Brownwood Area Guide

Brown County AREA GUIDE 2023

Fromthe Mayor

Welcome to Brownwood. Whether you are a visitor to our city, a newcomer, or a life-long resident, our goal is to provide you with the information you need about our community.

Brownwood is a thriving city located near the geographic center of Texas. Our location makes us the perfect spot for business and industry. As the largest city in a 70-mile radius, we are a regional employer and hub for a variety of commerce, education, and recreation opportunities.

We are on the northern edge of the Hill Country and enjoy rolling hills, trees, and a large recreational lake. We are also home to some of the best hunting and fishing in Texas. Our citizens enjoy all of these recreational perks with less than a 10-minute commute to work.

Our goal at the City of Brownwood is to promote health, safety, and quality of life for our citizens. In recent years, we have assisted with the revitalization efforts in Downtown Brownwood, upgraded numerous parks, and began construction on the Brownwood Event Center Complex. We are committed to progress and hope you will choose to be a part of our community.

Stephen Haynes Mayor of

Brownwood

Mayor Stephen Haynes

BROWNWOOD’S Mural TRAIL

LOCAL ARTIST AMANDA COERS

Anyone who spends time at all on social media, particularly Instagram, may have noticed a lot of photos of people in front of Brownwood’s murals.

Murals are now a popular selfie destination and people go out of their way to find interesting, colorful, and even educational art when traveling and share it on social media. Over the past few years, the city of Brownwood and many of its businesses have added enough murals to warrant the City’s own mural trail, and there are only more murals on the way!

MEET ONE OF THE ARTISTS

Amanda Coers moved to Brownwood in the mid-1990s to go to high school. While you might expect her backstory to be filled with art classes and countless hours watching Bob Ross paint happy little trees, it does not. Amanda was more interested in comic books and comic book art than painting when she was younger, but she loved to watch her great-grandmother paint. She was always amazed by her work but was intimidated by the idea of being able to be a great painter, despite the encouragement of her great-grandmother and the rest of her family.

Amanda did find a way to scratch the creative itch when she was 17 when the owners

at Steves’ Market & Deli allowed her to draw their customers for tip money.

DISCOVERING A HIDDEN TALENT

About six years ago, Amanda attended an event that was held by the Brownwood Art Association called “Muse and Merlot” which was essentially a painting party. She discovered that she actually was a pretty good painter and got involved with the Association and helped plan and coordinate the parties. Amanda got connected with other artists in the community and began to build a network and made connections that led to the commission of her first mural. While Amanda was busy making new connections, it was an old connection, the owners of Steves’, who asked Amanda to paint the back of their building.

“It felt surreal to do a painting and have someone offer to pay for it,” Amanda said. “I did not know what I was doing, it was a learnas-you-go process.”

SHARING THE LOVE OF ART WITH FAMILY

Today, Amanda is married with seven children and works for the city of Brownwood, as well as finishing up a degree. While other artists might be able to complete a mural more quickly, her very full life requires a couple of weekends for Amanda to complete a mural, but recently her daughter Vivian has started to join Amanda on her projects, and “that has Brown

been really cool… watching her grow and surpass me in many ways as an artist just in her early 20s.”

Amanda and her daughter also recently finished a new mural at Humphrey Pete’s that features flying pigs, which ties perfectly with their logo.

IMPACT OF MURALS AND ART

Amanda recently completed a research project as part of her degree program to study the impact of mural-based tourism on rural communities.

“People want to see the murals, and then they find everything else Brownwood has to offer,” Amanda said, “it also enhances the lives of citizens just to be exposed to art on a daily basis. It makes us happier. Public art gives us more chances to have well-rounded lives.”

MURAL HIGHLIGHTS

One of the cool things about murals are that they can depict anything and can be painted on just about anything. The Painted Poppies at Davis Floral are painted on a shipping container and features vibrant colors. The Texas Flag Wall located outside of Waylon and Rays makes for great Texas themed photos. One of the more unique murals is the Cat & Fish Mural covering the entire back wall at Steves’ Market & Deli painted by Amanda, and a great new mural of a

MORE ON THE WAY

Brownwood now has over a dozen murals all over the city, with more on the way. When we asked Amanda which mural was her favorite, she mentioned a new one that will definitely be a favorite. Celebrated Central Texas artist Calina Mishay Johnson painted a mural at Pat Coursey Park that is big and bold. The design for the mural features wild horses running through water with vibrant colors. Calina is also the artist of the cactus mural painted in July 2017 outside of Rex’s Texas Lanes during a remodel of the bowling alley.

ART AND MODERN CONNECTIVITY

Amanda shared that she is excited about social media making art more interactive. People can now connect with the artists through their social media accounts and get to know not only the painting but the artist and all of their work and even make a personal connection. While history books study classic artists, we may have missed out on some great artists by being too focused on the past, when we have talented people right in front of us. This is what is

Vintage Truck was recently added at the Duke Street shop. These are just a few of the beautiful murals you can find around Brownwood.

great to see about the conversations and connections that can be made, so don’t just tag your friends in that mural selfie, tag the artist, you never know what might happen.

FINAL WORDS OF ADVICE

Amanda said, “Today, I have paintings of my great grandmother in my home, and now my paintings are starting to look like hers. It has been an amazing way to connect with her even though she is gone. I want anyone to know that if you are intimidated by art or think you can’t do it, take a leap of faith and give it a try. I would be thrilled to see what they could do on the walls.” Amanda also offered to connect with anyone interested in giving painting a shot. 

ART & CULTURE

Brownwood At the Turn of the 20th Century

By Diane Adams

I found this little glimpse into life in Brownwood at the turn of the 20th century. Texas Author Boyce House, who spent some of his growing up years in Brownwood during the early 1900s, was once asked to write about his recollections of the town for the Texas Literature Club of Brownwood High School. His response reads like something out of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” or the childhood recollections of Garrison Keillor, rather than tales of the untamed frontier–which Brownwood was just a few decades before Boyce’s letter was written.

House writes, “It was in January, 1906, that my father, mother, my two younger sisters and I arrived [in Brownwood]. At first, we roomed in the Harpham home, just east of the Daniel Baker campus. Several students roomed and had their meals there. To a nine-year-old boy, their college songs and football yells seemed highly romantic.

“Across the street from us lived two boys whose father was engaged in a much more romantic calling than running a grocery store, which was what my father did. The important mission in the life of our neighbor was to drive a bus—a horse-drawn vehicle with a long seat on each side. He conveyed departing travelers to the station, saw all the trains come in and transported incoming travelers to the hotel.”

While Boyce describes the occasional fracas, mostly what he remembers about Brownwood is more like Norman Rockwell scenes than the old Western it really was a few short years before he recorded his memories. “The Fourth of July was a great day then, rivaling Christmas. On July 4, 1906, we loaded quilts, lemonade and baskets filled with golden-brown fried chicken, potato salad, sour pickles and many other foods into a surrey and went out to the grove for a picnic. Many other families did the same, and there were stands where lemonade could be bought, a flag-draped speakers’ platform from which celebrities spoke, horseshoe pitching and horse races.”

From a rough and rowdy beginning, first as a frequent battleground between Comanche warriors and Anglo settlers, to a prolonged neighbor against neighbor fight over barbed wire fences that sparked violence and even a few long standing feuds, the coming of the railroad, along with churches and schools, seems to have quickly settled the once stormy frontier town into a quiet, storybook sounding place. At least that is how Boyce House recalled it.

“In our yard was a large oak tree ,” House described. “There was a ladder which enabled us to climb to the fork. Once, I jumped out—but only once; it was a long way to the ground. There were some heavy rains, causing the Bayou to overflow and the water flooded the street only a block from our house. No doubt some families were driven from their homes, but to a boy it was only an opportunity to wade and to sail toy boats.

“My father’s grocery store was an odorous place, like the hold of a ship; and no wonder, for its shelves and bins contained spices, extracts, teas and other products which had been brought across the ocean. It was the custom in those days for the housewife to buy coffee in bulk. The brown berries were scooped up, weighed and then ground in a machine which was turned by hand. Even today, the smell of freshly ground coffee reminds me of the grocery store in Brownwood.”

Whether or not you fully believe in what was maybe an idealization of small town America that was forming even before WWII, it is nonetheless possible that, for a time before television, before instant ‘news’ from around the world was an everyday pastime, there were things to love about small towns in Texas. Maybe there still are.

When changes come, they really can come in a hurry. Maybe we’re standing on the brink of some pretty big changes right now. Maybe it’s a good time to listen to the hum of bees in the front yard bushes, sit with the quintessential glass of cold lemonade at hand, and read stories about a place where everyone knew your name, and the biggest events worth talking about were town parades and the smell of freshly ground coffee. 

Diane Adams is a local journalist whose columns and articles appear periodically on Brownwoodnews.com

SCAN THE LINK BELOW TO VISIT

THE BROWN COUNTY MUSEUM OF HISTORY

ART & CULTURE

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Christmas HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

Brown County enjoys the holiday season with several Christmas-themed events during late November and the month of December.

The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce holds it Christmas Under the Lights Parade and Festival the weekend after Thanksgiving traditionally, with the Lighted Parade on the Thursday following Thanksgiving and the downtown Festival and Sipping Under the Stars events Friday and Saturday, respectively.

The parade welcomes around 100 entries and is open to floats, vehicles, horses, classic cars, marching bands and more, while the festival includes Santa Claus, kids activities, and more.

For more information about the parade, festival, or Sipping Under the Stars contact the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 325-646-9535.

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving marks the traditional lighting of the City of Early Christmas tree, located at the intersection of Garmon Drive and Early Boulevard – a community-wide event.

In addition to the tree lighting, the Early Beautification Committee sponsors a Christmas Porch/Entryway Decorating Contest for residents and businesses. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three places.

In Bangs, a Lighted Christmas Parade through downtown and Cookies with Santa at Bangs City Park on Spencer Street also takes place traditionally the first Saturday in December. 

Whether it’s an Agatha Christie murder mystery this year or the musical “Sister Act” in 2022, Brownwood area residents look to the downtown’s Lyric Theatre for some of the best live stage performances around.

And now, with a new series of music concerts added to the calendar, the Lyric continues to polish its reputation as the hub of downtown activity.

This year’s season of six live theater productions includes crowd-pleasers like “Murder on the Orient Express,” “The Addams Family,” and “The Happy Elf.” Each draw on a deep pool of local talent to bring top-quality entertainment to the region.

Meanwhile, a new concert series named in memory of the late Dr. Dale Wheelis is bringing to the Lyric performances and eclectic grouping including a jazz pianist from Japan, a 1940s-style USO big band, and Ballet Magnificat. Dr. Wheelis was instrumental in the theater’s restoration as a member of the Lyric board before his death in 2021.

Capstone performances for the Lyric’s youth workshops each summer fill every seat. Those workshops give school-aged youngsters interested in theater an opportunity to refine their talent along with the chance to show-case what they’ve learned before the public on the community stage.

Organized in 2004, the Lyric Performing Arts Company offered a series of summer musicals in high school and university theaters until a $4 million fund-raising campaign allowed the restoration of the vacant Lyric Theatre.

Built in 1914 as an opera house, the facility was later retrofitted to show motion pictures, before closing in 1958. The lobby area was used as a retail clothing store for several years before it moved to a nearby location. The building was vacant until the Lyric’s grand reopening was celebrated in December 2014 with the musical “Anything Goes.”

Ticket prices remain low by metropolitan standards in order to encourage as many area residents as possible to enjoy the shows, so box office receipts account for less than a third of the amount needed to fund theater operations. Donations from patrons, businesses, and foundations supplement that revenue. Following the tradition of community theater, most performers are volunteers. Visit www.brownwoodlyrictheatre.com for more information. 

Brownwood Lyric Theatre Offers Diverse Lineup

By Gene Deason

Youth Fair Premium Sale Gives Back to Kids

The Brown County Fair Association is the organization responsible for the annual Brown County Youth Fair that takes place every January in the youth fair barns on Highway 377 in Brownwood. The week is a full schedule of livestock shows, home economics, and agriculture mechanic projects and competitions – all for the youth of Brown County.

The inaugural Brown County Youth Fair took place in 1947 and has since become a pillar of support and entertainment for the kids in the county.

Jimmie Deen has been volunteering with the Brown County Fair Association since 1971. He showed in his first livestock event in 1953 when he was in the third grade.

“When I was showing, there were only breeding animals then they started with market animals which led to the premium sale. It has just grown exponentially since then. In the beginning, the premium sale money was maybe $50. Now exhibitors receive thousands upon thousands of dollars” said Deen.

The premium sale takes place on the Saturday of fair week. Exhibitors go through an auction ring and supporters from across the state bid to be able to reward each child for their participation and success during the week’s competitions. Last year, the premium sale gave over $750,000 to the students. Several students also received scholarships on top of the amount they received in the ring at the sale.

For most show participants, it’s about more than just the money. “It’s good for the kids. Showing animals teaches the kids a lot of life lessons that are important later in life. It is a very good learning experience. I’ve done it all my life. My grandkids have done it all their lives.” says Deen.

When asked about community involvement and impact, BCYF President Bryan Senkirk said, “We’re raising future leaders. The kids grow into adults, and they come back to our community to give back to the association that has given so much to them. I can walk out there and count previous participants that are helping the new generation of kids.”

He mentioned several by name including: Marcus Lombrano, Rylah Morgan, Codi Perkins, Stevi Rumfield, Cheyenne Hoskinson, Analynn Deen, and more.

Deen also highlighted several previous participants who came back to Brown County to serve in schools and other prominent roles. His son, Jake Senkirik, is a vice principal at Coggin. He started his career as an agriculture science teacher. Dawson Evans, Codi Perkins, and Laci Russell are now the ag teachers at Bangs, May, and Zephyr. Perkins also owns Early Blooms Floral and Gift Shop.

This history of the Brown County Youth Fair really comes down to one thing: community legacy. The impact of the annual event on the youth of Brown County is clear in the way previous participants go on to impact Brown County and other communities alike. 

Annual Rodeo Brings Visitors from Across Texas

The first Brown County Rodeo was in 1964. Fifty-nine years later, every first week of June brings visitors from across the state to Earl Q. Wilson Arena on Highway 377 in Brownwood. The competition is riveting. The talent and specialty acts are ever-changing, and the stands are full year after year as families travel across Central Texas to kick off their summers in Brown County.

The three-day event is a showcase of western heritage and highlights our community’s commitment to farming and ranching. It also demonstrates the community’s resolve to give back to the youth of Brown County as local sponsors show support year after year.

The Andrews Rodeo Company will again provide premium stock this summer and T.C. Long will serve as rodeo announcer, while other festivities include trick rider Cheridyn Bateman; the San Angelo Rodeo Ambassadors; and Todd Pettigrew as Rodeo Clown. The 3rd annual high-school aged calf scramble will also take place. The team bull event – a fan favorite from last year’s rodeo – will take place on Friday and Saturday.

The Rodeo Parade is making its highly celebrated comeback on Saturday, June 3 at 10 a.m. in Downtown Brownwood. A rodeo dance is also currently in the works.

The Brown County Rodeo is one of the largest fundraisers for the Brown County Fair Association which hosts the annual Brown County Youth Fair. Last year, the Brown County Youth Fair Premium Sale raised over $750,000 for its youth participants. The money goes directly to the recipients and is used for future projects, education, and more.

In addition to the annual rodeo, the Brown County Fair Association and Rodeo Committee hosted the 2nd Annual Ranch Rodeo & Bug Bash. The event took place on April 13-16 at the Brown County Youth Fairgrounds located at 4206 Highway 377 S in Brownwood. The Ranch Rodeo included the Pride of Texas Shows Carnival, with more than 30 rides and multiple food and game vendors. The Bug Bash Crawfish Boil competition benefits local fire departments and was started after the Texas Wildfires in 2022. Kevin Seale entertained the crowd in concert at the fairgrounds on April 15.

Over $10,000 InPrizes

Floats and Florals

You never know what can happen when you try something new, and Bethany Salazar is living proof.

What turned out as a simple celebration of her dog’s birthday has blossomed into a business that is about to mark its three-year anniversary. Salazar described her business venture, Floats and Florals, as, “a balloon decoration, décor, backdrop installer for events. We do balloon creations for events like bridal showers, birthday parties, baby showers, and even weddings! We also have different backdrops. I hand make balloon garlands for any event. People mainly use them as the backdrop for their photos.”

