Calhoun County Life

Calhoun CountyLife A guide for

visitors and newcomers

Featuring...

Port Lavaca Point Comfort Seadrift Port O'Connor

Fall/Winter 2012

Complimentary Copy • Take One!

2

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

“Family Environment” VISIT US FOR THE BEST SEAFOOD IN TOWN.

Come check out our daily specials!

We have a variety of food.

Hours:

Sunday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Come see us at our Victoria location!

361-573-7177

4202 N. Navarro St., Victoria, TX 77901

IN PORT LAVACA

361-552-7177

2055 State Highway 35 North Port Lavaca, TX 77979 Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

3

4

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

Beck Air Conditioning, Inc. Prestige Series

Classic Series

100% Financing * *Call dealer for details

LIC #TACLB000667C

www.beck.rheemteam.net 361-552 6656 in Port Lavaca  361-570-6656 in Victoria

AT MY H-E-B

★ Bakery ★ Bank ★ Business Center ★ Deli 101 Calhoun Plaza • Port Lavaca ★ Floral ★ Main: 361-552-7523 ★ Pharmacy: 361-552-4563 ★ Fuel Store Hours ★ National & Store Brands Pharmacy Hours: Daily Monday - Friday: 8 a.m - 7 p.m. ★ Pharmacy 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

6 a.m - 11 p.m. Saturday: ★ Pharmacy Drive Thru Sunday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

5

MATAGORDA I

BY MELONY OVERTON PORT LAVACA WAVE

said. “I began receiving requests for it, but I also felt it needed to be done,” he said of his shuttle service.

“I talked to TPWD, and I said, ‘When people call you, give them my number. If I am free, I will take them to the island,’” Hill said.

Soon, other guides began shuttling people to the island, too.

What he enjoys the most about Port O’Connor is the solitude, something people find plenty of on Matagorda Island.

“We don’t have to go a long distance to go fishing,” Hill said.

Hill considers the island to be a wonderful resource.

“Before the cabin, we would go out there for the day. When my brothers couldn’t help, it would be me and my dad. That was great Matagorda Island, in its undeveloped because it built up our relationship.” splendor, is a draw year-round for locals Downstairs, the cabin has a garage for and tourists alike, where visitors dwell the four-wheelers and a bathroom, while within sparse cabins, camp, beachcomb, fish upstairs are numerous beds and a large 16and where one couple recently took their foot deck off of the back porch that goes all engagement portraits. the way around the cabin.

Capt. Bob Hill, of Port O’Connor, is one man Once at the island, the family turns on who shuttles people between the mainland the water pump, puts the perishable food and the island and knows his clients depend on ice and stocks the pantry with the rest. on him for transport to vacation homes on Solar panels provide electricity and light at Matagorda Peninsula, or for camping and night. Then the family sits together to listen beach combing on Matagorda Island, but he to music on the radio or they beach comb and does not mind. fish, sometimes off of Hill operates Port O’Connor the pier, or sit on the Charters, which provides full Gulf side to watch service guided fishing trips out the waves. of Port O’Connor. Hill takes “At times, it’s just clients fishing in the bays about having fun, surrounding Port O’Connor, the relaxing and letting Port O’Connor jetties and the go of the work week,” Matagorda Island surf. she said. “I’ve always His shuttle service is loved the beach. I’m a invaluable to people who do beach bum.” not own a boat, but who want They will often see to camp out or beach comb at other people who live Sunday Beach, which is located in the cabins down on the northeastern end of the the way. island.

Every year, the The Matagorda Wildlife family participates Management Area is jointly in a La Isla Loco owned by the Texas General Fishing Tournament Land Office and the U.S. Fish that includes their and Wildlife Service, and is neighbors. cooperatively managed as the “I fished this year Matagorda Island National and didn’t win a Wildlife Refuge and State Capt. Bob Hill, of Port O’Connor Charters, maneuvers his boat toward Clark’s dock in Port O’Connor dang thing,” Smith Natural Area. said.

“Matagorda to pick up passengers in order to visit the large jetties last spring. (Wave file photo) The Texas Parks and Wildlife Island, the water Department manages the area and the beach have for public use and the Fish and Wildlife “It has a beautiful lighthouse and always been in my life. It is like a second Service has the responsibility for managing camping. It is really a great place to go to fish, home for me. I love going out there.” the wildlife and habitat on the island. bird watch or beach comb. The grass is kept Smith is not the only one who fell in love At one time, TPWD operated a ferry, the cut, but you have no concessions over there. with the island. Her fiance, Williams, fell in McBride, which took passengers to and from Anything you need, you have to take like love as well. They were in agreement when the island, but the ferry burned in 2003. water and firewood,” he said. it came to the location of their engagement Hill started his charter service in 1994 Jillian Smith began going to the island portrait shoot. after making Port O’Connor his permanent on a regular basis in March 2009 when she “The island is a beautiful secluded place. residence. Hill chartered full and half-day began building a 13-foot by 13-foot, two-story It’s just like Port Aransas, but more private bay fishing trips, and then he added a shuttle A-frame cabin with her parents Gary and and you can have more fun. I always wanted to the island after the McBride burned.

Dina Smith, her siblings and her fiancé, beach pictures for my engagement pictures.

“I would take people to the island if they Colton Williams. They had a living space by Our relationship has been about going out happened to miss the boat, but once the ferry September. there,” Smith said. burned, there was no other way to get over “My dad always wanted a cabin out there.

The island’s ever-changing nature often there unless you brought your own boat.

He had a choice between a big boat and a yields surprises. Smith recently lost one Most people do not have their own boat,” Hill cabin, and he chose the cabin,” she said. of her brothers. During the photo shoot,

A ISLAND

Undeveloped splendor

Photo by Brandee Vickery

something spontaneous and sentimental going there. happened, said Brandee Vickery, of Portraits “Now that the kids are all grown, they

by Brandee, who shot her first engagement would rather go to Matagorda Island than photos at the island. any other beach. And to this day, I still love “It was so much fun shooting Jill and being dropped off out there. Of course, it’s Colton because the love they have is almost more crowded now, especially around the as magical as the island itself,” Vickery holidays. To me it’s very relaxing. We try to said. “The island has so much wildlife and make it down there at least once a month,” untouched beauty. Jill’s brother was killed Goode said. last year and at one moment the sky opened Donna and David Hall, of Port Lavaca, go up and let out a rainbow behind them while I to the island year-round. She is a dispatcher took their picture. It was like he was smiling for the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and down from heaven in approval.” he is a sergeant with the department and a Barbara Goode, of Houston, started part-time fishing guide with Hall’s Guide going to Matagorda Service.

Island in the early David grew up in Wharton, but his 1970s with her family made trips to grandparents.

Calhoun “They had a place in Port O’Connor and we went a lot in the summer to go fishing. We would pack up our ice chest with sandwiches, snacks and drinks, head to the island and make a day of it,” Goode Campers spen d a wee kend on said.

Matago rda Isla Back then, the nd. (Con tributed island was not crowded, she photo) said.

“We practically had the island to C o u n t y ourselves. As kids, we loved it because it was often. like a giant scavenger hunt. Seashells, sand “My family has been coming to dollars, sea beans, just all kinds of stuff,” Calhoun County since I was in a car seat. My Goode said. parents used to own four lots behind Josie’s As a teenager, Goode and friends she Mexican Restaurant in Port O’Connor, and made in Port O’Connor would tan or play my family would vacation there,” he said. volleyball on the island.

Donna lived on the Port O’Connor cutoff She eventually met and married Henry on FM 1289. She did not start going to the Goode, of Port O’Connor. island until she married David because her “He loves to fish so we bought a place in family did not own a boat.

Port O’Connor,“ Goode said. “When we were “I always wanted to go as a kid,” she said. out on the boat, I’d get him to drop me off on “I call it my saltwater therapy. It’s relaxing the island and pick me up at a certain time. and a way to get away from everything— your He didn’t like the idea at first so we used phone, your work and the normal everyday walkie-talkies in case of an emergency.” stuff you have to do around the house. It’s Once on the island, Goode took her small like a mini vacation for four hours.” ice chest and her bucket. She would walk for When it is warm, the couple swims at the hours finding sand dollars. Once the couple island. had children, the whole family enjoyed “We float and let the saltwater relax your

muscles and take away your cares,” she said.

“In the fall and winter, it is too cold to go into the water, so we go to the Gulf side and look for shells and sand dollars. We shell shop. I have a huge collection of shells. The hardest things to find are sea beans.”

David said the couple makes the trip to the island four to five times a month.

“Not many places in Texas are kept as natural as the island. Many of the lakes are man made, but the coast is 100 percent natural,” he said. “When I go with family, it is Donna and I. We like to go during the week because no one is out there and we can walk as far as want to and not see anyone. There, you have no phones, no electricity and we can get away from everything else. It’s a good place to quiet your mind.”

Capt. Hill takes groups to the island three to four times a week. People usually go for a day trip, but if camping, campers stay two nights on average.

One men’s group from a church in Dallas, usually 40 in all, make an annual trip to the island and stay for six days, he said.

That group usually requires Hill to make more than one trip before everyone is on the island, he said.

So many visitors want to see the lighthouse, Hill said.

“I take people over to see the lighthouse because it is truly something to see. There is a road that goes over to the lighthouse, so I also supply bikes for them to use. Otherwise, it is a 2-mile walk, but the road is maintained well and the bikes cut down on the time to get to it,” Hill said.

In addition to renting out bikes, Hill also makes kayaks available for rent, too, and he will provide transportation for the kayaks from Port O’Connor to the kayak trails in Espiritu Santo Bay. “Some of them like to paddle around in kayaks. The Army Hole and Pringle Lake See page 9

Main Street Gallery R. Dean Johnstone Art  PhotographyHistorical Photos “Photo Restoration is our Specialty” 309 East Main Street (by the Theater)

Untamed Hair The Best Little Hair House in Texas

Services for Men, Women and Children

Cuts • Styles • Perms • Color • Highlights Hair cuts are always included with chemical service

HOURS: Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday:

By Appointment Only

500 Highway 35 North - 361-552-HAIR (4247)

WORKING TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS!

Por t Lavaca Chamber of Commerce welcomes visitors

BY TINA CROW PORT LAVACA CHAMBER DIRECTOR Welcome to Calhoun County.

We are so glad that you have discovered our own little slice of the Texas Gulf Coast.

You have just arrived on one of the last vestiges of unspoiled bayfront areas along the Texas Gulf Coast.

A great strength of Calhoun County is the diversity of the communities. Each is unique and yet they offer a quality of life that make them a sure envy to all those who visit. It’s the kind of friendly atmosphere and slow pace that makes us happy to call this place our home.

Calhoun County is a great place for you and your family to enjoy many activities. You can enjoy fishing, boating, camping, bird watching, nature walks or just relax and take a stroll down one of our beaches.

Our bays are teeming with redfish, trout, flounder, drum and dozens of other species that will put up a great fight and make a good dinner. We have many boat ramps in the area for your convenience as well as bait shops.

We are sure you will enjoy your

stay in one of our many RV Parks or find comfort in one of our hotels.

Our balmy bays allow for all sorts of outdoor pursuits yearround.

While you enjoy your stay with us, be sure to visit the many local establishments that make our town a welcome and inviting place to live. You’ll surely want to check out all the many attractions that makes this such a paradise to those who visit and those who choose to call it home.

We have excellent schools, friendly churches, great people, rich history, wonderful shops, superb restaurants, and excellent health care. With Victoria just down the road, you are sure to find most anything you need with just a short drive. We invite you to take a tour through our visitor/ newcomer guide. We believe it paints a pretty good picture of what we see as paradise, and we hope you will find all the information for which you are looking. We invite you to visit all the businesses in this guide, it is through their support we are able to bring you what we feel is a complete taste of Calhoun County.

Tania French Editor and Publisher Staff Writers: Sherry Ficklen Kayla Meyer Melony Overton John Verser Jay Workman

Cover Photographer: Brandee Vickery

Brenda Christensen Financial Advisor

Daylan Gwosdz Financial Advisor

 Annuities  IRA/Business Retirement Plans  Bonds  401k Rollovers  Long-term Care Insurance  CD’s  Stocks  Mutual Funds  Life Insurance

361-552-6846

106 S. Commerce Ste. #3, Port Lavaca, Texas 77979 8

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

Port Lavaca Wave 107 E. Austin Street Port Lavaca, TX 77979 361-552-9788 PortLavacaWave.com

Calhoun County Life Visitor and Newcomers Guide is published semi Advertising: Christy Aguilar annually. Additional copies available Betty Birdwell by contacting the Port Lavaca Wave.

Ashley Kontnier For advertising information, call 361 Brandee Vickery 552-9788.

Creative Director: DD Turner

Composition: Mac Sistrunk

Special Contributors:

Emily Allen Tina Crow Brush Freeman Pat Hathcock Paul McGee Phil Thomae

On the cover: Jillian Smith and Colton Williams frolic on the shore of Matagorda Island.

Visit us online at www.portlavacawave. com or email us at editor@plwave.com.

Copyright 2012

r s r

l -

h y e g o s e o

, , , t t o h o / t

d e e l t e a .

Matagorda from page 7 are accessed by kayak [from the island]. Kayakers go there for a week. We can take four kayaks and four people per trip. We can take up to six people per trip without the kayaks,” he said.

In addition to bike and kayak rentals, Hill also provides campers with ice, bait and other provisions if requested.

“If they know I am coming back, they will call me to bring them something,” he said.

But Hill’s advice is free.

“I tell people don’t walk out in the grass because of rattle snakes, so stay on the road. And

don’t mess with the alligators. If you do not mess with them, they will not mess with you,” he said.

Alligators have been spotted near the lighthouse, Hill said.

“Where the lighthouse is, there is a marsh. It has a walkway that gets you to the lighthouse.

You can see alligators from it, most of the time. Just do not get off the walkway, and you will be fine. Common sense goes a long way out there,” he said.

Since it is not unusual to have warm weather even into the fall months, so does mosquito repellent.

We’re There For You! Calhoun County YMCA 1300 N. Virginia Street Port Lavaca, Texas, 77979 Phone: 361-551-2562 Fax: 361-551-2504

First National Bank

Loan officers who can actually make you a loan!

HOMETOWN BANKING AT ITS BEST

Bank by Phone, Bank by Internet or by iPhone or Android Apps

Financial Power Right Here At Home!

™

Three convenient locations to serve you.

Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority Providing stewardship of natural resources for Texans through our retail and wholesale water supply and treatment operations.

Port Lavaca

552-6726 • Hwy 35 Bypass at Half League

Calhoun County Operations: • PORT LAVACA WATER TREATMENT PLANT

• CALHOUN COUNTY RURAL WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM • CALHOUN COUNTY CANAL

SYSTEM

1064 State Hwy. 316

(Magnolia Beach Road)

(361) 552-9751

Port O’Connor

983-2508 • 3675 W. Adams

Seadrift

785-5321 • 101 Railroad

We're a strong Community Bank which is locally owned. Some Banks have their Branches here, we have our Roots here!

www.fnbportlavaca.com

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

9

Point Comfort offers fishing and recreation

‘Real People, Living Real Lives, Serving a Real God!’

Worship services: Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Prayer: 6:30 p.m.

25080 Highway 172, Olivia, Texas ✙ 361-781-4178

Bob Bonar, Agent

I’m Your Agent For That!

361-552-4689 bob@bobbonar.com

The old company town has so much more to offer.

The Point Comfort Harbor and Channel boat ramp has been reopened and is back in full swing. The ramp was closed for several months in order to make improvements that included dredging silt to restore its launch capabilities.

In addition to work on the ramp, about 3,000 cubic yards of silt was removed in order to improve access to the channel for emergency watercraft, residents, boaters and those who work on Lavaca Bay. Recreation continues to be a key selling point to the town.

On either side of the boat ramp, which is down Lamar Street, are two lighted piers. One has its own fish cleaning station along with handicap access. It is open to the public 24 hours a day and the price is also right – free.

Fishermen also take advantage of the area along the causeway bridge, which is a popular spot to fish. It is hard to find a time – day or night – when there are not people taking advantage of the fishing hot spot. Redfish, trout and flounder

are regularly caught – without the need for a boat.

The town has also completed a renovation of its park with new concrete walkways, 10 cabanas with picnic tables, a gazebo and even more picnic tables further down near the pier. The park also features walking trails and a playground for children.

Point Comfort boasts a large fireworks show for July 4, which is put on by the town’s volunteer fire department. Adding to the fun is a variety of food and beverages and other activities surrounding the event.

The town’s Community Center was rededicated recently to honor former Police Chief Rick Brush, who died over five years ago in the line of duty.

Churches of all denominations dot the town with services offered by the Assembly of God, Baptists, Catholics, Church of Christ, Lutherans and Methodists.

A branch of the Calhoun County Library is also open five days a week in Point Comfort.

See page 15

The fishing is good around here.

It always is on Matagorda Bay and Lavaca Bay which also just happen to be the destination for hundreds of ships and barges moving valuable cargo through the Port of Port Lavaca-Point Comfort. The Calhoun Port Authority has long been committed to promoting responsible, sustainable development that’s in the best interest of the community, the environment and the economy. We strive for continuous improvement in our environmental performance and pollution prevention measures. That makes the fishing better for everybody.

CALHOUN Port Authority

10

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

Calhoun Port Authority

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

11

Where to sleep

American Inn and Suites 1306 Maple St. Port O’Connor, TX 77982 361-983-2606 All remodeled rooms, free Wi-Fi, in-room coffee, cable and continental breakfast

Now Taking Orders For Holiday Pies, Cakes And Parties!

