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Visitors Guide
ONLINE RESERVATIONS SELECT IT! CLICK IT! BOOK IT!
Country Butler
Guest Lodging facilities for you in Fayette County and surrounding communities. Homes, Rooms, and Cottages. We have a variety of properties for your visit and relaxation. We have an automated on-line reservation system, where you can view the properties and book it yourself on-line. or, you can call us and we will help with the process if you need more than one place for an event or have a special need or requirement. We can help you with information about your visit to our area.
Lodging & Reservations Jordan Fischman, Broker
979.476.2757
EVENTS • REUNIONS • WEEKEND ESCAPES WEDDING ACCOMMODATIONS • BIKE RIDER HOUSING
www.countrybutlertexas.com countrybutler@aol.com
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101 N. Rusk-Offices • Fayetteville, Texas 78940
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Lodging & Guest House Owners
What can the Country Butler do for you? Country Butler aims to provide peace of mind. We offer a range of services dedicated to home owners on a regular basis.
Let Country Butler Manage Your Reservations & Bookings With On-Line & Live Reservations
• On-Line Calander • On-Line Deposit & Payment • Photos & Text of Your Property • Front Desk & House Keeping Reports • Cleaning Services Available • Maintenance Service Available • Lock Box Controls • Hotel Tax Payment Processing
• Full Service Painting Inside/Outside • Lawn Mowing Service
Country Butler can play a crucial role in helping you maintain your investment as a relaxing and worry free experience.
Imagine arriving at your property to find your driveway cleaned, your house immaculate, air conditioned, and stocked with provisions, for your enjoyment. FREEZE & STORM PROGRAMS
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Don’t see a service you need, call Country Butler! We aim to please
. . .
Jordan Fischman
A Texas resident for 34+ years, and a property owner in Fayette County, for over 13 years, Jordan Fischman knows what you need and more importantly, knows what you expect. A strong commitment to prompt, professional and reliable service is the primary focus of the company and all associated with it.
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
“Kick Back & Relax, Let Country Butler Do The Work”
SPRING 2013
Visitors Guide
Though situated in the middle of the triangle formed by Houston, Austin and San Antonio, Fayette County retains its rural roots.
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Photo by Jerry Herring
Heritage. Countryside. Arts. Heritage. Countryside. Arts. A recent study by a marketing firm found these three things to be the “pillars” of what Fayette County was all about. And those of us who live here think that’s about right. Fayette County was founded by settlers from several different cultures – predominately Czechs and Germans – and everywhere you look, from our Painted Churches to our painstakingly restored town squares, we’ve tried to hold tight to that heritage and preserve it for future generations to enjoy. The local countryside – from rolling hills to hardwood forests – stands out in stark contrast to the bustling cities and suburbs of Houston, Austin and San Antonio which are all less than two hours away. Meanwhile, the arts scene in Fayette County can properly be called a masterpiece – thriving galleries and concert halls that range from intimate to majestic. We hope guideDate helpsxx, you2009 enjoy your time here in Fayette CountyT–HE where Heritage, Countryside and Arts converge. Page x •thisDay, FAYETTE COUNTY RECORD – Jeff Wick, Editor, Fayette County Record
So Glad You’re Here
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Fayette County.
Fayette County Judge Edward F. Janecka
ORS ISIT D V FIN ERE WH WAYS LY D AL IEN ! A FR COME L WE
We in Fayette County are extremely proud of our county and the people that live here and believe in preserving our heritage and history. You will find the citizens of Fayette County friendly, courteous and always willing to help. Please make yourself at home and visit our historical sites and our many points of interest. You will find the food delicious and accommodations comfortable. I hope your experience is a pleasant one and hope you will come back to see us soon.
Edward F. Janecka Fayette County Judge
A healthy dose of European culture can be found all over Fayette Countty, but especially at the Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange.
This Visitors Guide is produced annually by the Fayette County Record in support of Fayette County communities. The independently-owned Record is in its 91st year of service to its readers and has the fifth-largest paid circulation of all twice-weekly newspapers in the state of Texas. To view a copy of this guide on the web (or to subscribe or view the e-edition of our newspaper) go to fayettecountyrecord.com On the cover: St. Mary’s Church in Ellinger amidst the bluebonnets (photo by Jerry Herring); Shopping in La Grange; and Colorado River fishing (Photo by Diane Mueller); Cover design by John Castaneda.
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Visitors Guide
Event-Full
Life is Great in...
SPRING 2013
No matter the time of year, you can find a festival to interest you here in Fayette County A partial list of our annual events:
APRIL
& Everyone Knows it.
Antiques Festival in Round Top and surrounding communities. Nationally recognized as one of the largest antiques markets in America, drawing thousands of dealers to tents, fields and buildings from Fayetteville to Burton. Continues through first full weekend of April (and Octorber). BP MS-150. A two day, 150-mile bicycle journey from Houston to Austin to raise money for the fight against MS. This is the largest event of its kind in North America. In 2012, 13,000 cyclists raised more than $16 million for multiple sclerosis. Riders spend Saturday night at the Fayette County Fairgrounds in La Grange. Day Two starts at the fairgrounds and ends at the State Capitol. April 20-21. 11th Annual Poetry Forum, Festival Hill, April 26. Flatonia Crawfest. Crawfish, shrimp and more, music and dancing at American Legion Hall April 20.
MAY
Art Walk, sponsored by Arts for Rural Texas. Fayetteville Square, May 4-5. May Fest (Slavnost) at Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center. A celebration of Czech music and culture. May 19. Fayetteville Chamber Music Festival. Great classical masterworks performed by international performers at the historic Country Place Hotel on the Fayetteville square. May 10-18. Tomato Festival, Ellinger. Last Sunday in May. Annual Memorial Day ceremony, 10 a.m. May 27. Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home, La Grange.
JUNE
Main Street Flag Day celebration, June 14. Courthouse Square, La Grange.
e g n a r G a L f o y it the C invites you to... 7th Annual
Schmeckenfest
La Grange’s Annual Wassail Tasting and Christmas Celebration Fun for the whole family!
Thursday, Dec. 5th, 2013 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Festivities will take place On the Square! Sponsored by La Grange Main Street For more information, call 979-968-8701
www.CityofLG.com A Main Street City
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo, above, is every August. There’s also rodeo performances as part of the Schulenburg Festival that month. Photo by Tom Wood
SPRING 2013
Visitors Guide
The Round Top Fourth of July Parade is part of the oldest continous Independence Day celebration West of the MIssissippi. Photo by Jeff Wick
Juneteenth Parade & Celebration, weekend nearest June 19, La Grange Opening Concert, in the 1,000-seat Concert Hall at Round Top for the 43rd annual summer Festival-Institute for classical music students. Public concerts June 8-July 13.
JULY
Round Top 4th of July Parade, oldest continuous Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi River. Patriotic Concert at Festival Hill, July 30.
AUGUST
Schulenburg Festival, the “National Party of Texas.” Three big days of live music and fun. Wolters Park, Aug. 3-5. Plus rodeo preceding the festival. Fayette County Sheriff’s Posse Bull Riding and Rodeo Event, Sheriff’s Posse Arena, La Grange, Mid-August
SEPTEMBER
Fayette County Fair, La Grange, always Labor Day weekend. Music, dances, livestock shows, home ec exhibits, cookoffs, softball tournament. Aug. 30-Sept. 2. Texas Heroes Day, Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites, La Grange. Sept. 21. 8 am-noon. Free Admission.
OCTOBER
Muziky, Muziky, an annual celebration of Czech music and culture, at the Sanford Schmid Amphitheater on the Fayette County Fairgrounds. Fall Antiques Festival in Round Top and surrounding communities. Nationally recognized as one of the largest antiques events in America, drawing thousands of dealers to tents, fields and buildings from Fayetteville to Burton. Late Sept. through early October.
Events Calender Continues on Page 6
Looking for a
LocaL Phone number
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Scan In The
Colorado Valley Telephone Cooperative White Pages Get a phone book at any of these Fayette County locations:
wColorado Valley Telephone Cooperativew wFayetteville Bank-Fayetteville Branchw wFlatonia ChamberwLa Grange Chamberw wCity of Round TopwSchulenburg Chamberw Compliments of Colorado Valley Telephone Cooperative 4915 South US Hwy 77wLa Grangew979.242.5911
find our online directory at cvctx .com
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Visitors Guide
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Events Abound Year ‘Round in Fayette County Continued from Page 5
Czhilispiel, Flatonia. One of the oldest and biggest chili cookoffs in Texas. Every fourth full weekend of October. Three days of live music, dancing and lots of chili. Oct. 25-27, 2013. Lickskillet Festival, Fayetteville. Polka music, barbecue cookoff, street dance, parade, queen’s pageant. Oct. 19-20, 2013.