Salazar reflected on how Floats and Florals became a reality. “The very first balloon garland I made was for my dog’s birthday because they were trendy, so I tried to make one and it was awful,” Salazar said with a laugh. “Slowly, I would just make them

OpenTo AllAges

for friends and family, birthday parties and stuff, then someone reached out to my mother-in-law and asked if I could make one for their baby shower, and that brought along the idea because I thought I was getting a little better at this. I thought about starting this as a side business and almost three years later, I’m still doing balloons.”

Salazar’s business has expanded to include more decor, backdrops, and larger installations for corporate events, for weddings and larger events. “I would love to expand as much as I can slowly but surely,” Salazar said. “I just started with balloons, now I have backdrops and neon signs people can rent. I have different arches they can use for the decorative part of it. I expect to expand more with inventory that people can rent. I don’t see it slowing down any time soon.”

Salazar lives in Brownwood with her husband, AJ, and their son, Cinco.

Skye Image Photography

Megan Velez has carried a camera with her since she was 14 years old. She received a nice camera as a gift a few years later at a graduation event. That was in 2011. In 2023, her beloved hobby is her livelihood.

Velez is the owner of Skye Image Photography in Brown County. She specializes in weddings and elopements, saying, “that is where my heart lies.” Her goal for 2023 is to have weddings booked every month and to “deliver galleries to brides and grooms that bring tears to their eyes”, says Velez.

When asked about the support she has received from Brown County, Velez said, “It means more to me than I can express. Photography is what helps provide for my family. It is what I do full time, but it’s not what I consider a job. It’s my livelihood and what I genuinely enjoy doing. It means

so much to me to be supported by the community I was born and raised in, for what I love doing.”

Velez has a passion for weddings and elopements, but her list of services includes senior photos, family sessions, boudoir photography, and more. She also offers themed mini sessions for events like school dances and proms.

Her work has been featured in several publications across the state including: Voyage Dallas, Shoutout DFW, and MAC Magazine. She was also recently interviewed by CanvasRebel.

To learn more about Skye Image Photography and the services Velez offers, email skyeimagephotography@ hotmail.com or call 325200-2913. You can also connect with them on Facebook and Instagram: @ skyeimagephotography

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GROWING FOOD TRUCK SCENE IN BROWNWOOD

Food trucks are popular because they offer good quality and usually provide authentic cuisines, while being fast in the process. The popularity of the food truck industry is growing in Brownwood as several different food trucks have found encouragement and sustainability from the local community.

On top of that, many applications are being sent in to the Brown County Health Department to establish food trucks in the area, according to the people at the Gomez food truck. Gomez To Go comes from the long legacy of the Gomez restaurant that was in Brownwood from 1958 until it closed years ago. But the legacy lives on through Mrs. Gomez’s great grandson, Micheal Gomez, who set up the food truck last year. Since then, the community has continually supported, encouraged and even provided for in some ways the Gomez food truck as it continues the Gomez name.

Micheal Gomez says that the help from customers has been over the top. “When we first started, the truck was a little wobbly, and a man came and brought us car jacks to help stabilize them.” When it started raining, a customer brought them a tent. At one point, customers were bringing their own chairs, and ended up leaving them for the restaurant. “The amount of love was overwhelming,” said Micheal Gomez.

“We found that the community here has helped us a lot, have been supportive, and want to see us do good, and encourage us to keep going, and encourage us to build a building,”

said Julie Gomez. A community supported name, the food truck sees lots of visitors on the weekends when it opens.

Furthermore, newer vendors, such as Party on Wheels, has also been given love from the community. “We’ve gotten the best support, and we’ve met some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. People have really shared our stuff.” Party on Wheels is the only horse trailer turned mobile bar in Brownwood. They offer charcuterie lunchboxes, loaded teas, and infused Red Bull drinks. They are TABC-certified and fully insured to serve alcohol. They cater parties, weddings, and other events. “We just love pouring into this community and where we’re from, and we’ve seen an abundance of love.”

Additionally, other food trucks have been around the area for the past couple of years from street tacos to BBQ. They have found sustainability and success in Brownwood. Some of these food trucks will stay at the same location and others may travel to a different location. You might have to check in on their social media pages.

Eating at food trucks is a nice experience in Brownwood and a great way to support local business while enjoying high quality, costeffective food.

“We all have that small business mentality where we care about our people, we care about the product we’re producing, and the quality, and that’s what makes it different,” said Julie Gomez. 

OLD WEST, NEW TRADITIONS COME TO EARLY, STAY LATE

Los Trece is an amazing Old West family venue just outside Early, Texas, featuring a frontier town, the Forge Saloon, the Ironwood Cantina, the Willows RV Park, and very soon we will have full resort lodging rentals. This 13-acre destination is home to donkeys, pigs, chickens, and the Legends of Iron Gunfighters. Come relive the Old West and become a legend.

Just about everyone had childhood dreams of being a cowboy or a gunslinger in an Old West town. Founded near Early, Texas in Brown County, in 2018, Los Trece gives folks a place to live out those dreams.

Los Trece (The Thirteen) is named simply for the thirteen acres on which it was built. Originally purchased as a lavender field, the town was a personal endeavor of a local well-known artist.

At face value, Los Trece is an Old West town, depicting life, architecture, and landscapes of an 1875 era south Texas border town. Donkeys, pigs, and chickens wander through town. Staged gunfights are performed by the Legends of Iron Gunfighters. Locals and visitors sing on stage for Friday Night Karaoke, and live bands provide music on Saturday evenings.

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The town is bordered by a general store, axe throwing, kids play area, an RV Park called The Willows, featuring 18 sites with 50/30/15-amp, septic, and water hookups. The RV Park has a putting green, Frisbee golf, volleyball, a stocked fishing pond, and a 19th century train car converted into a gazebo.

The Ironwood Cantina resembles a border town cantina and serves beer, wine, and cocktails. It also features the delicious Texas-Southern cuisine prepared by Chef Slingblade.

At the heart, Los Trece is a place for families and friends to gather, to visit, to play, and to live, if only for a moment, in a simpler time.

Come visit Los Trece and be a legend. Visit our website at www.lostrece.com or follow us on social media @lostrecetx

Scratch

Celebrations,

Experience Experience Experience

Brown County Destinations

by Michael Bunker

This place is not what it used to be and not what it will be, and I guess out of everything that has changed in the last five years or so this is the most striking thing... there is great stuff to do and eat and see and shop for in Brown County and that’s not a sales pitch at all. It’s just the facts.

We used to have to leave here to go someplace else hours away for anything extraordinary. We would arrange our lives around occasionally leaving and visiting other destinations for fun, food, and frivolity – places that were much more expensive. Fredericksburg, Austin, San Antonio, or the Dallas area. Now we don’t leave the county much anymore. We don’t need to. In fact, those people from those places are coming here, and well they should.

It didn’t used to be that way.

Years ago, when my children were young, we were living out north of Santa Anna. We almost never came to Brownwood or really anywhere else in Brown County. Having to go to town was a drag. There was the occasional Home Depot trip for building supplies. We ate in Bangs every so often. The children liked to go to Hastings in

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Lucille+Mabel

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Brownwood and that was their favorite place. Sometimes we’d go to the chain restaurants up on Commerce but that was only once every two to three months. When people wanted to visit us, I used to tell them that this part of Central Texas “is a gastronomic wasteland,” and we had to drive to Abilene or Fredericksburg to shop or eat or get a good beer. We never went downtown in Brownwood... ever. There was no reason to. Well, there was the one time we went downtown because my wife needed to get a sewing machine repaired. That’s how exciting downtown was back then.

There definitely weren’t any tourists.

Now, everything has changed. There are tons of places to eat and drink and play in Brown County and more are opening all the time. On Saturday night, a lady at the bar in the restaurant where I work (Lucille + Mabel) was back in Brownwood after living elsewhere for a decade. She said, “This is the coolest place, and so much history! I used to hate to come home because the whole area was like being in the doldrums.”

I told her about the history of the building we were in, of the bank vaults in the restaurant, and of Candy Barr the famous stripper who once lived upstairs in the building. (It is rumored that she was interviewed there by the Warren Commission investigating the murder of JFK.) We talked about all of the other businesses opening up – ice cream and coffee shops, the bookstore, cool boutiques like those at Shaw’s Marketplace, or the great shopping up and down Center Avenue. People are always surprised at how the options have multiplied in the area. We never have to go far for vacation-quality stuff to do.

On Sunday afternoons, we like to drive up to the lake and eat at the Wild Duck Marina. It takes seven minutes to get there from here. Their smoked burgers are great, and we like the fried pickles too. We enjoy sitting out on the patio and drinking a beer and watching the people having fun on their boats. A resort quality lakefront beer and burger, only seven minutes from town!

On Mondays downtown, we sometimes walk over and have breakfast at The Red Wagon (which is as old-schooldiner as you can get anywhere) or at Fuzzy’s Tacos. Later in the afternoon, we walk the two blocks over to 10 Mile Productions, the wine-tasting room (they have beer and food too!). Monday is their “Industry Day”, and we get a good discount because we live and work downtown.

This week for lunch one day, we walked over to Grazed

HUMPHREY

GOOD

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from DESTINATIONS p.26

and Confused, a new eatery that is becoming very popular downtown across from the courthouse. I had the Toasty Roasty sandwich, and it was fabulous. The next day we strolled a few blocks over to Steves’ Market & Deli where I had the Tina’s Tuna Melt with a side of black beans and rice. DELICIOUS.

Over in Early, a four-minute drive gets us to Hacienda Leon Mexican Kitchen + Bar where I like to order their Birria (Jalisco style).

Speaking of great Mexican food, right next door to us is Tres Leches Bakery. We stop in there a few times a week for burritos, but they specialize in Mexican baked goods. Across the street from there is the now-famous Pioneer Taphouse which has great beer, live music, and pizza too.

Listen, there are dozens of other places I will kick myself for not mentioning. Heck, last night we walked over to Stone’s Grove, a little eclectic cocktail lounge and I had a dirty martini that they call the Kurt Cobain.

Catch my regular articles on the BrownwoodNews.com site and I’ll fill you in on more stuff, along with my occasional time travels, esoterica, and history bits.

We don’t leave Brown County much anymore. Why would we? 

Lucille and Mabel never met but we like to think they would have been friends. They probably would have spent their time on a back porch shelling peas and trading recipes.

Our grandmothers grew up cooking alongside their grandmothers and we were blessed that they passed this love and lore of home cooking down to us. When the idea of opening a restaurant in Brownwood was birthed, we knew one thing. It had to have the fingerprints of these two women whose abundant tables invited all to pull up a chair and dig in.

The first time we looked at the old First National Bank building, we thought this would be the perfect place to launch Lucille+Mabel Kitchen and Libations. We restored much of the bank interior, preserving the original tile floor, bank vaults and grand columns. The large windows overlooking Center and Baker streets in the heart of downtown give customers a fantastic view. The first thing you’ll notice when you enter Lucille+Mabel is our bar and shelves of more than 250 spirits, including

175 whiskeys extending to the ceiling. Our most popular drinks are our Drip Old Fashioneds that begin with 100 proof rye whisky. They drip over 24 hours into the fruit vessel adding the proper sweetness and bitters, and are then barreled into our proprietary oak barrels for serving.

But the star of the show at Lucille+Mabel is the kitchen. Our grandmothers cooked everything from scratch and so do we, all the way down to our buns and sauces. Our hamburgers are made from a ground-in-house blend of brisket, ribeye, and pork belly. Our steaks are of the highest quality prime Angus beef, wet-aged 28 days giving the perfect balance between taste and tenderness. Signature dishes include our mac-n-cheese creations, shrimp and grits, and Korean chicken.

Meals at our grandmothers’ homes always ended with desserts and it's no different here. We serve their best cakes, puddings, and pies. We hope you’ll come spend an evening with us to experience our downhome cooking. Bring a friend! Lucille and Mabel always made plenty for guests.

“Enter as strangers, leave as friends” is the motto of Skies Over Texas Winery. Located on County Road 291 coming from Austin, Skies Over Texas Winery offers visitors a wonderful experience for customers to taste award-winning wine, and make friends. So many guests have connected through the winery. Brian and Moira McCue make it a priority for everyone to feel welcome since opening in 2017.

The McCues started their journey at a Grape Grower’s Field Day in Fredericksburg. By connecting with

people in the Fredricksburg area, Brian McCue started the Texas Tech winemaking certification course there. As Moira McCue retired from 30 years of teaching, the couple wanted to do something together, and dove into the wine business.

Skies Over Texas Winery gives its customers the Texas Country style of the venue from turning the old barn of the property into a renovated tasting room. They offer a variety of red and white wines, and offer light appetizers, paninis, and pizzas. Currently, the McCues work with another winery that produces for them. However, they are in the process of building their own 5,000 square foot production facility on the grounds.

Skies Over Texas has also partnered with Harvest Hosts.

Visitors traveling in an RV or motor home can stay on the grounds at no charge. Through this program, the McCues have met people traveling the country who have come in to buy wine and food, and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere. The route from Austin brings them many visitors from all over Texas.

They’ve had great support from the local community as well, especially through the COVID-19 pandemic, where the couple wondered how the business would fare. Starting to offer food to the public, the Winery has had a strong response, and great support from Brown County.

The McCues also prioritize giving back to the community. They support Good Samaritan, sponsor Empty Bowls, and support CASA and the Ark shelter.

“It’s equally important to give back because we do get so much support from the community,” said Brian McCue.

PIO EER T P OU E

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DINE & DRINK

The side building next to Shaw’s Marketplace is taken up by the local Fuzzy’s Taco Shop which has been a hit establishment in the Brownwood area. Locals and visitors line up for delicious tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and margaritas. Fuzzy’s offers a vibrant atmosphere inside and an outdoor eating area. Fuzzy’s is a great place to eat good food with friends and enjoy drinks together. The franchise is owned by Matthew and Megan McCrane. Matthew took the chance to find

a venture that not only would be a great addition to the area, but also one that would prove to be successful. After researching possible franchises to pick and choose from, the young couple felt Fuzzy’s Taco Shop would be a solid option for Brownwood and sought out the connections to make it happen.

Coincidentally, Fuzzy’s corporate office had been looking to place a franchise in the Brownwood area but could not find someone to take it on. With everything falling together, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop was put in motion.

With a great venue for shopping and a great place to eat, visitors have an allinclusive experience in one location.

Brownwood Artisan Market

by Jacob Lehrer

The theme in Brownwood is shop small, support local. The Brownwood Artisan Market aims to do just that. With 25 vendors, Brownwood Artisan Market provides residents and visitors with many creative or delicious goods and products that are all homemade and handcrafted. The Artisan Market has a consistent schedule, being a seasonal event in the spring time and in the fall.

The spring market is from March 25 until June. The fall market is from September to November. The Brownwood Artisan Market is every second and fourth Saturday of the seasonal months from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This seasonal event is a great mid-morning adventure for friends and family, experiencing quality made goods and products, and connecting with vendors who are hoping to either expand their brand or simply share what they are passionate about.

There are up to around 25 vendors showcasing everything from baked goods, jewelry, spoonery, woodwork, metal art, potted plants, organic produce, homemade salsa, spice rubs, and even body butter and scrubs made from scratch. There is no telling what you will find.

It is also great for vendors who are trying to create better products from feedback and reviews, and also expand their influence and range of clientele. Vendors will also have websites so that customers can continually shop even when the Brownwood Artisan Market is not in season.

The Brownwood Artisan Market started in 2016 by Rebecca Morelock, who owns Baked Artisan Goods in downtown Brownwood. Morelock saw that the surrounding area had many people with skills and talents to create, bake, grow, design, and craft. Morelock also saw there was a need to connect these people with the local community.

Thus, the Brownwood Artisan Market started and it has become a sustainable venue which gathers people from the local community. Customers are able to buy from and speak with members in the surrounding area who come to share what they enjoy doing.

After trying out different sites, the Brownwood Artisan Market is sustainably placed in the parking lot of Shaw’s Marketplace. This well-placed area gives the Brownwood Artisan Market a space for visitors to move through the variety of booths and either continue to shop local or eat local.

Right now, there are 25 vendors, but the maximum capacity is 30. If you would like to become a vendor, please contact Tori Choate at Shaw’s Marketplace. Choate has been the new Market Manager this past year, taking over from Morelock. 

Weakley-Watson Hardware

by Mike Blagg

The oldest hardware store in Texas is right here in Brownwood. Mr. J.C. Weakley founded Weakley-Watson Hardware in 1876. Weakley grew up in Indiana, served in the Union Army in the Civil War, and after the war decided to “go west, young man” with a friend from Indianapolis, Lew Wallace. While they parted ways on the journey (Wallace to New Mexico and Weakley to Texas), they remained friends for life. Wallace later became rich and famous as the author of the book, “Ben Hur.”

