WestFW Lifestyle July 2014

West FW

WestFWLifestyle.com

JULY 2014

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Made in West Fort Worth

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Publisher’s Letter

Made in West Fort Worth.

I

want to dedicate this issue to all of the great families that settled here on the west side of Fort Worth. They started businesses here, raised their children here, and made it the greatest place to live.

When I think of the words “Made in West FW” I think of my dad, Johnny Guinn. He came here from Oklahoma as a young man, started a business on the west side and he showed his daughters with hard work and the Lord you can achieve anything. Happy Birthday and Thank You, Daddy!

july 2014 publishers

Christie & Mike Thomas | CThomas@lifestylepubs.com

editors

Christie & Mike Thomas | CThomas@lifestylepubs.com

contributing writers Kristin Peaks, Matt Smith, Mollie Jamison, Douglas Matus, Juliet George, Leigh Kilpatrick, Mario Olmos

contributing photographers Rachel Noble, Kat Swift

Published monthly, subscriptions are: 1 year for $22 or 2 years for $39.

Visit WestFWLifestyle.com

In this issue you will meet some of the West Side’s hardest working neighbors. We hope you enjoy meeting them as much as we did. Have a safe and Happy Fourth of July!

corporate team

See you next month,

chief executive officer | Steven Schowengerdt chief sales officer | Matthew Perry chief financial officer | DeLand Shore national editor | Lisa Cooke Harrison director of marketing | Brad Broockerd

Christie Thomas, Publisher

advertising director | Mike Baugher production director | Christina Sandberg regional art director | Sara Minor ad coordinators | Cyndi Vreeland, Samantha Engel national copy editor | Kendra Mathewson executive assistant | Lori Cunningham application architect | Michael O’Connell it director | Randy Aufderheide

by Community ™

| WestFWLifestyle.com | join us

4 West FW Lifestyle | July 2014

talk to us

P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 West FW Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of West Fort Worth’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in West FW Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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July 2014

Departments

16

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Your Neighbor

14

What’s Cooking?

16

Hops & Vine

20 Now Open

12 Nancy Lamb

Our words paint a portrait of the artist as a Westsider.

16 Firestone & Robertson

The “Best American Craft Whiskey” calls Fort Worth “home.”

18 Made in Fort Worth

22

History 101

24

Animal Tracks

25

Locally Owned

26

Hot Spot

28

Giving Back

29

Sold Properties

30 Lifestyle Calendar 34

Parting Thoughts

Two very different families that love what they bring to West FW.

12

18

20

Lifestyle Publications West FW, TX | OneFourteen, TX | Newport Beach, CA | Paradise Valley, AZ | North Scottsdale, AZ | Chandler, AZ | Boulder, CO | Boulder County, CO Leawood, KS | Johnson County, KS | Lee’s Summit, MO | Northland, MO | BuckHaven, GA | Perimeter North, GA | Fishers, IN | Tulsa, OK

Buying local is a gift to your community!

Please Join FoWo/Fort Worth retail in

Celebrating our 5th Anniversary & Our Commitment to Say Yes! to Local saturday, July 19, 2014 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Hosted by Bud Kennedy Fort Worth Museum of science & history 1600 Gendy st. Fort Worth, tX 76107

� Entertainment Provided by James Hinkle � � Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres � � Complimentary Parking �

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CelebratinG all loCal retailers! rsVp to: rsVp@fortworthretail.org or lisa mcconnell at (817) 732-4440

Good Times

Casa of Tarrant County 2014 Judge Scott Moore Awards Dinner The 2014 Judge Scott Moore awards dinner featuring keynote speaker Ashley Rhodes- Carter and Honoring Dr. Karyn Purvis. Held at the Worthington Hotel.

Advocates of the Year: DD Holmes, 2014, Michael Rowland, 2013, Terry Slife, 2012

Amy Yanez, Lisa Voight, Committee Chair Kara Bell, Lori Davis, Melissa Tapp, Stephanie Brentlinger

Board Member Charlotte Kauffman, Houston Kauffman and Anne Davidovich

 Keynote Speaker Ashley Rhodes-Courter signs copies of Executive Director Rebecca Farrow and Katie her NYT best-selling book, Three Little Words Osborne, one of several Rookies of the Year

Board Member Christina Johnson and TCU Chancellor Victor Boschini

is proud to announce the arrival of their future partner...

Brooks Robert Wear Born May 15, 2014 Weight: 8 lbs, 1 oz.

Cavities: 0 Seeing Patients in 2040 Thank you to all of our patients for supporting us as our family grows!

Dr. Eric Wear and Family 3609 W 7th St., Ft. Worth, tX 76107 ArtDiStrictDentAl.com 8 West FW Lifestyle | July 2014

HAVE A SUMMER Adve nture Park

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Present this coupon at either the Roanoke, Mansfield, or White Settlement Hawaiian Falls ticket window and receive one Big Kahuna ticket good at one of the other two parks for each Big Kahuna ticket purchased at regular price.

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Bringing Families Closer Together

Around Town RAHR & SONS BREWING CO. Rahr & Sons Brewing Company announces two new releases. Summertime Wheat is a seasonal release of a German-style Hefeweizen. This refreshing, lightly hopped ale has unique banana and clove-like characteristics. It is unfiltered so the yeast character comes through with a light but full body. It pairs well with roasted or grilled game or pork, Mexican cuisine, as well as chevre and feta cheeses.

They’ve also recently released a new beer, Pride of Texas Pale Ale, exclusively in cans; Rahr’s Blonde in cans coming soon, just in time for summer!

ROCK STAR DREAMS CAN COME TRUE John Davis of Poo Live Crew fame is giving private piano, voice and guitar lessons. He can also record demos, help put music to your lyrics, or create a recording of you singing your worst karaoke song. Call him now if you are ready to fulfill your musical dreams. John Davis 817.706.6845 or thejohn77@sbcglobal.net

EVER BEEN TO A PARTY ON A BIKE? A hybrid concept of indoor cycling classes has hit Fort Worth. Similar to the popular fitness cult, Soul Cycle - SurgeCycle is a 45-minute, whole-body workout combining fat-torching, upper-body resistance work and calorie blasting cardio (burning up to 800 calories per class) in a festive atmosphere with DJ style lighting and music mixes. Join us for SurgeCycle Complimentary Community Rides, offered the first Saturday of each month at 9:30 a.m. for new riders wanting to know what it’s all about. If a regular spinner wants to attend, their ticket in is to bring a new rider with them. Riders can book their bikes through our website. Abundio’s Studio, located 1 mile north of West 7th, is a boutique fitness facility offering private training and group classes such as barre, rebounding, pilates and cardio kickboxing. Abundio’s Studio 2927 Shamrock Avenue, 817.885.8900. AbundiosStudio.com

ALOHA WHITE SETTLEMENT Hawaiian Falls debuts year round family fun. White Settlement and Fort Worth residents need no longer trek to Arlington for aquatic adventure. The recently opened Hawaiian Falls offers that and much more.

“Our specialty is bringing families closer together to play together,” says David Alvey, Hawaiian Falls spokesman. “Instead of the parents doing one thing while the kids hang out by the pool, we offer plenty for tweens, teens and young adults.”

