Texas farm & home aug 2016 by Texas Farm & Home

TEXAS FARM & HOME

AUGUST 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

VOLUME 6

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NUMBER 11

AUGUST 2016 22

SECTIONS 4

RURAL RAMBLINGS

9 HISTORY & HERITAGE 38 TRAVEL + LEISURE 57 LAND + LIVESTOCK

TEXAS FARM & HOME

the folks at texas hatters put a lot of themselves into every hat they make

IN EVERY ISSUE

Bonnie and clyde’s demise began when they facilitated gang’s escape from famed eastham unit

AUGUST 2016

spirit of west: town comes back from devastating tragedy

Montgomery: the birthplace of the texas flag

68 GARDEN BASICS

ON THE COVER

71 RECIPES

Fernland Historical Park, Montgomery

75 CAFÉS ACROSS TEXAS 78 COUNTRY AS CORNBREAD

Photo by: Christina Stewart

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TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS

editor’s welcome

FARM & HOME 936-687-2424

www.texasfarmandhome.com MANAGING EDITORS Christina Cutler Stewart, cstewart@texasfarmandhome.com Wayne Stewart, wstewart@texasfarmandhome.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lois Marie Guymer, Marilyn Jones, Linda Moffett, Leland Moore, Jolene Renfro, Randy Rollo, PROMOTIONS MANAGER/ ADVERTISING SALES Linda Moffett, lmoffett@texasfarmandhome.com 512-966-9426 ADVERTISING SALES Ansel Bradshaw, ab@texasfarmandhome.com 936-546-6707

Hauling Ol’ Bessy I

‘m sure you all have heard of “Driving Miss Daisy” but Wayne and I have been “Driving Ol’ Bessy.” Ol’ Bessy is not a woman though, she is a plastic cow. Claire recently celebrated her eighth birthday and to avoid filling up the house with more stuff we opted for buying her something she could use outside. We bought here a Corriente Roping Dummy, which if you didn’t know is a plastic cow head used for roping. The plastic head is set up on a bale of hay or a steel figure. We thought it would be a great shade tree activity for the kids to get them outside this summer without getting in the heat too much. Claire and Sam stay with my mom

DISTRIBUTION Randy Rollo, rrollo@texasfarmandhome.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Lesia Rounsavall, lrounsavall@messenger-news.com 936-687-2424 or Texas Farm & Home, P.O. Box 130, Grapeland TX, 75844

EDITORIAL/SALES OFFICES: 202 South Main St., Grapeland, TX 75844. TEXAS FARM & HOME is published monthly by Nicol Publishing Company L.L.C., Copyright 2014. Subscription price: $24.95 a year (12 issues). Reproduction without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited.

TEXAS FARM & HOME

Christina Cutler Stewart

AUGUST 2016

and dad, Maw and Paw, during the day and we have been hauling the bale of hay with cow head and ropes back and forth every day because they enjoy the roping dummy so much. Ol’ Bessy has become a well-traveled cow. My mom puts her in a wagon and hauls here around the yard during the day avoiding the sun. Watching them has brought back memories from my own childhood. My older brothers taught me how to rope when I was less than 5 years old on a similar roping dummy. I would spend hours in the front yard under the pecan trees practicing as Ben or Marvin gave me pointers on how to swing the rope, when to release it and how to hold your hand when letting it go. Marvin also taught me how to do the

rope trick where you twirl the loop around your body, like something Roy Rogers would do. I tried doing the trick the other day and can’t quiet do it anymore but I’ll figure it out again. Despite having to haul Ol’ Bessy around, it is great to see the kids outside enjoying the country life and not stuck in front of the television. They can learn a lot more from a bale of dried grass and hunk of plastic than the business end of a phone or television. TFH

Talkin’ Texas H A Reader Letter I have just read the April 2016 Texas Farm & Ranch magazine and I want to thank you for your outstanding article on Polish immigrants! You did a great job of documenting our story! As President of the Polish American Council of Texas (PACT), professor at Texas A&M University and a 100% descendent of Polish immigrants that came to Chappell Hill, I was very touched by your article. Would it be possible to have more copies that I could distribute to others about your magazine?? Thank you! Jim Mazurkiewicz

AUGUST 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

rural ramblings

Wayne Stewart

Instructions included

string of days with temperatures hovering around 100 degrees did wonders to dry out the field of corn we have growing. The spring rains produced a bumper crop, now all I have to do is get it out of the field and into storage bins and the hogs and chickens can eat pretty this winter. I have to admit, though, I cheated a bit and picked a few ears recently that were already dry. I ran them through the corn sheller — folks, if you don’t have one, get one because it can keep the kids occupied and working without their face being buried in a phone — the shelled corn then went through a screen to clean out the trash and then the kernels were cleaned. After drying I put the corn kernels in the food processor and proceeded to turn them into corn meal. We put the meal through a sieve, the finer meal was used for cornbread and such while the coarser leavings were used for grits. While I don’t like to brag, cornbread milled from your own corn tastes much better than store-bought. There probably is more truth in there than just my bragging as the natural oils of the corn have not been removed as in store-bought meal, making for a moister cornbread — just more fun on the farm. Speaking of moist, for those that like the deep, rich flavor of a moist chocolate cake, then this is the edition for you as we decided to make August our chocolate cake month. We offer up four recipes for chocolate cake you are sure to enjoy — as long as you follow the directions. Speaking of directions, I guess I’ve forgotten what it was like to be little. A couple of weeks ago I was feeding the livestock before going to work. I told Claire to, “grab the hose and take it over there to water the hogs.” If somebody told me that I would assume it was my job to also turn the water on and fill their trough — but I’m not 8. Nope, I went about feeding the rest of the animals, which normally takes about 10 or 15 minutes, then I look and see Claire just standing near the hog trough holding the hose. She asks me, “How much longer do I have to stand here?” “Well, until their trough is full,” I answer back. Upon further inspection, I see my lovely daughter, the

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sunshine of my world just standing there with the hose staring into a muddy trough with no water coming out of it. I inquire further by asking about water pressure and other things, finally we come to root of the problem when she said, “You didn’t tell me to turn the water on and put it in there.” Upon thinking of my instructions I guess I did fail in that respect. So, I give her a big “squeezy” hug and tell her I’ll finish up, all while trying not to laugh too much, for she had done everything her Daddy asked her to do, down to the letter. That’s just another reason I love those kids so much. I’m sure my Heavenly Father gets frustrated with me in much the same way. He will put me in a situation where I have the perfect opportunity to tell someone of the gospel or give them a word of encouragement and instead I let the moment pass. I know He is telling me, “Did you take the hose and water I gave you and use it to fill up their trough?” and instead I’m just standing there staring and asking, “How long do I have to stand here?” To all of my fellow believers out there, let’s quit standing around wondering how much longer we have to be here, and instead follow Jesus’ command that he gave us in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” The end of the age is nearly here, so let’s be extra vigilant when it comes to doing the work God called all believers to do. TFH

TEXAS HISTORY + HERITAGE

The Shreveport Times from 1934 features photographs of Bonnie and Clyde’s car with bullet holes, along with photographs of the bodies. The newspaper is on display at the Texas Prison Museum in Huntsville. Below: Jim Willett, director of the Texas Prison Museum, explains how Bonnie and Clyde helped gang members escape from the Eastham Unit in southern Houston County.

