2018 Fayette County Record Spring Visitors Guide

2 018 FA Y E T T E C O U N T Y S P R I N G / S U M M E R V I S I T O R S G U I D E

DANCE HALLS

official publication of

Of Fayette County

TOWN SQUARES

with a whole lot of Flair

ROUND TOP • CARMINE • FLATONIA • FAYETTEVILLE • LA GRANGE • SCHULENBURG

CB Property Maintenance Service, Lodging & Reservations

Nate’s Barn

Chapel Oaks Cabin

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

Home & Property Care Services

Online Reservations

ARRIVAL SERVICES BARN CLEAN OUTS COMMERCIAL CLEANING AVAILABLE CONTRACTOR MANAGEMENT ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT DELIVERY & INSTALLATION EQUIPMENT SERVICES FREEZE & STORM PROGRAMS HOME CLEANING SERVICES HOME REPAIRS LAWN SERVICES PAINTING PHOTO UPDATES PLUMBING POWER/BRUSH EXTERIORS PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE REMODEL/NEW CONSTRUCTION ROAD GRADING TRACTOR SERVICE VEGETATION CLEAN UP WEEKLY PROPERTY VISITS WINDOW WASHING

SELECT IT! CLICK IT! BOOK IT! Guest Home and Cottage Lodging facilities for you in Fayette County and surrounding communities.

3-Corners House

Visit Fayetteville

Walhalla Valley Ranch

Front & Back Porch Cottage

Comfortable Lodging

Chapel Oaks Cabin

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.

Don’t see a service you need, call us!

Country Butler, LLC - General Contractor Remodeling • New Construction • Metal Building • Architect • Interior Design

Jason

Jordan Fischman, Broker Country Butler, LLC

Devin

Gelea

Isidro & Narciso

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Gay & Gail

Member of the following chambers: Fayetteville, Round Top, La Grange, Columbus, Washington County, and Schulenburg. Proud Member of Fayette County Tourism Association

CountryButlerTexas.com • info@countrybutlertexas.com Jordan Fischman, Country Butler, LLC 208 W. Fayette St. • Fayetteville, TX 78940

979.476.2757

2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

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Spring 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 features the Kramer family, who live on a farm just outside Fayetteville, and the unique way they are helping people get back to basics and connect with their food.

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 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.

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

VISIT FAYETTE COUNTY

Welcome Letter.....................................................................4 Fayette County at a Glance..............................................6 Annual Events.......................................................................8 Yonder Way Farm...............................................................12 DanceHalls...........................................................................14 Day Trips................................................................................16 Ellinger....................................................................................18 Town Squares.....................................................................20 Advertiser Index.................................................................82

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Round Top

ROUND TOP

Welcome to Round Top...................................................25 Winedale Historical Complex.........................................26 Antique Shows...................................................................28

CARMINE

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Carmine

Welcome to Carmine.........................................................31 All about Carmine..............................................................32

FAYETTEVILLE

Welcome to Fayetteville..................................................35 All about Fayetteville........................................................36 Lake Fayette.......................................................................38 Local B&B’s.........................................................................40 Country Butler....................................................................42

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Fayetteville

FLATONIA

Welcome to Flatonia.........................................................45 All about Flatonia...............................................................46 Central Texas Rail History................................................48 Czhilispiel.............................................................................49

LA GRANGE

Welcome to La Grange.....................................................51 Summer Camps.................................................................52 Texas Heroes Museum....................................................54 Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center...............56 The Jersey Barnyard........................................................60 Fayette County Courthouse..........................................62 Weikels Bakery...................................................................63 Fayette County Community Theatre...........................64 Hurricane Harvey Series.................................................68

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Flatonia

La Grange

SCHULENBURG

Welcome to Schulenburg................................................75 All about Schulenburg......................................................76 Painted Churches...............................................................78 Pilgrims.................................................................................80 Blinn College........................................................................81

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Schulenburg

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Visit Fayette is published twice a year by the Fayette County Record in La Grange, Texas. The purpose of the publication is to provide useful information for visitors considering Fayette County as their destination for leisure travel. It is used by the Fayette County Record staff as a tool for all trade shows and sales efforts, handed out at events and distributed at all TxDOT Travel Centers.

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Population 25,149 Area (sq.mi.) 959.8 Altitude (ft.) 200–590 Rainfall (in.) 40.46 Jan. avg. min. 39.2 July avg. max. 95.5 Civilian labor 12,350 Unemployed 3.0% Per Capita Income $48,197 Property Value $6,186,305,367 Retail Sales $400,891,966

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Regina B. Keilers

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LAVACA

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

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

History: Lipan Apaches and Tonkawas. Austin’s colonists arrived in 1822. Germans and Czechs 127 S. Washington St. | P.O. Box 400 La Grange, Texas 78945 Ph: 979.969.3155 | Fx: 979.968.6767 Email: editor@fayettecountyrecord.com www.FayetteCountyRecord.com The Fayette County Record is published every Tuesday and Friday, except the publication immediately following Christmas by Fayette County Record, Inc. serving Fayette County since 1922. The Fayette County Record is locally owned and operated by the Barton family since 1976.

(USPS 188-440) Postmaster: Send address changes to The Fayette County Record, P.O. Box 400, La Grange, Texas 78945. Periodicals Postage Paid at La Grange, Tx.

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began arriving in 1840s. County created from Bastrop, Colorado counties, 1837; organized, 1838; named for hero of American Revolution, Marquis de Lafayette.

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.

Recreation: Golf courses (2), State Parks (1), City Parks (13), Museums (18), Art galleries (12).

Airport: Fayette Regional Air Center; 850 Airport Road, La Grange; 979-242-4056; Ma jor Cities: LA GRANGE (4,749) County seat; electric-power generation, varied manufacturing, tourism; 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).

2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

2018 Annual Events No matter the time of year, you can find a festival or an event to interest you here in Fayette County. Here’s a partial list of our annual events: Mar. 23 Round Top Rifle Association Annual Fish Fry Round Top Rifle Assn. Hall 710 FM 1457 Round Top, TX

5:30 p.m.

The cost is $12 Call (281) 788-3278 for information.

Antiques

MARCH

Mar. 17-26 Antiques on the Square Historic Town Square 112 N. Washington St. Fayetteville, Texas 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Show opens Saturday March 17 and ends with the auction on Monday March 26. The Antique Auction by Teel Services is March 26 starting at 6 p.m. The Packing Up Sale starting 8:30 a.m. on March 27 until we are packed up. Contact Lisa at (318) 4651603 or email for more information. Free parking.

Mar. 21-Apr 8 Spring Antiques Shows

Several venues all over Fayette County.

From Round Top and Warrenton, to Carmine and La Grange. There will be antique vendors to suit everyone’s needs.

Mar. 23 “My Floral Affair” by Rachel Ashwell Book signing Old Glory Antiques 206 South Washington Round Top Texas

Call (720) 435-1482 for information.

Mar. 24 Flatonia C of C Spring Market Day South Main by City Hall 9 am-5pm

Flatonia Chamber of Commerce Spring Market Day with lots of Arts and Craft Vendors, Foods, Drinks, and Games.

Help cheer on the teams with the Texas Independence Relay. Come out and join the fun. Call (361) 865-3920 for more information.

Mar. 24 Silver Barn’s 10th Anniversary Celebration Wine Sampling Pipers Creek Vineyard Silver Barn Round Top, Texas 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Henkel Square Mar. 24-29 Carmine Dance Hall Antiques Show Carmine, Texas 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Mar. 24-April 7 Lavender Martini Tasting Bybee Square in Round Top 206 E Mill Street Round Top, Texas 4-6 p.m.

Call (979) 249-3618 for information.

Car Show

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

APRIL

Apr. 6 Asleep At the Wheel Carmine Hall 300 N Hauptstrasse St Carmine, Texas 7-11 p.m.

Post-modern Kings of Western Swing are hosting a dance at the beautiful and historic Carmine Hall for the very first time! Join us for this very special event. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Music starts at 8 p.m. Set Ups will be offered.

Apr. 7 Flatonia Rail Fan Pavilion Party 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Calling all Railroad Fans! Flatonia has the perfect location to watch & photograph trains going east-west and north-south and we are making a special day to gather together on Saturday, April 7, 2018 to do this. Free of charge, just join us any time of the day. We will have seating and tables available, so you can spend the whole day with us. The Photo Pavilion is located on Old Spanish Trail west of town. For more information call Mark at (713) 471-8068.

Apr. 14 5th Annual Schulenburg Sausagefest Downtown Schulenburg 979-743-4514 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Sausage Cookoff, Arts and Crafts and Live Music.

Apr. 14 Fayetteville Lions 2nd Annual Car and Music Picnic 112 N. Washington Fayetteville, Texas 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Part of the square will be roped off for Antique and Custom car parking with overflow on the grass at the fire station.

Bring that special, favorite car, even if it is not antique or custom. Let’s see what you have! Prizes for Unique Cars, Oldest Cars, etc. Car registration $25. Lions will be selling sausage on a stick, breakfast items, chili and nachos, ice cream sundaes, and Kettle Popcorn. The features of the day are cars, food and the Picking Park music on the Square! See you there. Call (713) 875-2628 for more information.

Apr. 14 The Fayetteville Picking Park live Acoustic Bluegrass Jam Each second Saturday of the month (January-November) On the square Fayetteville, Texas

Free to the public and participants. Bring a lawn chair. A slow jam will begin at 1 p.m. in the Old Fire Station led by Lou Lou Barbour. Jams will take place all throughout the square during the day. All levels of players welcome. The Old Fire Station will close at 10 p.m. but there will still be jamming in the gazebo and the square after 10 p.m.

Apr. 21 Henkel Square Market’s 3rd Annual Crawfish Boil Henkel Square Market 201 N. Live Oak Round Top, Texas 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

The cost is $8.50 per lb.

Call for (979) 249-5840 for more information.

Apr. 21 Flatonia Chamber of Commerce Crawfest 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

A Feast of Crawfish, A serving of Shrimp, Joel’s Sausage, Potatoes, Corn on the Cob, Moravia Vineyard Wine, Beer & Tea. Live Music and Silent Auctions. Three Guns Card Drawing Give-A-Ways. The cost is $35 per person. Tickets can be purchased at Flatonia Chamber Office. Call (361) 865-3920 or email flatoniacofc@sbcglobal.net.

Apr. 28-29 BP MS-150

ArtWalk

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 5 Flatonia Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Flatonia Civic Center Flatonia, Texas

Call 361-865-3571 for more information.

May 5-6 Art Walk 2018 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.

On the Historic Town Square in Fayetteville.

For more information see website www. artsforruraltexas.org or call (979) 378-2113.

May 12 The Fayetteville Picking Park live Acoustic Bluegrass Jam Each second Saturday of the month (January-November) On the square Fayetteville, Texas May 12 Round Top’s Stone Cellar Wine Fest The Stone Cellar 550 N. Washington St. (HWY 237) Round Top, Texas 78954 (281) 851-6779

Enjoy several varieties of wine by Becker Vineyards, Coppercane, Messina Hof, Delicato, and Consellation. Ticket costs $35 and includes commemorative wine glass and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Door Prizes presented between 3-5 p.m. Live Music by Sean Orr and The Texas Gold Band.

May 19 The Stand-In (Zaskok) Sanford Schmid Amphitheater 250 West Fair Grounds Rd. La Grange, Texas (888) 785-4500 7-9 p.m

May 20 Slavnost “May Fest” and Tribute to Immigrants Texas Czech Heritage Cultural Center 250 West Fair Grounds Rd. La Grange, Texas (888) 785-4500 10:30 a.m.

Ceremony honoring the Czech immigrants to Texas of any year. Contact TCHCC for Immigrant Recognition Forms. Available for the first 25. Meal served beginning at 11:30 a.m. Music on the Deck from 12:30-5 p.m. by the Travelers Orchestra Check out the Raffle, Country Store, May Pole Dance, and Village Tours.

May 20 Warrenton Volunteer Fire Department Feast and Fundraiser Round Top Round Top Rifle Association Hall 710 FM 1457 Round Top, Texas 78954 5 p.m.

Beef and Pork BBQ will be served. Dine in or grab a plate to go. Desserts are also available. Call 281-788-3278 for more information.

May 27 Flatonia American Legion Memorial Day Service Legion Hall 1225 E US Highway 90 Flatonia, Texas (361) 865-9350 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Memorial Service and meal.

This comedy by Brian Stewart is set during 1910 in a small Czech theatre company.

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JUNE

June 8-9 90 Miles on 90

Multi-city garage sale stretching from Luling to Sealy. For more information contact schulenburgchamber.org.

June 9 The Fayetteville Picking Park live Acoustic Bluegrass Jam Each second Saturday of the month (January-November) On the square Fayetteville, Texas

JULY

July 4 Round Top 4th of July Parade Round Top, Texas

Come to the oldest continuous Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi River.

July 14 Fayetteville City-Wide Garage Sale Stop and Shop Fayetteville 123 N Washington Fayetteville, Texas 8 a.m.

Held annually Since 1996.

Find bargains and treasures at Fayetteville’s world-famous City-Wide Garage Sale on the second Saturday of July.

Antique dealers, collectors, and junk enthusiasts will revel in the variety of garage sale items spread out around Fayetteville and on the square.

During the day, enjoy the specials held by the local merchants. Maps showing the locations of the garage sales will be available for treasure hunters at most garage sale locations and at the Visitor Center in the Old Bank Building on the Square. Call (979) 378-4021 for more information.

July 14 The Fayetteville Picking Park live Acoustic Bluegrass Jam Each second Saturday of the month (January-November) On the square Fayetteville, Texas

Rodeo

AUGUST

Aug. 3-5 Schulenburg Festival, the “National Party of Texas” Wolters Park Schulenburg, Texas

Three big days of rodeo, live music, great food, and a fun run. For more information go to www. schulenburgfestival.org.

Aug. 10-11 Fayette County Sheriff’s Posse Bull Riding and Rodeo Event Sheriff’s Posse Arena La Grange, Texas

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Fayette County Fair Parade

Aug. 11 The Fayetteville Picking Park live Acoustic Bluegrass Jam Each second Saturday of the month (January-November) On the square Fayetteville, Texas Aug. 30-Sept. 2 Fayette County Fair Fayette County Fairgrounds Hwy 77 La Grange, Texas

A Labor Day weekend event with Music, Dances, Livestock Shows, Carnival, Cookoffs, and more. For more information go to www.fayettecountyfair.org.

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 8 The Fayetteville Picking Park live Acoustic Bluegrass Jam Each second Saturday of the month (January-November) On the square Fayetteville, Texas Sept. 15 Texas Heroes Day Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites 414 State Loop 92 La Grange, Texas 9 a.m.-12 p.m

Free Admission. For more information contact (979) 968-5658.

Visit fayettecountyrecord.com for more events throughout the year

Sept. 15-Oct. 7 Fall Antiques Festival Round Top, Texas

Festival takes place 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.

OCTOBER

Oct. 6 Oktoberfest Fayette County Courthouse Square 151 N. Washington St. La Grange, Texas 3-7 p.m.

Craft Beer Tasting with more than 100 varieties of craft beers, Food, and Live Music. Call (979) 968-3017 for details.