A few years later, Weakley was joined by his son-in-law, Lee Watson. The business stayed in the family for 141 years and five generations until 2017, when it was sold to the Jacobs family. Tim Jacobs owns and operates Jacobs Family Pharmacy; his son Weston is the manager of Weakley-Watson Hardware.

Retail is a difficult business, more so every day as the changes in retail come faster and faster and the competition intensifies. Weston Jacobs knew he had to do something new. His strategic change was in product offering. “One of the first things we did was go with a new strategy that we call ‘Best Brands’. We found brands like Traeger, Big Green Egg, Stihl, etc. and moved away from brands already carried at the big

SHOPHERE VISITOURCUSTOMHATBAR

box stores. These things have worked out well.”

He also signed up with the Ace Hardware organization. “We saw their ideas of what our chief competition coming up was, which was online retail. They had a little better strategy for aggressively addressing how to meet the customer online. We are now doing a lot of business online.”

Weakley-Watson

can also special-order items from Ace, and if it’s in stock in Ace’s warehouse, have it here the next day or in two days. And Weakley-Watson has added home delivery. Weston said that today, the Millennials and Generation X just expect those kinds of things.

Another big change was adding sporting goods, hunting and fishing, again to the store. “Brown County is a Mecca for hunting: turkey, dove, deer, hogs, etc. We see customers from the Metroplex and Houston coming here to hunt. We originally intended just to have a small convenience offering of sporting goods merchandise. But then COVID hit and some other things happened, and that changed the game.”

Weston said that people tell them daily that they are glad

to see sporting goods back in Weakley-Watson Hardware. “The very first gun that we sold was to an 82-year old man. He got his first rifle from WeakleyWatson when he was four years old. And he said he wanted to buy his last rifle from Weakley-Watson.”

As in all businesses, staffing is a challenge. But Weston Jacobs is proud of the experience and knowledge of his employees. In fact, Weakley-Watson has three employees with more than 25 years of service: Elecia Weaver (35 years), Jennifer Thompson (31 years), and Rosie Morris (28 years).

When the Jacobs family purchased WeakleyWatson in 2017, Weston and his wife, Emily, moved from the Metroplex to Brownwood, to run the store. Emily grew up in the Metroplex and wasn’t sure about living in a small town, but after about two years started to like living here. Fast friends were made, and she and Weston now have two daughters: Janey (5 years old) and Jordie (3 years old). “She told me just the other day ‘You know what, I really do love it here.’”

SASSY STITCHES PROVIDES FOR THAT NEW-BORN EXPERIENCE

Sassy Stitches Beauxtique was founded in 2014 after a small hobby turned into a passion for providing customized items to others. It has grown into a storefront boutique in Downtown Brownwood since December 2021. Chelsey Flippin’s passion for providing customized clothing started when she was little and grew up watching her grandmother sew.

“When I was little, my grandma was a seamstress. So I kind of grew up around it. She would be sewing. I was in pageants when I was little. She would make my dresses; and all the way back to my mom and aunt's stuff. So, my grandma was a big inspiration.”

Sassy Stitches offers name-brand items for newborns up to 10/12 years of age both boys and girls. Their store incorporates other local entrepreneurs from around the area to showcase their items such as bows, crayons, personalized teethers/pacifier clips, and candles.

They offer embroidery/monogramming, sublimation, and vinyl personalized items and accept outside pieces to be completed for folks of all ages.

Sassy Stitches also offers baby registries as well.

Sassy Stitches Beautixque was voted Best Children’s Clothing Store in the Brownwood Bulletin’s Best of Brownwood 2022.

Chelsey Flippin is the owner and operator of Sassy Stitches Beautixque. She is a Coleman County native, moving to Brownwood with her husband, Tye, and sons Grayson and Mason. They are a true family business that loves to provide excellent customer service and get to know each customer. “We love our Brownwood Lions and the community atmosphere.”

The boutique is currently located at 201 E. Adams, Suite C, in Brownwood. However, Flippin will soon be moving to Suite G. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 806-543-6180.

@lunamayababy

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GREEN TULIP QUALITY CARE FOR NATURAL BEAUTY

Green Tulip Studio is a local beauty, cosmetic, and personal care spa that offers quality treatment for enhancing one’s beauty.

“If you’re looking for quality over quantity, this is the right place to be,” says Keagan Slayton, owner and operator of Green Tulip.

Green Tulip seeks to provide its customers with natural, safe, and results-driven beauty treatments. Their services include lash extensions and lash lifts. They enhance eyebrows through microblading and/ or lamination. They also do skin tightening using Fibroblast.

Additionally, Green Tulip does permanent makeup as far as brows and lips, along with eyeliner and teeth whitening. Furthermore, the Green Tulip will do both bridal and prom hair and makeup. Please book an appointment – no walk-ins.)

Green Tulip Studio provides tailor-made beauty care for each client, giving wonderful customer service, and they are specially certified in the areas of services they provide. “I am very natural. I highly love enhancing one’s beauty versus just slapping

on a whole bunch of crazy things and changing that person completely,” says Slayton.

Slayton has had a passion for beauty and cosmetics from a very young age. Her goal through Green Tulip is to cultivate a store where women can come in, relax, have a good time, and unveil the beauty they carry. Green Tulip got its name from the concept that, like many flowers, tulips start green, and as they bloom, they have their own color and beauty.

Green Tulip Studio aims to be a place of comfort, love, and support for anyone who walks in. “There's always a place where people need to go to feel comfortable and to get that little positive spike of energy or just reinforcement of how a woman should feel,” says Slayton.

Slayton expresses her deep love for the relationships she builds while serving clients and enjoys the life lessons that come from them. The atmosphere is what is unique. “You’re not being judged when you walk in here.”

Call 325-220-0411; the store is located at 201 E Adams St, Brownwood, Texas 76801.

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Railroad History in Brownwood KIDS &

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Home is Where the Heart Is

By Todd Howey

Iremember my younger brother Doug and I staring out of the back seat window as we drove over the Pecan Bayou, leaving Early and entering Brownwood on our first visit here.

My father’s lifelong dream was to own a restaurant, and after decades of working for someone else, he set his dream into motion by purchasing a piece of property at 500 East Commerce in Brownwood.

It was on that site he would stake his claim and build not only a 24-hour restaurant that served breakfast all day, but a hope and a future for his family that he probably never envisioned.

Brownwood, Texas was the land of opportunity, and it was also a place that none of us had ever heard of before.

After getting asked so many times prior to the move where Brownwood was, we got our dad a T-shirt that read, “WHERETHEHELLIS BROWNWOOD.”

On that first visit, we visited Underwood’s Cafeteria for lunch and feasted on beef steak, fried chicken, rolls and cobbler. Something I still do today at times.

I remember my dad getting in the car and telling my mom, “That was good, I’m glad they don’t serve breakfast.”

Leaving Houston in his rearview mirror, Dad opened the Kettle in 1980, and our family was never the same. Trips to the grocery store, the tire shop, the bank, the cleaners, etc. all turned into friendly conversations about the restaurant, family, friends, and the Brownwood Lions.

My brothers and I skied miles and miles on Lake Brownwood during the early 1980s. We would work the early kitchen shift then be on the lake by 3 that afternoon. Having easy access to such a huge lake was epic and it felt like we were on vacation every day.

Even today, I still run across people who smile at me

and say, “I knew your mother and father,” and a knot instantly forms in my stomach.

Both Mom and Dad are buried out at Indian Creek Cemetery, close to the few hundred acres my dad purchased from selling pancakes.

It is the same piece of land my older brother lives on today with his wife, and where they raised their four children. It is a hub for all of the Howey family where we have reunions, deer hunts, and gatherings big and small. The number of birthday parties held out there are too many to count.

On the side of the water tower there is a picture of a turtle with its head sticking way out of its shell.

My dad always told us, "The only way the turtle can get across the road is if it sticks his neck out!”

It is there as a tribute to a man that sold everything he had at 45 years of age to open a restaurant of his own.

It was a success, and his willingness to stick his neck out like that turtle has provided unlimited opportunities for our entire family today.

In 1980, not a single member of my family lived in Brown County. Today, 43 years after my father took a risk and reached for his dream, there are 20 extended family members living here. They include lawyers, teachers, coaches, business owners, full-time mothers, bankers, Howard Payne graduates, and about three Suburban loads of little ones scurrying around the schools, soccer fields, and churches – all due to the chance our father took when he rolled the dice on Brownwood.

I cannot imagine what our life would look like if he had not taken that chance on this little town.

The water tower entering town reads; “Feels Like Home.” Whoever thought of that motto deserves a medal because it is true.

Although today the Kettle, and eventually Skillets, is gone and on that site a new business flourishes, dreams came true from my parents. They took a chance on a little town that delivered big success and turned dreams into reality, producing generational blessing for their family.

Even today, my older sister and brother are running Humphrey Pete’s Steakhouse in Early, Texas. Humphrey Pete was my dad’s father’s name. It sits across the bayou from where my mom and dad poured the foundation in 1980 that our family stands on today.

Just the other night while shopping, I ran into a lady that worked at the Kettle when we first opened it in 1980. I recognized her immediately. Although it took her a moment to get past my grey hair because I was a teenager then, she quickly realized who I was, and we embraced. She told me about her grandkids, I told her about mine. She asked about my family, I asked about hers.

We shared our lives with each other, now and then, and that is what makes this town special. Home is where the heart is, and where your family flourishes is where your home will be. 

Todd Howey is a weekly columnist for BrownwoodNews.com.

KIDS & FAMILY

RE TE L E

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TRE E U P TR POLI E P R

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KIDS & FAMILY

GATORS FUN FACTORY CREATES FUN FOR EVERYONE

Gators Fun Factory is a complete family entertainment center owned by Lou and Tanya Collazo (Brownwood residents).

Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the facility currently has no specific sessions, so for only $10 per person, you can skate from opening to closing time. In addition to roller skating, Gators offers rock wall climbing, mini bowling, arcade games, prize redemption, concessions and even hover board rentals.

Gators offers the best and most affordable party packages in Brownwood. Visit our website www. gatorsfunfactory.com for complete details and pricing on all our party packages… and you can book your party right on the website!

Gators Fun Factory is a safe and affordable place to bring your kids or drop them off worry free while you

enjoy your much needed date nights. Need to reward your employees?

Gators offers private events and has successfully hosted events for many of Brownwood’s largest employers.

The Collazos also own Lil’ Gators Childcare (housed in the same building as Gators Fun Factory) and Carousel

Child Care (located at 1303 Phillips St near Woodland Heights Elementary School). Both facilities are fully licensed childcare facilities. Lil’ Gators focuses on after-school care for all in-school age groups. Lil’ Gators will pick up your kids at school and bus them directly to the facility where you can pick them up until 6 p.m. Carrousel offers complete childcare services for infants to preschoolers.

Whether you need a day out with the family or assistance caring for your children, Gators Fun Factory and Lil Gators has you covered!

Getting in Touch with the History of Brownwood and Brown County

The story of Brownwood is not only what is happening today, but what happened in previous times. Brownwood embraces its rich history with museums such as the Brown County Museum of History, located at 209 North Broadway, as well as the Lehnis Railroad Museum and Visitors Center, which can be found at 700 East Adams.

RO OU T U EU O I TOR

The Brown County Museum of History, Inc., has the primary role of preserving the tangible evidence of our heritage and to educate the public through exhibition and interpretation of artifacts. The main library building is the Educational Center of Brown

County Museum of History and located across the street from the Brown County Jail. The rest of the museum is located in the old four story Brown County Jail, built in 1902 across the street from the Courthouse in downtown Brownwood.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Admission is $5 for adults; $4 for seniors & non-active duty military; $3 for students ages 5 and up & educators with an ID; and $15 for families – parents/ grandparents with two or more students. Active military members and their families, as well as children under four are admitted for free.

MARTIN AND FRANCES LEHNIS RAILROAD MUSEUM AND VISITORS CENTER

For visitors who arrive in Brownwood, the Martin and Francis Lehnis Railroad Museum and Visitors Center is among the first stops. With a knowledgeable staff to answer your questions, plus free public restrooms and parking, this is the ideal spot to start your Brownwood Adventure.

Situated across from Brownwood Fire Station #1 and the Brownwood Santa Fe Depot and Civic Center, the Visitor Center is in the Lehnis Railroad Museum – making it a prime location for watching trains go by while planning your visit. The venue is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Sundays and holidays.

At the Visitors Center you will find a free visitor guide, maps and brochures; a knowledgeable and friendly staff to answer your questions; a comfortable atmosphere to relax and plan your time in Brownwood and Brown County; a wide selection of free Brownwood, Brown County, and Texas travel literature; and large public restrooms

The Lehnis Railroad Museum relives the railroad history of Brownwood, Central Texas, and the American Southwest. Exhibits include a variety of railroad memorabilia and equipment, photos and stories of early railroads while vividly interpreting the importance of the railroad to this area and American life. 

photo by: Alexa Arreola @shotbylexaa

KIDS & FAMILY

Toys For Kids Program Makes

Christmas Day Joyful for Brown County Children

by Mike Blagg

Back in 1997, Wanda Thacker Martin and her husband, Dennis Thacker (now deceased), saw a need for the children of Brown County. Too many were waking up on Christmas morning without a new toy under the tree. They decided to do something about it and started the Toys For Kids program. More than 25 years later, the program is going strong and growing bigger every year.

Martin now has the help of her three grown daughters – Stacee Hetzel, Krissi Prince, and Carrie Walters –plus grandchildren and countless volunteers. Not just individual volunteers, but school groups and church groups all get in the act. It really has become a project of the entire community.

In the first few years of the program, the families would fill out an application in advance. The Thackers would pick out some appropriate items for that family, bag them up, and the family would return and pick up the bag. Now the toys are all brought into the warehouse adjacent to the Grand Starz meeting hall at 2323 Belle Plain. They are displayed on shelves and arranged according to boys and girls, and age. The families still must register in advance, but then on distribution day, they can come in and “shop” for the toys they are looking for, just like in a store.

But it all starts long before the Christmas season. The project requires lots of advance planning and organization. And fundraising. The people and business community of Brown County have very generously supported Toys for Kids. In 2022, more than 30 businesses agreed to serve as drop-off points for toy donations. And every year KOXE Radio and Wendlee Broadcasting host “Two-Stepping for Toys”, a live event on the air soliciting donations. Last year, the two radio

stations combined collected more than 1,000 toys and over $13,000 in cash donations. Each year the Thomas R. Havins unit shows up with a trailer full of bicycles, at least 20 or more.

About the donations collected by the two radio stations last year, Stacee Hetzel said, “This helps us really finalize everything. Our shelves are just semifilled, but once we take this all down and unload it, that will give us a chance to put it all out there, run a report, break it down into gender and ages and see where the holes are, and then that’s where the money goes. We’re going to take (the cash donations) and fill the gaps.”

In 2022, Toys for Kids served 1,198 children from over 500 families in Brown County.

The Toys for Kids project is a lot of work for Wanda Thacker Martin and her family, but it is a labor of love. During the 2021 project, she commented, “We want to thank the community for providing for us and helping us to provide. I didn’t expect it to grow this big and to get so much support from the community. We put our hearts into this very hard. We believe in what we’re doing.”

Hetzel said, “This is our Christmas. This is a good thing for us. It feels good,” Walters commented “It’s important to us. It’s not a job or a thing that we do. It’s heartfelt.”

Indeed it is. 

O ER T E R I O

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Camp Bowie and Brownwood’s Boom

by Diane Adams

In fall 1940, Brownwood would be buzzing with news about the new military base under construction nearby. Christened Camp Bowie in honor of Alamo hero James Bowie, the facility was to be installed just three miles outside of town. The changes that the base would make to the economic and aesthetic future of Brownwood were massive, catapulting a small, sleepy Texas town into the limelight of big business, big entertainment, and big growth. Camp Bowie was established just before the U.S. entered World War II as a training facility for the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas National Guard. Commanded by Major General Claude Birkhead, the camp was in operation by December 1940. As worries over American defense heated up along with the war, Camp Bowie expanded to meet the pressure. Initially a 2,000-acre installation, the base had expanded by the following year to encompass 120,000 acres. As the camp grew, so did its needs. Brownwood was the obvious venue from which to obtain supplies and workers, and to fulfill the urgent need the soldiers had for off-duty entertainment.