Billed a year-round entertainment complex, the $13 million, 16acre site opened in early June.

Water activities include a football field sized wave pool, 10,000-square-foot activity pool, 1,000-foot lazy river, splash pads, water walks, slides aplenty and more.

That’s just for starters. The adventure park aspect of the center includes, among other attractions, zip lines, multi-level rope courses and climbing and rappelling walls. The pools remain open from Memorial through Labor days but offer several activities such as kayaking and rubber rafting throughout the year.

10 West FW Lifestyle | July 2014

The Aloha Event Center, available for birthdays and other events, accommodates 400 for dining or up to 1,000 for theater-style events, and offers full-service catering. The center also includes a restaurant and family arcade area.

White Settlement marks Hawaiian Falls’ sixth Texas location, the first opened in 2003 in Garland.

Officials anticipate more than 350,000 visitors per year, and a boost to White Settlement’s economy. The park will employ more than 300 during peak summer months and 100 year round.

“Tens of thousands of new visitors will come to our area every year to enjoy the facilities,” White Settlement Mayor Jerry Burns says. “Our citizens can’t wait to welcome guests from all over North and West Texas to White Settlement.” Company CEO David Busch agrees.

“Our mission has always been to bring families closer together by providing a clean, safe, fun place for them to play together,” Busch says. “Now we’re enhancing the experience by providing a more challenging environment where the family can climb, jump and play together. Don’t tell the kids they’re exercising and they’ll think they’re just having fun.”

The project represents a partnership between Hawaiian Falls and the city whereby Hawaiian Falls built upon city park land and entered a long-term lease. Hawaiian Falls also plans to open a Pflugerville location this year.

Season passes — $74.99 each or $69.99 when buying four or more — are available and limited to 12,500 for the first year of operation in White Settlement.

Hawaiian Falls is at Clifford Street and Las Vegas Trail near Veterans Park. HFalls.com

HUTSON STUDIO Hutson Studio opens this month at 1208 Magnolia, Ste. 102.

Hours of operation 11-2 p.m. on Saturdays. Products for sale include: art prints, fine photography, stationary and greeting cards. The graphic artwork will be by talented Creative Director Justin Burks, as well as several illustrators across the nation. Photographic artwork featured by Brian Hutson, a well-known, nationally-published, Fort Worth-based photographer.

He has a large collection of iconic Fort Worth images, including many from Camp Bowie. On select Saturdays, Honey Pies Bakery will also be selling gourmet pies, which are also made in Fort Worth. For a small sampling of Hutson Studio works, visit Etsy.com/shop/HutsonStudio.

For more info on Hutson Studio, visit: Facebook.com/hutsonstudio.

FORT WORTH RETAILERS SAY YES TO LOCAL Over the past five years, a group of Fort Worth women have been working hard to create a network of like-minded business owners who actively promote the purchase and sale of local goods.

Fort Worth For Women (FOWO) will celebrate their 5th anniversary from 7-10 p.m. on July 19 at the Fort Worth Science and History Museum. Bring your dancing shoes; there will be live music by Fort Worth’s own James Hinkle.

The group will celebrate their successes as well as officially announce the changing of their name to Fort Worth Retail.

“When FOWO started, the focus was on women entrepreneurs,” says FOWO member and business owner Judy Shelton. “Our bylaws stated that the organization would be made up of at least 51 percent woman-owned businesses. As our organization grew, we realized that by opening up our membership to include more service professionals, educators and retail business owners that we could better influence our community with our educational programs.”

In the past, FOWO has hosted numerous retail education programs with professionals like FOWO members Heather Hurd of Frost Bank and Dr. Sally Fortenberry of TCU. Programs cover topics such as social media, alternative financing, retail managing and health care for the self-employed. FOWO also has a new type of educational event called speed learning. The round-table concept gives attendees 10 minutes to talk with city experts.

“Our education events have been extremely valuable,” says FOWO member and business owner Kalen Ruiz. “Our board members have such amazing contacts with people from all types of support industries; media, real estate, finance and accounting. So many people who start a business are overwhelmed by everything. It’s nice to be able to learn the tricks of the trade from experts and to not feel like you are asking dumb questions.”

But FOWO’s influence doesn’t stop there.

“The next step is reaching out to the retail community as a whole in Fort Worth and inviting those folks to know more about Fort Worth Retail and what the goals and mission of the organization are so that they can participate,” says Hurd, who goes from business to business inviting potential new members to events.

FOWO has also successfully hosted events to benefit their philanthropy, the YWCA. Their last event was a fashion show with the TCU Merchandising Program. Several members donated articles of clothing and jewelry for the models to wear.

Ruiz says the future of FOWO means showing the community why it is important to shop locally.

“I am so excited about the growth potential for Fort Worth Retail and to see how we can make an impact on all the small businesses out there,” she says. “Everyone is so busy and time is so short, that shopping becomes a chore. Most people either do it online or go to a superstore where they can get everything they need in one stop.

Our goal is to change that habit. Fort Worth has such amazing retail businesses and we want the whole town to know who and where they are.” “Like” FOWO on Facebook to learn more about their monthly social events.

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July 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 11

Your Neighbor

Nancy Lamb Portrait of the artist as a Westsider Article Matt Smith | Photography Provided

F

ort Worth artist Nancy Lamb jokes she doesn’t really have a name for them--her high angle, downward focused close-in paintings of stylishly attired attendees of elegant soirees.

“I like your name: The Helicopter Shot,” Lamb says to me after I offer one. “I’ve just heard people call them the ‘overhead shots,’ or the ‘Nancy Lamb.’”

The paintings represent but one of Lamb’s trademarks, the iconic jackalope keeping watch over Camp Bowie Boulevard being another.

Lamb credits her late husband, Robert Powell, for inspiring the “helicopter” paintings.

“We were out on the dance floor and he, like everyone does, holds his arm way out and takes a picture,” Lamb says.

“This was a film camera, back before digital and cell phones, like an early selfie. I like the idea of examining, looking down deep into something. Not in a condescending way, but like studying, like I’m looking into a microscope.”

Flemish Renaissance painter Pieter Brueghel, Alfred Hitchcock and film noir also influenced the perspectives of her paintings, Lamb says.

12 West FW Lifestyle | July 2014

“I grew up in the 1950s and 60s and watched those old 30s and 40s movies with my mom, where everyone was so elegant,” Lamb says. “You can still go to those elegant parties, but they’re few and far between. People think I’m a real party person, but what I really like is the energy of it, the palpable happiness in the room.

I don’t actually stay that long or get too involved. It’s a lot of work to take the pictures.”

Lamb’s repertoire is hardly limited to painting, or jackalopes.

“I’ve done ceramics, drawing, lots of different mediums,” Lamb says. “Don’t want to be pigeonholed.”

Longtime friend and Artspace 111 Co-founder Dan Blagg agrees, calling Lamb a muti-faceted artist. Although he also quipped that the “helicopter” painting’s radical croppings and angles makes for fascinating art.

“Nancy’s fabulous,” Blagg says. “Seems to know everybody and so gregarious with a really good heart. I think of her as the Andy Warhol of Fort Worth.”

Interest in art brewed early for the Arlington Heights High School grad.