For rural financing... We’re the answer. Rural Land Loans Residential Home Loans
Trick-or-Treat on the Square, Free trick-or-treating for children in daylight hours around the courthouse square. Date varies.
NOVEMBER
Praha Veterans’ Day Events, The southern Fayette County community of Praha lost nine of its own in battles in World War II, even though the town itself has less than 100 residents. Every year on the Sunday before Veterans Day (this year its Nov. 11) there is a Memorial Mass at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, followed by a outdoor program attended by hundreds to honor all veterans followed by a fried chicken dinner and festivities at the church hall and grounds.
DECEMBER
Farm & Ranch Loans Livestock & Equipment Loans
La Grange Credit Office
Operating Capital Real Estate Appraisal Services
456 N. Jefferson
979.968.5750 local
Agribusiness Financing
877.688.5500 toll free
Leasing
CapitalFarmCredit.com
TEXAS’ LARGEST RURAL LENDER
Schmeckenfest, La Grange’s Old World Christmas celebration on the courthouse square. Sample wassail from participating merchants. German dancing, bell choirs, carolling, booths. Christmas in Flatonia. Lighting of Christmas village and Santa’s arrival one evening. Christmas Market on a Saturday.
FEBRUARY
Best Little Quilt Show in Texas, Quilt
The historic Kreische House at state park is the center of the Monument Hill Trail of Lights which is held on weekends in December. Photo by Brian Frazier
extravaganza at the Fayette County Fairgrounds. Last Friday and Saturday in February.
MARCH
Best Little Cowboy Gathering in Texas, Fayette County Fairgrounds, La Grange. Chuckwagon exhibits, Western trade
show, Horse Clinic, BBQ Cookoff, Cowgirl’s Ball, children’s activities, cowboy poetry and Story Tellin’. What I Like About Texas Festival, Downtown Schulenburg. La Grange Uncorked, Courthouse Square, Wine and food festival.
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available at the garden company
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The gift boutique you will want to keep all for yourself.
Voted Best Gift Shop in Fayette County!
Yellow Box Shoes • Chamilia Jewelry • Tyler Candles Baby & Childrens Gifts • Home & Garden Seasonal Decor • Custom Silk Florals
979.249.5132 • 2204 E. St. Hwy. 71, La Grange M-F 9-6 • Sat 9-5 • Sun 12-5
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Visitors Guide
What You’ll Find At The Only Quilt Museum In The Southwest • • • Changing exhibits in three spacious, high-ceilinged 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 (open by appointment) Space for educational lectures and presentations
On Exhibit • • • Until March 31 Gallery I: “Winning Quilts” Top quilts from the 2012 International Quilt Association’s Judged Show Gallery II: “In the American Tradition” Contemporary quilts with the look of the past. Gallery III: “Studio Art Quilt Associates: Seasonal Palette” Art quilts depicting the seasons of the year.
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Photo by Dana Waldon Photography Check out the article on the Museum in the current issue of Where Women Create magazine!
Next Up! April 4-June 30 Galleries I & III: “Flower Power” What could be more appropriate to the season than floral quilts celebrating Nature in all its glory? Gallery II: “The Stitch Makes the Quilt” Works by Hazel Canny Beautiful quilting is the common thread in this exhibit of a Houston quilt artist’s works.
Photo by Gensler
OPEN Thursdays through Saturdays ......10 - 4 Sundays ................................................. Noon - 4 Check website for holiday scheduling ADMISSION General .............................................................$8 Seniors & Students ..........................................$6 Tours of 20+ when arranged in advance .....$6
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Photo by Hester+Hardaway, Photographers
Voted Best Museum in Fayette County!
s
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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Visitors Guide
La Grange Proud Home of The Texas Quilt Museum
Visitors admire the quilts that were on display on the first day the Texas Quilt Museum was open to the public in November 2011. An entirely new exhibit opens every few months.
La Grange became the unofficial quilting capital of Texas on Nov. 13, 2011, as the Texas Quilt Museum opened in downtown La Grange. And ever since a steady stream of tour buses have been descending upon the two-building complex that also includes a massive 75-foot mural and turn-of-the-century garden. “These are not your grandmother’s quilts,” said Karey Bresenhan, co-founder of the museum, who also founded the Houston International Quilt Festival “These are quilts like you’ve never seen before.” The museum was the idea Bresenhan and her cousin Nancy O’Bryant Puentes, who together have written a trilogy of books on Texas Quilts. The choice to bring the museum to La Grange was an easy one, said Bresenhan. “La Grange is right in the middle of Austin, Houston and San Antonio. It’s a crossroads to all these areas,” Bresenhan said prior to the museum opening. Even before the museum opened this area was already home to a vibrant quilting community. The Colorado Valley Quilt Guild holds “The Best Little Quilt Show in Texas” in La Grange every February. But the museum has sparked even more interest in quilting locally. The quilts on display change every few months. In addition to a gift shop, the museum also houses the Pearce Memorial Library and Material Culture Center which features reference books about quilting and fabric collections. The museum’s hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $8 per person but is $6 for seniors, students and groups of 20 or more when arranged in advance. For more information check out www.texasquiltmuseum.org or call them at 979-968-3104.
Shop Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. & Saturday 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Lawn and Garden Supplies • Hardware • Paint • Tools Electrical and Plumbing Supplies • Housewares
• Home Decor • Unique Gifts • Swan Creek & Circle E Candles • Stone Junkie • Jellybean Rugs
Ful-o-Pep Livestock Feeds • Crystalyz Livestock Supplements • Chaffhaye Alfalfa Forage Mountain Cedar Posts, Treated Posts & T-posts • Barbed Wire Concrete Blocks • Sacked Concrete Products
3611 W. State Hwy. 71 • La Grange, TX 78945
979.242.5146 or 1.800.688.0272
SPRING 2013
Visitors Guide
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State Park Mix of History & Hops
This massive memorial tower at Monument Hill State Park honors soldiers that fought in the Texas War for Independence. Photo by Russell Bennett
Situated on a bluff overlooking the Colorado River, this beautiful state park is one of the hidden gems of the system since it’s only a day park and no camping is allowed. The name Monument Hill refers to the 48-foot art-deco stone monument inside the park commemorating heroes of the Texas War for Independence, including the men of the Dawson Massacre and Mier Expeditions, that are buried on the park grounds. In the Mier Expedition, which was a reponse to the Dawson Massacre, a group of 176 Texan revolutionaries trying to avenge those massacred at Salado Creek were captured, marched toward Mexico City, and attempted an escape, General Santa Anna ordered that they all be executed, but the Governor of Coahuila begged for mercy. Santa Anna’s compromise was to draw from a jar of beans anyone who drew one of the seventeen black beans was to be executed and those that drew a white bean were spared. The 17 men who drew black beans are buried at Monument Hill. Texas Heroes Day is an annual event at the park on the Saturday closest to September 18. It’s a day of cermonies and music and exhibitions honoring those who fought and died for the Republic of Texas. The ruins of the Kreische Brewery are also located at Monument Hill State Park.
It was the third largest brewery in the State of Texas at peak of it’s popularity. Heinrich Kreische began a brewery on this site in 1860, utilizing the cool waters of the Colorado to help bottle his beer. The Kreische brewing operation did not continue because despite having six children, none of them had children of their own. The elder Kreische died in 1882. The park is located at 414 State Loop 92 in La Grange. It’s open seven days a week yearround and admission is free. Hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and it is closed on Christmas Day.
INFAMOUS 1925 MURDER REVISITED
Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites Activities:
•Historic Sites High on the bluff overlooking La Grange •Picnic Area •Hiking Trails 414 State Loop 92 •Guided Tours La Grange, TX, 78945 •Scenic Views •Wildlife Viewing •GeoCaching
Free Admission
(979)968-5658 Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Daily
The book “The Bridge” relates the true story of the assault, mutilation and murder involving two innocent teenage sisters at the hand of the scion of a wealthy and influential family of Chappell Hill, Texas.
