or self-guided tours that helps bring you into a glimpse of what farming life is all about. This fourth generation farm has seen feasts and the famines over the past 115 years. The family’s hard work and determination has led the farm to diversify and reinvent itself in order to survive ever-changing demands. While at The Jersey Barnyard, take a deep breath, relax and take it all in. Guinea fowl bring smiles and laughs at their antics. Precious chickens, pigs, goats, turkeys and more await visitors. Baby Jersey calves love new people. You can even hand bottle feed them milk. But the best treat for visitors is a hayride through the rolling hills of the farm, up to the dairy, and hand-milk the gentle dairy cows. The farm’s offerings don’t stop there. Knowing your food

source is becoming an important decision families make every day. The Jersey Barnyard offers 100% grass-fed Grade A raw milk, 100% Grass-Fed beef, pastured eggs, farm-raised pork, local honey, organic free-trade coffee, raw milk cheese, and the list keeps growing. These quality products as well as farm related gifts, Texas souvenirs, and hand dipped ice cream are available in the gift shop. The Jersey Barnyard offers fun-filled events throughout the year, with an Easter Egg Hunt in the spring and a pumpkin patch in the fall. Visit The Jersey Barnyard website for more information on the dates and times. Follow The Jersey Barnyard on FaceBook, Instagram or the website, www.texasjersey.com. Whether La Grange is your hometown or you are just passing through, don’t miss an opportunity to go on an educational tour of the farm or just come out and visit the store. The Jersey Barnyard doesn’t feed the world, just close friends and neighbors.

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Morning of Saturday, April 15, 2017 (Always the Saturday of Easter Weekend)

Last Week of September through October!

Featured In – Texas Highways Texas Country Reporter Longhorn Network – “Sam Out of the City” Cowboys & Indians Successful Farming

www.texasjersey.com Email - barnyard@cvctx.com 979-249-3406

The Texas Quilt Museum has multiple galleries with exhibits that change multiple times throughout the year.

Photo by Jeff Wick

La Grange Home of Texas Quilt Museum La Grange became the unofficial quilting capital of Texas on Nov. 13, 2011, as the Texas Quilt Museum opened in downtown La Grange. Ever since a steady stream of tour buses has been descending upon the two-building complex that also includes a massive 75-foot mural and turn-of-thecentury garden at 140 W. Colorado St. “These are quilts like you’ve never seen before,” said Karey Bresenhan, co-founder of the museum, who also founded the Houston International Quilt Festival The museum was the idea Bresenhan and

her cousin Nancy O’Bryant Puentes, who together have written a trilogy of books on Texas Quilts. The choice to bring the museum to La Grange was an easy one, said Bresenhan. “La Grange is right in the middle of Austin, Houston and San Antonio. It’s a crossroads to all these areas,” Bresenhan said prior to the museum opening. Even before the museum opened this area was already home to a vibrant quilting community. The Colorado Valley Quilt Guild holds “The Best Little Quilt Show in Texas” in La Grange every February. But the museum has sparked even more

interest in quilting locally. The quilts on display change every few months. In addition to a gift shop, the museum also houses the Pearce Memorial Library and Material Culture Center which features reference books about quilting and fabric collections. The museum’s hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $8 per person but is $6 for seniors, students and groups of 20 or more when arranged in advance. For more information check out www.texasquiltmuseum. org or call them at (979) 968-3104.

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Museums Here For Every Interest By LOUANN ADCOX The Fayette County Record

Fayette County is filled with museums for just about every interest. Just check out the times, fees and directions below.

• Central Texas Rail History Museum:

Artifacts, photos and documents. 104 E. South Main, Flatonia, hours: Friday 1-3 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m., or by appointment (713) 471-8068.

• Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center

Includes the Texas Czech Music Museum, the Czech Village of historic homes and the Texas Czech Agricultural Museum, opened in October 2014. The TCHCC is located north of La Grange on Highway 77 on the County Fairgrounds. (888) 785-4500. www.czechtexas. org Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Round Top Historical Society

Memorabilia, historical books, records and genealogy. 397 E. Mill Street, Round Top. http://roundtopareahistoricalsociety.weebly.com Open free to the public the 2nd Saturday of each month, noon to 3 p.m., or by appointment (979) 249-5058.

• Texas Quilt Museum

Showcasing the finest examples of traditional and art quilting from around the world. Exhibits change every three months. 140 W. Colorado St. in La Grange. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. (979) 968-3104. www.texasquiltmuseum.org

• Depot Museum and M-K-T Railroad Depot

260 North Washington Street, La Grange Learn the history of the local railroads

Spinning wheels on display at the Round Top Historical Society.

and their importance to the area by touring the MKT depot packed with artifacts and original furnishings. Two restored rail cars and an active track right outside. Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (except on holidays)

• Festival Institute, Library & Museum

American furniture, china, paintings, music and archives of Texas composer David R. Guion; the Anders Gustav Fredrick & Josephine Oxehufwud Collection of three centuries of Swedish Decorative Arts. Dedicated to music, arts and humanities. Preserves rare books, manuscripts, photographs, recordings and art; the personal library of former Texas State Librarian, Dr. Dorman Winfrey. Concert hall built by local craftsmen. Performances by international artists and musicians. 248 Jaster Rd. off State Highway 237, Round Top. Phone: (979) 249-3129 Web: www. festivalhill.org E-mail: info@festivalhill.org Open: By appointment, Mondays-Fridays.

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Photo by Bobby Bedient

• Texas Polka Music Museum

Dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of polka music in Texas by honoring Texas polka bands and musicians of Czech, German and Polish ancestry. Located at 625 North Main in downtown Schulenburg. For more information call (979) 743-4752. Website: www.texaspolkamuseum.com

• Monument Hill, Kreische Brewery State Park Remains of an early brewery and the monument to the men of the 1842 Dawson Mier Expedition who drew the “black beans of death” after their capture by the Mexican Army at Salado Creek. See an outstanding view of downtown La Grange and the Colorado River. A Texas Heroes Day is held at Monument Hill every September featuring re-enactors and guest speakers. 414 State Loop 92 off U.S. 77 (on the bluff) Phone: (979) 968-5658 Open every day but Christmas 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call for tour information.

Continued from previous page

• Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum

The history of the Stanzel brothers’ role in the development of fly-by-wire model airplanes. See the “Barn” where the early work was done by the Stanzels. 311 Baumgarten St., Schulenburg (Off U.S. 77). Phone: (979) 743-6559 Web: www. stanzelmuseum.org E-mail: museum@stanzelmuseum.org Open: Monday, Wednesday Friday, and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Fayetteville Area Heritage Museum

History of Fayetteville area. Home of the Teddy Schultz model trains & railroads collection, plus history of the Baca Band and local church artifacts. 119 N. Washington on the Square in Fayetteville Phone: (979) 877-5290, email fayettevillemuseum@ yahoo.com. Open most Saturdays 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sunday to Friday by appointment.

• Flatonia Rail Park

ings from early Flatonia homes, businesses, clubs, schools and churches, while the second floor houses the Flatonia area Veterans Museum. A separate barn contains a country life collection with a complete farm kitchen and a wide array of vehicles and farm implements.101 E. North Main, Flatonia Phone: (361) 865-3455 E-mail: arnimmuseum@att. net; Web: www.arnimmuseum.org. Open: Thursday-Friday, 1-4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m., or by appointment.

• Schulenburg Historical Museum

The main focus of this museum is to feature the equipment and methods used by early settlers to the area, 631 N. Main St., Schulenburg across the street from the Chamber of Commerce; Open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for special events. Call (979) 743-2403 for more information.

• Texas Basketball Museum

A treasury of Texas basketball memorabilia ranging from Shaquille O’Neal’s high school jersey to early basketballs and scoreboards. It opened in 2009. A Hall of Fame Room details exploits of famous Texas prep basketball players. The museum is run by Bob Springer, a former college basketball player and coach, the publisher of Texas Basketball magazine. Many items in the museum Springer collected himself over the past 40 years. Located in Carmine on the corner of Augsburg Ave. and Hauptstrasse Street. For more information or to set up a tour call (713) 898-7667.

The Fayette Heritage Museum and Archives rotates displays throughout the year from their extensive collection.

Southern Pacific Tower #3 and Southern Pacific Caboose #4743; Open by appointment. Covered railroad photo pavilion (open 24/7). Main Street at Railroad Tracks Phone: (361) 865-3003, email bandit1934@att.net

• Fayette Heritage Museum Archives

Rotating displays on Fayette County history. Extensive collection of county genealogy, microfilmed publications, local documents, photographs and data from the early 1800s. 855 South Jefferson, La Grange. Phone: (979) 968-6418 E-mail: library@ cityoflg.com Open: Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 - 5 p.m.

• E.A. Arnim Archives & Museum

The museum documents the early history and continuing development of Flatonia and the surrounding communities. The ground floor showcases goods and furnish-

Antique tractors on display at the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center’s Heritage Fest every October in La Grange. Photo by Andy Behlen

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Reasons to Visit La Grange’s Weekly Farmers Market Quilting, Knitting, Crochet, Embroidery and more *Gift Cards Available 126 W. Colorado, La Grange, TX 78945 HOURS Wednesday - Friday 10-6 Saturday 10 - 5 Sunday 12-4

979.968.8200

www.thequiltedskein.com

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

1. Mingle with the locals on Saturday morning on the Courthouse Square because they know what’s good. 2. Choose from locally grown, wholesome produce that has been harvested hours – rather than days – earlier. 3. Look for unusual varieties of in-season fruits and vegetables and be adventuresome - try something new. 4. Strike up conversations with growers to learn what they grow, what gardening practices they follow and why. 5. Support local growers by putting dollars in their pockets, so they’ll be encouraged to return home and plant more seeds. * The Farmers Market is held every Saturday morning on the courthouse square in La Grange.

Come see why we were

NEW YORK STYLE BRICK OVEN PIZZA

Voted the Best

SANDWICHES • SALADS • SOUPS FRESH FRUITS • HOMEMADE PIES

• PIZZA • SANDWICH (2015) • SOUP (2015)

CRAFT BEER s WINE

in Fayette County!

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

R o a W S w f N B C f M w M

e p a a p c v o

Building Trust You Can Depend On for 35 years

979.968.9000

HIGHSMITHBUILDERS.COM est. 1982 24

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Train Buffs Love Railroad Depot The La Grange MKT (Katy) Railroad Depot is located at its original site adjacent to the tracks at the intersection of North Washington and Lafayette Streets. The building, which has waiting rooms, an office and a freight area, was completed in November 1897 by the Taylor, Bastrop and Houston Railway Company to replace the town’s first station, which burned in March of that year. The TB&H was soon taken over by the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. Highlights of the museum exhibits include the original pot-belly stove, M-K-T safe, and stationmaster’s desk, in addition to numerous historic photographs and a gold-headed can presented to James Converse in 1880 in appreciation of his successful efforts to bring

Blissful Folly Farm founders Wendy and John Rohan.

The Buzz on Mead The Railroad Depot Museum in downtown La Grange is open Saturdays. Photo by Russell Bennett

a railroad to La Grange. There also are handson exhibits for both adults and children. The museum opened on April 29, 2006. Adjacent to the museum are a pair of historic railroad cabooses. Located right next to the tracks, the La Grange Railroad Museum is open every Saturday (except occasional holidays) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Blissful Folly Farm is situated between the small communities of La Grange, Round Top and Fayetteville in the beautiful countryside. The farm is home to Rohan Meads, Blue Mule Wines & Blissful Folly hard ciders and fruit wines. All of our products are small batched and made on-site. Rohan Meadery is Texas’ oldest meadery and specializes in the recreation of mankind’s’ oldest fermented libation - mead. TASTING ROOM HOURS: Wednesdays by appointment only Thursdays - Sundays 12 - 6 pm. Tastings: 5 samples of meads/ wines or ciders in stock for $5

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Catering Available

Thank you!

Voted Best in Fayette Co. 4 years in a row

979.968.8957 658 S. Jefferson La Grange, TX 78945

www.lasfuentesmexicanrestaurant.net

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Courthouse Celebrates 126th Birthday in 2017 The Fayette County Courthouse is the heart of the downtown La Grange historic district. Here’s a look at some of the history of the 125-year-old building: San Antonio architect J. Riely Gordon designed the Fayette County Courthouse, as well as 13 other Texas county courthouses, in addition to the state capitol in Arizona. This is Fayette County’s fourth courthouse. On April 9, 1891, the cornerstone for the current Fayette County Courthouse was laid by the local Masonic Lodge. A celebration with dining and dancing, attended by about 2,000 people, went on into the early hours of the next day. The three-story building is a masonry and stone Romanesque Revival structure with a clock tower rising over the main entrance. All offices and the courtroom are arranged around a 30-foot by 30-foot square central courtyard. The exterior walls are built of Belton white limestone, complemented with blue sandstone quarried at the nearby Fayette County community of Muldoon. Red Pecos sandstone stringcourses (decorative horizontal moldings) and pink Burnet granite columns and steps add to the richness of the building. At the base of the clock tower is a large stone slab on which is carved a large American eagle. On the corners of the tower and above the entrances are dragons carved out of the eight ridge points. The roof is covered with Spanish tile made from slate. The central courtyard, which was closed-in to make space for a vault and more offices in 1949, was reclaimed during the restoration of the courthouse and now is filled with plants and a fountain. The courtroom,

The current Fayette County courthouse was completed in 1891.

Photo by Russell Bennett

85-feet by 42-feet in size, is shaped like a half moon and has been used as a set for several movies, including “Michael” featuring John Travolta. The upper courtroom gallery can seat 500 people. When the Fayette County Commissioners’ Court formally accepted the new building on December 1, 1891, the total cost was $99,407.04. Funding for the construction was provided by the sale of 90 $1,000 bonds. In late February 1893, the courthouse was lit with electricity for the first time. In 1913, the basement and the first floor were flooded with five feet of water. After a complete restoration, the Fayette County Courthouse was rededicated on June 25, 2005. It stands as a time-honored symbol of justice in Fayette County. The courthouse is open daily until 5 p.m. and visitors are welcome to walk around, but please be aware Renovations to return the atrium at the center of the courtthat county business and trials may be going on. Volun- house to its former glory (it had for decades been closed up teers also open the courthouse for visitors most Saturdays. and used for storage) were completed in 2005. 2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Big City Care in a Rural Hospital Whether you are a resident or a visitor, contact St. Mark’s Medical Center in La Grange if you experience a medical emergency or need to make health care decisions. Our local hospital offers comprehensive health services, advanced technologies and medical specialists that rival those of major metropolitan institutions. “With our team of excellent, highly skilled physicians and caring, dedicated staff, we provide excellent care with a spirit of family and hometown trust,” states Rick Montelongo, President and CEO.”

Partnership with Austin Heart

In 2015, St. Mark’s Medical Center opened the doors to a

brand new cardiovascular imaging center that offers the latest diagnostic technology right here in La Grange. This endeavor, in partnership with Austin Heart, brings advanced capabilities, as well as the expertise to diagnose and care for heart and vascular disease in a sophisticated, comfortable environment close to home. A trusted name in heart health, Austin Heart is the largest provider of cardiac and vascular services in Central Texas through its 13 Central Texas office locations. St. Mark’s Cardiovascular Imaging Center, with its 4D cardiovascular ultrasound systems and their line-up of cutting edge technologies, offers to residents with heart disease the ability to be

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

cared for in their community. The broad range of progressive equipment available at the Cardiovascular Imaging Center allows the team of dedicated Austin Heart cardiologists to benefit from streamlined data with easy access to precise, relevant information, making it possible to provide fast and accurate diagnosis of cardiac and vascular issues.