Within a few months of Camp Bowie’s existence, tent barracks were converted to permanent structures that would house somewhere around 60,000 soldiers. The population of Brownwood exploded under the war boom, with over 200,000 soldiers making their way through training at Camp Bowie, along with several thousand German POWs that were confined at the base. Hardware stores stayed open all night, providing lumber and tools for the needed expansions. Post offices, hotels, and grocery stores sprouted like weeds. Crowds waiting to purchase supplies extended in long lines from local businesses.

Brownwood became a wellspring for theaters, with venues dotted all over downtown, finally capping off at a final and impressive number of seven total theaters, with some come and goes in between. The Lyric Theater, built in 1914, restored and in operation today, experienced a run on its facilities along with the majority of businesses in town.

Lyric impresario Eric Evans described the impact. “There were so many people in the streets, that there were no cars. People just walked. They would come down to The Lyric, to watch one of the movies that was showing at the time, and it was standing room only. This theater was built to hold around 1,000 people. So all

these people would get up, and they would be watching the movie, whatever it was, Gone with the Wind or whatever was popular, and there was just this huge crowd of people at the time. There were about seven theaters just on Center Avenue. At one time, if you were to count all the places that used to be a theater, there were about 14 of them,” Evans said.

The downtown bookstore, Intermission, is housed in what was once the Queen Theatre, a frequent haunt of the Camp Bowie soldiers. On weekends when hotels were full, the Queen allowed the soldiers to sleep overnight in the theater seats. When the building, which had become derelict some years after the Camp Bowie boom, was restored, the new owner was surprised to discover that imprints of the soldiers’ heads where they leaned back to sleep in the seats were still visible on the original walls of the building. These shadowy figures have been preserved and add an interesting touch to the bookstore’s ambience.

Soldiers were a common sight on the streets of town, and military parades were frequent and often spurious. In an account by W. Lee Watson, published by Pecan Valley Genealogical Society, a story was told explaining some of the numerous military parades: “On occasions, there would be troops available to help form parades in town. One was perhaps unofficial. One morning, I was having a cup of coffee in Hotel Brownwood Coffee Shop with Mayor Wendell Mayes. He remarked that there would be a parade at 10 a.m. He said that the city had been asked for the permit for a parade just the night before. He did not know why they wanted to parade. When I went back to Weakley-Watsons, I was telling my father what Wendell had said. A sergeant was standing nearby, paying for some purchase. He came over and said; ‘That parade is by our unit. The colonel was drunk last night. Whenever he gets drunk, he orders a parade.’"

In 1946, after the close of the war, Camp Bowie was no longer needed, and the order came to close the facility. While the shuttering of the camp put a dent in the rapid population growth and merchant haven that Brownwood had become, the impact that the soldiers had, from shaping the buildings and commerce direction of the town, to creating a patriotic atmosphere that honors those who served, will always be an integral part of the story of Brownwood. 

Diane Adams is a local journalist whose columns and articles appear weekly on BrownwoodNews.com

2nd Sundays Bring Life to Downtown

by Derrick Stuckly

Businesses in downtown Brownwood have come together to bring a new monthly event to the community. Organized by Levi Packer, owner of Saturdays, 2nd Sundays will feature participating businesses in downtown Brownwood that offer “something fun and special to do” every second Sunday of the month.

These businesses invite the community to come explore the historic charm of the downtown area, shop the newly opened stores, sample food and drinks, and enjoy the unique experience that downtown has to offer.

Packer said, “It is wonderful to hear people constantly raving about what a wonderful place Brownwood is to live and work. We’re seeing an influx of people coming to visit regularly from near and far, and a large number that have plans to move here or want to move here. People can’t say enough positive things about our town, and that is a testament to the hard work and spirit of the beautiful people here!

“However, of all the positive things being said, there are two grievances we hear on a regular basis. One, there is nothing for people to do in Brownwood on a Sunday, and two, nothing is open when people have a day off. So, it was really our customers and the community of Brown County that inspired us to create this event. People aren’t asking for the world. They just want more options on Sunday. And, downtown felt inspired to get on board with that.”

Packer continued, “This is different from other events, in that, there is not a lot of pomp and circumstance or road

closures or high planning. It is an old-fashioned, down-home, relaxed option to enjoy for the summer. People can get food, drinks, explore the newly opened shops, discover our famous murals and amazing architecture, have a picnic in the park, run into old friends, and connect with others. It’s a time to be with friends and/or family, or just to have a day for yourself! People can come and go or make a whole afternoon of it. Our hope is that people just have a good time and feel that we are there for them.” 

SHAW’S MARKETPLACE

Shaw’s Marketplace is a wonderful stop no matter if you are a visitor to the area, or a resident of Brownwood.

Shaw’s Market place was named after the old laundry of L.E. Shaw Sr. in 1920. Before the old facility was to be closed down decades later, the Brownwood native McCrane family saved the building. Steven and Lori McCrane renovated and cleaned out the old laundry and asked the local community for ideas of a useful establishment for the Brownwood area. Eventually, they created Shaw’s Marketplace.

The marketplace is an indoor gallery of shops – a great place to find something new and enjoy a shopping day.

When you first walk in, you are greeted by the front desk, where the always friendly staff is ready to help. Keep going and enter their candy shop, filled with a colorful array of sweets and a refrigerator with sodas.

Further back is a large facility filled with different outlets from men and women’s clothing, fitness apparel, adventure gear, decor, fragrances, coffee, treats, jewelry, kitchen gift, paintings, and more.

Don’t miss the coffee shop or go outside to Shaw’s Backyard for comfortable scenery with chairs, tables, Astroturf, and fireplaces.

Almost everyone can find something special at Shaw’s Marketplace.

BAKED ARTISAN GOODS

A great college experience is right around the corner.

You don’t have to go very far to get an authentic college experience. Find all the benefits of going away to college – active campus life, new friends, strong academic programs, exciting sports and more – right here in the Heart of Texas!

HPU also o ers a special bonus just for students from our area – the Heart of Texas Scholarship, $60,000 over four years to students from Brown County and surrounding counties.

A great college experience is waiting for you right around the corner! Visit www.hputx.edu/closer to find out more.

District of Choice

BROWNWOOD: DISTRICT OF CHOICE

From behind-the-scenes support staff to award-winning teachers, counselors, and administrators, Brownwood ISD is filled with professional staff who are at the top in their fields. The commitment to our future leaders does not stop at the district door. Our parents and guardians, business owners, local government leaders, and members of the community are all working together to make Brownwood, and its schools, the best in the nation.

Brownwood ISD offers students experience with the latest technology and educational opportunities from primary grades through high school where a growing variety of pathways, dual credit courses, and industry certifications make Brownwood ISD the District of Choice.

The district has also announced an exciting new summer learning experience for Brownwood pre-Kindergarten to fifth grade students in the summer of 2023. Camp Adventure: Roar on the Shore will have

fun enrichment activities, along with opportunities to dig deeper into academic subjects and field trips designed to give children a summer to remember.

Camp Adventure is free and will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday from June 8 through July 27 (off the week of July 4). Participating students will receive free meals, transportation, and access to their favorite teachers and other Brownwood ISD staff.

These additional school days will help to ignite students’ strengths, eliminate learning gaps, and will provide more time for enrichment and experiences that feel different from a typical school day.

For registration and more information, scan the QR code or visit https://www.brownwoodisd. org and click on Summer Learning Program.

HOWARD PAYNE UNIVERSITY: THE YELLOW JACKET EXPERIENCE

Howard Payne University has called Brown County home since the founding of the school more than 130 years ago. A Christian liberal arts institution, HPU prides itself on fostering a close-knit campus community where personal connection is valued, with a vast network of alumni and rich traditions passed down through the years. Through teaching, learning and service, the faculty and staff truly invest in students’ success.

At HPU, students choose from more than 100 majors, minors and pre-professional programs in seven schools: Business, Christian Studies, Education, Humanities, Music and Fine Arts, Nursing, and Science and Mathematics. The Guy D. Newman Honors Academy challenges students with a multidisciplinary curriculum and exciting travel opportunities. Co-curricular organizations include Model United Nations, Moot Court and Student Speaker Bureau, and numerous student organizations round out the school’s extracurricular options.

Students who enjoy athletics take part in well-attended intramural sports competitions. Student-athletes at HPU compete in six men’s and six women’s sports through the American Southwest Conference. Men’s sports are baseball,

basketball, football, golf, soccer and tennis, while women’s sports are basketball, golf, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball. HPU also offers cheerleading and e-sports as nonNCAA sports.

Each year, HPU hosts sporting events, lectures, concerts, recitals and theatre productions that are supported by the local community. Annual campus events include Homecoming, HPU Fest, Christmas on the Plaza and more.

Howard Payne College was founded at Indian Creek on June 20, 1889, by members of the Pecan Valley Baptist Association and Rev. Noah Turner Byars and Dr. John David Robnett. They named the college after the first major benefactor, Edward Howard Payne, the brother-in-law of Dr. Robnett. HPC held its first classes in 1890. In 1915, the yellow jacket was chosen as the university mascot. In 1974, Howard Payne College became Howard Payne University.

While much has changed since the founding of Howard Payne University 134 years ago, HPU’s vision has remained the same: To provide Christ-centered higher education in the heart of Texas.

For more information or to apply, visit www.hputx.edu.

Ho ar ayne n ers ty s a hr st entere ose n t a a e o n ty o ate n the heart o e as s n e

Dr. Josh Martin Superintendent

EDUCATION

IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE A DRAGON

Sitting on top of the hill in Brown County is Bangs Independent School District, the home of the Dragons. It is the center of a tightknit and supportive community where roots often run deep, but it is always welcoming to newcomers. Bangs ISD offers the charm only a small district can while affording our students many of the opportunities found at larger districts.

Bangs ISD prides itself on offering multiple pathways by which our students can be successful once they graduate and begin their adult lives. We have pathway options leading to industry-based certifications in animal science, welding, business management, nursing, culinary, drone piloting, education, EMT, and pharmacy tech. In addition, we offer two pathways leading to associate degrees.

While providing a premier educational experience, Bangs ISD also realizes the importance of extracurricular programs. Our students are highly competitive in a wide range of activities including sports, theater, band, art, debate, UIL academics, FCCLA, and FFA. In every event, our Dragons strive for excellence and are proud to wear our green and white colors.

Bangs ISD is also particularly proud of our top-notch facilities. In recent years, Bangs ISD has updated our stadium and track, and we have added a wellness center to go along with our indoor workout facility. Future projects include adding security vestibules to all campuses and renovating the current middle school. Furthermore, we provide our teachers with the technology and tools they need so they can provide the best instruction possible. Above all else, we emphasize the safety of our students and are constantly working to ensure our students have a safe environment in which to learn.

Bangs ISD gives our students a sense of belonging and pride in our hometown school. We invite you to visit our district and experience why we always say “It’s a great day to be a Dragon!”

WHAT STARTS HERE CHANGES THE WORLD

Early Independent School district is a mid-sized district located in Brown County in the heart of Texas. Early ISD focuses on students, families, and community. Small class sizes and a well-rounded student experience is what EISD prides itself on. With a 15-1 student to teacher ratio and small class sizes, Early ISD can offer numerous options to its students. Our students find value in participating in numerous extra and co-curricular events.

Early ISD was ranked the No. 1 school district in Brown County in the U.S. News and World Report. The state of Texas has a very rigorous accountability system. The Early school district has obtained an A rating in back-to-back years from the state's accountability system. If you are looking for a small-town familyoriented school district that allows all kids to grow and flourish, Early ISD is your place.

Brookesmith Independent School District has been around since 1902, and is thriving and innovative. What is different about this district, and why is it still here? The answer is opportunity, quality education and the ability to learn in an academic setting that’s safe, caring, and supportive.

Any student can participate in most activities, like basketball, track and field, tennis, football, one-act plays, and FFA. The district has a field house, where students can lift weights in the two fully functional gymnasiums, and a football field.

The district has a strong agricultural education program with its own livestock pens. The Brookesmith School Chapter is a part of the Texas FFA association and the National FFA organization. Agricultural education students engage in a wide range of projects and activities.

Student safety is a district priority. Campus

security is another aspect of safety which is of the utmost importance to students, employees, and families. That’s why the district has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into video surveillance, communications equipment, transportation, medical provisions, and law enforcement assistance.

Brookesmith ISD has a full-time nurse in residence. In addition to providing care, she screens students for hearing and eyesight, dispenses medications, and provides comfort and support for little ones.

The food service at Brookesmith is noteworthy, exceptional even. Food Service has a continuing commitment to providing the most delicious, nutritious meals, and personal service.

Brookesmith ISD is a quality educational institution that prioritizes student success while seeking to maintain a safe, caring, and supportive environment.

TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE AND TODAY’S WORKFORCE

Did you know that employers nationwide are struggling to fill open positions because they can’t find enough skilled workers?

Texas State Technical College is narrowing this “skills gap” in Texas by supplying the state’s workforce with highly skilled graduates -- and it has been doing so for the past 57 years. Since its founding, TSTC has awarded more than 100,000 certificates and associate degrees to graduates across our great state, an impact that has been life-changing and far-reaching.

TSTC offers more than 45 programs statewide. Its 10 campuses, many of which are conveniently situated near leading centers of industry, are located in Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater, Waco and Williamson County.

TSTC‘s Brownwood campus serves students in Central Texas. Like TSTC’s other campuses, training is at its heart. Located near downtown, the facilities provide students with all the technical training equipment needed to be successful on the job. Large classrooms and lab spaces provide plenty of space for students to apply the skills they learn in order to pursue a great career.

To ensure that its graduates have the skills needed to match workforce needs, TSTC works closely with industry leaders, many of whom serve on program advisory committees. In fact, more than 900 industry leaders serve as advisors on TSTC curriculum, which is regularly modified and updated to meet the constantly changing needs of industry.

The Brownwood campus also provides many Workforce

Training opportunities. One of the first training opportunities available is the Phlebotomy Technician course to help fill the need of trained professionals to draw blood at hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers and other locations.

TSTC will also expand its Professional Driving Academy to the Brownwood campus. The fourweek course will provide training and testing to earn a commercial driver’s license. Instructors are dedicated to providing students the necessary hands-on experience and technical know-how to succeed.

The Brownwood campus will also offer Workforce Training opportunities in Industrial Systems. Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) certifications included in the training will be Electrical Systems, Electric Motor Control Systems, Variable Frequency Drive Systems, Electrical System Installation, Programmable Logic Controller Systems, Pneumatic Systems and Mechanical Power Systems.

TSTC is so confident in the quality of its technical education programs that it now guarantees its graduates will find a job within six months of graduation -- or get their money back. The premise is simple: Get a degree, get a job, or get a refund. TSTC is one of only a handful of colleges in the U.S. offering a money-back guarantee for certain degrees, and it can't find another college in Texas offering one.

Students may apply to participate in the Money-Back Guarantee program as part of TSTC’s Get-a-Job program during their first semester at school. Graduates completing the requirements of the program may be eligible for a refund if they fail to find a job in six months.

Visit tstc.edu for more information.

Don’t Miss Early, Texas

Around 1869, water supply issues arose and a disputed land title induced many citizens of Brownwood to move from the east to the west side of the Pecan Bayou. Early is named after Walter U. Early, an attorney who donated land in 1928 for several school buildings. Early incorporated on Dec. 15, 1951.

Heartland Mall, the first mall in Brown County opened in 1980, a city hall was built in 1982, and a post office was opened in 1985. In 2019, the Early Visitors and Events Center opened.

Early continues to grow today and has the largest traffic count intersections in Brown County. Early City Park and McDonald Park are gathering spots for families and the community. On any given day, you will find Early citizens and visitors enjoying the beautiful parks and friendly neighborhoods! Shopping, dining, hunting and fishing –come see what you have been missing. The Early Visitors and Events Center is located at 419 Garmon Drive (Highway 183 S and Highway 84/67 E). Contact Brian Hudson, 325-649-9300, dhudsonbrian@earlytx.net.

McDonald Park

McDonald Park is the city of Early amenity where many people go for outdoor walks, recreation, pick-up basketball and volleyball games, and several city events. The park was named after the McDonald family who originally donated the land to Early Independent School District long ago. The park used to be Early ISD‘s main football field and locker room. But in 2007, the school district built a new football field, leaving the old one behind.

Years later, in 2015, the City of Early purchased the land to build a new park. One of the most notable things about the park is the different amenities around that have been donated over time by the community.