Oct. 13 The Fayetteville Picking Park live Acoustic Bluegrass Jam Each second Saturday of the month (January-November) On the square Fayetteville, Texas Oct. 20-21 Lickskillet Days 112 N. Washington St. Fayettville, Texas 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Arts and Craft Vendors, Food, Cold Drinks, Saturday Night Street Dance, Sunday Morning Parade, Catered Meal after Parade, Raffle. This is a Homecoming Call for all former Fayettevillians and an Invite to non-natives. Spend the weekend with Fayetteville folks and see how small town Texas celebrates! Family Fun for everyone.

For more information and or Vendor Information, call or text (979) 877-5290.

Free Entry. Free Parking.

Oct. 19-20 Heritage Fest and Muziky Texas Czech Heritage Cultural Center 250 West Fair Grounds Rd. La Grange, Texas (888) 785-4500

Two days of family fun and music. Friday: Octoberfest on the Deck at 4 p.m. Music by the Dujka Brothers Band from 6-9:30 p.m.

Chicken and Dumplings served beginning at 5:30 p.m. Saturday: Music by Jerry Haisler & the Melody 5 and Enzian Buam 11:30 a.m-6 p.m. Antique Farm Equipment & Car Show, Saw Mill, Kolac Eating Contest, Heritage Demonstrations & Booths, Tarock Tournament, Muziky, Muziky Performance at the Amphitheater – TBA: 7-9:30 p.m., Fireworks Finale 9:30 p.m.

Oct. 26-28 CZHILISPIEL 46 Downtown Flatonia

Three days of live entertainment, largest tented Biergarten and family fun. Czhili and BBQ Cook Offs on Saturday. Oct. 27 along with Live Entertainment throughout the day. Arts & Crafts, Food Booths, Carnival, Children and Adults contests. Grand Parade and Car/Truck Show on Sunday, Oct. 28 along with food, arts & crafts, contests and more live entertainment! Czech us out.

Oct. 31 Trick or Treat on the Square Fayette County Courthouse Square 115 N. Washington St. La Grange, Texas 4-6 p.m.

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 along with Halloween games on the Courthouse lawn.

Oktoberfest

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Home-Grown The Kramers at Yonder Way Farm Help People Get Back to the Basics Written by LUCY CARR

It’s 10 a.m. in the middle of July when I pull into the long, gravel driveway of Yonder Way Farm, just outside Fayetteville. The sun is already high and hot, but a recent heavy rain has refreshed the grass, which has turned a livid jade. The bright blue sky is dotted with puffy clouds as white as marshmallows. As I arrive at the farm, I find dogs lounging lazily in the shade, while chickens and turkeys roam freely, pecking and scratching and cooling off in the dust. The scene is so idyllic, so pastoral, it’s almost unreal, but there’s nothing fake about farmer Jason Kramer, who greets me with a warm smile and an apology for his sweaty handshake. We sit at a shady picnic table by the farmhouse as he tells me how he and his family ended up in this beautiful place, making a living raising grass-fed cows, and freerange chickens and pigs.

Jason comes from a farming family but as an adult he was initially a firefighter for Houston FD. His wife, Lynsey, is a talented photographer. While in their mid-twenties, the couple had “an aha health moment” when Jason went to get assessed for life insurance and was told he was at a high level of risk. The couple started looking at their lifestyle to see how they could improve their health, and began with the basics: food. It started with trying to eat meat that was traceable to its source – avoiding what Jason refers to as the “faceless food system” that is now the norm, and buying instead

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

from local producers around Houston. “We started eating that way and our health dramatically improved,” recalls Jason.

When the chance came to run a family farm near Brenham, they decided to start raising animals for their own food, but that quickly morphed into raising them for others to enjoy. Five years later, when the Brenham property was sold, they began looking around the Round Top/Fayetteville area, which Lynsey had grown to love from her visits to Antiques Markets. At first, Yonder Way Farm was out of their price range, but then the price dropped and Lynsey persuaded Jason to take a look. When they told the seller their plans for the farm, he was so happy to have potential buyers who were going to work the farm and not just use it as a weekend home that he made them an offer they couldn’t refuse. Less than seven weeks after they started looking for a new home, the Kramer family had moved to the farm. “It was one of the most ‘God’ things that I have ever seen!” recalled Jason.

Now Yonder Way Farm is a thriving business, feeding hundreds of families a month with free-range pork, chickens and eggs and grassfed beef. Customers can order online and then come to the farm to pick up their orders, to meet the team and see where their meat is coming from, or pick it up from one of the many locations all over the Austin and Houston area that Jason and his team deliver to.

An increasingly popular way to buy the food and meet the family, which includes their four daughters, is to come to their monthly Farm Days. More than 600 people turned up to the first one they held, in May of this year. Even torrential rain didn’t deter more than 200 people turning up for the second one, in June. “We had people walking outside just soaking wet and we were doing hamburger and sausage. I ended up pulling my school bus out and I put condiments on the dashboard and people just sat in the school bus, eating. It was fun!” Jason recalls. When I visited the July farm day, there were bounce houses for the children, a DJ and karaoke, farm tours and lots of delicious things to buy, including grass-fed burgers and sausages on sticks.

There’s also a plan to offer farm-to-table dinners. “Food unites people. We have enjoyed having a community through food,” explains Jason. He hopes to build this community with the construction of an event space on the farm. And then there’s the plan to host an open-air dinner under the oak trees near the farmhouse, with low fencing around the tables so the pigs can wander around as diners enjoy their food. He wants to call it Swine Dining. And, yes, pork will probably be on the menu. But that’s the whole purpose of this farm. To enjoy the meat with a clear conscience, knowing the animals were raised well, fed well and had freedom.

“I want you to be aware that this is how they live,” explains Jason.

“If you feel not knowing is better, then shame on you! Because you don’t realize the horrible lives that those animals live. I am not an animal rights activist in any way, clearly – we raise animals for food.

But I do believe that, as good stewards, we only want our animals to have one bad day ... and if you can do that, if you can let them live as they are naturally supposed to be doing, and the only bad day they have is when they go to fulfill their purpose, then I sleep pretty good about that.”

With that, we set off for a tour of the farm. I see pigs wallowing up to their necks in mud, or hiding from the sun under their domed shelters. Chickens cluck around us as we approach one of the many hen houses, which have to be moved every two days so the birds can find new food to eat.

At the hen house, Jason finds a freshly laid egg, gently taps the shell and breaks it open. Even when just cracked, the glow of the orange yolk shines through the shell, and as he opens it fully, it’s the color of sunset – deep and glowing. The white is so gelatinous it makes the egg look like a jellyfish sitting in his palm. My mouth is watering at the sight. He tosses the shell and flings the white to the floor and the chickens immediately flock to devour the scraps, but he carefully keeps the yolk in his hand. “I can’t let the chickens eat this, or they would peck open the eggs and eat them all if they knew they were this good,” he tells me. I am not sure if he’s teasing me but I know I’d want more of those eggs if I had the chance.

Yonder Way Farm is located at 1055 S FM 1291, Fayetteville. For more information call (979) 530-4444 or visit:www.yonderwayfarm.com.

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Zapp Hall

Dancing the Night Away Written by ERIK MCCOWAN

Fayette County has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to

and regular performance schedules. While Gruene’s schedule boasts

the number of classic Texas dance halls that reside in its borders.

music almost nightly, our halls serve different functions, from

Looking at a map, 20 easily come to mind from north and south

wedding venues, antiques markets, food, drink and the occasional

of the Colorado River, and I’m sure that a few were innocently

public dance.

overlooked. What constitutes a “classic Texas dance hall?” In my mind — and I speak from a little bit of experience, having studied

Up in the northern part of the county, Round Top boasts two

under some of the greatest dance hall historians around — a

halls that have weekly functions of some sort. At the Round Top

classic dance hall must be made of wood, is old, and has a history

Rifle Hall just east of town, Monday nights are reserved for the

functioning as a community center for the area and an incubator

hamburger social where families can get some home-cooked food in

for early Texas music. You’ll definitely know that you’re in the right

the hall’s dining room and adults can enjoy a brew or two. The hall

place when you walk in and the smell of old wood and decades of

is run by a board of directors who help clean and repair the hall and

spilled beer hits you.

manage its bookings. They do offer occasional public dances, mainly for New Years Eve and their annual Schüetzenfest in September,

A majority of Texas dance halls were created by early German and

which dates back to 1873.

Czech settlers who arrived beginning in the 1850s. That’s not to say that the halls date to that era, for many accidentally burned or

Across town at the Stone Cellar is an independently-owned hall,

were abandoned or torn down and rebuilt into their current form

currently dubbed the Round Top Dance Hall. This hall once resided

using the wood from the old hall. It happened a lot, and that’s why

in nearby Wesley and was relocated a couple of decades ago to

most halls don’t go further back than the early 1900s. Immigrants

function as an antiques historic venue hall during the twice-annual

back then could not have had any idea that their simple structures,

affair in the area. While the nearby train depot offers almost nightly

which were used for local meeting spaces, elections, weddings and

dining and drinking options, the hall hosts semi-regular dances

funerals, would endure and transform into the legacies they are now.

during the warmer months of the year. Note that many of these down-home halls are not fitted with heating or air conditioning, and

If your only interaction with a dance hall is with the one in Gruene, you aren’t too far off the path of what these places look like. It’s just that the ones here in Fayette County don’t come without the tourists

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

most intend to stay that way.

Cistern Hall

Swiss Alp Dance Hall

Dance Halls of Fayette County While we’re still mentioning your dance hall dining options, one

Hwy. 237 northeast of La Grange. If you head to Warrenton, you will

should investigate Sengelmann Hall in Schulenburg and Holman

find two halls almost side-by-side.

Valley Steak House south of La Grange. Sengelmann is a classic downtown two story dance hall with a full dining room below and

One is Renck Hall, which was once the old Baca Hall in Fayetteville

an exquisite hall above. The facility received a major overhaul last

before it made the move in the early 1990s. It now serves as a high-

decade after serving years as an auto parts store and storage loft.

end repository of furniture antiques that you can find only twice a

You don’t have to dine or dance to like this place, for the restored

year. Up the hill is Zapp Hall, which houses a similarly curated but

bar downstairs offers select beers and crafty cocktails you won’t find

decidedly more funky array of artifacts. An added bonus for Zapp

elsewhere in town. Over in Holman, the restaurant has taken over

is that you can find a New Years dance there, too. And for every hall

the hall but remnants of the old dance floor and stage can still be

that is in an upswing, there are those that have fallen by the times,

seen out back.

reminders of dance hall days that have passed them by. You can veer off the path of Hwy. 95 in Cistern to study Cistern Hall from

One way that dance halls have found survival in the dwindling

behind a locked gate, a “for sale” sign now only catching the glance

dance-tour circuit is to be used as wedding venues. This ensures the

of the mildly curious, the old boarded up windows just begging for

halls are used for their intended purposes while still functioning as

someone to care again. Or drive down Old Spanish Trail (Old Hwy.

community gathering spots. Brides that are looking for that elegant

90) east of Flatonia to see the ruins of an old SPJST hall beside the

rustic touch would be wise to look around at some of these halls,

railroad tracks. Sights like these encourage many to frequent the

which have very reasonable reservation rates as opposed to venues

living halls to ensure their continued existence in order to carry on

in the big city. The Fayetteville SPJST #1 hall is one that is regularly

what many generations before have seen.

reserved, and the newly remodeled Hruska’s Hall at Park was the ultimate setting for a recent family wedding. If you get a chance to

Each old dance hall in Fayette County has a story independent from

peek inside, you will see the hard work and professional restoration

the rest. If you attend the right ones at the right time of year at the

that went into reviving a once-dominant polka hall in the once-

right picnic, you just might hear a polka band playing the same tune

thriving town of Park.

heard 120 years ago. At others, you might hear a young country act that people will be dancing to for the next 120. Most halls listed

If you can’t find a dance to attend or a wedding to crash, several halls

above offer weekend rentals and reservations and have websites or

are open for the aforementioned Antiques Week that snakes through

Facebook pages with their rates, calendar, and hours of operation posted.

2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

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Hyatt Regency Lost Pines

Exhilarating Day Trips Take a Short Drive to these Cities for more Fun City of Smithville 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.

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.

The village of “old Smithville” was laid out on 640 acres of land

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

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.

City of Bastrop 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 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 you covered.

Stay at one of our rustic cabins or charming bed & breakfast inns.

Choose a comfortable hotel or even a five-star Hyatt resort.

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

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, ca 1915. Exhibits include relics from the old country and Texas.

Serbin

Folk dress of Lusatia, the traditional Texas wedding dresses ,and the beautiful decorated Easter eggs are a few of the colorful exhibits.

Outdoor exhibits include two log buildings and early farming equipment.

Just over the Fayette County line, bordering southwest Lee County, is St. Paul Lutheran Church, the northernmost Painted Church of Texas. Five miles southwest of Giddings, is an area which forms a sharp point where Lee, Bastrop, and Fayette counties converge

The 1856 log cabin 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

Historic Downtown Smithville

2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

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St. Paul Lutheran Church in Serbin

carpenter’s and farming tools. Museum hours are 1-5 p.m. daily except Mondays and holidays. Admission is $5 - members and children 12 and under are free.

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 traditional Wendish foods (including homemade Wendish noodles), folklife demonstrations, exhibits and folkways, competitions, children’s activities, vintage machinery and car shows, music, etc. Special music and entertainment by German guests. No festival admission. Visit www.texaswendish.org, e-mail wendish@bluebon.net, or call (979) 366-2441.

City of Giddings Giddings is located about 30 miles from over a dozen fascinating rural Texas towns, making it a perfect “gateway to rural Texas.”

Ellinger a Tasty Stop The town of Ellinger, Texas, is located on Hwy. 71, and has a population of 300. People like to eat, and Ellinger is known for great food and pastries. Great bar-b-que from Peters, kolaches, and hamburgers from Hruska’s are sure to please everyone’s taste buds. Events like the annual Ellinger Tomato Festival is held the last weekend in May, features a large parade, Chamber fried chicken, auction, events for the children, and a tomato growing contest.

The Chamber also hosts a Polka Fest, homemade chicken noodle soup lunch, and other events that are family orientated. If you are traveling on Hwy 71, stop in Ellinger, Texas, “Where history and hospitality meet”.

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Historic Downtown Giddings

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 other dishes at one 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 cost-efficient 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.

Hruska’s

Family-owned and -operated since 1912, Hruska’s continues to provide cleanliness, community and home-cooking to thousands of visitors each year. No matter how far folks have traveled, Hruska’s makes the trip worthwhile!

www.hruskas-bakery.com 109 W State Hwy 71 | Ellinger, TX 78938 | (979)

378-2333

Fayetteville Town Square

building belongs to Petals and Lace, which sells a great selection of plants, flowers and gifts.

Across the street, Judy Rackley has run Yesterday’s Past, an antique and gift store, for almost 23 years.

Part of her store used to be a meat market, while another room housed the old post office (the original PO boxes can be found in the Fayetteville Area Heritage Museum on the other side of the square). Over the years, Judy says, the emphasis of Fayetteville’s commercial heart has shifted away from antiques towards the arts, but she still offers an attractive selection of items from, well, yesterdays past. There’s also always fresh–brewed coffee and a fine selection of traditional candy treats and more modern chocolatecoated goodies to sustain you as you stroll around the square.

Small Towns with Flair These town squares are nothing short of amazing Written by LUCY CARR

There’s something quaint about a small town with a vibrant, traditional square that is so attractive to visitors and locals alike.