Orthopedic Excellence

A comprehensive offering of orthopedic services is performed at St. Mark’s Medical Center, including hip and knee replacements. These specialized services are rarely available in rural hospitals; however, they are a cornerstone of healthcare options pro-

vided at St. Mark’s Orthopedics. St. Mark’s Medical Center’s orthopedic care was expanded to treat musculoskeletal trauma, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders. Our specialists in orthopedic care are outstanding professionals and our hospital’s sophisticated diagnostic imaging equipment enables us to perform diagnostics quickly and efficiently. Mr. Montelongo states, “In January of this year, we at St. Mark’s replaced our CT scanner with the newest model that with our MRI equipment enables our orthopedic department to offer the services needed by the community.” In an effort to keep all of our

Continued on next page

St. Mark’s: Health Care With Hometown Trust Continued from previous page zation, with proficiency testing community mobile St. Mark’s also offers physical therapy. This specialized service is delivered by highly trained personnel who are readily available at St. Mark’s. Patients are able to receive a complete circle of care from the emergency department to treatment through rehabilitation. This availability is especially important to area residents, who are grateful to have access to excellent healthcare where they live rather than having to drive to Austin, Houston or San Antonio.

In An Emergency

St. Mark’s emergency department is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a medical team specifically trained to handle any emergency. The team is comprised of a medical director who is board certified in emergency medicine and nursing professionals certified in advanced cardiac life support, pediatric advanced life support and trauma nursing care. A multi-disciplinary team consisting of local, county and statewide services provides rapid response to any critically injured patient. Our hospital has strong relationships with all the healthcare agencies in the community, including ambulance services and an on-site air-transport service. St. Mark’s emergency department has two rooms designated specifically for patients arriving with chest pain. The laboratory at St. Mark’s Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of tests on-site to support its physicians, as well as other hospitals and healthcare entities. The lab services are fully accredited by COLA, which is the premier independent clinical laboratory education, consultation, and accreditation organi-

monitored by the American Proficiency Institute. Consulting pathologists are board certified in anatomic and clinical pathology with subspecialties in cytopathology, dermatopathology and hematopathology. A Level IV Trauma Designated Facility, St. Mark’s Medical Center has met and maintained the standards directed by the Texas Department of State and Health Services. This level of care provides initial evaluation, stabilization, diagnostic, surgery and critical care services, plus transfer to a higher level of care, if necessary. Patients requiring the highest level of acute care for vascular or heart procedures or brain surgery frequently are referred to our affiliate, St. David’s HealthCare in Austin. St. Mark’s is affiliated with St. David’s, which is one of the largest, most highly regarded health systems in Texas, this partnership is extremely beneficial for St. Mark’s Medical Center and our community. “St. David’s has an outstanding reputation for managing very complex health issues, especially in emergency situations,” states Tammy Hartfield R.N. and CNO of St. Mark’s.

11 Years of Service and Counting

Primarily serving the residents of Fayette and Lee Counties with a population base of approximately 50,000, St. Mark’s Medical Center is a 65-bed, 100,000-square foot not-for-profit hospital. St. Mark’s Medical Center celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2015. “At St. Mark’s Medical Center, our mission is providing excellent care with a spirit of family and hometown trust,” states Rick Monetelongo.

St. Mark’s Medical Center in La Grange.

Once again! Proud to be Voted Best Kitchen/Bath Store in Fayette County! •Gift Registry for Bridal Showers, Weddings Anniversary, Birthday •Cooking Classes

•Quality Cookware, Bakeware & Cutlery •Kitchen Gadgets •Tea, Spices, Coffees •Health Products

226 W. Colorado St. ‘On the Square’ La Grange, TX 78945 lepetite@cvctx.com

979.968.4000 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

www.lepetitegourmetshoppe.com 2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Texas Heroes Museum Created in La Grange A new museum is being created in an old historic building. The Old Fayette County Jail was opened in 1883, and it remained in service for 102 years. Except for the bars on the windows, you might think this two-story Victorian Gothic stone structure is a beautiful church. Take a free guided tour of the interior to see displays of Old Jail artifacts and memorabilia from the seven sheriffs in charge of its operation from 1883 to 1985. Go inside a cell to get a feel for what it was like to be a prisoner. See the small room that was the sheriff ’s office and family living room. Visit the new library in the room that was once the kitchen where the sheriff ’s wife cooked meals for her family and the prisoners. The Old Jail has served in many capacities, most recently as the Main Street’s visitors center. Now that the visitors center has moved to the restored Casino Hall, the Old Jail is the home of a new museum. The Texas Heroes Museum honors Texans

who have answered the call to secure and defend freedom and liberty from the time of the Texas Revolution to modern times. One of our first displays honors the volunteers of Fayette County and neighboring counties who were killed in the Dawson Massacre and those involved in the infamous “Black Bean Incident.” Add to your experience with a visit to nearby Monument Hill State Historic Site to see the memorial to those who died in these events. Visit the museum in September during the weekend of

Texas Heroes Day for special programs. The museum is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. If you, your family, or your ancestors sacrificed to make Texas the great state it is, we want to honor them by telling your stories. Stories are best enhanced with photographs and/or artifacts which can either be loaned or donated. The Old Jail is open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Call (361) 210-7318 for group tours on other days.

The new Texas Heroes Museum will honor veterans of conflicts ranging from the Texas Revolution to modern day.

Texas Heroes Museum

Honoring Texans who have answered the call to defend their country, their property and their freedoms

NOW OPEN!

Friday through Sunday for free tours of this beautiful historic building

361.210.7318

texasheroesmuseum@gmail.com

171 S. Main St. • La Grange, TX 78945 (Old Jail)

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

The Fayette Public Library is located at 855 S. Jefferson St. in La Grange.

Visit Library/Archives The Fayette Public Library building, at 855 S. Jefferson St. in La Grange also houses the Fayette Heritage Museum & Archives, which had rotating exhibits highlighting local history. The library has an extensive selection of books as well as numerous computers for public use. There’s also a playground and gazebo on the scenic tree-

filled library grounds, which encompasses a whole city block. Library Hours of Operation are: Tuesday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Closed

Steaks • Seafood • Pastas Burgers Salad Bar with Beans Great Homemade Desserts Beer & Wine

WINCHESTER DEPOT Antiques & Gift Shop Old Fashioned

Sundae’s • Milkshakes Malts • Floats • Sandwiches

Voted Best Steakhouse

2013, 2014 & 2015

204 THOMAS ST. • WINCHESTER • 979-242-3433

WWW.EATATMURPHYS.COM

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Fun at Camp Lutherhill just north of La Grange.

Thousands Attend Area Camps Every Summer Canoeing, Hiking, Swimming and more. Fayette County has become camp-central for all ages to have fun in the summer amongst the scenic natural beauty of this area.

Camp Lone Star

Camp Lone Star in La Grange opened in 1941. This camp offers teen, family and day camps (ages 5-14) from June to August. Campers learn what it means to belong to the body of Christ and allows them to experience God’s creation with outdoor activities and being renewed in faith. Some facilities include: archery, canoeing, swimming, hiking, song time, Bible study, and large group activities. Camp Lone Star also hosts retreats, church events and swim meets during the summer. Visit www.lomt.com for more information.

Camp Lutherhill

Camp Luther Hill’s mission statement is “A place for all people, of every generation to experience the love of Christ in unique settings and new ways.” Since 1954, this camp has been used as

a place to worship, study and play together for youth and families in La Grange. Enjoy Challenge Courses, games, swimming, high ropes and other activities. Lutherhill Retreats are also offered from October to April each year. Visit www.lutherhill.org for more information.

Camp Winchester

Camp Winchester outside La Grange is run by the Seale family and held on their 40-acre ranch. They have experience in running horseled camps and ministries and are keen to share this passion for the animals, and the Lord. Visit www.campwinchester.org for more details.

Camp Lost Pines

Camp Lost Pines covers 40 acres in Warda and is used year-round for summer camps, retreats, spring and fall outings and academic programs. At a capacity of 125 plus campers, they can enjoy swimming, a game room, basketball volleyball, soccer, baseball, disc golf and more. Visit www.camplostpines.com for details.

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Camp Tejas

Two other camps are located just over the Fayette County line. Camp Tejas – around since 1981 – is a Christian camp and retreat center near Giddings where more than 6,000 campers attend each summer. Opportunities are endless when it comes to fun: scavenger hunts, mud wars, wall and zip lines, sports tournaments (football, volleyball and basketball), swimming, archery, hayrides and more are all offered at Camp Tejas. The camp also hosts retreats and Lights of Tejas bringing in over tens of thousands of visitors a year. Visit www.camptejas.com for details.

Pine Cove Camp

Pine Cove Camp – around since 1964 – is located between La Grange and Columbus and offers several type of summer camps: Overnight Youth, Family, Day, Base and Safety. At this camp, visitors can expect bible studies, water sports, rope courses, ziplines, team games, and more. Visit www.pinecove.com/criercreek/ for more information.

Outstanding in the Field

Fayette County Attracts Wildflower Lovers

A Fayette County field in bloom.

Photo by Jerry Herring

Fayette County’s “painted roadsides” are now worldwide tourist attractions on a par with other famous “destination” foliage-watching opportunities. Usually by the first week of March, Texas wildflowers – first bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush, later Indian blanket, and Black-eyed Susan – are already popping up along the highways and byways of Fayette County. For bloom updates, visit sites such as www.wildflowerhaven. com, www.wildflowersightings. org and www.texasbluebonnetsightings.com. The Texas Department of Transportation will start providing sightings sometime in March at (800) 452-9292. Locally some of the best wildflower drives are along Highway 71 through La Grange, Highway 159 and 237 between La Grange and Round Top and along Interstate 10 between Flatonia and Schulenburg.

Capital Farm Credit understands that a piece of land is more than a place to go hunting; it’s an escape where you create memories with family and friends. We’re a cooperative — your goals are our goals. And our patronage dividend program means we share our profits and put money back in your pocket.

Together we’re better.

It’s your dream. Let’s make it a reality.

Partnership that really pays.

la grange credit office

979.968.5750 | 877.688.5500

capitalfarmcredit.com | NMLS493828

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Fayette County Parks

campsites, and picnic facilities make a comfortable base for recreation at Lake Fayette. Group camping area (up to 24 people) with screened shelter (sleeps four) electricity, three campsites, picnic tables, and a grill. Reservations: see information above for Oak Thicket Park.

Boat Ramp Park in La Grange: Easy access to Colorado River for fishing, tubing, and canoe trips. Boat ramp, volleyball court, picnic tables. Open daily dawn to dusk. Handicap accessible. Located under Business 71 bridge over river.

Flatonia City Park:

This park has a swimming pool, playground, sand volleyball court, baseball and softball fields, and a covered pavilion.

Plum Park on the Colorado:

Canoe put-in on the river between Smithville and La Grange. $5 fee per vehicle to enter. Primitive camping with picnic tables, fire rings and grills. Permit information 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 3366.

Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery:

On “The Bluff” is this wooded

In the last year new playground equipment has been put up La Grange’s in Kruschel Park (above) and White Rock Park.

park with monument to Texas heroes of Mier and Dawson expeditions (1840s). Home and ruins of historic brewery built by early German settler. One mile south of La Grange off US 77. Open daily from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; no fee. 414 State Loop 92, La Grange (979) 968-5658;

Wolters Park in Schulenburg: Includes swimming pool, basketball court, gazebo and playground. Also includes Jacob Wolters’ 1835 log cabin. Located at south end of Bohlmann Street.

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Oak Thicket Park at Lake Fayette: On 2,000-acre Fayette Lake. Features RV and tent sites, screened shelters, pavilion, picnic facilities, hiking trails, a sandy beach, playground, cabins and a boat ramp. Reservations: call Texas Parks Reservation Center (512) 389-8900 more than 48 hours in advance. For reservations less than 48 hours in advance, call the park at (979) 249-3504.

Park Prairie Park at Lake Fayette: Boat ramp, 12 tent- only

White Rock Park

Day-use park (23.5 acres), one of the largest on the lower Colorado River. Operated by the City of La Grange, (979) 968-5805.

Kruschel Park

Day-use park in La Grange with playground; 480 W. Colorado St.

Heritage Park

Day-use city of La Grange park with gazebo, playground in front of library; 855 S. Jefferson St.

Sherman’s Northside Park Day-use, riverside park; End of Hanacek Rd., La Grange

This grotto, fashioned after the one in Lourdes, France is just one of several beautiful outdoor chapels at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Hostyn.

Holy Ground

Hostyn Church Grounds Worth the Short Drive from Larger County Towns If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in unique, religious architecture, the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Hostyn at 936 FM 2436 just outside La Grange has numerous landmarks on site to view. The present church, the fifth one in Hostyn, was built in 1966. The massive Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto outside the church (pictured above) was built in 1925 replicating the famous grotto in Lourdes, France, with statues of Angel Gabriel, Saint Bernadette, and Our Lady Lourdes. The grotto was built in thanksgiving at the end of a long drought. Saint Wenceslaus Chapel was built in 1929 to commemorate the millen-

nium of Saint Wenceslaus, king and patron saint of the Czechs, standing on top of the chapel. Inside is a statue of Saint Jerome. The School Monument honors the teachers who taught at Holy Rosary School from 1924-1966. The school, which stood on the area that is now the parking lot was torn down in 1994. Civil War cannon were placed here by the U.S. government, in honor of Hostyn residents Joseph and John Lidiak. The father, Joseph, volunteered for the Confederacy. The son, John, was drafted by the Union when he was delivering a load of cotton. The log cabin was constructed in 1933 by traveling craftsman who made

concrete to look like petrified wood. The structure is a replica of the first Hostyn church, named Holy Trinity Church. Saint Anthony Chapel was built in 1926 featuring petrified wood interior with the statue of Saint Anthony of Padua. The outdoor Stations of the Cross are 14 stations that symbolize the Way of the Cross. The inscriptions are in Czech and English. A monument honoring Father Miguel Muldoon, who celebrated the first known Mass in Bluff (Hostyn) in 1831 was moved to the church grounds in 2008, from its former location on State Highway 77.

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Scenic Colorado River Flows Through La Grange By H.H. HOWZE The Fayette County Record

The Colorado River is probably the most defining natural feature in Fayette County. The river was a corridor for settlement and transportation in frontier times. Today, tamed by upstream dams, it provides residents and visitors alike with access to the natural – and human – history of the area. Ten miles downstream from the Fayette-Bastrop County line is the first public access to the river at the Lower Colorado River Authority’s Plum Park. The Colorado River as it flows from Plum to La Grange is full of surprises around every turn – and there are a lot of turns. Several species of birds frequent this stretch of the

Continued on next page

r b h e d b s

The Colorado River is beloved by fishermen, boaters and wildlife. Birds seen on the river include bald eagles and roseate spoonbills. Photo by Bobby Bedient

W HE N Y O U CA R E E NO U GH T O S E ND T HE VERY BEST.