The park track has been resurfaced, and the land is now a beautiful scene to spend time outside. The park also has well-conditioned basketball courts that see many players in the evenings and when the weather is nice.

The City of Early also hosts different annual events at the park. The City has used the basketball courts for their annual Courts and Controllers event (this year on March 25). This is a three-on-three basketball tournament that coincides with a gaming trailer for e-sports. Additionally, the event will have bounce houses, outside games, etc.

The City of Early will also host a Smart City Expo for the community to know their local government. The different departments for the City will set up booths around the track, plus the Chamber of Commerce,

energy providers, and the finance department will have tables for people to understand the different aspects of city government and how different entities work for the city. It’s a good afternoon for people to connect with their local government and service providers.

The City of Early also has an annual movie in the park in October, which is free to the public and includes food trucks, fire pits, and is a family friendly event for the whole community.

A unique aspect of McDonald Park is the sound garden, which is the only one of its kind for many miles. It was pushed by the local TMCN student leadership group and includes pipes, drums, xylophones, etc. It’s an inclusive play area that is helpful for people with sensory disorders.

McDonald Park is a wonderful area for a stroll, family gatherings, and fun recreation.

Making Dreams into Reality

That’s what the City of Early is doing with the new and ambitious goal of creating a Town Center. With Early being a fairly young city at just 71 years of age, the town isn’t known for any historical buildings. Additionally, with the uniqueness of being separated from Brownwood by the Pecan Bayou, the town never had a need for a courthouse, library, or any downtown area. Recognizing this, the administrative staff began working on the plans to create a town center where the people of Early could come together and enjoy their own downtown.

In 2018, the Early Municipal Development District purchased 60 acres of land just north of Early Blvd. The purchased land spans from the Pecan Bayou to the Old May Road and from the businesses north of Early Blvd to the cattle auction grounds to the north of that. The land was purchased from Wyman Kelcy, a member of the Early community for decades. In 2021, construction of the first road began and was completed in 2022. That road is named Kelcy Way and provides the first access to the land just as Wyman helped provide access to the Town Center by selling this property to the City.

One main component to the Town Center is the lake that will separate a 25-acre recreational area and a 28-acre commercial district. Currently, the lake is being dredged to a depth of 16 feet and a surface area of seven acres. A partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has helped to secure funding for two lighted fishing piers and will help with creating habitats for fish, plus stocking twice a year. Fish that can be expected in this community lake are bass, bluegill, red-ear, green sunfish, and trout in the colder winter months.

The City of Early has also secured a partnership with the Lower Colorado River Authority who gave a grant to the City for the construction of a lighted walking trail with signage about the environment and history of the area along the path. Also being constructed currently is a five stall, coin-operated batting cage which should be complete by the end of the summer of 2023. In engineering is the second street named Mangrum street named after our Mayor Robert Mangrum. The city is working on securing a $1 million grant from the EDA to provide the infrastructure to businesses along Mangrum Street. Additionally, an outdoor classroom was complete in December.

In recent news, the Texas Midwest Community Network team announced their project for this year – a sun dial positioned just beside the lake and given the name, “Time To Shine.” The two in charge of this project coined that name for the project as a way to not only describe the project but the City of Early. Aryn Lesley and Reese Estes stated “We are seeing that it is Early’s time to shine with so much attention on the Town Center project. Therefore, we chose this name to commemorate that.”

The Town Center in total will bring an estimated $6.8 million in revenue to the county, $2.6 million of that going to the Early. The project will create an estimated 730-plus jobs and provide the people of Brown and surrounding counties with a place to recreate, shop and dine.

Early Has Much to Offer

Early is a thriving community settled near the center of Texas, offering small town hospitality with urban amenities. Early is on the Texas Forts Trail and the Cross Timbers Wine Trail, making it the perfect road trip destination for a weekend of exploring and unwinding.

When you visit Early, you can’t miss Skies Over Texas Winery. Settle into the rustic tasting room as you sip and savor from a selection of award-winning wines, such as a dry rose and a red blend made with grapes harvested from the Texas Hill Country and High Plains. Kick back and enjoy good wine with great company, play games like giant Jenga and washers, and stick around for some live music.

Just about every Texan had childhood dreams of being a cowboy or a gunslinger in an old Texas town. At Los Trece in Early, kids and adults can live those dreams as they walk the streets of Los Trece. This Old west town portrays life, architecture, and landscape of an 1870s Texas border town. Come discover the Old West and become a legend!

Are you a foodie? Looking for a Texas size steak? Then head to Humphrey Pete’s, where “it's pig licking good” and has been said to be one of the best small town steak houses in Texas. If barbecue is more your thing, Up in Smoke is the place to be. Experience barbecue at its best and see why owner Junior Uris won the title of Texas Pitmaster. Early offers a wide variety of one of kind mom and pop restaurants: burgers, italian, and Mexican.

Relax on beautiful Lake Brownwood where the water is cool and the sunsets are stunning. Enjoy a day of fishing and or hunting from white-tailed deer, turkey, quail, and dove, to exotic animals like antelope and elk.

When you’re looking for an escape to the beautiful center of Texas, find your way to Early. www.visitearlytexas.com.

Plenty of Lodging Options in Brown County

by Jacob Lehrer

As a traveling hub in Central Texas, a growing tourist destination, and near Lake Brownwood, Brown County offers variety of options for lodging. For travelers and tourists, Brown County provides comfortable and quality AirBnBs, RV parks, cabins by the lake, a string of hotels and motels, and secluded bed and breakfasts.

Brown County has grown into a wonderful place to visit with new shops, restaurants, vendors, sporting tournaments, event venues, and entertainment. Thus, the demand for lodging is increasing.

“Our tourism is great here,” said Debbie Morelock, owner and operator of the Star of Texas Bed and Breakfast, Morelock properties, and various rentals around Brownwood. “That’s why [Brownwood is] building a new hotel.” Morelock is referring to the new Home2Suites that is under construction.

Morelock also discussed how the new event center under construction will attract more visitors to Brownwood. It is designed to host conferences, concerts, and events. “We’re going to have all this other influx of people coming during the week needing places to stay, needing places to eat, and needing places to shop while they’re here,” said Morelock. For leisure or business, travel or stay, having a quality place where the demand for lodging is growing adds to the experience of visiting Brown County.

“When I started, I was told nobody would ever come to Brownwood and stay at a bed and breakfast,” said Morelock. “And I was like, well, okay we’ll see. Here I am, 25 years later, and we’re still going.”

Bed and breakfasts such as Star of Texas have cottages for two and are great for romantic getaways and weddings, including wedding packages. They bring breakfast to your cottage and have refreshments and catering available. Sitting on 20 acres of seclusion, they are only four miles from Brownwood.

Most hotels and motels are conveniently located near the string of restaurants on Highway 84 and 377, and only a few minutes from downtown. Hotels range from Best Western Plus Riata, La Quinta, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, and Comfort Inn. There is also the Flagship Inn that sits on Lake Brownwood and Gate 1 Inn near the community sports complex. Also available are Knights Inn, Executive Inn, Classic Inn, and more.

Air BnBs are growing in popularity in Brown County, offering full amenities and a comfortable lodging experience with a staff dedicated to serving you. There are renovated historic homes such as the newly established R.B. Rogers House in downtown Brownwood, and The Harper House near downtown and across from Howard Payne University. Both serve as Air BnBs and places for private events. There are also the two bungalows offered by Cozy and Convenient near downtown, the Colosseum, and a quick drive away from Howard Payne University. There are many AirBnB properties in the neighborhoods of Brownwood and around Lake Brownwood.

Additionally at Lake Brownwood, campers, vacationers, and those on retreat have the wide outdoors offering them RV campsites with electricity, tent-only campsites, and cabins, dormitories, and facilities throughout the lake.

The 4-H Center at Lake Brownwood is open to the public for hosting events, retreats, reunions, conferences, and meetings. They have climate control cabins for a variety of group sizes. Their facilities also come with conference rooms, an auditorium, dining services, and are great for summer camps.

There is also Flatrock Park for RV camping where visitors have direct access to the Lake. The Heart of Texas Baptist Encampment is excellent for camps or large and small groups. They also have cabins and lodges from private rooms to dormitories.

Aside from Lake Brownwood, Fabis Primitive Park near Early sits on the Pecan Bayou and offers three overnight camping sites with fire pits, trails, and floating the Pecan Bayou. The Hideout Golf Club offers a wonderful resort near the lake with a golf club, event center, RV park, lodging and family cabins with full amenities.

Throughout Brown County, there are lodging options for RVs and campers whether you’re traveling or living in an RV. Full hookups can be found at RV parking sights in town like Riverside Park, which is on the Pecan Bayou, provides satellite TV, and is right by the park’s disc golf course, playgrounds, nature trail, and Pecan Bayou.

Shady Oaks RV in Brownwood and Harlow’s RV park in Early also provide a great spot to hook up your RV. They have 30 and 50-amp service and free Wi-Fi. Skies over Texas Winery located on 6037 County Road 291 (just off of Highway 183) offers RV camping for members of the Harvest Host Network of Wineries that may be traveling through Brown County.

The “Wildrose Retreat” Cottage at Star of Texas Bed and Breakfast is located on 20 acres just outside of Brownwood.

Events

Brownwood’s newest AirBnB and private event venue offers visitors southern elegance and modern-day comfort. The Colonial Revival mansion is located at the entrance of Brownwood’s revitalized downtown and across the street from Howard Payne University. Guests will be within walking distance of Downtown Brownwood’s locally owned restaurants, bars, shops, and the historic Lyric Theatre.

The owners and operators, Tracy Tucker and Poly Khandaker, opened the R.B. Rogers House to the public on Feb. 1, 2023. A gem of Brownwood’s most influential eras, the historic home allows visitors to experience history and quality in its original structure and design restoration. The R.B. Rogers house was built in 1904-1905 by Robert Baker Rogers for his wife, Elvirah. Elvirah Rogers was the first piano teacher at Howard Payne University.

The original structure of the home is perfectly restored to give guests a period-style experience. The interior has original artisan floors, stained glass, and lead windows from the original glass pieces, and when possible, original walls that have been refurbished with period wallpaper. Although the fireplaces have been converted to electric, they retain their original tile and carved wood mantles.

The first floor of the house features a library, dining room, parlor and piano room, and tearoom. Each room has a unique parquet-patterned wood floor, and the home is filled with antiques from around the area.

R.B. Rogers House STAY

The upstairs features two suites each with a master bedroom connected to an adjacent room and a private bathroom. They are separated by the upstairs common room. Each of the suites offers its own unique style and design. Both include amenities such as a smart TV, microwave, Keurig coffee station, and a microwave and mini fridge.

The private cottage provides a private bedroom with a full-sized bed, dressing room, and bathroom upstairs. The downstairs works as the sitting area with a sleeper sofa, kitchen, and laundry room. Each morning, guests are treated to a scrumptious breakfast ready at 9 a.m.

As an event venue, the R.B. Rogers House offers space for showers, weddings, receptions, and parties. Their staff will work with clients to make their event incredible.

For more details about the R.B. Rogers House or to book stays or private events, visit www. rbrogershouse.com.

Harper House STAY

Elizabeth McCrane owns and operates the Harper House, named after her family legacy. The Harper House is a boutique-style bed-and-breakfast, open for events. It is a restored historical home that was initially built in 1917. It features all original hardwood flooring, 10-foot pocket doors, and working transoms.

Before the historic home became the Harper House, it was old and falling apart. The Texas Department of Transportation was ready to tear it down. Yet, the McCranes, working with the Historical Commission of Texas, were able to save the home.

The Harpers have deep roots in Brownwood, Texas. Joe Harper owned the Harper Grocery Store and Harper Hotel from 1904-1942. Since both businesses were part of the same building, it was dubbed by the locals as “The Harper House,” where the great-granddaughter of Joe Harper, Elizabeth McCrane, found the name for her bed-and-breakfast. The Harper House today might not be in the same building, but the name lives on to serve Brownwood.

The Harper House provides three options for suites. Two suites have king-sized beds, closets, robes, minibars, and a desk area. The third has two twin-sized beds with the same amenities. The house has access to a dining room, sunroom, kitchen, and backyard area.

This is a great venue for visitors to Brownwood, for parents visiting their children at Howard Payne University, or for a nice weekend getaway.

Harper House hosts events for the public, and it will host private events as well. If you would like to have a graduation or birthday party, wedding, or baby shower, or a beautiful spot for photos, then Harper house provides a beautiful venue.

To find events or book them, go to stayharperhouse.com.

Born & raised in Brown County and nearby

Coleman County, Troy & Lisa wanted to have a part in the local revitalization of Brownwood, Tx. The journey began with their purchase of Depot Liquor in June 2021, which kick-started the task of cleaning up the neighborhood surrounding the store.

Initially, the goal was to create a clean

and safe space for their customers. Then the decision was made to purchase these two little bungalows, in desperate need of some TLC, with the hopes to convert into short term rentals to give people an opportunity to easily explore and experience the little town they love. Being located near an old railroad station outpost, it was only fitting to aptly name them “The Stations” and give them a railroad theme.

In their free time, you can find them working cattle, enjoying the outdoors or supporting local businesses.

Buckmasters Gives Back to Brown County

by Derrick Stuckly

Brown County is home of the Heart of Texas Chapter of the Buckmasters American Deer Foundation and the caring individuals dedicated to helping people with disabilities realize hunting opportunities. In 2022, the Heart of Texas Chapter provided hunting outings for 17 kids.

Larry Hart, national director for Buckmasters, said, “Kids with cancer and serious disabilities are selected to go on these life hunts. I cannot tell you what being able for these parents and children to go on these hunts for a weekend does for them. We have seen miracles happen. It gives the parents a getaway to forget about the problems and their financial issues that they’ve had to deal with for this child’s illness or disability. Just seeing the smiles on those kids’ faces, doing this for 17 years, I look up to God and say thank you Lord. Over that period, we’ve done over 170 life hunts and we are 100 percent harvest and that says a lot for our land owners and their management.”

The foundation’s Disabled Hunters Services, established in 1993, assists people with severe physical handicaps who enjoy hunting and shooting sports.

Some of the things that can be taken for granted by the able bodied sportsman are life-changing events for this segment of the population: learning to shoot again, being in the wilderness, or just witnessing animals in the wild. BADF Disabled Services knows the importance

of outdoor recreation and how it can have a tremendous impact on the quality of life for people with disabilities. They have developed a wide range of programs and resources for helping challenged individuals with their outdoor adventure ambitions.

Disabled Hunters Services uses its combined resources to locate, organize and cooperate in opportunities for people with disabilities.

As many hunts as possible are organized on public and private lands, as well as commercial outfitters. They also offer support at state and local levels through established Buckmasters chapters. These chapters raise funds and work together to meet the needs of challenged sportsmen in their communities.

“When I first had the idea to get a chapter going, I was watching the Buckmasters Classic from Alabama on TV and saw an email address at the end of the show so I sent one,” said Tim Schoen, chairman of the Brownwood Buckmasters Chapter. “I thought if we could send one kid there every year, that would be awesome. And we

started off the years doing one hunter and then grew to a few and now we are averaging 12-15 hunters a season. Now, we do more hunts than the big national hunt does at one time or the rest of the chapters do combined in a year. We wouldn’t trade it for anything. We have a track chair, automated gun rests, video scope, push button and puff triggers from Be Adaptive Equipment Inc. We can make it work for anyone.”

Donations of equipment are available to qualified persons with disabilities. They make dreams come true by providing much needed adaptive shooting equipment for many disabled hunters each year. Although expensive, this equipment makes it possible for the recipient to be able to shoot and target practice for recreation, and to hunt right where they live. Donations may include the purchase of mechanical gun rests and trigger systems that allow quadriplegics to shoot a firearm or crossbow. They do not provide any individual funding for mobility or track chairs.

“It’s not just hunting equipment, we have specially modified fishing equipment as well to allow anyone with a disability to again catch a fish,” Hart said. “These kids never expected to ever to be able to hunt or fish ever again. Seeing your child being able to do this and then to see them on the Buckmasters TV show on the Outdoor channel is pretty special. I get to see a lot of great things but there is no chapter that is as special as

ours and that supports as many charities.”

This program creates environments where people with disabilities and illnesses can offer peer support to one another. The camaraderie facilitates hope and fosters confidence, self-esteem and independence among our participants. Injured hunters can once again take part in something that was a very important part of their lives.