Fayette County is blessed with three wonderful examples, each quite different from the others, and each definitely worth a visit.

Fayetteville

For something more substantial, try either Joe’s Place or Orsak’s for great home-cooking that will satisfy the heartiest of appetites.

At Joe’s Place, you can choose dishes that have been named after regulars who always order them, or the staff who invented them.

Orsak’s Café offers delicious ‘build your own’ burgers and huge chicken fried steaks, and is an equally popular place to eat. Both restaurants have taken pains in their interior design to preserve traditional architectural features, or evoke that feeling of times gone by. Checkerboard black and white flooring and diner-style bar and stool seating at Orsak’s, for example, and the saloon-feel of Joe’s, with its wooden counters and the full bar, nicknamed the Bohemian Bull Pen, next door to the dining area, both keep that nostalgic décor that feels authentic, not contrived.

The small town of Fayetteville still maintains wonderfully wide streets around its square. A pamphlet from the visitors center explains there used to be trees along the streets to offer shade and hitching posts for horses and buggies. These days the trees are gone, but the remains in the center of the square on which sits a pretty white, wood-clad courthouse and community bandstand. Every second Saturday in the month, musicians from far and wide come to ‘jam’ together here at the Picking Park event. They play long into the night and offer curious listeners the chance to enjoy a free performance.

Art galleries and artisan stores abound nearby. Don’t miss the Red and White Gallery, Arts For Rural Texas and the Moravian Gallery in the newly-renovated Grand Fayette Hotel. Also at the hotel, foodies can enjoy European-style appetizers and tapas at the wine bar with its soothing grey walls and fresh white trim.

During the day, there is plenty of shopping to be done, window or otherwise. Quilt supplies galore greet you at the Spoiled Quilter, which opened in 2017. Store owner Kathy Mabry offers something for quilters at any level of experience, with a wide variety of fabric and notions. She also offers classes to help improve your skills, as well as events such as book signings. Her store takes up one half of a building that was once a mercantile store owned by two German brothers back in the late 1800s. These days, the other half of the

And while many of the century-old buildings on the square have been renovated and changed from their original purpose, there are also places for the locals to shop and dine, such as the Jerry’s General Store, where you can buy canned goods and nails in the same place. On the day I visited, it was a Saturday afternoon in January and the square was fairly quiet, with some of the stores closed, so it would pay to check out their websites or Facebook pages for opening times if you want to visit somewhere specific and not find it closed. Having said that, when we returned to eat one

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

This is the joy of Fayetteville: it is both simple and sophisticated, traditional and stylish. You can eat scratch-made hearty home cooking or dainty tapas, buy small gifts, affordable antiques or original artworks.

Saturday evening, the square was hopping with life and the parking places outside the restaurants were full.

Round Top Town Square

Round Top

While Fayetteville and La Grange’s downtown areas are centered around one central square, Round Top’s downtown has a number of them in which to wander. This tiny town is best known for the two annual antique shows that it hosts every year. Vendors spread themselves along the roadside for miles, stretching to Carmine in the north and Warrenton in the south and thousands of people come to shop, browse and be inspired by the array of antiques and bric-a-brac for sale. Out of season, Round Top is much quieter, but still has plenty to attract visitors.

You know you have reached the heart of Round Top when you get to the four-way stop on SH 237. If you turn right (coming from La Grange) you will come to three squares, the town square, Henkel Square Market and Bybee Square, the latter two offering an array of shopping and dining choices. On the South side of town is Rummel Square, a growing collection of restaurants, coffee shops and gift shops.

All have a common theme – most of the buildings in these squares are either old buildings from the original sites, or reclaimed historic buildings that have been moved and restored. The overall feel, is both up-market and ancient, chic and historic. The beauty is that these three squares that dominate Round Top still feel somwehat authentic and organic, despite the deliberate nature of their development.

Henkel Square is a collection of reclaimed log and frame houses dating back to the mid 1800s. The historic buildings now house gift shops and art galleries, offering an eclectic mix of gifts, arts and antiques. There’s the Dapper Deer, where Winston, the aforementioned animal, looks out over the browsing customers wearing his British bowler hat and Scottish tartan scarf. And the Silver Barn, with its collection of pretty gifts, stylish home decor and Texas-made foodie treats. Browse and shop for art at the Copper Shade Tree and Fine Home, both run by Gerald Tobola. On the other side of the square, the two-story Humble Donkey offers affordable originals and prints created by artist/owner John Lowery.

His work couples the beauty of this rural farming community with his quirky humor.

At the center of the square is Henkel Hall, 8,000 square feet of event space ideal for weddings, theater productions and the like. To one side of the square, close to a picturesque grove of oak trees, stands the beautiful Haw Creek chapel, an intimate church building which

can seat up to 50 people and is the perfect place for a small wedding, blessing or baptismal service.

A short stroll away from Henkel Square is Bybee Square, with an equally appealing mix of galleries, gift stores and places to dine and drink.(Confession: on my visit, I ran out of time to explore this square as it was Sunday and the stores were closing, but there is plenty to see and next time I return, I will start there!) After all this shopping, there’s probably going to be a hankering for coffee and dessert. Thankfully, Royers Pie Haven on Henkel Square, a spin-off from perhaps the best-known eatery in the area, Royers Café, has a wide selection of home-baked goodies including aforementioned famous pies, cookies and cakes. The original Royers Café stands just outside Henkel Square, and is a very popular spot for dinner and dessert all year round.

On the other side of the four-way stop, Mark Massey, who developed Henkel Square from a museum village to a thriving commercial center, has been spreading his wings, rescuing more old buildings and repurposing them as restaurants, coffee shops and stores, in the ever-expanding Rummel Square. The Garden Company, whose original location is in Schulenburg, opened Feed And Firewater in Rummel Square in 2017. The picture windows give a great view and the wooden décor is tasteful but the best thing is definitely the food. If you don’t think you like Brussels sprouts, you have to try their appetizer. It might just make a convert out of you.

Just a few feet away is the very welcoming Espressions Coffee Shop, where locals and tourists share large wooden tables as they sip their flavored lattes, or feast on the Weekend-morning breakfast buffet.

While not yet open at the time of writing, two new restaurants by Houston-based restaurateur, Armando Palacios, are planned to open this spring. He will be continuing his fine Mexican dining at Manditos, in the former Los Patrones restaurant on the town square, and will be offering Italian pizza and pasta at Lulus on Bybee Square.

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This isn’t an exhaustive list of all to see and enjoy in Round Top, but hopefully it gives you a flavor of the place. So much more than just a place to visit during the antiques fairs, it’s a genuine, high-quality attraction all year round.

La Grange

La Grange Courthouse

La Grange has perhaps the grandest of all the squares in Fayette County, appropriately enough as it is the county seat. The ornate courthouse dominates the square with its Romanesque Revival stonework, and gargoyleadorned rooftop. The interior is just as beautiful and well worth a tour. Many of the buildings around the square are equally fine architectural gems, with ornate brickwork, imposing parapets and columned walkways. As you stroll around, it pays to look up, as well as in the windows of the stores, many of which have worked hard to conserve the delightful interior features such as original brickwork, painted facades and wooden flooring.

One of the joys of the square in La Grange is that it is still a busy commercial center, and not just a place that caters to tourists. The square is where the locals come to get their eyes tested and their teeth cleaned, to bank, get their hair cut, buy office supplies, even purchase scrubs and school uniforms. On weekends, they can shop at the Farmers Market, held on the square on Saturday mornings from 8am to 2pm.

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

There’s no shortage of great shops on the square in La Grange, some well-established, others new in the last year, a testament to the town’s continued popularity. There’s also something to fit all budgets: affordable fashion at Tara’s Boutique, fine, handcrafted jewelry at Schmidt’s, home goods, gifts and clothing for all price ranges at Julie B, Mustard Seed, Cottage Gatherings and Prickly Pear, and that’s just on one side of the square. Of course, there are antique stores – Kat’s Korner and Kat’s Korner Too – packed to the rafters with vintage and antique items of all kinds. Cooks can find all they need at Le Petite Gourmet Shoppe, and the local Hallmark store has plenty of choices for gifts and cards. Art lovers will be bowled over by the array of original art, photography and crafts, much of it made by local artists, for sale in Art Connections, which moved its business to La Grange in 2017.

The gallery stretches all the way to the back so it pays to take a good look around as there is plenty to explore.

Downtown La Grange is more than just the four sides of the square, though. The shopping tentacles stretch out like an octopus, reaching toward the main thoroughfares through town.

For example, another new addition to downtown is the arts and crafts gallery, La Grange Cotton Gin, located just west of the square on Travis Street. Huge plate-glass windows give this store an airy feel that makes it enjoyable to walk around. It is spacious,

yet packed with crafts, art and antiques suitable for all budgets, from handmade leather earrings to pieces of antique furniture.

On the opposite corner, on West Colorado, there’s the Texas Quilt Museum, again housed in a beautifully restored building, which pulls in casual visitors as well as quilt aficionados from all over the world. The museum’s exhibits change every three months so it is always worth a repeat visit, or two. Next door, quilt and knitting fans can shop their hearts out at The Quilted Skein, packed to the rafters with colorful fabrics and yarns that can’t fail to entice you to start a new project.

In downtown La Grange, there’s a place to eat to suit all tastes and budgets. For a glass of wine with lunch, head to Bodega on the corner of West Travis and South Washington street. There are delicious coffee, baked goods and sandwiches served on homemade bread at Latte on the Square. For no-frills-but-all-the-flavor barbecue go a few doors down to Prause’s Meat Market on the corner of West Travis. Their barbecue is legendary in this area, so get there early because it sells out fast. Bistro 108, opposite Prause’s, is the place to go for finer dining on the square. Savor a glass of wine at Vin 104 next door before your meal, or after. Lukas Bakery on North Main has been baking fresh breads, as well as regional specialties such as kolaches, pigs in blankets, and fruit cake at Christmas, since 1947. Finally, follow the aroma of freshly roasted coffee and head over to the Big State Coffee House and Roastery on West Colorado for breakfast, lunch, and of course, coffee, served in

a welcoming store, selling arts and crafts, as well as tasty treats.

To fully understand a place, you have to know its history. Find out more about the origins of, and events that have shaped, La Grange at the visitors center in the Old Casino Building on North Jefferson. This fine example of architectural restoration has plenty of entertaining and enlightening information to give visitors the low-down on the city. The Texas Heroes Museum, located in the old jail on South Main, honors Texans involved in conflicts from the Texas Revolution to the present day and explains why there’s a very special oak tree on the square. The La Grange Railroad Museum celebrates the importance of the railroad to the city and includes a fully restored engine and depot. There’s also the Founders Park on Colorado, on the square, which honors those who were integral in the creation of the county – it’s also a quiet nook to eat lunch at shaded tables, away from the crowds and the traffic.

La Grange is my adopted home town and I have worked, shopped and eaten at businesses on the square since I moved here in 2011.

Despite it being familiar now, after seven years, there are still surprises to be discovered and a vibrancy to the place that is so appealing. It is a small town, but the square is its heart and it is beating strongly.

Learn more about La Grange at www.visitlagrangetx.com

2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

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Interested in knowing what your property is worth?

CALL FOR A FREE Market Analysis AT 979.249.5767 Or contact one of the agents listed below.

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Photo by Rancho Pillow

Round Top Antiques Show

Round Top is well-known for crowd-pleasing favorites.

Round Top Antiques Fair is an outdoor gathering of antiques dealers, and customers each year in the spring and fall. The Round Top Festival Institute, a training

Henkel Square Market

ground for young musicians. The Shakespeare at Winedale program is administered by the University of Texas at Austin English Department. The town is also known for Moore’s Fort, the oldest building in Fayette County, which was moved there from La Grange. The population was 90 at the 2010 census.

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Winedale Historical Complex A Texas Historic Landmark Winedale Historical Complex is a division of the University of Texas at Austin’s Briscoe Center for American History, on 225 acres in northern Fayette County. A recorded Texas Historic Landmark, State Antiquities Landmark, and on the National Register of Historic Places; Winedale is home to a variety of nineteenth-century historic structures including five homes, a one-room schoolhouse, a rare four-square barn, and three log cabins. Winedale’s dining hall, dormitory, education center, and outdoor pavilion are available for use by nonprofit educational groups for meetings and retreats. The site also features Lake Winedale, the Gideon Lincecum Master Naturalists pollinator garden and a nature trail, Texas AgriLife orchards and weather station. Programs include Shakespeare at Winedale, an annual quilt exhibit, group tours, and Christmas at Winedale an annual mid-19th century folk life event.

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

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Winedale collects, preserves and makes available for study important examples of nineteenth-century Texas architecture and decorative arts. Conceived of by philanthropist Ima Hogg as a laboratory for university students to explore a variety of disciplines, Winedale represents the critical importance of preserving place as a part of the investigation of our past.

“Wow” is a common reaction.

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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

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A Rural Antiques Show Mecca Round Top,Carmine, and Warrenton Written by H. H. HOWZE

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.

Lines of vehicles on farm-to-market 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.

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.

Rooms are booked in all area motels, B&Bs and private homes far in advance.

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.

There’s no overall organizing authority, but there’s so much to see, just wandering around 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 Top mother-and-sisters act and “Shabby Chic” fashionista (and London ex-pat) Rachel Ashwell.

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.

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

EOE Your Hometown Bank Since 1912

Member FDIC

www.roundtopstatebank.com

2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

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.

Come See Our Porch Porch

Sale

Round Top, on ByBee SquaRe 979.249.5757 ~ open yeaR Round ~ MimiBellas.com Bellville, 525 S. MaSonic ST. 979.865.2121 ~ FB: MiMiBellaFinelinenweaR

Discover CARMINE

Rated 5-Stars by Bauer Financial for 28 Continuous Years.

SHOP &

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.

979-278-3244 | 800-720-1441

235 Centennial Street | P.O. Box 341 | Carmine, Tx 78932 www.carminestatebank.com

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

We WELCOME

Your Arrival! carminetx.com 30

2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Shweiki ad

The city of Carmine is known for the Texas Basketball Museum, operated by Bob Springer. The museum showcases Texas High School Basketball state titles and trophies, a Hall of Fame room along with exhibits of players who became pros. Enjoy shopping in the antiques shops in town or visit the City Park, created by donations of land to the city by the Albers and Muehlbrad families.

The park was dedicated in 1982. The population was 250 at the 2010 census.

Carmine Hall

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Carmine Park

Carmine, Texas A Truly Unique Antique Town Carmine-“the little city with a big heart” is right in the middle of it all. Located half way between Austin and Houston on Highway 290, it is the perfect mid-way stop for all travelers.

Carmine is the home of the Texas Basketball Museum, Carmine Train Depot and Museum, many antiques shops and art galleries, and Carmine State Bank, famous for once being robbed by members of the Bonnie and Clyde Barrow Gang. “ Many people who stop here for gas or a short break travelling down 290 become enchanted with the city and come back when

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

they see all that the city has to offer,” said Vicki LaRue of the local Economic Development Corporation.

With a beautiful shaded park, picnic area, great restaurants and clean gas stations, Carmine is the go-to stop on your way down Highway 290. The city also boasts a great RV Park and cozy bed & breakfasts for those who want to stay awhile and enjoy the area.