Gifts | Cards | Balloons 1982

979.968.8555

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

2017

240 W. Colorado|La Grange

T G

Wildlife Abundant on Colorado River Here Continued from previous page

river: barred owls, green and blue herons, American egrets, hawks, crows, green kingfishers and black vultures. Further downriver, a sheer white chalk bluff rises 200 feet on the east side while needle-nose gar snap

at dragonflies and butterflies on the smooth surface. A two-hour float from Plum brings travelers to the broad mouth of Rabb’s Creek. This is where William Rabb and his family, members of Stephen F. Austin’s “Old Three Hundred,” settled on a three-league headright

(about 12,000 acres) in 1822. The young settlement of La Grange was established in the 1830s on the east side of a pre-historic “buffalo crossing.” Today the LCRA maintains a convenient boat ramp for river tourists under the

Business 71 bridge. The river authority also provides a river guide to other put-ins and take-outs along the river. Below La Grange, the next public take-out is White Rock Park on river left, a short but scenic one hour float. VISIT THE

M-K-T RAILROAD DEPOT MUSEUM

REAL & MODEL TRAINS, PHOTOS, HANDS ON EXHIBITS

Open Sat. 9:00-2:00

This bald eagle was one of two nesting along the Colorado River just outside La Grange last spring. Photo by Jeff Wick

260 N.Washington, La Grange, Texas 1 Block north of the Square, just behind the Quilt Museum Info at Chamber of Commerce 979-968-5756

Activities: Historic Sites • Picnic Area • Hiking Trails Guided Tours • Scenic Views Wildlife Viewing • GeoCaching

Diggs Real Estate Inc.

High on the bluff overlooking La Grange 414 State Loop 92 La Grange, TX 78945

1824 E. State Hwy 159 La Grange, TX 979.968.6143

...For all your Real Estate needs

(979) 968-5658

Free Admission

Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m.Daily

Jerri Ann Taylor, Broker Nancy Diggs, Owner Jean Heger, Agent

A Beautifully Preserved Pioneer Home www.Diggsrealestate.com

822 S. Jefferson, La Grange, Across from the Library Open 2nd Sat. each month 1-4 pm and by Appointment Contact Marie Watts at marie.watts@faisonhouse.org

713-628-9065

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Fayette County Events Calender- Spring 2017 By REGINA KEILERS The Fayette County Record

No matter the time of year, you can find a festival to interest you here in Fayette County Here’s a partial list of some special events:

APRIL • Apr. 1 - Flatonia Rail Fan Pavilion Party - Rail fans gather at the cross rails pavilion for a fun day of train watching. • Apr. 1 - 4th Annual Schulenburg Sausagefest. Sausage cookoff, arts and

FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS

crafts and live music. • Apr. 22 - Flatonia Chamber of Commerce CRAWFEST - A feast of Crawfish & trimmings, beer & wine, silent auction, live music & dancing. • Apr. 26 - Public Dance. A dechovka (brass band) from the Czech Republic will perform beginning at 7 p.m. Czech-style stew available at 6 p.m. See www.czechtexas.org for details. • Apr. 29 - Jerry Weir Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament - Flatonia Golf Course • Apr. 29-30 - BP MS-150. A two day, 150-mile bicycle journey from Houston to Austin to raise money for the fight against MS. This is the largest event of its kind in North America. Riders spend Saturday night at the Fayette County Fairgrounds in La Grange. Day

Two starts at the fairgrounds and ends at the State Capitol. MAY • May 6 - Historic Walking Tour of Downtown La Grange • 9:30 a.m. • May 6 - Flatonia Cinco de Mayo Fiesta - Downtown Parking Lot • Flatonia, Texas • May 6 - 2nd Annual Gumbo Cook-off & Crawfish Boil. Live Bands, DJ, Gumbo Cookoff, Car Show. Noon-11 p.m. For more information call The Stone Cellar (979) 249-3390 or see website www.stonecellarwines.com. • May 6-7 - Art Walk 2017, two-day fine art show, sponsored by Arts for Rural Texas. Fayetteville Square. Saturday - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information see

Continued on next page

548 S. REYNOLDS LA GRANGE, TX 78945

979.968.8069 Tejas Health Care is here when you need us!

DANIEL CERNOCH PLUMBING, INC.

M18613

Feel Better Today! La Grange Medical 753 E.Travis St. (979)968-2000 La Grange Dental 220 W. Guadalupe St. (979)968-5700 Giddings Medical 898 Richmond St. (844) 892-2806

www.tejashealthcare.com

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

THANK YOU FOR THE HONOR OF BEING NAMED HARDWOOD & LAMINATE • TILE & STONE CARPET • VINYL • WINDOW COVERINGS • FLOORS BATHROOMS • BACKSPLASHES & COUNTERS

BEST FLOORING COMPANY 2012 • 2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016 Janet Bayer, Oﬃce Manager • Gary & Gale Lincke, Owners

979.968.3985 146 N. JEFFERSON LA GRANGE, TEXAS 78945 MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM-NOON; 1-5PM NOON, AFTER HOURS & SATURDAY BY APPOINTMENT

Local Events Spring/Summer 2017 Continued from previous page website www.artsforruraltexas.org. • May 13 - Round Top’s Stone Celler Spring Wine Fest. Call (979) 249-3390 or see website www.stonecellarwines.com. • May 19 - Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center 20th Anniversary Special Event, Hanslik Hall– Legacy of Svatava Jakobson & the Texas-Czech Legacy Project, Presented by Prof. Lida Cope 4-8 p.m. • May 20 - Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center 20th Anniversary Special Event – Amphitheater • 7-9 p.m. • May 20 - The Cowboy Ain’t Dead Yet, a one man musical comedy. Historic Casino Hall • 7 p.m. • 254 N. Jefferson • La Grange. For more information see

website visitlagrangetx.com/cowboy • May 21 - May Fest (Slavnost) at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center. A tribute to the immigrants, 10:30 a.m. • Meal served at 11 a.m. • Live Music, 12:30-5 p.m. • Car Show and much more. For more information call (888) 785-4500 or see the website www.czechtexas.org. • May 26-28 - 81st Annual Ellinger Chamber of Commerce Tomato Festival: Friday-BBQ Registration/Setup Saturday-BBQ Cookoff, $1 Dance with music by Black Cat Choir Sunday-Parade 10 a.m., Fried chicken and sausage lunch. • May 28 - Flatonia American Legion Memorial Day Service

No Pond, No Lake Too Big or Too Small Services Dozer • Scraper • Excavator Services land clearing And Reshaping lake/pond building Restoration engineered building pads shredding • demolition • fully insured Serving Fayette County Since 1995

at the Legion Hall in Flatonia. Memorial Service and meal. • May 31 to July 12 Round Top Music Festival, Round Top Festival Institute JUNE • June 4 - Round Top Music Festival. June 4-July 15, Festival Concert Hall. Go to www. festivalhill.org for other concert and event information. • 5 - Good Old Summertime Classic Bike Ride First Sunday in June, Starts in Historic Fayetteville Town Square, The event is a fully supported ride with distances ranging from 25 to 65 miles followed by a BBQ lunch. • June 9 - Summer Movie Nights on the Square. Live Music by Chris Topher and the

Smokin’ Guns, followed by a movie on an enormous inflatable screen. Live music - 7 p.m. Movie - 8:30 p.m. Zootopia. Fayette County Courthouse Lawn, 151 N. Washington St. La Grange, Texas. For more information go to visitlagrangetx.com • June 10 - Main Street Flag Day celebration. Courthouse Square, La Grange. • June 17 - Aztec Dance Extravaganza • Historic Casino Hall • 254 N. Jefferson • La Grange, Texas • 2 p.m. For more information go to www. visitlagrangetx.com/aztec • June 17 - Juneteenth Parade & Celebration, always the weekend nearest June 19, in La Grange

Continued on next page

Dance every Tuesday Night at the Randolph Center 653 E. Pearl Street La Grange, Tx 7-9 PM

Lessons Starting every Fall!

Texas Independence Dance every Spring State Wide Attendance! National Callers and Cuers! for more info call 979.203.6923 or 979.966.8054 2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Local Events Summer/Fall 2017

Continued from previous page • June 23 - Summer Movie Nights - Part 2. Live music - 7 p.m. Movie - 8:30 p.m. The LEGO Batman Movie JULY • July 4 - • Round Top 4th of July Parade, oldest continuous Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi River. • July 7 - Summer Movie Nights - Part 3. Live music - 7 p.m. Movie - 8:30 p.m. The Secret Life of Pets. • July 9 - Fayetteville City Wide Garage Sale, Second Weekend of July. Maps showing the locations of the garage sales will be available for treasure hunters on the Courthouse’s front steps starting at 7 a.m. Call Liz Cubage at (979) 378-4021. AUGUST • Aug. 4-7 - Schulenburg Festival, the “National Party of Texas.” Three big days of rodeo, live music, great food, and a fun run.Wolters Park • Schulenburg, Texas. For more information go to www.schulenburgfestival.org. • Aug. 5 Breakfast at Tiffany’s - Champagne Brunch • 10:30 a.m. • Historic Casino Hall • 254 N. Jefferson • La Grange, Texas. For more information go to www.visitlagrangetx.com. • Aug. 11-13 - Fayette

County Sheriff’s Posse Bull Riding and Rodeo Event, Sheriff’s Posse Arena, La Grange. • Aug. 15 - St. Mary’s Catholic Church - Praha - Prazska Pout - Annual Festival with mass, famous fried chicken & stew lunch, polka music, dancing, cold drinks & games! SEPTEMBER • Aug. 31- Sept. 3 - Fayette County Fair, La Grange, always Labor Day weekend. Music, dances, livestock shows, home ec exhibits, cookoffs, softball tournament. • Sept. 16 - Texas Heroes Day, Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites, La Grange. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Free Admission. • Sept. 16 - Oct. 2 - Fall Antiques Festival in Round Top and surrounding communities. Nationally recognized as one of the largest antiques events in America, drawing thousands of dealers to tents, fields and buildings from Fayetteville to Burton. • Sept. 17 - Schützenfest, Round Top Rifle Hall. Dinner, dancing and the crowning of the crackshot König (king) are the highlights of this target-shooting competition, dating back to 1965. OCTOBER • Oct. 7 - Oktoberfest -

WE SPECIALIZE IN WEDDING, ANNIVERSARY AND SPECIAL OCCASION, ONE-OF-A-KIND CUSTOM CAKES!

cupcakes, cookies & more! Melissa Harris, DESIGNER/OWNER

979.702.9126

www.TheBestLittleCakeShopInTexas.com 40

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Craft Beer Tasting - Over 100 kinds of craft beers. Food. Live Music. Fayette County Courthouse Square, 3-7 p.m. Call (979) 968-3017 for details. • Oct. 14-1 Lickskillet Festival, Fayetteville. Polka music, barbecue cookoff, street dance, parade, queen’s pageant. For more information see www. fayettevilletxchamber.org. • Oct. 20-21 - Heritage Fest & Muziky • Two days of family fun and music Friday-Octoberfest on the Deck-4 p.m., Music by the Dujka Brothers from 6-9:30 p.m. Chicken & Dumplings served in the Hanslik Hall. Saturday- Entertainment All Day in the Hospoda (Beer Garden) 11 a.m.-6 p.m. • Music by the Red Ravens and Bohe-

mian Dutchmen • Antique Farm Equipment Show • Car Show • Tarock Tournament • Tours • Fireworks Finale 7-9:30 p.m. • Oct. 27-29 - CZHILISPIEL - Flatonia - One of the oldest and largest Czhili Cook Offs in Texas. Held every 4th full weekend in October. Three days of live music, czhili, BBQ, contests, entertainment & fun for the whole family. • Oct. 31 - Trick or Treat on the Square - Come dressed in your favorite costume and Trick or Treat at some of your favorite restaurants, shops and businesses on the Square in a fun and safe environment. Enjoy live music by Chris Topher and the Smokin’ Guns along with Halloween games on the Courthouse Lawn. 4-6 p.m.

Fayette County Fair Gets Bigger and Better Since 1927, the Fayette County Fair has treated local folks and area visitors to the biggest party between Houston and Austin. In the last couple of year’s big-name entertainers like Merle Haggard, ZZ Top and Charley Pride have drawn tens of thousands annually. The fair is always held the Thursday-Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. In 2017 that’s Aug. 31- Sept. 3. It all happens at the Fayette County Fairgrounds just north of La Grange on Highway 77. The four day-extravaganza is packed with events too numerous to mention, but here are a few that are always included: * A Queen’s Contest on opening night. * A Saturday morning parade through downtown La Grange. * A Carnival.

Country music legend Charley Pride headlined last year’s Fayette County Fair.

* Weekend Barbecue cookoff. * Softball Tournament. * Petting Zoo. * A wide array of local food vendors and live music at the German-Czech Mart. * Fine Arts Exhibits.

* A Commercial Exhibit Hall filled with vendors. Season tickets go on sale in July, sold by candidates for Fair Queen, or one-day admission tickets can be purchased at the gate.

* Livestock shows. * A Country Store. * Talent Show. * Headline performers every night on the main stage. * Horseshoe and washer pitching tournaments.

Also see www.fayettecountyfair.org.

MEN & WOMEN HAIRCUTS BRIDAL STYLES ALL OVER COLOR FOIL HIGH & LOW LIGHT DEEP TREATMENT SYSTEMS For Weddings, Proms, any WAXING Special occasions contact us! AIRBRUSH MAKEUP

VOTED BEST HAIR SALON 2016!

979.968.6815

WWW.REVEHAIRSALON.COM

420 W. Travis St. ste. 104 La Grange

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Fayetteville Filled With Arts and Cultural Offerings

By Pat Johnson

Spring has sprung and there’s nowhere like Fayetteville for this time of year. There is a good reason that Fayetteville has drawn artists and musicians here for decades, with its rolling hills and wildflower prairies which can be the best canvas and inspiration of all. Fayetteville is also, 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 exhibits at the galleries. Come explore one of the prettiest places in central Texas. On the Square at 119 N. Washington Street you will find one of the most unique museums in Texas. Fayetteville Area Heritage Museum is open most Saturdays 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and by appointment. See Teddy Schulz model train exhibit, Edgar von Minden’s miniatures of some of Fayetteville’s most historic structures, and other fascinating artifacts and curiosities from the area and its colorful inhabitants - past and present. There is too much to see and discover in one visit…so visit often! A self-guided Walking Tour of the historic Fayetteville square and its Precinct 2 Courthouse is also available for a small donation to the Museum. The Fayetteville Picking Park is held under the shady trees and in the Old Fire Station on the 42

town square. Picking Park is held on the second Saturday of each month, except December. Free to the public and participants. A slow jam begins at 1 p.m. in the Old Fire Station led by Lou Lou Barbour. You can find musicians gathered under the pecan trees all during the day. All levels of players are welcome. The Old Fire Station closes down at 10 p.m. but there is always plenty of jamming in the gazebo and on the square after 10 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to bring acoustic instruments, a lawn

chair ...oh, and a good attitude. It’s also fun just to listen! For additional information email Lou Lou Barbour, banjobooklady@ yahoo.com or contact Deborah Stepan at (512) 914-6640. At the end of March the whole county begins to fill up with vendors and dealers of junk and antiques. Fayetteville has its own flavor of the event with plenty of free parking, smaller crowds, convenient places to eat; it’s a must to find that treasure you’re looking for. The show usually starts the

middle of March and ends with a teriffic auction at the end of March. The show is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Come early and enjoy complimentary refreshments. There is even a Packing Up Sale where many great deals are made as the dealers are paking up to leave. Contact Lisa at (318) 465-1603 for more information. 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 Continued on next page

Silouetted against the lit backdrop of the Fayetteville Precinct courthouse, a fiddler plays as part of the Texas Picking Park jam session that occur the second Saturday of every month. Photo by Jerry Herring