Life Hunts grant hunting trips to critically ill and extremely disabled children and young adults up to age 21. Life Hunts was created in 1998 after mainstream foundations stopped granting hunting wishes or requests that involved hunting, firearms or archery equipment. The Life Hunt program gives children with questionable futures a glimmer of hope, and something to look forward to through their medical trials. These hunts are also offered to severely disabled children who have diseases known to shorten their life span.

OUTDOORS

“Our Life Hunts are our No. 1 thing,” Schoen said. “Every year, I have people ask me, ‘what do you make off of this?’ We make friends and family. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done with my life, bar none. We get to go to some beautiful places, meet wonderful people, make lifelong friends, and make memories. A lot of the time, we are just pushing the record button on a camera filming the hunt but it probably later gets on TV. Those kids are battling things that most of us can’t imagine. They are over the moon and so happy and can’t wait for those (TV) shows to come on. With our Buckmasters Chapter, we cover all expenses and process the deer and pay for the taxidermy. Then every year at our banquet, we have all of our hunters and families back and present mounts and recognize them and the landowners.”

The Heart of Texas Chapter of the Buckmasters American Deer Foundation holds an annual charity banquet each March at the Brownwood Coliseum to raise funds for all of its programs. “It’s just a joyous celebration every year at the banquet and it’s our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Schoen said. “We give back to the community by supporting the Brown County Youth Fair every year, Toys for Kids, local food pantries such as Good Samaritan Ministries’ Deer Project in Brownwood, the Bangs Food Pantry, the Southwest Amputee golf tournament to name a few.”

Contributions to BADF Disabled Services are welcome and are tax deductible. If you are interested in volunteering your time, facilities, properties, or know a kid locally that would like to go on a hunt that has a life altering illness, contact Larry F. Hart, 3445 CR 159, Bangs, TX 76823 or find Buckmasters Brownwood Chapter on Facebook. 

U TOP U TI stop s a h nt n reta store here yo n a e ar ety o n s ee ers an h nt n a essor es r oa s to ha e the est ser e an pro t se e t on at o pet t e pr es Stop y any o o r o at ons an et s he p yo th a yo r h nt n nee s

The Brownwood Country Club is the only private golf course and club of Brownwood, Texas. They have a well-trained staff and culinary team to provide the best service for members, and guests who book events with the club. The Brownwood Country Club sits on beautiful green bent grass and open fairways, overlooking a lake with hilltops in the background. This scenic par 72golf course has 18 holes, offering a relaxing and competitive golfing experience for all golfers. As you travel throughout the course, several hilltops will allow you to stop and enjoy the views of the country club.

The Brownwood Country Club is complete with a quality golfing experience, recreational activities, and social settings. The Brownwood Country Club also hosts many different events that you can book. The Club provides a spectacular event venue for both indoor and outdoor events. The Brownwood Country Club has hosted many weddings, corporate meetings, club gatherings, and retreats. Any special occasion can be booked at the Brownwood Country Club, who will service you with their experienced staff and culinary team. The club’s event director and staff will help to assist

and plan events for any occasion.

Brownwood Country Club provides practice facilities for members to get better at their game. Their facilities include a driving range, short game practice area, a large putting green, and a teaching facility. Their own PGA Professional offers private lessons.

Aside from golfing, the club offers a relaxing cabana for members who want to sit poolside in the sun. The cabana overlooks the stunning Texas Country view of the 26-acre lake with the hilltops beyond. For families, the pool is kid friendly. At members’ convenience, the pool is seasonally staffed.

Brownwood Country Club OUTDOORS

The lake hosts a floating golf green for friendly competition, and a fishing dock to enjoy with friends. The Brownwood Country Club has two tennis courts. Members can receive private tennis lessons and even attend tennis clinics.

The Brownwood Country Club will provide gear and services with their knowledgeable Pro Shop staff. They are experienced in club fittings and repair. The shop offers a selection of golf equipment and attire.

Brownwood Parks and Recreation

A total of 19 parks are spread out over 317 acres within the city of Brownwood. This includes 105 picnic sites, 15 restroom facilities, 11 playgrounds, eight basketball courts, two municipal swimming pools, 12 baseball and softball fields at the Massey Sports Complex, and 22 fields at the Camp Bowie Soccer Complex.

Brownwood is also home to disc golf, hike trails, boat ramps, fishing, pavilions, nature trail, paddling trail, RV areas, tennis courts, volleyball courts and more. Information about any of these facilities may be obtained by calling 325-646-0146.

LL OR P R

Almost 10 acres bordered by 4th Street & Indian Creek Drive. Pavilion built by Brownwood Rotary Club with four Picnic tables and a seating capacity of 76. The Pavilion also has a covered cooking grill. Basketball half-court, two practice baseball/softball fields, two lighted tennis courts, playground equipment, two practice soccer goals, nine picnic tables, three barbecue grills, restroom facilities, water fountains, and 36 parking spaces.

ERT E II PORT O PLE

2301 Dickman Dr. Located on 66 acres off Milam Drive and Calvert Road, across from Gordon Wood Stadium. This features the Camp Bowie Aquatic Center, three concession stands, four boys baseball fields, four girls softball fields, two teenage baseball fields, and two adult softball fields. All fields have bleachers. There are two playgrounds, three restroom facilities, and a large parking area.

U I P R

2001 Waco Street behind the Belle Plain Baptist Church (1974 EDA Project) Environment Development. Basketball half-court, picnic table, parking spaces.

P O IE E ORI L P R

2500 Morris Sheppard at Burnett Road across from Hendrick Medical Center-Brownwood. The park is located on 8.71 acres, across from Brownwood Regional Medical Center. It has a building leased to the American Legion Post 196. You can view nine different artillery equipment from Japan, Germany, USSR, Italy, Czechoslovakia and USA. The Central Texas Veterans Memorial is displayed along with memorial bricks. This memorial includes 15 granite monuments and 20 metal plaques. Features include seven picnic tables, 14 benches, a walking trail and a baseball/softball practice field.

P O IE O ER O PLE

2201 Calvert Road. For players and spectators using fields #14 - #22, we encourage parking along the curve on Calvert Road (head-in, not parallel) for maximum spaces, as well as a newly cleared lot at the intersection of Calvert Road and Milam Drive. The lot is a temporary solution to expand parking on the south side of the complex but is not paved. It will not be usable if it rains and becomes wet. Parking on Calvert Road is allowed, as long as it is parallel parking, and not in front of private driveways or mailboxes. Parking along the north side of the complex on the park road (extension of Longhorn Lane) is not allowed, and is posted as such with “No Parking” signage.

E IL OL P R D P ILIO

1100 Hall St. Three acres off Cordell and Hall Street right next to Austin Avenue.(1974 EDA Project) – Environment Development. One baseball/softball field with bleachers, pavilion area (four 10-foot tables) with seating capacity of 72, which include two game tables. One basketball half-court, one basketball full-court lighted, sand volleyball pit, one lighted tennis court, large playground area, picnic tables, 320-square-inch open barbeque grill, park benches, restroom facilities, and parking area. Bennie Houston Recreation Center is also part of the park.

O I P R

2001 Austin Ave. 15.15 acres on Austin Avenue between Parkway and Roselawn. (1974 EDA Project)–Environment Development. Four baseball/softball practice fields, three soccer fields, sand volleyball pit, two pavilion areas, each pavilion has four picnic tables and has a seating capacity of 38 with a 500-square-inch covered grill. Lighted full-size basketball/inline hockey court. Pecan orchard, large playground area, lighted asphalt walking trail is 1/2 mile, winding through the park. Exercise stations, picnic tables, BBQ pits, water fountains, and parking area. Each pavilion can be reserved by calling Adams St. Community Center at 325-6460146.

I PRI ITI E P R

FM 2125, 2 miles out on Farm Market 2125 toward Lake Brownwood Dam. Three overnight camping sites, each with 300-square-inch tilt fire ring grill, 14-foot picnic table, must have a permit to stay overnight. Visit the Adams St Community Center at 511 E. Adams Street for permit. River Trail map. Fishing and boat ramp available from 8 a.m. till dusk. Large pecan orchard along Jim Ned Creek.

3100 Milam Dr. Approximately 25 acres located on Milam Drive next to Corinne T. Smith Animal Center. Volleyball area, two baseball/softball practice fields, pavilion area, pavilion seating capacity is 40 with four picnic tables and restroom facilities.

L D E RD P R

702 Walnut. Combination basketball/tennis court, two picnic tables, slide, swing, merry-go-round, two spring toys, climbing toy, and water fountain.

I I P R

800 W. Baker. Two acres located at the corner of West Baker and Romines. Two baseball/softball practice fields, soccer field, and parking.

LET ETTER P R

700 Sharp. Playground equipment, picnic tables, water fountain, and parking.

E P R

2700 Austin Adjacent to East Elementary School, at Idlewild and Austin Avenue. Includes a skate park and splash pad.

P T OUR E P R

200 Center Ave This downtown park was built in 2003 on the location of the old J.C. Penney’s. The park has a beautiful water wall with rock walls that provide seating. Renamed in February 2012 from Center Park to Pat Coursey Park, in honor of former Brownwood City Councilman Pat Coursey.

RI ER IDE P R

46.43 acres adjacent to Pecan Bayou on East Commerce. Large playground area, sand volleyball court, boat ramp, nature trail, picnic tables, barbecue pits, restroom facilities, large pavilion that will seat 240 with a 720-square-inch open grill, and RV hookups. In 2005, the Recreation Trails Program of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department helped fund the one mile, eight-foot-wide concrete walking trail, the 0.7mile nature trail, and new restrooms. The Havins Unit helped with in-kind labor. The 18-hole disc golf course is 5,873 feet long and 15 holes at par 3, 2 at par 4 and 1 hole at par 5.

IDER P R

1701 11th St. Playground equipment, picnic table, barbecue pit, and parking.

T ER P R

800 Ave I

T O O P R

Two acres at the corner of Avenue B and 12th St. Playground equipment, two baseball/softball practice fields, large open area for flag football and soccer. Picnic table, barbecue pit, and parking.

TRI P R

307 Bluffview. Four baseball/softball practice fields, playground area, splash pad, large open area, picnic tables, BBQ pit, and parking.

I I P R

1100 Victoria. Mexican-style architecture pavilion (two picnic tables) that has a seating capacity of 32 with a 320-square-inch open grill, Wiggins Pool (80 by 44 feet), plaza area, basketball half-court, baseball/softball practice field, four practice soccer goals, playground area, picnic tables, benches, and barbecue pit. 

Brown County 4-H

Whatever your interest, 4-H has a project for you. Participate in camps, state and national conferences, and meet people from around the state and nation. Become a leader and active citizen within your community.

The Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program offers many opportunities for both youth and adults to experience 4-H at the local, county, district, state, national, and international level!

4-H is a community of young people across Brown County who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. 4-H is about having fun, learning, exploring, and discovering. In Brown County 4-H, young people make new friends, develop new skills, become leaders, have the ability to participate in many events and activities, as well as apply for scholarships, and help shape their communities.

More than 200 Brown County youth are enrolled members of 4-H community clubs. Eight clubs are offered: Brownwood, Bangs, Brookesmith, Early, May, Rabbit Club, Sheep and Goat Club, and Shooting Sports Club. In 4-H clubs, youth also have the opportunity to serve as officers, learn to conduct meetings, and facilitate group decision-making.

Brown County has an outstanding group of dedicated adult volunteer leaders as well as a superb group of motivated 4-H members. We would like for you to join our Brown County 4-H family!

Please feel free to contact the Brown County Extension Office or visit our website at brown.agrilife. org for more information about our county 4-H Program. Check us out on Facebook: www.facebook. com/BrownCounty4HTX/

Welcome to the Brownwood Claybird Club, a public sporting clays retreat in Brownwood, Texas.

As you navigate to The Claybird, you will embark down Claybird Road providing you with beautiful views of Country Club Lake and the 18th fairway of the Brownwood Country Club. Once arriving, you will notice first our expansive modern rustic event center. Our event center grants beautiful pine paneling and glass roll up doors that draw you to the views of the delightful native oak trees that surround the venue. You won’t be able to miss the only double decker five-stand in Texas, allowing multiple views at the same targets.

When visiting our pro shop, you will be greeted by a friendly face, eager to assist with your sporting clay needs. The shop is fully stocked with novelty items, apparel and ammo. Yes, we have ammo!

Brownwood Claybird Club OUTDOORS

Our sporting clay facility is truly one of a kind. The grounds offer numerous terrains to simulate bird (and rabbit) hunting of all sorts. You approach stations with obstacles including water, tree cover, speed, overhead, below your feet and more. Spend the day taking on the views of Brownwood and the 26 sporting clay stations, along with stations set up for your subgauge guns.

The Claybird takes pride in hosting tournaments, fundraisers and being the home of local youth 4-H and SCTP teams.

Whether you’re just wanting to get outside to enjoy your shotgun or training to get to the next level, the Brownwood Claybird Club is the sporting clays destination to suit your desires.

Whatever trailer you need, Early Trailer Sales has it. How could they not? As you look across their trailer yard at the vast options that lay before you, whatever it is you need or desire, Early Trailer Sales has it. They are well supplied, well established, and will provide the best customer service in matching buyers with what they are looking for.

The family owned and operated dealer started in 2009 with only 20 trailers. They were working out of a small shed that still sits near their new facility. While they started off small, Early Trailer Sales has grown as a wellknown business. Their hard work and high standard customer service has paid off. Over the past decade, they have grown in both their stockpiles and brand.

Early Trailer Sales OUTDOORS

The local company not only sells to the Brown County area. Their influence expands all over the state of Texas and the United States. Furthermore, they have sold trailers to clients in Mexico and Canada. Early Trailer Sales prides itself on its customer service and helping customers find what they are looking for. They have a rent-to-own program and will finance or lease to customers as well.

Early Trailer Sales has both new, used, and repossessed trailers. Whether you want to go camping, need something for moving, carrying haybales, or need a wielding trailer, all the options you can pick sit in their two lots across from each other on Early Boulevard.

They have a wide variety of campers (including toy hauler), refrigerated trailers, utility trailers, gooseneck trailers (both single wheel and dually), tilt trailers, horse trailers, cargo trailers, trailblazers, livestock trailers, dump trailers, hay buggies, tumblebugs, fuel trailers, welding trailers. Early Trailer Sales also sells known brands such as Sundowner.

Inside their building, Early Trailer Sales carries a collection of parts for service and repair on all sorts of trailers. They will fix anything from bearings, brakes, lights, or just regular maintenance.

They are still expanding the company and creating a new facility to do indoor service and repair. Plus customers can see on display what parts are available. In addition to trailers, they also sell carports, fully enclosed buildings, storage buildings, and RV covers. Whatever reason you want or need a trailer, Early Trailer Sales

and will help you find it.

has exactly what you’re looking for,

Mow Pros

If you’re looking for landscaping, irrigation, and/or lawn care, Mow Pros has become an established business in Brown County, serving both residential and commercial areas for the last 13 years. Their work includes landscaping, irrigation repair and installment, tree work, outdoor living, and lawn care. They will even do road work for driveways.

Additionally, Mow Pros is expanding to service outdoor living including electrical installations, outdoor kitchens, outdoor lighting, rock work, ponds, fountains, and waterfalls. If you need something as small as a fall or spring clean-up, Mow Pros will take care of you. They are a great company when building a new home, as Mow Pros will work on properties from the ground up to install irrigation, sod, tree work, and driveways.

Mow Pros has crews designed for different services of the company. They have a lawn care crew, one for commercial and one for residential. Additionally, Mow Pros has a landscaping crew and an irrigation crew. Whatever Mow Pros provides for you, know they will send a

crew that is designed for the requested service.

The family owned and operated business started out of the home of Tim and Rhonda Morris in 2010. Originally a family company, Tim Morris had two young sons aid him in building a brand in the local area. When the Morris boys became older, they went out for sports, and Tim and Rhonda Morris had to find new employees.

Mow Pros still grew, and eventually the Morrises had to move their operation to a larger facility as they expanded in equipment, employees, and clientele. The quality of their work has led to their success along with more entities and residents calling upon them to service their property.

Notable customers of Mow Pros include, but are not limited to, Wendlee Broadcasting, Shoppas Material Handling, Song Bird Lodge, Brownwood Country Club, and the Brownwood Housing Authority. Their work has even gone to surrounding towns up to a 60-mile radius.

Call 325-200-8654. Mow Pros is located at 704 Garmon Dr, Early, TX 76802

LAKE

Lake Brownwood is a place of rustic beauty and tranquility. The lake itself is formed by damming the Pecan Bayou and Jim Ned Creek, and is situated 70 miles southeast of Abilene and about 10 miles north of Brownwood.