DEADLY MISTAKE Bonnie and Clyde’s demise began when they facilitated gang’s escape from famed Eastham Unit

Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

ollywood and pseudo-history may tell a different story, but the truth about Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow is they were murderous outlaws who died like they lived. During the early years of the Great Depression, the Barrow Gang, which included Bonnie Parker, left at least a dozen bodies in their wake. Their demise began on Jan. 16, 1934 when Barrow, along with his accomplice Parker facilitated the escape of five members of the Barrow gang from the Eastham Unit located in the far southern portion of Houston County, due west of Trinity. In the chaos surrounding the event a guard was killed, forcing the unit’s warden Lee Simmons to appeal to Texas Gov. Ma Ferguson, and hire former Texas Ranger Frank Hamer to chase down the outlaws. The hunt for Barrow and Parker lasted 102 days and ended with their death in a northern Louisiana parish. AUGUST 2016

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HISTORY + HERITAGE

A mug shot of Clyde Barrow, a wanted poster of Bonnie and Clyde and a book about Texas Ranger Frank Hamer are on display at the Texas Prison Museum in Huntsville. First, to get things straight, Bonnie and Clyde were not folk heroes. “The gang was so violent and triggerhappy that before their deaths, most people of the time were afraid of them rather than in awe of their crimes,” explained Rusty Bloxom, Research Librarian of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. “Most of their robberies were against family-owned stores and filling stations, which victimized regular citizens rather than institutions such as banks. “They were not in any way Robin-Hoodlike figures. They were violent criminals who were responsible for at least a dozen murders, including people who were

between them and what they were trying to steal.” Mr. Bloxom credits much of the false ideas about Bonnie and Clyde to the 1967 feature film and documentaries painting a picture while leaving out many of the facts. The facts are Clyde Chestnut Barrow, born to a poor family in Ellis County on March 24, 1909, turned to a life of crime at an early age. His first arrest came in 1926 when he failed to return a rented car. He later was arrested along with his brother Marvin Barrow for possession of stolen goods. Clyde was a known safe cracker, along with his penchant for robbing stores and stealing cars.

TEXAS FARM & HOME AUGUST 2016

Finally he was sent to Eastham Prison in April 1930, sentenced to 14 years in prison. He was paroled from prison in February 1932, but his grudge against the Texas prison system, and Eastham Unit in particular never left. As for Bonnie Parker, it is reported her and Barrow met in 1930 in Dallas. The two were smitten and stayed together throughout the crime spree. After Barrow was released from prison he, along with Parker, put together a gang and committed a series of robberies to help get enough weapons to get some known associates out of Eastham. The outlaws left a murderous trail in the years between Barrow’s release

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HISTORY + HERITAGE and the prison escape with many innocent people caught between them and their nefarious desires. “Barrow’s habit of sticking to back roads meant that many of their crimes were committed in small, out-of-the-way towns with little in the way of law enforcement,” Mr. Bloxom noted. “The first person killed in one of Clyde Barrow’s robberies, J.N. Bucher in Hillsboro, was a shopkeeper. Various writers have claimed that Barrow was the driver for that robbery-murder and that he never entered the store, but Bucher’s wife saw her husband’s killer and identified Clyde Barrow’s photo. “On Christmas Day 1932 Barrow and Jones were trying to steal a car in Temple when the owner, Doyle Johnson, ran out of his house to stop them; he was shot at close range in the throat and died the next day.” As for the idea innocent people were usually left alone by the Barrow Gang, how about this, “In June 1933, Barrow missed a caution sign and drove off of an unfinished bridge embankment; the car was wrecked and Bonnie Parker was badly burned by battery acid,” Mr. Bloxom shared. “The gang terrorized the people from a nearby farm who had gone to help them, occupying their house and stealing their car. “At one point, a gang member — most sources say W.D. Jones — opened fire with

ABOVE: A photograph of The Eastham State Prison Farm and an explanation of the Bonnie and Clyde raid can be seen at the Texas Prison Museum, along with a pearl-handled pistol taken from Bonnie Parker’s body after getting killed by authorities in Louisiana.

a shotgun on a young mother in the house who was checking on her baby. Her hand was badly injured and the infant was

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scratched by fragments from the door that took the brunt of the blast.” That was the backdrop of the Barrow Gang. Many concede that Bonnie Parker probably didn’t kill anybody, though that still is up for debate. In truth, Parker participated in over 100 felony acts and was there for many of the murders, not leaving the side of Barrow. There are some famous photographs of Parker with a cigar in her mouth and holding a weapon, her own tacit acknowledgment of their outlaw ways. Inside the Texas Prison Museum in Huntsville, a pearl-handled pistol once owned by Parker is on display, along with other photographs and other memorabilia from the pursuit and public fascination of Bonnie and Clyde. “They were some really bad people,” admitted Jim Willett, director of the Texas Prison Museum. “I really can’t see all the fascination about them and people celebrating them the way they do.” One of the displays at the Texas Prison Museum is how Barrow facilitated the prisoner escape from the Eastham Unit, considered at the time to be one of the toughest prison units in the entire country. Barrow knew the routines of the work crews, where they would be and what they

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HISTORY + HERITAGE would be doing and when. “Barrow really wanted his gang out so he hid some guns where he knew the inmates were going to be,” Mr. Willett explained. “The inmates got the guns and eventually were able to shoot themselves out and in the process they shot Major Joe Crowson, who was a guard, and he died soon after from the wound.” Just to set the record straight, Mr. Willett said the man’s name was “Major” as that rank had not been adopted at that time in the Texas prison system. Crowson’s death prompted the Eastham warden, Lee Simmons to say enough is enough and enlist the services of Frank Hamer to track down the outlaws. Hamer was well known from his days as a Texas Ranger, with his career dating back to the Wild West days, but Hamer also was a superb detective. Over his career he was credited for an ability

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to get the job done, sometimes bringing law and order to a lawless situation at a high cost. Over his career he was credited with killing at least 53 people and was wounded 17 times. This reputation was a shining example why he was chosen to pursue the infamous outlaws. “Although Barrow traveled the back roads and was difficult to track, Hamer recognized a pattern to his travels and was able to start anticipating the gang’s moves,” Mr. Bloxom said. “Credit for catching them in the ambush, though, belongs as much to Louisiana’s Bienville Parish Sheriff Henderson Jordan as it does to Hamer. “Jordan was the one who made contact with the family of Henry Methvin, one of the gang members, and negotiated the deal for amnesty for Methvin in exchange for information leading to their apprehension or deaths. Hamer’s role was to secure a deal for immunity for Henry Methvin for crimes com-

mitted in Texas in order to gain the cooperation of Methvin’s father. Just what the nature of the deal was, and the extent of the elder Methvin’s cooperation with law enforcement is still debated among writers on the subject, and details vary from one source to another. The upshot is that Hamer and Jordan should get equal credit for finding Barrow and Parker – again, which of the two was more responsible is still pretty hotly debated.” In the end, Barrow and Parker lay on a Louisiana road with more than 150 rounds fired at them from the posse Hamer had assembled. Though their fame remained, justice for killing a Texas prison guard and at least seven other law enforcement personnel was served, ending their reign of terror. TFH

Major Joe Crowson

Bonnie and Clyde exhibit, courtesy of Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum AUGUST 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

Carrying on an old

Family Tradition 16

TEXAS FARM & HOME AUGUST 2016

ABOVE LEFT: David Torres works on a hat at Texas Hatters in Lockhart. ABOVE RIGHT: Joella Gammage Torres explains how some of the hat blocks used in the shop are 150 to 200 years old. LEFT: Pictured is a hat block for shaping a top hat.