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Continued from previous page 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 singer/songwriter Darden Smith, to perform and teach in local schools. Summer Art Camp is held annually for school-age children. It provides art enrichment through fiveweek summer sessions. They also host art exhibitions, music events and film screenings. ArtWalk is their annual outdoor juried fine art show on the square held this year on May 6th and 7th. ArtWalk promotes local, regional and national artists. There are over 60 participating artists, performing musicians and children’s art activities. Over $6000 in award money is given 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. Check out their website for the schedule of events and times, www.artsforruraltexas.org. Also in 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. World-class musicians from New York, Hungary, Poland, Houston and Austin perform in the 100 year-old Moravian Room at the Country Place Hotel in downtown Fayetteville where the natural acoustics bring a perfect warm, intimate sound to the musicians’ violin, clarinet and piano. The repertoire can include classics by Brahms, Mozart, and Beethoven, Czech favorites by Dvorak and Janacek, and Swedish pieces by Berwald, Netzel,

and Stenhammar, among others. The Chamber Music Festival will be held May 12th through the 20nd. Friday’s concerts begin at 8:00 pm and Saturday at 3 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. This spring the acclaimed Jupiter Quartet will join Founding Director Hakan Rosengren on stage. Open Rehearsals, preconcert Lectures, and in-school assemblies are held during the festival week. The Chamber Music Festival also presents house concerts throughout the year and will be performing at Celebrations in La Grange, Henkel Hall in Round Top and the Live Oak Art Center in Columbus, just across the county line. For a complete schedule visit www.fayettevillemusic.org. 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. The Red and White Inn and Gallery, 102 W. Main, has further placed Fayetteville on the art radar. The old Red and White store, 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 four-bedroom inn. On the first floor the Red and White Gallery shows one person and group exhibitions. The gallery opened in December 2012 with Edgar von Minden’s folk art buildings of 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 exhibitions

Continued on next page

A Great Weekend Getaway in the Country

ARTWALK 2017 Fayetteville, Texas

May 6th and 7th Fun for Everyone on Fayetteville’s Historic Square Fine Art & Wine Tasting Food & Fun For The Children Sat. 10am - 5pm Sun. 11am - 4pm

Jewelry, Steve Kriechbaum

Photography, Jamie Rood

Painting, Joseph Magnano

www.stayinfayetteville.com

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Fayetteville Architecture a Treasure Continued from previous page include painter William Anzalone, ceramic artist Pat Johnson, watercolor artist Mary Quiros and photographer Laura Wilson. The Red and White Gallery is open Friday from 4 -8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Check out upcoming exhibitions at redandwhitegallery.com. As you work your way around the historic square The Artist’s Vault, a unique venue is situated in the Old Bank Building. 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 MondayFriday 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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 of the Marquis de la Fayette for the County Courthouse. Her studio is open by appointment only. Other studios around the square include stained-glass artist Dick Bour who has been producing large scale stained glass projects for over two decades. Religiously themed work is a Bour Studio specialty. His store front display room is on the corner of 202 North Live Oak. 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 1990’s 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 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. Fayetteville, Texas is a magical, exuberant, colorful journey at any time of the year. Our history & 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.

StayInFayetteville.com HISTORIC INNS, B&Bs & HOTEL

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

s r C t i a c o

h y i

a S l b o s i

Fayetteville Bank to Celebrate 100 Year Anniversary This Year Fayetteville Bank has served Fayette and the surrounding counties since 1917. Come join the bank’s directors, officers, and employees in celebrating their 100 year anniversary. Food, drinks, and commemorative gifts will be offered throughout the event. Fayetteville Bank100 Years of Service Fayetteville Bank has a rich history in Fayetteville- this year, the bank is celebrating 100 years of service. The first known bank in the area was a private bank known as Schumacher Bank. According to local sources, Schumacher Bank began operating around the turn of the century and received its state charter in 1916, becoming Fayetteville State Bank. Farmers National Bank

Fayetteville Bank is part of a thriving business district on the town square in Fayetteville.

of Fayetteville was organized in late 1916 and was chartered and authorized to begin business in early 1917. In September 1933, the shareholders of Fayetteville State Bank voted to dissolve their bank and surrender their charter. The assets were sold to Farmer’s National Bank with the exception of $30,000.00 in real estate, stocks, and notes.

All of Fayetteville State Bank’s deposit liabilities were assumed by Farmers National Bank. In 1969, the shareholders of Farmers National Bank voted to apply for a state charter and to surrender their existing national charter. The new charter was granted January 2, 1970. The “new” Fayetteville Bank began operation on the first business day of the new year. Fayetteville Bank opened a loan office in Schulenburg, Texas in 1990. Due to the good rapport the bank built with their local clientele, the Bank converted the Schulenburg branch into a full-service operation in 1998. September 2003 once again brought changes to Fayetteville Bank. Industry Bancshares, located in Industry, Texas,

purchased Fayetteville Bank and James E. Lindemann became Chairman of the Board. In 2012, Fayetteville Bank expanded their operations and opened a branch office in La Grange, Texas. Fayetteville Bank has gone through many changes in its long history- ownership, charter, and name changes, and many innovations in technology and the banking world. The Bank has continuously enjoyed a stable, steady growth in deposits and earnings. Event Information: Fayetteville Bank 107 W. Fayette St., Fayetteville, TX 78940 Saturday, May 20, 2017 100th Anniversary Celebration

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Lake Fayette is Always Full For fishing, boating or just relaxing, one of Texas’ finest small lakes is found in Fayette County. Lake Fayette is located 10 miles east of La Grange off SH 159 near Fayetteville. Bass lovers have flocked to it for the past 30 years. You’ll need a state fishing license available at Walmart in La Grange. There is a 14-24 inch slot limit on black bass. Anglers may keep five bass 14 inches or less and one bass 24 inches or over. Lake Fayette was constructed by the LCRA and the City of Austin as a 2,400-acre cooling pond for the Fayette Power Project. Warm water discharged into the lake means that it can be fished year round. Park Prairie and Oak Thicket Parks Two parks provide access to Lake Fayette for boating, fishing,

camping or family reunions. Park Prairie and Oak Thicket parks are located on the north end of the lake. Daily access fees are charged. Oak Thicket Park At 85 acres, Oak Thicket is the largest and most developed park on the lake. Twenty RV sites with water, 30-50 amp hookups and a dump station are available. There are also cedar cabins of various sizes, screened shelters and tent sites. Amenities also include a pavilion for large gatherings, a children’s playground and a bird watching and nature loop. A multi-use trail runs from Oak Thicket Park around the perimeter of the lake to Park Prairie Park. Park Prairie Park Park Prairie is the smaller of

Lake Fayette hosts a number of fishing tournaments throughout the year.

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Lake Fayette was constructed by the LCRA and the City of Austin as a 2,400-acre cooling pond for the Fayette Power Project. Warm water discharged into the lake means that it can be ﬁshed year round.

the two parks at 14 acres. It features a boat ramp, dock and pier, tent camping and restrooms. Potable water is available. Reservations for facilities at

both parks can be made by calling the Texas Parks and Wildlife reservation line: (512) 389-8900 (choose option 2) or on short notice (979) 249-3344. Have fun!

An Iconic Art Gallery

The Red & White is the oldest commercial building in Fayette County. The bottom floor is the location of the Red & White Gallery, Fayette County’s newest fine arts gallery. Upstairs, over the gallery, is the newly renovated Red & White Inn. Each of the four beautifully decorated bedrooms has an en suite private bath, sumptuous bedding, beautiful artwork and each of the private bedrooms opens onto a spacious sitting area. For guests’ convenience, there is a full kitchen downstairs. Enjoy the views inside and out. Gallery hours Fridays 4 - 8 p.m. Saturdays 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Other times by appointment. Joan Herring 102 West Main Street Fayetteville, TX 78940 (713) 818-9766 ; Open Friday 4 - 8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

The Red and White Inn and Gallery has further placed Fayetteville on the art radar.

B L AC K B I R D FA R M

Hospitality

ROMANTIC LODGING, REHEARSAL DINNERS & RECEPTIONS IN & AROUND

FAYETTEVILLE, TEXAS

W W W. B L ACKBIRDFARMTEXAS.COM 2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

FAYETTEVILLE CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL WORLD CLASS MUSIC The Ross Gallery at ARTS for Rural Texas in Fayetteville.

Fayette County Filled With Art Galleries Carmine:

Victor’s Fine Arts

297 E. Thigpen, Carmine 281-216-0702 www.victorsfinearts.com Fayetteville:

ARTS for Rural Texas

Tues thru Sat 10-3 (free) 114 N Live Oak, Fayetteville 979-378-2113 www.artsforruraltexas.org

Red & White Gallery

Open: Friday: 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 102 West Main Fayetteville, Texas 78940 www.redandwhitegallery.com

The Artist’s Vault 123 N. Washington St (Mailing: PO Box 72); Fayetteville, TX 78940 979-378-2221 Open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Dancing Light Fused Glass Donna Sarafis, Glass Artist 936-436-2250 109 E. Market Street Fayetteville, TX 78940 www.dancinglightfusedglass.com Round Top:

The Gallery at Round Top

Wed thru Sun, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (free) 203 East Austin, Round Top 979-249-4119 www.thegalleryatroundtop.com 48

Copper Shade Tree

Fine Home 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 101 N. Live Oak Round Top; (Henkel Square) 979-249-4127 www.coppershadetree.com

D. Little Gallery

108 N. Washington Street Round Top, TX 78954 979-249-3770 Fri, Sat: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun: Noon to 4 p.m. Or by appointment www.dorothylittlefineart.com

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. World-class musicians from New York, Hungary, Poland, Houston and Austin perform in the 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 repertoire includes classics by Brahms, Mozart, Beethov-

en, Czech favorites by Dvorak and Janacek, and Swedish pieces by Berwald, Netzel, and Stenhammar, among others. This year’s festival starts May 12. Learn more from the ad on the next page.

The Orchid Tree Gallery

453 N. Washington Street Round Top, TX 78954 www.orchidtreeparkandgallery.com

The Humble Donkey Studio 192 Henkel Circle Round Top, Texas 78954 979-249-3814 www.humbledonkeystudio.com La Grange:

Texas Quilt Museum

Thurs.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun Noon-4 p.m. 140 West Colorado Street, La Grange 979-968-3104 www.texasquiltmuseum.org Schulenburg

Cment2b Garden Gallery

Stephanie Shroyer Artist 5121 Hwy 90 W Schulenburg 979-702-1246 www.cment2b.com

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

FAYETTEVILLE Propane Co., Inc.

Residential & Commercial Parts & Service •LP GAS PIPING & INSTALLATION •ABOVE & UNDERGROUND TANKS •SPACE HEATERS •OUTDOOR COOKERS •GAS LOGS •GAS GRILLS •WATER HEATERS •BOTTLE FILLING STATION

800.549.2213

1424 E. State Hwy. 159 • Fayetteville, TX

Historic Precinct Courthouse Precinct 2 Courthouse on Historic Town Square was built in 1880. the old jail still exists on the second floor complete with leg irons. The first court was held on February 17, 1881. A calaboose was added in 1887 and the bandstand gazebo built in 1932. The town clock tower was erected and the four-faced Seth Thomas Clock installed in 1934 for the Texas Centennial and still strikes on the hour and the half-hour, making Fayetteville the smallest town with a striking four-faced town clock. On the Square’s southeast corner, the Picnic Oak tree is over 100 years old. It’s located at 112 N Washington St Fayetteville, TX 78940 Step back in time.

Fayetteville’s Photo Experts In 1981, Dybala Photography ing and creative matting. No job is too large or too small. and Framing opened for busiWe offer quality photo copy ness in Rosenberg. In December and restoration services from your of 2012 we moved to historic photographs, negatives, slides or Fayetteville, Texas, where we are documents. We can remove cracks, now open on the town square. tears and stains, colorize black and Our primary business is white photos, custom framing. remove people We offer complete or change the custom framing background. services, providWe also ing our clients print custom with the highest photographs quality. All work is done on premBefore and after a Dybala restoration from your digital files. ises. We have over Our portrait work is now 1400 solid wood mouldings to limited to high school seniors. choose from. Our services include We also do commercial photogshadowbox detail, conservation raphy and passport photos. of fine art, needlepoint stretch-

Come out to the country and experience chamber music at its best! Hear world-class musicians in an intimate setting where you can meet the artists after the performances! 11TH ANNUAL FAYETTEVILLE CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL Performed in the Country Place Hotel, Fayetteville, Texas WEEK ONE

FRIDAY, May 12th, 8pm SATURDAY, May 13th, 3pm & 8pm WEEK TWO

FRIDAY, May 19th, 8pm SATURDAY, May 20th, 3pm & 8pm Tickets $15-$25. See www.fayettevillechambermusic.com or call 979.966.8251 for more information and to purchase tickets. HÅKAN ROSENGREN, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Ellinger C of C Hall

Where History and Hospitality Meet ellingertexas.com

.Wedding Receptions. Anniversaries.Parties or Any Special Occasion For information, call Michael Schlabach

979.968.9853

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Visit Fascinating Flatonia

FLATONIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WWW.FLATONIACHAMBER.COM

Area Attractions

E. A. ARNIM ARCHIVES & MUSEUM CENTRAL TEXAS RAIL HISTORY CENTER FLATONIA GOLF COURSE & CITY PARKS FLATONIA LIVESTOCK COMMISSION St. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, PRAHA (Painted Church) HOME OF CRAWFEST (April) and CZHILISPIEL (October) FLATONIA RAIL PARK PAVILION AT THE CROSS RAILS GREAT SHOPPING, RESTAURANTS and LODGING

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

latonia is a town on the tracks. The trains haven’t stopped in a few years, but the City is in talks with Amtrak and Union Pacific to bring passenger service back to Flatonia for the first time in decades. Until then, you’ll have to arrive on rubber tires, but it’s definitely worth the ride. Trains, cattle and oil brought wealth to this small town situated at the southwest corner of Fayette County. Beutiful old buildings line both North and South Main Streets in downtown Flatonia – remnants of a past when everything social was centered in downtown. Today, Flatonia remains a bustling community. The town is filled with friendly people who appreciate their heritage and relish their history. Flatonia and the surrounding area continues to rely on farming and ranching as one of its main sources of revenue, but recent oil and gas production is breathing some new life into this historic community.

Fairs, festivals, music, food, architectural landmarks, recreational opportunities are only a few of the attractions that lure people to the rolling hills and lush fields in and around Flatonia. If a person is looking for a prime example of small town Texas, then Flatonia is the place to be.

Central Texas Rail History Center

At one time, the railroads ruled this small Central Texas community. Farmers, ranchers and merchants depended on the trains to deliver the necessities of their livelihood. For the town’s citizens and those from surrounding communities, train transportation was their connection to the outside world. Today, the history of the rails in Flatonia lives at the Central Texas Rail History Center, located at 114 South Main Street across from the post office.

Continued on next page

Flatonia: Rail History, and a Whole Lot More

Continued from previous page

The Center houses many historical artifacts, model train displays and photographs from when ‘rail was king’ in Flatonia. Across from the Center stands old Tower No. 3, which was built in 1902 and served as a switching facility just west of downtown at the interlocker. Located at the interlocker is the Rail Photo Pavilion, a covered, elevated facility that affords rail fans an up-close view of trains traveling East-West and North-South. The photo pavilion is located only blocks from the Central Texas Rail History Center. For additional information visit the Center’s website at www.railcrossroadstx.com or call (713) 471-8068.

Crawfest

A Flatonia Chamber of Commerce event for the past 12 years, Crawfest is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing festivals in Fayette County. Held annually in April, the festival is a feast full of good food and fun. In addition to Gulf Coast crawfish and

shrimp, the menu includes Joel’s BBQ sausage, corn on the cob, potatoes, beer, wine, and live music and dancing. Crawfest is held at the American Legion Hall and additional information can be obtained by emailing www.flatoniachamber. com or email flatoniacofc@sbcglobal.net. You can also call the Chamber office at (361) 865-3920.

Golf Course

Flatonia’s nine-hole golf course has been described by many out-of-towners as the “best kept secret in Fayette County.” With oak tree lined fairways and a scattering of water hazards, the Flatonia course is a challenge to any player…no matter your skills. Carts and clubs are available for rent and a practice range is open and ready for your warmup swings. The clubhouse is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit www.flatoniagolf.com or call the clubhouse at (361) 865-2922.