Copies are available at genefreudenberg.com
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SPRING 2013
Visitors Guide
Fayette County Filled With Museums – From Railroads to Model Planes Seeking genealogical information? Check with the extensive records in the Fayette Heritage Museum Archives. Are you a railroad buff? Visit the La Grange Depot Museum or in Flatonia, the Flatonia Rail Park and Central Texas Rail History Center. Music and decorative arts your thing? The International Festival Institute Library and Museum near Round Top will ring your bell. Does architecture of the 19th century appeal? Go to Winedale near Round Top, Henkel Square on the Round Top square, the Faison House, Texas Czech Heritage & Cultural Center and Old Fayette County Jail in La Grange plus the Kreische Home on Monument Hill to tour restored and furnished homes and buildings. (Or just look around you at the wonderful 100-year-old-plus homes folks are still living in all over the county.) Interested in local, county and Texas settlement history? Try the Fayetteville Area Heritage Museum, Round Top Historical Society and E.A. Arnim Archive and Museum (Flatonia). Model airplanes? The Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum in Schulenburg. In short, there is a museum in our coun-
Old Fayette County Jail: Law enforcement history in F ayette C ounty from its beginnings in 1883. S ee a remaining j ail cell from the first j ail. 171 South Main, La Grange. Phone: 800-524-7264 E-mail: tourism@lagrangetx.org Open: MondayFriday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Round Top Historical Society: Memorabilia, historical books, records and genealogy. 397 E. Mill Street, Round Top. E-mail: rtahs@cvctx.com Open: Friday-Saturday, 12 - 3 p.m., or by appointment 979-2495058. Texas Quilt Museum: Opened in Nov, 2011, features some of the most stunning quilts ever made by Texans. 140 W. Colorado St. in La Grange. Open 10 a.m. to to
The La Grange Depot at the corner of Washington and LaFayette Streets in La Grange is a beautifully restored museum that is open Saturdays. Photo by Russell Bennett
4 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. 979-9683104.
La Grange Depot Museum: History of MKT (Katy) Railroad & Southern Pacific Rail service. Artifacts and original furnishings. Active track right outsider! Washington and Lafayette Sts., La Grange Phone: 979-968-9416 or 979-968-5756 E-mail: farssr@farssr.com Open: Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Czech Music Museum of Texas: Opened in 2012, focuses on different varieties of C z ech Music ( Polka, F olk, R eligious and C lassical) . Located next to the Czech Heritage and Cultural Center north of La Grange on Highway 77 by the fairgrounds. 1-888-785-4500. Hours vary.
ty for almost anyone’s interest. Just check out the times, fees and directions below. Central Texas Rail History Museum: Artifacts, photos and documents. 104 E. South Main, Flatonia Sat. 1-3 or by appointment. (361) 865- 3003.
Pat & Jerry Schmidt WELCOME YOU TO THE
Phone/Fax: 979-247-4770 Cell: 713-412-8086 714 E. Radhost School Rd • La Grange, Tx 78945
w w w. b i g t i n f l a g . n e t bigtinflag@cvctx.com
2202 E. St. Hwy. 71, La Grange • 979.249.3280 Now Offering Financing & Accepting Major Credit Cards
SPRING 2013
Visitors Guide
Festival Institute, Library & Museum: American furniture, china, paintings, music and archives of Texas composer D avid R . Guion; the Anders Gustav F redrick & J osephine Oxehufwund C ollection of three centuries of S wedish D ecorative Arts. D edicated to music, arts and humanities. Preserves rare books, manuscripts, photographs, recordings and art; the personal library of former Texas S tate Librarian, D r. D orman W infrey. C oncert hall built by local craftsmen. Performances by international artists and musicians. 248 J aster Rd. off State Highway 237, Round Top. Phone: 979-249-3129 Web: www.festivalhill.org E-mail: info@festivalhill.org Open: B y appointment, Mondays-Fridays. Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Park: R emains of the early brewery and monument to the men of the 1842 D awson Mier E xpedition who drew the “ black beans of death” after their capture by the Mexican Army at S alado C reek. S ee an outstanding view of downtown La Grange and the C olorado R iver. A Texas H eroes D ay is held at Monument H ill every S eptember featuring re-enactors and guest speakers. 414 State Loop 92 off U .S. 77 ( on the bluff) Phone: 979-968-5658 Open every day but Christmas 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Call for tour information. Texas Polka Museum: Opened in April 2010, this museum is located at 625 North
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Main in downtown S chulenburg, across the street from the C hamber of C ommerce. I t features exhibits of instruments, pictures, costumes, and music of Texas polka bands. For more information call 979-743-4752. Website: www.texaspolk amuseum.com Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum: The history of the S tanz el brothers’ role in the development of fly-by-wire model airplanes. S ee the “ Barn” where the early work was done by the S tanz els. 311 B aumgarten St., Schulenburg ( Off U .S. 77) . Phone: 979-743-6559 Web: www.stanzelmuseum. org E-mail: museum@stanzelmuseum.org Open: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. ( A dmission fee requi red) . Fayetteville Area Heritage Museum: H istory of F ayetteville area. C ollection of the Teddy S chultz model trains & railroads. 117 N . Washington on the Squar e in Fayetteville Phone: 979-378-2742, 979-3782378 Open: Friday and Sunday, 2 - 4 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - noon, 2 - 4 p.m. Flatonia Rail Park: S outhern Pacific Tower #3 and S outhern Pacific C aboose #4743 ( open by appointment) ; covered railroad photo pavilion ( open 24/ 7) . Main Street at Railroad Track s Phone: 979-7435366 E-mail: bandit1@peguins.net.
More Museums on Page 12
Lunch & Dinner Happy Hour 3-6 | Lots of TV’s!
Restaurant Hours:
Thurs | Sun | Mon | 11 am - 8 pm Fri | Sat | 11 am - 9 pm
The Old Fayette County Jail (located at 171 S. Main in La Grange) has a history of local law enforcement, one remaining jail cell, and also houses the La Grange Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Russell Bennett
Certified Angus Beef®
Housemade Chili
Brisket Bierocks
Bakery Breads
Scratch Made Sides & Sauces
Pulled Pork Tacos
Craft Beer &Wine Selection
Bar-Burritos
AUSTIN
HOUSTON
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SPRING 2013
Visitors Guide
Fayette County Museum Listings, Continued Fayette Heritage Museum Archives: R otating displays on F ayette C ounty history. E xtensive collection of county genealogy, microfilmed publications, local documents, photographs and data from the early 1800s . 855 South J efferson, La Grange. Phone: 979-968-6418 E-mail: library@cityoflg. com Open: Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 - 5 p.m. Mt. Olive Museum & Cultural Center: H istory of the Armstrong C olony, an early settlement of freed slaves. The building was a school during segregation. R ecords of slave transactions. 835 A rmstrong D erry Rd., Waelder ( Gonzales County) Phone: 361-865-2902 Open: Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1 - 3 p.m. Call for special tour. E.A. Arnim Archives & Museum: Artifacts dating from the founding of F latonia in 1873. New 3,000-square foot veterans museum. Out back is a livery stable with wagons, buggies, vintage tack and farm implements. 101 E. N orth Main, Flatonia Phone: 361-865-3455 E-mail: arnimmuseum@att.net; Open: Thursday-Friday, 1 - 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and by appointment.
Henkel Square: A circle of restored pioneer buildings from all over the county, now containing shops. On the squar e in Round Top; www.texaspioneerarts.com. Texas Basketball Museum: A treasury of Texas basketball memorabilia ranging from S haquille O’Neal’s high school j ersey to early basketballs and scoreboards. I t opened in 2009 . A H all of F ame R oom details exploits of famous Texas prep basketball players. The museum is run by Bob S pringer, a former college basketball player and coach, who now publishes Texas Basketball magaz ine. Many items in the museum S pringer collected himself over the past 4 0 years. Located in Carmine on the corner of A ugsburg A ve. and Hauptstrasse Street. Hours vary. For more information or to set up a tour call 979278-4222. Schulenburg Historical Museum: The main focus of this museum is to feature the equipment and methods used by early settlers to the area, 631 N o. Main St., Schulenburg across the street from the Chamber of Commerce; Open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for special events. Call 979-743-3614 for more information.
‘Located on the Square’
235 W. Travis • La Grange, Texas • 979.968.9200
The Faison Home, at 822 S. Jefferson Street is one of the oldest structures in La Grange, and welcomes visitors and tour groups. The home generally is open to the public the second Saturday of each month from 1-4 p.m., during special community events, and by appointment. Admission is free. Group tours can be arranged by calling the La Grange Area Chamber of Commerce at 979-968-5756 or by email mariewatts@cvctx.com Photo by Russell Bennett
SPRING 2013
Visitors Guide
La Grange Area Dining Guide LA GRANGE
Sonic Drive-In 717 E.Travis St. (979) 968-6421
Bistro 108 108 S. Main Street. (979)968-9108 (979) 968-9431
Subway 109 S. Jefferson (979) 966-0724
Bodega Wine Market 201 W. Travis (979) 968-3964
Taqueria Rio Verde 1330 N. Jefferson (979) 968-2074
Dairy Queen 311 N. Jefferson St. (979) 968-5861
The Back Porch BBQ 1602 N. Jefferson (979) 968-1580
Cafe Dobre 235 W. Travis St. (979) 968-9200 Golden Chick 312 E. Travis St. (979) 968-9200 Gold’n Crisp Fried Chicken 922 E. Travis St. (979) 968-3033 Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant 403 N. Jefferson (979) 968-5935 (979) 966-0154 Hank’s Express 154 S. Jefferson (979) 966-0500 Kasper’s Steak House 710 W. Travis St. 968-5720 La Marina Restaurant 1502 W. State Hwy. 71 (979) 968-2065 (979) 968-2607
Kolaches can be bought in La Grange at Weikel’s, above, and at Lukas Bakery on the courthouse square.
