Wildflowers in DeWitt 2022 by Fox Press

Wild Spring 2022-2023

YYr Guide to DeWii CYnty Wildfllls

Welcome to DeWitt County “Wildflower Capital of Texas”

The Texas Legislature passed HR 769 on May 4, 1999, designating DeWitt County as the Wildflower Capital of Texas. They also designated April as Wildflower Month in Texas. DeWitt County has an amazing variety of wildflowers transforming our “Lanes & Byways” into a show of spring finery. There are over 800 miles of county and farm to market roads, each unique. They can’t all be driven in a day, so the wildflower people have scouted them out for you. Wildflower maps are available at the Cuero Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Bureau, Yorktown Chamber of Commerce, DeWitt County Historical Museum, Yoakum Chamber of Commerce and many businesses around DeWitt County. There is also a map on pages 18 and 19 of this guide. Visitors from far and wide say they see a wider variety and density of flowers here in DeWitt County than anywhere else. Botanists and photographers come back year after year. One of our favorite guests has been Lady Bird Johnson. She told of enjoying the vast variety and finding wildflowers in the display that she has never seen before. Word of the wealth of wildflowers in DeWitt County has spread. Why does DeWitt County have one of the greatest variety of wildflowers in the State? It is located at the confluence of soil and climatic conditions common to the hill country, coastal central plains, and the South Texas desert regions. Thus, you will find some vegetation native to all these areas in DeWitt County. Come and enjoy the towns and rural communities, historical sites, rolling hills, quaint shops, and South Texas hospitality.

PHOTO BY MICHELE BENNETT 2

Wild About DeWitt County | Spring 2022-2023

Table of Contents Welcome to DeWitt County �� 2

Wild About DeWitt County Spring 2022-2023 Edition

Arneckeville Area Information �� 5

A product of The Cuero Record & Yorktown News-View

Concrete Area Information �� 6

Publisher/Principal Designer

Cuero Area Information �� 8 Hochheim Area Information�� 10

Sonya Timpone

Ad Design

Lindenau Area Information �� 11

Kamry Horton Crystal Zengerle

Meryersville Area Information�� 13

Contributing Photographers

Nordheim Area Information �� 14 Identifying Wildflowers �� 16, 17 DeWitt County Map Routes �� 18, 19 Map Route Details �� 20 Yoakum Area Information�� 21 Yorktown Area Information �� 23 Westhoff Area Information �� 25 Around the County Events - Cuero �� 26, 27 Around the County Events - Yoakum �� 27 Around the County Events - Yorktown�� 28

Cover photo by Mike Cantu

Pam Anderson Dianna Bartosh Michele Bennett Mary Adele Blackwell Mike Cantu Marsha Gibson Deborah Granberry Dee Henneke Ryan Parker

Editorial Content

Cross Promotion Committee: City of Cuero Cuero Chamber of Commerce City of Nordheim Cuero Development Corporation Cuero Main Street Program Yoakum Chamber of Commerce Yorktown Chamber of Commerce Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum Cuero Heritage Museum Pharmacy & Medical Museum of Texas Yoakum Heritage Museum Yorktown Historical Museum COPYRIGHT: Wild About DeWitt County is published by DeWitt County Publishing Company. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without permission of the publisher.

Spring 2022-2023 | Wild About DeWitt County

Wild About DeWitt County | Spring 2022-2023

Arneckeville

This rural German Community, settled in the 1850s, is 8 miles south of Cuero on FM 236. Zion Lutheran Church was founded in 1868. The adjacent cemetery contains several Civil War Markers.

Spring 2022-2023 | Wild About DeWitt County

Concrete

The Upper Cuero Creek Settlement of 1827 developed to be Concrete, DeWitt County’s earliest town site. In 1846, the blocks for a town were surveyed. Once the site of one of the earliest colleges in Texas, the county’s oldest and most populous community declined in 1873 when the railroad was built 10 miles away and the town of Cuero began. See the Historical Marker detailing the history of Concrete College (1865-1889) on US 183 and the Historical Marker honoring Dr W. W. White, a Civil War surgeon, one mile closer to Cuero. Follow the lane by the Historical Marker to Stevens Family Cemetery. PHOTOS BY DEE HENNEKE