A portion of a downtown mural in Flatonia celebrating the town’s railroad history.

CENTRAL TEXAS RAIL HISTORY CENTER Model Trains • Photos Galore • Railroading Artifacts Train Books, Magazines & Parts Manuals

104 S. Main St. • Flatonia, TX 78941 Friday 1-3 p.m. OPEN SATURDAYS 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Children Welcome! (713) 524-1750

WWW.RAILCROSSROADSTX.COM 2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Arnim Museum Houses Massive Collection of Local History The E. A. Arnim Archives & Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Flatonia area, including its people and its culture, making its collections available to the public for both research and entertainment. E. A. Arnim, Sr. and partner Jonathan Lane opened the Arnim & Lane Mercantile Store on Flatonia’s North Main Street in 1886, when the town was still in its infancy. Arnim’s eldest son, Judge E. A. “Sam” Arnim, Jr. spent a lifetime amassing an extensive collection of objects of local historic significance. In 1988, the Judge’s widow, Ann, had the idea of establishing a museum in Flatonia in his memory. The Flatonia State Bank offered its building, located across the street from the old Arnim & Lane store, to house the museum.

The E.A Arnim Museum “barn” displays old farm implements.

The collection soon expanded through a generous outpouring of additional donations from numerous other families with deep roots in Flatonia history and has not stopped growing yet. The ground floor of the Museum’s main building showcases goods and furnishings for

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

home and office, advertising memorabilia, an extensive photographic collection, antique children’s toys, clothing and more--all of which reflect the development of Flatonia from its founding in 1873. Highlights of this collection include several outstanding examples of fretwork

(scrap wood masterfully crafted into ornamental objects such as clocks and birdcages), mementos from the Flatonia Fair (1914 1936) and a horn settee which was manufactured at the Flatonia Horned Furniture Company and exhibited at the Dallas Fair in 1891—placing first in its class. Our Veterans Museum occupies the second floor of the main building and was opened in October of 2007 as a tribute to the men and women from the Flatonia area who have served in the Armed Forces, and as a reminder of the sacrifices they have made for our country. A “Wall of Honor” displays more than 300 photographs of individual veterans. Uniforms worn by local servicemen and women and memorabilia brought back from foreign wars fill smaller exhibit

Continued on next page

Flatonia’s History Beautifully Restored in Massive Arnim Museum Continued from previous page

students to visit its library for research and to see actual war footage from its DVD collection to fully understand the significance of past wars. Our barn contains a wide array of farm implements and a collection of vehicles ranging from a genuine covered wagon to a 1926 Chevy truck used to deliver farm produce in the area over a period of several decades. In addition to a display of “labor saving” laundry mechanisms spanning a century or more, a complete farm kitchen features everything a hardworking farm wife needed from crocks and butter churns to a wood burning cook stove. PHOTOGRAPHS: Our Museum is the repository

of the most extensive collection of photographs of the Flatonia area in existence. While many photographs are displayed throughout the exhibits, the museum collection holds more than a thousand additional photos of people, places, and events, illustrating the history of Flatonia and its surrounding communities from the 1880s to the present. We encourage families to bring their historical or cultural photos in so we can identify the scene, subjects, events, etc., and to allow us to make copies to place in our archives for the benefit of future historians. We are pleased to offer, for a fee, high quality prints of photographs and documents that are a permanent part of the E. A. Arnim Archives & Museum collection.

Cistern Country Store & Bar

The E.A. Arnim museum includes a photographic tribute to local veterans.

E. A. Arnim Archives & Museum

Live Music & Karaoke every weekend Dancing · Jukebox · Pool Tables burgers · bbq · deli sandwiches

361.865.3655 www.cisternstore-bar.com 12604 State hwy. 95 · Cistern, TX

Two buildings house a unique collection that will take you on a journey back through Flatonia’s cultural and historical past to its founding in 1873. Hours: Thursday and Friday 1 – 4 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to noon and 1 – 3 p.m. Available for special tours by appointment.

361-865-3455 or arnimmuseum@att.net 101 E. North Main St., Flatonia, Texas www.arnimmuseum.org 2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

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

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 places.

1870.

Nechanitz

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

Swiss Alp

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” non-Hispanic 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.

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.

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.

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.

Fayetteville

Ledbetter

The Congress of the Republic of Texas established Fayette County in 1837, and the community of Fayetteville was officially

In extreme north Fayette County, it was the first community in the county to be served by a railroad, which reached it in

Engle

U.S. 90 between Schulenburg and Flatonia

State Hwy. 159 at FM 955

U.S. 290, 8 mi. E of Giddings

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

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

Round Top

State Hwy. 71 at U.S. 77

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.

FM 3011 at FM 2145

La Grange

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.

Schulenburg

State Hwy. 237

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.

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.

B T

Czhilispiel Keeping It Spicy in Flatonia

Sitting behind the iconic pepper are the judges at last year’s Czhilispiel in downtown Flatonia, sampling the fare turned in by the teams in the chili cook-off.

By H.H. HOWZE The Fayette County Record

What’s in a name? Take “Czhilispiel” for instance. The famous chili cookoff and community celebration with the funny name (which this year will be held Oct. 27-29 in downtown Flatonia) causes newcomers to want to know: Exactly what kind of word is that? “We needed a catchy name,” said the late Dan Beck, former 155th District Judge. Beck was the man most often given credit for initiating the annual event. “The ‘Chilympiad,’ one of the original chili cookoffs, was already a big deal.” Chili plus “spiel” (German for “play”) was Beck’s suggestion. Long-time Flatonian Edwin

Zapalac claims credit for the “z” in “czhili.” “It acknowledges that there are Czechs as well as Germans in town,” he said in a phone call. That was actually year two. The first cookoff – without the distinctive name – was part of the town’s centennial celebration in 1973. Beck wanted to set the record straight as to whose idea the first chili cookoff really was: “Mike Herzik was a young lawyer – even younger than me – and he came up with the idea of a chili cookoff to help celebrate the centennial.” Herzik was from Praha and still practices law in Katy, according to Beck, his old employer and friend.

The centennial was a one-time event. Why did the chili cookoff re-appear the next year with the unusual name? “We needed a doctor.” Beck said. “Flatonia was a one-doctor town and old Doc Moorehead had died. It was a one-lawyer town too – but there were three of us,” he added with a chuckle. The idea was to raise money to help send a young person to medical school who would agree to come back and serve the town for at least five years. It worked like a charm. “We got a committee together and decided to continue the cookoff and dedicate the proceeds to the medical education of a

young woman. She graduated and practiced medicine in Flatonia for a lot longer than five years,” Beck said. “At one time it claimed to be the second-biggest cookoff in Texas with 150 to 175 cookers,” Beck recalled. He estimated the current number at 50 to 60. Now music is a big draw. There is always lots of bands, lots of dancing and lots of beer. The big show takes a big tent, and Czhilispiel boasts the “World’s Largest Tented Beer Garden.” Czhilispiel clearly still brings a lot of welcome cash into the local economy. Czhilispiel 45 takes place Oct. 27-29, 2017. For more information visit: www.flatonia chamber.com/czhilispiel.

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Downtown Schulenburg is is the site of the yearly Schulenburg Festival Parade. The Schulenburg Festival takes place during the first weekend in August each year. Photo by Andy Behlen

So Much to See in Schulenburg

By ANDY BEHLEN The Fayette County Record

museum’s treasures include the town’s original horse-drawn fire engine and a ceremonial sash worn by “The Flying Bull,” a Holstein bull calf that the Carnation Milk Company flew to Schulenburg from Wisconsin in an airplane in 1929 as part of a publicity stunt. The museum also holds the second-largest barbed wire collection in Texas. The Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum, located at 311 Baumgarten Street, showcases the history of the Victor Stanzel Company, which built model airplanes in a Schulenburg factory from 1929 to the early 2000s. Some of their early models, which are on display in the museum, were powered by gasoline and could reach speeds of over 100 miles per hour. Next door to the city museum, travelers can get a taste of the area’s culture by visiting the Texas Polka Museum. Located at 625 North Main Street, the museum houses numerous artifacts from early polka bands from the area like Julius Pavlas and the Gold Chain Bohemians and Adolph Hofner and the Pearl Wranglers. Those bands are largely forgotten today, but in the 1930s and 40s their music could be heard on the radio from coast to coast. The Gold Chain Bohemians performed on a weekly radio show broadcast nationwide from the Cozy Theater at the Von Minden Hotel, located just

Schulenburg sits about halfway between Houston and San Antonio on Interstate 10 and about halfway from Waco to the Gulf Coast on US 77. The town has long been a stopping point for travelers on the long trip – first by railroad and later by automobile. Just about anyone who has ever made the trip knows about the two iconic restaurants along the Interstate, Frank’s Restaurant and Oakridge Smokeshouse. Both are definitely worth making a stop. But Schulenburg has so much more to offer the adventurous traveler who treks a little further off the highway. The Hitching Post is a great place to start any visit to Schulenburg. Owner Donnie Dittrich can set you up with a new cowboy hat and a pair of sharp-looking boots – essential gear when walking the streets of Schulenburg. While waiting for Donnie to crease your new hat, grab a cup of coffee and a cone of hand-dipped Blue Bell Ice Cream at his convenience store next door. For such a small town (pop. 2,750), Schulenburg has an inordinate number of museums. The Schulenburg Historical Museum, located at 631 North Main Street, is a great place to start any visit. The museum chronicles Schulenburg’s history. Some of the 56 2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

around the corner from downtown at 507 Lyons Avenue. The hotel was built in 1927 and still showed films on the big screen until last year. From there, head over to Wolters Park to see the oldest building in town – the Wolters Family Log Cabin. The Wolters were one of Schulenburg’s most influential families. They donated land to the City for the park, which now bears their name. Joseph Wolters built the cabin in Austin County near Industry in 1835. The Wolters Family moved it to Schulenburg for preservation in 1941. Those looking for a place to eat might try Schulenburg’s newest restaurant, Garden Company Café and Marketplace, located at 217 Kessler Avenue (US-77). Schulenburg residents have been shopping for plants and flowers at the Garden Company Nursery for years. Owners Jeff and Stevie Thompson converted the old farmhouse that served as the business storefront into a restaurant in 2014. Inside, Chef Kenny Kopecky dishes out brick oven pizza and some of the finest gourmet fare to be found anywhere in the county. Of course, these are just a few suggestions. Visit the Greater Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce to find out more. The Chamber is located at 618 North Main Street. Call them at (979) 743-4514.

B T

t t f p f t

w s h

o d f c a w S o w w m s c

Closing Time at Frank’s

D E T N PA I

S E H C CH U R

Photos by Andy Behlen

By ANDY BEHLEN The Fayette County Record

This year marks the last for Frank’s Restaurant in Schulenburg. The town’s Tilicek family has been dishing out hospitality and hot meals to travelers between Houston and San Antonio at this classic roadside eatery for the better part of a century. Earlier this year the Tilicek family sold the property. The new owner plans to tear down the building to make way for a future development along the Interstate. But patrons still have a little time – until October 2017 – to enjoy their last meal at Frank’s. Frank Tilicek Sr. opened a burger stand next to a gas station on the west edge of Schulenburg in 1929. The restaurant moved locations twice since then, but the Tilicek family’s homestyle cooking and friendly service hasn’t changed. This highway eatery offers plate lunch specials daily, steaks – both chicken fried and grilled, fried chicken, soups, sandwiches and more. You can’t go wrong ordering the classic Schulenburger – a mountain of a hamburger – but get it with bacon and jalepenos with an order of fries. Just make sure you get there this Above, a lunch plate with fried chicken, sauerkraut and buttered potatoes. Below is a view summer before the doors of the restaurant from the outside. close for good.

To book a tour or for more information, please call (866) 504-5294 or see our web site: schulenburgchamber.org

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Heavenly Paint The stunning interior of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Dubina was originally painted in 1909.

Photos by Andy Behlen

By ANDY BEHLEN The Fayette County Record

Their efforts are almost incomprehensible today. All they had were simple tools like block and tackle, hand saws, hammers, chisels, and most importantly, brushes. But they were able to raise steeples that are still taller than most modern buildings in Fayette County and carve altarpieces rivaling anything on this side of the Atlantic. Marble and gold leaf were much too expensive, but they had paint. Fixtures had to be ordered from Europe and shipped across the Atlantic. They would have arrived by rail to Schulenburg, Flatonia or La Grange. From there, parishioners would have transported such items by wagon to country churches scattered around the county. Just imagine High Hill’s Tiffany-designed stained glass, or Ammannsville’s intricately carved Infant of Prague statue, swaddled in quilts and bouncing across creek bottoms in a rickety waggon. The Czech and German immigrants who peopled Fayette County in the second half of the nineteenth century were content to scratch an existence out of the dirt, but they demanded nothing but the finest for their houses of worship. The churches brought civilization, beauty and learning to what would have been an alien landscape for those early settlers. If you’re thinking about visiting one of these churches, consider booking a tour with the Greater Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce. Their expert docents will make your trip more than worth the drive.

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Pictured above, the interior of St. Mary’s Church in Praha. The church has been undergoing renovations for the last year. Right, Rev. Gabriel Maison and a pair of parishioners inspect the progress after a work day in February.

St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption

821 FM 1295, Praha community Located just south of the railroad tracks that run parallel to SH 90. Prior to the coming of the Czechs, Praha was called Mulberry by the Anglo settlers. Praha has a huge gathering every year when thousands descend on the church grounds for a veteran’s reunion. Built: 1895; Architect: O. Kramer Artists: Gottfried Flury, Rev. Louis Netardus, and Gene A. Mikulik Mass Times: Weekends: Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m. Picnic: 8/15 & Sun. before Veterans Day Church related information on Praha—Call 361-596-4674

F F i t F r P M P C

Dubina’s Stations of the Cross with words written in Czech.

Let Us Fill Your Tank! Schulenburg • Bastrop • Moulton

Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church

FM 1383 Dubina community. Featuring simple stenciling and framed Stations of the Cross with words in Czech, the church is just west of Weimar off old Hwy. 90. Other than Sunday, the church can be viewed from the entry only. It can be opened for groups. Just north of the church is the old Dubina grocery. Following the road around the corner will take you over the “Piano Bridge” – one of the few remaining iron bridges in Fayette County. Painted: 1909; Architect: Leo Dielmann Mass Times: Weekends: 8:45 a.m. Sunday Picnic: Sunday before 4th of July Church related information on Dubina - Call (979) 725-6714

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

S o r F b a w e a

b p w e a a Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Catholic Church in High Hill deservedly carries the name “Queen of the Painted Churches,” with floral designs, portraits and textures painted on nearly every square inch of the interior.

St. Mary: Nativity of Mary, Blessed Virgin

2833 FM 2672, High Hill Community. Elaborate faux-marble columns and vaulted ceilings make this church one of the ones not to miss. The grayish blue stone capping the buttresses and accenting the brick was quarried from the nearby town of Muldoon.

The High Hill church is illuminated by Tiffany-designed stained glass.

Built: 1906; Architect: Leo Dielmann; Painted: 1912; Artist: Stockert and Kern Mass Times: 6:30 p.m. Saturday Picnic: Labor Day Sunday Church related information on High Hill - Call (979) 743-3117

The photo above shows some of the statuary at St. John the Baptist Church in Ammannsville. Left, a passage from Proverbs written in Latin above the altar reads, “My delights were to be with the children of men.”