Having the country’s best antiques shows scattered across surrounding areas and right in town both in the fall and spring, Carmine touts itself as the “Gateway to the Antiques Festival.” But

Carmine Park

Carmine’s antiques aren’t just on the roadsides a few times each year. Many of the historic buildings house stores that are open year around. With a wonderful blend that ranges from fine furniture to “repurposed” junk, there is something for everyone.

Founded in 1883, Carmine (Car-MEEN) is located in the heart of Central Texas, With thousands of cars passing right through town on Highway 290 everyday, it makes the city the northern entrance to all of the other communities if Fayette County.

The city was incorporated in 1973 with an active city government, an excellent consolidated school system (Round Top-Carmine I.S.D.) with the high school campus in Carmine and the elementary campus located in Round Top.

Lumber Yard Antiques Mall owners

Carmine Hall

Whether it is for a day or a weekend of shopping and exploring the area, 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 for established and new business owners. So, next time you find yourself driving down 290 or through Fayette County, stop by and stay awhile. We’d love to have you experience all that our little city has to offer!

JW’s Steakhouse

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Fayette County’s quiet get-away featuring great lodging, food and drink.

Come and take a break in Fayetteville, and enjoy Texas the way it used to be.

HISTORIC INNS, B&Bs & HOTEL

StayInFayetteville.com

Orsak’s Cafe on the square in Fayetteville

Las Brisas Farm event venue

Fayetteville is a charming town, roughly halfway between Austin and Houston. Come enjoy the arts of Fayetteville. The Fayetteville Picking Park hosts live acoustic bluegrass jams almost monthly along with

Grand Fayette Hotel

other musical and arts events regularly. There are a plethora of cottages and cabins to stay in for a fun getaway. The population was 258 at the 2010 census.

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ArtWalk

Fayetteville Chamber Music

Fayetteville, Texas Living an Artistic Lifestyle The small town of Fayetteville has a very large reputation when it comes to the arts. From amateur to professional, from performance to the visual Fayetteville offers much more that you would expect from a town of 258 people.

FotoFest, the international photography biennial headquartered in Houston, is represented in Fayetteville in March and April with two exhibits: Arthur Meyerson’s “The Journey” at the Red & White Gallery, and Jerry Herring’s “Fayetteville Reconsidered” at the Moravian Gallery in the Grand Fayette Hotel. Meyerson’s photographic exhibit is based on his international journeys across seven continents and 90 countries. The Red & White Gallery, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary has featured national and regional artists such as Jesús Moroles, William Anzalone, Laura Wilson, Mary Quiros, Pat Johnson, Mark Kohler and Sally Maxwell.

The gallery scene in Fayetteville also includes the Ross Gallery in the ARTS building, the Artist Vault in the old bank building and Clovis Heimsath’s gallery on the Square.

Antiques are everywhere in March and April, with Antiques on the Square held during the Round Top-Warrenton Antiques weeks. This tent-show, a venue with nine plus vendors, culminates with a very popular live auction.

In May, on the second and third Fridays & Saturdays, the Fayetteville Chamber Music holds its annual Festival over two weekends at the Grand Fayette Hotel. This year’s event is on May 11-12 and 18-19. Artistic Director Håkan Rosengren gathers an ensemble of musicians from across the country to perform in the Moravian Gallery of the hotel. The small venue ensures that the audience is intimately involved with the musicians. First-

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

time attendees are overwhelmed by the experience of seeing such powerful performances up close, followed by an opportunity to meet and chat with the musicians. New this year to the Festival will be Jennifer Choi and Nicholas Tavani, violin and Carrie Dennis, viola.

The Festival welcomes back favorites Håkan Rosengren, clarinet, Bion Tsang, cello, Peter Nagy and Michelle Schumann, piano and the very energetic Altius String Quartet.

Historic Town Square

Fayetteville’s Historic Square is anchored by its 1880 Precinct Courthouse. The Courthouse building is the only original structure precinct courthouse in Texas. The building’s distinctive feature is a working and lighted Seth Thomas clock that chimes to announce each hour. The Courthouse is an attraction by itself, but the Town Square that it sits on is also the center of many of the area’s activities.

On the second Saturday of each month from January to November, the lawn around the Courthouse is home to the Fayetteville Picking Park, impromptu acoustic performances by a loosely organized group of musicians who play folk, bluegrass and western standards.

Small groups of musicians gather in circles and pick away as passerbys come and go. On a pleasant spring or summer afternoon and evening this is small town America at its best.

The Historic Square hosts the annual ArtWalk each May. The openair event features over 60 artists on the weekend of May 5-6. The juried exhibition draws large crowds who enjoy the exceptional art, music, wine and food. A special area for children to participate in art activities is a popular feature for parents.

ArtWalk is sponsored by ARTS (Arts for Rural Texas) which has a robust schedule of art programs and events, mostly targeted toward

BP MS 150

the area youth. The non-profit organization’s Fine Art Assemblies and Art After School programs reach over 5,000 children every year. This summer, ARTS is offering Summer Teen Workshops, the Emerging Artist Competition and six weeks of Summer Art Camp with expanded camp locations at four area small towns, including Weimar, Schulenburg, Fayetteville and Round Top. Creative lessons are easy to find in Fayetteville. Besides ARTS, many classes are held in private homes. And The Spoiled Quilter, located on the Square, schedules beginning, intermediate and advanced courses in quilt making. The shop is a full service quilting shop providing quality quilting fabric, notions, patterns, thread and everything necessary to complete a quilt. Dancing Light Fused Glass artist Donna Sarafis also offers extensive classes and workshops in her E. Market Street studio.

There are several other noteworthy studios, all located on the Historic Square. Pat Johnson is a highly-collected clay artist who exhibits around the state. Her work can also be found in public spaces such as the Fayette County Courthouse and Festival Hill.

Glass artist Dick Bour specializes in stained glass for churches and other public spaces as well as custom work for area homeowners.

Painter Clovis Heimsath has recently opened a studio and gallery on the Square. Heimsath has been painting Fayetteville and the local area for over 50 years.

Other attractions around the Square are the Fayetteville Historical Museum, Yesterday’s Past Antiques, Country Glam, Petals n Lace flower and gift shop, the iconic Jerry’s General Store and The Store in the Grand Fayette Hotel. Local restaurants include Orsak’s, Joe’s Place, and Chefs Kathy and George Valtasaros’ Wine Bar at the Grand.

A Fishing and Cycling Destination

Fayetteville doesn’t live on art alone. Nearby Fayette Lake draws fishermen from around the state. The lake is widely known for its

largemouth bass. Statewide annual tournament surveys consistently rank the bass fishing here at or near the top for size and activity.

Fayetteville is a cycling center, with a cyclist-friendly reputation, rolling hills and many paved roads. The parties the town puts on for the MS150 riders who pass through each year on their way to La Grange are legendary (all are welcome to attend the parties and cheer on the 12,000 riders+ on April 28th). Cyclists converge on Fayetteville for races as well as friendly rides. The Annual Good Old Summertime Classic Bike Ride, held the first Sunday in June, is an extremely popular, low-pressure ride. The ride benefits the local school. Other rides are more strenuous, such as the time trials and endurance races held here.

Stay in Fayetteville

StayInFayetteville.com is a website connection to activities and lodging in Fayetteville. The town has a hotel, several inns and assorted B&Bs. The Grand Fayette Hotel (formerly the Country Place Hotel) was recently remodeled and expanded, and now features a very active Wine Bar as well. The charming two-story building was built in 1900, but now has ten rooms with contemporary, comfortable interiors. Each room and all the public spaces exhibit original art by distinguished Texas artists.

So come see, dine and stay in Fayetteville, which celebrates art and a classic small-town American lifestyle.

DID YOU KNOW? The Fayetteville Precinct 2 Courthouse was built in 1880 for the cost of $800. $600 was raised by citizens themselves while the balance came from county funds. A ball was held to raise money to paint the building.

Source:www.texasescapes.com

2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

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

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.

Check Out Lake Fayette Boating, Fishing, Swimming & More 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.

Internationally acclaimed musicians perform in the intimate setting of the Grand Fayette Hotel Experience the 12th annual Fayetteville Chamber Music Festival May 11-12 and 18-19 Tickets: fayettevillechambermusic.com 38

2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Oak Thicket Park

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 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!

Painting by Janice McCubbin

ARTWALK 2018 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

Fayetteville, Texas May 5th and 6th Stroll - Shop - Buy

on Fayetteville’s Historic Square Fine Art, Food & Music Sat. 10am - 5pm Sun. 11am - 4pm www.stayinfayetteville.com

800.549.2213

1424 E. State Hwy. 159 • Fayetteville, TX 2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

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B&B’s with Histories Joan Herring and Mary Quiros have a talent for taking historic properties and blending them with modern amenities, original art and a flair for interior design. They have created some of the most sought-after rooms in the county. The rooms’ popularity may be due, in part, to the exposure gained in local, regional and even national publications. Their Market Street Inn, Grand Fayette Hotel and Red & White Inn combine to offer guests multiple choices, all with great style and comfort.

The Grand Fayette Hotel

The pair’s latest accomplishment was to take an iconic Fayetteville hotel and update it with their unique ‘luxurious country style.’

“We are excited to take this wonderful old building into its next phase,” said Mary Quiros. “This building and hotel have been such a great part of Fayetteville, and we plan to keep and enhance its role in the town’s culture.” The hotel, formerly known as the Country Place Hotel, was acquired earlier this year from longtime inn keepers Clovis and Maryann Heimsath. The two-story Zapp Building, a structure built in 1900 and currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is in the Romanesque Revival style with decorative brickwork in a distinctive checkerboard pattern. The building stands proudly on Fayetteville’s historic square and has been home to a department store, a dentist, a doctor, a photographer, an architect, a small hospital, a restaurant and even a World War II era ‘speak-easy’ before eventually becoming a hotel.

Many public meetings and private parties are held in the hotel’s Moravian Room, which is also the home of the annual Fayetteville Chamber Music Festival. The room will now house an art gallery as well as continue to serve as a public space. A much anticipated wine bar is to open on the first floor in early September as well as a small store in the lobby. “The Heimsaths have been great hosts and ambassadors for Fayetteville,” adds Joan Herring, “and we are very excited to continue this legacy while adding to our guest’s experiences as we continue to draw people to stay in our uniquely small town.”

Red and White Inn

Market Street Inn

Herring and Quiros also own and operate Market Street Inn, a five-bedroom inn a block off the Square in Fayetteville. The Market Street Inn project is where the women’s partnership began. Their morning walks took them through the small neighborhoods of Fayetteville. They would comment on the homes and gardens as they walked, and often lamented that older houses were unoccupied and deteriorating. “They were such wonderful old buildings that just needed a little love and care.” said Mary. One such house was the large, two-story building on the corner of Market and Live Oak streets, which had been on the real estate market for some time. Built in 1898 and owned by just one family for the past 60 years, the house had not been lived in for awhile and needed help. So Quiros and Herring formed Walking Women Ventures, bought the old house, and opened a luxurious five-bedroom, 5-1/2 bath inn on the site.

“There is a real demand for lodging that offers the combination of historic architecture, modern amenities and luscious appointments,” says Herring. “And our Market Street Inn has all of this and more.

Twelve-foot ceilings, beautiful art and furniture, a large screened-in porch and a very large country kitchen combine to make guests feel right at home.”

The Red & White Inn

Before Walking Women Ventures was established, Joan Herring had developed the Red & White Inn and six other Fayette County properties under the Blackbird Lodging umbrella. The Red & White building, which houses the inn and an art gallery, is a major center of activity for Fayetteville’s townsfolk. The four-bedroom inn is situated on the second story of the oldest commercial building in Fayette County. Built before 1850, the structure has been a focal point for the local citizens as well as passing travelers. It is a landmark in the city for its many uses but also for its distinctive red paint. The inn has large, colorful rooms with private baths, art by internationally acclaimed artists and custom made furnishings. When the Herrings remodeled the building in 2011, they installed an elevator to make the second floor more accessible. On the first floor of the Red & White is a full kitchen for guests and a screened-in porch to make quiet evenings more enjoyable. A very popular art gallery, the aptly named Red & White Gallery, occupies the first floor. The two large rooms of the gallery include a side building that once was the local theater, actively showing movies until the early 1960s. The gallery has gained wide attention for its exhibitions that have included Laura Wilson, Jesús Moroles, William Anzalone, Mark Kohler, Mary Quiros, Pat Johnson and Sally Maxwell.

Guest Focus

Even with all the accolades for the style of Quiros and Herring, most guest comments focus on the amenities and attention to detail. The number of repeat guests is a testament to the pair’s belief that their guests should have the same experience that they would want for themselves. So comfortable beds with great linens lead a long list of what Quiros and Herring build into their properties. And the reviews have been proving them to truly be “Fayetteville’s Hospitality Queens.”

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A great place to stay for antiquing or just a weekend country get-away Ten eclectic, chic rooms in a historic 1900s building on the Square in Fayetteville, Texas.

Call Joan at 713-818-9766 for lodging reservations. www.blackbirdfarmtexas.com

GRAND FAYETTE HOTEL

Absolutely great food and wine Thursdays-Fridays-Saturdays.

Champagne brunch on Sundays.

Call 979-716-6988 for dinner reservations. www.winebaratthegrand.com

T H E

WINE BAR

AT THE GRAND FAYETTE H O T E L

2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDEValtasaros 41 Chefs Kathy & George

Country Butler Property Maintenance & Lodging Country Butler, LLC is based in Fayetteville, Texas. Our company came about as a result of my wife and I driving through Fayetteville in 1999 on our new motorcycle. Little did I know the motorcycle would change my life. Next we bought a house in town in June 2000 without discussing the concept till we saw the house for sale. Just like our customers now, it was going to be a weekend retreat. But, not everything worked well at the house all of the time. Then I decided to reinvent myself and get out of the corporate technology sector and go in a different direction—hence, Country Butler was started. My father owned apartment buildings in Chicago, so years ago I learned to fix stuff. And in those days with old buildings it was a task to figure things out. So, with that experience, my ability to be pretty good mechanically, and my understanding of technology, and a pretty good business background, I said let’s do something different and put all of my experience to work. We started our services in 2007 working with owners of weekend properties. Soon we found ourselves in the Lodging and Hospitalty business. We acquired some houses for rental and then started to manage lodging facilities of customers who owned homes they wished to rent out. We upgraded our system to automated reservations online-just like the hotels. We provide 100% turn-key solutions for this segment of business.

Our services included doing “handyman” work on weekend homes and soon we grew into doing more extensive services. We do our best to provide the best service and straight forward information on all requests that we get from our customers. This process worked very well for me in my previous work world, so I knew it would work well here.

That growth trend has continued and now we do remodeling, and new construction. It was our current customers who asked us to do the work for them. We now have crews doing jobs just about everyday of the week. Of course, this led to buying tractors, equipment, trailers, trucks and all of the good support needed for the business.

Our house cleaning team has grown and is now managed by two great ladies, Gail and Gay, who do an awesome job of organizing the schedules and visiting with customers to review and manage their needs. My right hand guy, Earnest is here to back me up and is always there to help customers. Plus we have a great time working with our customers.