Wild About DeWitt County | Spring 2022-2023

Spring 2022-2023 | Wild About DeWitt County

Cuero

It is thought that an Indian campsite, used seasonally for tanning the hides of buffalo and other game, existed somewhere on Cuero Creek and that the early Spaniards translated the Indian word for the site to “Cuero”, a word meaning leather, hide, or skin. The earliest U.S. post office (1846) was named “Cuero” and in 1873 when a railroad was built from Indianola, the town that was built at its terminus was named “Cuero”. In 1876, Cuero was designated as the county seat, which had been located in Clinton. Many of Cuero’s homes and structures are on the National Registry of Historic Places. In 1969, Cuero earned the All American City Award, and in 1987, the Keep Texas Beautiful Award. The Texas Historical Commission selected Cuero a 1985 Main Street City. Visit the DeWitt County Court House, 307 N. Gonzales, the Cuero Heritage Museum, 124 E. Church, the DeWitt County historical Museum, 312 E. Broadway, the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, 302 N. Esplanade, and the Pharmacy and Medical Museum of Texas, 114 E. Main. There are historical markers at four churches: St. Mark’s Lutheran, St. Michael’s Catholic, the First Methodist, and Grace Episcopal. More than 40 Historical Markers are to be found in and around Cuero. 8

PHOTO BY MICHELE BENNETT Wild About DeWitt County | Spring 2022-2023

Spring 2022-2023 | Wild About DeWitt County

Hochheim

Once a thriving community, settled in the 1850s by American and German immigrants, Hochheim today consists of a few homes, a Baptist Church, and a post office. Hochheim Cemetery Historical Marker, located at the cemetery, is the site for interment of immigrant pioneers and descendants dating back to the Civil War. On US 183 towards Gonzales are two Hochheim Historical Markers. The Hoch Home (heim) and Stage Stop, one mile south of Hochheim on US 183, was built by Valentine Hoch of hand-quarried sandstone. The old building still stands and can be seen by following the dirt road (Whitley Road) by the Historical Marker.

PHOTOS BY PAM ANDERSON

Coker Insurance Agency

Where Good Customer Service Matters!

(361) 564-2250 PHOTOBYDIANABARTOSH

119 E. Main St. | Yorktown, Texas 10

Wild About DeWitt County | Spring 2022-2023

Lindenau

German farmers settled in this area by 1891. To reach Lindenau, leave Cuero on FM 953, Cheapside Road. Stay on FM 953, veer left at the “Y” in the road and follow the sign. See the Rifle Club, formed in 1901, now used as a dance hall and St. John’s Lutheran Church.

PHOTO BY RYAN PARKER Spring 2022-2023 | Wild About DeWitt County

Wild About DeWitt County | Spring 2022-2023

Meyersville

Established in 1867 by Isaac Egg, a Swiss immigrant, Egg Store began first as a tin shop. The present building was erected in 1917. The back of the store contains a mini-museum featuring the old wooden telephone switchboard, turn of the century tools and hardware, early shoes and dishes, plus items custom made in the old tin shop. Settled in 1849 by German immigrants, Meyersville is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. Visit the Old Stone Church, first church built of logs in 1850, one of the oldest Lutheran congregations in Texas. Behind the old and new churches is St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. Earliest recorded burials date back to 1854. St. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church was organized in 1859.

PHOTO BY MICHELE BENNETT Spring 2022-2023 | Wild About DeWitt County

Nordheim

Old buildings, many in original state with pressed tin and wooden fronts, line Main Street—actually Broadway Street. The Nordheim Museum, 3rd block up from TX 72, contains artifacts from the local area. Visit the Broadway Bar, where scenes from the movie “Paris, Texas”, were filmed in this early setting. Historical Markers are at the Nordheim Jubilee Park Pavilion and the Nordheim Shooting Club on Broadway, west of Nordheim. The Koontz Home, built in 1901, is located 3 blocks west of Broadway on TX 72. The Nordheim Pilot Knob Cemetery is on the south edge of town.

PHOTO BY MIKE CANTU 14

Wild About DeWitt County | Spring 2022-2023

Pierce Insurance Agency 810 W 5th St Yorktown TX 361-564-2234

We are open M-F 9am-4pm!