Lockhart hatters put a little bit of themselves in every hat they make Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by LINDA MOFFETT

lothes and styles may come and go, but a hat is something personal, a reflection of the wearer’s personality. The men and women of Texas Hatters know this, that’s why they put so much of themselves into every hat they make. “Each hat is a part of us,” said Joella Gammage Torres, third generation owner of Texas Hatters. “They did a documentary on Dad one time and they called it TLC, and that’s exactly what it is, as there is a lot of love and care that goes into each hat we make. The best of what we are goes into every hat.” All of this attention to detail began with Joella’s grandfather, Marvin Gammage Sr. when he began

working for a hat company in Houston. He began as a delivery boy and worked his way up to a hat maker. In his spare time he managed to become a chemical engineer, and wherever the job moved him, his hat shop moved with it. As the hat shop moved its name would change from Houston Hatters, to Pasadena Hatters, Abilene Hatters and so forth. In 1965 he settled on Texas Hatters on urging from his son, Marvin “Manny” Gammage Jr. Young Manny, Joella’s father, learned the family business. Manny got married and joined the service, spent a tour of duty in Vietnam, had three children and was a leading salesmen at his insurance office in Waco, but eventually his path would lead him back to Texas AUGUST 2016

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HISTORY + HERITAGE Hatters when his father moved the business to Austin. Manny’s wife, Norma, added her superb sewing skills to the business, making it an enterprise capable of supporting two families. Eventually Manny and Norma bought the business from Marvin Sr. They built the business, promoted it and grew it and brought three children up in the business of hat making. Joella stuck with business, though it could more aptly be called an art, carrying on the family tradition. “It definitely is a lot to live up to,” Joella admitted. “I was the first female to head up the company and this definitely was not a traditional female industry. “There were a few who had the confidence to deal with me and there were some who would rather deal with my

husband.” There was a customer who came into the store, though, who understood the pressure of carrying on the family tradition. “A lot of thanks goes out to Hank Williams Jr.,” Joella said. “He had a lot of confidence in my ability and he helped me build my confidence in my new role with the company. So I kept going, it inspired me so much to have somebody so close to Dad coming to me.” Hank Williams Jr. is not the only well-known person to sport a hat from Texas Hatters; the late Stevie Ray

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Vaughn was a regular customer and personal friend to the Gammage family; and, when Hollywood needs a hat, they call on Texas Hatters. They made the hat for Gus in Lonesome Dove; they also made hats for countless actors and politicians including George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan. When Willie Nelson was given his Kennedy Center honor, he wore a hat from Texas Hatters. “He always was very special to our family,” Joella said of Willie. “I first met him when I was 8. When my Mom found out he was getting the Kennedy Center honor she told me to make him a special hat.” These people, and everybody who has bought a hat from Texas Hatters, buy from them because of the quality of the product, and the fact that each hat is a one-of-a-kind. “Every hat we make is made specifically for the person we’re dealing with,” Joella said. “The hats you buy from a Western wear store is made to go in a box and then to ship out and then bought by a customer. We believe the best way to get a near perfect fit is for us to put a tape around your head ourselves.” They can also work with measurements and pictures provided by customers, as they have done so successfully – even for a customer in Russia. Once the measurements are in hand the process of making the hat begins. The hats are made the same way Joella’s grandfather made them decades ago, and just like her father learned from him. Joella’s husband David Torres, also is a master hat maker, along with her son Joel “Manny” Gammage. The hats are made using equip-

ABOVE: Joella Gammage Torres is the third generation owner of Texas Hatters. LEFT: The shop made Lockhart home 10 years ago.

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HISTORY + HERITAGE

ment that has stood the test of time. “Some of our hat blocks are 150 to 200 years old,” Joella said. “We still used the same kind of mechanical equipment my grandfather used – I wouldn’t know where to find modern equipment. “We’ve had to learn how to be machinists to keep them going, of course the Internet helps make finding old parts

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easier, but we’ve had to learn to be creative to keep things working.” Texas Hatters is more than just a store, it also serves as a hat-making museum, where people can come and see what it takes to make one of the best hats in the world. They can stare at the walls and see testimonials from some of their famous customers.

Customers can also see a hat being made and know, as Joella said, “We still make them just like my grandfather did.” Today, Texas Hatters calls Lockhart home, moving there from Buda 10 years ago after road construction along I-35 forced them out. “We didn’t know what to do,” Joella recalled. “I was looking into where we could go and I came across a letter written to my Dad in the 70s from the LEFT: Rachel City of Lockhart inviting him to Woypkewicz trims move his business there. and stamps a hat “We looked around and found lining. RIGHT: this awful pink-on-pink building, Leathersmith, it was a nightmare, but I loved its Sabass Amaya bones as they reminded me of our readies hat bands shop on South Lamar in Austin, for hats. BELOW: that’s how we ended up here and Texas Hatters also I love it.” serves as a hatTexas Hatters is a natural making museum. fit for Lockhart and its cowboy Memorabilia, phoculture and its association with tos and testimonials the famed Chisholm Trail. Plus, from some of their when a customer goes to Texas famous customers Hatters, they can stop off at one fill the walls. of Lockhart’s famous barbecue restaurants and make their day complete. Just like barbecue and cowboys, Texas Hatters truly is a Texas tradition. TFH

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‘WE WILL RISE UP’ West couple overcomes adversity to reflect town’s spirit of toughness

By ANGIE ALVARADO TAWATER

est, Texas, a city in northern McLennan County, is known far and wide for it’s rich Czech heritage commemorated every Labor Day weekend with the Westfest celebration. It is home to the first all-Czech bakery in Texas, The Village Bakery, and, of course, home

of the kolache. This small Central Texas town was thrust into the national spotlight on the evening of April 17, 2013, when a blaze broke out at the West Fertilizer Co., north of town. The fertilizer plant stored ammonium nitrate, a component used as an explosive. That fire triggered two explosions just milliseconds apart, killing a total

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“The people of West are good, caring people. The community is so giving.”