Texas OneStop BBQ and Bakery 1704 E. Hwy. 71 Bypass (979) 968-8100 Weikel’s Bakery 2247 W. Hwy 71 Business. (979) 968-9413
Las Fuentes 658 S.Jefferson St. (979) 968-8957 (979) 968-8958
Pizza Hut 2230 W. State Hwy. 7l (979) 968-3125 (979) 968-3126
Whataburger 1800 E. State Hwy. 71 (979) 968-9565 (979) 968-2329
Latte On the Square 219 W. Travis St. (979) 968-9545
Prause Meat Market 253 W. Travis Street. (979) 968-3259
HOLMAN
Legal Tender Brisket and Brew 23932 Hwy. 77 (979) 242-2458
Reba’s 539 E. Colorado (979) 968-3100
McDonald’s 2304 W. Hwy. 71 (979) 968-5098
Riverside Cafe 1225 Carroll Ln. (979) 968-5506 Sealand Seafood 2359 Hwy. 71 W. (979) 968-6139
“It’s hard to name it and it has nothing to do with its size.…. but some rooms have it and some rooms don’t... The Bugle Boy has got it.” - Eliza Gilkyson
Holman Valley Steakhouse, 10204 FM 155 La Grange (979) 263-4188
WEST POINT
Nana’s Kitchen 120 West Point Loop, West Point (979) 242-3048
Experience Original, Live Music In One Of America’s Premier Listening Rooms THE BUGLE BOY offers a wide variety of concerts of American Roots music by regional, national, and international, independent artists, performing original works that include blues, folk, jazz, rock, swing, country, western, and singer/songwriters. We serve coffees, espresso, milkshakes, wine and beer. Concerts are sponsored by the Bugle Boy Foundation
LL AN INT A H T IMATE CONCER These ladies were members of the Queen’s Court that rode in the Fayette County Fair parade. The parade is always the Saturday morning of fair weekend.
Fayette County Fair Has Become A Labor Day Weekend Tradition
F or 8 4 years the F ayette C ounty F air has treated local folks and area visitors to the biggest party between H ouston and Austin. This year marks the 8 5th edition of the fair, which is always held the ThursdayS unday of Labor D ay W eekend, Aug. 29 S ept. 1, at the F ayette C ounty F airgrounds j ust north of La Grange on H ighway 77. The four day-extravanganz a is packed with events too numerous to mention, but here are a few that are always included:
* A Queen’s Contest on opening night. * A Saturday morning parade through downtown La Grange. * A Carnival.
* Weekend Barbecue cookoff. * Softball Tournament. * Petting Zoo. * A wide array of local food vendors and live music at the German-Czech Mart. * Fine Arts Exhibits. * Livestock shows. * A Country Store. * Talent Show. * Headline performers every night on the main stage. * Horseshoe and washer pitching tournaments. * A Commercial Exhibit Hall filled with vendors.
S eason tickets go on sale in J uly, sold by candidates for F air Queen, or one-day admission tickets can be bought at the gate. Also see www.fayettecountyfair.org.
CONCERTS EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY. SHOWTIME 8:00 PM. DOORS OPEN 7:00 PM. 1051 N. Jefferson (US 77 N) La Grange, Texas 979-968-9944 For Information and Tickets:
WWW.THEBUGLEBOY.ORG
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Visitors Guide
Some Interesting Facts About La Grange • Sam Houston, as President of the Republic of Texas, vetoed a bill in 1838 making La Grange the State capitol. The area was to be named “Austin “ and a square mile was to be set aside for a university. Instead, the town of Houston, founded in 1836 and named in his honor, continued to serve as the capital of the Republic until it was later moved to present-day Austin. • La Grange is home to many majestic oak trees, many of which grow in streets (watch out for them!) including the historic Muster Oak located on the town square. It is still in good health for an old-timer. • The town is named after Marquis de Lafayette, a revolutionary war hero and his home in France near the Swiss border. • As immigrants continued to pour into the area, by 1890 approximately 25% of the local population was foreign-born. La Grange boasted two foreign newspapers one in Czech and another in German. • Probably the best known chapter in relativelyrecent La Grange history was the legendary Chicken Ranch, a brothel made famous by a stage play, movie and the lyrics of a popular song. It officially closed in 1973 and part of the one-story complex was eventually hauled to Dallas. All that’s left these days is the legend and some fading memories. – LouAnn Adcox
Since 1842 the Muster Oak in downtown La Grange has been used a rallying point for local soldiers to gather under before departing for battle in the Mexican War, Civil War, Spanish-American War and the two World Wars. In years past, part of its trunk was fortified with concrete and the massive Livo Oak is still standing strong. Photo by Russell Bennett
The Colorado Valley Quilt Guild Presents the 17th Annual
Best Little Quilt Show in Texas Friday & Saturday, February 21 & 22, 2014
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fayette County Fairgrounds, La Grange, Texas More than just a quilt show... More Quilt Exhibits at the following locations in 2014 In La Grange: Texas Quilt Museum, Quilts on the Square, Faison House, Chamber of Commerce, and the Texas Czech Heritage & Cultural Center And in Fayette County: Winedale Historical Center & the Copper Shade Tree Gallery, Round Top For more information visit our website:
www.cvquiltguild.com
SPRING 2013
County’s Courthouse Is A 122-year-old Jewel In Downtown La Grange The F ayette C ounty C ourthouse in La Grange is a must-see for any visitor. H ere’s a look at some of the history of the 122-year-old building: S an Antonio architect J . R iely Gordon designed the F ayette C ounty C ourthouse, as well as 13 other Texas county courthouses, in addition to the state capitol in Ariz ona. This is F ayette C ounty’s fourth courthouse. On April 9 , 18 9 1, the cornerstone for the current F ayette C ounty C ourthouse 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 R omanesque R evival structure with a clock tower rising over the main entrance. All offices and the courtroom are arranged around a 30foot by 30-foot square central courtyard. The exterior walls are built of Belton white limestone, complemented with blue sandstone quarried at the nearby F ayette C ounty community of Muldoon. R ed Pecos sandstone stringcourses ( decorative horiz ontal 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 S panish tile made from slate.
Visitors Guide
We are a full-service yarn and fiber shop carrying gorgeous yarns, fibers and tools for knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers and other fiber artists. Specializing in hand-dyed and handspun yarns, fibers and woven textiles, including our own unique line. Dealer for Schacht, Glimakra, Louet, and New Voyager spinning and weaving tools, along with hand-crafted drop spindles, shuttles and much more! 130 Gonzales Street, Paige, TX 78659 - 512-253-0100 - www.yarnorama.com
The central courtyard, which was closed-in to make space for a vault and more offices in 19 4 9 , was reclaimed during the restoration of the courthouse and now is filled with plants and a fountain. The courtroom, 8 5feet by 4 2-feet in siz e, is shaped like a half moon and has been used as a set for several movies, including “ Michael” featuring J ohn Travolta. The upper courtroom gallery can seat 500 people. W hen the F ayette C ounty C ommissioners’ C ourt formally accepted the new building on D ecember 1, 18 9 1, the total cost was $ 9 9 ,4 07.04 . F unding for the construction was provided by the
sale of 9 0 $ 1,000 bonds. I n late F ebruary 18 9 3, the courthouse was lit with electricity for the first time. I n 19 13, the basement and the first floor was flooded with five feet of water. The F ayette C ounty C ourthouse has been festooned in red, white and blue in celebration of peace and memorial occasions. The streets outside now are paved and the horse and buggy have given way to cars, S U V s and pickup trucks. After a complete restoration, the F ayette C ounty C ourthouse was rededicated on J une 25, 2005. I t stands as a timehonored symbol of j ustice in F ayette C ounty.
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Visitors Guide
What I Love About La Grange By ALYSON SVEC
Fayette County Record
This spot in “Grandmother’s Garden” near the Texas Quilt Museum affords a great view of downtown La Grange. Photo by Larry Jackson
By LOUANN ADCOX
The Fayette County Record
When I first moved to La Grange many years back, coming from a large city, I could not understand how small it was. People quickly knew me by my first name and said hello in passing. The city traffic certainly wasn’t missed since it took but a
few minutes to get to and from work. You could make a doctors appointment and not have to wait for months. The town was so clean and continues to be that way. There is a sense of civic pride around the square and also in the neighborhoods. My two children were raised here. It seemed as if everyone knew them and I
I am proud to have been born and raised in the quaint town of La Grange. After living in San Marcos for two and a half years for college, I came back and realized how much I appreciate living in a small town and that’s the way I’d like it to stay. When I attended school in La Grange, there were lots of ‘oh, there’s nothing to do here,’ and ‘I can’t wait to get out of here’ but it’s the perfect town for me. We may not get the luxuries of the big city life, but I’d say they’re missing out as well. La Grange has a lot to offer: parks, bakeries, the river, museums, a school, clothing shops, cafes and so much more. La Grange also has one of the most beautiful and historic courthouses I’ve seen.