“My parents were always supportive, but I always say it was because I was trying to get attention,” Lamb jokes. “I come from a family of musicians, three brothers and a sister, but I painted and drew instead. I used to play guitar but it never came easy so I gave it up. I just wanted to pick it up and play, that’s how art was for me.”

Lamb, in fourth grade, won a scholarship to study art at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. She began teaching at 14 and remained there 34 years.

Despite that, Lamb favors the self-taught approach.

“It’s hard to teach art,” Lamb says. “Oh you can teach the tricks, shading and how to mix paint. But it’s better to learn your own style.

That’s what’s remembered. If you’re in a painting class, you learn to paint like the teacher and don’t develop your own style.”

Nevertheless, Lamb says the museum became her home away from home.

Lamb also worked at Artspace 111 and has exhibited there and other places.

The ever-upbeat Lamb turns somber when broaching the subject of Powell, who died May 3, 2013.

“We were married 12 years, knew each other 15 years,” Lamb says. “I owe tons to him. I didn’t get married until I was 45 and didn’t think I ever would. I don’t recommend losing a spouse, but I’m hanging in there.”

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What’s Cooking?

DFGrub Article Kristi Wilson-Marks | photography provided

M

oncrief. What do you think of when you hear the name? I’ll bet you said oil right? Ah yes, as oil is the foundation of this family’s deep roots, I know quite a few of them that have some extracurricular passions. Please allow me to share a personal side of this established Fort Worth family.

Along with many of you that have lived in the West Side their whole lives, I attended the Montessori School on Clayton Road in Ridglea Hills circa 1981, and that is where I met my lifelong best friend Mindy Moncrief. We have been inseparable our entire lives including all of our shared years at Trinity Valley, our days at Texas Tech, and even roommates when we returned home to “the Fort”. My memories run deep with this gal, and as you can probably relate, with your best friend comes their family.

Jason Moncrief was, from what I remember, pretty quiet and avoided us like the plague because he was far cooler than Mindy and me. I remember always cracking his bedroom door because of my curiosity about what music he was listening to or what cute friend he had over that I could possibly bat my eyelashes at. It usually ended up with a “get out,” or my nose almost getting smashed with the door by my untimely intrusion.

Now our conversation starts over a glass of wine and some delicate salty, back-of-your-tongue zingy plated anchovies, drizzled in olive oil and fresh parsley. His story now unfolds. Jason was born on Brants Lane to the late Richard Barto Moncrief, and great grandson to oil tycoon, W.A. Moncrief, the founding father of the family’s success. He attended Trinity Valley School until sixth grade, and graduated Western Hills High School in 1995. Jason was accepted in 2007 to the most prestigious culinary school in the United States, Le Cordon Bleu in New York City. I learned 14 West FW Lifestyle | July 2014

his favorite dish to prepare is a traditional filet mignon, Béarnaise, pommes frites and arugula salad.

As I’m listening, I’m salivating watching him shuck monster Gulf oysters as he dodges the two dachshunds and chocolate Labrador fixated at his feet waiting for anything to drop to the floor.

He spoons this vinegary finely chopped shallot filled mignonette sauce on each plump meaty oyster and the plow down begins. I asked him what his favorite tool is to work with as a chef and without hesitation, his limited edition Kyocera ceramic knife.

Dinner is now served. Katie, Jason’s vivacious wife, carefully takes off her apron as I’m capturing a photo. I mention, “You can leave the apron on, it’s very June Cleaver,” and she replies, “No way, I have to look cute for this!” She assists in the delivery of each plated braised beef shank, chunky southern grits and sautéed sweet and salty carrots. Oh my stars and stripes, the shank falls off the bone and the grits are the best I’ve ever tasted. Thick and textured leaving you wanting more. His secret? How about some cream cheese, sharp cheddar, butter, fried shallots and depending on what mood he’s in, throw in some jalapenos. The rub on the shank: a ground light coffee kosher salt and pepper.

I am so spoiled in the fact that I know so many great people that share my love of food whether it’s creating it or devouring it.

I hope to fuel your fire in food as well if you are discovering it now.

Follow our hash tags #DFGrub #westfwlifestylemagazine and feel free to share your personal foodie creations and finds. Who knows. You may be my next article. Cheers!

Inquiries regarding recipes from Jason Moncrief may be sent via email to RichardJMoncrief@yahoo.com

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Hops & Vine

Texas-Born Bourbon The “Best American Craft Whiskey” calls Fort Worth “home” Article Douglas Matus | Photography Kat Swift A Dream Distilled

L

ocally-produced libations have become immensely popular among discerning drinkers, and many craft brewers and distillers have set new standards of quality for their products. The Fort Worth-area can boast a rich selection of craft beer brewers, including Martin House, Rahr & Sons and Revolver.

Until recently, however, Fort Worth had no distiller to call its own. Enter Leonard Firestone and Troy Robertson, who five years ago began the conversion of a pre-Prohibition Southside warehouse into one of the premier distillery facilities in the state of Texas. Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co. began to offer Texas its signature blended whiskey, back in June 2012. Soon the distillery will offer another premier product, a craft bourbon, hundreds of barrels of which currently sit stacked in the warehouse, aging to perfection.

16 West FW Lifestyle | July 2014

Firestone and Robertson began their project with a shared passion for whiskey and recognition of an entrepreneurial opportunity. Inspired by the success of Austin-based Tito’s Vodka, and the craftsmanship of Maker’s Mark in Kentucky, the pair set out to create a homegrown Texas bourbon.

“We both appreciated the romance of making whiskey,” says Firestone. “As business people, we studied the market and saw an opportunity. Texas is the second largest population of whiskey consumers in the country.” Both Firestone and Robertson had great confidence in the possibility of success. The pair started their business in a space larger than most established craft distilleries, and they have quadrupled their number of employees in just two years.

“Belief in success made us start big,” continues Firestone. “We’ve been blessed with demand.” Today, every aspect of Firestone & Robertson’s production occurs on

site, from the work of fermenting, distilling and aging the bourbon, to production of the blend, bottling and shipping.

The Taste of Texas

In order to create a true Texas product, Firestone & Robertson settled on handson, artisanal approach. Every aspect of their production, from the provenance of the wheat and barley to the design of the bottle, reflects care and thoughtfulness. For their bourbon, they use Texas corn grown in the Panhandle, and red wheat from North Texas. They have no temperature control for their barrel storage, as the Texas climate contributes to the character of their bourbon. Firestone explains this process.

“The wood lives and breathes,” he says.

“Hot weather makes it expand and draw whiskey into the wood. In cold weather, it contracts and pushes the whiskey out. Texas’ long summers and chaotic winters cause the barrels to work the whiskey in and out, and we let Mother Nature do her work.”

Firestone & Robertson even went so far as to develop their own proprietary yeast. Distillers like Jim Beam and Jack Daniels have passed down their yeasts for generations, but most smaller distilleries simply buy a yeast from a lab. Firestone & Robertson challenged a chemist to isolate a yeast native to North Texas. From over 150 samples, they settled on one harvested from a pecan found in Glen Rose.

This yeast renders a rich, nutty influence on the bouquet of the finished product, a hallmark distinction for their craft bourbon.