ABOVE: The Katy Railroad and a “Welcome to West, Texas” are just a few of the welcoming sights in West. ABOVE RIGHT: West is known far and wide for it’s rich Czech heritage commemorated every Labor Day weekend with the Westfest celebration. It is home to Czech bakeries and food, and unique restaurants and shops, of course, home of the kolache. Visitors can visit the first all-Czech bakery in Texas, The Village Bakery, the Czech Stop, Gerik’s Olé Czech Bakery and Deli or Slovacek’s to fill their kolache need. LEFT: Stevie and Ann Vanek’s immense resilience is parallel to that of the town they call home. The blast demolished structures along dozens of city blocks but it did not destroy the spirit of this courageous community. AUGUST 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

WEST, TEXAS of 15 people, including 12 first responders. More than 200 people were injured in the blast that measured as a 2.1 magnitude earthquake. It destroyed a nearby apartment complex, nursing home and schools. Over 250 homes were destroyed or sustained damage. What followed after the blast in West, was a coming together of neighbors and friends, some who had lost loved ones in the tragedy. It would be months before many would start to rebuild homes, but the unity and helping spirit of this small town was boundless. Neighbors reached out to help anyone and everyone. One of those rescuing the injured was West Mayor Pro Tem and longtime West Volunteer Fire Department firefighter Stevie Vanek, who retired from the West VFD in May 2016, after 23 years of service.

THE BLAST “The night of the blast, I was sitting and visiting with Judge David Pareya at his office,” Vanek recalled. “My

TOP LEFT: The fertilizer plant engulfed in flames before it exploded. ABOVE RIGHT: A residential home suffers severe damage from the explosion. ABOVE: An apartment complex was completely destroyed in the blast.

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beeper went off about 7:15 p.m.” After about 15 minutes and still in conversation with the judge, Vanek’s beeper went off again. “The judge wanted to talk and kept me there, talking,” Vanek said. When he did make it to the fire station a few minutes later, there was one fire truck left at the station. Vanek, and another firefighter who also was running late, jumped in the truck and headed toward the fertilizer plant. “I was driving and talking to the other firefighter (who happened to be his wife’s cousin, Pat Grimm). We knew it was on fire, we could see the

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WEST, TEXAS

ABOVE: A memorial in the West Museum is dedicated to the firefighters who lost their lives in the explosion on April 17, 2013. BELOW: Headlines from around the state and an overhead photograph of the area before and after the fertilizer plant explosion. smoke and flames. You could see the heat wave (from the fire). “I said, ‘Pat, that place scares me,’” Vanek recalled. “Pat said, ‘Yeah, it scares me too.’ Thirty seconds later, when we were about a quarter mile past the football field, it blew.” Some residents have described the horrific sound and scene after the blast as something that not even Hollywood could replicate. One resident of the apartment complex destroyed in the explosion described the scene as, “like looking at the doors of hell.” She bears the physical scars as well as the emotional ones. “It was chaos that night,” Vanek stated. “It was like a war zone.” Immediately, Vanek and Grimm started going door-to-door, getting people out of damaged homes and apartments.

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WEST, TEXAS Although he didn’t get his old helmet because it was lost in the blast rescue effort, he did get the one he had used for the past three years.

FINDING LOVE

“We rushed to get people trapped in their homes, get nursing home residents in wheelchairs moved to safety; and the only lights in town were at the football field,” he said. The football field served as a triage area, as the injured were carried to the middle of the field to be evaluated, treated, and if necessary, transported to nearby hospitals. “As bad as it was, it could have been worse,” Vanek explained. “If it had happened earlier in the day, when kids were in school, it would have been worse.” Vanek knew the first responders, his friends and fellow firefighters who reached the fertilizer plant first, had perished in the blast. “We just knew in our hearts they were gone,” he said, wiping his eyes. “We knew they were right in the middle of it. Our first instinct was to help those injured and we went right to work, going from house to house.” Ann Vanek, heard about the fire at the fertilizer plant from her daughter, Katy, who drove near the site and captured photos on her cell phone. Worried for her husband’s safety as a firefighter, Ann instructed her daughter to come home and pick her up so she could go check on him. “Oh my gosh, I got to get there, I got to find him,” she said to her daughter. They too heard the deafening blast and witnessed the horrifying aftermath. There were many injured and bleeding, many in shock. Demolished structures, smoke and debris were everywhere. “Stevie was looking for people. He was getting people out of the apart-

ments,” Ann recalled. As she stood by a fire truck, a woman from the apartment complex that was destroyed brought an injured baby to her. “Ann stood by that fire truck holding that baby for an hour,” Vanek said. The baby suffered a broken arm in the blast. Vanek knows he is blessed to be alive. “If the judge had let me go from our conversation any earlier, I would have been killed in the blast,” he said, shaking his head. A man of faith, Vanek knows without a doubt that God has a plan for him. “The good Lord works in mysterious ways. I believe he kept me alive to take care of her,” he nods his head toward his wife. Ann was a big help to Vanek after the blast. She took off from work for two weeks and attended daily meetings with him to take notes so he and other council members could focus on restoring their city. The first two weeks after the blast the city held two meetings a day, according to Vanek, then daily meetings for another two weeks. Just a little over three years after the blast, in May 2016, Vanek retired from the West VFD. He didn’t want the customary gold watch upon his retirement. He wanted something that meant much more to him. “I just wanted my helmet and my fire dress blues (shirt),” he said. After the blast, someone donated money to buy all new bunker gear for the volunteer firefighters.

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Stevie and Ann Vanek believe in love and know they are fortunate to have “found” each other. Both had been married twice before, and had children from those unions. For years they had the same friends and visited the same places. “The third time’s the charm,” he smiled as he looked at his wife. For years Vanek, who has lived in West for more than 50 years, has served his community as a volunteer firefighter, city councilman and Knights of Columbus member. He’s volunteered his time to the Kiwanis Club and the Chamber of Commerce. Vanek is known as “a pretty good cook” in and around West, a talent that has kept him busy as a volunteer cook for local service organizations. He was the founding director for the West VFD Cook-off, which at one time was the third largest cook-off in the state. Ann, who has lived in West for more than 20 years, also has spent years serving the community through service organization dinners, fundraisers, and other functions. She’s been on the board of St. Mary’s Assumption Catholic Church for years, including serving as president of St. Mary’s School Board. She also is a member of Catholic Daughters of America. For years, Vanek would cook for the Knights of Columbus fundraisers and Ann would wash dishes. “I knew who he was and had seen him around at a lot of places I went,” she smiled. It was through her position on the Catholic school board that she approached her future husband. Vanek, who owns a glass repair business, got a call from Ann informing him that the school had some broken windows that needed repair. “She stayed with me the whole time I replaced the windows,” Vanek smiled. “I guess she didn’t trust me.” The school’s broken windows were replaced, and soon after the courtship began. “The good Lord put us together,”

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WEST, TEXAS

ABOVE LEFT: Ann Vanek gets loaded onto a helicopter for heart surgery. ABOVE AND ABOVE RIGHT: Vanek went through a long post surgery and recovery process. Vanek said as he glanced lovingly at his wife. On Ann’s 50th birthday, Vanek surprised her with a birthday party and scavenger hunt that led her to an engagement ring. Vanek, who proudly claims he’s “the last of the 100 percent Czechs,” even asked her parents for permission to marry her. They were married on Sept. 29, 2011 in West. Their blended family includes Ann’s daughter Katy, 20; Stevie’s son Zach, 33; and daughter Krystal, 34. They have four grandchildren, Parker, Carter, and twins Mason and Madison.