Visit us at www.txtraditions.com Hours:

Monday to Wednesday: 11-2 & 5-8:30 Thursday and Friday: 11-2 & 5-9 Saturday: 11-9 Sunday: 11-2 234 E. Main St. Port Lavaca, TX ● 361-553-5555

Holiday Inn Express

2629 State Hwy. 35 North Port Lavaca, TX 77979 361-552-5700 (See ad on this page)

Sands Motel

1207 W. Main Port Lavaca, TX 77979 361-237-7977

Seadrifter Inn

106 W. Bay Ave. Seadrift, TX 77983 361-785-2031 Waterfront, kitchenettes, reasonable rates – daily and weekly

The Inn at Clarks

701 W. Commerce Port O’Connor, TX 77982 361-983-2300 Luxury rooms and suites, boat slips for each room, minutes from Matagorda Bay

Visit us online at portlavacawave.com

Island Liquor & Gifts Locally Owned

11th & Adams (Hwy. 185) in Port O’Connor 361-983-2747

Complimentary Breakfast Waterfront Free High Speed Internet Pool & Jacuzzi

2629 State Hwy 35 North • Port Lavaca, TX

361-552-5700 12

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

POJO’S LIQUOR

Hwy 35 & Travis, Port Lavaca • 361-552-0032

BEER-GIFTS-WINE

BAKER’S LIQUOR 1300 W. Main Port Lavaca 361-552-2866

Lubbock 530 Miles

Austin 150 Miles

El Paso 695 Miles

Houston 130 Miles

Port Lavaca Calhoun County Midland 475 Miles

San Antonio 145 Miles

Dallas 325 Miles

Corpus Christi 80 Miles

Port Lavaca, the seat of Calhoun County, is not too far from wherever you are in Texas. Located right in the middle of the Texas Gulf Coast, Calhoun County is under a three hour drive from five international airports and easily accessible from all major cities in the state.

Whether you are planning a short vacation or a long one, Calhoun County with its rich place in Texas history offers a laid back climate for the best in bay and offshore fishing, birding, eating, resting and relaxing. Come to Port Lavaca to find out why “It’s a State of Mind.”

C H A M B E R

www.PortLavacaTx.org 361•552•2959

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

13

Coastal Refrigeration

‘SERVICE BEYOND EXPECTATION’

Residential & Commercial Heating & Air Conditioning Sales- Service-Installation SERVING CALHOUN COUNTY SINCE 1969

507 Half League Rd. • Port Lavaca, TX Phone: 361-552-2412

14

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

Bible Study for All Ages Sundays - 9:00 AM Wednesdays - 6:30 PM

Worship

Sundays - 10:15 AM 6:30 PM

A Point Comfort sunset captured by Brandee Vickery.

Point Comfort from page 10 Beginnings Originally built by Aluminum Company of America, now ALCOA, Inc., in 1948 and incorporated in 1953, Point Comfort is home to industrial plants, an international port and many families and retirees that seek a quiet lifestyle in a close-knit small community.

The town is also home to the Port of Port Lavaca-Point Comfort, which a recent economic impact study by Martin Associates found that the port creates more than 16,500 jobs locally. The study also showed that the port generates $2 billion in revenue and another $338 million in indirect revenue for local suppliers.

In 2008, the port was the 51st busiest port in the United States, with cargoes of chemicals, petrochemicals, aluminum ore and agricultural fertilizer, of which a key part is high value chemicals produced by area industries.

Formosa Plastics Corp. announced two additions at its Point Comfort plant this year. One addition, announced in late February, is a $1.7 billion expansion that is expected to bring an additional 225 jobs to the Point Comfort facility. The expansion includes a grass-roots 800,000 MT/Y olefins cracker, an associated 600,000 MT/Y propane dehydrogenation (PDH) unit and a 300,000 MT/Y low density polyethylene (LDPE) resin plant. Formosa also expects the expansion to include 1,800 construction jobs during the expansion.

Construction is expected to be complete in 2016.

The other expansion, announced by Formosa in late January, is a $150 million hydrocarbon fractionator facility. The fractionator facility is expected to bring approximately 20 full-time jobs to the Point Comfort site, and an additional 300 to 400 construction jobs during the expansion.

361.552.3652 • Cell 361.920.3652

Melstan, Inc. Feed & Hardware

Diamonds

Dance At

Homeowned Since 1976

310 N. Virginia, Port Lavaca Quality at Affordable Prices 552-3633

Family Owned & Operated Personal Service Lawn & Garden, Pet & Hardware Supplies

111 N. Ann • 361-552-5441 Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

15

Lavaca Bay R.V. Park For Your Convenience We Offer: e

com l e W to

h Cable T.V. with Free HBO h Large Pull Thru Spaces h Laundry Room h Lighted Park h Walk to Fishing Pier, Playground & Public Pool h Overlooking the Alcoa Bird Sanctuary h Free High Speed Wireless Internet

h Full Hook Ups h Recreation Room h Showers, Hot & Cold h Flush Toilets h Boat Ramp Nearby & Bait Stand h Pets on Leash h Open Year Round h A Bay View

www.LavacaBayRVPark.com

We accept credit cards

16

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

361-552-4814

1818 Broadway Port Lavaca, Texas 77979

FIRST CONVENIENCE 1916 W. Austin Street Corner of Austin and Alcoa streets

Gas ✤✤✤

Ice ✤✤✤

Cold Beer/Wine ✤✤✤

Lottery ✤✤✤

Chips

AT M O NDR old

✤✤✤

U sh/Dry/F LAW a oor Next

Snacks

D

✤✤✤

Fountain Drinks http://maps.google.com/

361-552-8080

✤✤✤

Picnic Supplies ✤✤✤

Groceries

Wilke & Son Inc. & Automotive Center Serving South Texas Since 1951

1401 W. Main 361-552-5770

Fritz & Cary Wilke - OWNERS

WWW.WILKEANDSON.COM  LIKE US ON

ALL TYPES OF TIRES REPAIRED • WHEEL BALANCING • BATTERIES

Mufflers & Exhaust Systems

Let us maintain all of your vehicle factory schedule maintance * includes oil change

Complete Inventory of Auto & Truck Tires  Alignment System  Complete Tire Repair  Brake Overhauls  Brake Flushes & Carbon Flushes  Coolant Flush  AC Overhaul  Front End Aligning & Overhauls LIFETIME WARRANTY ON MOST AUTO PARTS! “WE DON’T WANT ALL THE BUSINESS, JUST YOURS!” Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

17

Reflections of the past Historical markers give a glimpse into days gone by

Calhoun County is filled with history.

With the former port of Indianola being the gateway to Texas immigration, the Indian raid at Linnville, Civil War bombardments and much more, Calhoun County has many interesting stories to tell. On your visit to Calhoun County, there are numerous historical markers to see.

One of the more interesting markers tells about Calhoun County’s beginnings.

That marker tells about the town of Linnville. The marker is located on Farm-to-Market Road 1090 just north of Port Lavaca.

Linnville, which was originally named New Port, was founded by John Linn in 1831 as part of De Leon’s colony. It had a population of about 200 in 1839.

The town of Linnville was destroyed in 1840. A group of Comanche Indians raided the town, in addition to Victoria.

At least 23 people died in the combined raid. Many of those in Linnville fled into the water, where they were rescued by boat.

They watched the Comanches destroy their town and the

18

estimated $300,000 worth of goods in it.

The historical marker for Angelina Belle Eberly honors the woman who is credited with starting the initiative to keep the state capital in Austin, when some wanted it moved to what is now known as Houston.

Eberly came to Texas from New Orleans in 1822 with her first husband, Jonathan G. Peyton.

It is believed that she was born in Tennessee. She and her husband landed in Matagorda on June 18, 1822. From there, they moved to various cities in Texas and Louisiana, including Nacogdoches and Austin. Peyton died in 1834, leaving Eberly and two children behind. She took over his estate.

In 1836, she married Capt. Jacob Eberly, who was also a widower.

The couple lived in Austin, where Angelina Eberly operated a hotel starting in about 1840. It is regarded to have been the hotel where many of Texas’ dignitaries stayed when they were in Austin, including a visit by Sam Houston in 1841.

In 1842, Sam Houston sent a captain to Austin to take certain

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

records to Washington on the Brazos, which is now present-day Houston. The captain snuck into town at night and loaded a wagon with boxes of records. Eberly saw the captain, and to alert the town, fired off a cannon. The captain managed to escape, but was captured the next day and the records were returned.

Eberly moved to Galveston and was living there in 1847 when she purchased the Tavern House in Lavaca, now known as Port Lavaca. She also purchased lots at Indianola in 1849. She moved to Indianola, and died there in 1860.

Two historical markers tell of Calhoun County’s involvement in the Civil War. The first is a marker about the bombardment of Port Lavaca by Union forces.

Union soldiers took Galveston and Indianola, before turning to Port Lavaca. William B. Renshaw, the Union commander, demanded that Confederate forces surrender on Oct. 31, 1862. After the town refused to surrender, it was bombarded by Union forces. The city garrison returned fire and partially disabled a Union ship. The

bombardment continued until the morning, before the ships retreated. Port Lavaca remained in Confederate hands until Dec. 23, 1863.

The second Civil War marker deals with Calhoun County’s involvement in Confederate torpedo works. Port Lavaca citizens developed a unique spring action ignition system in Lavaca Bay. One man, Capt.

David A. Bradbury, was later made to lead the Confederate torpedo operations. The devices worked well, and were put in place in rivers and waterways throughout the south, including Mississippi and Alabama.

Port Lavaca citizens were also involved with the Confederate submarine, H. L. Hunley. They left Port Lavaca for Mobile, Ala., and some even went to Charleston, S.C., where the submarine was put into the sea.

Calhoun County was also approved for four new historical markers this year. The new markers include one for Sgt. William Henry Barnes, the Chihuahua Trail Terminus See page 24

AMERICAN APPLIANCE Guaranteed Low Prices on

Treated Lumber • PVC Pipes & supplies • Galvanized Bolts, Nails • Plywood • Millwork Roofing • Hardware • Concrete Eddie Buehring-Owner • Janice Bordovsky - Secretary

552-1263 • 1507 W. Austin

Sales • Service • Parts 1917 W. Austin, Port Lavaca • 552-2317 Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Being there is why I’m here.

47 Years of loyal service!

361-551-8267

Tri Wholesale Co.

• Automotive & Heavy Duty Truck Parts • Batteries - Oil - Tires • Lawn Mower Accessories: Belts, tires, tubes • Marine Accessories: For your boat & trailer • Welding Supplies • Mechanic Garage • State & DOT Inspections • 24 hour Towing Service • Unlocking Vehicles HOURS OF OPERATION

8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Ta k i n g c a r e o f a l l y o u r a u t o p a r t s n e e d s

David Denham • 361-552-8881

Independent & Assisted Living Calhoun County’s Premier Senior Living Community

Faith Based Private Apartments Comfortable & Affordable Restaurant-Style Dining Caring Staff Activities & Entertainment Safe & Relaxing

552-2333 201 Trinity Shores Drive Port Lavaca, Texas

Our caring staff offers a structured routine, nutritious meals and a place of Hope for those struggling with memory issues.

2705 S. Hwy 35 • Port Lavaca, TX

361-552-3772

www.trinityshores.com Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

Facility #102951

19

Where to dine

Port Lavaca Bayside Seafood Restaurant 2055 N. Hwy. 35 361-552-7177 Sun. – Thurs. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

(See ad on page 3)

Beijing Grand China Buffet

339 Calhoun Plaza 361-553-6862 Mon. – Thurs. 10:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Fri. and Sat. 10:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Sun. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

(See ad on page 45)

Domino’s Pizza

1211 N. Virginia 361-552-5678 Open daily 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Delivery and carryout; order online

El Patio Restaurant

548 W. Main 361-552-6316 Open daily 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Closed 2nd Monday of every Month (See ad on page 39)

El Taco Restaurant

711 W. Main 361-552-3610 Mon. and Wed. – 5 a.m. – 2 p.m., Thurs. – Fri. 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Sat. – Sun. 6 a.m. – 2 p.m., Closed Tuesday (See ad on page 38)

20

Indianola Fishing Marina

8 Bell St. (Hwy 316 to end of Ocean Drive) Indianola 361-552-5350 Open at 5:30 a.m. daily; Friday night steaks; Sat. and Sun. specials, breakfast and burgers (See ad on page 25)

Magic Asian Cuisine

101 N. Commerce Street 361-552-8111 Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Daily Specials (See ad on page 36)

Pantry (The)

702 N. Virginia 361-552-1679 Tues. – Fri. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Daily lunch specials, catering, party trays, takeout (See ad on page 40)

Pizza Hut

Sonic Drive In

411 S. Hwy. 35 361-552-2303 Sun. – Thurs. 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Fri. – Sat. 6: a.m. – midnight Breakfast served all day Happy Hour everyday 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Subway Sandwich Shop

306 N. Hwy. 35 361-552-7300 400 N. Tiney Browning Blvd. (Inside Walmart) 361-552-6073 Breakfast sandwiches, soups, cookies and party trays (See ad on page 39 )

Taqueria La Finca

2640 W. Main 361-552-6515 Sun. – Thurs. 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Fri. – Sat. 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner (See ad on page 26)

425 N. Hwy. 35 361-552-6868 Taqueria Vallarta Sun. – Thurs. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

1928 W. Main Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

361-552-8089 Buffet: Sun. – Thurs. 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Sun. – Thurs. 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Tues. 5:30 – 8 p.m.

Sunday 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Daily lunch buffet 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Weekend Shellfish Sports Bar and Grille breakfast buffet 8 a.m. -11 a.m.

2615 N. Hwy. 35 (See ad on page 32) 361-552-5300 Fresh seafood, prime steaks, salads, Paninis, Texas Traditions Cafe & Bakery sandwiches, gourmet burgers, 12 beers on 234 E. Main St. tap, 20 domestic and imported beers, 12 flat 361-553-5555 screen HDTVs, happy hour Mon. – Wed. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. & 5 – 8:30 p.m.

(See ad on page 22 ) Thurs. – Fri. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. & 5 – 9 p.m.

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

Sat. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Steaks, seafood, chicken and dumplings, chicken Fried steak, salad bar, pies (See ad on page 12 )

Wagon Train

145 N. Hwy. 35 361-552-3056 Open Mon. – Fri. 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Saturday 6 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

(See ad on page 43)

Seadrift Barkett’s Restaurant

321 Broadway Ave. 361-785-2441 Tues. – Thurs. 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Sun. – 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Closed Monday Specializing in seafood and steaks (See ad on page 55)

Bubba’s Cajun Style Seafood, Steaks and More 1142 Hwy. 185 E 361-785-2645 Open Tues.–Sun. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Closed Mondays Seafood, steaks, catering

Taqueria el Rodeo 2 by 3

314 W. Broadway 361-785-2232 Mon. - Fri. 5:30 am. – 9 p.m.

Lunch Buffet: Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Breakfast Buffet: Sat. -Sun. 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Calhoun County fishing piers Fishing piers around Calhoun County. For more information call the Port Lavaca Chamber of Commerce at 361-552-2959:

Lighthouse Beach Fishing Pier Nautical Landing’s Boat Ramp Harbor of Refuge Magnolia Beach Indianola Fishing Center Boggy Bayou Port O’Connor Beach Park Clark’s Fish House Restaurant and Marina Port O’Connor Fishing Center Bobbies Bait Doc’s Dock Bait Dock Fulgum Fishing Center Seadrift Boat Ramp Point Comfort Boat Ramp Olivia Boat Ramp Matagorda Island State Park

Coastal Medical Clinic

Tim McFarland, M.D. Family Practice-Board Certified

William Crowley, D.O. Family Practice

Jackie Siver, PC-C Physician Asst.

BRINGING PERSONALIZED HEALTHCARE TO YOU. FAMILY PRACTICE/HOSPITAL CARE. • X-Ray • EKG’s • Tympanograms • Pulmonary Function Test

• Cardiac Stress Test • TH-Steps • Contraceptives • Circumcision of Babies

• Vasectomies • Lab Work • Office Surgery • Allergy Testing

Pregnancy Care from beginning through delivery & after.

Provides care for residents at our Local Nursing Home.

We accept many Insurances in addition to Medicare, Medicaid & CHIPS Program.

701 N. Virginia St. • Port Lavaca, TX 361-552-8866 Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

21

Calhoun County: an odyssey of historical markers 1. Alsatian Immigration through Lavaca Bay • 300 block Commerce Street, on bay front, Port Lavaca 2. Beach Hotel • Main & Commerce Sts., Port Lavaca 3. Beaumont, Jefferson • Port Lavaca Cemetery, south end of S. Nueces St., Port Lavaca 4. Calhoun County • Ann & Leona Sts., Port Lavaca 5. Calhoun County Hurricanes • Calhoun County Courthouse grounds 211 S. Ann St. 6. Calhoun County Jail • 301 S. Ann St., Port Lavaca 7. Civil War Bombardment of Port Lavaca • 200 Block of Commerce Street, Port Lavaca 8. Civil War Torpedo Works • Live Oak and Commerce Streets, Port Lavaca 9. Clark Cemetery • From Hwy. 35, take US 87 north 3.6 miles. Turn left on FM 2433 and then immediately turn right on FM 1679.

After 0.9 miles, turn left on Sanders Rd. Go another 0.9 miles to private road on the left. The cemetery is about 0.4 miles down the road on private property.

10. Cox’s Point • Northeast end of causeway, on SH 35, near western city limit, Point Comfort 11. Eberly, Mrs. Angelina Bell Peyton • From Port Lavaca, take FM 238 three miles southwest to FM 316; follow FM 316 south about 8.75 miles 12. First Baptist Church of Port Lavaca • 902 Calhoun, Port Lavaca 13. First Presbyterian Church of Port Lavaca • 1111 N. Virginia 14. First United Methodist Church of Port Lavaca • 814 N. San Antonio Street, Port Lavaca 15. George, Wiley • S. Nueces at Cypress St., at entrance to Port Lavaca Cemetery 16. Grace Episcopal Church (2 markers) • 213 E. Austin Street, Port Lavaca

22

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

17. Green Lake • 12 miles southwest of Port Lavaca on SH 35 right-ofway 18. Half Moon Reef Lighthouse • Bay Front Park, west end of causeway on SH 35, Port Lavaca 19. Hatch Cemetery • From Port Lavaca, take US 35 about six miles south.

Then go west about one mile on Meadow View Ln. to golf course.

20. Hatch, Sylvanus • From Port Lavaca, take US 35 about six miles south.

Then go west about one mile on Meadow View Ln. to golf course. Marker is about in the middle of the bridge on the south side of path.

21. Indianola • SH 316 terminus at beach, Indianola 22. Indianola Cemetery • From Port Lavaca, take FM 238 south southwest three miles to FM 316. Follow FM 316 about 8.75 miles to Brighton Rd. in Indianola. Follow Brighton Rd northwest about one mile and then go west on Comal Rd one-half mile and then right on Orleans St. one quarter mile to cemetery.