Attention to Detail

The care and attention to detail extends beyond even the distillation process. Demolition work in the warehouse revealed exquisite brick and 1920s decorative elements, which Firestone & Robertson utilized in their redesign. Reclaimed wood and metal was repurposed for furniture and shelving. A focus on sustainability informs more aspects of the business. Spent grain from the distillation process becomes a high-protein cow-feed additive, which Firestone & Robertson supply to a local rancher. Federal regulations require brand-new, charred oak barrels for the production of bourbon, so old barrels get shipped off to other liquor manufacturers, or craft brewers. Nothing goes to waste at Firestone & Robertson, least of all an opportunity to celebrate Fort Worth’s culture. Leather from

Fort Worth boot makers decorates the bottle tops, each of which is handmade and unique. A canvas neck-wrap protects against drips, and is reminiscent of the covered chuck wagons used in cattle drives. The silver band at the bottom of the bottle is meant to recall images of spurs and belt buckles, and a careful observer will recognize the band’s decorations as boot-stitching.

Award-Winning Whiskey

Of course, all these little touches would mean nothing if not for the whiskey’s stellar flavor. Texas Blended Whiskey seduces with a vanilla bean and oak nose, a long finish, and lingering notes of honey butter and coffee. The whiskey has inspired universal admiration, and at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition it earned a Double Gold and distinction as the Best American Craft Whiskey. Those who want to see what the fuss is about can pick up a bottle at liquor stores located throughout Texas and Louisiana, or visit the distillery, found at 801 W. Vickery, for a Saturday tour. If the tour fills up, do not fret. Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co. plans to be around for awhile.

“We aspire to become a true asset to Fort Worth. This is home to us,” says Firestone.

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Made in West Fort Worth Two very different family businesses with one thing in common: Their love of what they do.

Article Douglas Matus | Photography Kat Swift & Rachel Noble

Building, the Family Business.

Stacks of drawings, from sketched floor plans to colorful renderings of home exteriors, have swallowed the desk of Michael Barnes.

This West Fort Worth architect, whose family-operated firm, Barnes Architects, has served clients since 1977, originally hoped for a career as an artist. It’s clear that he has become just that, as technical wizardry and artistry characterize each of the drawings stacked haphazardly on every available surface in his office.

Nowadays, it is somewhat uncommon for architects to work with hand-drawn concept designs. Michael considers it the most enjoyable part of his work. Clients appreciate the vivid, visual representations, and Michael plans to continue this practice even as he hands over more of the daily business to his twin sons, Austin and Cody Barnes. The three of them, along with Michael’s wife, Cindy, collectively run one of the oldest sole-ownership architecture firms in the Metroplex.

18 West FW Lifestyle | July 2014

Austin characterizes the communal work environment as “organized chaos.”

“Dad wanted to create an environment that fostered creativity,” says Austin, “No suit and ties.” The approach has paid clear dividends, as Barnes Architects has received 10 awards for Design Excellence from groups like the American Institute of Architects Dallas, the AIA Fort Worth, and the Texas Society of Architects.

For himself, Michael credits a lot of his success to the support of the Fort Worth community.

“People who grew up here have values here,” he says. “Fort Worth has everything you want in a city.” The Barnes family have certainly left their mark, as the distinctive style of Barnes Architects appears around Fort Worth and in surrounding communities. Michael has developed a timeless, personal aesthetic based around classic elements of Texas, Southwestern and California architecture. In addition to this, Michael’s mentor studied with Frank Lloyd Wright, and this pedigree has brought with it a flair for originality. Traditional Spanish Colonial elements, updated with clean lines and plenty of glass, combine with a touch of Texas Hill Country in the overhangs and outdoor elements. For both his residential and commercial properties, Michael strives to unify the indoors and out, and turns patios and yards into extensions of the livable space.

“I try to take advantage of the outdoors, and design the house around the shape of the yard,” says Michael. Technological advances, such as electric screens, have helped this vision become a reality, as have the computer skills of Cody and Austin.

Interestingly, neither Michael nor his sons entertained childhood fantasies of careers in architecture. Michael, whose own father was an engineer, manifested an early talent for art, and even nurtured dreams of becoming a professional musician. A visit to a career fair at Texas A&M opened his eyes to the possibilities of architecture, a field where he could satisfy his artistic ambitions.

After getting his start in Dallas, Michael relocated to Fort Worth and opened his own firm upon the birth of his sons. For their part, Austin and Cody grew up around the business, and from early ages helped out at job sites. While professing no artistic inclination, the twins find themselves inspired through the construction itself. As Cody says, “To see something go from nothing to something, that’s the motivation for me.”

For a prime example of the ingenuity that Barnes Architects invests in every project, consider one of their newest creations, the Sparkles Carwash at 113 Thornhill Drive. Michael Barnes wanted to

reinvent the automated carwash, and do away with the familiar tunnel-like design. The wash tunnel at Sparkles is constructed entirely of glass, which grants a uniquely non-claustrophobic experience and aesthetic appeal. Michael and his sons also incorporated design elements from American automobiles, including a tower reminiscent of classic taillights shining red at night. The notion of a carwash as an architectural jewel perfectly reflects the sense of adventure and creative verve that Barnes Architects brings to every project.

“I’ve been in this business for 37 years, and you never know what’s coming through that door,” says Michael. “From outhouses to penthouses, we’ve built it all.”

Empowerment for the Hearing-Impaired The hearing-impaired of Fort Worth are lucky to share their community a leading developer of advanced products for the deaf. Barbara Ander, along with her husband, Sidney, founded Compu-TTY to distribute a broad array of inventive and revolutionary products. Originally from New York, Barbara moved to Fort Worth and started her business out of her home in 1982.

In the years since, the business has evolved into one of the nation’s premier manufacturers of devices for the hearing impaired, and serves both individual customers and massive corporations.

Along the way, Barbara has received a plethora of honors for her entrepreneurial achievements. Business Journal honored her as one of the Top 100 Women Business Owners, and recognized her company as a Top 50 Manufacturing Business. In 2000, special honors came from Governor George W. Bush, who bestowed Barbara with the Small Employer Award.

Barbara is all too familiar with the travails of the hearing-impaired. Profoundly deaf herself, she recognized a dearth of services and resources in the Fort Worth area upon her arrival. She began to work with deaf children, and started a non-profit to teach typing and communication skills.

“I saw kids with very limited abilities and wanted to do something to help. It built up from there,” states Ander. She initially founded Compu-TTY to distribute text telephones and other devices. The Anders later purchased Krown Manufacturing, one of the two major producers of hearing impaired products, and now both manufacture and sell a wide variety of items via the company website and catalogue.

Barbara has benefited from a keen sense of personal ingenuity in the development of new products. She describes it as a recognition of problems or difficulties, and how they can be solved. For example, as a deaf mother, she struggled with her inability to hear her children cry in the night. To address this problem, she developed the KA300 Wireless Alarm Monitoring System. This system allows hearing-impaired individuals to attach a transmitter to any kind of audible device, such as a smoke alarm or baby monitor. When the transmitter detects a sound, it signals to both a bed shaker receiver and LED flashers. A complementary device, the KA1000 Dual Alarm Clock, also has LEDs and a bed shaker, and comes equipped with a buzzer that can sound at up to 95dB. The KA1000 Dual Alarm Clock exemplifies a little known effect of hearing-impaired products that Barbara takes pride in.