Come see our beautiful flowers!

www.davyranchsupply.com Livestock Handling Equipment

DAVY RANCH SUPPLY, LLC 1397 DAVY ROAD • YORKTOWN CALL FOR QUOTE/APPOINTMENT 361-645-4960 OR 361-645-4805 Spring 2022-2023 | Wild About DeWitt County

Identifying Spider Milweed

Goldenmane Coreopsis Ryan Parker

Dianna Bartosh

Blue Curls

Purple Bindweed

Stiff-stem Flax

Deborah Granberry

Dianna Bartosh

Michele Bennett

Wild About DeWitt County | Spring 2022-2023

Bluebell

Michele Bennett

Wildflowers Baby Blue Eyes

Indian Paintbrush

Herbertia lahue

Coneflower

Formosan Thistle

White Indian Paintbrush

Mary Adele Blackwell

Pam Anderson

Mike Cantu

Michele Bennett

Dee Henneke

Deborah Granberry

Spring 2022-2023 | Wild About DeWitt County

DEWITT COUNTY

Wild About DeWitt County | Spring 2022-2023

MAP ROUTES

| Wild Aboutpage. DeWitt County Route deatilsSpring on2022-2023 following

COUNTY MAP ROUTE DETAILS CONCRETE EDGAR ROUTE Exit Cuero via US 77A. After the overpass, veer to the left on US 183N. Continue left on 183N for approximately 9 miles to the Concrete-Edgar Road sign and turn right. At the sharp right turn, continue on paved road. Take the first left and continue to the intersection at US 77A. Turn right to return to Cuero. This route is approximately 20 miles. YORKTOWN ROUTE Concentration of flowers in the western part of the county varies from year to year, so check with the Chamber for current status. This route is approximately 17 miles. The TX 72 river bridge is currently out; please follow our detour signs. STRATTON ROUTE Exit Cuero via FM 1447 and continue until you reach the Primitive Baptist Church. Turn around and return to Cuero. This is a busy road, so drive carefully. This route is approximately 20 miles. DREYER ROUTE Follow FM 766, which will bring you back to US 183. Turn right and drive several miles south to the big intersection and turn left at TX 111. Then after a short drive, turn left again at FM 443 to Dreyer Road. Follow FM 443 to Rathkamp Dreyer Road and turn right. At the Sons of Hermann Cemetery, follow the Rathkamp Dreyer Road to the left. Turn right on FM 996 when you reach the T and follow it to Petersville; then turn left on TX 111 to Yoakum. At the 4-way stop signs, turn right onto US 77A and return to Cuero. This route is approximately 50 miles. It can be shortened by turning right on TX 111 in Petersville; then turn left on US 183S to return to Cuero.

WESTHOFF Exit Cuero Northwest via FM 766. Turn left toward Cheapside on Bellevue Cemetery Road. After passing the cemetery, take the first left exit to Westhoff. At Westhoff, cross US 87 and follow FM 240 going South toward Yorktown. At FM 2542, turn left. At Mustang Mott, turn right onto US 87 and return to Cuero. This drive is approximately 40 miles. For a shortened version, turn left onto US 87 at Westhoff instead of crossing it. LINDENAU ROUTE Exit Cuero via TX 72 West (Old San Antonio Highway/ Heaton). The TX 72 river bridge is out; follow the detour to Old San Antonio Road. The first road after the old underpass is Lindenau Road. Turn right at the dance hall, and then turn right on to FM 953. At the Boldt Road sign, turn left. Take Hartman Road where Boldt Road intersects it. It will take you to Bellevue Cemetery Road, and then turn right. Turn right again at FM 766, it will bring you back to Cuero. There is so much to see in the Lindenau area, such as old town buildings and St. John’s Lutheran Church on Schlinke Road. ARNECKEVILLE/MEYERSVILLE ROUTE If you like old rustic churches, then this is the route for you. Take FM 236 South out of Cuero and after 7 miles, turn right on Zion Cemetery Road to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Take time to go in and see the church and the cemetery. When you get to FM 236, turn right. Watch for the FM 3157 sign to Meyersville, a sharp turn to the right. While in Meyersville, visit the St. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church on FM 237, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on FM 237, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Old Stone Church (audio history) and cemetery, plus, Egg’s Store and Museum. To depart this route, FM 3157 becomes Meyersville Road. Go West to US 183S and turn right. This is the Goliad Highway and you are heading back to Cuero. Go past the TxDOT gravel storage and on the right you will see the Antioch Baptist Church. Services are still held there. After that you will come to the Ratcliff Road sign (FM 2718), turn left. After 5.5 miles, the Rabke Methodist Church will be on the left. This church was established in 1894, and services are held there occasionally.