23. Indianola, Site of the Town of • SH 316 South to Ocean Dr one mile to Indianola 24. Johnson, Moses, M.D. • Six miles northwest of Port Lavaca on US 87 25. Johnson, Moses, M.D. • Private, 6.25 mile north of Port Lavaca off US 87 26. La Salle, Rene Robert Cavelier, Sieur de • Beach Rd at SH 316 terminus at Indianola 27. Lavaca Lodge No. 36, A. F. & A. M. • From Port Lavaca, take FM 1090 north about two miles 28. Linnville, Site of the Town of • From SH 35 in Port Lavaca, take FM 1090 north about two miles and turn east onto E. Maxwell Ditch Rd. for about 0.8 miles to Bay Meadow Dr. Go south on Bay Meadow Rd. about 1.3 miles to Meadow Lark Rd. Go east on Meadow Lark to

s

M

t

&

M

,

o

Lavaca 35 end. Take the private road south at 1593 172 Bay 46 44 45 Point water front. Walk south along 2143 Comfort shore at field area. Marker 28 10 falls in water.

1090 32 31 29. Matagorda Island Light35 house* 27 36 87 • Located approx.

3084 Port 7.5 miles south Lavaca 238 4 24 25 of Port 87 O’Connor 9 1090 2433 Lavaca at 28° 20’ Bay 1679 185 16.44”, -96° 25’ 19 20 26.62” on 2541 Matago48 rda Island, 35 Matagorda 21 26 lighthouse 17 Bay 50 is acces11 2235 sible only by 23 private boat or 1289 238 airplane plus a 22 35 hike to the site.

30. Mt. Sinai Baptist Church 37 185 Port • 419 Center St., Port O’Connor Lavaca 31. Olivia 43 185 • SH 172 at city limits Seadrift 185 32. Olivia Cemetery 39 • SH 172 & County Road 317 on County Road 317, Olivia 42 33. Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church • 415 W. Austin San Antonio Bay 34. Port Lavaca 29 • SH 35 between SH 238 & Half Moon Dr., at Bauer Community Center, Port Lavaca 35. Port Lavaca Cemetery • End of S. Nueces St., Port Lavaca 36. Port Lavaca Chapter No. 373, Order of The Eastern 1090 Star 35 • FM 1090, two miles north of Port Lavaca 40 12 37. Port O’Connor 18 34 238 • E. Monroe Ave. at S. Park Ave., at King Fisher 3084 38 Beach 13 38. Ranger Cemetery (2 41 Markers) 2 14 • Harbor St., Port Lavaca 39. Rasmussen, Andrew A. 1 • Main & 15th St., Port 35 O’Connor 5 40. Salem Lutheran Church 7 8 • 2101 FM 1090 6 41. San Antonio and Mexi87 16 can Gulf Railroad • 110 N. Virginia, Port 33 47 Lavaca 42. Seadrift 35 49 30 • SH 185, Seadrift 43. Seadrift Cemetery 3 15 35 1090 • 1273 Cemetery Road; Located 1.273 miles from Hwy 185 on Cemetery Road.

49. Wilkins, Alice O., School 46. Six Mile-Royal Community 44. Six Mile Cemetery • Ann and Alice Wilkins streets, Port • Go 4.1 miles northwest of SH 35 on FM • Go 4.5 miles northwest of Port Lavaca Lavaca 1090 on FM 1090 to Royal Rd. Turn west on 50. Zimmerman Cemetery 47. St. Joseph Baptist Church Royal and go about 0.4 miles. Cemetery • From Port Lavaca, take FM 238 about 3 • 811 S. Virginia St., Port Lavaca is behind Six Mile Presbyterian Church. miles to FM 316. Go south 7.25 miles to 48. Town Cemetery, Old 45. Six Mile Presbyterian Church • From Port Lavaca, take FM 238 south roadside area.

• Go 4.5 miles northwest of Port Lavaca southwest about three miles. Then follow on FM 1090 to Royal Rd. Turn west on FM 316 south about 8.5 miles. Go north one * National Registry listing; no historical Royal and go about 0.4 miles. mile on county road to Old Town Cemetery. marker.

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

23

Markers from page 18 in Indianola, World War II in Calhoun County and one for folklorist Ed Bell.

On Feb. 11, 1864, a 23-year-old William Barnes, of Maryland, responded to the “Act For Enrolling and Calling Out the National Forces” (Conscription Act) signed into law March 3, 1863 by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. Barnes entered a recruiting station at Point Lookout, Md., and joined the Union Army. He started military service as a private in the 38th U.S. Colored Troops in Norfolk,

Va. On Sept. 29, 1864, the 38th USCT, and other USCT regiments attacked Confederate forces at New Market Heights, Va. He returned to service on Dec. 12, 1864.

On April 6, 1865, Private Barnes was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Sept. 2930, 1864, battle in New Market Heights, Va. “Of the 12 men on the order that received the Medal of Honor that day, alphabetically Barnes would have been first on the list

Gingerbread School & Day Care Center " Since 1974"

Infants - 12 years Monday-Friday • 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Extended Morning Hour 6:30 a.m - 7:30 am

Pre-school Classes • 2 1/2 yrs. - Pre-K A BEKA Curriculum

Transportation before and after school (Federal Regulation Bus)

State Licensed - Aged Grouping • Child Staff Ratio

2202 Half League • Port Lavaca • 552-5757

24

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

and is; therefore, likely the first black soldier to have physically received a Medal of Honor,” Gary Ralston said in his application.

The Civil War ended in April 1865. In June 1865, Union soldiers began flooding into Texas to maintain law and order and assist with the Reconstruction era in Texas. Troops were also ordered to the U.S. and Mexico border in the Rio Grande Valley in case intervention was necessary in the war between France and Mexico. Many of these soldiers were from the 25th Army Corps that was formed of regiments of the U. S. Colored Troops (USCT).

Barnes was among them.

Soon after, Barnes was promoted to the rank of sergeant, the highest rank that could be attained by a black soldier in the Union Army.

The service of the 38th USCT in Texas included Brownsville and various points on the Rio Grande, Brazos Santiago Island, Galveston and Indianola.

However, from July through October 1866, Barnes was reported in the bi-monthly Company Muster Roll as “Sick” or “Sick in Hospital.”

In the November and December Muster Roll, it is recorded that he “Died of Consumption in Hospital at Indianola” on Dec. 24, 1866. Sgt. Barnes was laid to rest at Indianola.

“Although the assignment of the U.S. Colored Troops to Texas after the Civil War created many conflicts between the soldiers and the white citizens, the role of these troops was important to the early stabilization of the Texas government and the protection of the recently freed slaves,” Ralston wrote in his application.

In 1867, the bodies of more than 300 soldiers, including that of Sgt. Barnes, were removed from the Indianola area and re-interred in a common grave at the San Antonio National Cemetery. A marker “In Memory of” William H. Barnes” was placed at the San Antonio National Cemetery in the area of the group burial.

The Calhoun County Museum, located at 301 S. Ann St. in Port Lavaca, has a free brochure with additional information on the county’s historical markers. The museum can be reached at 361553-4689.

ty i l a u Q l o r t n Co g n i t s e T

Kay McPherson, President

v DATIA Accredited v Drug & Alcohol Testing Servic v DNA Testing Monit es oring v Paternity Testing Traini v Occupational Health Physical Drug/ ng Alcoh ol v Maritime/FMCSA Consortiums

ON SITE TESTING

Travel 24/7 Call Out! 709 C. Hwy. 35 S.(behind McDonald’s and next to TSC) 361-553-7080 • 361-553-7025 qct@cableone.net

rive Ocean D 6) (HWY 31

552-535

0

www.indianolafishingmarina.com

Live Bait Boat Ramp Fishing Licenses Lighted Fishing Pier Open 24 Hours Cabin Rentals RV Park Kayak Rentals Food, Ice, Beer, Snacks Weekly Rentals for $350

Buy 1 Fishing Pass & Get 1 Free!!

Expires February 2013

Store opens every day at 5:30 am Closes Sun-Thurs at 10pm • Fri and Sat closes at midnight

709 C. Hwy. 35 S. Port Lavaca, TX 77979

RE/MAX

Every Friday Night Ribeye Steak Special

Land & Homes on the Bay

Cissy Sullivan

Rita Boudreaux

Marolyn Cummins

Lindsey Smith

Dallas Franklin

Roxie Stringo

Office Manager

361-220-0326

361-676-3074

361-676-4268

361-746-5112

361-230-2267

PortLavacaRealEstate.net Each office independently owned and operated.

1 31 N. Virginia, Port Lavaca Sarah Korczynski - BROKER/OWNER  Veronica McCants - BROKER/OWNER

361-552-5200

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

25

Randy’s

Floor Company WOOD FLOORING, CERAMIC, COUNTER-TOPS, & MORE RANDY’S FLOOR COMPANY CAN HELP YOU CEILING TO FLOOR! Robin Kacir is a certified decorator & CEU in Chicago

Sales & Installation Free Estimates 220 E. Main Port Lavaca, TX 77979 Out of Town

Randy & Robin Kacir Owners

552-6785 1-800-357-8781

Taqueria La Finca

SPECIALS EVERYDAY ✦ Breakfast ✦ Lunch ✦ Dinner ✦ Drive Thru Sun. - Thurs. 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 5 a.m. - 10 p.m.

2640 W. Main • Port Lavaca, Tx 361-552-6515 26

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

hs t i a All F med co Wel

Our Lady of the Gulf Sc hola rshi A v Catholic School ailable ps

Join Us On The Shores Of Knowledge!

Academics ♦ Advanced Technology ♦ Hands-on Learning ♦ Challenging Academics ♦ Excellence in Instruction

Faith ♦ Strong Moral Environment ♦ High Behavioral Standards

Call today for more information about becoming a Mariner!

Service

♦ Leadership Opportunities ♦ School and Community Pride

Pre-Kinder - Eighth Grade Fully Accredited

301 S. San Antonio St., Port Lavaca ● 361-552-6140 ● www.olgmariners.org

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

27

2

3

4*

5

1

A

6

B

7

8

C

D

9 10

D

Getting to the Beach A. Lighthouse Beach Lighthouse Beach is part of the Lighthouse Beach Park located adjacent the TX Hwy. 35 North causeway bridge.

Entrance to the park is from Broadway St. (TX Hwy 238) just south of the Hwy. 35 and Hwy 238 intersection across from the Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse and Bauer Community Center. There is a modest per vehicle fee to enter the park.

B. Magnolia Beach Go west on TX Hwy. 238 from Port Lavaca as it exits town. Continue straight on TX 238, which eventually becomes TX Hwy. 316.

Continue on Hwy. 316 for approximately 5.5 miles before turning left when you reach Farm to Market Road 2760. Once on FM 2760, travel approximately one mile, then turn right on Vivian Stevens Rd. Make an immediate left around the curve once on Vivian Stevens, and then an immediate right around the curve. The beach will be on your left in a few feet.

C. Indianola Beach Go west on TX Hwy. 238 from Port Lavaca as it exits town. Continue straight on TX 238, which eventually becomes TX Hwy. 316.

Continue on Hwy. 316 for approximately eight miles, then turn right on Brighton Avenue. Stay on Brighton Avenue for about a mile, and the beach will be on your left.

D. King Fisher Beach at Port O’Connor From Port Lavaca, head west on TX Hwy. 238 out of town. Follow Hwy. 238 and when you reach the flashing yellow lights at the intersection of TX Hwy 316, turn right, which will still be Hwy. 238. Follow Hwy. 238 for about one mile, then turn left on Farm to Market Road 1289. Continue on FM 1289 for just over 11 miles until it ends. From there, turn left on TX Hwy. 185. Continue on Hwy. 185 through Port O’Connor until it ends. Once it ends, turn left on Park Street.

The beach will be on your right.

E. Seadrift Bayfront Park From Port Lavaca, head west on TX Hwy. 238 out of town. Follow Hwy. 238 and when you reach the flashing yellow lights at the intersection of TX Hwy 316, turn right, which will still be Hwy. 238. Follow Hwy. 238 for approximately 10 miles, where it will “T” with TX Hwy. 185. Take a left on Hwy. 185 and you will reach Seadrift in approximately one mile. Continue on Hwy. 185 until you reach Main Street, and turn right. Follow Main Street until it intersects with Bay Street. Turn right on Bay Street, and the beach will be on your left.

Public Boat Ramps 1. Olivia 2. Point Comfort 3. Six Mile 4.* Lighthouse Beach 5. Bayfront Peninsula

6. Harbor of Refuge 7. Chocolate Bayou 8. Magnolia Beach 9. Port O’Connor 10. Seadrift Bayfront Park

* A modest per vehicle fee is required for entrance to the Lighthouse Beach Park.

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

29

Affordable Auto Repair

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

L. Sarabosing, M.D. — Collaborative Practice Physician

Personalized care for infants, children and adolescents

New Patients Always Welcome

Honest Prices Quality Parts Dependable Repairs info@affautorepair.us LIKE us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/plaffordableauto

Laura Deming, RN, PNP Nichole Bruno, RN, MSN, CPNP

Immediate Appointment for Acute Illness Ear Piercing • Allergy Testing • Sports Physicals 1300 N. Virginia, Suite 11 (YMCA Bldg.)

361-553-6844

Dr. Bill McClellan, DVM

PORT LAVACA VETERINARY CLINIC Available by Appointment

361-489-5419

ing Board ing m o & Gro

Large Anima & Small l Med icine

815-C State Hwy 35 N, Port Lavaca TX

820 Porter Road, Port Lavaca 361-552-6959

a world too often ruled by war, Without God, it’s Inhunger, disease and inhumanity, a vicious circle. we believe there is hope.

Taqueria Vallarta

Monday - Saturday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday: 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Freedom House A/G You’re invited to be our guests

SUNDAY Celebracíon en Español .......................................... 9 a.m.

Celebration Service .......................................... 10:30 a.m.

Kingdom Kidz ..................................................... 10:30 a.m.

Bible Study ............................................................. 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY Small Groups .............................................................. 7 p.m.

Kingdom Kidz ............................................................. 7 p.m.

Full Throttle Youth (6th-12th grades) ................... 7 p.m.

Other Ministries: Prayer, Praise and Worship,Youth Ministries, Children’s Ministries, Spanish Ministries, Greeting and Ushering.

Pastors Kevin and Kim LeVrier

301 Alcoa Drive - Port Lavaca 361-552-8818 www.freedomhouseag.org 30

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

Monday-Friday

Lunch Buffet: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday Breakfast Buffet: 8 - 11 a.m.

Lunch: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

♦ Drive Thru ♦ To-go Orders ♦ Daily Specials for Lunch & Dinner 1928 W. Main Street - 361-552-8089

TWIN DOLPHINS Cinemas

152 N. Hwy. 35, Port Lavaca • 361-552-6764 twindolphinscinemas@gmail.com

NOW PLAYING REAL D 3-D MOVIES! ALL DIGITAL CINEMA SHOWTIMES:

FRIDAY, 7PM & 9PM • SUNDAY, 2PM & 7PM SATURDAY, 2PM, 7PM & 9PM • MONDAY – THURSDAY, 7 PM ADDITIONAL SUMMER MATINEE TIMES MONDAY – THURSDAY, 2PM

Leslie Pfeil Insurance Agency, Inc. pfeilinsurance@gmail.com www.pfeilinsurance.com

Home • Auto • Cycle • Boat Travel Trailers • Life 152 N. Hwy 35 • Port Lavaca (located inside Twin Dolphins Movie Theater building)

Office Hours Mon.-Fri. 9-4 552-9403

Oil Changes • Alignments • Tune-Ups • Computer Diagnostics Fuel Services • Transmission Service • Brake Service Diesel Service • A/C Work and more

124 S. Virginia Street•Port Lavaca, TX 77979 Rolando Reyes • 361-552-5474 • firestone2@cableone.net www.firestoneportlavaca.com Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

31

Cha

Chamber of Commerce 361-552-2959 • 1-800-556-Port www.portlavacatx.org

Find A Welcome In Our Home!

Shan Jackson, Minister SUNDAY SERVICES:

• 9:30 a.m.: Bible Classes For All Ages

• 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.: Worship

MONDAY:

• 5 p.m.: Ladies’ Bible Class

TUESDAY: • 9:30 a.m.: Ladies’ Bible Class

Saltwater Fishing Regulations SPECIES

DAILY BAG

Amberjack, Greater • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Bass: striped, its hybrids and subspecies • • • • • • • • Catfish: channel and blue catfish, hybrids and subspecies Catfish, flathead • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Catfish, gafftopsail • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Cobia • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Drum, black • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Drum, red • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Flounder: all species, their hybrids and subspecies2 • • Gar (alligator) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Grouper, gag • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Grouper, goliath (formerly called Jewfish) • • • • • • • Mackerel, king • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Mackerel, Spanish • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Marlin, blue • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Marlin, white • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Mullet: all species, their hybrids and subspecies1 • • • Sailfish • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Seatrout, spotted1 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Shark: allowable species1 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Shark: prohibited species • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Sheepshead • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Snapper, lane • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Snapper, red (pole & line - circle hook only) • • • • • • • Snapper, vermilion • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Snook • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Tarpon • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Triggerfish, gray • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Tripletail • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1

• 7 p.m.: Bible Classes

808 State Highway 35 S., Port Lavaca 361-552-9551 • plchurch.com

3rd Saturday in March

“Olde” Downtown Main Street, Port Lavaca, Texas Come and promenade through downtown in costumes of ancestral, adopted heritage or favorite historical character.

Parade starts at 11 a.m. at 100 S. Ann St., right on Main Street and ends at Commerce.

Downtown shopping in local stores, cultural food, vendors and handcrafted items.

Ethnic ♦ Food ♦ Music ♦ Dance ♦ Entertainment For additional information:

34

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• 34 - N/L** • 18 - N/L** • 12 - N/L** • 18 - N/L** • 14 - N/L** • 37 - N/L** • 14 - 301 • 20 - 281 • 14 - N/L** • N/L** • 22 - N/L** • C & R*** • 27 - N/L** • 14 - N/L** • 131 - N/L** • 86 - N/L** • N/L** - 12 • 84 - N/L** • 15 - 25 • 24 - N/L** • C & R*** • 15 - N/L** • • 8 - N/L** • 15 - N/L** • 10 - N/L** • 24 - 28 • 85 - N/L** • 16 - N/L** • 17 - N/L**

* - In any combination N/L** - No Limit C&R*** - Catch & Release ONLY 2 Nov. 1-30 limit is 2; may be taken only by pole and line.