The surface area is 6,490 acres with a drainage area of 1,535 square miles. The lake’s normal capacity is 118,900 acre-feet with a maximum capacity of 448,200 acre-feet. The spillway elevation is 1,425 feet.

Work on the dam began in 1931 and the deliberate impoundment of water began in July 1933. A survey of the watershed of the lake revealed that two years of normal rainfall would be needed before the lake would fill. However, on July 3, 1932, torrential rains caused Pecan Bayou and Jim Ned Creek to pour floodwaters into the lake, filling it to a level of 150,000 acrefeet and covering more than 7,000 acres of land in six hours. Because the dam was not quite finished, some occupied homes were flooded. Since that time, the reservoir has supplied drinking and irrigation water, has tamed the uneven and sometimes destructive flow of

LAKE BROWNWOOD

Pecan Bayou, and has provided water recreation and lush habitat for wildlife.

GEOGRAPHY

Three ecoregions meet here, leading to a wide diversity of plants and animals.

Typical vegetation for the Edwards Plateau is grassland with live oak on level to gently rolling terrain. Slopes and stream bottoms are generally wooded or brushy.

The Western Cross Timbers usually supports woodlands of dwarfed post oak and blackjack oak.

On the Rolling Plains, grasslands with shrubby vegetation grow on the rougher sites; woody plants usually grow along river bottoms.

WILDFLOWERS AND WILDLIFE

Along miles of shoreline, watch for wildflowers, white-tailed deer, ducks, raccoons, armadillos, and squirrels. Popular fish include crappie, perch, catfish and bass. Many bird species visit or live here as well, drawn here by the lake and the woods.

LAKE

EARLY HISTORY

Native American cultures used this land long before Europeans arrived. The first culture mentioned in 18th-century Spanish colonial histories was the Lipan or eastern Apaches.

But by the middle of the 1700s, the Comanche had mastered the horse. They quickly expanded the territory where they hunted and camped, driving out other tribes. The Comanche and earlier Native American groups came to the area for the water and abundant game.

STATE PARK DEVELOPMENT

In 1934, the Texas State Parks Board acquired 538 acres from the Brown County Water Improvement District No. 1 for a state park on the lake. The board paid $1.

Construction on the park began under the Civil Works Administration. The CWA employed local men who were part of Emergency Conservation Work programs. These were the forerunners of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS

The CCC was part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal recovery program. The CCC camps established across the country in the 1930s offered work to unemployed young men and improvements to state lands.

County and state officials lobbied successfully for a CCC company to work at the park. Company 872 arrived in November 1934 for a one-year assignment. Workers continued projects begun under the CWA and started on additional park facilities.

A second CCC unit arrived in October 1936.

Company 849 remained at the park until February 1942, when the camp closed.

The National Park Service designed the structures to fit with the environment. CCC workers built outdoor patios and stairs using locally quarried rock. Look for fire pits, curved benches and picnic tables strategically located throughout the park, placed for privacy and lake views.

The recreation hall with its adjoining dance pavilion sits atop a hill. From its rooftop observation deck, you can see the park, lake and surrounding rolling hills.

By the time they left, the CCC men had completed 17 cabins and nearly 100 other structures.

RECREATION

With nearly 100 miles of shoreline and 537 acres available for recreation, activities include picnicking, camping, hiking (2.5 miles of hiking trails and a 0.5-mile nature trail), boating (motors allowed), water skiing (jet skis allowed), fishing, nature study, swimming (in an unsupervised swimming area), and bird-watching.

PADDLING TRAILS

A peaceful stretch of the Pecan Bayou, a slowmoving body of water that can be paddled in either direction. The trail length is 3.2-7.2 miles; 3.2-mile loop upriver and back; 4-mile loop downriver to the dam and back. The float time is between one to three hours.

HEART OF TEXAS WILDLIFE TRAIL

Spillway/Dam Overview: From the intersection of SR 279 and FM 2125/Stonecreek Circle in Brownwood, go north on FM 2125 for 6.5 miles to

the stop sign. Turn right at the stop sign (the name changes to Spillway Rd.). Follow this road 0.4 mile to the dam. Park by the historical marker and follow the short, wooded trails to the lake.

Return to Spillway Rd. and drive to the end of the dam. On the right is the parking lot for lake patrol. Park on this hilltop for a cliff-side view of the lake and the spillway.

The short, wooded trails south of the dam are densely vegetated with hackberry, pecan, and some oak. Eastern phoebe, belted kingfisher and whiteeyed vireo occur here. Look for herons and egrets year-round, and in the winter, look for gulls, ducks and terns. The oak-mesquite brush can be productive for birds. Yellow-billed cuckoo, Western and Eastern kingbirds and scissor-tailed flycatcher can also be seen.

FISHING

For anglers, largemouth bass and white bass fishing are rated good to excellent. Summer and early fall are particularly good for white bass. Florida largemouth bass were introduced in 1975. Catfish, crappie, and freshwater drum can also be found in this lake.

Lake Brownwood has many small coves, bays, and creeks with a variety of habitat. The lake is primarily lined by rocky structure and boat docks. The upper end of the Jim Ned and Pecan Bayou arms have standing timber, black willow trees and buttonbush. Water willow and bulrush are scattered throughout the lake, but water willow is most abundant in Sowell Creek.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has placed fish habitat structures in the lake, with funding from the Largemouth Bass Conservation License Plate and support from local governments and fishing clubs. Anglers may use GPS in conjunction with a fish finder to locate these structures.

White bass are most easily caught from early May through October when they school in the main lake area. During this time, they can be caught on the surface. Largemouth bass fishing is best from September through May. Fishing rocks and points with crankbaits, jigs, spinnerbaits, and topwater will produce.

Lake Brownwood State Park features 87 camping sites, while other campgrounds in the lake area include Flat Rock Park and Sandy Beach.

The state park is located at 200 State Highway Park Road 15, 16 miles northwest of Brownwood on TX 279. Directions: Take TX 279 to PR 15, then head east on PR 15 for 6 miles. 

Birds of Lake Brownwood State Park: A Field Checklist

Lodging at Lake Brownwood State Park

Brown County Economy Offers Opportunities

by Mike Blagg

To use a couple of old sayings, the economy of Brown County is The Little Engine That Could. And it definitely hits above its weight class.

During World War II, the U.S. Army built Camp Bowie, a training camp for the 36th Division, just south of Brownwood. After the war, the Camp was turned over to Brownwood. The Brownwood Industrial Foundation was formed to convince businesses to locate in the former Camp Bowie area.

A number of small- to mid-size companies began moving to Brownwood. Then in the early 1960s, the Industrial Foundation caught a huge fish: 3M. Opened in 1965, the 3M Brownwood plant manufactures reflective sheeting, used on license plates (for almost all 50 states), highway signs, highway striping, safety apparel, and other products.

About 10 years later, we caught another big fish: KOHLER Company. The Brownwood KOHLER factory makes high quality toilets, lavatories, sinks, and hot tubs, both residential and commercial.

Two more big plants in the Brownwood industrial park are Superior Essex, which makes telephone cable, and Performance Pipe, which makes commercial plastic pipes. Other businesses here include:

Diamond P Enterprises – Wooden reels for industrial use

DanHil Containers – Cardboard boxes and containers

Wright Asphalt – Highway and road materials

VRC Technologies – Chemical blending

Canidae and Loritscher – Animal and pet foods

Brownwood now has 2,785 manufacturing jobs (which include production workers, management, accounting, human resources, engineering, and more), far more than many cites several times larger than us. Hitting above our weight class.

The Little Engine That Could.

But the Brown County economy is by no means one dimensional.

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is still a major part of our economy. The local AgriLife Extension office estimates total agricultural production in Brown County is $42-47 million annually. The biggest part of that is beef cattle, $17-25 million. Dairy produces about $7 million, and hair sheep about $1-2 million. The leading crop grown is hay at $5-7 million, followed by pecans at about $2.5 million. We have about 875 jobs in Agriculture.

HEALTH CARE

Brownwood’s health care industry is larger than most towns of our size. In fact, according to Texas Workforce Solutions, Health Care and Social Assistance is the

largest employment segment in Brownwood’s economy, providing over 3,000 jobs.

Our health care is led by Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood, a 188-bed hospital, which employs 550 people. Hendrick continually invests in our hospital, keeping it as modern as possible. For example, in 2022, Hendrick purchased a new MRI machine for its Watson Imaging Center. And in October of this year Hendrick will add a new Linear Accelerator in its Walker Cancer Center.

EDUCATION

Brownwood and its neighboring town of Early are home to three institutions of higher learning. Howard Payne University has provided high quality education to Central Texas since 1889. They offer more than 50 majors and degree plans, in liberal arts, business, science, and nursing.

Texas State Technical College offers programs in information technology, computer networks, paramedic, emergency medical technician, and welding.

Ranger College in Early offers degree programs in

Pictured above is the 3M plant in Brownwood. Behind it in the Camp Bowie Industrial Park you can see Hendrick Medical Center, Diamond P Enterprises, Superior Essex, Performance Pipe, and Wright Asphalt. Just out of view to the right are Kohler Co. and DanHil Containers.

cosmetology and nursing (vocational and registered).

Brownwood and Brown County have over 1,500 jobs in education.

TOURISM

This is a local industry that might surprise some, but it is a significant part of the local economy. Lake Brownwood and Brown County draw thousands of visitors from around the state for hunting, fishing, and recreation.

And then there’s sports. The City of Brownwood recently built the Bert V. Massey II Sports Complex, 66 acres of baseball and softball fields, plus a modern swimming pool. Nearby is the new Camp Bowie Soccer Complex. These facilities host many tournaments each year that attract thousands of visitors to our area. In 2022 alone, we hosted 48 sports events which brought over 33,000 visitors to Brownwood, generating 6,876 hotel nights with an economic impact of $2.5 million.

The Depot Complex downtown can host meetings and gatherings of all sorts. And that will soon be complemented by the City’s new event center downtown, currently under construction.

RETAIL

Brown County has a strong retail economy. Sales taxes collected in 2022 by the City of Brownwood and the Brownwood Municipal Development District totaled over $9 million, an increase of 28% in just five years. The City of Early and the Early Municipal Development District collected $3.4 million in sales taxes in the same year, a huge number for a town of its size.

And Early’s foot is on the pedal for even more.

Currently under construction is the Town Center Project. The project will include new shopping, multifamily housing, a lake, a small golf course, an outdoor amphitheater, a dog park, a walking trail, and much more.

New retail businesses and restaurants have cropped up on the highways and all over. Retail now provides over 2,000 jobs.

The most recent success in retail has been in the Brownwood Downtown area. In 2014 the 100-year old Lyric Theatre was refurbished and re-opened, and started the revival downtown. Since then many new shops, restaurants, entertainment and leisure spots have sprung up downtown – at least twelve in 2022 alone!

Helping to move all this along are the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the Brownwood Municipal Development District. Both organizations offer programs to help new and existing businesses.

SUMMARY

As you can see Brown County’s economy is very diverse. In addition to the segments mentioned above, our economy provides hundreds of jobs in Accommodations and Food Services, Public Administration, Construction, Wholesale Trade, and Finance/Insurance. While other towns may depend largely on a single industry, our economy is stable and strong, year in and year out.

Brown County’s economy is larger and stronger than most counties of similar size. Hitting above our weight class. The Little Engine That Could.

Four generations and counting, Brown County Broadcasting has been family owned and operated since 1941 with the same mission to Serve, Entertain and Inform the communities of Brown County & Central Texas.

Brown County Honors and Serves Veterans

By Mike Blagg

Brown County does an exceptionally good job of honoring and serving its veterans. Nowhere is that more evident than in the showpiece of honor – the Central Texas Veterans Memorial. The City’s Camp Bowie Memorial Park is on Burnet Drive, across the street from the Hendrick Medical Center hospital.

This park began as the 36th Division Memorial Park, organized by the Brownwood Jaycees decades ago. It has on display military equipment such as cannons and tanks from the U.S. Army, and also pieces from the armies of Germany, Italy, Russia, and Japan.

The Veterans Memorial was built by the organization known as Central Texas Veterans Memorial, Inc. Its history goes back to 1944 but was dormant for many years. In 2014, Dr. Steve Kelly took over as President, and raised $240,000 to build the Memorial. It sits on the site of the 36th Division Headquarters building in Camp Bowie during World War II. The Memorial features granite monoliths that honor Brown County veterans in all American wars from World War I to the present. Also moved to the Veterans Memorial were the World War I monument from the old high school on Austin Ave. and the World War II monument from Coggin Park. The Veterans Memorial has 17 plaques honoring individual veterans, with more added each year. The memorial also features a Willys Jeep from the Korean War days and a Huey UH-1 helicopter from the Vietnam war.

Adjacent to the Memorial Park is

Brown County’s Veterans Service Office at 1600 Burnet Drive. This office serves as a veteran’s information center for benefits, health care services, etc. It also represents and files claims with the U.S. Veterans Administration for compensation and pensions for veterans and their survivors. Claims filed and recovered in 2021 totaled over $18 million. Also adjacent to the Memorial Park is the Veterans Administration Health Clinic, at 2600 Memorial Park Drive. This clinic has its own staff of health care professionals and in 2021 provided over $17 million of medical services in patient care, nursing home contracts, and home health care contracted services.

Brown County also has American Legion Post 196 which shares the building at 1600 Burnet with the Veterans Service Office. A.L. Post 196 is led by Commander Paul Wade. And just down the road on Crockett Drive is the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3278. Both of these organizations offer help and support to veterans, as well as offer scholarships and make donations to such things as the Walker Cancer Center, Toys for Kids, the Brown County Youth Fair, the Cherry Pie Auction, Boys and Girls State, the Lyric Theatre, American Legion Baseball, etc.

Two-hundred fifty-nine Brown County men died in the two World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf Wars. Currently, nearly 3,000 veterans live in Brown County. Brown County can be proud that these men and women are honored and served so well. 

From left, American Legion Post 196 Commander Paul Wade and Central Texas Veterans Memorial President Harold Stieber.

Drip Hydration Boosts Health with IV Therapy

Drip Hydration Brownwood provides hydration services full of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants to restore your health and wellness.

Chelsey Flippin has been a registered nurse for 16 years. She graduated from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2007) and a Master of Science in Nursing Administration (2011).

“I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, golfing, hanging out by the pool, and operating my Baby+Children boutique in downtown Brownwood.”

IV therapy offers higher absorption of vitamins and minerals directly through the bloodstream, thus making it more effective compared to oral supplements. Benefits include improved cognitive function, increased energy, easier on the GI tract, stress reduction, immune boost, beautiful skin, muscle recovery, hydration, and more.

IV vitamin therapy has been around for decades. All of the ingredients come from FDA-approved compounding pharmacies and our protocols are formulated by our Doctor of Pharmacy. Infusions are provided by a registered nurse using aseptic techniques. Prior to infusion, the RN will review your profile and go over your health history and

a follow-up is completed to evaluate the patient’s outcomes. Prior medical consultation is completed with the medical director. A complete review of your medical history, allergies, and expectations is discussed. Ask any questions you may have. They are also aware of the concerns of pregnancy and how morning sickness can hinder your day. If you are in your first trimester, a note from your obstetrician is required for some infusions.

Children 15 and older are able to receive IV services with parental approval/supervision and a physician consult.

How often can you receive an IV? Depending on your individual goals and expectations, IV services can be done weekly, bimonthly, or monthly.

Drip Hydration IV services include: Energy+, Never Drinking Again, Pure Hydration, Migraine Relief, Skinny Drip, Peak Performance, Immune Boost, Myers Cocktail, Glowing: Youth & Beauty, and Oh Baby Prenatal.

Drip Hydration also does set up for both community and private events. Group discounts are provided. They provide services to Brown County, Coleman County, and surrounding areas. For further information, they encourage customers to download the Hydreight Wellness App.

The business is located at 201 E Adams Suite B in Brownwood. Call 806-543-6180.

Overhead DoorTM

The Overhead Door™ Brand is one of the most recognized and respected brands in the garage door industry. C.G. Johnson, invented the upward-lifting garage door in 1921 and the electric garage door opener in 1926. For over 100 years, the Overhead Door Brand has stood for product quality and expertise, as well as professional service. From commercial and industrial upward-lifting doors and access systems to residential garage doors and openers, we combine quality, dependable products with reliable service to consistently give home and business owners confidence and peace of mind. To learn more about what our company and our distributors have accomplished over this century of greatness you can visit www. overheaddoor100.com.