And what other town has a large concrete gorilla on the winding bluff that ‘dresses’ perfectly for every holiday occassion. My favorite activities in La Grange are visiting the parks, the beautiful Colorado River and attending the yearly county fair. The people here are very friendly and I just feel like I belong. There is so much history in La Grange and the town just continues to thrive while still being able to keep a lot of its old traditions.
Bible
Baptist Church
Independent • Fundamental knew their friends, who their parents were and saw them regularly at school and sporting events. La Grange is a community which takes pride in showing off its diverse (Anglo-German-Czech-Hispanic) cultural heritage. Those who live here appreciate the close- knit atmosphere of the small community.
820 N. Jefferson
La Grange, Texas 78945
979-968-4981
www.orgsites.com/tx/bbclgt/index.html
making you comfortable since 1948. Home of Fine Furniture Smithville Serving Fayette and Surrounding Counties
Great Brands. Great Prices & Selections. & More
“We Service, nce Deliver and Fina What We Sell”
Store Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-5:30 • Saturday 9:00-2:00
206 NW Loop 230 • Smithville • 512-237-2432 • www.miltonsfurniture.com
SPRING 2013
Visitors Guide
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The annual Flag Day celebration on the courthouse square in La Grange is like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting complete with boy scouts, vets and hot dogs. Photo by Jeff Wick
La Grange – Alive With History
By Lucy Carr
Our little town is home to a number of fantastic museums, some well-established, some new, some even with international reputations. Take our most recent addition, the Texas Quilt Museum, which opened in late 2011. R un by two renowned figures in the quilting world, K arey Bresenhan and Nancy O’Bryant, the museum hosts an exhibition of stunning quilts from all over America, and beyond – don’t let the name fool you, this is more than j ust a museum about quilting in Texas. S ince it opened, a steady stream of quilters has passed through its doors, and will be guaranteed to return as the exhibit changes every few months. Open Thursday to S aturday 10am to 4 pm, S unday noon to 4 pm. E ntry $ 8 , www.texasquiltmuseum.org J ust down the road from the quilt museum is the town’s railway museum, which celebrates the history of the La Grange M-K -T R ailroad D epot. I nside the museum, alongside artifacts such as the original pot-belly stove and the stationmaster’s desk, is a photograph showing Theodore
R oosevelt addressing the crowds from the back of a train which passed through La Grange on March 12, 19 11. The museum is open S aturdays from 10am to 4 pm. To get a sense of what life was like for La Grange residents in the late 18 00’s, visit the F aison H ouse on S outh J efferson S treet. This living museum is a family home that was occupied by generations of the F aison family until the 19 6 0s when it was bought by The La Grange Garden C lub, who have restored it to its former glory. Take a tour around the parlor, bedroom, dining room and kitchen and you can feel the ghosts of residents past walking beside you. One of those residents was Louisiana Brown, a former slave who was bequeathed the house by her employer, Nathaniel F aison. S he became the first African American woman to own property in La Grange. F ree guided tours of the house are available on the second S aturday in the month or by appointment.www.faisonhouse.org F or another fine example of a preserved family home, visit the K reische house at the Monument H ill S tate H istor-
ic S ite. This property was occupied by the K reische family from the 18 50s to the 18 8 0s. They lived and worked here, opening a brewery further down the hill from the house, using the natural spring water to brew the beer. W hen a new batch was ready, Mr K reische would raise a flag saying ‘ F risch Auf! ’ meaning F reshen U p! , so the locals would know to come to get refreshed. The phrase stuck and is now the name of the local golf and country club. As well as Germans, many C z echs came to settle in La Grange and the surrounding F ayette C ounty. To find out more about the C z ech history in the area, visit the Texas C z ech H eritage and C ultural C enter, next to the F ayette C ounty F airgrounds on N H ighway 77. At the site, you can take guided or self-guided tours around the Texas C z ech V illage, a community of restored homes and buildings originally built and occupied by C z ech settlers, which have been donated to the center. There’s also a museum and a library to help people find out more about their C z ech roots.
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SPRING 2013
Visitors Guide
Fayette County – The Big Picture CARMINE
LEDBETTER 290 1291
237
WINEDALE
2714
448
WINCHESTER
RABBS PRAIRIE
WEST POINT
71
2145
71
MULDOON
155
609 3171
95
1965
SWISS ALP FREYBURG
2762 2238
1383
HIGH HILL
77
DUBINA 615
90
10
1295
90
ENGLE
SCHULENBURG
ST JOHN
HOLMAN
AMMANNSVILLE
956 2672
95
REK HILL
FAYETTEVILLE
MULLINS PRAIRIE
3233
O’QUINN
PRAHA
159
159
2503
HOSTYN
FLATONIA
1291
955
2237
1115
PARK
389
ROZNOV
RUTERSVILLE
LA GRANGE
95
CISTERN
954
OLDENBURG 159
PLUM
154
WARRENTON 237
2981
KIRTLEY
1457
1291
WALHALLA
153
ROUND TOP
WALDECK
WARDA NECHANITZ 3011 77
957
1579
ELLINGER
WILLOW SPRINGS
SPRING 2013
Visitors Guide
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The Communities That Make Up Fayette County Ammannsville
ebrated July Fourth celebration west of the Mississippi, since 1851.
FM 1383, 9 m. SE of La Grange Settled during the 1870s by German and Czech immigrant farmers. The first settler in the community was Andrew Ammann, who arrived on March 12, 1870. He was a noted architect as well as a farmer.
Rutersville
State Hwy. 159, 5 mi. NE of La Grange This site on the La Bahía Road was surveyed in 1838 and incorporated by the Republic of Texas on Jan. 26, 1839. Rutersville College, chartered in 1840 by the Republic of Texas, was the first Protestant college in Texas. In 1856, by an act of Congress, Rutersville College was consolidated with the Texas Military Institute of Galveston.
Carmine
U.S. 290, at Washington Co. line Still an incorporated city, Carmine and Round Top share a school system. The elementary is in Round Top, the high school in Carmine. The Carmine bank was robbed by Ray Hamilton and others from the Barrow Gang in the 1930s. Now it’s known for its antique dealers.
Schulenburg
Interstate 10 at U.S. 77 Founded in 1873, when the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway built through the site, it was named for Louis Schulenburg, who donated land for the railroad. The community was granted a post office in 1874 and incorporated in 1875.
Cistern
State Hwy. 95, 12 mi. NW of Flatonia Settled during the 1850s on a hill overlooking fertile prairie land. Water wells in the area contained such high concentration of minerals that residents were forced to build cisterns to trap rainwater for domestic use.
Swiss Alp
Dubina
FM 1383, 2 mi. N of U.S. 90 First Czech settlement in Texas, beginning in November 1856. Named Dubina (Czech for “oak grove”). As favorable reports about Texas reached the old country, the number of Czech settlers entering Dubina increased greatly, and Dubina became the stopover place for Czechs entering Texas. In 1873, the railroad bypassed Dubina.
Father Daniel K alich hopped on this antique tractor to promote the annual P lum parish picnic which is held every J une. E ven the smallest communities in Fayette C ounty organize annual festivals. F il e p hoto by Jeff Wick
Ellinger
Freyburg
Hwy. 71 at FM 2503 Famed for kolaches and barbecue, Ellinger is 11 miles southeast of La Grange. It was established as a point on the La Grange Tap spur of the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway.
Engle
U.S. 90 between Schulenburg and Flatonia Settled by Bohemian and Czech immigrants in the 1850s. Named for J. E. Engle, an engineer on Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway line. Post office established in 1888 and the first store in 1890.
Fayetteville
State Hwy. 159 at FM 955 The Congress of the Republic of Texas established Fayette County in 1837, and the community of Fayetteville was officially founded shortly thereafter. Fayetteville had a post office and postmaster during the Republic of Texas, and has had continuous postal service since 1850.
Flatonia
Interstate 10 at Texas 95 Established on April 8, 1874, on land acquired by the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway, it was named for pioneer merchant F. W. Flato. At that time residents of the original Flatonia settlement, one mile southeast, and Oso, three miles northeast, loaded their homes and businesses on wagons and moved to the new location on the tracks. The post office that had been established at old Flatonia in 1870 was moved to the new town without changing its name. Flatonia was incorporated on November 10, 1875.