You are invited to Calhoun Culture & Cuisine 2013

Like Us On

1 • • • 5* • • 25* • • 5 • • • N/L** 2 • • • 5 • • • 3 • • • 5/22 • 1 • • • 2 • • • 0 • • • 2 • • • 15 • • N/L** N/L** N/L** N/L** 10 • • 1 • • • 0 • • • 5 • • • N/L** 4 • • • N/L** 1 • • • 1 • • • 20 • • 3 • • •

Refer to Texas Parks & Wildlife site for more detail http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/regulations/fish_hunt/fish/saltwater_limits.phtml

WEDNESDAY:

Rose Pena Chairperson 361-652-0140

INCH LENGTH (MIN - MAX)

Kathy V. Perez Co-chairperson 361-549-7044

Betty Hicks Liaison 361-552-2248

At PortLavacaMainStreet

Where’s the bait?

If you are out to catch big fish, then you need to know where to get the best bait. Don’t get caught without the supplies needed to catch redfish, flounder, gafftop, trout, tarpon, snapper or shark.

PORT LAVACA • Bowed Up Outdoors 123 N. Hwy. 35, 482-0336

• Big Bear Shrimp 2241 N. Hwy. 35, 553-8091 • Evelyn’s Fish Market 732 Broadway, 552-2882

• Indianola Fishing Marina

SEADRIFT • Charlie’s Bait Camp 785-3023

• Chunky Monkey’s 621 Main St., 785-2138

• Dockside Bait Shop 806 S. Main, 785-3344

8 Bell St., 552-5350

PORT O’CONNOR

1374 N. Ocean Dr., 552-2724

• Beacon 44 Seafood Market

515 Fulton, 552-6423

• Boathouse (The)

400 E. Live Oak, 552-1504

• Fishing Center (The)

• J&J Bait & Tackle • Miller’s Seafood

• Poor Boys Bait Stand

1982 W. Harrison, 983-4247 7th and Maple, 983-4764 Intracoastal Canal, 983-4440

• Froggie’s Bait Dock

2649 Stella St., 983-4466

• Marty’s Landing and Mama’s Kitchen, 983-3474

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

35

O.K. Pawn & Jewelry Loans • Jewelry Guns Electronics

Your Port Lavaca Walmart:

Sonya Oubre Williams

361-552-9005 • 1414 S. Hwy 35, Port Lavaca TX

Working To Save You Money So You Can Live Better!

400 Tiney Browning Blvd ★ 361-552-4116

PERSONAL ◆ COMMERCIAL ◆ INDUSTRIAL SINCE 1925

Danny Russell & Merrilou Russell

Perms • Waxing ♦ Highlights ♦ Hair Color ♦ Hair Cuts 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday • 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday Call 361-552-8111 for an appointment ♦ Walk-ins Welcome

Magic Asian Cuisine

361-552-3986 www.dewittins.com

YOUR LOCAL FAMILY RESTAURANT

424 E. RAILROAD, PORT LAVACA

• Vietnamese Sandwich • Pho • Spring Rolls • Fried Rice Special or Noodles • Egg Rolls • Fried Shrimp • Steamed Rice Dish • Chicken Nuggets • Catfish Filets

Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Monday through Saturday

101 N. Commerce St. • 361-552-8111 • 361-235-0264

Serving All Your Real Estate Needs Leading the way in Calhoun County Sales! Since 1974 Port O’ Connor

Residential, Commercial, Farm, Ranch, Waterfront & Residental Lots

361-983-2622 361-983-4371

Edna

Rental Properties

Jan Regan

Realtor 361-648-4384 jan@russellcain.com

Brenda Carter Realtor 361-920-2005

brenda@pocrentals.com

361-782-5949

Cherre Cain Agent (361) 935-2222

cherre@russellcain.com

Russell Cain Broker 361-552-6313 rc@russellcain.com

Gonda Moncada Realtor 361-935-2661

Palacios

361-972-5282

Seadrift

361-785-6151

Shelley Srp Realtor 361-782-5949

Megan Tipton Realtor 361-550-3211

gonda@russellcain.com shelley@russellcain.com megan@russellcain.com

361-552-6313 • 2025 Hwy. 35 S. Port Lavaca, Texas 77979 www.russellcain.com

36

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

BEACHCOMBING exposes hidden treasures Photo by Brandee Vickery

BY EMILY ALLEN

To find that perfect shell to serve as a reminder of a trip to the Texas coastline, one must possess a little basic beachcombing knowledge and a lot of perseverance.

Calhoun County has more than 500 miles of shoreline to provide ample opportunity for beachcombers looking for various shells to add to their collection. Ten bays, Texas’ largest natural freshwater lake and the Gulf of Mexico offer plenty of areas for both the casual and serious beachcomber.

Within the five classes of mollusks, there are roughly 400 different species that may be collected along the Texas coastline. The five classes include gastropods (snails), bivalves (scallops, cockles, clams and oysters), scaphopods (log, tapering, tusk like tubes), chitons (segmented to allow them to roll up like a pill bug) and cephalopods (squid and octopus).

While Texas tides are not extreme, they are still high enough to prevent optimal shelling at certain times of the year. The best time to collect shells is during the winter months when the lowest tides occur along the coastline, leaving flats and mud exposed.

COLD BEER * ICE * FISHING TACKLE * SNACKS * COLD DRINKS * GROCERIES

Tips for the inexperienced beachcomber from veteran shellers: – Wear appropriate seasonal clothing – Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and possibly long sleeves – Wear old canvas shoes to protect your feet; hidden balls of tar can ruin a perfectly nice pair of shoes – Pockets – Light weight plastic bucket

– Plastic bags for driftwood or carrying messy material – Fill bottles for small/special specimens – Small strainer or dip net for collecting in grass flats, etc.

– Trowel or other digging tool.

– Tweezers or toothpicks (wet the end) to pick up tiny shells.

– Waders, rubber boots, possibly thermal underwear – winter is the best time to collect and the water can be very cold.

– A note pad and waterproof pen for keeping location data.

– A friend – use the buddy system, especially when combing isolated areas.

Several prime spots for shelling in Calhoun County include the former site of Indianola; the jetties along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway in and around Port O’Connor; the Gulf beaches adjoining Pass Cavallo; and several spots on Matagorda Island.

Please remember to never collect living specimens, as they are still part of the ocean’s food web.

J&T ONE STOP

BIG BREAKFAST TACOS

514 Margie Tewmey Rd. at Magnolia Beach 361-552-2913

BURGERS

Come have the BEST burger on the beach!

*

Located 3/4 mile from public beach

QUIT YOUR BEACHIN COME ON IN!!

Don’t forget Saltwater Saloon in the back

* * FRIES OR TOTS SUNDAY BREAKFAST SPECIAL: BISCUITS & GRAVY

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

37

A Guide to Newcomer Information ELECTRICITY

AEP (877) 373-4858 Reliant Energy: (866) 222-7100 TXU: (800) 818-6132 Victoria Electric Co-op: (361) 573-2428

NATURAL GAS

CenterPoint Energy: centerpointenergy.com or (800) 427-7142

TELEPHONE

Verizon Residential: (800) 483-4400 AT&T Residential: (800) 222-0300 Commercial: (800) 222-0400

TELEVISION

CableOne of Port Lavaca (361) 552-9621 Direct TV: (888) 777-2454 Dish Network: (866) 271-3005

WATER AND SEWER Port Lavaca Service Billing and Connects 202 N. Virginia; (361) 552-9793, ext.

236 Port Lavaca Maintenance and Repair 800 N. Commerce; (361) 552-3347 Seadrift Service (361) 785-2251 Point Comfort Service (361) 987-2661

GARBAGE COLLECTION Allied Waste Services (800) 640-2014

RECYCLING Calhoun County Recycling Center (361) 552-7791

VEHICLE REGISTRATION Tax Assessor and Collector Office 211 S. Ann; (361) 553-4433

INTERNET

CableOne of Port Lavaca (361) 552-9621 Testengeer: (361) 573-1102 Time-Warner: (877) 646-8994

DRIVER’S LICENSE Calhoun County Courthouse Annex 201 W. Austin; (361) 552-5046

VOTER REGISTRATION Calhoun County Elections Office 211 S. Ann, (361) 553-4440

SCHOOL ENROLLMENT PORT LAVACA Calhoun High School Sandcrab Blvd., (361) 552-3775 Hope High School 300 Alcoa, (361) 552-7084 HJM Elementary Complexes (361) 552-5253 Jackson-Roosevelt Elementary 1512 Jackson, (361) 552-3317 Travis Middle School 705 N. Nueces, (361) 552-3784 Victoria College, Calhoun County Center 900 N. Virginia, (361) 553-4316

PORT O’CONNOR Port O’Connor School (361) 983-2341

SEADRIFT Seadrift School (361) 785-3511

EMERGENCY NUMBERS All emergencies should be reported by using 9-1-1. However if a particular department is needed not regarding an emergency use the following numbers. The county has the Enhanced 911 system. This allows dispatchers to see the location and phone number of the person placing the call. You must still give them this information when you call.

Calhoun County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) (361) 552-1140 Calhoun County Sheriff ’s Department 333 S. Benavides, (361) 553-4646 Port Lavaca Fire Department Station #1, 800 N. Hwy. 35, (361) 552-4620 Station #2, 1501 W. Austin Street, (361) 552-3241 Port Lavaca Police Department 201 N. Colorado; (361) 552-3788 Point Comfort Police Department Point Comfort, (361) 987-2345 Seadrift Police Department Seadrift, (361) 785-2069

David Roberts Wanda Roberts Anne Marie Odefey Sandra Witte ‘You’re always treated like gold at ondreas custom jewelry’ Custom Casting ♦ Ring Sizing and Restoration ♦ Diamonds, Gemstones, Chain Repair ♦ Pearl Restringing ♦ Stone Mounting

400 Broadway Street • Port Lavaca, TX 77979 (361) 552-5182

EL TACO RESTAURANT Homestyle Mexican Food Daily Lunch Specials Mon., Wed.-Fri. 711 W. Main Port Lavaca, TX 77979

552-3610 HOURS:

Monday & Wednesday: 5 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Closed on Tuesday Thursday & Friday: 5 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday: 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.

38

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

Roberts, Roberts, Odefy & Witte, LLP Attorneys at Law

Carly Wall 2206 State Highway 35 N Post Office Box 9 Port Lavaca, Texas 77979 361-552-2971 www.portlavacalaw.com

Fresh Table

Shrimp Breaded Seafood Items Sunday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Fish Oysters Friday & Saturday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Scallops 361-553-8091  361-648-4521 Bait Much More Owners: Mark & Terri Dietzel Now Accepting SNAP Cards

2241 Highway 35 N. Port Lavaca, TX 77979

Things to do in Calhoun County

Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse This historical landmark has been around since 1857 and was placed at the southern tip on the Half Moon Reef in Matagorda bay. It served as an aid to ships trading in Port Lavaca and Indianola. It still stands and is now located at the Bauer Community Center.

Matagorda Lighthouse This lighthouse was first constructed in 1852, standing 92 feet tall, made entirely of cast iron with no masonry support and was originally painted with horizontal red, white and black stripes.

La Salle Monument This granite monument dedicated to the French explorer La Salle is located on the western shore of Matagorda Bay, between

Indian Point and Indianola.

Indianola “The ghost town” It has been written, “Of the many ghost towns in Texas, none died as tragic a death as Indianola.” Founded by German immigrants in 1844, the town was second only to Galveston as a Texas port city at one time.

Historical Marker Tour There are over 40 historical markers and places to see in Calhoun County. See marker guide on pages 22 and 23.

Lighthouse Beach Fishing Pier Some people pick this beautiful campground in order to be close to Port Lavaca State Fishing Pier. Port Lavaca State Fishing Pier is a good location to visit on a delightful day; since you

SUNDAYS:

Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

Puppets for kids: 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Children’s Church: 11:15 a.m.

Fellowship meal & Birthday celebration First Sunday of each month, immediately after morning worship (Everyone brings something) Sunday Evening Worship: 6:00 p.m.

might be in a lake visiting mood you can always stop at close by Mud Lake.

Calhoun County Port Located in Point Comfort,.Port Lavaca was an active fishing port in the first half of the 20th Century. The Gulf Intracoastal waterway reached Matagorda Bay in 1942, connecting Calhoun County to the thousands of miles of channels in the nation’s inland waterway system.

Magnolia Beach Magnolia Beach and Indianola Beach are “all in one.” Indianola is steeped in Texas history once being an inland seaport that rivaled Galveston in size. Many German Immigrants landed at Indianola eventually settling in New Braunfels and Fredericksburg, Texas. Driving along Ocean

5 miles north of Port Lavaca on FM 1090

Memorial Chapels

See page 62

Two Locations To Serve You! 306 Highway 35 361-552-7300

Start with meal at 7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Adult Discipleship training, Praise & Prayer, Youth Service Bible training for Children

Inside Walmart (on Highway 35) 361-552-6073

Call Johnny or Bonnie Kisiah, Pastor, at 361-552-5714 for more information.

Artero

Formosa Bird Sanctuary The 245-acre Formosa-Tejano Wetlands habitat was dedicated during a ribboncutting ceremony led by the chairman of the Wildlife Habitat Council on November 17, 1999. Located halfway between Houston and Corpus Christi on land owned by Formosa Plastics Corporation, Texas (Point Comfort, TX), the site provides a “wildlife sanctuary for indigenous wetland species, opportunities

ADD HOT SOUP TO YOUR MEAL!

WEDNESDAYS:

Six Mile Assembly of God Church

Drive you will see about 50 blue signs that tell the story about how Texas was settled from this once huge seaport. There is a large granite marker where the town of Indianola once stood and a statue of the explorer LaSalle.

El Patio

Family Owned Operated

&

RESTAURANT SERVING PORT LAVACA SINCE 1973

Since 1940

Pre-Need Funeral Plans ♦ Monument Sales ♦ Insurance Throughout the years, Artero Memorial Chapels has provided full funeral arrangements to the citizens of Victoria, Port Lavaca, and the surrounding areas.

Our professional and caring staff takes pride in providing quality and affordable funeral services that meet the special needs of your family. We also offer pre-needs, insurance and monuments.

Artero Memorial Chapels offer a complete range of services, from full funeral services to cremations and memorial services. We are experienced in honoring many faiths and customs. We also honor most pre-needs from other funeral homes.

706 E. Crestwood Victoria, TX 77901 361-575-3212

C

827 W. Austin Port Lavaca, TX 77979 361-552-2300

Lunch Specials MondayFriday 11 a.m. 2 p.m.

Open 7 Days A Week 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Doris Trimble & Paul Guzman - Managers All Major Credit Cards Accepted

548 W. Main St., Port Lavaca ✣ 361-552-6316 Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

39

Museum to feature minerals, toys and artifacts

BY MELONY OVERTON PORT LAVACA WAVE

Calhoun County Museum director George Anne Cormier inspects a portion of local geologist Dean Johnstone’s mineral collection. The museum will host a mineral exhibit this fall. (Melony Overton photo)

The Greenhouse Your Complete Floral Designers

Fresh Flowers ✿ Plants ✿ Balloons ✿ Silk Flowers ✿ Weddings & Parties ✿ Funeral Designs ✿

“Your Extra Touch Florest for 40 Years” 704 N. Virginia, Port Lavaca, TX 552-9758 • 552-4202

The PanTry Daily Lunch Specials

702 N. Virginia, Port Lavaca, TX 552-1679 40

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

A series of exhibits are scheduled for the Calhoun County Museum, located at 301 S. Ann St., during the fall and winter months.

George Anne Cormier, museum director, said the first exhibit for the fall is a mineral exhibit in November. The minerals are from the collection of geologist and photographer Dean Johnstone, owner of Main Street Gallery, located at 309 E. Main St. “I thought a mineral exhibit would be something different for Calhoun County, something outside of the box,” Cormier said.

A quilt made by members of the Port Lavaca Quilt Guild honoring Vietnam veterans will also hang at the museum beginning in November.

Vintage toy enthusiasts can marvel at toys from the 1930s, 40s and 50s in December during the Christmas exhibit.

“The toys are from our museum collection. The exhibit will include dolls, metal and cast

iron toys,” Cormier said.

Much of the Calhoun County Museum collection deals with the history of Indianola.

Indianola was one of the busiest ports along the Gulf Coast until it was hit by hurricanes in 1875 and 1886. The hurricanes largely destroyed the town.

A large diorama of Indianola has the locations of a number of the homes and businesses before the 1875 hurricane and a number of artifacts from the town after the hurricane.

One of those artifacts is the Victorian Grand Piano, made in Boston, owned by the Samuel Kinlay family. The piano also survived the hurricane of 1886. It was during that second hurricane that the family wrapped the piano in mattresses and quilts and left Indianola.

Upon the family’s return, they found that the only part of the house that managed to survive was the living room floor with the piano still sitting on it.

Along with the displays of the town, including a recreation of what the area looked like at the time, are items that have been found on the beaches.

Always Dredging For The future!

Formerly known as King Fisher Marine 159 Hwy 316 • Port Lavaca, TX 77979 (361) 552-6751

Van Eli Naturalizer Stacy Adams Florsheim Redwing

Womens 4-12 AAA-B Mens 6-16, B-3E

#1 Virginia Place • Port Lavaca

361-552-3354

y

r r

e l o

d y

.

e h

Recent donations include hotel ledgers from the former Lafitte Hotel, which was located in Seadrift, a postcard featuring the La Salle statue in Indianola and a cast iron cane press from Navasota, located at the museum entrance, that was used to make syrup from pressed sugar cane and grain sorghum.

A recent museum purchase is an engraving entitled “The War in Texas Pass Cavallo Matagorda Bay” from 1864.

Museum visitors also have a chance to stare into a centuriesold gaze of a young Karankawa Indian woman.

The bronze casting of the Karankawa woman, created by Betty Pat Gatliff, the premiere forensic artist in the U.S., is on loan to the museum from the Heritage Society of Houston.

The casting was created from a skeleton of an 18 to 20 year-old woman, found in a graveyard on the west end of Galveston Island.