The Overhead Door Corporation is part of Sanwa Holdings Company. Headquarters are located in Lewisville, Texas. With our nationwide network of more than 450 authorized ribbon distributors, we are a leading provider of garage door systems, and we continue to lead the way with reliable solutions and unmatched professional installation, service and support that keeps customers coming back.

Overhead Door Company of Brownwood, located at 608 Early Blvd in Early, provides expert garage door services for the entire Big Country area in Texas which includes the cities of Abilene, Brownwood, Stephenville and Granbury. They are a leading source for residential garage door and commercial door installation, service and repair.

Hendrick Investing Heavily in Brownwood Hospital

By Mike Blagg

In July 1969, while Neil Armstrong was walking around on the moon, a big event was happening in Brownwood. A brand new hospital was built and opened that month.

In the 50-plus years since, the hospital has grown, evolved, and changed ownership. In 2020, our hospital was acquired by Hendrick Health of Abilene and joined their network of hospitals and clinics.

Now known as Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood, our hospital has grown and modernized under the new ownership and management of Administrator Krista Baty. Visitors to the hospital have noticed the remodel to the entryway and lobby of the hospital. Also remodeled were the Outpatient Physical Therapy Building, the Day Surgery Waiting Room, the MRI Suite, the Sleep Lab, and the Non-Invasive Cardiology Unit.

Hendrick has also spent over $13 million on new medical equipment and information technology. This includes a new MRI system, Intellivue patient monitors, ventilators, neonatal warmers, nuclear medicine camera, Vivid ultrasound, bladder scanner, fetal monitoring software, GI lab software, sleep system software, as well as new laboratory and surgical instruments and new beds and furniture for patient rooms. In October 2023, Hendrick plans to add a new Linear Accelerator in its Walker Cancer Center.

Special services provided by Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood include a Level IV Trauma Center, a Wound and Hyperbaric Center, a Gastroenterology Lab, a Sleep Lab, a Heart Center, a Women’s Center/OB Unit, robotic orthopedic surgery, and a Level II Nursery.

In 2022, Hendrick recruited new doctors to provide medical services in the fields of gastroenterology, radiology, orthopedics, cardiology, and internal medicine. And new doctors are coming this year in the areas of internal medicine, infectious disease, and hospitalist.

The people of Central Texas have responded to these enhancements at the hospital. In 2022, Hendrick Brownwood performed 2,982 surgeries (up 25%), 1,337 GI procedures (up 61%), 1,533 MRI exams (up 21%), and 4,382 radiation therapy procedures (up 18%).

Hendrick Brownwood is also a major employer in our area, with about 550 employees (431 full-time equivalents) in 2022. Brownwood is fortunate to have a larger and more modern hospital than many towns of our size. Hendrick Health is committed to the continued growth and modern development of Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood.

Knit Together Ministries Supports and Serves Children in Need

Shortly after they were certified to foster, Matt and Leslie Krischke started their journey when they received a call to care for a two-week-old girl. Loving their neighbor as themselves, Matt and Leslie bought the necessary provisions to support this little girl whom they would adopt a year later. This experience was a catalyst for both of them as they discovered their calling to support and serve children in need. Stepping out in faith, they have followed that calling by helping foster children, parents, and agencies in Brown County and surrounding counties.

Knit Together was created to build and sustain a community devoted to loving and serving children in foster care. This organization provides tangible provisions, meals, emotional support, and spiritual guidance for the foster care community. Knit Together finds needs that are necessary for both foster children and parents and meets them in a variety of ways.

Knit Together helps children adapt to new placements through care packages with clothes and necessities, plus meals so that parents may focus on acclimating as well, instead of worrying about cooking food.

The organization also hosts monthly meetings to build community and oneness between foster parents. This allows foster parents to be surrounded by kindred spirits together as they take on the role of fostering children. Furthermore, Knit Together supports Brown

County’s social workers by hosting appreciation luncheons and giving away gifts.

Knit Together hosts an annual gala in April to raise funds for their support of the foster community. This is a formal gathering with fine dining and live music. Connect with Knit Together on Facebook @ knittogetherbwd or www.knittogethertexas.com.

Smile Doctors Orthodontics

Reveal your best smile. Visit Smile Doctors Orthodontics in Commerce Square and find out how you or your child can have a confident and affordable smile in as little as six months.

Dr. Charles Hutto and his team offer tailored orthodontic treatment plans for children, teens and adults including traditional braces or Invisalign aligners. Dr. Hutto is the only orthodontist in the Top 1% Diamond Invisalign providers in the Brownwood and Stephenville areas. Smile Doctors offers zero interest and flexible payment plans with discounts available for qualifying patients. They accept most orthodontic insurance plans.

In 2023, Smile Doctors is celebrating their one-year anniversary in their new, state of the art facility. Begin your journey to a confident smile with Smile Doctors Orthodontics by calling 325-646-2515, or www.smiledoctors.com to schedule your complimentary consultation.

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201 West Adams St. Brownwood, TX 76801

325.646.4578

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Gordon Wood and the Brownwood Lions’ Football Legacy

By Derrick Stuckly

The Brownwood Lions are one of the most storied high school football programs in the state of Texas, steered to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s under the tutelage of legendary head coach Gordon Wood.

Wood spent 26 seasons as Brownwood’s head coach, guiding the Lions to seven state championships – 1960, 1965, 1967, 1969, 1970, 1978, 1981 – before he retired at the age of 71. During Wood’s tenure at Brownwood, the Lions also won 15 district championships, 2 co-district championships and gained a record of 257 wins, 52 losses, and 7 ties and won 82% of their games.

When Wood retired, he was the Texas high school leader in coaching victories with an overall record of 396 wins, 91 losses, and 15 ties in 43 seasons – an 80% winning percentage. Over those 502 games, Wood made stops at eight schools and won 11 state championships, nine in football.

Hall of Fame radio broadcaster Dallas Huston, who called Brownwood football games for 57 seasons as the ‘Voice of the Lions’ and writes a weekly column for BrownwoodNews.com, shared the following reflections from when Wood was hired in 1960.

“In 1959, Gordon Wood and Morris Southall were in Victoria, Texas coaching high school football. They desperately, after two years, wanted to get back to West Texas and there was a job opening that really, really appealed to Gordon in particular. That was the head job at San Angelo Central, and he applied. He was pretty well guaranteed by the President of the School Board that it was a done deal. But, the day before the School Board meeting to decide on the head coach, Emory Bellard of Breckenridge applied. Turns out, that head of the School Board was also a good friend of a man by the name of Darrell Royal, who coached at the University of Texas.

Royal, who was very close to Wood, had no idea that Gordon had applied for the Central job. So, when the San Angelo

people called to ask his opinion, they started the list of applicants with Bellard and Royal said, “Give him the job! He’s the one for you.” And that’s exactly what the School Board did. They took Royal’s recommendation and hired Bellard.

Well, in the following days, Royal found out that Wood had applied, and he was devastated. He called Gordon to try to make it up to him. He told him, “Had I known that you had applied, I would have recommended you, but I had no idea. Is there anything I can do to make up for it?” Gordon said, “Well, the only other job that I know of in West Texas that’s open is in Brownwood. Would you mind calling them and recommending me?”

That’s exactly what Royal did, and the rest is history.

If you know Brownwood’s history, you know that Gordon Wood came to town in the second semester of the 1959-60 school year and an amazing football story began – at least for Brownwood. Wood had already won two state championships at Stamford and he immediately won his first at Brownwood in 1960. By the way, not too long after Gordon got here, Royal came and spoke at the Lion football banquet.

Back then, the Lion banquet was always held in the Roof Garden on the 12th floor of the Brownwood Hotel. He came and spoke and when he did, he said, “I just want you to know that I am solely responsible for Gordon Wood coming to Brownwood and bringing you all of this success. I hope you’ll give me credit”.

Gordon, of course, stayed through the 1985 season as head coach, and stayed in Brownwood until he passed in the early 2000s. But his beginning almost never happened here. By the way, ironically enough, Brownwood’s first game under Gordon Wood was against San Angelo Central which was heavily favored. Bellard, of course, was the coach at Central and Gordon’s bunch wore the heavily favored Bobcats out 346.”

Wood’s accomplishments are immortalized in the Gordon Wood Hall of Champions Museum, which showcases memorabilia, playbooks, and videos from his nearly 50-year career. The museum is located on the second floor of the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 600 East Depot.

The Lions currently rank seventh all-time in the state of Texas with 758 victories at the conclusion of the 2022 campaign.

Brownwood has advanced to the state football playoffs 49 times and earned 74 postseason victories to go along with its seven state championships. The 2022 Lions earned a district championship, the first for the program since 2010, and tacked on two more postseason wins in their 14th consecutive playoff appearance.

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Celebrating 150 Years of Innovation

Since 1873, Kohler Co. has been improving the level of gracious living by providing exceptional products and services to our customers’ homes and their lifestyles. We believe better business and a better world go hand-in-hand. Fueled by the passion of more than 35,000 associates worldwide, we strive to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations through design, craftsmanship and innovation.

On Dec. 3, 2022, Kohler Co. began its 150th year. We are proud of that, but it takes many ideas, many innovations, and many creators to delight our customers, specifiers, and consumers for that long. Come join us on a bold journey, 150 years in the making. Come ALL creators. Avid associates. Design mavens. Power players. Nature Lovers. Explore our 150th anniversary website, kohler. com/150, and see what a community of creators can achieve and celebrate how we are making the world a better place.

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Trees Forever Nursery

Trees Forever Nursery is a local flower and plant retailer servicing customers in Brown County and surrounding areas. Owner John Morris has expanded the shop over the past seven years and grown its services and products. Located at 3803 U.S. Highway 377, the storefront boasts of metal art from statues tall and small, and signs of various statements. Past the artwork is the colorful greenhouses with many seasonal plants and flowers handpicked from around the southern U.S.

John Morris is a man with a green thumb, having worked with plants for many years. “I do not baby a lot of my plants. If they're going to be out in your yard in the cold and the wintertime, they're going to be out in the cold here,” said Morris. He does not want customers to receive plants that will be shocked by weather and gamble if the plant makes it or not. “I want the customer to be happy,” Morris says.

Trees Forever Nursery sells a wide variety of flora all the way to trees up to 10-inch caliber and 25 feet tall. Morris travels and handpicks the flowers from around Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and is now working to get plants out of Arizona. He then has

them shipped to the Brownwood location. They will also plant their products for customers. “We’ll come out and plant one plant or we’ll come out and plant 100 plants,” says Morris.

Landscaping and landscape design is another service that Trees Forever Nursery offers. One thing Morris really loves about what he does is working with people, serving them what they are looking for, and “helping them find their own desires in what they want in their yard,” says Morris. Customers can make plans with the staff to design and craft beautiful landscapes for their property. Included in this is tree work, tree removal, and tree trimming.

Additionally, the business sells and services rock work. They sell rocks from Oklahoma, Colorado, and Mexico. On their lot, you can view and purchase boulders, river rock, landscape gravel and road base. Also, they sell and service grass, compost, garden soil, topsoil, mulch, and more. Call 325-646-8234 for more information.

Concord Baptist Church

Concord Baptist Church’s first service took place over 117 years ago. The church has been in its current location since 1912. Though the Concord community no longer has businesses or a school, the church has remained and is the spiritual home for many.

Though the land around the church has changed, the mission of the congregation is the same. “Heart to God, Hand to Man” is the church's mantra. With God in mind, the members of Concord Baptist Church look to tangibly serve their community and those in need of help.

A major goal for the congregation this year is to reach more of their local community members and find more ways to serve.

Pastor Timothy Boykin has been in ministry for over 20 years. He began his ministry work under the mentorship of Pastor Ellis John Villarreal at Milton Avenue Baptist in

1994 in praise and worship with his wife, Rhond,a by his side. He credits Pastor Villarreal as his spiritual mentor and for changing his life by introducing him to Jesus Christ.

When asked what drew him to Concord Baptist Church, he said, “Concord is a place where ordinary people can come to meet an extraordinary God who loves them with an extraordinary love. For a church to have over 117 years of history is a sure sign of God’s faithfulness.”

Sundays at Concord Baptist include Sunday School at 10 a.m. and nursery services are provided for the Sunday Service at 11 a.m. Bible Study is also held on Sunday evening at 4 p.m. and Wednesday afternoons.

Concord Baptist Church is located at 6162 FM 586 South in Bangs.

10 Mile.................................................................33

Accel Health........................................................99

AIT Services........................................................107

Auto Xpress Oil and Lube Center..................103

Baked Artisan Goods........................................57

Bangs ISD............................................................63

Beau's Heating and Air.....................................124

Big Bass Hooker Tackle Shop..........................80

Big Country Blinds............................................88

Blanket ISD..........................................................69

Blaylock Funeral Home.....................................111

Brookesmith ISD................................................66

Brown County Christian School.....................64

Brown County Museum of History................7

Brown County Youth Fair................................87

Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce....58

Brownwood Claybird Club...............................77

Brownwood Country Club...............................15

Brownwood Fitness Center..............................103

Brownwood ISD..................................................61

Brownwood Music.............................................99

Brownwood SCUBA...........................................95

Buck Stop Hunting............................................85

Buckmasters.......................................................85

CASA....................................................................122

Cash Texas Pawn...............................................43

Cen-Tex Body and Paint...................................117

Citizens National Bank.....................................104

City of Brownwood............................................128

Closet Consignment Resale.............................41

Coldwell Banker Mark Campbell....................113

Concord Baptist Church...................................126

Consider It Done................................................84

Corina's Mexican Restaurant..........................36

Dart Furniture....................................................121

Davis Floral.........................................................17

Depot Liquor......................................................27 Drip Hydration...................................................115

Drs. Ethredge and Harding..............................104 Early ISD..............................................................65

Early Trailer Sales..............................................102

Early Visitor's Center........................................1

F&M Bank............................................................120

First Brownwood Methodist............................125

Floats and Florals..............................................18

Fuzzy's Tacos.....................................................56

Gators Fun Factory............................................45

GEMCO Sand and Gravel..................................99

Glamour Shop....................................................59

Golfmart..............................................................88

Grazed and Confused.......................................36

Green Tulip ........................................................105

Greengo Feeders................................................89

Grits and Grace Boutique.................................39 Hamilton's...........................................................39

Hardwick's Nursery...........................................80

Harper House.....................................................56

Hawk Hill Sales..................................................81

Heart of Texas Big Buck Contest....................19

Heartland Funeral Service................................120

Hendrick Medical...............................................Back Cover

Hey June Consignment.....................................41

Hometown Liquor..............................................29

Howard Payne University.................................60

Humphrey Pete's Restaurant..........................29

Jack-a-don's........................................................30

Jerbear Imaging.................................................109

Just Right Mattress...........................................106

Knit Together Brownwood...............................20

Kohler..................................................................Inside Front

KOKE-FM Radio..................................................97

Lehnis Railroad Museum.................................50

Little Dude Ranch..............................................121

Porter Insurance................................................103

Prosperity Bank..................................................109

Quilters Hideout................................................42

Ranger College...................................................64

RB Rogers House...............................................74

Rex's Texas Lanes..............................................48

Robnett Integra..................................................114

Rollo Insurance..................................................99

Sassy Stitches Beauxtique................................37

Schlotsky's..........................................................33

Section Hand Steakhouse................................35

Shaw's Marketplace...........................................56

Shop Luna Maya.................................................42

Skies Over Texas Winery..................................34

Skye Image Photography..................................12

Sliger's Market....................................................91

Smile Doctors.....................................................116

Smith and Sharpe Insurance...........................110

Sonic Drive-In.....................................................35

Starr Sales...........................................................124

Steves' Market and Deli....................................28

Stone's Grove Cocktail Lounge.......................27

Texas 4-H Conference Center.........................91

Texas Farm Bureau Insurance.........................86

Texas Goldstar Real Estate..............................110

Texas Outpatient and Infusion Center.........100

Texas State Technical College.........................68

The Hen House Boutique.................................40

The Stations Short Term Rentals...................75

Thornhill Trucking............................................118

Trees Forever......................................................123

Turtle Restaurant..............................................23

Twisted Axes......................................................58

Underwood's Barbecue.....................................33

Urban Roots .......................................................53

Weakley-Watson Hardware..............................101

Willie's T's...........................................................Inside Back

Xtreme Jump Trampoline Park.......................49

Zephyr ISD..........................................................69

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