Wild About DeWitt County | Spring 2022-2023

Yoakum

A Main Street City, Yoakum in 1989 received the Governor’s Achievement Award. Known as the “Leather Capital” of the Southwest, it is located on the DeWitt-Lavaca County line on land granted by Mexico in 1835 to settler John May. Of interest are the Church of Holy Communion, 405 Hugo, and ruins of Brush Creek Church, over 100 years old. It is the oldest structure in the Yoakum Community and was destroyed by fire in 1932. The ruins are near St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Yoakum Heritage Museum, in the old Browning Home, 310 Simpson, has monthly displays.

PHOTO BY MARSHA GIBSON Spring 2022-2023 | Wild About DeWitt County

TheCity of

Yorktown

Welcomes you to Yorktown 102 W. Main • Yorktown • 361-564-2611 • 361-564-2787 (Fax) Yorktown Historical Museum

114 W. Main St. Yorktown, TX NEW HOURS:

Saturday: 1-4 pm Sunday: 1-4 pm or By Appointment

361-550-9136 361-935-5243

flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come..... Solomon 2:12 WORSHIP SERVICE

9:00 AM

SATURDAY SERVICE

5:00 PM

SUNDAY SCHOOL

10:15AM

PASTOR TIM MUEHLBRAD

Wild About DeWitt County | Spring 2022-2023

St. Paul Lutheran Church 234 N. Gohmert St. 361.564.2135 www.stpaulykt.org Pastor: Tim Muehlbrad 9:00 am Sunday Morning Radio Broadcast: 100.1 FM

PHOTO BY MARSHA GIBSON

Yorktown

The oldest existing municipality in DeWitt County was laid out in 1848 on the property of Captain John York. Visit the Yorktown Historical Museum located at 144 W. Main in the old Charles EckhardtStore. It is restored and listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. See the home site of Captain John York 7.7 miles southeast of the city on FM 237, on the right. Drive .3 miles on York Cemetery Road. The cemetery is on the left. Historical Marker has been placed at Eckhardt Ranch House 4 miles west off TX 72. There are three Shooting Clubs and Dance Halls within a 10-mile radius. Nearby Coleto Creek is a pleasant place to walk and see the wildflowers on the wildflower trail that meanders through the park.

Spring 2022-2023 | Wild About DeWitt County

Explore Cuero's Museums and Mural Art

un H ger a prize! n e v Sca Explore and win

Wild About DeWitt County | Spring 2022-2023

Westhoff

Founded in 1906 as Bello (Beautiful View), the town was renamed in 1909 for William Westhoff, merchant and political leader. This is a beautiful area where wildflowers abound.

PHOTO BY DIANA BARTOSH

Spring 2022-2023 | Wild About DeWitt County

Around the County... UPCOMING EVENTS IN DEWITT COUNTY

Cuero, Texas

Each year, nature’s beauty is in bloom down the lanes and by-ways of DeWitt County. Over 1,000 species of wildflowers are indigenous to the county. DeWitt County is known as the Wildflower Capital of Texas because of this fact. Color-coded route maps are available at the Chamber office, 210 E. Main Street, to give you the best views of flowers. Activities during the month include a 5K run/walk and a cycling race through wildflower strewn areas, photography exhibits at the Cuero Heritage Museum, DeWitt County Historical Museum, and at the Cuero Public Library. For more information on events, visit the Events Calendar link online at cuero.org, or contact the Chamber office at 361-275-2112.

WORLD SERIES OF CUERO

CUERO TURKEYFEST

1st Saturday in August

2nd weekend in October

Cuero Main Street

210 E. Main, Downtown Cuero – www.cueromainstreet.com

Experience Cuero’s Historic Downtown District for shopping, dining and exploring our award winning museums! DOWNTOWN FARMER’S MARKET DAYS 4th Saturday, March – October, 9-1:00 PM, under the Market Pavilion

HOMETOWN HARVEST ON MAIN 4th Monday in April, 5:30-8:30 PM, Farm-to-Table meal served on Main Street

JUNE ART MONTH Discover art centered activities in Downtown Cuero during the month of June

HOWL-O-WEEN PET PARADE 4th Saturday in October during the Downtown Farmers’ Market Days, 9-1:00 PM

CHRISTMAS IN DOWNTOWN 2nd weekend in December, two days of Christmas Magic with horse carriages, ice skating, food, shopping and more!