FM 956 at FM 2238 Founded about 1868 by Germans and named for a town in Germany. In 2004 the recently restored Freyburg Methodist Church celebrated its 125th anniversary.
High Hill
FM 2672, 14 mi. SW of La Grange Settled in the 1830s. According to some sources, residents of High Hill refused to allow the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway to build through their community in 1874, fearing the railroad would destroy the tranquility and culture of the town. The line went to nearby Schulenburg and many of High Hill’s residents moved there. St. Mary’s Church is on the National Register of Historic place.
La Grange
State Hwy. 71 at U.S. 77 The county seat of Fayette County, this is where La Bahia Road crossed the Colorado River. Aylett C. Buckner settled near here about 1819 and in 1826 John Henry Moore built a twin blockhouse within what are now the city limits. A town was platted in 1837. The Republic of Texas named Fayette County in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette. La Grange was the name of Lafayette’s home, which came from his wife’s family.
Ledbetter
U.S. 290, 8 mi. E of Giddings In extreme north Fayette County, it was the first community in the county to be served by a railroad, which reached it in 1870.
Nechanitz
FM 3011 at FM 2145 Settled in 1853 by Wenzel Matejowsky, the first settler from Bohemia to enter Fayette County, it was named after his native city in Bohemia.
Muldoon
U.S. 77, 11 mi. S of La Grange Established about 1865 by German settlers, who were followed by Wendish families from Serbin in Lee County. Post office opened in 1877. Area has dairy farms and cattle operations.
Waldeck
FM 1291 at FM 2145 Purchased in 1843 by Count Ludwig Joseph von BoosWaldeck, who was an agent for the Adelsverein, an association of German noblemen who planned for emigration to the Republic of Texas.
Warda
U.S. 77, 10 mi. N of La Grange Named for Wartha, Saxony. Wendish immigrant A.E. Falke established a general store here in 1874 and other Wends soon arrived. Central focus is still Holy Cross Lutheran Church.
FM 154, 9 mi. N of Flatonia On a grant of land originally made in 1831 to Father Michael Muldoon, the Irish Catholic priest who officially “converted” non-Hispanic Texas settlers to meet the legal requirements of Mexico. The town was not platted until 1886, when the Waco branch of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway extended its line between West Point and Flatonia.
Warrenton
Plum
Hwy. 71, 12 mi. W of La Grange Intersection of Union Pacific’s north-south tracks (Waco to Victoria) and east-west tracks (Houston to Smithville, formerly MKT Railroad).
Hwy. 71, 8 mi. W of La Grange Plum Grove is the second oldest established community in Fayette County, dating to 1828. It still has its own post office, which was first established in 1880.
Praha
FM 1295, 3 mi. E of Flatonia In 1858 the Bohemian settlers changed the town’s name from Mulberry to Praha in honor of Prague, the capital of their homeland. Since 1855 the community has celebrated the Feast of the Assumption on August 15. The event now attracts more than 5,000 visitors, many of them Czechoslovakian.
Round Top
State Hwy. 237 One of the smallest incorporated communities in Texas, on the old La Bahía Road between La Grange and Brenham. Area first settled in 1826. Oldest continually cel-
State Hwy. 237, 12 miles NE of La Grange Founded by William Neese, who landed in Galveston in 1847 and named the new settlement that grew around his store for Warren Ligon, another early colonist. A post office was established in 1873.
West Point
Winchester
FM 153 at FM 448 First settled in 1827. The town was platted in 1857 and named for Winchester, Tenn. It was a shipping point on the Waco branch of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway, which later became part of the Southern Pacific.
Winedale
FM 2714, 4 mi. NE of Round Top Winedale Historical Center, in northeast Fayette County near Round Top, includes several outstanding examples of early Texas architecture. Ima Hogg purchased more than 130 acres, restoring the buildings and eventually donating them to the University of Texas, which now uses it for drama, history and other programs.
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Visitors Guide
Local Lodgings: Where to Stay When You Come Our Way FAYETTEVILLE 1850 House
1537 Kramr Road Fayetteville, TX 78940 713-818-9766 www.blackbirdfarmtexas.com
Guesthouse at Meadow Creek West of Fayetteville on FM 955 Fayetteville, TX 78940 (979) 378-2500 joanneda@netzero.com
Arbor House @ Las Brisas Farm 1108 Ross Prairie Church Road Fayetteville,TX 78940 (979) 378-1108 www.LasBrisasFarm.com
Blisswood Bed & Breakfast
13300 Lehmann Legacy Lane Cat Spring,TX 78933 (713) 301-3235 www.blisswood.net
Cedars Cabins
4257 Blezinger Rd New Ulm, Texas 78950 (866) 625 4607 lodging@cedarscabins.com
Cottage Garden Guest House 102 S Scott St Fayetteville,TX 78940 (281) 794-2970
Cottages on the Square 110 W Main Fayetteville, TX 78940 (318) 465-1603
Country Butler, LLC
P.O. Box 101 Fayetteville,TX 78940 (281) 389-2727 www.countrybutlertexas.com
Country Place Hotel
201 W. Fayette Street Fayetteville, TX 78940 (979) 378-2077 www.countryplacehotel.com
Cummins Creek Cottage B&B 4826 E. Hwy 159 Fayetteville,TX 78940 (979) 966-3116 jaimiegilbreath@yahoo.com
Dewberry
5036 Hawcreek Rd Fayetteville, TX 78940 (713) 622-2255
Double Tree Ranch Lodging 5849 FM 1291 Ledbetter, TX 78946 (979) 249-3424
Fayetteville Bed & Breakfast 106 N Rusk Fayetteville,TX 78940 (713) 202-8610
Fayette House B&B Guesthouse 211 Fayette St Fayetteville, TX 78940 (713) 777-5333 yvonne_mccowen@app.net
Granny’s Retreat
3506 Skalisky Rd Fayetteville, TX 78940 (281) 229-8045
Heritage Ridge Guest House
3 mi. west of Fayetteville on FM 955 2915 FM 955 Fayetteville, TX 78940 (979) 378-2247 www.heritageridgetexas.com
Honeysuckle Gallery Guesthouse
Lodge on Lake Siesta
Las Brisas Cottages
Longhorn Frog Ranch
5145 FM 153 La Grange (979) 732-1256 www.lodgeonlakesiesta.com
111 E Fayette Fayetteville, TX 78940 (979) 378-3026 jbrownj@cvctx.com
La Grange (979) 242-5496
1108 Ross Prairie Church Road Fayetteville, TX 78940 (979) 378-1108 www.lasbrisasfarm.com
Le Billet Doux
701 Ross Prairie Rd Fayetteville,TX 78940 (979) 378-2222
Skyrunner Guest house 6020 FM 154 Flatonia, TX 78941 (361) 865-2323 www.floyfarm.com
Guest Cottage
206 N Live Oak Fayetteville, TX 78940 (800) 438-2281 www.weekendcottages.com
Martha’s Kitchen Cottage
309 Franklin Fayetteville, TX 78940 (800) 438-2281 www.weekendcottages.com
Mia Bella Locanda
207 Bell Street Fayetteville, TX 78940 (409) 771-5989
Red and White Inn on the Square 102 West Main Fayetteville, TX 78940 713-818-9766 www.blackbirdfarmtexas.com
Rolling 7 Guest Cottage 1377 E Hwy 159 Fayetteville, TX 78940 (979) 250-3720
Pearson’s Ponderosa