“Things made for the hearing-impaired become universal,” says Debbie Anders, who, along with her sister, Alexis, now works with her mother. Closed captioning, for example, though developed for the hearing-impaired, now enjoys universal applicability in noisy environments like sports bars. The KA1000 has become popular among college students, for whom traditional alarm clocks often do not suffice.

The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 opened up new worlds for the Anders’ business. Krown Manufacturing and Compu-TTY filled a need among corporations for guidance to meet the new legislative standards. In addition to this, the ADA provided a greater general awareness toward the hearing-impaired and those otherwise disabled. In Fort Worth, the Anders work with local agencies, and also supply hearing-impaired individuals who qualify for free devices through Texas’ STAP program.

Overall, it’s important to Barbara that the hearing-impaired understand the variety of resources now available to them.

“When some people lose their hearing, they begin to isolate,” says Barbara. “It’s important for people to realize that there are a lot of services and products to help you.”

Debbie characterizes her mother’s efforts on behalf of the hearing-impaired in striking terms.

“The way she sees the world, there are no barriers. If a barrier exists, she will break it. She dreams up these products and makes them a reality. She does not take ‘no’ for an answer.”

July 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 19

Now Open

Maven Article Mollie Jamison | Photography Rachel Noble

I

magine a locally owned boutique where you’re greeted by first name and a glass of wine. That’s Maven. And the 26-year old smiling face behind the counter is owner Kellye Raughton.

Located on Camp Bowie, the stand-alone building was previously named Chiffoniers. In 2012, after working inside for a year as a clothing vendor, Kellye saw an opportunity and took it.

“The old owner wanted out and I wanted to own a store,” she says. “I love being on the bricks.”

Before she worked at Chiffoniers, Kellye spent four years working for the West Texas oil and gas company that her husband, father and father-in-law own. But she always knew she wanted something to call her own.

“In high school I had always worked in retail,” she says. “I went to college for a little bit and left because it just wasn’t the right fit for me. I always wanted to do retail. If you have a passion for something, everything else will fall into place.”

She considers herself a creative person, rather than a bookworm.

She says she finds inspiration from all types of pictures and patterns.

“I am a Pinterest nut and I love design magazines,” she says.

“But a lot of things come from my head.” Kind of like the pink and gold elephant she recently put up on the wall in her store.

For things she can’t come up with on her own, she outsources.

The store features many local artists. She also finds artists on Etsy, a website dedicated to handmade arts and crafts, and asks to showcase their work in her store. The most recent being feather prints from a well-known Etsy shop named Snoogs and Wilde. Kellye says

20 West FW Lifestyle | July 2014

people go crazy trying to get their hands on them. She says her biggest challenge has been fulfilling what the community needs.

“You get all walks of life through the door,” she says. “I want to make sure that when somebody leaves, whether they spent $10 or $2,000, that they feel happy.”

She says typical shoppers range anywhere from young teens to 80-year-old women from out of state.

“To me, age is just a number,” says Kellye. “It’s about how you feel. I think that’s really important in how you dress and what you wear. Our goal is to make everyone feel good about themselves.”

One of Kellye’s more immediate goals is to expand the design and décor side of the store.

“A lot of people don’t know that we offer as much as we do,” she says. “We’ll come to their house and help them set up by picking bedding, furniture and pillows. It’s like a local anthropology. You can get something for your home and for yourself all in one shop.” Kellye encourages other professional women to peruse their dreams.

“Stick to it even when it’s not easy because it’s well worth the reward” she says.

When she’s not in the store, you’ll likely find Kellye in the kitchen. The self -proclaimed foodie loves hosting dinner parties. If you’re lucky you’ll get to try her famous green “Raughton Sauce.” But don’t be fooled, this young entrepreneur doesn’t have a rotten bone in her body.

Be on the lookout for the launch of Maven’s new website.

7200 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76116

817.377.0910 | the-mercantile.com

July 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 21

History 101

Documenting Fort Worth Article Matt Smith | Photography Provided

F

ort Worth native Mark Nobles, who turned a documentary camera on his love of local history and music, jokes that he just wasn’t made for these times and has been trying to catch up ever since.

“I always felt I was born a decade too late,” says the 54-year-old.

“In high school disco was still surrounding us and guys in bands were still playing Led Zep.” Noble’s love of music grabbed hold early and most of it predated him.

“Remember listening to my mom’s country and Elvis Sun stuff when I was a kid,” Nobles says. “In junior high I really liked Chuck Berry and rockabilly stuff. Then I found the Beatles and it was over.”

Nobles remembers Fort Worth in the ‘70s as a club scene of local bands grinding out mostly covers and few if any live music venues targeted to teens.

“Corporations had taken radio over by then so there was no local band play anymore,” Nobles says. “Back in the ‘60s, you’d have Fort Worth band Larry & the Blue Notes sitting number three on the charts between the Beatles and Kinks.”

Nobles knew nothing about Fort Worth’s local garage band and teen scene, bands who sprang up in the wake of the Beatles’ 1964 Ed Sullivan appearance, until the release of Norton Records’ three-volume “Fort Worth Teen Scene” CDs in 2004, which capture Fort Worth garage greatness straight outta Paschal, Arlington Heights and other Cowtown locales circa ‘64 to ‘67.

A panel discussion with several former members of the fea22 West FW Lifestyle | July 2014

tured bands held at the old Border’s Bookstore on Hulen Street piqued Nobles’ interest.

“I knew there were great pics and stories here and it hit me this could be a documentary,” Nobles says. “I bought the CDs, but hadn’t heard any of the music yet. When I played them my jaw just dropped on the floor.”

Nobles previously wrote and researched 52 episodes of “Texas Music Minutes,” which played on local radio stations in the ‘90s, but had little film experience.

Nobles turned to Melissa Kirkendall to direct. Kirkendall formerly owned Mad Hatters and loomed large in Fort Worth’s live music scene, but said she too was unaware of Fort Worth’s ‘60s scene.

“It was kind of, let’s make a movie,” Kirkendall said. “It was scary, but cool and exciting, big learning process.”

Both spent six years traveling Texas, New York and other locales interviewing more than 100 people in stops and starts running out of money and, at one point, losing six months of editing.

“We couldn’t quit because we felt we’d let the people involved down,” Nobles says. “And so many wanted to see this story told.”

The result, “Teen A Go Go,” captures the essence of Fort Worth’s musical vibe - isolated enough that the rest of the world paid little attention - and the Thelite, Barrons and other local bands who received local airplay, had their own fan clubs and oft times opened during Fort Worth stops by the Animals, Yardbirds and others.

Nobles’ attention next turned to another Fort Worth landmark around before he was old enough to enjoy it, the legendary Cellar

Club where secret service agents allegedly cavorted the night before JFK traveled to Dallas.

Problem was, director/producer Giles McCrary was already working on a similar project titled “You Must Be Weird Or You Wouldn’t Be Here.” McCrary invited Nobles to work on the film, mainly post production, which premiered Nov. 22 at the Ridglea Theater.

Nobles then tackled a short film on the history of the Fort Worth Police Department, “Tales of Panther City Vol. 1.”