The young woman has long hair and high cheekbones. She also wears a necklace of three beads that was found on the skeleton.

The bronze sculpture is one of many sights to see at the museum.

One of the most popular items is the Third-Order Fresnel lens from the Matagorda Island

Lighthouse.

A buffalo head, donated by the Floyd Paige estate, is another prominent feature of the museum. Paige, who was a Houstonite, also donated a rifle and powder horns to the museum.

The museum has the Matagorda Island Lighthouse stamp that lighthouse enthusiasts seek as part of the Lighthouse Passport Program.

Since the Matagorda Island Lighthouse is accessible by boat only, and no organized tours of the lighthouse are available, the program coordinators have made an exception, and allowed a visit to the Fresnel lens at the museum worthy of a stamp, Cormier said.

The Half-Moon Reef Lighthouse also has a stamp, and it is available at the Port Lavaca Chamber of Commerce office at the Bauer Community Center on State Highway 35.

The museum has several displays entitled The La Salle Odyssey with items found on the La Belle, a ship used by explorer Robert de La Salle. The ship was found in Matagorda Bay in 1995.

The ship sank in 1686. Several items from the ship can be found at the museum.

Other items in the museum

These minerals are a small part of local geologist Dean Johnstone’s collection, which will be on display in a Calhoun County Museum exhibit this fall. (Melony Overton/Wave photo) are unique to Calhoun County, including one of the first wheelchairs used at Memorial Medical Center and handcrafted bedding and furniture that are over a century old.

Recently buried on the museum grounds, located in the open area space between the museum and the Calhoun County Courthouse is the grave of Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office Deputy K-9 Mirza, a Belgian Malinois, who served

the department for 13 years before the canine passed away in August 2012.

The museum is open 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. It is located at 301 S. Ann in Port Lavaca.

For more information, call (361) 553-4689, visit www. calhouncountymuseum. org or email at director@ calhouncountymuseum.org.

Calhoun County Independent School District Our Schools: HJM Elementary---(361)552-5253 J/R Elementary---(361)552-3317 Port O’ Connor Elementary---(361)983-2341 Seadrift School---(361)785-3511 Travis Middle School---(361)552-3784 Hope High School---(361)552-7084 Calhoun High School---(361)552-3775 s-

Quality School Successful Students

A Texas Education Agency

Recognized

District

www.calcoisd.org

525 N. Commerce Port Lavaca, TX 77979 (361) 552-9728

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

41

New heights at the Calhoun Air Center

WAVE STAFF REPORT

People might not think of an air center as a way to spend the afternoon, but the Calhoun Air Center has a different flavor than most.

Owner and pilot Dianna Stanger and her staff promote community involvement by promoting a number of events throughout the year. In the spring, the air center hosts the annual Kids Day in May. “This year Calhoun Air Center is focusing on our community involvement by reaching out to our area residents and expanding their knowledge of aviation,” said Steve Plunkett, air center manager and pilot.

The air center hosts the Monster Bash in October, which is a family-friendly Halloween event for children. It features costume contests, games and many other activities. Another event, scheduled in November, is the annual aviation art contest.

It is open to area students, many of which advance to the state level.

One way that is accomplished is through discovery flights, which are only $75. Those flights last about a half hour and can include up to three people.

“It’s a great way to spend a weekend,” Plunkett said. “And a discovery flight makes a great gift for a birthday, anniversary or Christmas.”

The air center has been honored multiple times for its promotion of aviation. It has twice been given the womenfriendly flight training seal by Women of Aviation Worldwide, followed by two additional awards from WOAW. The air center worked last year with a Girls With Wings event to allow 98 females of

42

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

all ages to take flight. The air center had an event scheduled for this spring, hoping to break its previous record, but it hand to be canceled due to rain.

Stanger received the award for “The Most Dedicated Female Pilot in the World” from WOAW for her 2011 efforts, while Jasmine Gordon, public relations director, received the award for “The Most Creative Aviation Advocate.”

“The females that flew on the WOAW weekend walked away inspired, motivated and excited,” Gordon said. “Their eyes were opened to an entirely new perspective.”

Other awards received by the air center include the Business of the Year award by the Port Lavaca Chamber of Commerce in 2011, and the most improved award in 2009 by the Texas Aviation Conference.

The Calhoun Air Center is a state-of-the-art flight center, offering flying lessons as well as full services for pilots. The center has made millions of dollars in improvements the past few years.

The air center features a lobby and pilot lounge for comfort, a refreshment center and pilot briefing room. Other improvements include an expanded apron and new overlay for the runway. Upgrades to the apron mean space for more planes and better drainage, and the new overlay allows access for larger aircraft.

The airport also features a 24-hour self-fueling station with guaranteed fuel prices, hangar space and a full flight-training school.

Contact the Calhoun Air Center at 361-552-1228. The air center is located at 4876 Farmto-Market Road 3084 in Port Lavaca.

s

Full Residential, Commercial & Agriculture Propane Service Sales • Service • Tank Sales Locally owned and operated Open Mon. - Fri. 9 am - 5 pm • Sat. 9 am - Noon beginning in Nov.

(361) 552-4858 361-575-3835

2815 State Hwy 35 South • Port Lavaca,Tx

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

43

HOME SERVICES RV REPAIR

Factory Trained & Authorized  Insured  18 Years Experience We are a full-line RV/Mobile Parts Dealer

2503 W. Austin Port Lavaca (Corner of Austin & CR 101) Cell: 361-318-9886  www.gulfcoastrvrepair.com

♦ Wide Selection Of Rugged All-Steel Structures. ♦ Protect Your Investment Against Year Round Weather!

Quentin Allen ◆ 361-552-3509

The FuTure Beckons

@ WELDING CLASSES

Medical Office Specialist Coding/Medisoft Accounting/Office Assistant Financial Aid Available

www.texasvocationalschools.com 361-575-4768 • 800-696-4768

1921 E. Red River • Victoria, TX 44

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

R.V. Park Listing

Port Lavaca

Bayside 316 8530 State Hwy. 316 Indianola, (979) 338-9936 Circle H R.V. Park 558 Margie Tewmey Rd. (361) 571-7525 Gateway R.V. Park 1620 W. Main, (361) 552-1388 Lighthouse Beach and Bird Sanctuary Park 700 Lighthouse Beach Dr. (361) 552-5311 Lavaca Bay R.V. Park 1818 Broadway, (361) 552-4814 Lonestar R.V. Park 1334 Broadway, (361) 553-7808 Oceanside R.V. Park 1162 Ocean Dr. North, Magnolia Beach (361) 564-0055 Powderhorn R.V. Park Indianola Beach, (361) 552-7481 Sandollar R. V. Park 1103 Broadway Street (361) 552-5150 Texas Lake Side R. V. Park 2499 W, Austin Street (361) 551-2267

Port O’Connor 2 R.V. Park 1402 Harrison, (361) 983-4688 Beacon 44 R.V. Park Harrison and Druscilla (361) 983-4247

Dolphins of the Bay R.V. Park 112 S. 16th Street (361) 983-4802 Fishing Center (The) Intercoastal Canal (361) 983-4440 LaSalle’s Landing RV Park 2699 West Adams Ave. (361) 983-4854 Port O’Connor RV Park 110 Steve St., (361) 983-2484 Sea Isle R.V. Park 1650 Adams St. (Hwy. 185) (361) 983-0020

Seadrift Beacon 7 R.V. Park West Bay Avenue (361) 785-2717 Captains Quarters Located next to the motel on Hwy 185, (361) 785-4982 Breezy Palms Cottages & R.V. Park 101 E.Bay Ave. (361) 550-6069 Lost Pelican R.V. Ranch 107 E. Broadway (210) 262-3991

Olivia Keller Bay R.V. Park (361) 893-5801

H&R Block • 415 N. Virginia • Port Lavaca, Texas 77979 Phone: 361-552-2075 • Mon-Fri: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sat.: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bei Jing Grand China Buffet Chinese Food to Carry Out or Eat In HOURS:

10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. ✩ Mon.-Thurs.: ✩ Fri.-Sat.: 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. ✩ ✩✩ Sunday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

335-339 Calhoun Plaza, Port Lavaca, TX 77979

361-553-6862 Fax: 361-553-6869 Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

45

Birding is big here

Just as Calhoun County attracts visitors from all over, it also hosts a variety of avian species. The bird watching opportunities are sure to please even the most experienced Photo by Brandee Vickery wildlife seekers.

There are several options for those interested in watching the wildlife.

Key Visit the Port Lavaca Lighthouse R=Rare P=Pelagic/Offshore Compiled by Brush Freeman Beach and Bird Sanctuary, Magnolia Beach or even Matagorda Island State H=Hypothetical Jan. 18, 2012 Park. According to Brush Freeman, E=Extirpated/Extinct coauthor of The Texas Ornithological I=Introduced or Exotic Society Handbook of Texas Birds, 429 species have been recorded in ___ Black-bellied Whistling-Duck ___ Fulvous Whistling-Duck ___ Greater White-fronted Goose ___ Snow Goose ___ Ross’s Goose ___ Cackling Goose ___ Canada Goose ___ Trumpeter Swan (E) ___ Tundra Swan (R) ___ Wood Duck ___ Gadwall ___ Mallard ___ Mottled Duck ___ American Black Duck (R) ___ Blue-winged Teal ___ Cinnamon Teal ___ Northern Shoveler ___ Northern Pintail ___ Green-winged Teal ___ Canvasback ___ Redhead ___ Ring-necked Duck ___ Greater Scaup ___ Lesser Scaup ___ Surf Scoter ___ White-winged Scoter (R) ___ Black Scoter ___ Harlequin Duck (R) Jan. 29, 1945; Aransas NWR (likely mislabeled to Aransas Co.) ___ Long-tailed Duck (R) ___ Bufflehead ___ Common Goldeneye ___ Hooded Merganser ___ Common Merganser (R) Dec. 23, 1992 ___ Red-breasted Merganser ___ Masked Duck (R) ___ Ruddy Duck ___ Northern Bobwhite ___ Greater Prairie-Chicken (E) ___ Ring-necked Pheasant (RI) ___ Wild Turkey ___ Red-throated Loon (R) Dec. 19, 2004; Port O’Connor ___ Pacific Loon ___ Common Loon ___ Least Grebe ___ Pied-billed Grebe ___ Horned Grebe ___ Red-necked Grebe (R) ___ Eared Grebe ___ Western Grebe (R)

46

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

___ American Flamingo (R) ___ Black-capped Petrel (PR) ___ Cory’s Shearwater (P) ___ Great Shearwater (PR) ___ Sooty Shearwater (PR) ___ Audubon’s Shearwater (P) ___ Leach’s Storm-Petrel (P) ___ Band-rumped Storm-Petrel (P) ___ Red-billed Tropicbird (PR) ___ White-tailed Tropicbird (HP) Aug. 6-7,1937; Matagorda Island ___ Wood Stork ___ Magnificent Frigatebird ___ Masked Booby (R) 1st county record June 8,1885; Matagorda Bay ___ Northern Gannet (P) ___ Neotropic Cormorant ___ Double-crested Cormorant ___ Anhinga ___ American White Pelican ___ Brown Pelican ___ American Bittern ___ Least Bittern ___“Great White Heron” (R) A pure white phase of Great Blue Heron ___ Great Blue Heron ___ Great Egret ___ Snowy Egret ___ Little Blue Heron ___ Tricolored Heron ___ Reddish Egret ___ Cattle Egret ___ Green Heron ___ Black-crowned Night-Heron ___ Yellow-crowned Night-Heron ___ White Ibis ___ Glossy Ibis ___ White-faced Ibis ___ Roseate Spoonbill ___ Black Vulture ___ Turkey Vulture ___ Osprey ___ Swallow-tailed Kite ___ White-tailed Kite ___ Mississippi Kite ___ Bald Eagle ___ Northern Harrier ___ Sharp-shinned Hawk ___ Cooper’s Hawk ___ Northern Goshawk (R) Pre-1978 record; one in Port O’Connor 2009 reported

the county or the counties’ offshore waters, although many of those were single occurrences, or once in a lifetime finds, that will likely not be repeated any time soon.

Some of the more popular birds in the area include Rosette Spoonbills, Reddish Egrets, White-tailed Hawks and Whooping Cranes. Use the list below to see what species you can find during your stay in Calhoun County.

Special thanks to Brush Freeman for his help with the following listing of bird species that have been previously spotted in Calhoun County.

___ Harris’s Hawk ___ Red-shouldered Hawk ___ Broad-winged Hawk ___ Swainson’s Hawk ___ White-tailed Hawk ___ Zone-tailed Hawk (R) ___ Red-tailed Hawk ___ Ferruginous Hawk (R) ___ Rough-legged Hawk (R) ___ Golden Eagle (R) Jan. 16, 1993; Mar. 3, 2000 ___ Crested Caracara ___ American Kestrel ___ Merlin ___ Aplomado Falcon (I) ___ Peregrine Falcon ___ Prairie Falcon ___ Yellow Rail ___ Black Rail ___ Clapper Rail ___ King Rail ___ Virginia Rail ___ Sora ___ Purple Gallinule ___ Common Gallinule ___ American Coot ___ Sandhill Crane ___ Whooping Crane ___ Black-bellied Plover ___ American Golden-Plover ___ Pacific Golden-Plover (H) ___ Snowy Plover ___ Wilson’s Plover ___ Semipalmated Plover ___ Piping Plover ___ Killdeer ___ Mountain Plover (R) ___ American Oystercatcher ___ Black-necked Stilt ___ American Avocet ___ Northern Jacana (R) Dec. 10, 1992-April 22, 1993 ___ Spotted Sandpiper ___ Solitary Sandpiper ___ Greater Yellowlegs ___ Willet ___ Lesser Yellowlegs ___ Upland Sandpiper ___ Eskimo Curlew (E) ___ Whimbrel ___ Long-billed Curlew ___ Hudsonian Godwit ___ Marbled Godwit

___ Ruddy Turnstone ___ Red Knot ___ Sanderling ___ Semipalmated Sandpiper ___ Western Sandpiper ___ Least Sandpiper ___ White-rumped Sandpiper ___ Baird’s Sandpiper ___ Pectoral Sandpiper ___ Purple Sandpiper (R) ___ Dunlin ___ Stilt Sandpiper ___ Buff-breasted Sandpiper ___ Ruff (R) ___ Short-billed Dowitcher ___ Long-billed Dowitcher ___ Wilson’s Snipe ___ American Woodcock ___ Wilson’s Phalarope ___ Red-necked Phalarope (R) ___ Black-legged Kittiwake (R) ___ Sabine’s Gull (R) ___ Bonaparte’s Gull ___ Laughing Gull ___ Franklin’s Gull ___ Mew Gull (R) Mar. 4, 2005; Magnolia Beach ___ Ring-billed Gull ___ California Gull (R) ___ Herring Gull ___ Thayer’s Gull (R) ___ Lesser Black-backed Gull ___ Glaucous Gull (R) ___ Great Black-backed Gull (R) ___ Sooty Tern (R) ___ Bridled Tern (P) ___ Least Tern (P) ___ Gull-billed Tern ___ Caspian Tern ___ Black Tern ___ Common Tern ___ Arctic Tern (PR) Sept. 21, 1996 ___ Roseate Tern (R) Mar. 15, 1998 ___ Forster’s Tern ___ Royal Tern ___ Sandwich Tern ___ Black Skimmer ___ Pomarine Jaeger (P) ___ Parasitic Jaeger (P) ___ Long-tailed Jaeger (PR) ___ Rock Pigeon ___ Eurasian Collared-Dove ___ White-winged Dove ___ Mourning Dove ___ Passenger Pigeon (?E) ___ Inca Dove ___ Common Ground-Dove ___ White-tipped Dove (R) ___ Monk Parakeet (RI) ___ Yellow-billed Cuckoo ___ Mangrove Cuckoo (R) ___ Black-billed Cuckoo ___ Greater Roadrunner ___ Groove-billed Ani ___ Barn Owl ___ Flammulated Owl (R) ___ Eastern Screech-Owl ___ Great Horned Owl ___ Burrowing Owl ___ Barred Owl ___ Long-eared Owl (R) ___ Short-eared Owl ___ Lesser Nighthawk ___ Common Nighthawk ___ Common Pauraque

___ Common Poorwill (R) ___ Chuck-will’s-widow ___ Eastern Whip-poor-will ___ White-collared Swift (R) ___ Chimney Swift ___ Vaux’s Swift (R) Dec. 20, 2010; Port O’Connor ___ Black Swift (R) Apr. 11, 2006; Port O’Connor ___ Broad-billed Hummingbird (R) Dec. 5, 2010; Six Mile ___ Buff-bellied Hummingbird ___ Blue-throated Hummingbird (R) near Seadrift ___ Ruby-throated Hummingbird ___ Black-chinned Hummingbird ___ Anna’s Hummingbird ___ Costa’s Hummingbird (R) ___ Calliope Hummingbird (R) ___ Broad-tailed Hummingbird ___ Rufous Hummingbird ___ Allen’s Hummingbird (R) ___ Ringed Kingfisher (R) ___ Belted Kingfisher ___ Green Kingfisher ___ Red-headed Woodpecker (R) ___ Acorn Woodpecker (R) ___ Golden-fronted Woodpecker (R) ___ Red-bellied Woodpecker ___ Yellow-bellied Sapsucker ___ Red-naped Sapsucker (R) ___ Ladder-backed Woodpecker ___ Downy Woodpecker ___ Northern Flicker ___ Pileated Woodpecker ___ Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet (R) ___ Olive-sided Flycatcher ___ Eastern Wood-Pewee ___ Western Wood-Pewee (R) Sept. 24, 2000; offshore oil rig ___ Yellow-bellied Flycatcher ___ Acadian Flycatcher ___ Alder Flycatcher ___ Willow Flycatcher ___ Least Flycatcher ___ Cordilleran Flycatcher (R) ___ Black Phoebe (R) ___ Eastern Phoebe ___ Say’s Phoebe ___ Vermilion Flycatcher ___ Ash-throated Flycatcher ___ Great Crested Flycatcher ___ Brown-crested Flycatcher ___ Great Kiskadee ___ Couch’s Kingbird ___ Western Kingbird ___ Eastern Kingbird ___ Gray Kingbird (R) ___ Scissor-tailed Flycatcher ___ Loggerhead Shrike ___ White-eyed Vireo ___ Bell’s Vireo ___ Yellow-throated Vireo ___ Plumbeous Vireo (R) ___ Cassin’s Vireo (R) ___ Blue-headed Vireo ___ Warbling Vireo ___ Philadelphia Vireo ___ Red-eyed Vireo ___ Yellow-green Vireo (R) ___ Green Jay ___ Blue Jay ___ American Crow ___ Chihuahuan Raven (R) ___ Horned Lark ___ Purple Martin