HEALTH CRISIS On April 26, 2014, a little over a year after the blast in West, the Vaneks were spending a leisurely day at Traders Village in Grand Prairie. Ann started feeling bad. “She never said anything about her heart,” Vanek said. He walked her to their truck and laid her in the back seat, hoping she would feel better. After a few minutes she told him that she still didn’t feel well. “She asked for an aspirin and I got her one,” he remembered. “She said her arm was hurting real bad. By the time I got out of the truck and ran to the back door of the truck, she was having a heart attack. Then her heart stopped.”

People in the Traders Village parking lot saw him frantically trying to help her and came to his aid. There was an airport next to the parking lot and the airport paramedics rushed to her aid. “For six minutes, she was dead,” Vanek said about his wife. “Her heart stopped for six minutes. The paramedics shocked her three times, and the third time, her heart started beating again.” Ann was rushed to a hospital in Arlington where she was stabilized enough for a medical helicopter to transport her to a hospital in Fort Worth. There, doctors inserted four stents in her heart. For nine days, Ann remained in a coma. After two weeks in Fort Worth, she was moved to an acute care and rehab hospital in Temple. She was there for three weeks before being moved to a rehab hospital in Waco where she remained for almost three months. She had to relearn how to eat and swallow, how to talk and walk. When she left the hospital in Waco, she was able to walk gingerly without the aid of a walker. The heart attack robbed Ann of her short-term memory and she still struggles with balance. For six months after she was released from the hospital, she continued two-hour, twice a week therapy sessions. In February 2016, Ann got a pace-

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maker. She continues to improve through hard work and determination. She attends exercise class twice a week and does crossword puzzles and other brain-challenging activities to work her brain. It has been a long road to recovery for Ann, but one she has not had to walk alone. Vanek took three months off from work in order to take care of his wife after she suffered the heart attack. “Based on statistics, she should be dead,” Vanek stated. “She’s blessed.” Ann echoes his sentiments. “I’m glad to be here. It’s been a tough road. God wasn’t ready for me to go.” “If Stevie had gotten killed in the blast, I would not be here today,” she said. “We are very blessed to have each other,” Vanek added. “God brought us together at the time we needed to be together.” “If you’re a religious person and believe in God, you have to know, when you experience something like this, that God has a plan,” an emotional Vanek said. Had they chosen to not go to Traders Village that day, Vanek said he probably would have gone in to work and Ann would have stayed at home alone. She would have been alone and helpless when she had the heart attack. Vanek believes his wife would have died. They both take a moment to reflect

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on that thought. The love and appreciation they have for each other is evident. Together they have endured tragedy and hardship that could

have caused them to drift apart, but instead, drew them closer. The medical bills for Ann’s care were astronomical. Both know,

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however, that loved ones cannot be replaced. The city of West that the couple had faithfully served for years rallied behind them. On Aug. 3, 2014 the city held a benefit dinner, raffle and silent auction with all proceeds going to help defray Ann’s medical expenses. More than 2,000 dinners were sold. In one day, their friends and neighbors raised $104,000. Vanek, the volunteer who many times had cooked for such fundraisers, admitted that he never thought his family would one day be the recipient of such a benefit. “People were good to us,” he said. “They came from all over; from Hillsboro, Waco and even some from Florida.” Residents of West rose to help the Vaneks, the same couple that had given so much of their time to the community.

THIS PAGE: Parker’s Park stands as a symbol of endurance. The new park started with a little boy’s dream to rebuild the park he and his father had frequented often. Parker lost his father, Joey Pustejovsky, a West volunteer firefighter, in the blast. LEFT: Across the street from where the plant was located stands a lone white cross along with small American flags waving in the breeze. Loved ones and friends have left small gifts for those who lost their lives. BELOW: A large new school that serves as the high school and middle school stands just to the east of the railroad tracks. Construction work is still under way at the facility. A construction sign in front reads, “We Will Rise Up.”

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RESILIENT SPIRIT Stevie and Ann Vanek’s immense resilience is parallel to that of the town they call home. The blast demolished structures along dozens of city blocks but it did not destroy the spirit of this courageous community. There are reminders of the tragedy, or “the blast” as locals call it, that this town endured. The site where the apartment complex once stood, is flattened. Behind it rests a beautiful, new

park that started with a little boy’s dream to rebuild the park he and his father had frequented often. Parker lost his father, Joey Pustejovsky, a West volunteer firefighter, in the blast. On a Saturday afternoon, “Parker’s Park Project” hotdog fundraiser raised $83,000 for the park that features a first responder theme. Other donations followed. “The people of West are good, caring people,” Vanek said. “The community is so giving.” He also acknowledged

the tremendous outpouring of help West received from across the state and beyond following the blast. The fertilizer plant site also is leveled. In recent weeks, reports have stated that the fire that triggered the deadly blast was intentionally set. That was one of three possible causes investigators determined months following the blast. Two other possibilities they determined were that the fire was caused by an electrical short at the fertilizer plant or a short in a golf cart battery at the plant sparked the fire. Across the street from where the plant was located stands a lone white cross along with small American flags waving in the breeze. Loved ones and friends have left small gifts for those who lost their lives. For many in West, including the Vaneks, life is returning to normal. Beautiful, new homes line the streets north of town, the part that suffered the greatest damage from the blast. The nursing home that was destroyed in the explosion, also has been rebuilt, not far from where it had been. A large new school that serves as the high school and middle school stands just to the east of the railroad tracks. Construction work is still under way at the facility. A construction sign in front reads, “We Will Rise Up.” That is exactly what people in this small town have done.

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Members of the Texas Motorcycle Association, made up of Central and North Texas motorcycle clubs, donate approximately $1,500 to the rebuilding effort of West. There was a tremendous outpouring of help from the West area and from across the state following the blast.