3 mi. north of Fayetteville Fayetteville, TX 78940 (979) 249-5077 papatom2@cvctx.com
Sealy House
1537 Kramr Road Fayetteville, TX 78940 713-818-9766 www.blackbirdfarmtexas.com
Star Bar Farm
1569 Ehlinger Rd Fayetteville, TX 78940 512-589-7765
The Texas Rose
Just off the Square Fayetteville, TX 78940 (985) 789-2277
The Cottage
8235 FM 2981 Fayetteville,TX 78940 (979) 249-3541 www.tiptoncottage.com
ELLINGER Cedar Cabins @ Blackbird Farm 1488 FM 2503 Ellinger Tx 78938 (713) 818-9766
FLATONIA Bar SR Ranch
FM 154 Flatonia, Tx 78941 (281) 596-9996
Carefree Inn
I-10 & FM 609 Flatonia, TX 78941 (361) 865-2906 www.carefreeinnflatonie.com
Floy Farm & Gardens
Gladys’ Ranch House
Cistern, Texas (800) 725-5254 www.gladysranchhouse.com
Goose’s Roost Ranch Cottages 815 Scott’s School Rd, Flatonia, TX 78941 (361) 772-8093 www.goosesroost.com
Grumpy’s Motel
420 EI-10, Flatonia, TX 78941 (361) 865-2911 www.grumpysmotorinn.com
Olle Hotel
218 S. Market Street Flatonia, TX 78941 (361) 772-0310 www.ollehotel.com
Town Cottages
705 East North Main Flatonia, TX 78941 (361) 772-3234 www.towncottagesflatonia.com
Two Bit Ranch B&B
2444 Armstrong Derry Rd Waelder, Tx 78959 (361) 865-2528 wobitranchbandb.com
LA GRANGE BED & BREAKFASTS Ammannsville Cottages 9018 FM 1383 La Grange,TX 78945 (979) 561-8691
Bed & Breakfast on Main 512 S Main La Grange,TX 78945 (979) 968-9535
Big Tin Flag Bed & Breakfast 714 E. Radhost School Road La Grange,TX 78945 (979) 247-4770 www.bigtinflag.net
Blue Willow Farm B & B
1412 S. US Hwy 77 La Grange, TX 78945 (979)968-5964 www.faycovet.com/BB.html
Brendan Manor Bed & Breakfast 345 E.Travis Street La Grange, TX 78945 (979) 968-2028 www.brendanmanor.com
Guest House at Dos Lagos 3045 Valenta Road La Grange, TX 78945 (979) 247-4465
Heaven’s Gate Ranch 9200 Hwy 77 N La Grange (281) 491-2122
340 FM 155 La Grange, TX 78945 (979) 966-9698 www.skyrunnerguesthouse.com
Texana Trails and Lodge, LLC 2647 Kallus Road La Grange,TX 78945 (979) 247-4457 www.texanatrailslodge.com
Waldhutte
La Grange (979) 247-4802 www.centraltexascabin.com
HOTELS/MOTELS Best Western (La Grange Inn) 600 E. State Hwy 71 Bypass La Grange,TX 78945 (979) 968-6800 www.bestwestern.com
Cottonwood Inn
1494 W. State Hwy 71 La Grange,TX 78945 (979) 968-3175 www.lagangecottonwoodinn.com
Executive Inn & Suites
1708 W State Hwy 71 La Grange,TX 78945 (979) 968-2600 www.lagrangeexecutiveinn.com
Hampton Inn
1624 W State Hwy 71 La Grange, TX 78945 (979) 968-4900 www.LaGrange.hamptoninn.com
The Oak Motel
277 S. Jefferson Street La Grange, TX 78945 (979) 968-3133
River Valley Motor Inn
1575 W. State Hwy 71 La Grange, TX 78945 (979) 9688314 www.rivervalleyinn.com
ROUND TOP-CARMINE A Light Unto My Path
2117 FM 1457 Round Top, TX 78954 (979) 249-5620
A Green House at Waldeck Acres 7839 Waldeck Cemetery Road Round Top, TX 78954 (979) 278-4211
Abbie’s Addition
2336 St Hwy 237 Round Top, TX 78954 (405) 301-1874
Audrey’s Cottage
204 W Wantke Street Round Top, TX 78954 (832) 671-7821
Aunt Clara’s Cottage 333 E Cig Ten (713) 569-9274 Carmine , TX 78932
Round Top Inn
102 Bauer Rummel Rd. Round Top, TX 78954 (979) 249-5294
Belle Of Round Top
Rose Hill Cottages
Bootstrap At Round Top
Round Top Cottages
230 Days End Rd. Round Top , TX 78954 (979) 249-4134 5100 Roznov, Round Top, TX 78954 (713) 502-0328 www.bootstraptexas.com
Briarfield Bed & Breakfast
219 FM 954 Round Top , TX 78954 (979) 249-3973 www.briarfieldatroundtop.com
Cole Cottage
203 W. Wantke St. Round Top, TX 78954 (888) 922-4179
Das Blaue Haus
4337 S. St. Hwy 237 Round Top, TX 78954 (979) 249-3131 www.dasblauehaus.com
Dragonfly Ranch
524 FM 954 Round Top, TX 78954 310-918-7001
Elisa’s Sunday Haus
599 Bybee Road Round Top, TX 78954 (979) 249-5522 www.roundtopbnb.com
The Front Porch
12135 Young Circle, Carmine (979) 278-3809 www.roundtoplodging.com
Farmhouse Round Top
5686 FM 1457 Round Top, TX 78954 (979) 249-3868 www.farmhouseroundtop.com
Hackberry Hill Farm
3438 Hartfield Rd Round Top, TX 78954 (713) 417-5828
Hartfield House
1900 Hartfield Rd. Round Top, TX 78954 (979) 966-9003 www.heartfieldhouse.com
Jaster Road Ranch
1109 Jaster Rd. Round Top, TX 78954 (713) 628-6190 www.jasterroadranch.com
Lulubelle Designs
1913 St Loop 458 Carmine, TX 789 (832) 372-7217
Meyerland Farm
5696 Wagner Road Round Top, TX 78954 (979) 836-9450
Pecan Grove Inn
233 Augsburg St. Carmine, TX 78932 (281) 433-8845 www.pecangroveinn.com
Peck House
311 N. Live Oak, Round Top (979) 249-3972 www.greenpeck.com
Post Oak Savannah Round Top (979) 249-2572
Prairie Wind Farm
4507 Havemann Road, Carmine (979) 278-3208
304 West Mill St., Round Top (281) 630-5675 www.rosehillroundtop.com Round Top (800) 775-1860 www.roundtopcottages.com
Round Top Farms
301 S Washington Round Top, TX (979) 249-3977 www.roundtoplodging.com
Round Top Inn
407 S White St Round Top, TX (979) 249-5294 www.roundtopinn.com
Round Top Retreat
Andreas Road, Round Top (979) 249-3542 www.roundtopretreat.org
Rusty Bike Inn
302 White Street Round Top, TX 78954 (979) 289-2128
Schumacher Ranch
2433 Keiler Lane Round Top, TX 78954 (979) 249-5596
Sugar Hill Retreat B&B Carmine, TX 78932 (979) 278-3039
Summerhaus Warrrentop
11400 Schuster Rd., Round Top (512) 413-1728 www.warrentopfarm.com
Sunnymede Farm
5400 Florida Chapel Rd., Round Top (713) 781-9770
Texana Lodge
Round Top, TX 78954 (979) 968-3495 x200
The Bunkhouse
1419 State Hwy 237 Round Top, TX 78954 (979) 249-6213 www.happytrailsbunkhouse.com
The Barn
6148 Florida Chapel Rd Round Top, TX 78954 (310) 561-5002 www.summitcreekranch.com
The Ghost House
700 Rohde Road Round Top, TX 78954 (979) 249-3749
The Longhorn Inn
1227 & 1231 S Hwy 237 Round Top, TX 78954 (281) 389-2727 www.thelonghorninntexas.com
The Prairie by Rachel Ashwell 5808 Wagner Rd Round Top, TX 78954 (310) 338-8505 x102
The Rose Peddlers Inn 116 White Street Round Top, TX 78954 (979) 249-4111
The Vintage Round Top 1450 N Hwy 237 Round Top, TX 78954 (713) 859-5993
Tilworth Retreat
Hartfield Road Round Top, TX 78954
SPRING 2013
Visitors Guide
21
Local Lodgings, Continued GREATER ROUND TOP AREA
SCHULENBURG
Cooper Farm
Ammansville Cottages
2001 Waldeck Rd Ledbetter, TX 78946 (979) 249-5674
9018 FM 1383 (979) 561 8691
Best Western Schulenburg Inn & Suites
Ledbetter Bed & Breakfast Ledbetter, TX 789.. (979) 249-3066
101 Huser Blvd. Schulenburg, TX 78956 (979) 743-2030 www.bestwestern.com
Ledbetter-Pietsch Farmhouse 3348 Goehring Ledbetter, TX 78946 (979) 249-3315
Executive Inn & Suites
800 N. US hwy. 77 Schulenburg, TX 78956 (979) 743-4590 www.executiveinnschulenburg.com
Hillcrest Inn At Warrenton 4339 S St Hwy 237 Warrenton, TX 78961 (979) 249-3074
Farmhouse & Cabin at Freyburg Abbott’s Grove School Rd, Schulenburg, TX 78956 (800) 438-2281 www.weekendcottages.com
Oldenburg Sunday Haus
928 E State Hwy 237 Oldenburg, TX (979) 249-5440 www.oldenburgsundayhaus.com
Mimi’s Bed & Breakfast 2925 Piano Bridge Rd.