St. John the Baptist Church

7745 Mensik Rd., Ammannsville community. The Catholic church and a school opened in 1890. Destroyed by the hurricane of 1909, the church was rebuilt. It burned shortly thereafter and had to be rebuilt a second time. Built: 1918; Painted:1919; Architect: John Bujnoch Artist: Fred Donecker and Sons; Mass Times: Weekends: Sunday 9:30 a.m. (Odd Months). Sunday 8 a.m. (even months). Church related information on Ammannsville - Call (979) 743-3117

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

s c o a c w r s

Blinn: A College in the Country

Blinn College’s campus in Schulenburg provides educational opportunities rarely available in rural communities as small as Fayette County. Blinn’s Schulenburg campus offers a variety of academic transfer, dual credit, workforce training and continuing education classes to fit the needs of any student. The Schulenburg campus brings Blinn’s strong academic programs to small-town Texas while maintaining the comfortable environment and one-on-one attention that help students achieve their learning goals. In addition to Blinn’s rich selection of academic credit courses, the Schulenburg campus offers a variety of basic and advanced computer technology courses, certified nurse aide, welding, electrician license renewal, Czech and English as a second language.

Blinn College offers college courses and workforce education at it’s sattelite campus in Schulenburg.

According to figures compiled by CollegeForAllTexans.com, Blinn College students who took 30 credit hours in the 2015-16 academic year saved thousands in tuition and fees compared to students at both public and private universities across the state. At just $4,974 for 30 credit

hours, Blinn’s out-of-district tuition and fees offer students a savings of $3,345 (40.2 percent) compared to state residents at the average Texas public university. The average tuition and fees for Texas residents at a public university is $8,319. A recent study found that the

Blinn-Schulenburg campus made an $11.1 million impact on the region, including $9.2 million in additional income generated by former students. For information on course offerings and student registration, visit: www.blinn.edu/schulenburg or call 979-743-5200.

f t n s

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

The old train depot building serves as the chamber of commerce, visitors center and museum.

Photo by Andy Behlen

Carmine: The Little City With a Big Heart scattered across surrounding areas in the fall Carmine, “the little city with a big and spring, Carmine touts itself as the heart,” is right in the middle of it all. “Gateway to the Antiques Festival.” But Located directly between Austin and Carmine’s antiques aren’t just on the Houston on Highway 290, it’s the perfect roadsides a few times each year. Many of the mid-way stop for all travelers. historic buildings house stores that are open Carmine is home of the Texas Basketball year around. With a wonderful blend that Museum, Train Depot, many art galleries ranges from fine furniture to “repurposed” and antiques shops, and the Carmine Bank, junk, there is something for everyone. famous for once being robbed by members Founded in 1883, Carmine (Carof the Barrow Gang – Bonnie and Clyde. “Many people stop here for gas or a short MEEN) is located in the heart of Central Texas. With thousands of cars passing right break and then come back when they see through town on SH 290 everyday, it makes what the town has to offer,” said Vicki the city the northern entrance to all of the LaRue of the local Economic Development other communities of Fayette County. Board. The city was incorporated in 1973 with With a beautiful shaded park, picnic an active city government, an excellent area, great restaurants and clean gas stations, consolidated school system (Round TopCarmine is your go-to stop on your way Carmine I.S.D.) with the high school down SH 290. Having the country’s best antiques shows campus in Carmine and the elementary 62 2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

campus located in Round Top. Whether it is for a day or a weekend, the small town charm and idyllic scenery of Carmine offers the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Not only is Carmine a great place to visit, it is also a great place to live; whether you are starting a family, emptying your nest, or looking for a peaceful place to retire. The quiet atmosphere, small population and friendly neighbors make it the perfect place to call home. There are also many business opportunities in Carmine that offer low taxes, local incentives and a very supportive community to established and new business owners. So, next time you find yourself driving through Fayette County, stop by and stay awhile. We’d love to have you experience all our little city has to offer!

This little city has so much to offer for day trippers or over nighters looking to experience authentic small town hospitality. Located just off of Hwy 290 halfway between Houston and Austin.

WE HAVE PLENTY TO OFFER: MUSEUMS • RESTAURANTS • VILLAGE MARKET ANTIQUE SHOPS • B&B’S • FARM & RANCH SUPPLIES ROLLING HILL COUNTRY VIEWS FOR MILES

We Welcome Your Arrival! carminetx.com

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Northern Fayette County is Heaven for Antique Shoppers By H. H. HOWZE The Fayette County Record

Even before former Texas Governor Rick Perry built 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 roadside attractions – that the twice-yearly event is occurring again in northern Fayette County. Rooms are booked in all area motels, B&Bs and pri-

vate 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 Round

Continued on next page

T “ L

n d t s t w G l h r o “ w c r H b o c T t H 1 h

a I t h a

s r H b i H r a a If there’s a particular style of antiques you’re looking for (like old gas station signs and pumps, above), you can probably find multiple dealers that specialize in them every March and September in and around Carmine, Warrenton, Round Top and Fayetteville in northern Fayette County. Photo by Andy Behlen

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

a d t

n e d

Antiques For Every Taste Can Be Found in Northern Fayette County

Continued from previous page

Top mother-and-sisters act and “Shabby Chic” fashionista (and London ex-pat) Rachel Ashwell. The Gypsies’ tongue-in-cheek name for themselves reflects a departure from the rather hoitytoity 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 middleclass 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 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 desirable 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.

A sampling of the wide array of antiques that can be found displayed in the meadows of Northern Fayette County every spring and fall.

Rated 5-Stars by Bauer Financial for 26 Continuous Years.

235 Centennial Street | P.O. Box 341 | Carmine, Tx 78932 979-278-3244 | 800-720-1441 2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Historic Carmine Train Depot Serves as a Museum 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

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.

Texas Basketball Museum Founder Bob Springer.

Carmine Home to Hoops Museum The Texas Basketball Museum in Carmine is in its ninth year of operation and has welcomed over 3,000 visitors during this time. It’s open by appointment To visit the Basketball Museum, please contact founder Bob Springer at: (713) 898-7667. The museum is a treasury of Texas basketball memorabilia ranging from Shaquille O’Neal’s high school jersey to early basket66

balls and scoreboards. It opened in 2009. A Hall of Fame Room details exploits of famous Texas prep basketball players. The museum is run by Bob Springer, a former college basketball player, coach and publisher of Texas Basketball magazine. Many items in the museum Springer collected himself over the past 40 years. Located in Carmine on the corner of Augsburg Ave. and Hauptstrasse Street.

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

STUERMER STORE 979-249-5642

Take a step back in time when you visit Stuermer Store, which has been owned and operated by the same family since 1891.

Winter Hours Friday 11-4 Saturday 10-2 Hours subject to change • Call for Information

Burgers • Sandwiches • Blue Bell T-Shirts • Toys • Pottery Watkins • Honey • Staples

Located in Ledbetter Hwy 290 @ F.M. 1291 www.ledbettertexas.com

Bus tours please call ahead

Henkel Square in the heart of Round Top.

Round Top: Big Things in a Little Package On any given weekend, a stop in the quaint central Texas town of Round Top will treat its visitors to a surprising amount of activity. The town, located on State Highway 237 half way between Brenham and La Grange, is reputed to be among the smallest incorporated cities in Texas with a population of 90. This historical treasure is at once charming in its authenticity and a surprisingly exciting place to be, when one experiences it fully. For, what could easily be just a sleepy, don’t blink or you’ll miss it point in the road has now become a destination and center for arts and diverse fun. So, stop at the flashing red light that marks arrival at the town’s square with its historic courthouse, and make a left turn to experience most of the action. Round Top offers virtually something for everyone from beer and wine festivals to Shakespeare, and music that ranges from classical to hoe-down, traditional polkas and classic rock. Well-known for its twice annual (fall & spring) antiques fairs that span miles and attract thousands, there is a lot more to enjoy year round. In town there are no less than six

art galleries including one that has featured works by internationally known watercolorists, underscoring the fact that Round Top has truly become an artful destination. Others feature everything from folk art, top quality western art, to craft as art, as well as traditional media. For a one-square mile town, there is also a wide variety of shops tucked on the Square, and around it in historic Henkel Square Market, and Bybee Square. One can locate everything from antiques, quality gifts, fashionable clothing, lovely jewelry, and home decor, both sophisticated and ranch-like; and there’s not a ‘kitschy’ tee shirt in sight; how refreshing. Round Top’s German heritage is noticeable even today as architectural controls have preserved many of the town’s earliest structures. Many of the structures on Bybee Square and Henkel Square, for example, are original to Round Top, or the nearby area. Not to be missed are the old German immigrant homes and sites that can be found two blocks south of the square on Highway 237 including the historic Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Across from the church,

are two blocks containing the Round Top Inn, including the wine bar Prost! housed in Round Top’s most historic stone building. Moore’s Fort, the oldest building in Fayette County stands across the way on the newly redesigned and renamed Rummel Square. The square will feature antiques stores, a new Garden Company restaurant and other businesses. In Round Top, it’s nice to see that so much has not only been preserved, but given new life in such charming ways. If you haven’t arrived hungry, after your walk about, you will be. So don’t travel any further because within two blocks in any direction you’ll find great food and good variety. Sample any place and it won’t disappoint from Italian specialties at Bistro Napolitana to great Mexican fare and serious margaritas at Los Patrones or try the new Teague’s Tavern at Henkel Square. If you’re eating ‘on the fly’, try a top notch, made-to-order deli sandwich from the newly expanded Round Top Mercantile where they literally do carry everything from soup Continued on next page 2017 SPRING VISITORS GUIDE

Round Top: No Chain Stores Here, All Original Continued from previous page to nuts. Or try a taco, pizza or salad at the Stone Cellar Pub. Travelers here will no doubt be plain tuckered out after their Round Top experience. So, why go home? Instead, go to www. roundtop.org to choose from any number of charming accommodations, B&B or guest house style, located in Round Top’s proper, or the surrounding area. No hotel chains here, just abundant hospitality, and the perfect flavor of evening respite after a long day (and perhaps, night) of enjoying Round Top’s offerings. Here, the welcome mat is always out, and your accommodation will come with an evening sky where you can virtually pick the stars out of the night. Don’t miss these

sites and events: • Round Top Festival Institute with acres of gardens and a 1200-seat concert hall plays host to both a summer festival, monthly concerts and year-round programs • Henkel Square Market, Bybee Square and Rummel Square all feature quaint shops and galleries, all in historically significant structures • Round Top Family Library, a community treasure and a beautiful garden • Historic Bethlehem Lutheran Church • Six Art Galleries in and around town • Spring Beer Festival • Fall Wine Trail Festival • Spring & Fall Antiques Continued on next page

Iconic Royer’s Cafe in downtown Round Top sells world famous pies.

LET US PUT OUR HISTORY, DEDICATION AND LOCAL MARKET EXPERTISE TO WORK FOR YOU.

ON THE SQUARE | ROUND TOP | 979.249.5732 | ROUNDTOPREALESTATE.COM 68

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Every Weekend’s a Big One in Round Top Continued from previous page Festival (April & October) • Spring Guitar Festival, Summer Concert Series & monthly Concerts and/or events at Round Top Festival Institute • Fall Quilt Festival • Numerous gallery openings and shows • 4th of July Celebration (longest continuously celebrated this side of the Mississippi) • Summer Shake-

speare Festival • Christmas town-wide celebration with Christmas on the Square (first Saturday in December) • Annual Chili Cook-off in January sponsored by the Round Top Family Library For complete and current information, the Chamber’s website is the place to go: www.roundtop.org.

Bybee Square Shop, Unwind, Dine at the historic Bybee Square Shopping Village in downtown Round Top.

www.bistronapoletana.com

Comforts Art & Original handmade quality gifts www.thegalleryatroundtop.com

Cowgirl Junky's Famous candied jalapeno jelly, fun accessories www.cowgirljunkys.net

Comfortable Linen fashions and accessories www.MimiBellas.com

Buy Sell Build Create Sandy or Pam www.sandyreed.com

Artwork from nationally renowned artists www.thegalleryatroundtop.com

Mexican hand made clothing, fair trade wares, comfortable fun apparel, and jewelry by Texas designers.

Pure West Vintage Wearables, Art and accessories

A student performer at the annual Festival Hill summer program shows off her instrument to a young visitor after a children’s concert. The top young musicians from around the world come to Festival Hill every summer to stay, study, and perform.

Bybee Square is located on the Corner of Live Oak and E. Mill Streets Round Top, Texas 78954 2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Round Top’s Famous Fourth of July Parade The Round Top community has celebrated the Fourth of July every year since 1851. In fact, it’s known as the longest running Fourth of July celebration west of the Mississippi. The rest of the year, Round Top boasts an impressive population of 90 souls, many of German origin. But on the Fourth of July, our neighbors from Houston, Austin, San Antonio and everywhere in between travel into Round Top for a taste of an old-time, small-town Fourth. The replica civil war-era cannon roars at 10:30 a.m., announcing the parade of handmade floats, antique cars and tractors, fire engines, trail riders and longhorn cattle. The parade circles the town to the enthusiastic strains of Round Top’s own Brass Band. Children dart out for candy and trinkets while families and neighbors visit on the town square. As the parade wraps up, everyone heads a few blocks down FM 1457 to the historic

Continued on next page

The Round Top Fourth of July Parade is always a very patriotic affair.

Photo by Jeff Wick

Round Top State Bank TOM BAKER INSURANCE AGENCY

•Traditional Banking Services •Mortgage Lending •Home Equity •ATM at each location •Commercial and Consumer Online Banking

Full Service Agency Located at Round Top State Bank - Tommy Baker III, Agent Not a Deposit. Not FDIC Insured. Not Insured by any Federal Governmental Agency. Not Guaranteed by the Bank.

979-249-2126

• ROUND TOP 301 N. Washington 979-249-3151

• JARRELL (Eagle Bank - a Branch of Round Top State Bank) 12345 N. IH 35 512-746-2531

• LA GRANGE 2010 Hwy. 71 West 979-966-0556

• GIDDINGS 1442 E. Austin 979-542-7872

• ROUND ROCK (Eagle Bank - a Branch of Round Top State Bank) 2250 N. A.W. Grimes Blvd. 512-218-3903

• LEXINGTON 8681 St. Hwy. 77 979-773-2227 ROUND TOP FINANCIAL SERVICES

ROUND TOP STATE BANK INSURANCE AGENCY Your local Germania Agent - Tim Huebner Not a Deposit. Not FDIC Insured. Not Insured by any Federal Governmental Agency. Not Guaranteed by the Bank.

Full Service Brokerage - Reece Cernoch, Broker and Tom Baker III, Broker

EOE Your Hometown Bank Since 1912

Member FDIC

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

www.roundtopstatebank.com

Securities and insurance products are not FDIC or NCUA insured, not bank or credit guaranteed, may lose value, not insured by any federal government agency, and not a bank or credit union deposit. Securities and insurance products offered by LPL Financial and its affiliates, member FINRA/SIPC. LPL Financial and Round Top State Financial Services are independent entities.

Photo by Jeff Wick

The firing of the cannon on the town square in Round Top signals the start of the 4th of July parade.

Continued from previous page Round Top Rifle Hall. Association members have been up all night preparing mouthwatering brisket, pork, and sausage on the Hall’s huge wood fired pits. German style potatoes, green beans, fixin’s, and homemade desserts round out a delicious buffet lunch. The afternoon continues with music, a raffle, and games for the kids until 4 p.m. when the local band sets up for the afternoon’s dance.

That blasted cannon

Traditionally in Round Top, a cannon was fired as the official start of the July 4 celebration. In 1889, for some reason, the cannon did not fire. The President of the Rifle Association, John George Kaiser, bent over to inspect the cannon when it suddenly exploded. Kaiser was severely injured and died several days later from loss of blood and infection. A replica cannon is now used. The Round Top fourth of July parade usually has well over 100 entries, including classic vehicles, horses and floats.