“The FWPD Historical Association has all these old newspaper articles, letters, city ordinances,” Nobles says. “The film covers the history of the department up to 1900. Stories of a house floating down the Trinity while one cop’s trying to lasso it and the other’s swimming out to pull a woman to safety. I’m hoping to do more volumes of those.”

The idea for “Cold War Peacekeeper,” the story of the B-36, originated courtesy of Nobles’ friend Tom Kellum, former head archivist at for the Fort Worth Public Library and now at Tarrant County College.

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The doc, which Nobles hopes to complete next year, chronicles the history of the biggest bomber ever made. A plane built at then Convair, now Lockheed Martin, capable of remaining airborne for days and holding up to six jet fighters.

Additional projects remain in various stages of planning.

“I’ve loved history since I was a kid,” Nobles says. “Maybe because I grew up in a military family and we moved around, but it was always important to my mom that I knew I was from Texas. Plus I love Fort Worth and just find it freaking interesting.”

Nobles said he plans to write a historical fiction novel, and later maybe a movie, mixing real life and fictional characters and articles pulled from old Fort Worth newspapers.

“The high and low class of Fort Worth told through newspaper articles,” Nobles says. “Think of Fort Worth back then. Triple compounded with the cattle drives and meat packing plants, dawn of the petroleum age, death of the Wild, Wild West. The old way of life dying and all this new coming from every direction.”

Sounds like Nobles has his next story to tell.

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July 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 23

Animal Tracks

WILD BIRD NEWS:

Drunk Birds & FUI Fatalities Article Mario Olmos, Ornithologist Avian Advisors, Fort Worth

R

ecently I noticed an increase of bird activity in my backyard.

Cedar Waxwings and Robins have been eating some of the berries from my trees. I did not think the behavior was unusual since birds are migrating and berries are a good source of energy at this time. Cedar Waxwings were eating only the ripe berries and their visits were normally during early morning hours, so apparently not all berries were mature at that time.

One day in the midafternoon, my backyard was invaded by large flocks of birds. At least 500 Cedar Waxwings were flying all over my backyard, and eating the berries in a frenzy behavior.

This feeding behavior continued for at least four hours, and by the end of the afternoon, I noticed that some birds were flying against the walls, windows and bushes. I started to worry about the number of fatalities due to impacts against the walls, as well as the number of birds on the ground acting like they were sick.

That’s when I realized that I was witnessing “Drunk Birds” flying under the influence (“FUI”). This is an incredible behavioral event caused by the adaptation of fruiteating in some birds. Cedar Waxwings’ diet average over 80 percent fruits, but overindulging in overripe berries can cause temporary intoxication. Cedar Waxwings have large livers, about 5 percnet of their body mass, this adaptation helps them to break down toxic ethanol and prevent serious damage. The lack of crop and frenzy feeding behavior (maybe doe to migration), makes Cedar Waxwings stow large amounts of berries in the esophagus, causing fermentation. These 24 West FW Lifestyle | July 2014

birds livers could not keep up with the alcohol produced in their esophagus, as high as 1000 parts per million. By the end of the day some Cedar Waxwings were too drunk to fly, and some died flying under the influence.

Apparently, birds too can suffer the consequences of navigating while intoxicated. For birds, FUI can be deadly.

For any information about birds, habitat development, birding businesses, birdwatching and conservation programs, contact Mario Olmos at molmos@ avianadvisors.com or call 817.522.8897.

Locally Owned

Camp Bowie AAMCO Tackles More Than Just Transmissions Article Matthew Smith | Photography Provided

F

ort Worth AAMCO Transmission and Total Car Care Owner Jason Pryor can credit the 1938 Oldsmobile for his profession.

The car company that year introduced the first automatic transmissions, a popular option other automakers incorporated into their models by the 1950s. That proliferation created the need for specialized care and repair and created the seed that became AAMCO. Philadelphia technician Anthony A. Martino, hence the name AAMCO, identified the need and opportunity for specialized transmission repair while working at an ESSO service station and rented a lift from the owner to perform transmission and other repairs on the side. Business boomed and, in 1957, Martino opened his own shop. The acronym name, Martino realized, was easy to remember, and appeared top of the alphabetical listing in the “Yellow Pages” auto repair section.

In 1962 entrepreneur Robert Morgan approached Martino about franchising AAMCO. The company incorporated and the first franchised center opened the following year.

Fifty-one years on, the company boasts more than 850 locations across America and has serviced more than 25 million transmissions, according to AAMCO’s website. AAMCO is the world’s largest transmission specialist and fastest growing car care provider in the country, according to the website.

The Camp Bowie location is more than 30 years old, says Pryor, who purchased it eight years ago.

“I’d been a technician for 25 years and decided it was time to move forward and go out on my own,” Pryor says. Auto repair was not the previous owner’s, main profession and he was looking to move on to something else.

Although transmissions remain AAMCO’s specialty, the company in 2005 expanded focus to include complete car care, which now includes tune ups, brakes, engine replacement and other services.

The Camp Bowie location’s history of quality service and customer relations make it the logical choice for all your vehicle maintenance and repair needs.

“Transmission rebuilding is our core business and what we’re known for,” Pryor says. “But we offer a wide range of additional services, have state-of-the-art equipment and technicians who are well trained and receive continuing education to stay abreast on all the latest vehicles. We also offer a nationwide guarantee good throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.”

AAMCO Transmissions and Total Car Care, 6828 Camp Bowie Blvd., is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. For information, call 817.735.1591 or visit AAMCOFortWorth.com.

July 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 25

Hot Spot

BBQ Ranch Article Leigh Kilpatrick

G

rowing up in Fort Worth, Texas, you know that BBQ isn’t just a staple, but a daily debate here on the Westside. Everyone has an opinion on who has the best ribs, coldest beer, and coolest patio. And you can find a few restaurants that you can stand for a while, but the debate is never over because we just can’t find the perfect combination: great food, great music, and a great atmosphere.

We need a place where the food you eat flashes you back to the old west, where your great grandma was slaving away in the kitchen.

We need a place where you can bring your friends and family, sit back and relax, and let the kids play. Where you can get away for a few hours and lose yourself in the food and the atmosphere. That is the real search that we are on in this city with a small town feel.

BBQ Ranch just might be that place.

A short drive from off 820, down Silver Creek Road, just past the Hip Pocket Theatre, you will find your BBQ oasis within the city limits. Mike Fischer, owner of The BBQ Ranch Inc., grew up on this land with his parents Tom and Ethel Fischer. Now, Tom Fischer was no ordinary man. He was the “King of the Pit” barbeque sauce owner and inventor, being the first person to ever bottle smoke infused sauce. Tom later sold his company to Kraft.

Mike’s mother, known as Mawmaw, is also no ordinary woman.

She is an award winning mom with famous potato salad and peach cobbler that are both served today.

26 West FW Lifestyle | July 2014

Barbeque is a family tradition for the Fischer’s. You will often see Brandi, Mike’s oldest daughter of three, and Chiqueta, Mike’s wife, in the kitchen working the line or helping run the registers.

You will also see Jennifer and Holly, Mike’s youngest daughters helping out on the property, wherever they are needed. Even Mike’s grandson, Colby, likes to help out when he can.