Wild About DeWitt County | Spring 2022-2023

Around the County... UPCOMING EVENTS IN DEWITT COUNTY

Cuero, Texas Christmas in the Park www.cuerochristmasinthepark.org It is never to early to start thinking about planning your visit to Cuero’s Christmas in the Park. Always the Monday before Thanksgiving through January 1st from 6 – 10 p.m. Over 260 lighted displays with free admission.

Yoakum, Texas Happenings in Yoakum

Yoakum Chamber: 105 Huck Street., Yoakum • 361-293-2309 • www.yoakumareachamber.com

FARM AND MARKET DAYS 1st Saturday of every month at Centennial Park, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

HOMETOWN STREET DANCE 3rd Saturday in September on West Grand Avenue.

SIP AND SHOP

3rd Thursday in November with over 20 Arts & Crafts Vendors as well as over 20 retail businesses that participate in this great shopping event that will help you find the unique gifts for everyone on your Christmas list.

CHRISTMAS ON GRAND

1st Saturday in December - includes snow and kids games, visits with Santa and a lighted Christmas parade.

TOM-TOM FESTIVAL

1st weekend in June,Downtown and City Park, Carnival, Parade, BBQ Cookoff, Car Show, Kids Games, Arts & Crafts, Food Vendors and Live Entertainment. Spring 2022-2023 | Wild About DeWitt County

Around the County... UPCOMING EVENTS IN DEWITT COUNTY

Yorktown, Texas Happenings in Yorktown

Yorktown Chamber: 141 S Riedel St., Yorktown • 361-564-2661 www.yorktowntx.com/chamber-of-commerce

April Community Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday of Palm Sunday

May Celebration at Veterans Helicopter Monument - Memorial Day

July

Chamber Baskets, Boxes and Bags Bingo

August

Back to School Drive

October

Yorktown Western Days the 3rd FULL Weekend in October Trunt-or-Treat on October 31

November

Veterans Day program with YISD students, Local Business Punch Card Promotion

December

Christmas with Santa - 1st Thursday of December Majestic Lights

Wild About DeWitt County | Spring 2022-2023

Spring 2022-2023 | Wild About DeWitt County

Unique Gits Yard & Home Decor Inspirational & Quirky Signs Music of the Spheres Wind Chimes Moksha Chimes SunDay Hats Bulk Garden Seeds Newest Varieties of Veggie Plants Flowers • Trees • Shrubs Vines • Pottery • Happy Frog Potting Soils • Fertilizers Soil Conditioner • Mulch Gift Certificates & So Much More! Stop By & Check Us Out!

1236 St. Hwy 72W • Yorktown • 564-2248 • Mon-Sat 9:00 am-6 pm

Wild About DeWitt County | Spring 2022-2023

GERHARDT’S JEWELRY

2550 N. Esplanade 361-277-6527 361-275-0532

Always Sale Prices!

GULF COAST REHABILITATION, P.C.

122 E. Main St. • 361-564-2284 Closed on Monday

Plumbing

Gifts

Painting

Tod Gann, PT, LAT Vanessa Gann, PT Aaron Spears, PTA Christen Corbell, PTA Regina Walker, PTA

Decor

Building

Great prices and friendly, helpful advice for do-it-yourselfers and pros alike. Lumber • Plumbing • Electrical • Fencing • Painting • Hardware • Fishing Tackle & Accessories Feed Store & Supply • Lawn & Garden

643 W. Main • Yorktown • 361-564-2295 • 361-564-4220 (Fax)

Spring 2022-2023 | Wild About DeWitt County

PHOTO BY MARSHA GIBSON

Wild About DeWitt County | Spring 2022-2023

Pregnant? Need Help? Conﬁdential and caring assistance available for the following needs: • emotional • spiritual

• material • educational

Providing immediate and practical help. We have a special concern for you and your unborn child. We await your call.

Gabriel Project

ree Toll F 1-866-627-9243

PHOTO BY MARSHA GIBSON

Your Full-Service Local Pharmacy and so much more!

Kraege Drug Store 113 E. Main • Yorktown • 361-564-2216

Mon. - Fri. 8:30am-5:30pm

Spring 2022-2023 | Wild About DeWitt County

check Come t! us ou 143 & 145 E Main St • Yorktown • 361-491-9693 Sun. & Mon. - Closed Tues.- 10am-3pm Wed.- Fri.-10am-5:30 Sat. 11am-3pm

Wild About DeWitt County | Spring 2022-2023

Spring 2022-2023 | Wild About DeWitt County