Schulenburg (979) 561-8233
Oakridge Motor Inn
205 W I-10 Frontage Rd. Schulenburg, TX 78956 (979) 743-4192
Von Minden Hotel
607 Lyons Ave. Schulenburg, TX 78956 (979) 743-3714
Bill & Charlo Horton 64 E. Bluff View La Grange, TX 78945 (979) 968-9465 (979) 968-9055 www.coloradolanding. com
Dillards RV Park
(979) 278-3805 www.southfortyrvpark.com
Flatonia RV Ranch
2500 FM 609, Flatonia 78941 361-865-9295
Dippel’s RV Park
RPMF, Inc.-Lake Fayette Parks Oak Thicket & Park Prairie Parks
Dixieland Texas Retreat RV Park
S&H RV Park
Warrenton, TX 78961 (979) 249-3779
Harvey Dippel 702 Rohde Road Round Top, TX 78954 (979) 249-3749
Paula and Phil Watkins 249 Dixieland RV Park Lane Carmine, TX 78932
Rosalie Graeter 4819 W State Hwy 159 Fayetteville, TX 78940 (979) 249-3504 (979) 249-3623 www.fayettecountybassfishing.com
Sheila & Harry Wiggins 3517 Post Oak Road
-All Year Around Feed Animals Milk a Cow Hay Rides Hay Maze
Wildlife Guesthouse
7707 US Hwy 90 Schulenburg, TX 78956 (979) 224-6234 www.wguesthouse.com
OTHER Plum Gardens
Carl & Peggy-Anderson Mapes 318 Railroad Street Plum,TX 78952 (979) 242-3382 (512) 921-0679 www.plumgardenstx.com
Fayette County RV Parks Colorado Landing RV, Inc.
…a REAL farm experience!
Raw Milk from Pastured Jersey Cows Free Range Eggs Farmstead Cheese Gourmet Products
La Grange, TX 78945 (979) 249-2050
Schulenburg RV Park
Loretta Baumgarten 65 N. Kessler Avenue Schulenburg, TX 78956 (979) 743-4388 (979) 743-2858 www.schulenburgrvpark. com
Suncatcher RV Park
Morning of Saturday, March 30, 2013 (Always the Saturday of Easter Weekend)
Del & Sandy DelVecchio 3033 S. US Hwy 77 La Grange, TX 78945 (979) 968-6868 www.dixielandrvpark.com
Tree Park RV Park 4635 S. Hwy.237, Warrenton. TX 78961 (979) 249-5588
Last Week of September through October!
Featured In – Texas Highways Texas Country Reporter Longhorn Network – “Sam Out of the City” Cowboys & Indians Successful Farming
C elebrity designer Rachel A shwell owns The P rairie B ed and B reakfast in Round Top, and stays on the property several weeks during the year. I t was named one of the best new hotels in the world last year by C onde Nast Traveler magazi ne.
www.texasjersey.com Email - barnyard@cvctx.com 979-249-3406
22
SPRING 2013
Visitors Guide
This is the start of the K anoe K lassica canoe race started at P lum P ark last summer and ended at B oat Ramp P ark in La Grange.
Bed & Breakfast On Main Located in a restored, 100+ year-old home w/ three bedrooms, two with 1/2 baths, one with a lav, a full bath and separate shower room. Each room sleeps three. Central heat and air, full kitchen and separate dining room. Four blocks off the square in La Grange at 512 S. Main Street.
(979) 968-9535 • (979) 338-9326
A Paradise of Parks I f you want to get out and play in F ayette C ounty, you’ve got choices – l ots of them. W hether you and the family are
seeking boating, swimming, camping or fishing opportunities – or j ust out for a stroll or picnic – F ayette C ounty has your prescription for
outdoor recreation. R ead all about them on the the next few pages.
Flatonia City Park
Plum Park on the Colorado:
This park has a swimming pool, playground, sand volleyball court, two baseball fields, a softball field and a covered pavilion. F or information on use, contact the city of F latonia at ( 361) 865- 3548.
C anoe put-in on the river between S mithville and La Grange. $ 5 fee per vehicle to enter. Offers open range for primitive camping with picnic tables, fire rings and grills. Permit information 1-8 00-776 -5272, E xt. 336 6 .
in Flatonia:
Fayette County-Welcome Home!
Since 1890, Woodmen of the World has remained strong through the ups and downs in our nation’s history. Recently, our strength was reaffirmed by A.M. Best, one of the nation’s leading independent rating organizations, when they awarded us an A+ (Superior) rating, the second-highest of 15 ratings. Woodmen of the World is dedicated to providing valued financial solutions, along with customer benefits and opportunities for community involvement. Woodmen of the World products1 include:
Customer benefits2 include:
• Whole Life Insurance • Universal Life Insurance • Term Life Insurance • Family Term Life Insurance • Annuities • Cancer Insurance • IRAs including Roth IRAs
• Youth Program including Summer Camp3 • Orphan’s Care Benefit • Newborn Benefit • Catastrophic Illness Benefit
If you would like more information about Woodmen of the World products and membership4, please contact:
! " ## !
CD0517WOW 9/12
1. Not all products are available in all states. 2. Fraternal benefits are not contractual, are subject to change and have specific eligibility requirements. 3. Youth programs, summer camp and senior camps are not available in all areas. Camps are independently owned and operated by a third party. 4. An individual becomes a member by purchasing a Woodmen of the World product.
SPRING 2013
Visitors Guide
23
Boat Ramp Park in La Grange:
E asy access to C olorado R iver for fishing, tubing, and canoe trips. F ishing pier, boat ramp, volleyball court, picnic tables. Open daily dawn to dusk. H andicap accessible. Located under Business 71 bridge over river.
Northside Park in La Grange:
F ishing access on C olorado R iver, fishing pier, boat ramp, volleyball court, picnic tables, restroom. Located off H anacek R oad. handicap accessible. Open daily dawn to dusk.
Fayette County Fairgrounds in La Grange:
Baseball field, two softball fields, camping ( primitive) , rodeo arena. Open daily dawn to dusk. U S 77 north of city.
Kruschel Park
Railroad Park
in La Grange:
in Flatonia:
F latonia is one of the few cities in the U .S . to have a railroad with both North-S outh and E ast-W est routes. R ailfans love this park, including the nearby elevated platform that’s a “ picture-taking place.” S idetrack Tommy has given hundreds of tours of F latonia’s railroad tower to visitors all across the country. To tour the Historic Tower #3 and S.P. Caboose #4743, contact info@railcrossroadstx.com.
S wimming pool, walking trail, two Little League baseball fields, basketball court, picnic tables, playground, volleyball court, Open daily dawn to dusk. 480 W . C olorado S t. C all ( 979) 968 -5600 for more information about the pool. ( 3.64 a cres) H andicap accessible.
Thank you for voting us the Best Salsa, Best Mexican Food, and Best Margarita!
Fina Cosina Mexicana
•
Y E TTE C FA NTY • OU
B E S T OF
Mexican Restaurant & Bar
979.968.8957
658 S. Jefferson • La Grange, Tx
www.lasfuentesmexicanrestaurant.net
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SPRING 2013
Visitors Guide
Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites on “The Bluff”:
S cenic, wooded park with monument to Texas heroes of the Mier and D awson expeditions ( 1840 s) . H ome and ruins of historic brewery built by early German settler. 40.4 acres located one mile south of La Grange off U S 77. W alking paths; guided and self-guided tours; picknicking, nature and historical study. Arrangements can be made with park staff for weddings, family reunions or other group functions in the picnic or historical facilities. Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; no fee. 414 S tate Loop 92, L a Grange ( 979) 9685658 ; monument.hill@ tpwd.state.tx.us.
Wolters Park
in Schulenburg: I ncludes a swimming pool, areas for picnicing and other facilities such as a basketball court, gaz ebo and playground. W olters Park also includes J acob W olters’ 1835 log cabin. Located at south end of Bohlmann S treet.
Park Prairie Park at Lake Fayette:
Boat ramp, 12 tent- only campsites, and picnic facilities make a comfortable base for recreation at Lake F ayette. Group camping area ( up to 24 people) with screened shelter ( sleeps four) electricity, three campsites, picnic tables, and a grill. R eservations: see information at left for Oak Thicket Park.
Oak Thicket Park
The rope swing at W hite Rock P ark in La Grange may be the best on the entire C olorado River. Photo by Jeff Wick
White Rock Park
On 2,000-acre F ayette Lake. F eatures R V and tent sites, screened shelters, a large pavilion, picnic facilities, hiking trails, a sandy beach, a playground, interpretive nature exhibit, two-bedroom and bunk-house cabins and a boat ramp. Here you can bike, boat, fish, hike and swim. R eservations: call Texas Parks and W ildlife R eservation C enter ( 512) 389- 8900 more than 48 hours in advance. To make reservations less than 48 hour s in advance, call the park at ( 979) 249- 3504.
D ay-use park ( 23.5 acres) , one of the largest on the lower C olorado R iver. Operated by the C ity of La Grange, ( 979) 9685805. Located approximately one mile downstream of the U .S . 77 bridge in La Grange. F acilities include a canoe launch area, baseball fields, a playground, picnic areas, restrooms, paved area parking and a fishing pier.
YE
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ES
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at Lake Fayette:
in La Grange:
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