In our years doing this service, you name it, we’ve seen it. It is amazing how many different requests we get for service. Some fun, some not so fun. Examples: feed chickens, horse care, cattle, fish, cats, dogs— those are all fun and rewarding. We’ve done total clean out of barns and buildings that have had decades of junk and now is time for it to be removed. Plumbing, electrical, rats in the wires, rats in the sewers, mice—plenty of mice to go around. Rotten wood, broken windows, HVAC issues. You name it, we’ve probably had to deal with it.

My goal has been to provide a service that you can trust and an explanation of what is going on and a straight forward solution. My team is your “go to solution” for services and information. We will do whatever we can to help you with your needs.

You can contact us at 979-476-2757 or info@countrybutlertexas.com.

Our offices are at 208 W. Fayette St, Fayetteville, TX 78940.

(Most of the time we are out and about)

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Central Texas Rail History Center & Flatonia Rail Park A Train Load of Treasurers • Model Trains • Photos Galore • Railroad Memorabilia • Historic Tower No. 3 • SP Caboose No. 4743 Central Texas Rail History Center Friday & Saturday 10:00 am – 12 pm 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

104 South Main St., Flatonia TX • 713.471.8068 • www.railcrossroadstx.com

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Downtown Flatonia

Flatonia is a historic town located on Interstate 10 and the Southern Pacific Railroad, 12 miles west of Schulenburg. Home to the abandoned Flatonia Railroad Tower, used from 1902 to 1996 it is one of Texas’ longest standing, manually-operated railroad switching towers with north-south and east-west cross rails. Enjoy a round of 9-hole golf on the well-maintained golf course. If you’re up for site seeing check out the six beautifully painted churches with easy driving distance. The population was 1,383 at the 2010 census.

Rhinestone Angel

2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

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Crawfest Flatonia Mural

Visit Fascinating Flatonia Flatonia is a town on the tracks. The passenger 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.

The Center houses many historical artifacts, model train displays and photographs from when ‘rail was king’ in Flatonia. Across

Crawfest

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Flatonia Watertower

Golf Course

Central Texas Rail History Center

Rail History, and So Much More 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.

E. A. Arnim Museum

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-oftowners 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.

Flatonia Movie Theater

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Central Texas Rail History Preserving the History of Flatonia E. A. Arnim Archives & Museum

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 48

2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

At one time, farmers, ranchers and merchants of Flatonia 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, which is operated by Flatonia Special Projects (FSP). The museum is located at 104 South Main Street across from the town’s post office. The Center houses many historical artifacts, model train displays and photographs from when ‘rail was king’ in Flatonia. The Center is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. – noon and 1 – 3 p.m.

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. The tower is available for viewing upon request. Another train related activity in Flatonia 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 at interlocker only a few blocks from the Central Texas Rail History Center. Flatonia Special Projects is also the organization working to bring rail passenger transportation back to South Central Texas.

For a number of years, members of FSP have worked with Amtrak to establish a station stop in downtown Flatonia. Having recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Amtrak for the proposed station stop, FSP is currently raising funds for the new station and related costs. No date has been established for the new service.

For additional information on the Central Texas Rail History Center or for an Amtrak update, visit the Center’s website at www.railcrossroadstx.com or call 713.471.8068.

Serving Up The Spice Flatonia Czhilispiel Coming Up Written by ANDY BEHLEN

The 46th annual Flatonia Czhilispiel takes place Oct. 26-28 this year. This unique festival takes place in Flatonia’s historic downtown.

As the name implies, the event centers around a big chili cookoff. The “z” and “spiel” (meaning “play”) in the name give a nod to the town’s Czech and German heritage.

Most of the fun at Czhilispiel takes place under a huge tent, as long as a city block, on North Main Street.

This year’s entertainment lineup hasn’t been announed yet. but last year’s performers included the Bret Mullins Band and Grupo Emocion on Friday night. Texas Country superstar Roger Creager headlined Saturday night. Texas Dream Band, JD Clark, and Jon Wolfe performed earlier in the day on Saturday. On Sunday, gospel group D’Vine Testament and a polka band, the Czechaholics, performed Sunday morning and afternoon. Hometown band The Velvets closed the show Sunday night.

Plenty of cold refreshments at the biergarten and good food is always available from the numerous vendors who line up along North Main Street.

Other events at the festival include an egg toss competition, a beard growing contest, jalapeno eating contest, ladies Daisy Duke and men’s hairy leg contests. There will also be a children’s Halloween costume contest, children’s tricycle races and a washer tourney.

A 5K run and walk takes place Saturday morning. Visitors can enjoy a parade through downtown on Sunday morning.

For more information, www.flatoniachamber. com/p/czhilispiel or call the Flatonia Chamber of Commerce at (361) 865-3920.

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Building Trust You Can Depend On for 36 years

979.968.9000

HIGHSMITHBUILDERS.COM est. 1982

Fayette County Courthouse in La Grange Canoeing on the Colorado River

La Grange is near the Colorado River, located between Houston and Austin on Texas State Highway 71. Home to the Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites. Monument Hill is a memorial to the men who

Polka Lovers Club Museum

died in the Dawson Massacre and in the Black Bean Episode of the Mier Expedition. The Kreische Brewery site commemorates European immigrants and their contributions made here. The population was 4,641 at the 2010 census.

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Area Summer Camps Learning Big and Playing Hard

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 Lutherhill’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 horse-led 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.

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.

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

KLEIBER

TRACTOR & EQUIPMENT, INC. www.kleibertractor.com

P.O. Box 299 | 1701 W. Travis St., La Grange, TX 78945 P: 979-968-3187 | E: kleiber@kleibertractor.com

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CUSTOM HOMES, REMODELS RENOVATIONS

BOOTHEBUILDINGCOMPANY.COM

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979.777.8186 BASED IN LA GRANGE, TEXAS. SERVING THE GOOD PEOPLE OF FAYETTE COUNTY AND SURROUNDING AREAS.

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/crier-creek/ for more information.

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Texas Heroes Museum Honoring Texans who have Fought for Our Freedom 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.

MUSEUM HOURS 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.

Located in the Old Jail

Free Admission 171 S. Main St. La Grange, TX 78945

TexasHeroesMuseum@gmail.com • 361-210-7318 https://www.facebook.com/TexasHeroesMuseum/ 54

2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

News • Weather • Sports • Emergency Alerts

Channel 89.1FM KTIM.org 1151 N. Jefferson LaGrange

979-968-1601 info@KTIM.org

@KTIMRadio KTIM-FM89.1

Texas Czech Heritage & Cultural Center Schedule of Events for 2018 themselves short of company members. To allow the show to go on, they call in the famous Czech actor Karel Infeld Prachensky to perform one of the parts. However, the show becomes disastrous when the famous actor forgets his lines, causing chaos to ensue. The beginning of the play sets up the belief that Jara Cimrman, a fictional Czech personality, wrote the play being watched.

“It is a real honor to take this beloved piece and to shepherd it onto the international stage.” – Brian Caspe, Actor in the Cimrman English Theatre. With the first visit to the United States, The Stand-In was performed at distinguished establishments such as the Bohemian National Hall in New York City on April 19 and 22, 2017 and later at the Czech Embassy in Washington, D.C. This truly will be a wonderful evening overlooking the Colorado River Valley.

On March 24, 1997, TCHCC was officially incorporated. Then Texas Governor George W. Bush signed the resolution from the Texas House of Representatives and Senate in July of 1997. The resolution recognized all those associated and that the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center be built in La Grange. The resolution further recognized the contributions of Texans of Czech ethnicity to the state’s history and that Fayette County, which is known as the “Cradle of Czech Immigration,” is an appropriate site for the center.

The annual Slavnost ‘May Fest’ and Tribute to the Immigrants to Texas will be held on Sunday, May 20. The day will begin with music in the Koliba Foyer at 9 AM along with Svačina. The Tribute to the Immigrants to Texas ceremony will begin at 10:30 AM. The ceremony recognizes the families whose Czech ancestors immigrated to Texas. A delicious fried chicken dinner with all the trimmings will be served in the Hanslik Hall beginning at 11:30 AM. Plenty of Czech style desserts will also be available along with refreshing beverages of all kinds.

Music on the deck of the TCHCC from 12:00-6:30 PM. The Travelers Orchestra of Columbus, TX will begin at 12 PM. At 3:30 PM, there will be a special performance by the Eva Adam’s Czech Ensemble from the Czech Republic, celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Czechoslovakia. A dance floor has been added for all our dancing patrons. The Czech Village and Museums will be open for touring, a hay ride, raffle drawing, May Pole Dance, door prizes, Country Store, Pastry Shop, and much more. Item donations for the Country Store and Pastry Shop are welcomed. Help with genealogy research will be available in the Melnar Library and the TCHCC Kopecky Gift Shop has a new stock of items great for gifts for any occasion for everyone.

The TCHCC Complex is located adjacent to the Fayette County Fairgrounds on US Hwy 77 just North of La Grange. The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center consists of museums, banquet hall, library, gift shop, a re-created immigrant village, and an amphitheater.

TCHCC is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of artifacts, language, and culture of the Texas Czechs.

For more information, contact TCHCC at 1-888-785-4500, email info@czechtexas.org, or visit the website www.czechtexas.org. The TCHCC address is 250 West Fairgrounds Road, PO Box 6, La Grange, TX 78945. The TCHCC is a nonprofit organization and accepts donations in any form. All donations are welcomed and will be acknowledged. Come enjoy a great weekend of Czech heritage and culture!

Fayette County was selected as the site for the Texas Czech Heritage & Cultural Center (TCHCC) because of its significance in the history of Texas Czechs. Fayette County has the largest Czech population per capita and the most Czech communities of any county in the state.

Many Czech-related historical sites and events, as well as prominent Texas Czechs, can be linked to Fayette County, which has the distinction of having had more immigrants from the Czech lands of the Austro-Hungarian Empire settle in the second half of the nineteenth century than any other county in Texas.

TCHCC will be celebrating Slavnost ‘May Fest’ on the third Sunday of May. The weekend events begin on Saturday afternoon, May 19, with the re-opening dedication of the Velehrad SPJST Lodge #19 that was recently moved in to the Czech Village at TCHCC. The dedication ceremony will begin at 4 PM and feature an early 1900s era dedication ceremony complete with a brass band and Model A style autos. The dedication will follow with tours of the newly refurbished building and an amazing raffle.

It’s another great night under the stars. On Saturday evening, The StandIn (Záskok) will be performed from 7-9 PM at the Sanford Schmid Amphitheater in the TCHCC Complex. Záskok, written by Ladislav Smoljak and Zdeněk Svěrák, premiered in the Czech Republic in March 1994. It is a comedy set in 1910 about a small troupe of actors who find

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Cooking for the soul! It’s better than scratch!

HANK’S Express BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER CASSEROLES HOMEMADE PIES

154 South Jefferson Street, La Grange, Texas 78945 | 979-966-0500 | hanks-express.com

Museum Exhibit: WW1 & The Birth of Czechoslovakia

Slavnost “M a y F e s t ”

March - November Sunday, May 20, 2018 An exhibit detailing the Czech efforts on the battlefield and the Czech Americans on the home front during World War I. More programs will be announced throughout the year.

Tribute to Czech-Texas Immigrants at 10:30 AM Meal served at 11:30 AM

Velehrad SPJST

Sanford Schmid Amphitheather

Music By: The Travelers Orchestra Eva Adam’s Czech Ensemble from the Czech Republic

Re-Opening Dedication

The Stand-In (Zaskok) Play

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Lodge #19 in the Czech Village

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Free Wifi Microwave & Mini Fridge Remodeled Rooms Non-Smoking Rooms Pets Allowed

A comedy by Brian Stewart set in 1910 in a small Czech theater company.

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center 250 West Fairgrounds Road � La Grange, Texas 78945 888-785-4500 � info@czechtexas.org � www.czechtexas.org

The Oak Motel is a wonderful 18 room Motel that we acquired in June of 2017 along with the 1907 House “Joseph Koss Home” we have remodeled the property and hope to make it your favorite place to stay in La Grange Texas. One block off the square next to Hanks Express and Subway.

Call us today!

979.968.3133

227 S. Jefferson St. La Grange • www.theoakmotel.com 2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

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Whether looking to become a rural land owner, buy that ideal hunting property or finance your farm or ranching operation — with Capital Farm Credit, you’re covered. We even have special programs for beginning farmers and veterans.

Because 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.

la grange 456 N. Jefferson 877.688.5500 | 979.968.5750 capitalfarmcredit.com | NMLS493828

Diggs Real Estate Inc.

1824 E. State Hwy 159 La Grange, TX 979.968.6143 www.Diggsrealestate.com

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

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

The Jersey Barnyard Tour a Real Working Family Dairy Farm Written by FAITH FRERICHS

The Jersey Barnyard invites everyone to spend some quality time on its beautiful century-old dairy farm with family and friends. The Jersey Barnyard offers guided or self-guided tours that others into a glimpse what farming life is all about. This fourth generation farm has seen feasts and the famines over the past 114 years. The family’s hard work and determination has led the farm to diversify and reinvent itself in order to survive ever-changing demands.

LA GRANGE FARMERS MARKET OPEN YEAR ROUND

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 bottle feed calves. 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 percent grass-fed Grade A raw milk, 100 percent grass-fed beef, free range 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.

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

The mild fall and winter months in Fayette County mean that some sort of garden-fresh produce is available year-round here.

That produce is showcased weekly for the public to buy at the La Grange Farmers Market held every Saturday (year-round) from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Fayette County Courthouse Square – 151 N. Washington St. The La Grange Farmers Market creates a vibrant atmosphere for the area’s local agricultural community to come together and share the bounty of the land. The purpose has always been to provide visitors with locally grown foods, farm products, and home-made crafts through direct farm-to-consumer marketing.

Farm Tours • Farm Products • Seasonal Events

FARM TOURS All Year Round Feed Animals Milk Cows Hay Rides Hay Maze

Largest & Most Complete Kitchen Store in Fayette County

Schools, Churches, Scouts, and Families Welcome!

FARM PRODUCTS

Gift Registries • Cooking Classes • Kitchen Gadgets Quality Cookware, Bakeware, & Cutlery Teas, Spices, & Coffees

979.968.4000

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

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

226 W. Colorado St. (On the Square) La Grange, TX lepetite@cvctx.com lepetitegourmetshoppe.com

SEASONAL EASTER EGG HUNT Always the Saturday of Easter Weekend

PUMPKIN PATCH AND PUMKIN PAINTING Last Weekend of September - October

THE GREAT PUMPKIN RUN 5K AND FALL FARM FESTIVAL Second Weekend in November

FEATURED IN Texas Highways • Texas Country Reporter Longhorn Network - “Sam Out of the City” Cowboys & Indians • Successful Farming

Find us on Facebook!

www.texasjersey.com • barnyard@cvctx.com

3117 State Hwy. 159 La Grange, TX 78945

979.249.3406

2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

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Fayette County Courthouse The Heart of Downtown La Grange 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 127-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 30foot 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

BIG ON

the courthouse and now is filled with plants and a fountain. The courtroom, 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 that county business and trials may be going on. Volunteers also open the courthouse for visitors most Saturdays.

Fast, Reliable & Local.

Serving Fayette County Since 1953.

SERVICE! Voice | Internet

979.242.5911 | cvctx.com 62

2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Get a True Taste of Kolaches A Fayette County Treasure, Weikel’s Kolaches Weikel’s Store and Bakery, known for its authentic Czech kolaches and klobasniky (pigs-in-the-blanket), meringue pies, and other homemade pastries, has proudly called Fayette County “home” for decades.