“The Lord works, and brings things to you,” Vanek said as he glanced at his wife. “We are not taking tomorrow for granted. We are living life.” After the blast, Vanek acquired a 1969 Mustang convertible from a friend. He’s still making payments on it, but that’s okay, “That’s what we work for,” he smiled. Vanek, who works as maintenance foreman for

Texas State Technical College, still volunteers as often as he can. Ann continues to gain strength and improve. Together, they are stronger. Their bond and appreciation for life is as inspiring as their faith. “Life is too short. You don’t know what tomorrow brings,” Vanek said. “Ann and I are going to ride around in that Mustang and enjoy life.” TFH AUGUST 2016

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41st Annual Westfest set for Labor Day weekend

Celebrating Heritage By ANGIE ALVARADO TAWATER

he city of West will play host to thousands of visitors on Labor Day weekend with the 41st annual Westfest celebra-

tion. “West is primarily a Czech community, and Westfest is one way we celebrate that heritage,” said Brian Muska who is on the Westfest board of directors. “All proceeds go back into the community.” Westfest started in 1976 as a way for folks in the community to raise money for local projects, facilities and activities. Since it’s beginning, the festival has raised more than $750,000 to fund things such as youth athletic facilities; library, civic and cultural programs; and even a community center. The annual festival celebrating the town’s rich Czech heritage is made possible with the help of hundreds who volunteer their time before, during and

after the three-day festival. Longtime West residents Stevie and Ann Vanek are just two locals who have volunteered their time. “Ann and I both volunteered for Westfest for many years,” Vanek said. “We would work the Knights of Columbus booth that featured beer-bread sandwiches made with Shiner Bock. We would start baking rye, wheat and jalapeno bread for the sandwiches two days before the festival started. We also volunteered to work at the Kiwanis booth and the Chamber of Commerce booth.” This year, the Vaneks will drive their classic 1969 Mustang convertible in the parade, chauffeuring Westfest Parade Grand Marshal Edward Snider. Snider has run the Kolache 5,000, a 3.1 mile race, for the last 39 years. The run, which begins at 8 a.m. on

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Sunday, includes divisions for men and women with several age categories. Walkers are welcome, too. “People come to Westfest from all over Texas and the country,” Muska said, adding that the three-day celebration draws anywhere from 25,000 to 30,000 visitors to West every year. Westfest kicks off Friday, Sept. 2, with a preview party featuring the crowning of Miss Westfest and performances by country artists Wade Bowen and William Clark Green. Gates to the festival grounds, one mile south of downtown on South Main Street, will open at 5:30 p.m. “Westfest is going to be fun, food and dancing for all ages,” Muska said. “We’ll have a large carnival and midway as well.” The Westfest parade described as “one of the largest parades in McLen-

nan County,” will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, in downtown West. Sounds of authentic Czech music will fill the air at the fairgrounds on Saturday with performances by the Dujka Brothers Band, Chris Rybak, the Jodie Mikula Orchestra, the Praha Brothers, Brave Combo, and Jerry Haisler. Sunday’s (Sept. 4) performers include the Czechaholics, James L. Wages, Czech & Then Some, Brave Combo, and The Ennis Czech Boys. The Sunday night Shutdown Party will feature the music of Branded Heart and Gary P. Nunn. Czechoslovakian dancers in colorful costumes, as well as Scandinavian, Norwegian, Dutch and Mexican dancers will perform at the Cultural Amphitheater. A wide variety of food vendors will make sure no one goes hungry, according to Muska. There will be Czech sausage, pork sausage, sausage sandwiches, sausageon-a-stick, sausage dogs, sausage boats and beer-bread sandwiches filled with sausage, of course. The usual festival fare including hamburgers, fajitas, tacos, nachos, fries, roasted corn and funnel cakes also will be offered. And don’t forget to leave room for the kolaches,

which come filled with fruit, cheese, or sausage. “We got a little bit of everything,” Muska said. “There will be polka music and dancing in two tents this year, as well as cultural exhibits, arts and crafts, and kolache baking and eating contests.” More than 100 arts and crafts vendors from across Texas will be selling a unique array of items including woodwork, jewelry, paintings, crosses, clothing, souvenirs and more. Arts and crafts booths will be open from 6 to 10 on Friday, and all day Saturday and Sunday. In addition, there will be horseshoe and washer pitching contests, which continue to gain in popularity every year, New to the celebration this year is a 42 Domino tournament, Muska said. On Sunday is the traditional Polka Mass at the Cultural Amphitheater.

The Catholic mass starts at 10:15 a.m. Admission to Westfest on Friday, Sept. 2 will be $15 for adults with children age 0-12 admitted free. Carnival ride wristbands will be available for $25. Saturday admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children age 6-12, and free for children under 6. Carnival ride wristbands will be available for $25. Sunday admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children age 6-12, and free for children under 6. Parking is $5 per vehicle. For more information about Westfest, call 254-826-5058 or visit westfest.com. TFH

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Montgomery

The Birthplace Of The Texas Flag ABOVE: Downtown Montgomery is still a quiet get away, but it also is home to numerous antique stores, restaurants with rich Texas history on every corner. RIGHT: Fernland Historical Park

Story by WAYNE STEWART and Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

hile it sits at the edge of the nation’s fourth largest city, Montgomery has managed to keep its small-town charm as the world around it gives way to urban sprawl. Once located far in the country, today Texas Highway 105 brings thousands of people a day through the center of Montgomery as they travel to other parts of Texas. Many stop and shop in the many eclectic shops in Montgomery as it boasts several antique stores, boutiques,

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quality restaurants and other venues sure to capture the imagination. One of the most attractive aspects of Montgomery, though, is the rich history of the town and the importance it played in the early life of Texas. “Montgomery has grown a lot over the past 25 years,” mused Kelly Cook, owner of Liberty Bell and Modern Farmhouse Antiques. “When I first bought the stores in ’91, there were trees growing through buildings, weeds on the porch and sidewalks, there wasn’t anything here. We’ve grown

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TRAVEL + LEISURE H WEEKEND GETAWAYS a lot since then, but we’ve managed to keep the small-town feel of Montgomery, even when everything is growing up around us.” Modern Farmhouse Antiques calls the old Smith Drug Store and Post Office home. The Cooks meticulously restored the building that still features the original post office boxes and clerk’s window in the store. It served as the second post office in Montgomery and held that position into the 1970s. Much of that growth centers around nearby Lake Conroe with its homes and subdivisions surrounding the lake, making it a perfect get-away for the people of Houston and the surrounding area. Montgomery has grown, but walking through the town on a lazy summer afternoon is a pleasurable experience, whether the day involves walking through the Nat Hart Davis Pioneer Complex and Museum. The museum, once the home of Nat Hart Davis, also served as his law office. “He was a lawyer and he had taken some logs in as payment,” explained museum volunteer Bea Rouse. “He built the house in 1851, the logs were cut in 1831. As the family grew the house grew.” Today the old house tells much of the history of old Montgomery and delves a bit into perhaps the one of the most storied citizens of Montgomery, Dr. Charles Bellinger Stewart. Dr. Stewart came to Texas in 1830, moving to this northern portion of Mexico from his home in South Carolina. He immediately became intimately involved in the affairs of Texas, taking part in the Battle of Velasco in 1831. He also served as Texas’ first Secretary of State, named so by the Texas Provisional Council in 1835. He signed the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836 at Washington-on-the-Brazos. He also represented Montgomery in LEFT: Bea Rouse the Texas Legislature. leads a tour through Along with all his the Nat Hart Davis duties to the fledgling Pioneer Complex. nation of Texas, and The displays show eventually the state what life was like of Texas, Dr. Stewart in the mid-1800s maintained a medical when Montgomery practice and a pharwas a thriving commacy in Montgomery, munity. a place he made his home in 1837. While Dr. Stewart stands tall in the annals of Texas history, perhaps is greatest gift to Texas was a symbol so many have come to hold so dear — the Texas flag, designed by him as part of a special committee to create the official Texas flag. Dr. Stewart designed the Lone Star with the Republic of Texas in 1839 adopting it as the official symbol of Texas. Historical and historically significant homes line the streets around Montgomery. Many of the