___ Tree Swallow ___ Violet-green Swallow (RH) ___ Northern Rough-winged Swallow ___ Bank Swallow ___ Cliff Swallow ___ Cave Swallow ___ Barn Swallow ___ Carolina Chickadee ___ Tufted Titmouse ___ Black-crested Titmouse (R) ___ Verdin (R) ___ Red-breasted Nuthatch ___ Brown Creeper ___ Cactus Wren (R) May 11, 2004; Port O’Connor ___ Rock Wren (R) ___ Carolina Wren ___ Bewick’s Wren ___ House Wren ___ Winter Wren ___ Sedge Wren ___ Marsh Wren ___ Blue-gray Gnatcatcher ___ Golden-crowned Kinglet ___ Ruby-crowned Kinglet ___ Eastern Bluebird ___ Mountain Bluebird (R) ___ Veery ___ Gray-cheeked Thrush ___ Swainson’s Thrush ___ Hermit Thrush ___ Wood Thrush ___ American Robin ___ Gray Catbird ___ Northern Mockingbird ___ Brown Thrasher ___ Long-billed Thrasher ___ Curve-billed Thrasher ___ European Starling (I) ___ American Pipit ___ Sprague’s Pipit ___ Cedar Waxwing ___ Lapland Longspur (R) ___ Chestnut-collared Longspur ___ Smith’s Longspur (R) ___ McCown’s Longspur (R) ___ Ovenbird ___ Worm-eating Warbler ___ Louisiana Waterthrush ___ Northern Waterthrush ___ Golden-winged Warbler ___ Blue-winged Warbler ___ Black-and-white Warbler ___ Prothonotary Warbler ___ Swainson’s Warbler ___ Tennessee Warbler ___ Orange-crowned Warbler ___ Nashville Warbler ___ Virginia’s Warbler (R) Oct. 10, 1999 ___ MacGillivray’s Warbler (R) May 11, 2006; Port O’Connor ___ Mourning Warbler ___ Kentucky Warbler ___ Common Yellowthroat ___ Hooded Warbler ___ American Redstart ___ Cape May Warbler (R) ___ Cerulean Warbler ___ Northern Parula ___ Tropical Parula (R) ___ Magnolia Warbler ___ Bay-breasted Warbler ___ Blackburnian Warbler ___ Yellow Warbler ___ Chestnut-sided Warbler ___ Blackpoll Warbler

___ Black-throated Blue Warbler (R) ___ Palm Warbler ___ Pine Warbler ___ Yellow-rumped Warbler ___ Yellow-throated Warbler ___ Prairie Warbler ___ Black-throated Gray Warbler (R) ___ Townsend’s Warbler (R) ___ Black-throated Green Warbler ___ Canada Warbler ___ Wilson’s Warbler ___ Red-faced Warbler (R) ___ Yellow-breasted Chat ___ White-collared Seedeater (R) ___ Olive Sparrow ___ Green-tailed Towhee (R) ___ Spotted Towhee ___ Eastern Towhee ___ Cassin’s Sparrow ___ Chipping Sparrow ___ Brewer’s Sparrow (R) ___ Clay-colored Sparrow ___ Field Sparrow ___ Vesper Sparrow ___ Lark Sparrow ___ Black-throated Sparrow (R) ___ Lark Bunting (R) ___ Savannah Sparrow ___ Grasshopper Sparrow ___ Henslow’s Sparrow (R) ___ Le Conte’s Sparrow ___ Nelson’s Sparrow ___ Seaside Sparrow ___ Fox Sparrow (R) ___ Song Sparrow ___ Lincoln’s Sparrow ___ Swamp Sparrow ___ White-throated Sparrow ___ Harris’s Sparrow ___ White-crowned Sparrow ___ Dark-eyed Junco ___ Summer Tanager ___ Scarlet Tanager ___ Western Tanager ___ Northern Cardinal ___ Pyrrhuloxia ___ Rose-breasted Grosbeak ___ Black-headed Grosbeak (R) ___ Blue Grosbeak ___ Lazuli Bunting (R) ___ Indigo Bunting ___ Varied Bunting (R) Apr. 27, 1999; Port O’Connor ___ Painted Bunting ___ Dickcissel ___ Bobolink ___ Red-winged Blackbird ___ Eastern Meadowlark ___ Western Meadowlark ___ Yellow-headed Blackbird ___ Rusty Blackbird (R) ___ Brewer’s Blackbird ___ Common Grackle ___ Boat-tailed Grackle ___ Great-tailed Grackle ___ Shiny Cowbird (R) ___ Bronzed Cowbird ___ Brown-headed Cowbird ___ Orchard Oriole ___ Hooded Oriole (R) ___ Bullock’s Oriole ___ Baltimore Oriole ___ House Finch ___ Pine Siskin ___ Lesser Goldfinch ___ American Goldfinch ___ House Sparrow (I) ___ Nutmeg Mannikin (I)

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

47

48

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

TorinEngagementAd_8.375x10.875b.indd 2

10/25/12 9:27 AM

G N I N OPE UARY JAN 13 20

Walk-In Clinic ♦ X-Ray On Site ♦ Workers’ Comp ♦ Se Habla Espanol ♦ New Patients Are Always Welcome ♦ Medicare, Cash & Insurance Accepted ♦ Open Daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

603 State Highway 35 S, Port Lavaca, Texas, 77979

CONVENIENT COMPREHENSIVE CARE John McNeill, D.O., Internal Medicine www.twinfountainsclinics.com

And For Your Business Needs..

Twin Fountains Occupational Health Services ♦ Drug & Alcohol Testing ♦ DOT Pre-Employment & Recertification Physicals ♦ Post Accident Call Outs ♦ Respiratory Mask Fit & Pulmonary Function Testing ♦ Open 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

Your Employees’ Health Is Our Priority!

3731-A State Highway 35 S. Port Lavaca, TX 77979 ♦ 361-553-4863 (Around the corner from the Safety Council of the Texas Mid-Coast)

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

49

Business better than expected for new RV park

BY MELONY OVERTON PORT LAVACA WAVE In less than one year, developer Doug Jensen has established Texas Lakeside RV Resort in Port Lavaca as a home away from home for travelers, whether they are Winter Texans, sports fishermen, families or contractors.

The first phase of construction of the RV resort, located at the corner of West Austin Street and County Road 101, about a mile off State Highway 35, began in the summer of 2011.

So far, business is on the up and up, Jensen said.

“Business has been better than expected, given the fact that it has taken us less than one year from the first scoop of dirt to opening like we are,” he said. “This week was a milestone for us. We have our security gates up. The tropical pool and landscaping are done, too.”

Jensen began leasing the first of his 97 sites in June.

So far, most of the visitors who have stayed at the RV resort are in Calhoun County on business or to see family, he said.

Now that fall has arrived, Jensen said there is plenty for people to do during their stay in the county.

“People can fish, beach comb

A pier overlooks the manmade lake at the Texas Lakeside RV Resort in Port Lavaca. Come spring, RV resort guests can fish the lake for bass, blue gill and freshwater redfish. (Melony Overton/Wave photo) and bird watch. The whooping cranes are starting to come in, now. We also have fall festivities,” he said. “Port Lavaca is within a 45-minute to an hour drive from surrounding areas. There are a number of different opportunities for people to get out to do wine tours, historical tours and you have craft shows.”

Jensen said he spared no expense to give back to his guests, from the granite counter tops in the bathrooms and the fully automated soap and towel dispensers in the showers, to the glass-bottom pool nestled within a tropical setting.

“We are trying to create a family environment for people on the

road for a value,” he said. “That is what we strive for, whether they are here for business or pleasure, they are away from their home. We went the extra mile to provide the comforts of home.”

Other amenities include a hot tub, a walking and jogging track and several picnic areas and dog runs.

Guest Denise McCurley, of Nederland, enjoys the private bathrooms and showers.

“I have very long hair, and we have a 6-gallon hot water heater in our travel trailer. The showers are great here,” McCurley said.

McCurley, and husband, who is a union iron worker contracted with Invista, will probably stay in Port Lavaca until early December.

This is their first stay at the RV resort, and so far, it has been an enjoyable one.

“We have come here for the past three years for turnarounds in this area. I think he (Jensen) was just starting out with this park when we were here last year,” McCurley said. “This is the first year we’ve used a travel trailer. We usually stay in a rental cabin in Indianola.

We chose the park this time because it is in a great location. I See page 51

Texas Medical & Wellness Clinic

Celebrating 13 years of Medical Service in Port Lavaca

Nhi Le, M.D.

Board Certified, Internal Medicine

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

We Care For Your Health!

Walk-Ins Welcome ♦ Accepting New Patients

Well Woman Exams Allergies Diabetes High Blood Pressure Thyroid Deficiency

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Skin Diseases Cancer Screenings Occupational Physicals Injured Worker Adult Immunizations

Trusting, Confidential Medical Care!

Mary Ann Shimek, N.P.

♦ Medical Weight Loss ♦ HCG Diet ♦ Ideal Protein - NEW ♦ Hormones ♦ ADHD, Mood Disorders

CALL TODAY 361-551-2288

Lunch & Evening Appointments Are Available

Mon., Wed., Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. ♦ 307 Calhoun Plaza - HEB Shopping Plaza ♦ Port Lavaca 50

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

t

e

t

e

n

s

n

t

y

Where to worship

OLIVIA Bayside Community Church

25080 Highway 172 361-781-4178 Services: Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Prayer: 6:30 p.m.

Pastor: Ruben Castillo (See ad on page 10)

POINT COMFORT First Baptist Church

201 Jones Street 361-987-2710 Services: Sunday Worship – 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Wednesday Prayer Time – 7 p.m.

Pastor: John R. Fisher

Point Comfort Church of Christ

808 Lamar Street 361-987-2318 Services: Sunday Bible Class – 9:30 a.m.

Worship – 10:15 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Class – 7 p.m.

Minister: Bill Dorries

Point Comfort United Methodist Church

92 Wood Street 361-987-2812 Services: Sunday School – 9:30 a.m.

Worship – 11 a.m.

Pastor: James Amerson

St. Ann Catholic Church

700 Lamar Street 361-552-6140 Mass: Sunday – 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday – 9 a.m.

Pastor: Rev. Ty J. Bazar Assoc. Pastors: Rev. Peter Dery and Rev. Oliver Obele

St. Marks Lutheran Church

83 Milam Street 361-893-5424 Services: Sunday Worship – 8:30 a.m.

Pastor: Jim Gicklhorn

PORT LAVACA Bethel Assembly of God

305 Warehouse Street 361-552-2888 Services: Sunday Bible Study – 9:45 a.m.,

Worship – 11 a.m.

Sunday Teaching – 6 p.m.

Wednesday Teaching – 7 p.m.

Pastor: Joel Flores

Christ Community Church 1101 Calhoun Street 361-552-5500 Pastor: Dean Holford

Church of Christ

808 State Hwy. 35S 361-552-9551 Services: Sunday Bible Class – 9:30 a.m.

Worship – 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Ladies’ Bible Classes - Mon. 5

p.m. & Tues. 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Class – 7 p.m.

Minister: Shan Jackson (See ad on page 34)

Central Baptist Church 1900 W. Main Street 361-552-5996 Pastor: Artero Hernandez

First Baptist Church

902 Calhoun Street 361-552-2931 Services: Sunday Bible Study – 9 a.m.

Worship–10:15 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Class–6:30 p.m.

Pastor: Mike Gresham (See ad on page 15)

love the scenery, the lake, the pool and hot tub.

And, it has a real nice laundry facility.”

While her husband works, McCurley cooks and fishes, often going beach combing.

“I love this area. It’s very relaxing here,” she said.

And now that she knows the resort has dog trails, McCurley said she will most likely bring the family dog the next hitch.

Comfort begins with roomy RV spaces that provide somewhat of a “yard” between RVs, Jensen said. The spaces span a minimum of 27 feet wide and up to a maximum of 85 feet long.

In the last few years, Jensen traveled the state of Texas, speaking with RV park residents, managers and owners to discover the most-wanted features and seek out bright ideas that will help build “a new generation” RV park.

Additionally, the staff of Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) have provided essential insight to the project.

“This RV park has been engineered and designed with all campers in mind. The resort has been built to achieve the highest ratings from both Good Sam’s and Woodall’s,” Jensen said. “I’m excited that it’s going to help more people discover that Port Lavaca is a great little seaside town with a lot to offer everyone.”

At the center of the resort is a 4,000-square foot clubhouse with an essentials store, exercise room, media area and pool tables, serving as the hub of the resort community.

Freedom House A/G

301 Alcoa Drive 361-552-8818 Services: Sunday Celebracion en Espanol

– 9 a.m.; Celebration Service -

10:30 a.m. Kingdom KIdz 10:30

a.m. Bible Study - 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday Groups –7 p.m.

Pastors: Kevin and Kim LeVrier (See ad on page 32)

First Presbyterian Church 1111 N. Virginia St. 361-552-2556

Six Mile Baptist Church

Marek Lane 361-552-5518 Services: Sunday Traditional Worship –

9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Pastor: Rev. David Bush

Six Mile Presbyterian

345 Royal Road 361-552-2002 Services: 1st and 3rd Sundays, 10:30 a.m.

Pastor: Bruce Goodlock, CRE

Port o’connor

Hope Fellowship

210 E. Main Street 361-552-5317 Services: Sunday School – 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship – 10:30 a.m.

Pastor: Brady Owens

Mount Sinai Baptist Church

419 Center Street 361-552-2094 Services: Sunday School – 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship – 11 a.m.

Wednesday Evening – 5:30 p.m.

Pastor: Rev. James H. Fowler

St. Joseph Catholic Church

101 N. Washington 361-552-6140 Mass: Saturday – 7 p.m.

Tuesday – 6 p.m.

Pastor: Rev. Ty J. Bazar Assoc. Pastors: Rev. Peter Dery and Rev. Oliver Obele

Seadrift First Baptist Church

415 West Austin Street 361-552-6140 Mass: Mon. - Fri. 8:05 a.m.

Saturday – 5:30 p.m.

Sunday – 8 & 10 a.m.,

Sunday – noon (Spanish) Pastor: Rev. Ty J. Bazar; Assoc. Pastors: Rev. Peter Dery and Rev. Oliver Obele

302 West Dallas Ave. 361-785-3411 Services: Sunday – Groups for all ages -

9:45 a.m.

Worship - 11 a.m.

Wednesday – “WOW Wild

Wednesday Student Ministry –

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Pastor: M. Gerry Wiley (See ad on page 57)

Six Mile Assembly of God

St. Patrick Catholic Church

Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church

5 miles north of Port Lavaca on FM1090 361-552-5714 Services: Sunday School –9:30 a.m., Worship 10:30 a.m., Children’s Church 11:15 a.m.

Pastors: Johnny & Bonnie Kisiah (See ad on page 39)

The tropical pool at Texas Lakeside RV Resort in Port Lavaca features a smooth, glass bottom. The RV resort also features a hot tub. (Melony Overton/Wave photo) Guests already have a great view of the resort’s lake from their RV, which Jensen plans to stock with crappie, blue gill, bass and freshwater redfish in the spring.

“Guests do not need to go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to get a fishing license because it is a private lake,” Jensen said.

The fully-fenced and gated resort boasts two laundry facilities, free WIFI and 24-foot wide concrete roads. All sites will have full hook-ups

310 West Cleveland Street 361-552-6140 Mass: Sunday – 8:30 a.m.

Thursday – 9 a.m.

Pastor: Rev. Ty J. Bazar; Assoc. Pastors: Rev. Peter Dery and Rev. Oliver Obele

with water, electric and sewer.

So far, Jensen has received good feedback from guests.

“The people who have stayed have absolutely enjoyed it,” he said. “One family from Austin, who has been back three different times, stay for the weekend to see family who live in town.

They come on various holidays like on the Fourth of July.”

Jensen would eventually like to provide activities for his guests, such as karaoke, Texas Hold ’em games and art and quilting lessons.

“We have spoken with the Port Lavaca Art Guild about providing pottery and watercolor classes. We have their brochures in our laundry room. We have been in touch with the quilt guild, too,” Jensen said.

In the event Jensen needs to expand the resort, he has the room to grow, he said.

“We are plotted and ready to expand, and it has been approved by the city, however we are going to learn to walk before we run,” he said. “One of the things we saw as we decided to make Port Lavaca our home for the RV park, is the opportunity for growth and tourism. We have made a commitment to the city and county to be long-term.”

For additional information on Texas Lakeside RV Resort, please call 361-5512267, make a reservation at reservations@ texaslakesidervresort.com or visit www. texaslakesidervresort.com.

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

51

SEADRIFT celebr

By PAT HATHCOCK SEADRIFT – A 100th birthday is a pretty big deal. Seadrift was incorporated in December of 1912, and the village is having a year-long observance of its centennial.

Like most coastal settlement, the village grew out of the enthusiasms of a developer, A. D. Powers.

According to the wonderful history book, Shifting Sands of Calhoun County, Texas, published in 1981 by the County Historical Commission, “Seadrift began its growth May 15, 1911 with Mr. A. D. Powers as promoter. He offered five acres of land outside the city limits for each city lot purchased.

The advertisements he put out on Seadrift presented it as the land of the Satsuma Orange and the Magnolia Fig.” Some of the early settlers, before Powers invented the idea of Seadrift, were Germans from the old Indianola stock that landed on the next bay north and

52

Community prepares for ce

hung around near where they alit. There are Bindewalds and Dierlams around today.

There was a post office in 1891 and a Dierlam was postmaster, but Powers promotion really got things moving.

Another descendant of early comers is Janie Waghorne, who is working on the centennial celebration. Waghorne is one of those pillars without whom society would fall on our heads.

She was president of the Seadrift Friends of the Library, instrumental in helping get a new library building in town, and her name seems to show up on the roster of any local group working for local improvement.