The area’s appreciation for Czech heritage, culture and food has been a beautiful match for Weikel’s pastries and family history. Thanks to this success and customer loyalty, the Weikel family is excited to soon share their tasty treasures, Czech heritage and story beyond county lines.

“We feel the area’s history, culture and small-town charm are a good fit for our made-from-scratch baked goods,” Nick Hensley, Weikel’s Bakery operations manager.

In addition to the flagship bakery in La Grange, Weikel’s also send products fresh daily to The Village Market in Carmine. Additional wholesale opportunities are available. Baked goods also can be order online at www.weikels.com and shipped fresh to customers.

Check out Weikel’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ weikelsbakery) for news, updates, promotional offers and discounts.

Weikel’s Bakery opened a new bakery in December of 2017.

The new bakery is located at 2155 Highway 290 West (adjacent to the Westwood Chevron building), and is scheduled to open this fall.

“Our family has been making and serving homemade food in Fayette County for decades. We are very excited to expand our bakery and share our family’s joy for homemade food with the residents of Brenham and those traveling through,” said Philip Weikel, third-generation owner and manager of Weikel’s Bakery.

The 1,800-square-foot Brenham bakery includes a full-scale baking operation and a seating area for up to 16 guests. The menu includes an extensive assortment of kolaches, klobasniky, sweet rolls, pies, bread, muffins, cookies and cakes as well as a coffee, tea and soft drinks beverage counter.

Health Care For All La Grange Medical 753 E.Travis St. (979)968-2000 La Grange Dental 220 W. Guadalupe St. (979)968-5700 Giddings Medical 185 Decker Dr. (979) 968-2000

www.tejashealthcare.org

Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites Activities:

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

September 15, 2018

(979) 968-5658

December 1, 7, 8 14, & 15, 2018

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

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Community Through Play Written by JENNY FRENCH

Fayette County Community Theatre has been entertaining local audiences with the joy of live theatre since early 2017. Live theatre seems to have been just what Fayette County was missing because FCCT sold out every single performance of 2017. Audiences were enthralled by the hilarious cast of characters in The Importance of Being Earnest. They howled with laughter during Mama Won’t Fly and cried right along side the grieving M’lynn during Steel Magnolias.

The 2018 season kicked off this February with Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park, a hilarious story of young love set in 1960s New York City that was directed by talented local actress and FCCT Board Member Melissa Weltner. The show was a resounding success, selling out every night and raising $1,200 to benefit the FCCT Scholarship Fund for local high school seniors. Coming up this May, Melissa Weltner will be directing a cast of middle and high school students in the children’s classic The Secret Garden. In August, Mason Jones, an up and coming actor and star of Barefoot in the Park, will be co-directing the old-western style melodrama Dirty Work at the Crossroads with Texas State University theatre student Erin Mendoza. Finally, FCCT is excited to bring you Our Town in November 2018 directed by Shyla Hungerford, a story about the power of community and a tribute to the strength of Fayette County following the devastating flooding during Hurricane Harvey in November 2017.

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

This exciting 2018 season of community theatre is brought to you through a generous partnership with the City of La Grange’s Main Street & Visitors Bureau. The City of La Grange has been an integral part of FCCT since its founding in 2017. When FCCT Founder and President, Susannah Mikulin moved to Fayette County with her husband and young children, she was encouraged by a friend to take a tour of the new visitor center and performance space located in the newly remodeled Historic Casino Hall in downtown La Grange.

The rest, as they say, is history. FCCT found its home at the gorgeous and state-of-the-art facility and found partners in the wonderful people who work there, people who shared Susannah’s dream of “Building Community Through Play.”

In keeping with the vision of “Building Community Through Play,” FCCT does more that simply produce high-quality theatre. FCCT also works to provide opportunities for local youth to get involved and develop their own love of theatre. The FCCT Board of Directors includes a Student Liaison, a position filled by a local high school student who ensures that there is an ongoing partnership with the local schools and acts as a voice for youth in the organization.

As a result, students have been involved in every aspect of FCCT, from acting to set construction and backstage crew. This summer FCCT will also be conducting its second annual Summer Theatre Workshop, an opportunity for middle and high school students to

learn the ins and outs of live theatre from FCCT Founder Susannah Mikulin. Before founding FCCT, Susannah was a middle school theatre teacher and teaching kids to find their confidence and have fun with theatre continues to be a primary mission of FCCT.

community gathering place. FCCT is thrilled to once again bring live theatre back to the Historic Casino Hall in 2018. Learn more about the Historic Casino Hall and other events sponsored by La Grange Main Street & Visitors Bureau at www.visitlagrangetx.com.

All FCCT performances take place at the Historic Casino Hall located at 254 N. Jefferson in downtown La Grange. The newly renovated, two-story building consists of 9,615 square feet of space including a performing arts center. It is the home of the La Grange Economic Development Corporation and La Grange Main Street & Visitors Bureau. It also includes an exhibit space, gift shop, and visitors lounge.

FCCT relies on your donations and a hard-working crew of dedicated volunteers to bring you high-quality theatrical productions. For more information on how to get involved as a volunteer, member, or community sponsor visit www. fayettecountycommunitytheatre.com.

One of the city’s oldest and most significant buildings, the Casino Hall has served many functions since its construction in 1881, none of which was actually a casino. The building was built by the Casino Society, a group of local German immigrants, and in this context the word “casino” actually refers to a place for social gatherings. Over the next hundred plus years the Hall served as a performance space, a school, the home of La Grange City Hall and the Fire Department, as well as the La Grange Senior Citizen Center before being left vacant from 2006 to 2014. The multimillion dollar restoration project that began in 2014 infused new life into the building and brought it back to its former glory as a performing arts venue and

UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS AND EVENTS The Secret Garden, May 11th – 13th Summer Theater Workshop, June 11th – 15th Dirty Work at the Crossroads, August 10th – 12th Monster Bash, October 27th Our Town, November 2nd – 4th Holiday Craft Fair, December 8th

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2018 Season BAREFOOT IN THE PARK February 9 th - 11 th

THE SECRET GARDEN May 11 th - 13 th

DIRTY WORK AT THE CROSSROADS August 10 th - 12 th

OUR TOWN November 2 th -4 th

Check us out LIVE on FACEBOOK every Monday and Thursday for your FIRST LOOK! Performances at Historic Casino Hall 254 N. Jefferson St. La Grange TX 78945 Visit www.fayettecountycommunitytheatre.com for more information.

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www.FayetteCountyRecord.com

979.968.3155 • 127 S. Washington • La Grange

Tours

Maps & Brochures

Restrooms

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Water-Proof

La Grange rallies together in recovery effort after historic flooding Written by JEFF WICK

In the midst of Hurricane Harvey, huge amounts of rain caused the Colorado River to spill over its banks. The river that the town was built around engulfed a large portion of the town of La Grange on Aug. 27, 2017.

The people of La Grange, with the help of many outside volunteers, have worked hard to bring the town back from the devastation the flooding has caused.

Below is a series of articles from The Fayette County Record, that chronicles the flood and the beginnings of the recovery process. While there are still many people who are still working to return to “normal,� the resilience of the people of this town has been the real story.

Aug. 29, 2017

Initial forecasts seemed too wild to be believable.

More than 20 inches of rain in a weekend!? The worst river flooding in generations!?

Unfortunately for Fayette County and its resident those predictions proved true (and actually an understatement) as the remnants of what was Hurricane Harvey rolled over this area and then just stayed and swirled. The storm dumped more than two feet of rain in most areas of the county, turning places like Cistern and Muldoon into islands, cut-off from everywhere else.

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Residents in flood-prone rural areas up and down the Colorado River faced evacuations, and 100 different county roads were impassable Sunday afternoon.

In La Grange, hundreds of residents from Water St. to the river (including Colorado Landing, Country Way Village and numerous other neighborhoods) faced mandatory evacuations as the Colorado River was expected to crest to its highest level since 1935 at nearly 50 feet.

That forecast was revised Monday morning with the river expected to crest at above 53 feet by Monday afternoon, the highest level in 104 years. That forecast resulted in the evacuation of Care Inn on Main Street.

TUESDAY , AUGUST

THE FAY ETTE

As daylight broke Monday morning, the real extent of the flooding began to be visible with the level already at 52 feet.

La Gran

ge, Texa

INSIDE

Fayette Cou

Water Street was living up to its name, becoming an extension of the Colorado River that was at least ten times its normal width. Second Chance Emporium and Reve Salon and many other businesses and homes all had feet of water in them, and the water was still rising.

Deer ran about town looking for shelter. Residents along Main Street went to the water’s edge at daybreak hoping its rise would stop soon and spare their homes.

The scene was much different Sunday afternoon, when more hope remained for those closer to the river.

“We’ve moved some stuff into the truck, we’re going to stay up all night and watch what it’s going to do. If we have to leave we can get out quick,” said Virginia Olenick, who lives in the evacuation zone on Colorado Street next to Kruchel Park in a home she said survived the 1935 flood.

“My dad said they anchored a boat on the roof then,” she said.

Over at Colorado Landing, Dick and Renee Carter were evacuating for the second time in a week. The Bay City residents had fled the hurricane and came to La Grange and got a nice riverfront spot for their RV. In a rainstorm Sunday morning Dick was hooking up the RV to flee yet again, after learning of the river’s upcoming rise.

Leps Hope Two QBs Are Better

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Sine & Son Hope Energize Schulen to burg

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RIVER R IS LEVELS N ES TO OT SE IN 104 YEA EN RS

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MORE TH AN 25 IN CHES OF RAIN IN MANY PARTS O F COUN TY

TWL Meeti ng

Members en’s League of Texas Womand women , past members ested in join who are intering, are invi a member ted to mee Grange Fire ting at the La nity Room Station Commuon 29 at 6 p.m Tuesday, Aug. . million doll This will be our ar year. You not want to would Daybreak Monday sho help us with miss this. Come there and wed a wal the Colorad l of water ove Piney Cre back to help ideas and feedo River, fl ooding man r Water St. and dee ek ing, causing Road washed out y homes vital and des give back to our and busines pening along the sev next to one of man

By JEFF WIC ATXflood ses in La eral blocks y road clos the bridge on Sun ty’s non-pro erving communis.co Grange. between The Fayette K day mornures fit organiza Bastrop and m for complete Photo by Coun ty tion Reco road clos around the county. noon.

Jeff Wick s.

Lee countie rd Lunch Mo ure informa Visit s.

Initial fore tion in Fay ne y Now ette, Photo by The Food was wild to be beli casts seemed too resi In La Grange, hundred Pct. 1 Com dents from evable. s of wid at least ten times its nor missioner ment at La Service DepartJason McB th. Second More than mal Gra river (includi Water St. to the room 20 Cha in offers the abil nge ISD now inch a nce home rium es ng in a weeken Em d!? The wor of rain ing, Country Colorado Land- othe and Reve Salon and po- 1935 floo she said survived the meals online. ity to prepay for flooding in Historic Cre Way Village st river num d. man r generat sts erous other and had businesses and homes y website, cho Go to the LGISD “My dad said Colorado Rive of the neighborho feet of wat Unfortunate ions!? all they face campus, undose your student (1) 56.70 ft on r at La Grange County and ly for Fayette the d mandatory evacua ods) the water was er in them, and a boat on the roof then anchored tions as still rising. ,” she said. on “Lunch er parents, click Over at Col (2) 56.40 ft on 07/09/1869 predictions its resident those ed Colorado River was Deer ran Mo orad exp prov Food Service ney Now.” The (3) Current fl 12/05/1913 tually an und ed true (and ac- sincto crest to its highest ect- ing for shelter.about town look- Dick and Renee o Landing, ood Dep Carter wer artment at level Ma e 1935 at nea (4) 50.84 ft on - 52 feet-plus Residents alon evacuating La Grange e remnants of erstatement) as the in Street for the ISD offers g (5) 45.50 ft on 06/17/1935 what was Hur That forecastrly 50 feet.

App Now” “Meal edge at day went to the water’s in a week. The Baysecond time Harvey roll ricane Mo was revi (6) 43.32 ft on 10/20/1998 brea ed allows pare A program that then just stay over this area and exp nday morning with the sed would stop soo k hoping its rise dents had fled the hur City resints (7) 42.95 ft on 12/23/1991 ed rica ecte n rive cam and and free and redu to apply for ne d r to crest at abo swirled. The e to La spare their and homes. storm dum (8) 42.28 ft on 07/27/1938 ve

by Monday ped more nice riverfro Grange and got a internet. To ced meals via the afternoon, 53 feet than two feet of rain (9) 41.56 ft on 05/28/2016 The scene nt spot for access “Meal the est in their RV. Now” go App (10) 37.22 ft 11/23/2004 county, turn most areas of the castlevel in 104 years. Tha high- ferent Sunday was much difto on 05/2 ing places t fore- mor afternoon, resulted in now.com\ma www.mealappSee (11) Sto 35.09 ft on 11/0 7/2015 like tern whe the rm, e Cis- Care and Mu nlgr. back page 2/2015 Inn on Main evacuation of closer hope remained for thos n cut-off from ldoon into islands, Bowling to the rive e everywhere As dayligh Street.

Le else. t broke Mo “We’ve movr.

Residents All persons ague mor Among the interested ral areas up in flood-prone ru- floo ning, the real extent nday into the truc ed some stuff things affected bowling in in and k, • of All county scho ding began by down the Col rado River leagues sho the fall bowling to be visible the stay up all nigh we’re going to ols were can Hurricane Harvey: ohave the face uld call La bee leve t with and celle d evacuation n the first day l already at watch it’s going to and 100 diff Grange Lanes at (97 52 feet of the new schod Monday, including wha s, do,. If we what • The even 9) 968 t would ol leave hav were impassaerent county roads to Water Street was livin.

31) were mov ts first day of the 90th ann year in La Grange.

Meals on -3211. its name, bec g up Virg we can get out quick,” e to ble Sunday Wheels omi after- sion inia Olenick said Queen’s Con ed to the KC Hall in La ual Fayette County Fair The Senior of the Coloradng an exten- the test, (Aug Nutrition evacuation , who lives in o River that threatened by but that may change Grange, including Thursda . gram, also zone on Col now because flood known as prorado Street y’s wat oers Mon be held as plan on Wheels next to Kru the , is despera Meals chel Park ned at the fairg day. Friday-through Sun KC Hall was tely need of volu day’s events rounds with will nteers to help in the carn ival liver hot noo beginning Frid deay. through Frid n meals Monday in your comay to the elderly teers can cho munity. Volunthey would ose which days like meals to shu to deliver the cannot prep t-in seniors who meals. Alo are their own ng with mea volunteers ls, our deliver smi les and a lifeline La Grange con police offi check in on nection. They horelsky cers Ken disc ny Schmid make sure theythe seniors and t, before goin uss details of the La Grange left, and Sgt. Ste are healthy g safe. If you ve Poto leave for to more homes and to inform evacuation order wou their safe Sunday residents ty becaus some of you ld like to share that they e of risin needed g river leve more informar time or to get ls. tion, call 1-8 333-6325.