A Special Place We are the Smallest Accredited Library in the State of Texas Stop by to check out our book, audiobook, and DVD collections or attend one of our community service programs for all ages. The Library is funded through private donations, events, volunteers, grants, and community partnerships.

206 West Mill, Round Top, TX 78954 • (979) 249-2700 • www.ilovetoread.org

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

South Central Texas’ Largest Independent Real Estate Firm . . .

Recognized for

PROVIDING DISTINGUISHED BROKERAGE SERVICES and a TRADITION of INTEGRITY.

BELLVILLE

524 W. Main • Bellville, Texas 77418

979.865.4443

LA GRANGE

103 N. Main • La Grange, Texas 78945

979.968.5300

BRENHAM

605 S. Austin • Brenham, Texas 77833

979.836.3633

ROUND TOP

203 N. Live Oak • Round Top, Texas 78954

979.249.5767

www.HERITA GETEXA SCO U NTRY.CO M 72

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Be your beautiful you!

elebrate spring with beautiful and comfortable linen fashion, statement-piece jewelry and bags, and unique gifts. And now, not just linen to wear but fabuous linens â&#x20AC;&#x201C; vintage prints in organic cottons. Stop by and join the fun. Heartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Desire ~ CP Shades ~ Flax ~ Betty Hadikusumo ~ Lazybones ~ Matchpoint ~ Johnny Was ~ Tina Givens Richard Schmidt ~ Mariana ~ Andrea Barnett ~ Firefly ~ Ropin West Leather & so many more.

Round Top, On Bybee Square 979.249.5757 ~ Open Year Round Bellville, 525 S. Masonic St. 979.865.2121

MimiBellas.com FB: mimibellafinelinenwear

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

We Are Who We Were Friends of Winedale Work to Preserve Historical Complex Deracination is a long word for the simple act of forgetting. In the rush of today’s world, we can forget who we are. We can forget where we came from, and those whose lives and struggles made ours possible. The Winedale Historical Complex, a division of the University of Texas Briscoe Center for American History, exists to sustain our connection to those pioneer forebears and to preserve the artifacts and collections that make that link tangible. The all-volunteer Friends of Winedale (FOW), a 501c3 organization, was founded in 2014 to support and enhance Briscoe Center’s efforts at a time when state government budget cutbacks have severely limited the funds necessary to secure Winedale’s historic buildings for the future. In 2015, FOW’s first gala raised over $250,000 for restoration of Winedale’s crown jewels, the Lewis-Wagner House and the McGregor House, famed for the quality of their painted decoration in the German style by Rudolf Melchior. After a series of delays required to comply with laws

The signature house on the Winedale complex, the historic Wagner House.

and rules affecting state universities, work on the Lewis-Wagner House is currently scheduled to begin in March, 2017. The restoration effort that FOW supports is vital to the survival of the complex. Winedale occupies 225 acres of beautiful land that would be a

We are Who We Were FriendsofWinedale.org friendsofwinedale@gmail.com 74

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

developer’s dream. Only preservation of the buildings in connection with their collections can prevent that future calamity. The extent of the need is illustrated by last fall’s collapse of one of two log buildings moved onto the property and reconstructed under the guidance of Miss Ima Hogg. In addition to fund-raising for preservation, FOW volunteers help with Winedale events such as the Christmas Open House, with its thrilling carriage rides and fascinating demonstrations of German crafts and music. In February, we provided guides for the annual exhibit of ravishing antique quilts from the Winedale Collection. Last October, we co-sponsored Dr. Kenneth Hafertepe’s presentation of highlights from his new book, The Mate-

rial Culture of German Texas. We hope to sponsor more such events, along with reinvigorating the forums and workshops Miss Hogg encouraged. We also provide docents for tours and assist the small staff--recently diminished by the state hiring freeze--wherever possible, such as working with the Texas Master Naturalists on a pollinator garden at Winedale’s Visitor Center. We would love your help and support in these efforts as we strive to assist in preserving the historic buildings, furniture and tools that bring the world of our German/Texas forebears to life for generations to come. Information on events at Winedale can be found on our website and on the Briscoe Center website, http://www.cah.utexas. edu/museums/winedale.php

Enjoy Shakespeare All Summer Here Shakespeare at Winedale is a University of Texas program dedicated to bringing Shakespeare to life through performance. Founded by Professor James B. Ayres on the belief that the best way to study Shakespeare’s plays is to perform them, Shakespeare at Winedale offers a unique opportunity to explore these rich and complex texts through the creative act of play. Shakespeare at Winedale is a program of the Department of English in the College of Liberal Arts, but many of its activities are centered on the Winedale Historical Center near Round Top, Texas, where for more than 40 years students and audiences have come to encounter Shakespeare’s living art. Established in 1970 as a UT English course, Shakespeare at Winedale has grown into a yearround program reaching many different groups. Students in the summer program spend two months in the Texas countryside, studying and performing three plays in the converted nineteenthcentury barn that is our theatre. A spring semester version of the course is offered on the UT campus, with performances at Winedale. Camp Shakespeare provides a two-week experience of learning and playing Shakespeare for 10-16 year-olds. Our Outreach program brings Shakespeare into the classrooms of elementary school students throughout central Texas, and brings those students to Winedale to perform. Our program also includes a medieval nativity play performed by children from the Winedale area, a summer course for teachers through the UTeach program, visits by British Shakespeareans to the Winedale theatre barn, and special performances

College students from the University of Texas spend part of the summer living at the Winedale Historical Complex and studying Shakespeare before putting on their plays for the public in the historic barn theatre on site.

in other venues, including an annual tour to England. We invite interested students, teachers and audience members— of all ages and backgrounds—to learn more about Shakespeare at Winedale by exploring this site or contacting us directly.

Camp Shakespeare Love’s Labour’s Lost

Thursday, June 22 3:00 pm Crystal Theater - Gonzales, Texas Friday, June 23 7:00 pm Henkel Hall - Round Top, Texas Saturday, June 24 1:00 pm Winedale Theatre Barn Winedale Historical Center ***

The Winter’s Tale

Thursday, July 13 3:00 p.m. Crystal Theater - Gonzales, Texas Friday, July 14 7:00 pm Henkel Hall - Round Top, Texas Saturday, July 15 1:00 pm Winedale Theatre Barn - Winedale Historical Center

Summer College Class Performances As You Like It

Thursdays - Sundays, July 20 - August 13 7:30 pm 2:00 pm Matinees on Saturdays and Sundays Winedale Theatre Barn - Winedale Historical Center

King Lear

Thursdays - Sundays, July 20 - August 13 7:30 pm 2:00 pm Matinees on Saturdays and Sundays Winedale Theatre Barn - Winedale Historical Center ***

Antony and Cleopatra

Thursdays - Sundays, July 20 - August 13 7:30 pm 2:00 pm Matinees on Saturdays and Sundays Winedale Theatre Barn - Winedale Historical Center Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students and UT ID. Online purchasing (google Shakespeare at Winedale) is available for those who like to order on the web. Tickets may be purchased in advance by phone at 512.471.4726. Please note that this is the number to our campus office, and will not be answered Saturdays, Sundays, or when the staff are out at Winedale.

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Festival Hill founder James Dick treats local students to a piano class. Photo by Jeff Hepp

The exterior of the performance hall at Festival Hill.

Festival Hill an Acclaimed Music Institute Located in historic Round Top, the James Dick Foundation for the Performing Arts and its sole project, Round Top Festival Institute, were founded in 1971 by world-renowned concert pianist James Dick. Begun with a handful of gifted young pia-

nists in rented space on the town square, the project is now an internationally acclaimed music institute for aspiring young musicians and distinguished faculty. Since 1971, with the help of its patrons and friends, The James Dick Foundation for the

Performing Arts has developed superb year round education and performance programs. It has also created a unique 210-acre campus – Festival Hill – containing major performance facilities, historic houses, extensive gardens, parks and nature preserves. Through its

singular collection of rare books, manuscripts, archival material, music and historic recordings, photographs and objects, Round Top Festival Institute is also known as an important center for research and scholarly study.

“Wow” is a common reaction.

Jun Mu Rou e 4 sic nd - Ju Fes Top ly 1 Tiv 6, 2 al 017 Concerts

Dance Theatre Poetry Conferences Forums Retreats Celebrations Weddings Receptions Gardens Picnics Campus Tours Group Lunches Family Reunions Photo Shoots

Round Top FesTival insTiTuTe

International Center for Performance and Learning (979) 249-3129 • www.festivalhill.org 76

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

F a

V T 3

1 1

J a W

O a

8 1

Fayette County Judge Ed Janecka, right, leads U.S. Representative Michael McCaul and Texas Senator Lois Kolkhorst on a tour of Saints Cyril and Methodius Church in Dubina, one of this areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famed Painted Churches. Photo by Jeff Wick

Fayette County Churches

Assembly of God Asamblia of God Vida Abudante AG; 124 S. Franklin St.; Pastor Mario and Tereza Ortez; Domingo 10 a.m.; Miercoles 7-9 p.m.; 338-0235 Gospel Lighthouse Assembly of God 144 S. College; Pastor Walter Williams; S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Wed. 6 p.m.

Baptist Bethel Baptist Church Joel Rumbaugh, min.; 650 S. Ellinger Road; Bible Study, 10 a.m., Morning Worship 11 a.m.; Evening Worship 6 p.m.; Wednesday 7 p.m. Big Spring Hill Baptist Oldenburg; D.A. Shelton, Min.; S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. Ebenezer Baptist 829 N. Jefferson; Norris Eason, Min.; S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.

First Baptist 121 S. College; Pastor Jonathan Smith; S.S. 9:15 a.m.; W.S. 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Wed. 6 p.m. Flatonia Baptist Tim Rowell, Min.; S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 10:45 a.m. Little Bethal Baptist 3242 Loehr Rd.; Pastor Louis Zachary; S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. Muldoon Baptist Pastor Will Martin; S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. New Union Missionary Baptist 715 MLK, Flatonia; E.F. McDuffie, Min.; S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. Peaceful Rest Baptist 808 E. Fannin, 968-6843; Michael Sims, Min.; S.S. 9:45 - 10: 30 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m.; Bible Study 6:30 p.m. Wed. St. Matthew Missionary Baptist H.L. Penson, Min.; S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 2nd & 4th Sun. 11:30 a.m.; Wed. 6 p.m. Second Baptist 1010 Von Minden; S.S. 9:15 a.m.; W.S. 10:30 a.m.

Shiloh Missionary Baptist Leo Taylor, Min.; S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 1st & 3rd Sun. 11:30 a.m. United Baptist C. Henson, Min.; S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 1st & 3rd Sun. 11:30 a.m. Concord Baptist Church Herbert Shelby, Pastor; SW 10:30 a.m. every second Sunday of the month.

Catholic Holy Rosary Catholic Hostyn; Rev. Daniel P. Kahlich, Deacon John McCourt; Sat. Mass: 5 p.m.; Sun. Mass: 8 a.m. Sacred Heart Catholic 539 E. Pearl; Rev. Matthew Kinney; Mon. School Mass 8:30 a.m.; Tues. & Wed. Mass 6:30 p.m.; Thurs. Mass 8:30 a.m.; Sat. English Mass: 5 p.m.; Sun. English Mass: 9 & Sun. Spanish Mass: 11:30 a.m. Sacred Heart, Flatonia Eddie Winkler, Pastor; Sat. Mass: 5 p.m.; Sun Mass: 9:30 a.m.

Continued on next page 2017 SPRING VISITORS GUIDE

Fayette County Churches, Continued St. Rose of Lima Schulenburg; Rev. Timothy Kosler; Sat. Mass 5 p.m., Sun. Mass 7:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon in Spanish. St. John The Baptist Catholic Ammannsville; Sun. Mass: 9:30 a.m. St. John’s Catholic Fayetteville; Rev. Nock Russell; Sat. Mass: 6 p.m.; Sun. Mass: 10 a.m.; Wed. 7p.m. St. Mary’s Catholic Near Ellinger; Rev. Nock Russell; Sun. Mass: 8 a.m.; Thurs. 6:00 p.m.; Wed. & Fri. 7 a.m. St. Mary’s Catholic High Hill; Tim Kosler, Min.; Sat. Mass: 6:30 p.m.; Wed. Mass: 7 a.m. St. Mary’s Catholic Church Praha; Rev. Gabriel Maison; Sat. Mass: 4:30 p.m.; Sun. Mass: 8 a.m. St. Peter & Paul Catholic Plum; Rev. Daniel P. Kahlich, Deacon John McCourt; Sun. Mass: 10 a.m. Sts. Cyril & Methodius Cistern; Eddie Winkler, Pastor; Sun. Mass: 8 a.m. Sts. Cyril & Methodius Dubina; 725-6715; Sun. Mass: 8:45 a.m.

Church of Christ Church Of Christ 646 E. Hwy. 71 E., La Grange; Scott Elliott, Min.; S.S. 9 a.m.; W.S. 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m.

Church of God Cedar Of Lebanon Church Of God In Christ Hwy. 159 in Fayetteville; Pastor Lakeith McKinney.; Bible Study Wed. 7:30 p.m.; YPWW - Fri. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. W.S. 11:30 a.m. Miracle Temple Church of God In Christ 1008 E. Fannin; Elder Melvin Thomas, Min.; S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 11:30 a.m.; Bible Study Wed. 7 p.m.

Episcopal St. James Episcopal 156 N. Monroe, 968-3910; Eric Hungerford, Rector; S.S. 9:15 a.m.; W.S. 8 & 10:30 a.m.

Lutheran Shared Lutheran Ministry of Fayette County Rev. Marcia Kifer, Lead Pastor St. John in Ellinger Corner of Grover & Fayette; W.S. 8 a.m., Communion every Sunday. St. Paul in Fayetteville Corner of Fayette St. & Hwy. 159; W.S. 10:30 a.m., Communion every Sunday. St. John in Rutersville 5743 State Hwy. 159 East of La Grange; S.S. 9 a.m.; W.S. 10 a.m., Communion every Sunday.

2017 SPRING VISITORS GUIDE

St. John in Warrenton 4446 S. State Hwy. 237; W.S. 8:30 a.m., Communion every Sunday. St. Paul Lutheran Shelby; Rev. John David Nedbalek; S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 8 a.m. Bethlehem Lutheran Rev. John David Nedbalek, S.W. 9:30 a.m.; S.S. 10:15 a.m. on first and third Sunday; Fourth Sunday, Friendship Bunch, 10:15 a.m. Holy Cross Lutheran FM 1482, Warda: Rev. Dennis Tegtmeier, Pastor; S.S. 10:15 a.m.; W.S. 9 a.m. Martin Luther Lutheran 211 Luther Lane, Carmine; Rev. David Tinker, Pastor; S.S. 10:10 a.m.; W.S. 9 a.m., Second Saturday 6 p.m. Mt. Calvary Lutheran 800 N. Franklin; Rev. William Qualman, Pastor; S.S. & Bible Classes 10:15 a.m. Wed. 10 a.m; W.S. Sun. 9 a.m.; L.C.M.S. St. Michael’s Lutheran Winchester; Pastor Nate Hill; 242-3444; S.S. 10:15 a.m.; W.S. 9 a.m. St. Paul Lutheran Church 110 W. Walnut, La Grange Sr. Pastor Candis O’Meara; S.S. 10:30 a.m.; W.S. Sat. 5 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m. St. Peter Lutheran Church Prairie Valley Rd. of Hwy. 71 West.; Pastors Herb Beyer & John Hunsicker; W.S. 8:45 a.m.; 361-798-0155 United Evangelical Lutheran Swiss Alp; Lemae Higgs, Min.’ S.S. 10:15 a.m.; W.S. 9:15 a.m. Waldeck Lutheran Waldeck; David Tinker, Min.; S.S. 9:15 a.m.; W.S. 8 a.m. Zion Lutheran Schulenburg; Rev. Al Gallmeier, Pastor; S.S. 9 a.m.; W.S. 10 a.m

Methodist Bethlehem AME 2200 Bethlehem Rd., 247-5010; Gay Thomas, Min. First United Methodist Flatonia; Pastor Jeff Muehl.; S.S. 10:45 a.m.; W.S. 9:30 a.m. First United Methodist 1215 N. Von Minden; J. Paul Bruhn, Min.; Traditional W.S. 9 a.m.; Sunday School 10:10 - 11 a.m.; New Life W.S. 11:10 a.m. Freyburg United Methodist 4520 FM 2238; Pastor Jeff Muehl; W.S. 8:30 a.m. every Sunday. St. James United Methodist 710 N. Jackson; Rev. Morris Daugherty, Min.; S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 1st & 3rd Sun. 11 a.m. St. Paul AME 729 E. Guadalupe; Herman Pwell, Min.; S.S. 9 a.m.; W.S. 10 a.m. Winchester United Methodist 8933 FM 153; J.D. Herrera, Min.; 512-653-4689; W.S. 1st & 3rd Sun 8:30 a.m.