“Deciding to open the restaurant was an easy decision,” Mike said. For years, the ranchers and neighbors would come over to see if Mike had any extra ribs or brisket to go around. He always did. Sharing what he loves to do is what makes Mr. Fischer who he is. Or as he says, “It’s me!”

The restaurant was originally planned to open back in 2012, however Holly, Mike’s youngest daughter, was in a horrible traffic accident where she was struck by an 18 wheeler. Mike immediately put his plans on hold. The accident left Holly hospitalized for several months with severe brain damage. She will always struggle daily as a victim of Traumatic Brian Injury. Thanks to several prayers, donations and support, she is now doing much better and is even attending college. Please visit www.highwayforholly.com for more information.

When you pull up to The BBQ Ranch Inc. you immediately disconnect from the city.

Five acres are carved out of their family property to create an atmosphere unlike anything on the Westside. An open aired restaurant sits to your left, with horse show pits and washers to your right.

There are even 3 open aired pavilions that can be rented out for parties and entertaining. The restaurant itself is decorated with antiques from the Fischer household as well as antiques given to them by neighboring ranchers. Even the men’s urinal is over 100 years old; it came out of the old downtown Fort Worth courthouse.

Within the restaurant itself, picnic tables are stocked with paper towels, silverware, menus and their secret family barbeque sauce. You know you are about to feast on some delicious barbeque. Start out with ranch rattlers. Jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese and chopped brisket, wrapped in bacon that is perfectly and evenly cooked. The ribs are rubbed with a family secret seasoning passed down through generations, smoked over a variety of woods, and fall right off the bone.

Ethel Fischer’s famous potato salad isn’t a mustard or mayo salad, it is one all on its own. Tangy and perfectly mixed together. The brisket is smoked for 18 hours in Ole Smokey, a smoker the size of small house, located right behind the restaurant. It will melt in your mouth like butter melts on hot toast. All served on butcher.

They have several other options as well including smoked chicken, pulled pork, sausage, a variety of homemade sides and of course Mawmaw’s famous peach cobbler. This is all enjoyed with friends, family and on weekends you can enjoy live music. Friday nights are open mic night where you can almost always hear Stefan Prigmore and several other friends play acoustic guitar and sing country music.

Open Thursday through Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm, “or sometimes later” Mike says. Bring your friends, your family, your pets and an appetite. Listen to great music and enjoy a cold beer at the beautiful BBQ Ranch.

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Giving Back

Lala’s Soldiers Bringing sunshine to the dark world of cancer Article Kristin Peaks | Photography Provided

L

auren Skillman, or Lala as her friends and family called her, was a vivacious, bright young woman. She could bring a smile to anyone’s face and was known to squeeze every happy moment out of life.

At 18 years old, Lauren was diagnosed with a peripheral nerve sheath tumor. The tumor that was located in the back of her neck was treated with radiation and surgery. It worked, but the cancer returned three months later. It had spread to the right side of her neck. Again, she was treated with radiation and surgery. And again… it worked.

A year later, Lauren remained cancer free and moved to San Marcos to go to college. Right before finals she became very ill.

After going back home to Fort Worth and checking into the hospital, it was learned that the cancer was back. And with a vengeance. It had traveled to her lungs. She was given three days to live, but decided to fight anyways. She started chemotherapy.

“She fought with every bone in her body and lived another eight months,” says Lauren’s best friend Cori Blume. “It’s so crazy because I’ve never seen someone blossom into the most beautiful human given such terrible circumstances. It’s like cancer pushed Lauren to become the person she was always meant to be. Seeing her develop and grow like that was the most beautiful and heartbreaking experience.”

Lauren passed away on November 1, 2011. With a smile on her face.

During Lauren’s fight, Blume started a Facebook group called Lala’s Soldiers. It was a place where friends and family could send Lala encouraging words. The page grew so quickly and Lauren read it often. It would put a smile on her face every time.

After Lauren died, Blume knew she had to do something.

“When she passed, I knew that her spirit was going to live on through us all. Everyone needed to have a piece of her sunshine,” says Blume. So she decided to create the non-profit, Lala’s Soldiers, to carry on her legacy through other sunshine warriors.

Lala’s Soldiers slogan is ‘Bringing sunshine to the dark world of cancer.’ Because that’s what Lauren did.

The main focus for Lala’s Soldiers is music and makeovers. The foundation focuses on patients (or “soldiers” as they call them) from the ages of 12-30. They are working on a music program where artists will be available to give music lessons to the patients and a music therapist that will work with the patients. The makeover program will have makeup artists and stylists work with girls and teach them how to fix their makeup, style their wigs and hair.

And hats will be donated to the male soldiers.

The Lala’s Soldiers Foundation is pretty new, but has already sent soldiers to music concerts and set up a concert with American Idol star, Tim Halperin, at Cook Children’s.

Blume knows she’s doing the right thing. And several times has felt like she has gotten a sign from Lauren.

“I feel like she’s telling me I’m on the right path. I can only hope that I am bringing a smile to her soul. I hope she is saying that she is proud of me.”

Dr. Cindy Zimmerman, Optometrist 817-738-9301 | www.eyesoncampbowie.com 6333 Camp Bowie Blvd. Ste. 272 • Fort Worth, TX

28 West FW Lifestyle | July 2014

Sold Properties

Recently SOLD West Fort Worth Properties neighborhood

original list

sold $$

Montserrat

$2,995,000

$2,600,000

Colonial Parkway

$1,250,000

Mira Vista

%sold/orig

dom*

bdrms

f/h bath

sq ft

87%

253

5

5/3

8,133

$1,140,000

91%

70

4

3/1

3,670

$1,090,000

$970,800

89%

441

5

5/1

5,754

Bella Flora

$799,950

$774,300

97%

62

4

5/0

4,851

Montserrat

$699,000

$705,000

101%

113

4

4/0

3,754

Overton

$599,999

$569,000

95%

37

5

3/1

3,782

Overton

$526,500

$531,500

101%

10

4

3/0

2,928

Ridglea

$529,000

$499,000

94%

15

3

3/1

3,731

Overton

$525,000

$487,000

93%

74

4

3/1

2,880

Bella Flora

$469,900

$469,900

100%

22

4

3/1

3,667

Benbrook

$399,900

$399,000

100%

40

3

3/1

3,478

River Park

$389,000

$380,000

98%

128

4

3/1

3,158

Ridglea

$359,900

$352,000

98%

141

4

3/0

2,607

TCU Area

$369,000

$343,000

93%

129

3

2/0

1,934

Plum Valley

$349,000

$336,000

96%

27

2

2/1

2,500

Benbrook

$359,900

$300,000

83%

258

4

3/0

3,213

Ridglea

$299,500

$290,000

98%

184

3

2/0

2,512

Ridglea

$269,900

$275,000

102%

9

3

2/0

1,642

Plum Valley

$275,000

$272,000

99%

1

3

2/1

2,227

TCU Area

$271,500

$267,150

98%

55

3

2/0

1,941

Ridglea Country Club

$269,900

$260,000

96%

14

3

2/2

2,218

Benbrook

$269,900

$260,000

96%

21

3

3/0

3,304

Benbrook

$210,000

$203,000

97%

16

3

2/0

2,096

Information obtained from Heartland MLS for the period of 5/1/14 to 5/31/14. *DOM=Days on Market.