Photo by 00Fayette Jeff There’s mor For the Rec e ord on Page A2

St. Mark’s

Wick

Closing B

County Jud ge Ed Jan Harvey’s landfall. ecka spe aks to first responders

irthing C

enter Dr. Shan non

on Friday,

Aug. 25, ahead of In a decisio Hurricane Photo by local leaders n that left some Andy Beh len some expecta “blind-sided” and nt families broken” St. Mark’s “heartCenter Boa Me rd of Directo dical nounced Frid rs anay the By This Wee closure of planned DR. SHANNO k’s Foreca obs N JUNO st services effe tetric (childbirth) It is with ctive Septem High Low Tuesday: I share the great sadness that 2017. ber 30, new 81 Rain Medical Cen s that St Mark’s 72 In a stateme Wednesday nt, the St. Ma er will be closter’s Birthing Cent: Board and rk’s 80 Rain leadership 73 30. This dec ing on September said they “arrived at Thursday: ision has dev this me. I had due to the loss diff icult decision St. 82 Rain lets 72 planned to astated Mar up a little con delivering Friday: nancial sup of OB program fi- of its k’s Medical Center babies in this tinue por birthing cen in La Gra 88 nge has ann munity for Rain retu ter, effectiv ceived for sevet that had been recom73 rns many years ounced the e Sept. 30. ral yea to come.

I regret that closing rs through the State’s I the opportu will no longer have Share Hospita Disproportionate leaves Fayette County nity to see This new sout and abo babies designed to l (DSH) program delivery room for the without a bies at ut St. paper is reserv Dr. SHANNO uninsured indi e Medicaid and in generations. St. first time scrambl Mark’s are now left lies knowing with their famiN JUNO ing.

Mark’s recyclable. vidu placed La Gra an importa that I played such Do Several loca als.”

In the stat nt role your part morial Hos nge’s Fayette Mel leaders they had no to pital in 200 closure the ement about the lives. Together within their early whe said 5. protect our hospital said re true joy is the wonderNow the fully capable closure prio knowledge of the changes in , seen and felt “W nea ith rest and a r dail the roo deli cari to Friday’s future. y basis. on nouncemen an- awam is in Columbus, 26 very try, St. Mark’s healthcare indus- staff of the labor ng nursing t.

My Copyright and —li miles rura y. husband and 2017, “I’m very The Fayette l and com ke many other unit (both past and pres delivery are full our boys County Rec munity hos y invested in Nine St. Ma ent) and Fayette Cou sorry to hear this,” across the ord, Inc. pitals Dr. Amy Jatzlau, I this com rk’s employe nity. I am a nty Judge are cou hav affe ntry e to es cted help —is forced said. “I hav Janecka build a stro Fayette Cou muto make ed tive by this e nty nawho moved the St. Mark’s asked to address ment. The hospital saidannounce- this for diff icult decisions like offers a high ng program that safe the greater educated and away to become Hos they be offered good of the low complicatio ty profile with The closure pital board.” the opportu will hospital.” sen career. to train in my chon rates, low apply for nity to of the birt sarean rate In 2006, at center, whe ce“The need s re thousands hing tions that any open nursing posifor this patient care and quite excellent opportunity, we mov our first bies have St. Mark’s of ba. We have bee has now or unfortunate, yet the change is the cared for Cincinnati back hom ed from hospital ope n born since the may have.

Board has a families of fiduciary resp e in order rais ned 12 yea e Fay Meanwhile rs ago health and onsibility for the Colorado, Bastrop ette, Lee, we our children in an area to who planned , all the families feel wel that and Lav l-being of reflects our counties for hospital to to have thei our family valover a dec aca ues. We offe serve r bared our ade.

See St. Ma our commu- The environment of our center St. Mark’s Medica services to rk’s back pag is compassion l Center and e have built ate and is certainly a our mos lives arou t place in the hospital hospital. Our teenage nd this See Juno, boys have back page

WEATHER WATCH

Juno: This Cl Decision ‘H as Devastat osure ed Me’

2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

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Sept. 1, 2017 He was going to go to the fairgrounds to see if there was a safe spot for their RV there. Lots of other folks in RVs found safe haven there too. Meanwhile, fair officials were deciding to move the first day of the 90th annual county fair indoors into the KC Hall as the rain was predicted to stay around well into the week. The VFW Hall at the fairgrounds as well as Second Baptist Church served as shelters for local evacuees.

This was a storm that played out in several acts in Fayette County.

Locals flooded grocery stories and gas stations to hunk down for several days, leading to long lines at gas stations and temporarilyempty shelves of things like bottled water.

Back on Thursday, when evacuations were first ordered in coastal areas like Corpus and Victoria, Fayette County became a passthrough area for evacuees, with the line of traffic extending at times miles south of town Thursday night.

Most of those evacuees were long gone by the time the real rain started to fall here – and for days never stopped.

HISTORIC CRESTS OF THE COLORADO RIVER AT LA GRANGE 1. 56.70 ft on 07/09/1869 2. 56.40 ft on 12/05/1913 3. Current flood - 52 feet-plus 4. 50.84 ft on 06/17/1935 5. 45.50 ft on 10/20/1998 6. 43.32 ft on 12/23/1991 7. 42.95 ft on 07/27/1938 8. 42.28 ft on 05/28/2016 9. 41.56 ft on 11/23/2004 10. 37.22 ft on 05/27/2015 11. 35.09 ft on 11/02/2015

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Monday morning people stood at the water’s edge and saw the full power of the river.

Tuesday morning gave a glimpse of the impact.

Swelled by rains from Tropical Storm Harvey, the Colorado River crested at 54.22 feet at 2 p,m. Monday in La Grange, the third highest mark in recorded history, and highest since 1913.

As the sun rose Tuesday what those figures really meant was furniture hanging from trees, the smell of natural gas leaking into the air, a dead dog stuck in a fence.

A steady stream of former residents of Country Way Village walked down to the new water line – as close as they could get to their old neighborhood.

Then they stood in silence.

It was a neighborhood so full of families that two La Grange busses made pick-ups and drops off here every school day. Now multiple mobile homes were in a jumble, still in several feet of water, blocking Lower Line Street.

Cassandra Butler looked out at the scene, not quite being able to see the house where she, her husband and six children had lived until Sunday.

“We got the word to evacuate Sunday. Thank God we were notified,” Butler said. “I wasn’t worried about the trailer, just getting the kids out. We didn’t even take their shoes. We went to my sister’s house.

Later on we went back and grabbed the shoes and some clothes.”

Butler said they did have flood insurance, something residents were

required to have 10 years ago when they moved in.

“I don’t know if that was required anymore,” Butler said. “I pray everyone had insurance.”

friday, Se

THE FAY ETTE

Jorge Rebollar was also at the water’s edge Tuesday, viewing the destruction of his old neighborhood from afar.

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“I used to be able to see our house from here to the right,” he said.

A good football and soccer player for the Leps varsity, Rebollar graduated from La Grange High School this spring and was working locally and still staying with his grandparents, cousins and a brother in Country Way Village.

“We just grabbed a few things when we evacuated,” Rebollar said. “The police came and told us to leave because the river was going to get high, but I never thought it could get this high.”

The Rebollars were able to evacuate to their aunt’s place in La Grange – nine people now jammed in a two bedroom apartment.

By Wednesday afternoon, as city crews were able to inspect the areas for safety, residents began to be able to return to what was left of their homes. “The devastation down there, you can’t even imagine,” said La Grange Utility Director Frank Menefee.

Butler was in no hurry to go back. She was thankful Tuesday that the flood water was still hiding some things.“I don’t think I’m ready,” she said, “to see what’s in there.”

py

People We ren’t the Only Ones Needing

pair of catt Help le rescues waters rise. as Section B

For The record

St. John ’s Feast

St. John’s in fayetteville Catholic Church ing their ann will still be hostual Labor day this Sunday, feast will not be Sept. 3. the parish mak except 50% ing any changes, of from the feas the net proceeds t will be donated towards the cane Harvey victims of Hurri.

St. Mary Picnic St.

mary in High Hill Catholic Church picnic for thishas cancelled their has been set Sunday. No date for resc Warda Pic heduling. the Holy nic nic in Warda Cross Church picday, Sept. 3, scheduled for Sunhas Watch the pap been cancelled. on when it er for information may be County Ho rescheduled. fayette Cou liday nty offices be closed will mo observance nday, Sept. 4 in of the Lab holiday. or day

Hermann

So

ns the rut Sons Life ersville Hermann No. 152 will their mon thly meeting have Wednesday, on will be pot Sept 6. the meal luck and mem are asked to bers and side or being a main dish a dessert

This girl wad

ed out ont

o a sandba

WATER REC RECOVERY EDES, BEGINS r to get a

closer look

at the dam

age in the

still-floode

d Country

Way Villa

ge neighbo

rhood of

La Grange

Tuesday

morning.

Photo by

HUNDRED HOMELES S S IN LA GRAN GE

FAIR TO PROCEE D, WILL RA ISE FUND S FOR FLO OD VICT IMS

Jeff Wick

FUTUR FACILITY E AMEN TURNED INTO DISTRIB UTION C ENTER

There’s mor For the Rec e ord on Page A2

WEATHER WATCH

This Wee k’s Foreca st High Low Friday: 93 This drone Clear 69 photo sho Saturday: River. Sec ws ond Chance several city bloc 92 ks cov the roofline Clear Emporium 70 . is to the low ered by floodwa Sunday: ter from er right, with 90 water just the Colorado Partly clou 71 a few feet dy Monday: from Photo by Bruce Spin 86 dler 30% cha 72 nce of rain

By JEFF WIC The Fayette K County Reco rd

Neighborho

ods Gone

Fair a Go

; No Pa

Donations of bottled La Grange water pile up as locals work to org at the distribution anize them center on 851 S. Rey . nolds St. Photo by in Jeff Wick

rade, Carn monday mor

By JEFF WIC ival edge and saw ning people stood The Fayette K at the the County Reco rd tuesday mor full power of the rive water’s r.

With just a ning gave a pact. few tweaks glim

By ANDY BEH pse fair of INSIDE TO , the 2017 will go on this the imLEN Swelled by fayette Cou The Fayette wee ken loca DA d rain County Reco l nty with flood victims Y s from the profits ben vey, the Col rd Obituaries . orado river tropical Storm Har efitting .................. there will in the afte Flood Cov 2 p,m. mo . erage ...... Page A5 nday in La crested at 54.22 feet said carnival be no carnival. fair pres looking for rmath of the flooding Page B1Weekend at est mark in Gra way , 4 ...... here safely. organizers did not feel ident Lee fritsch recorded hist nge, the third highways you can s to help their neig lots of locals were Classifieds ............... Page C1 the 191 they ory, hbors. Her help re 3. ...............Pa and highest e’s some Opinion ...... if you purcha will also be no fair para could make it the City of : ge C2-4 sinc e ...... as sed a fun pas de Saturday ........... Pag La Grange the sun Crossword can return cleanup effo e D1 . is orga s for carn .................. you really meant rose tuesday what rt.

Page D2 thos nate that por r ticket for a cash refu ival rides, you Norris is coo La Grange main Stre nizing a volunteer the smell of was furniture hanging e figures tion nd rdin et or manager Stac of atin you you g the effort. notifying fair can r ticket to the “We’re taki ey dead dog stucnatural gas leaking intofrom trees, officials. flood victims dong nam es now k the air, a and contact in a fence. the senior , but we’ by This new a steady slinger Chambe appreciation event will Norris said re not ready to set up information right Country Way stream of former on Wednesday. paper is rea staging area resi aug. 31 at 11 r of Commerce Hall be held at the elrything set Village wal “We’re pro yet,” beg up and read water line ked down to dents of cyclable.

– as close y to begin by jecting to have eve7 p.m., followea.m. the opening cere inning thursday, Do the peo ple new as can old neighbo monies thu the end of the they could d by the Que your part rhood. the marge rsday the list of volu call (979) 968-3017 get to their to ens Contest ros to place thei week.” nteers. then they stoo , will be held at protect our Saturday, and enberg Stage at the r name on “Our nee on fair it was a neig d in silence. future. with the stag Sunday concerts will grounds. friday, ris said. “th ds in La Grange are cha hborhood so two La Gra e full of fam Copyright nge busses carnival usu e set up at the front, on go on as planned need people main need right now nging rapidly,” Nor2017, The Fayette made pick-up ilies that is water, and off here eve ally is. asp to con halt County Rec serv , whe ry sch e water. it’s ple aren’t thin s and drops we re the “that will ord, Inc. the little thin really king about Now multiple ool day. keep concert frit spri right now, like gs peosch said. nklers. We -goers out mobile hom ble, still in shutting off of the mud es wer seve tle things to really need people to fritsch said their ,” Line Street. ral feet of water, bloc e in a jumhelp think about ited “though parking at the fairgro king Lower those litNorris said us conserve.” thin und Cassandra gift cards are victims righ Shuttle bus gs were drying out fast s may be lima grea quite being butler looked out at the t able to see school footbal ses will run from dow .”

Grange Vis now. Gift cards can be t way to help flood the house whe scene, not husband and itor ntow dropped off l field. s Center in n and the high ministerial six children at the La re the heifer Casino Hal allia had lived unti she, her sho w has been Saturday but prosperity ban nce has set up a disa l. the La Grange l Sunday. moved See Devasta planned for the other exhibits, and to the following tion, back fund – dis k. the name of the fun ster relief fund at page shows will the 90th ann aster relief d go on as can be mad ual fair. for fayette is Good Shepherd e mailed to the at www.lgrelief.com. County. donations don bank at 202 W. Colorad ations can also be o St, La Gra nge, tX See How to Help, back page Burn Ban Is Lifted

How You Can

Help

2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

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Getting a true handle on the number of people now homeless because of the flood in La Grange was tricky, mayor Janet Moerbe said. Officially, there were 350 residential utility accounts in the flood affected area of La Grange. But all of those may not have been active accounts, but most of the accounts that were active had more than one person living in the home.

Still, it’s safe to say “hundreds” are homeless said city manager Shawn Raborn. Some of the homes on the north side of town only had a few feet of water in them and will be safe to return to when power and water are restored, but others, especially in the harder hit southern part of town, will be a total loss. As of Wednesday afternoon 50 people were still staying at a shelter at Second Baptist Church.

The shelter set up at the VFW Hall was not needed. Mayor Moerbe said that it was a very high priority for the city to find some sort of temporary housing (likely hotels and motels initially) for those still in the shelter as well as for now homeless residents who are staying with family and friends.

Sept. 5, 2017

For days the parking lot of the La Grange Visitors Center was filled with businesses cooking meals for first responders, flood victims and volunteers alike.

Inside the Visitors Center, teachers, with school cancelled for the week, instead turned the Casino Hall into a day care center so parents could help with the relief effort.

Over at the Reynolds Street Disaster Relief Center it took less that two days to fill two warehouses with items for flood victims.

Of course it wasn’t just local folks.

Dozens of HEB workers from Austin-area stores came to La Grange to pack and hand out disaster relief kits. Friday a group of the HEB folks sat in a yard on LaFayette Street cleaning mud-caked dishes of a flood victim.

At Walmart, members of the Boys and Girls Club from Madison, Wisconsin helped flood victims buy new items to replace what they had lost.

Turns out flood water doesn’t only destroy.

Back on Riverview Street, Rios marvelled at it all.

It has the power to bring people together.

“These people are angels in human form,” Rios said as he watched a small army of people clear out every part of his house the flood water had tainted.