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ence Montgomery at www.experiencemontgomery.com. The old Baptist Church and the Methodist Church, both built in the early years of the 20th century, trace their roots back to 1838 with the Methodist church and 1850 with the Baptist church. Both buildings are still in beautiful condition and still serve the people of Montgomery. In Fernland Park, just a few blocks east of downtown Montgomery, several old homes and structures from around Montgomery County were given new life in the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful setting. Fernland Park is owned and operated by the City of Montgomery, but many of the buildFernland Historical Park houses are perfect examples of mid-19th century construction and methods featuring large houses, separate kitchens and carriage houses. Some of the notable houses in Montgomery include The Oaks, a mansion once owned by one of Montgomeryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most celebrated residents, Nat Davis, the first Secretary of State for Texas; Pecan Shadows, a beautiful home built on cypress logs; Homewood home, a modified Victorian mansion, is still relatively unchanged since it was built in 1887, there are a few dozen more historic homes around Montgomery to visit, to learn more about them just visit Experi-

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ings in Fernland are owned by Sam Houston State University. The historic structures came into the university’s hands from Carroll and Mae Tharp, who diligently restored many of the buildings located inside the park. Visitors to Fernland are welcome to tour the buildings and hopefully catch a glimpse of what life was like in Texas

Sam Houston State University works in cooperation with the City of Montgomery on the use of the buildings. Not all of the buildings are from Montgomery County, but they all are fine examples of early Texas architecture. Montgomery’s history dates back 1823 when Andrew J. Montgomery established a trading post near today’s

more than 150 years ago. Buildings inside Fernland Park include the Jardine Cabin, Arnold-Simonton House, the Hulon House and the Crane Cabin. There also is a blacksmith shop with many tools of the trade from the middle 1800s, including a depiction of how logs used to have to be milled.

downtown Montgomery. After Texas won its independence the county was formed and Montgomery made its county seat on Dec. 14, 1837. Today the county seat lies to the east in Conroe as the coming of the railroad made it the population center of the county. It moved to Conroe in 1889.

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Before all that, Montgomery was officially incorporated in 1848 and Judge Nathaniel Hart Davis served as Montgomery’s first mayor. Those were halcyon days in Montgomery as it served as an integral city in the Republic of Texas and its early days as a state. Montgomery has plenty to do for folks wanting to spend a weekend there. Lake Conroe provides fishing and water recreation opportunities. There are several golf courses around Lake Conroe providing a quality outing on championshipcaliber golf courses. Of course shopping opportunities abound especially antique stores. There is no shortage of these unique businesses in Montgomery. Antiques are such a part of the fabric of Montgomery a festival is held every spring to commemorate their place in the community. The Montgomery Antique Festival is held the first weekend in May. Next year’s festival is scheduled for May 5-7, 2017. There also are plenty of boutiques, even a store specializing in gifts for pets. There are more historical markers in the city than can easily be counted, so Montgomery is a must see for history lovers out there. Montgomery has a couple of events coming up this fall. As the Texas wine industry grows Montgomery takes its part, which can be seen in the Wine & Music Fest, held Sept. 17. The event features Texas wines and plenty of great music to round out the day.

The Old Smith Drug Store and Post Office: Today Modern Farmhouse Antiques calls it home. Owners Susan and Kelly Cook restored the building, receiving the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Preservation Award from the state of Texas for their efforts.

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On Oct. 8 Fernland Historical Park hosts the Texian Heritage Festival featuring outdoor events depicting life in the mid-1800s. There will be shoot-outs, re-enactments, artisans, demonstrators, dancers and other entertainment. There will be plenty of childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities, including hands-on crafts and other games pioneer Texas children used to play. Also, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mist Christmas in

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Montgomery held Dec. 10. This is a perfect time to tour historic homes around Montgomery with its annual candlelight home tour, a Christmas marketplace and a parade, a cookie walk and even breakfast with Santa Claus. To learn more about all Montgomery has to offer, visit the City of Montgomery website at www.montgomerytexas. gov. TFH

FAR LEFT: Montgomery Baptist Church (top) and the Methodist Church, both built in the early years of the 20th century, trace their roots back to 1838 with the Methodist Church and 1850 with the Baptist Church. LEFT: A goat statue stands near a well in Montgomery. ABOVE: Garrett House Antiques and Liberty Bell Antiques (left) represent some of the many antique venues available in Montgomery. Along with antiquing, there are many shopping opportunities such as Rustic Cashmere and Fare Thee Well.

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TRAVEL + LEISURE H TEXAS EVENTS

Old Chisholm Trail Songs and Tales of the Cattle Trail The August performances of Old Chishom Trail Songs and Tales of the Cattle Trail will be August 2, 6, 8, 12, 13, 20 and 27, plus September 3. This event, which is held in Bastrop, features live music by KR Wood and the Gone To Texas Band. Performances also feature Geoff Shaffer - Trail Boss Sundown, Pistol Packin’ Paula, Kevin Fitzpatrick - Trick Roper, Jody Stelzig - Head Wrangler. Pricing is $69 for adults, $49 for children 13-17, $29 for children 6-12, plus tax. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. To make reservations or for more information call 512-308-4860.

ROCKDALE

Summer Events 2016 Summer Concert Series – Aug. 3, 2016 @ 7:30pm, Free- Doug Moreland @ the Ranch 2016 Summer Concert Series – Aug. 10, 2016 @ 7:30pm, Free- Saints Eleven & Josh Ward @ the Ranch 2016 Summer Concert Series – Aug. 13, 2016 @ 7:00pm-12 midnite, Justin Cole opens up for Mario Flores & the

Soda Creek Band-$10 cover @ the Ranch Market on Main, 3rd Sat-Aug 20, 2016, 9am1pm

MADISONVILLE Gun and Hunting Show

Annual Gun and Hunting Show August 20-21 at the Truman Kimbro Center on the square in downtown Madisonville. Contact W.C. Bennett at

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(936)349-7029 for more information.