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Gourmet kitchen features custom granite island, Wolf and Viking appliances, open to large living and dining area. Master suite has private entrance to large wood deck. The outside offers a back patio, grill, pier, boat dock, lift and winding staircase that leads to the second story, granting an even more impeccable view.

Going the extra mile for you!

Ginger Trimble Knox, GRI, e-PRO, CRS, RSPS, Broker Associate Phone: 817-637-9184 Email: ginger@gingerandassociates.com www.gingerandassociates.com July 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 29

Lifestyle Calendar

July

July 3 Magnolia at the Modern Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Commemorate the 50th anniversary of A Hard Day’s Night with an outdoor screening at the Modern by the reflecting pond at 7:30 p.m.

Beverages, snacks and picnic suppers will be available for purchase.

Tickets are $9; call 817.738.9215. 3200 Darnell St.

July 8 Fresh Perspectives: Benito Huerta and the Collection Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Works from local contemporary artist, Benito Huerta, will be on display, including drawings, watercolors and prints that cover topics like politics, money, war, the environment and Mexican culture.

Exhibition opens July 8, on display through January 2015. 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd.

July 11, 19, 26 REEL Adventures: Night At The Museum Fort Worth Science and History Museum

Immerse yourself in a real-life museum adventure based around Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. Kids of all ages will enjoy seeing the Fort Worth Science and History Museum come alive at night with a scavenger hunt, art activities and run-ins with Teddy Roosevelt and other historical characters, as well as a screening of the movie in the Omni Theater. This event also happens on Saturdays, July 19 and 26th at 5:45 p.m. Visit FWMuseum.org for tickets.

July 17 Camp Bowie District’s Monthly Meet-Up Sherwin Williams

Mix and mingle with friends from the Boulevard at Sherwin Williams from 5:30-70 p.m. Enjoy complimentary cocktails and appetizers courtesy of Camp Bowie District. RSVP to rsvpcbd@gmail. com. 4806 Camp Bowie Blvd.

July 4

July 18

Hot Dog Eating Contest

Camp Bowie District’s Neighborhood Bar Crawl

Curly’s Frozen Custard

Starts at Showdown Saloon

Celebrate America’s birthday with the 4th annual hot dog eating contest at Curly’s! With teen and adult categories, winner will receive four tickets and parking for a Rangers game. Contest begins at 11 a.m. with registration at 10 a.m. 4017 Camp Bowie Blvd.

Join Camp Bowie District and Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. on a bar crawl around some of Camp Bowie District’s best neighborhood bars, including: Showdown Saloon from 5-6:30 p.m., Sarah’s Place from 6:30-8 p.m. and The Mule Pub from 8-9:30 p.m. Cost is $10 for the first Rahr & Sons beer and a collectible pint glass. Proceeds will benefit the beautification of the Boulevard. 4907 Camp Bowie Blvd.

July 7- 11 Famous Artist Week Van Grow Art Studio for Kids

Kids ages 4 and up can learn about prominent artists like Vincent van Gogh, Salvador Dali and Henri Matisse, and recreate some of their most popular works from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This class also runs the following week, drawing inspiration from artists like Pablo Picasso and Leonardo da Vinci. Visit VanGrowStudio.com for more information or to sign up.

30 West FW Lifestyle | July 2014

July 20

July 22 -24

National Ice Cream Day

Famous Foodies Workshop

Kimbell Art Museum

YOUNG CHEF’S ACADEMY

Beat the summer heat by celebrating National Ice Cream Day at the Kimbell from 12 to 3 p.m. Visitors will enjoy a complimentary scoop of Blue Bell Ice Cream’s newest flavor, free family gallery tours and children’s films. 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd.

From 12 to 3 p.m., kids will get the chance to whip up the very recipes that put some famous foodies on the map. At the end of the week, a Future Famous Foodie will be named. Visit YoungChefsAcademy.com to register.6333 Camp Bowie Blvd.

July 31 Sunset Cinema: Chicago Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Take in a warm summer evening and watch a presentation of the movie musical Chicago on the lawn of the Amon Carter from 6 to 10 p.m. Pack a picnic, and bring friends, lawn chairs, blankets and coolers to relax and enjoy the show. 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd.

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July 2014 | West FW Lifestyle 31

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Kristin PeaKs 817-528-0279 kristinpeaks.myitworks.com 32 West FW Lifestyle | July 2014

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Parting Thoughts

A Place Of Joy And Beauty Words Juliet George

“‘There was no effort to make a profit,’ as “Buck” Harding recalls the place. ‘It served everything lavishly and used the finest linens and silver. . . . servants were so plentiful they got in one another’s way. It was a place of joy and beauty but couldn’t go on forever...’”*

A

fter the grand hotel of Chamberlin Arlington Heights opened in the summer of 1892, it drew many people out to the middle of nowhere. A Fort Worth Star-Telegram reporter learned in 1921 from veteran hotel clerks that, despite its location in the mostly-prairie suburb, “many fashionable carriages, hacks, buggies, and other vehicles found their way to ‘Ye Arlington Inn.’” In the early fall of that year, the hotel welcomed a passionate and determined woman. Benedette B. Tobin of Austin chaired the Women’s World’s Fair Exhibit Association of Texas and swept through Fort Worth as she sought and found $30,000 for a Texas building at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

(Texas’ legislature would not pay for it, citing a prohibitive detail of state law.) Architects, attorneys and others fêted Mrs. Tobin with “a magnificent reception, where the people testified their faith in her success by figures…”

The West Texas Press Association, International Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and Fort Worth’s Library Association convened at the inn. Tennis players and spectators concluded a state tournament with a grand ball. Local alumni of Princeton, Washington and Lee, and other universities dined, toasted each other, and sang college glees in a fraternity reunion. When a princess of the Thurber coal mining enterprise wed a businessman and future lignite pioneer, they chose the hotel; on Nov. 24, 1892, Maude Lee Hunter and James Clemens Phelan exchanged vows, traveled to points north, and then returned to take up residence there.

34 West FW Lifestyle | July 2014

The many-gabled Grande Dame was one man’s muse - inspiring Larry Chittenden to honor her with honeyed verses in The Texas Miner. He closed with these lines: There the sunlight is lost o’er the hills far away, Far away beyond mansions of gold Where the pure cloudland’s crest guards the gates of the west, And life is a dream, a rare halo of rest ‘Midst charms that can never be told.

Elsewhere in his idyllic reverie, Chittenden noted that “beauty and business and nature abide” – lest readers forget the commercial truth that another old hotel man would mention three decades later: “It was instituted primarily as an advertisement for the Chamberlain [sic] Investment Company to boom a land sale in Arlington Heights.” How long would the hotel abide?

Juliet George has authored two local-history books for Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series: Fort Worth’s Arlington Heights (2010) and Camp Bowie Boulevard (2013), and related articles for FW Weekly.

Her essay, “Architectural Sojourners: the Messer brothers of Fort Worth,” appeared in the fall 2011 issue of the Dallas historical journal Legacies.

*“Old-Timer Gets Shock When He Enters Texas, and Thinks of Hotels of the Early Days,” in Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dec. 4, 1921 Photograph The Street Railway Journal Souvenir, October, 1894, page 46, courtesy University of Chicago Library

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