That was the message thousands of volunteers sent this week in the aftermath of the worst flooding La Grange has seen in over a century.

With every donation, with every wheelbarrow full of soaked sheetrock carted out of the house of a stranger, with every load of muddy laundry done for a new friend, the message was sent again and again – the hundreds of victims of this flood were not going to face this adversity alone.

“I felt hopeless,” said Noel Rios, whose home on Riverview Street in La Grange was filled with six feet of flood water from the Colorado River Monday. “But this community has given me an outpouring of love and support.

“It’s horrible, but good things are coming out of this. The true colors of La Grange are shining bright.”

Saturday alone, La Grange Main Street reported that 700 people showed up to volunteer at a station set up at Kruschel Park.

They signed up and were sent to houses that needed help.

LaFayette Street was busy with volunteers driving tractors carrying loads of flood-ruined furniture and sheetrock.

Other areas of town were just like that.

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

Rios said his grandmother, aunt and several cousins also lost their homes in the flood.

He was touched by the reaction of locals, but not surprised.

“One of the first things I did when I got back was take the Texas flag out of my garage and hang it out here in the front,” Rios said.

“I’m proud to be a Texan, proud to be a part of this community. I’m proud my parents put down roots here and proud I did the same.”

Next door to Rios was the home of La Grange ISD coach James Magness. A small army of La Grange High School students were still helping him clean up the day after the Leps coaching staff had done the same.

Tuesday , sepTem

THE FAY ETTE La Gran

ge, Texa

“It’s devastating to see what these people have lost,” said student Noah Blackwell.

Above him the water line from the river’s high point was visible in the debris still clinging to the light bulb of a ceiling fan.

“I couldn’t just sit there, I had to get out and help,” Rios said. “I still have my health I still have my hands, I can still help somebody, and I’m going to keep helping. I just hope I can pay back this generosity some day.”

Visit fayettecountyrecord.com for more coverage on Hurricane Harvey, the aftermath, and recovery efforts.

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In his back yard with the Colorado River now so far away you can’t even see it (despite the name Riverview St.) Magness talked about the flood and its aftermath.

The first day after Rios and his family (with wife Stephanie and three children) evacuated to a family member’s house, Noel didn’t know what to do as he waited for the flood water to recede. He went to the Church of Christ and helped sort donated clothes.

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“It really makes you count your blessings,” said Tye Walker.

“I just want to thank everyone that has pitched in,” Magness said. “It shows why we live here. La Grange is special.

People I didn’t even know have showed so much love and concern.”

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nt Former La Grange Leo ard footbal pl star had a record-b J.K. dobbins football deb reaking college ut Thursday.

See Sports, D1

For The

record

TWL Gran t

Texas Wo men’s Lea 2017-2018 gue gran are now bein t applications funding con g accepted for current app sideration. The lica be downloa tion form can ded at ww aswomensle w.texague.org. pleted app lications areComby Friday, due Sep information t. 15. For more , email texa Jordan Dug ensleague@ swo an helps out with hotmail.com. mthe flood clea Qu

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A Communi ty That’s Wate Spirit r-Proof n-up effo

the home of Noel Rio The Quade rchan s on Rive Werchan am can Legion rview St. eriin La Gra pos nge Friday. iliary of rou t 338 and auxtheir regular nd Top will have mon Thursday, Sep thly meeting on t. 7 at 7:30 p.m .

LG Noon Lions The La Gra nge Noo ons Club meets at noo n LiThursdays n on Valley Cou at Frisch auf! ntry Club Grange. The in La foll owing are the programs for sep tember: Sep 7, Jack elvig, t.

Festival Hill “brief History of 14, Charles Institute”; Sept. date on LCIVilleneuve, “upBy JEFF WIC other Lions F activities and The Fayette K County Reco 21, Catheri business”; Sept. “but this com rd ne munity has Turns out Our Legacy, poppe, “FeC: me only destroy flood water doesn’t sup an outpouring of lovegiven Sept. 28, den Our Future”; . port.

I felt hopeles and It has the pow tivities and nis smith, “acs.

“It’s horribl er updates on to brin ple together e, g peo- are has given me But this community ment Hill stat monu. coming out but good things e park.” of this. The That was the an outpourin colors of La true Music, Fr message thou an Gra san d support. g of love ds nge ee Food of voluntee - bright.” are shining arTs, arts rs sent this It’s horrible wee k in for things are the rural Texas invites the com , but go worst floodingaftermath of the ma saturday alone, La coming ou munity to Grange in street repo enjoy good La Grange t of this. Th od seen in ove co music and come rted lor has s that peo r of a ple showed century. food on 700 e the square La Grange up to volu in With eve at a station are shining true nteer day, Sept. 8. Fayetteville Frisent up at every whe ry donation, with park – Noel Rio Gumbo star bright.”

Kruschel elbarrow s, whose .

6:30 and rat ting at soaked she full of house (wh and three etrock cart They sign ich he sha children) starting at tle Tree marimba ed the house sustained 7 res with his of a strange out of sent to houses ed up and were major floo playing for p.m. The band is eve that needed r, with d damage wife ry load of area schools help.

LaF . ing the day muddy laun done for a and for our durdry with ayette street was new beleaguered much sage was sen friend, the mes- carr volunteers driving busy tractors t again and ying loads evening for community that – the of aga a hun floo in hou dred d-ruined furniture and r long con cert. Join us flood were s of victims of this sheetrock. for free not gum water, beer, adversity alon going to face this just Other areas of tow and wine as bo, n were e. like that. as it last and long “I felt hop beginning let’s celebrate the rios, whose eless,” said Noel the For days the parking of home on riv lot of La Grange tant school another imporstreet in La ervi yea Grange was ew was filled with visitors center in wonderful r and life here with businesses filled ing six feet of Fayette Cou coo meals for nty. the Colorad flood water from first respond ko river mo ers, There’s mor nda y.

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VA, St. M ark’s Close To Deal o n Partner ship

By JEFF WIC

The Fayette

Burn Ban Is Lifted This new spaper is recyclable.

Do your part to protect our future.

Copyright 2017, The Fayette County Rec ord, Inc.

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County Reco rd but it’s not a done deal st. marks in La Grange medical Center thin“We are working on – yet. somegood news. is in need of some ley g very positive,” said dudand pila nd, Chairm it mig coming soo ht be ma an of the st. n. rk’s board of shaken by directors. are week’s ann staff cuts and last ann hoping to have somethi “We ouncement ng to ounce soon. impending of the closure of “It would the center, st. mark’s is bein birth the hospital, be good news for grea sidered as g con- vete a rans,” he saidt news for local Veterans aff new home for the .

La Grange airs (Va) Clinic in recepiland also talked abo – which wou ut the nt tough times an expanded ld be at st. ma vers “We ion hav of e been ove rk’s.

Outreach Clin the Va for rsta ating on Trav ic currently oper- cho a while and previous ffed CeOs is st. here. se not to add ress That new that issue,” piland said Va clinic . operate in would exis mark’s and ting space at st. of and as far as the clos continue to the hospital would septhe birthing center effe ure ope ly does. Tha rate as it normal- ment. 30, piland said that ctive dep t Travis st. t was conside location amo was losing a sign artred for clos ificant unt of mon ure a town hall meeting was when getting $500,00ey even as it was La Grange in June. a held in fund the birt 0 a year to help hing center standingroom-only the thro crow for not only d of vets argued sha state’s dispropor ugh tion in La Grange keeping the clinic des re Hospital (dsH) prog ate services. som, but expanding its uninigned to serve medica ram id and ebody listened sured individu . als.

See St. Ma rk’s, back page

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DR. KARI BRAWLEY

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Katy Michalke, Broker

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2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE

108 N. Washington

213 W. Travis

979-966-8390

979-639-5172

Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce

Schulenburg is a city highly known for its German culture, as well as those of Austrian and Czech descent.

Home to the Texas Polka Music Museum honoring Texas polka bands and musicians of Czech, German and Polish

Von Minden Hotel

ancestry. Enjoy the Painted Churches Tour, the Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum, and visit local Vineyards & Wineries. The population was 2,852 at the 2010 census.

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Sengelmann Hall

Downtown Schulenburg

Schulenburg, Texas A Real Site to See Written by ANDY BEHLEN

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.

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 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

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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 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

Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum

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 CafÊ 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.

D E T N I PA

S E H C R CH U

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.

DID YOU KNOW? The Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce offers three tours. The Painted Churches Tour, the Museum Tour, and the County Line Tour.

Visit schulenburgchamber.org for more information.

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

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Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church

St. John the Baptist Church

St. Mary: Nativity of Mary, Blessed Virgin

How Great This Art Fayette County’s Famous Painted Churches Written and Photographed by ANDY BEHLEN

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.

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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: 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

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: Sunday at 8:45 a.m.

Picnic: Sunday before 4th of July Church related information on Dubina Call (979) 725-6714

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.

Built: 1906; Architect: Leo Dielmann; Painted: 1912; Artist: Stockert and Kern Mass Times: Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

Picnic: Labor Day Sunday Church related information on High Hill Call (979) 743-3117

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; Architect: John Bujnoch Painted:1919; Artist: Fred Donecker and Sons Mass Times: Sunday 9:30 a.m. (Odd Months). Sunday 8 a.m. (even months).

Church related information on Ammannsville - Call (979) 743-3117

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Last winter seven pilgrims from around the United States participated in one of the first organized walks around the 225-mile El Camino de Lavaca, a new religious pilgrimage route established in Fayette and Lavaca counties.

Sharp’s group stayed at local hotels and ate at restaurants in all the towns they traveled through.

“It could really help out with tourism in the area,” Sharp said. “You can travel it by car, motorcycle, bicycle or walk like we are doing.”

Sharp said it takes seven days to walk the entire route.

The seven pilgrims last week dedicated their walk to the canonization cause of late Rev. Charles Kram, Jr., a Catholic priest from Yoakum. Kram was stricken with polio in his 20s. The church at first denied him entry into the priesthood because of his physical inability to perform the sacraments. Kram eventually convinced his bishop to allow him into seminary. Kram later served as chaplain of the Yoakum Hospital for 25 years before his death in 2000. A number of Catholic faithful who knew Kram are petitioning the church for his sainthood.

Fayette County on Foot New Pilgrimage Route Organization Written & Photographed by ANDY BEHLEN

On a cold Thursday morning, Dec. 7, 2017 while ice and snow covered the ground across Fayette County, a group of seven people from across the United States walked their way from Schulenburg to Praha. They were among the first pilgrims trekking the El Camino de Lavaca, a religious pilgrimage route being organized by Lavaca County native John Sharp.

“It’s an opportunity for people to take in the beautiful countryside in this part of Texas, to do something strenuous and at the same time have an opportunity for spiritual reflection,” Sharp said.

The route covers 225 miles on mostly backroads in Fayette and Lavaca Counties. Along the way, pilgrims visit the area’s famous Painted Churches and other historical sites, such as Monument Hill in La Grange, the Soldiers’ Memorial in Flatonia and the Almost Home Tree in Koerth.

“In a few years, I hope to see groups of around forty to fifty at a time completing this pilgrimage,” Sharp said.

Sharp said he plans to ask the commissioners courts in Fayette and Lavaca counties to allow him to place route markers on county road signs. He has already placed markers at many of the stops along the route.

Pilgrims can travel the route on their own or in organized groups.

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“He never complained about his situation,” Sharp said. “He just wanted to serve people.”

The seven pilgrims carried with them a photograph of Kram.

“People will stop and ask what we are doing, and it gives us the opportunity to tell them about Father Kram and what he did,” Sharp said.

For more information about the pilgrimage route, including maps, a guidebook and organized pilgrimage opportunities, visit http://www.elcaminodelavaca.org.

The pilgrims walk toward St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Praha on Klekar Gin Road between Schulenburg and Flatonia.

Blinn

Blinn College in Schulenburg

A College in the Country Written by ANDY BEHLEN

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.

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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.

Let Us Fill Your Tank!

Schulenburg • Bastrop • Moulton

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.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION For information on course offerings and student registration, visit: www.blinn.edu/schulenburg or call 979-743-5200.

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Arts for Rural Texas…………...................................................….39 Boothe Building Co……......................................................…….53 Brawley Dental Clinic, PLLC…….......................................….74 Capital Farm Credit……......................................................…..58 Carmine EDC….........................................…….......................…..30 Carmine State Bank…….....................................................…..30 Central Texas Rail History Center……….….....................…44 Colorado Valley Communications………..........................62 Corner Stone Dental…….....................................................…..63 Country Butler, LLC………......................................................……2 Diggs Real Estate Inc…...............................….....................….58 Dybala’s…..........................................................….....................….42 E.A. Arnim Archives & Museum……...............................……48 Fayette County Community Theatre……......................…66 Fayette County Tourism Association….….....................…23 The Fayette County Record......................................66 & 82 Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce........…....................34 Fayetteville Chamber Music Festival…….....................…38 Fayetteville Propane Co., Inc……………................................39 Flatonia Chamber of Commerce..................................….44 Grand Fayette Hotel……….....................................................…41 Hanks Express….....................................................................……57 Hart Land Real Estate………………............................................61 Heritage Texas Country Properties..................................24 Highsmith Builders…............................................................…..50 Hruska’s…….............................................................................……..19 The Jersey Barnyard…....................................................……..61 Junk Gypsy…...............................................................................….3

Kat’s Korner….........................................................................…..74 KJK Dozer……….............................................................................22 Kleiber Tractor and Equipment Inc…….......................….53 Kolbe-Hill, Inc…….....................................................................…59 KTIM…......................................................................................…….55 La Grange Main Street Visitors Bureau.........................67 Le Petite Gourmet Shoppe.................................................…61 Lindemann Real Estate………..................................................74 Mimi Bella…….....................................................……......................29 Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery…......................….63 National Bank and Trust…...................................................…..7 The Oak Motel……....................................................................…57 Rosemary’s Vineyard and Winery……..........................….58 Round Top Family Library………............................................26 Round Top Festival Institute….............................................27 Round Top Real Estate………..............................................…..27 Round Top State Bank……..................................................….28 Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce.......................…..77 Shweike Media......................................................................…..30 Stanzel Museum….................................................................…..81 Tejas Health Care…….......................................................………63 Tex Propane……...........................................................................81 Texas Czech Heritage Center..............................................57 Texas Heroes Museum…………................................................54 Texas Quilt Museum……......................................................…..84 Weikel’s Bakery……................................................................…..83 Weise Farms….....................................................................…...…..11 Yonder Way Farm…….......................................................……..43

YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER, TWICE EVERY WEEK

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

Upcoming Exhibit Schedule

 Changing exhibits in three spacious, high-ceilinged

JANUARY 11-APRIL 1, 2018 • Quilts: A World of Beauty 2017 Prizewinners • Jane Dunnewold: Inspired by the Masters • Antique Indigo Quilts from the Poos Collection

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

 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

Photo by Dana Waldon Photography

APRIL 5-JUNE 24, 2018 • Contemporary Quilt Art from the Collection of the International Quilt Festival • 19th Century Quilts from the Collection of the International Quilt Festival JUNE 28-SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 • Sue Garman: Traditional Masterworks • Comfort and Glory

Photo by Gensler

 Space for educational lectures and presentations OPEN Thursdays through Saturdays ......10 - 4 Sundays ................................................. Noon - 4 Check website for holiday scheduling

Photo by Hester+Hardaway

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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

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