Retired from a teaching career, she is bright, funny, ebullient and a great patriot for her village. She lives where she can sit and look at the water.

Her father was Bill Sanders, who arrived on a sailboat from Fulton with his father, who was raised on the Blackjack Peninsula on Saint Charles Bay. That makes at

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

The bayfront pavilion was a social gathering-place in the early days of Seadrift. least three generations – or five if you count the various Sanders kids and grandkids – on this part of the coast, a long history in a new country. Waghorne is one of seven siblings in the Sanders clan, including her sister Diane Wilson, shrimper, author and environmental activist. Waghorne is working with Wilson on a book about the fishing families of Seadrift.

A brother is Froggie of the eponymous bait shop in Port O’Connor. That constitutes firstfamily status in a new town, and Waghorne jokes that the Sanderses come from something more like a saltwater pool than a standard gene pool.

Coastal folks mark the milestones of time by hurricanes, called storms in earlier days.

Current residents date things from Hurricane Carla in 1961.

Bill Sanders’ storm years were 1919 and 1942. Waghorne says her father considered the 1919 storm as bad as Carla.

He wrote later, “I remember helping my two older sisters mopping up water with towels, wringing them out into pans.”

Photos from those old storms show horrible destruction, but the bayrats – a term that can be pejorative or affectionate and admiring – just rebuilt and kept on going.

Rather than figs – and figs still grow beautifully in Seadrift – and satsumas, there was a lot of

brates 100 years

r centennial celebration truck gardening to provide vegetables and fruits to local markets in those days before all produce came from California or Florida, and ranching has been a major business since the days of Texas cattle barons beginning after the Civil War, but it was the bay that offered daily bread to most of the settlers. Shifting Sands reads, “In July 1916, a census was taken and the population was 2,000… People came to bathe in the warm salt water of San Antonio Bay. The city had a big Pavilion built on a pier out over the bay that was the scene of many parties and community get-togethers.”

In those days before Six Flags over everywhere, tourists arrived on excursion trains and stayed at hotels and boarding houses so they could enjoy fishing, bathing – swimming to us – and the exotic scenery.

Before Carla, the shore along the waterfront was a bluff (you can still see remnants of bluff at the turnaround at the west end of Bay Avenue). Now there is a concrete seawall running along several blocks of bayfront. It is a favorite place for anglers.

One of the ambitions of the centennial committee is to dedicate a new fishing pier on the bayfront on Dec. 1, the day of the big anniversary celebration, but that’s aspirational, not rock solid. A lot of people have been scuffling for grants and donations and raising money for the pier. If there is no pier, there is still often good fishing off the seawall.

The old railroad depot, arrival point for excursion trains, has been moved to South Main Street at Railroad Avenue. It is across the street from its original site. The depot is to be refurbished for a museum.

Waghorne remembers that back in the day they kept fish in a live tank until Thursdays, when they cleaned them and took them, covered with wet sacks into Port Lavaca to sell. Except for a little trotlining for black drum and some flounder gigging for the market, finfishing is pretty well gone, killed by a ban on selling netted redfish 30 years back. The bay still gives in other ways.

During oyster season, the harbor looks like a mall parking lot, and shrimping is pretty constant, depending on the season.

Refrigerated trucks full of blue crabs run out nightly during season, headed for Houston, where the crabs will be flown to the East Coast to appear in some of those famous Maryland crab cakes. There are three or four places in Seadrift where you can get the local product fresh out of the water if you have not caught your own. Avail yourself of local shrimp or a big tray of boiled blue crabs. You will not find fresher anywhere.

Laurie Weaver, whose mother is Nina Sanders, is working on the committee.

“For Dec. 1, we are basically doing things like a parade and activities during the day at city hall – music, vendors, a parade,” she said. “The depot, I think we’ll have the exterior done in time to have a dedication.

With all the pictures we gathered, we want to have families do a family history. Years

Texas artist Rebecca Byrd Bretz has painted portraits of six Seadrift shrimpers. The portraits will hand in City Hall annex for the centennial year. ago there was a Seadrift memory book done.

Various families contributed to that. Janie and are working with Diane to recognize fishermen in Seadrift.”

“Well, we would like to mark 100 years and think this a big milestone and a big deal,” Waghorne said. “It’s also about reaching back, making history alive, remembering the people who came here, settled here.

The best way to make people realize what came before us is to go back, whether book, murals around town, banners. Bill McGill set up a web page for the city.”

McGill is co-chair of the centennial committee. A peacock raiser and computer guy, McGill’s centennial site can be found at seadrifttexascentennial.com. It is small but growing, as McGill adds items. He is also the photo wrangler, scanning and organizing the pictures donated for preservation by the committee. Old pictures may serve better than words to catch the briny flavor of the village.

Around town, the First National Bank, at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Broadway, has a bunch of historical pictures posted on the walls of the lobby. They are well worth a short visit.

In the city hall annex, at the corner of Main and Dallas Streets, there is an exhibit of portraits of local shrimpers and fishermen, donated by artist Rebecca Byrd Bretz. They will hang for a year and then be donated to the subjects of the painting.

Also well worth a visit for a look at the weathered faces of the people who put the shrimp on your table.

Any day is a good day to visit Seadrift, but Dec. 1, 2012, will be a particularly good day when you can celebrate the 100th birthday of the town along with all the local people.

BY KAYLA MEYER PORT LAVACA WAVE Incorporated into Calhoun County in 1912, Seadrift will celebrate 100 years as a city on Dec. 1, with a day full of events in various locations throughout the city.

The celebration will kick off with the Centennial Run/Walk with the starting line at the Seadrift School. Following the Centennial Run/Walk, the formal opening ceremony of the Centennial Celebration will be given, also at the Seadrift School.

“We’re starting out with the fun run and then we’re having the opening ceremony.

That (the fun run) will be over at the school and then we’re going to have food vendors, exhibits, historical displays,” Centennial Committee Member Nan Burnett said.

During the opening ceremony, a community choir is expected to give a performance and audience members will hear from County Judge Mike Pfeifer, County Commissioner Kenneth Finster and Seadrift Mayor Elmer DeForest.

After the opening ceremony, the festivities will move across town to the Seadrift City Hall area. The Civic Center will be open to the public with a general store inside. Items sold in the general store include the Seadrift Memory Book and Seadrift postcards.

Directly across the street from city hall and the civic center, a tent will be set up that will feature several bands, demonstrations and vendors will also sell food and other items.

“We’ll have tables and chairs set up under there for people to eat their food and everything,” Burnett said.

Committee Member Kristine Metcalfe said that several demonstrations are expected to take place throughout the day including oyster shucking, net and arrowhead making and metal engraving on guns and knives.

Artists, including Rebecca Byrd Bretz who painted the Seadrift Fishermen Legacy Project, and bands Jack Motley and Company and PoBoys from Port O’Connor are anticipated to attend during the day.

A parade, scheduled for early in the afternoon featuring local businesses and groups, will start at the pavilion on Bay Avenue and will end on Main Street at the train depot museum/visitors’ center.

One of the main events of the day is the historical tour, featuring over 20 different historical sites in the Seadrift area including places like the Seadrift First Baptist Church or even homes that have been in the area for decades.

“Ideally we would have loved to have had cast aluminum for every site but they cost $1,500 apiece so we have four of those,” Committee Member Janie Waghorne said.

See page 57

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

53

Getting you back to the things you love!!!

Serving Port Lavaca for 30 years

Construction & Remodeling

Mark Barefoot (Owner)

WE OFFER:

• Physical Therapy • IV Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Wound Care • Speech Therapy • Respite Care • Outdoor Therapy Courtyard • Private Medicare Hall • Generations Secure Unit

We accept Medicare, Medicaid, Private Pay, Private Insurance, and V.A.

Stop by our facility for a FREE cup of coffee and a TOUR. Contact Admissions Coordinator Gidgett Reynolds at 361-649-5400.

361-552-3741

Gidgett Reynolds Admissions Coordinator 361-649-5400

524 Village Road • Port Lavaca, TX 77979

54

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

Licensed & Insured •Free Estimates

Fascia • Soffit • Tile Roof • Shingle Roof • Siding • All Exterior Repairs • Turn Key Interior • Driveways • Remodeling Baths • Kitchens/Cabinets • Acid Staining • Flooring • Metal Building Construction/Repair

361-655-1138 • Call FOOT • 361-552-3717

Come Celebrate with us on December 1, 2012

The home of the TEXAS WATER SAFARI

The “City of Murals”

World’s Toughest Canoe Race

A big star by Texas Highway 185 is the beacon for visitors to the Art Boat to guide on.

Art Boat features works from a conglomerate of artists

BY PAT HATHCOCK SEADRIFT– Coming into town on Texas Highway 185, you will encounter at 6th Street a very large boat announced by a big star beside the road. The boat, a converted shrimper looking like it has gone aground in a harbor of white gravel, is called by all the Art Boat and is Seadrift’s singular claim to distinction in the world of art.

The top deck has rudimentary living quarters, and the lower deck is a little gallery for paintings, drawings and sculptures. Where the art gets thick is on the grounds around the boat. There are two or three sculptures scattered about. An art-loving visitor will have a wonderful time on a walk around the grounds. The sculptures range from serious to whimsical, and from granite to the art in concrete favored by Dieter Erhard, director of what is formally named Art Center Seadrift.

The Art Boat offers the work of a cosmopolitan crowd – Guatemalans, Americans, Brits, Mexicans, Canadians, French, and Erhard’s fellow Germans.

The art was made on the grounds, by artists coming to stay in the boat and do their work as guests of the Art Center.

When artists are in residence, visitors are not just allowed but actively encouraged to watch and talk to the artists when they are working. Some artists do not speak much English, but almost all are friendly and get their message across.

Erhard lives most of the year in Erlangen, Germany, with his wife, Miriam, who is herself studying to be a goldsmith.

He travels a circuit from Germany to Miriam’s native Guatemala, sometimes to Mexico, where he studied art, and on to Seadrift. In Guatemala, he works with a project called Arte en Concreto, a program with Guatemalan artists doing art in concrete, with the one judged best coming to Seadrift to do a piece on the grounds.

He has been working with the Guatemalan project for 10 years.

This year’s winner was Oscar Rios Jr., a second-generation artist who did a figure with a star for his Seadrift project.

Other artists work from time to time on the grounds, getting in exchange for work done an uninterrupted space of time and a pleasant little vacation by the bay. Others bring in their art to show on the grounds or in the gallery.

See page 56

On San Antonio Bay 501 S. Main • 361-785-2251

www.barkettsrestaurant.com Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

55

Art Boat from page 53

Russ Thayer is a Fredericksburg sculptor with work on the grounds of the Art Boat. He is enthusiastic about the boat’s function as a mission for art.

Dieter Erhard, director of the Art Center Seadrift, the Art Boat, spends as much time with administrative and maintenance work as he does in making art. A skill in welding, acquired for art’s sake, often comes in handy for repairs on the boat.

Migrate Over To The...

1 Wildlife Circle Austwell, TX 77950

361-286-3559 56

Russ Thayer is an American artist with work on the grounds. He bills himself as an artisan and works from a studio in Fredericksburg where he does a lot of architectural sculpture, besides his sculpting. He is solid looking, and wears a beret with brio. His hands are strong and his forearms thick from the work of wielding hammer and chisel. His work on the Art Boat grounds is a sculpture, “Odysseus,” the old Greek wanderer done in granite. You can see it beside the walk coming in from 6th Street toward the stern of the boat.

“What’s good about this is that it’s communicating to local people about art, about what artists do, about another world,” Thayer said. “If people talk to artists they can get a conduit to that other world.”

Keeping that conduit flowing is a lot of work. Erhard ends up doing as much weedpulling and painting and plumbing and dealing with administrative headaches as he does working on his own art in the little shop by the stairs of the boat. He worries that the necessary commercial side of the enterprise interferes with his doing his own art, but he perseveres.

“You have to have vision and follow up,” Erhard said. “What I think we bring here is a chance for people to see art close up. I have the pleasure of bringing a different thing to people here in Seadrift and people from other places, also.”

Michelle Locke is the University Galleries Coordinator at Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi and a seasoned observer of the arts scene in South Texas. She made a first-time visit to the Art Boat when she attended an opening earlier this year; she was pleased by what she saw.

“The interesting thing from my point of view is that there’s so much energy in the small community around the thing Dieter has created,” she said. “There is so much energy, so much dynamism in this old shrimp boat. It’s remarkable that such an interesting place has developed in such a small community. The art that he’s making is very contemporary and novel, and I think it’s probably seen by the locals as something strange, like ‘What is this doing here?’

But the art community would say this is fabulous.

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Open Daily 30 Minutes Before Sunrise to 30 Minutes After Sundown Visitor Center Hours 8:30am–4:30pm

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

Guatemalan artist Oscar Rios Jr. did a sculpture at the Art Boat in March of 2012. There is a pipeline of artists from the Arte en Concreto project in Guatemala.

“I commend Dieter for the energy and expertise he’s brought to this rural location, and it’s fun. I love the Texas star at the entrance. I hope he’ll be able to parlay this into a known entity in the region. People can come here and find out that artists are humans and they’ve got interesting lives.

Artists are so enchanting.”

“I’d never been to Seadrift and it’s a lovely little community. The waterfront is very nice, it’s a neat little place, and the Art Boat is a fun, energy-filled treat for Seadrift and for South Texans, a visual treat,” she added.

The Art Boat is just there, and you can walk around the grounds anytime you wish.

Dieter Erhard and visiting artists show up at various times. You can visit http://www. artcenter-seadrift.com/index.html to see Erhard’s work and check if anything is new on the calendar. If you want to visit the gallery, you can arrange a visit by calling Aubrey Parker at 361-676-8030. There is no admission for either grounds or gallery.

Breezy Palm Cottages & RV Park • All cottages are new • Large porch facing the Bay • All linens are furnished • Heating & Air Conditioning • 5 Restaurants just minutes away

• Satellite TV in all cottages • Small Kitchens • Pet Friendly!

• Private shower and toilet in each cabin

101 East Bay Ave., Seadrift TX 77983 • 361-550-6069 • www.breezypalmscottages.com

Celebration from page 53

On four of the sites, a permanent metal plaque will depict the historical site. Those four sites are the harbor, the train depot museum/visitors center, a red brick building on the corner of Main Street and where the first city hall was located on the bayfront. Nonpermanent markers will be at the other sites.

“If you’re driving around, there’ll be one there and say, it could be a home that’s a hundred years old in front of it or it could be where the old canning factory was,” Burnett said.

While similar to markers seen throughout the State of Texas, the historical markers for the centennial are unique to Seadrift.

“We’re doing our own historical marker for the centennial so we’ll have our logo on it and we felt like we didn’t have time to go through the state,” Waghorne said. “We decided it’s our hundredth anniversary, we’ll just do it ourselves and that’s what we did. The mayor has ordered twenty more which are metal but they’re temporary and the other remaining ones will be temporary plaques.”

Also scheduled during the

day are two dedications. One dedication will be for the former train depot that is now being turned into a museum and visitors’ center, currently located on Main Street The train depot museum/visitors’ center will also be one of the historical sites on the tour.

“It won’t be completed, but we will do the dedication at the time,” Burnett said. “We’re hoping the outside will be completed or maybe the front. Actually what faces the street was the back of the depot. The goal is to try to get it at least on the outside. It’s being funded incrementally.”

The other dedication will be for the new pier that juts out into the San Antonio Bay, though it will not be complete at the time of the dedication. Following the pier dedication after the sun sets, fireworks will be displayed over the bay and a dance featuring the band Tahni Handel and Love Generator under the pavilion.

Throughout the month of December, Burnett also said that a commemorative cancellation stamp will be available at the Seadrift Post Office and t-shirts with the Centennial logo are also available before and during the event.

first baptist church seadrift

IN

Nitriles

31 Years In Calhoun County!

1981 - 2012

You are invited to worship at FBC Seadrift “We are a church for those who need a fresh start”

Sunday Opportunities to Worship: Morning

Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. ✙ Preaching: 11:00 am

Evening

1st & 3rd Sunday of each month: Worship in Sanctuary 6:00 pm 2nd & 4th Sunday of each month: Prayer Group (locations to be announced) 5th Sunday of each month: Community Singing (location to be announced)

✙✙✙✙✙✙✙✙✙✙✙✙✙

Wednesday Opportunities to Worship:

WoW for students PK-12th Grade: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

302 West Dallas, Seadrift ✙ www.fbcseadrift.com ✙ 361-785-3411

Smoked Meats & Custom Processing Cell: 830-237-2482  Owners: Bubba & Kim Conran

704 W. Adams (Hwy. 185), Port O’Connor

INEOS Nitriles, Green Lake Plant is a modern, state of the art chemical complex. Being the world’s largest Acrylonitrile manufacturing plant, Green Lake’s primary focus is Acrylonitrile production. Acrylonitrile is used in the production of acrylic fibers, plastics, and nitrile rubber.

INEOS has a strong focus on community support and environmental awareness. INEOS is a great place to work with competitive benefits and salaries.

Green Lake is an OSHA VPP Star site.

Green Lake Complex 13050 State Highway 185 Port Lavaca, TX 77979 Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

57

Port O’Connor The secret is out!

Port O’Connor is known for its beautiful sunsets.

WAVE STAFF REPORT At one time Port O’Connor was considered the “best kept secret” on the Texas Gulf Coast. But according to locals, the secret is out.

Port O’Connor, on the southernmost tip of Calhoun County between Galveston and Corpus Christi, attracts a diversity of tourists from sports fishermen to birding enthusiasts. In addition, the community welcomes Winter Texans and enjoys seeing their return each year.

The community’s population averages 1,500 residents but events such as the Fourth of July fireworks and the Poco Bueno fishing tournament bring in tourists and swell the numbers to 4,000 occupants.

Port O’Connor is on the edge of the second largest bay system in Texas and offers avid sports fishermen several good fishing spots including Matagorda Bay, Espiritu Santo Bay and San Antonio Bay. This bay system has the best natural passes or entries to the Gulf of Mexico on the Texas coast. These include the famous Pass Cavallo and the Matagorda Ship Channel Jetties (Big Jetties). Pass Cavallo is the only natural deepwater pass on the Texas Gulf Coast.

One local guide said you can see more and more fishermen in Port O’Connor every year.