Presbyterian First Presbyterian 205 S. Franklin St.; S.S. 9:15 a.m.; W.S. 10:30 a.m. St. Paul Presbyterian, Schulenburg Corner of Hillje and Summit; W.S. 10:30 a.m.; Adult B.S. 9:30 a.m.

Others Living World Ministries Muldoon; Don McKenzie, Min.; W.S. 10 a.m.; Wed. 7:30 p.m. United Pentecostal 311 N. Horton St.; Jim Hancock, Pastor; S.S. 10 a.m.; Church Services 10:45 a.m.; Sunday Services 6 p.m.; Tuesday Ladies Prayer 9 a.m., Men’s Prayer 7 p.m.; Bible Study 7 p.m. Thursday. Crusade For Souls Ministry 5911 Wynne Ln. in Walhalla, 249-3874; Herbert & Dorothy Shelby, Mins.; W.S. 12 noon 1st & 3rd Sun. Seventh-day Adventist 1000 E Hwy 71; Merlin Cochran; Saturday-Sabbath School 9:30 a.m., WS 11 a.m. Colorado River Cowboy Church 5122 Hwy. 71 - between La Grange & Smithville; Pastor Bubba Fowler; 10 a.m. Worship Service Fayetteville Brethren 1022 Kramr, Ross Prairie; S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 10:30 a.m.; Visiting ministers Round Top Church Christian Fellowship 440 E Mill St; Matthew Diehl, Min.; S.S. 9 a.m.; W.S. 10:30 a.m.; Monday Morning Men's Breakfast 8-9 a.m. Temple Israel of Schulenburg 211 Baumgarten; High Holy Days, Pesach,; Kabbalat Shabbat The Remnant Church 2010 Von Minden Rd., 968-5065; Pastors Dennis & Jan Hill; Sunday Service 10 a.m.; Mon. Prayer 7 p.m.; Wed. Children & Youth Life Night 7 p.m. Crossroads Christian Fellowship Contemporary Worship, Non-Denominational; 701 Lyons Ave. in Schulenburg; Pastor Nathan Johnson; Bible Study 9:30 a.m.; Worship Service 10:30 a.m. The Living Vine Christian Church 124 S. Water St., La Grange; Pastors Gordon & Pam Johnston; Sunday Morning 10 a.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Bible Study adults and youth. Mars Hill Tabernacle Hwy. 159, Fayetteville; 9 a.m. Saturday with Bible Study 1st & 3rd Wednesday of month. Primera Inglesia Bautista 1099 N. Von Minden St., La Grange; Pastor Carlos L. Carreon; 316-259-7435; WS: Wednesday 7 p.m., Fri. 7 p.m., Sun. 10:30 a.m.

k F S n w o S

G a L T o v c 1

m f t t i S C a

a H r t m l

v f s t r i

w g a l t S a i a

n .

. 7

Historic Smithville Just a Short Drive From Fayette Smithville is perhaps best known as the home of “Hope Floats,” the 1998 movie starring Sandra Bullock, Harry Connick Jr., and Gena Rowlands. It was also the location for “Tree of Life,” starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn, filmed in 2008. Our town also earned the Guinness Book of World Records award for baking the “World’s Largest Gingerbread Man.” The creation, which was baked over hot coals during Smithville’s annual Festival of Lights celebration in 2006, weighed 1,308 pounds, 8 ounces. Smithville’s natural features make it a “must ride destination” for bicyclists, whether it is through the oak-lined streets of town or the beautifully wooded, winding roads of Buescher State Park. Sitting high atop the banks of the Colorado River, Smithville is also a popular choice for kayakers. Want to learn a little more about our town’s history? Visit Heritage House Museum. The railroad presence has been integral to the community, and a railroad museum and park were established in Smithville in 1991. Smithville also touts a variety of historic bed & breakfast inns, charming downtown shops including art and antique dealers, and restaurants ranging from gourmet dining to Texas’ best barbecue. Smithville Early History The village of “old Smithville” was laid out on 640 acres of land granted to Thomas J. Gazley and Lewis Lomas. The town was located on the Colorado River in the northeast section of present Smithville. The Taylor, Bastrop and Houston Railroad arrived in 1886 and the town relocated along the tracks. Legend has it that

a coin was tossed to decide if the name would be changed to “Burlesonville” (for Murray Burleson, who gave the land for the railroad depot). The coin toss resulted in “Smithville” being retained as the name (most likely in honor of pioneer settler William Smith). Smithville’s early growth was attributed mainly to the Taylor, Bastrop and Houston Railroad, which brought its first passenger train through Smithville in 1886. The town was incorporated in 1895.

Smithville’s Annual Events:

SUMMIT SMITHVILLE GREEN EXPO 3rd Saturday in February

The beautiful architecture of downtown Smithville.

4 DAY JAMBOREE CELEBRATION April 19-23, 2017 THUNDER on the COLORADO BIKER RALLY 1st weekend in May AIRPORT FLY IN 2nd weekend in May ANNUAL CASINO NIGHT 4th weekend in July CITY WIDE GARAGE SALES 1st Saturdays in April & October TEXAS PHOTO FESTIVAL 2nd Saturday in October AIRING OF THE QUILTS & TOUR OF HOMES 2nd Saturday in November FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS & LIGHTED PARADE 1st Saturday in December

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Serbin’s famous St. Paul Lutheran Church, circa 1871.

Serbin a Treasure of Wendish Heritage

Just over the Fayette County line, bordering southwest Lee County, is St. Paul Lutheran Church, the northernmost Painted Church of Texas. Five miles southwest from Giddings, is area which forms a sharp point where Lee, Bastrop, and Fayette counties converge near Serbin. Serbin was established by a unique ethnic group of Wendish immigrants (Sorbs), who, in 1854, left their homeland in an area of Germany known as Lusatia to sail to America in search of freedom. They arrived on Galveston Island eager to build their homes and preserve their faith and traditions. Their journey inland brought them to an area nestled among the oaks which they named Serbin - The Sorbian 80

Place. This is still the site of the historic St. Paul Lutheran Church ca 1871 and the Texas Wendish Heritage Museum Complex.

The Texas Wendish Heritage Museum

The Wends preserve their culture through maintaining the Texas Wendish Heritage Museum adjacent to St. Paul Church. As the only Wendish museum outside of Germany, it is a complex of buildings connected by porches. In the center is the Peter Building with displays interpreting the history of the Wends. It also houses museum offices, gift shop, library and archives. On eachside are the historic St. Paul School buildings,

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

ca 1915. Exhibits include relics from the old country and Texas. Folk dress of Lusatia, the traditional Texas wedding dresses ,and the beautiful decorated Easter eggs are a few of the colorful exhibits. Outddor exhibits include two log buildings and early farming equipment. The 1856 log room built by the Kurio family, originally part of a dog trot home, is furnished as a bedroom with original artifacts of the early settlers. The Mertink log room, ca 1855 is used to exhibit carpenter’s and farming tools. Museum hours are 1-5 daily except Mondays and holidays. Admission is $5.00 - members and children 12 & under are free.

Wendish Fest

Wendish Fest is always held on the fourth Sunday in September at the Texas Wendish Heritage Museum Complex and historic St. Paul Lutheran Church celebrating Wendish history and culture. A fun, family oriented day featuring and offering traditional Wendish foods (including homemade Wendish noodles), folklife demonstrations, exhibits and folkways, competitions, children’s activities, vintage machinery & car shows, music, etc. Special music & entertainment by German guests. No festival admission. Visit www.texaswendish. org, e-mail wendish@bluebon. net, or call (979) 366-2441.

S n t 2

f h a R i e m R R S F

w V C l t a h c h

The riverfront area of downtown Bastrop makes for a beautiful setting in spring and summer.

Bastrop Full of Nature, History

Bastrop became a Texas Main Street City in 2007 and was named one of the Top 12 Distinctive Destinations in America in 2010. And it’s easy to see why. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy four outstanding golf courses, hiking and biking trails, canoeing and kayaking on the Colorado River, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, camping, rodeo events and more. Visit Fisherman’s Park, the June Hill Pape Riverwalk along the Colorado River, Lake Bastrop, Bastrop State Park and even the famous Farm Street Chicken Sanctuary. History buffs will not want to miss the Museum and Visitor Center of the Bastrop County Historical Society, located at 904 Main Street in the old City Hall, Fire Station and Jail. Stroll through our historic downtown and take a casual drive through Bastrop’s historic district, which features

more than 130 homes with historic markers or medallions. Drink in some culture at the Bastrop Opera House, which produces a variety of performances throughout the year. Visit the Bastrop Fine Arts Guild Gallery and Deep in the Heart Art Foundry, featuring artists from all over the state. Feel like you recognize one of our picturesque streets from a movie? You sure do. Recent movies filmed in Bastrop include “Fireflies in the Garden” (starring Julia Roberts), “Bernie” (starring Shirley Maclaine and Jack Black), “When Angels Sing” (starring Harry Connick, Jr.), and “The Alamo” (starring Dennis Quaid and Billy Bob Thornton). When it’s time to settle in for the night, we’ve got your covered. Stay at one of our rustic cabins or charming bed & breakfast inns. Choose a comfortable hotel or even a five-star Hyatt resort.

by handcrafted gifts & accessories

926 Main Street Bastrop, TX 78602 512.308.2018 donna@donnalc.com www.donnas-by-design.com

Over 50 Texas-Based Artisans

Everything Hand-Crafted Ceramics • Woodwork Scented Products

Jewelry • Fiber Arts Create-A-Card and So Much More!

Shop local, shop hand-crafted, shop here. Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs - 10-6; Fri, Sat - 10-9; Sun - 10-2 2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Giddings a Great Base Camp for Adventure Giddings is located about 30 miles from over a dozen fascinating rural Texas towns, making it a perfect “gateway to rural Texas.” In Giddings you can visit the beautiful Lee County Courthouse, designed by J.Riely Gordon or the Fletcher-Schubert House Museum. Dine on delicious BBQ or at any of the 30+ local restaurants Giddings, the county seat of Lee County , is located in south central Texas between the metropolitan areas of Houston and Austin. U.S. Highway 77, connecting the Dallas area to the Gulf Coat area, and U.S. Highway 290, the main connection between Houston and Austin, intersect at Giddings. The central location and

excellent highways connecting Giddings with the major population centers are conducive to convenient, quality, and costefficient transportation. Whether your needs include travel or the exportation and importation of goods, Lee County’s location provides a great advantage when evaluating time and expense. Giddings has bus services provided by Kerrville Bus Company, and railroad services by Southern Pacific. The local airport, located 3 miles west of Giddings, is equipped with a 4,000-foot, lighted runway, and has a full-service FBO and flight school. The nearest commercial airline services are 56 miles from Giddings at Austin Bergstrom Airport.

www.GiddingsTX.com | 979-542-3455 30+ Restaurants, Antique & Specialty Shops A. Smith Arrowhead Collection, 1899 Courthouse Museums & Parks, Historic Murals, Home of Hilton Lee Smith: Baseball Hall of Fame

Lee County Sheriffs Posse Rodeo - April Lee County Fair & Charcoal Challenge BBQ- May Senior Citizen Expo - June Firemen's 4th of July Celebration & Rodeo - July Texas Word Wrangler Book Festival - Sep Annual Wendish Fest - Sep Black Bridge Mini Marathon - Oct Merry Marketplace Arts & Crafts Fair - Nov Santa on the Square - Dec

stay with us & enjoy hometown hospitality!

• Knives • Scopes • Reloading Supplies • Accessories Large supply of firearms in stock Like us on Facebook!

HOURS

Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

ite’s rs Wh etecto D zed tal i Me uthor r A eale D

2017 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

For the Ladies... CONCEALED CARRY HANDBAGS TAKING CONTROL IN STYLE • Crossbody • Clutch • Handbags • Much More

FROM SWEET TO DRY, WE FEATURE HANDCRAFTED HONEYWINES MADE WITH THE FINEST INGREDIENTS.

GRouPS WelCoMe! - LARGE OUTDOOR SEATING AREA AVAILABLE -

T H U R S D AY- S U N D AY 1 2 - 6 P M OTH ER TI MES BY A P P O I NTMENT

6002 FM 2981 • LA GRANGE, TX 78945 • 979.249.5652

What You’ll Find At The Only Quilt Museum In The Southwest…

Upcoming Exhibit Schedule

 Changing exhibits in three spacious, high-ceilinged

JAnUARY 5-MARCH 25

galleries within meticulously restored 19th century buildings, winners of Preservation Texas and Main Street awards

 A Museum store featuring quilt-themed products and artisan-created gifts

• Sacred Threads 2015 • Winners from “Quilts: A World of Beauty” • SAQA: Tranquility

MARCH 29-JUne 25

Photo by Dana Waldon Photography

• Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry:

 Quilts…History in the Making, a specially designed 13x85 foot outdoor mural painted by a well-known Texas muralist

 Grandmother’s Flower Garden, a period “town” garden

typical of Texas gardens between 1893-1930, planned to inspire creativity and contemplation

 The Pearce Memorial Library and Material Culture Center,

where research can take place in a quiet setting, and researchers can apply for a grant to conduct extended study

 Space for educational lectures and presentations

40 Years of Color, Light, and Motion

• Along the Spice Route

JUne 29-OCTObeR 1 • Dynamic Diversity: Quilts by African-American Artists

• Art Quilts of the Midwest • Hearts and Flowers

OCTObeR 5-deCeMbeR 22

Photo by Gensler

• Made in Texas: Quilts from Texas Guilds • The Way I See It: The Narrative Art of Susan Shie

Open Thursdays through Saturdays ......10 - 4 Sundays ................................................. noon - 4 Check website for holiday scheduling

Photo by Hester+Hardaway

TY •

ST OF

E T T E CO AY

AdMiSSiOn General .............................................................$8 Seniors & Students ..........................................$6 Tours of 20+ when arranged in advance .....$6

Texas Quilt Museum

@TXQuiltMuseum

•

140 West Colorado • La Grange, Texas • 78945 • Phone 979-968-3104 • Fax 979-968-6010 projects@TexasQuiltMuseum.org • www.TexasQuiltMuseum.org

12576.TXQM_FayetteCountyVisitorsGuidAd.indd 1

2/24/17 2:45 PM