“You can catch a lot of fish here,” the guide said. “Most people can catch all they want from a half day of fishing. The fishing has grown to a point where, as a guide, I’m out fishing every day.”

October is known as “Red October” because of the large amount of redfish available and fall is the busiest time of year for guides.

58

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

Seagulls line up in Port O’Connor. Photo by Paul McGee. Clients hail from Houston, San Antonio, Austin and every little country town in between. They consist of businessmen, farmers, ranchers, teachers and librarians.

“Every one of them loves to fish. Fishing is something anyone can do,” said the guide, who never tires of the glee in the faces when they catch a trophy fish.

“I see so many 25-to-45-inch redfish it’s no big deal to me,” said the guide. “But it’s a big deal to someone who’s just caught one for the first time. You never forget the look on their face when they catch a big fish. That is what keeps it interesting and fresh for me.”

In addition to the bay and gulf areas, the local area includes undeveloped estuaries

e

— Powderhorn Lake, Coloma Creek, Pringle Lake and Conti Lake.

Pringle and Conti offer shallow water wade fishing with an average of a foot-and-a-half to three feet of water.

Along the beautiful, unspoiled beaches around Port O’Connor, fishermen find excellent places to wade and surf fish. When the weather becomes too rough, fishermen can still go to Espiritu Santo Bay, the little jetties or the fishing pier in Port O’Connor where the protected areas offer a safe haven.

Port O’Connor offers several bait docks, many places to acquire a license and fishing guides to help you find the mot productive fishing spots.

Not only anglers come to this fishing community. Port O’Connor attracts birders in the spring. Throughout the town, along Boggy Bayou and Sundown Island, known locally as Bird Island, visitors will see at least 18 species of birds. During the summer, an estimated 37 species of waterfowl, songbirds and shorebirds are known to nest near Port O’Connor, specifically on Matagorda Island.

Port O’Connor offers numerous shelling opportunities for the serious or casual beachcomber. These areas include the jetties along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, the gulf beaches adjoining Pass Cavallo and Matagorda Island.

Port O’Connor has vacation rentals in the form of houses, town homes, condominiums, cottages and cabins in which visitors may relax from three days to a week when weary from being outdoors.

“People are looking for a place to bring the family that will make it an affordable weekend trip,” said one local realtor.

Many of the rental properties are described as owner-occupied units. The owner is a part-time resident who uses the property but rents it out when it is not occupied.

The sleepy fishing village has a hometown feel, even to newcomers from as far away as Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin or even as close as Houston.

“People who are not full time residents are treated like they are part of our community. Port O’Connor is an affectionate place to come and enjoy. You are coming to see friends. You don’t see that everywhere, especially in the resort communities,” the realtor said.-

Coastal Boat Srvs. Unltd.

Marine Electronics Chuck Carter, Electronic Technician Sales, Service, Installation Give Chuck A Call Before Ordering

GPS, Radar, VHF, Auto-Pilots, Depth Finders, Stereo Systems

Servicing Commercial & Recreational Fisherman since 1994...

2244 W. Adams Ave. POC 361-983-4371

Port O'Connor Rentals Coastal Boat Srvs. Unltd.

Condominium /House, Lodge Rentals .............. Offshore Charters ............... Marine Electronics

NEW-ST. CHRIST'S SUITES W/POOL-2/1, 4 Dbls, Full Kitchen, Yrly ($745/Mo), 6 Mo. ($795/Mo.) NEW- ST. CHRIST’S W/POOL-1/1, 2 Dbls/Twin, Eff. Kitchen, Yrly ($645/Mo), 6 Mo. ($695/Mo.) NEW- ST. CHRIST’S W/POOL-Daily, 2 bedroom, $149/Nt., 1 Bedroom $99/Nt, (2 Nt. minimum) NEW- BEACH NICK’S Place-105 Park, 2/2 Deck, 2 Qns, Sleeper, Fouton, N/S, $250 Nt. NEW- BEACH VIEW - PARK DR. FLEIG HOUSE - 4/2, K, 2Q, 2 Twins, W/D, N/S ($350 Nt.) NEW- DALTON LODGE-Sleeps 18, 5 Bed/4.5 Bath, 2 Bt. Slips (2 nits-$600/Nt, 3 Nts-$500/Nt.) NEW- ‘DRUMRUNNER LODGE- Pool Table, Kennel, 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 4 singles, Queen, ($275/Nt.) NEW LONG TERM-214 Bay St., 2/2 up, 1/1 down, garage, View of San Antonio Bay, $1,500,00/Mo. CANNAH HOUSE SLEEPS 16 W/BOAT SLING-4/4,Game Room! 1 Blk. To Beach!($35O/Nt.) DR. JONE’S-2 boat slips, Fishing Center, 2/2 Up, 1/1.5 Down, 5 Queens, W/D, N/S ($295/Nt.) PROKOP - VIEW, 5 Decks, 1 Bt. Sling, 3/2.5, Queen, 2 bunk beds, Full/Twin, W/D, N/S ($275/Nt.) ROSENBOOM - 1 Boat Sling, 3/2, 2/1 Up, 1/1 Down, 2 Queens, 2 Twins, No W/D, N/S. ($250.OO/Nt.) 2 BT SLINGS-LARRY’S HARBOR-BAYER House-4/2,Boat Ramp,VIEW, Pool ($350.00) VIEW/Mat.Bay-BAKER HOUSE-3rd/Taylor, 2 Queens, Dble, 2 Twins,N/S ($25O/Nt.) BEACH-PARK DR. - FLEIG HOUSE, 4/2, K,2, Q, 2 TWINS,W/D, N/S ($35O/Nt.) UNITS A,B,C+3 Boat Slings,Each Sleeps 7 Guys, 2 Units - 3/3.5, 1 Unit is 3/3($250.00/Nt./Ea) FROGGIES-WEAVER'S PLACE W/Boat Sling, 2/2 W/LOFT, 2Qn, 2Dbl, 2Twins ($225./Nt) FROGGIES AREA-LONG TERM -JAN'S Place, 2/2, 2 Dbl, 2 Twins, N/S, $1,200.00/Month

* *Boat Stalls/Slings* *

"Texas" Boat Stalls" -Monroe, 12'x 12'x 30', $270/Qtr., $510/6 Mo., $960/Yr . NO CONTRACT-A&L Boat Stalls - 15th Between Maple & Olive -$75.00,$85.00,$95.00/Mo. BOAT SLINGS-DAILY/YEARLY-Las Palmas Marina,Next-Froggies/Public Ramp, $3,200/Yr.

* * WATERFRONT CONDOS * *

Unit A - 3/3/2.5,King & Daybed,Qn,Twin,2 Twins.N/S,VIEW,Boat Sling ($250.00/Nt.) Unit B - 3/3/3,King,Qn,4 Twins,SIeeper,WD,VIEW, N/S, Boat Sling ($250.00/Nt.) Unit C - 3/3/3, King, 2 Twins, 2 Twins, WD, VIEW, N/S, Boat Sling ($250.00/Nt.) . Lafitte Landing (2)-VIEW on Canal, 1-3 Bt Slips,Qn. 6 Twins,Sleeper,W/D($210.00/Nt.) Pirate Cove - Condos, Guaranteed Boat Slip, Pool Acces (Discounts on Sun.-Wed. Rentals)

# 1,5,7,11,15 - 3/3/3 - Tile/Wood Floors, Sleeps 6-8, W/D, No Smoking, Pool ($225.00/Nt.)  # 2 2/2/3 -Remodel Queen/2 Single, Double, W/D No Smoking, Pool. ....... ($200.00/Nt) # 4 2/2.5/3-Remodel, Queen, Queen, W/D, No Smoking, Pool ....................... ($200.00/Nt.) # 5 - 3/3/3-New Floor, Queen, 2 Twins, Dbl. /Twin, W/D, No Smoking, PooI..($225.00/Nt.) # 6 - 2/2.5/3 - Remodel, King, 2 Twins, Sleeper, W/D, No Smoking, Pool (2OO.OO1/Nt.) #l0 - 2/2x2/3 Loft-Frezer, Flatscreen Qn.,Dbl.,3 Twins,Sleeper,W/D,N/S, Pool($200.00/Nt.) #14 - 2/2,5/3-Tile Floors, Qn., Dbl, 2 Twin, Freezer, W/D, No Smoking, Pool ($200.00/Nt.) Pirate Cove -Condos with first come first Serve Boat Slips & Pool Access (NO-Smoking)

#20 - 2/2.5/3 - 2 Queens, 2 Twins,W/D, No Smoking, Overlooks Pool ($185.00/Nt.) #21 - 3/3/3 -Wood Floors, King, Queen, 2 Twins, W/D, No smoking, Pool ($185.00/Nt.) The Hideaway Lodge - Byer 1/2 Blk. from Froggies; 3/2 Up, 1/1 Down, 1/2 Acre ($25O/Nt.) Geissen House -VIEW, Maple 3/2, Queen, 5 Singles, W/D,N/S,Large Parking ($250.00/Nt.) Grandma's House - 3/3, Queen, 2 Twins, Down-Queen, Twin, Large Fenced Yard($175/Nt.) Prentice House, 4th & Olive, 3/3, Qn, 2 Set Bunks, 6 Person, W/D, N/S ($175.00/Nt.) Bay St. Lodge - 2/1 Up, 2/1 Down, K, Dbl, 3 Twins, Fouton, Max 6, N/S ($17S.OO/Nt.) Snelling House -View, Beachfront, 2/1 Qn, Dbl/Single Bunk, Fouton,W/D, N/S ($200.00/Nt.) Blackman House - VIEW, Maple, 2/1Dbl, 4 Singles, 1/2 BIk. Froggies Bt. Ramp ($165.00/Nt.) Bentley House - VIEW, Maple/3rd, 3/1, Queen, 4 Singles, N/S, Walk to Jetties ($150.00/Nt.) Blackwell House - VIEW, 1/2 BIk. to Front Beach. 1 Dbl., 4 Singles,1 King, W/D($140.00/Nt.) Clinton House -View Maple/Bay St., 1/2 BIk. from Froggis, 2/1,Qn., 3 twins,W/D ($15O.OO/Nt.) Assorted Long Term Rentals in POC from $645 to $1,500 per Month plus Utilities.

Brenda Carter, Licensed Realtor* Russell Cain Real Estate 361-983-4371 ◆ WWW.POCRENTALS.COM ◆ P.O. Box 161 POC, TX 77982 Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

59

SIEGELER INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. Tommy Hardegree

Personal service is our first policy.

P.O. Box 339, Port O’Connor, TX 77982 Office: (361) 983-2010 Fax: (361) 983-2011 Giddings office 800-283-4086 thardegree@siegins.com

Open 7 Days a Week 82 N. Byers – Port O’Connor 361-746-8049 - www.pocrods.com

Welcome to Port O’Connor “The Best Kept Secret On The Gulf Coast”

FISHING. BIRDING. PADDLING. BEACH

WE HAVE IT ALL!

WWW.PORTOCONNORCHAMBER.ORG 60

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

‘Straight from the boat

BEACON 44 SEAFOOD MARKET

We Specialize In Wild Caught Shrimp, Raby’s Original Stuffed Crabs And More!

Located in Raby’s Old Location 1410 Adams  Port O’Connor, TX

361-983-4247 Doug & Mary Jo Walker - Owners

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

61

Things to do from page 39 for wildlife education, and viewing access for birders and other enthusiasts,” reports Formosa Plastics.

Crabbing Magnolia Beach is the place to be for crabbing and we have our very own crabbing bridge. It is a very popular place for all ages to enjoy. There are several other places along the waterfront to crab but be sure to visit the bridge.

Community Gardens A very large community garden where residents can rent a small tract of land which is then theirs for the season to grow what they please. This allows people from the city a chance to grow their very own vegetables and share the experience with children.

Wildflowers A drive down Texas Hwy. 238 towards Magnolia beach is a wonderful site to enjoy some Texas wildflowers and take some pictures to add to your memory book or scrap booking pages.

At the right time of year, stretch of highway is flush with Bluebonnets, Indian Blankets and so many more.

Fishing in Port Lavaca Matagorda Bay, Espiritu Santo Bay, San Antonio Bay, Lavaca Bay and Caranchua Bay are full of redfish, shark, trout, flounder, pompano, gafftops, whiting, croakers, sheepheads, drum, jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel and the silver king of game fish, tarpon. Calhoun County also offers the best natural passes or entries to the Gulf on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Six Mile Where Six Mile creek empties into the bay is a prime fishing area as well as a hundred yards either side. This area also has a wadeable bottom and is a good place to find flounder bedded up at night. If fishing at night for trout, throw worm jigs, live bait under popping corks or plastic baits, with or without a popping cork.

If reds or drum are your target, dead shrimp or cut bait (mullet, croaker, squid, crab) is good fished on bottom. Live mullet, croaker, perch, fished on bottom are also good for reds and drum, and possibly and occasional trout. If you bring a cast net, the boat slip is a good place to pick up live bait as well the shorelines are also a good spot. A prime spot is on either side of the road over the little creek seen just as you enter the park area.

Port Lavaca Art Guild The Port Lavaca Art Guild has features great local talent. They have art classes, art shows, and much more. These walls are climbing with works of art.

The Harbor A harbor of refuge was also created at Port Lavaca for the protection of boats during storms. In 1963, the Port of Port LavacaPoint Comfort was designated a United States customs port of entry.

Port Lavaca Peninsula A large area great for fishing, picnicking, sightseeing, bird watching and enjoying the harbor area, this area is known for its great view of the ocean.

Calhoun County Museum The Calhoun County Museum was established in 1964 by the Calhoun County Commissioner’s Court. Originally housed in the 1896 Jail building it eventually moved to the Courthouse Annex Building and then to its present location.

62

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

Live Theatre Port Lavaca Main Street Theatre is a great showcase for local talent. A small group of passionate and dedicated people keep live theatre available in Port Lavaca. Five plays are performed throughout the year, including a Children’s Production during June.

Main Street Port Lavaca Main Street, Inc. is a nonprofit organization formed in September of 1989 to revitalize and preserve the historic downtown area of Port Lavaca. Due to the efforts of the Main Street Committee, the downtown area is once again beginning to thrive. The area hosts a variety of businesses and is home to the oldest business in Port Lavaca, Melcher’s Hardware, which has been serving customers since 1917 and has been proclaimed a historic landmark.

Walking Track Lighthouse Beach Park has a mile long walking track. This track is along the water and boardwalk with a great birding view.

Beachcombing Many locals and tourists love to just roll up their pants and walk along the beach. There are many findings along the beach. The fun will never end in the many things and stories people tell of their adventure of beachcombing.

Sunrises and Sunsets on the beach This is an experience in itself, looking out over the ocean and it seems the water touches the sun. No buildings, no cars, nothing for miles and miles, just you and serenity.

Golf The 9-hole “Hatch Bend” course at the Hatch Bend Country Club facility in Port Lavaca,Texas features 3,054 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 36. Hatch Bend golf course

opened in 1957.

Aransas Wildlife The Refuge Complex is comprised of over 115,000 acres including the Blackjack Peninsula (Aransas proper), Matagorda Island, Myrtle Foester Whitmire, Tatton, and Lamar units.

These areas provide vital resting, feeding, wintering, and nesting grounds for migratory birds and native Texas wildlife. The Refuge is world renowned for hosting the largest wild flock of endangered whooping cranes each winter. Other native species you can see on the Refuge include the American alligator, javelina, roseate spoonbill, white-tailed deer, armadillo, and spectacular wildflowers.

Mainstreet Gallery This gallery features so many pictures of the true history of Calhoun County, there are walls and walls of pictures featuring all you want to know about the area.

Calhoun Air Center The airport was recently named the states most improved by the Texas Aviation Conference. It has been completely renovated and is up and running, stop in and check them out.

Indianola Fishing Marina Tucked away at the very end of Highway 316 is a fisherman’s Paradise. The marina sits between Powderhorn Lake and Matagorda Bay and is a prime spot for trout, redfish, flounder and even duck hunting. The lighted pier and covered patio are open 24 hours a day for anyone wishing to fish in the wee hours of the morning or even during a rainstorm.

Public Boat Ramps There are 10 public boat ramps in Calhoun County. A list may be found on page 29.

Encompassing portions of Calhoun County, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors the chance to hike, drive by and view many of the animals that call the Texas Gulf Coast home 365 days a year.

The wildlife refuge, which encompasses portions of Calhoun, Refugio and Aransas counties, is a 115,670-acre area that is the home to the largest wintering flock of whooping cranes in North America.

Whooping cranes are one of the refuge’s biggest draws, said Wildlife Specialist Vicki Muller.

The park welcomes over 60,000 visitors a year, she said.

“We have over 405 species of birds that come here throughout the year, alligators, javelinas, wild hogs, armadillos, plenty of wading birds and shore birds,” Muller said. “It’s a place to get people out into nature to see wildlife, and these acres are protected for wildlife.”

Before reaching the observation tower or boardwalk, visitors must register and pay the daily $5 per vehicle entrance

fee at the Claude F. Lard Visitor Center. The visitor center is open every day of the year from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

For those interested in viewing the wildlife from the comfort of their vehicle, a 16-mile auto loop tour is available. For a guided tour, volunteers conduct free interpretive van tours each weekend from January through April. These tours offer visitors an opportunity to see wildlife in various habitats, ranging from saltwater flats to freshwater ponds, which attract a wide variety of birds.

The park, which is open half an hour before sunrise to half an hour past sunset daily, does not allow public camping. The closest campgrounds are located at Hopper’s Landing, just three miles away, and six miles away in Austwell. Other campgrounds are located in various places, including many in Calhoun County.

For more information about the refuge, log onto http://www. fws.gov/southwest/refuges/ texas/aransas/, or contact the visitors center at 361-286-3559.

The Port Lavaca Wave Out-of-County

BY EMILY ALLEN

Keep informed about the latest upcoming events by subscribing to:

In-County

Aransas Wildlife Refuge offers visitors a close look at wildlife

3 months $16.50

$22.85

6 months $26.75

$38.75

1 year $40.00 2 years* $75.00

$59.50 $96.50

*Best Buy

Call or come by:

107 E. Austin St. Port Lavaca, Tex. (361) 552-9788 or subscribe online at:

www.portlavacawave.com

Calhoun County Life • Fall/Winter 2012

63