LUFKIN

Angelina Arts 16th Season, 2016-17 Performing Arts Series: Illusionist Rick Thomas - Sept. 18; The Fort Worth Symphony – Oct. 25; Jimmy Webb – Nov. 22; Wynonna Judd – Dec. 17; Barefoot in the Park - Feb. 28, 2017; 42nd Street – National Broadway Tour - Mar. 19, 2017;

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound – May 20 , 2017; www.angelinaarts.org

VERNON

Summer’s Last Blast August 12-13: Vintage Car Show, Burnout Contest and Nostalgic Cruise Night throughout town. www. summerslastblast.com or visitvernontx.com

JEFFERSON Gun and

Knife Show

August 27-28: Shop for new and antique guns, knives, knife sharpening equipment, ammo, gun parts, archery, reloading equipment and supplies, scopes, holsters and many other shooting related items, all in a safe and family-oriented environment. Held at the Jefferson Visitor Center. Contact Tammy Smith: 903-431-0043 or jeffersongunshow@yahoo.com

LABOR DAY BLUEGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL

Salmon Lake Bluegrass Festival Labor Day Weekend

For 40 years now Salmon Lake Park has brought a special kind of music to Bluegrass lovers the country over. The music begins on Thursday, Sept. 1 and runs through Sunday, Sept. 4 on Labor Day weekend. For many, this special weekend is the bookend to a perfect summer at one of the more unique destinations around — Grapeland’s Salmon Lake Park, owned by Floyd and Fannie Salmon. The park provides a perfect outing for a family celebrating summer’s last hurrah. There are numerous cabin rentals in the park, along with the famous Salmon Lake, a great place for one last swim before summer finally gives way to fall. Some of the bands performing at this year’s event

include Run Boy Run; Little Roy & Lizzie Show; The Farm Hands; The Marksmen; Goldwing Express; Lori King & Junction 63; Saltgrass; Catahoula Drive; Tennessee Gentlemen; Mike Stroup Trio; and The Texas Honeybees. Four-day advance tickets are $50 per person; and $60 after Aug. 20. Thursday single tickets are $15; Friday and Saturday tickets are $20 with Sunday tickets for $10. Salmon Lake Park offers more than 400 different full RV sites with 30 and 50 amp service. The music is made possible by Texas Bluegrass Music. To learn more visit them on Facebook. To learn more about the park visit them at salmonlakepark.com. TFH

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TRAVEL + LEISURE H Texas Travels

HEAD TO HOUSTON

for a luxurious weekend getaway Story by MARILYN JONES

xcept for what I feel is horrific traffic patterns, confusing toll roads and convoluted downtown streets, I like Houston. When my daughter and I decided to get away for the weekend, she, my 14-month-old granddaughter Ainsley and I headed to the big city. Beforehand I researched hotels and their special offers. One hotel I always wanted to stay at because of its stellar reputation is the Four Seasons, so I checked to see what they had to offer. Like many high-end hotels, there was a weekend special which included all-day full American breakfast, valet parking, use of the hotel courtesy car throughout downtown, a deluxe room and a bottle of chilled Prosecco. I was in; might as well make this girls’ getaway a luxurious experience. We arrived early evening on a Friday moments before the sky let loose with torrential rain. After checking in and getting settled in our beautiful room with an equally beautiful view, we decided to order from room service and call it a day. Space Center Houston There are a lot of excellent attractions in the city. One that I return to again and again is Space Center Houston. This educational, historic and fun destination seemed like the perfect choice

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on a hot summer day and there was an exhibit I was anxious to visit — Independence Plaza — where visitors can enter a space shuttle replica mounted on top of the historic and original NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft (SCA), and explore the plane as well. It is the world’s only shuttle mounted on an SCA and the only one allowing the public to enter both. Exhibits offer insight into the shuttle era and helps explain its impact on current and future space exploration. I wasn’t disappointed! New for this summer is another great exhibit: MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition. Through September 5, the exhibit uses interactive technology and a hands-on approach to allow guests to explore the world of science using the same methods as the hosts of the Discovery Channel’s popular show. Holley’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar Back to the hotel and a little rest for everyone, we decided to take the concierge’s suggestion and have dinner at Holley’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar. The hotel courtesy car driver took us to the restaurant; a 10-minute ride. After we were seated, I overheard someone asking how everyone’s food was at a nearby table. The man was moving from table

Down South Coconut Cake. – Photo by Marilyn Jones LEFT: Holley’s - Holley’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar – Photo by Julie Soefer BELOW: At Space Center Houston, visitors can enter a space shuttle replica mounted on top of the historic and original NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft and explore the plane as well. – Photo courtesy Space Center Houston BELOW RIGHT: Olivia and Ainsley Moore enjoy Space Center Houston. – Photo by Marilyn Jones

to table making sure everyone was enjoying their meal. I would soon find out that he was Chef/Owner Mark Holley. I would find out too that Chef Holley is a genius when it comes to preparing seafood. First we ordered the Benne Seed Parkerhouse Rolls. On the menu is says “When

we’re out, we’re out.” I figured this was a good sign their popularity was high. After he first bite I knew why. I can honestly say I have never tasted a dinner roll this delicious! I started with Seafood Mezcal Martini with shrimp and crabmeat, and Olivia

tried the LH Gumbo. Ainsley was happy to enjoy a little of what we were eating. As we were finishing, Chef Holley came over to our table and asked how our food was. A very easy answer: “Delicious!” I asked him about his culinary style and he explained it was a combination

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TEXAS TRAVELS

Chef Mark Holley – Photo by Julie Soefer

of his upbringing, his past experiences working in some of the finest restaurants, friendships with other culinary experts and his travels. Influences include Southern, New Orleans, Texas Gulf Coast, Pan-Asian, Pan-American and South America. “This restaurant is a tribute to my family,” he said. “The Lancelot Bar is named after my grandfather. The main dining room is Vivian’s Dining Room after my mother and the semi-private dining room is the Lawrence Dining Room after my father. Mary’s Wine Cellar is a tribute to my stepmother.” At this moment our main course arrived. “Enjoy,” he said with a big smile

before walking to another table to check on his guests. In front of us was the restaurant’s famous Thai-Style Fried Snapper for Two. Olivia and I enjoyed every bite. But our gastronomical event wasn’t over yet. We ordered deserts and shared them — White Velvet Cheesecake and Down South Coconut Cake. Fantastic! On Sunday we drove home; our luxury weekend at an end, but I am sure we’ll be back. Houston has so much to offer. For more information: Four Seasons Hotel Houston: www. fourseasons.com/houston; (713) 6501300. CityPASS: www.citypass.com/ houston. The pass includes admission to Space Center Houston, Downtown Aquarium, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston Zoo or Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and Kemah Boardwalk or Children’s Museum of Houston. Space Center Houston: http://spacecenter.org; (281) 244-2100. Holley’s: http://holleyshouston.com; (713) 491-2222. TFH

What’s Online

Four Seasons Houston Spa & Fitness

fter a multi-million dollar renovation, the all-new Spa & Fitness Center at Four Seasons Hotel Houston is ready to accept guests for pampering and luxurious treatments. Now considered the city’s choice destination for the complete wellness experience, the spa features steam rooms, a nail salon, multiple treatment rooms, a relaxation area and a couples’ suite. The Fitness Center offers top-of-the-line equipment and a designated fitness class space. And adjacent to the spa is the outdoor pool and Pool Deck Cafe. For more information or to make an appointment, call (713) 650-1300.

Galapagos dove

Nesting Nazca booby

GLOBETROTTING

TEXAN The Birds of Galapagos By Marilyn Jones

As a passenger on Galapagos Eclipse Genovesa Cruise with AdventureSmith Explorations, I visited five islands including Genovesa, or Tower Island. The northernmost island allowed to be visited by naturalist, non-diving, cruises; it is home to millions of birds belonging to many different species unseen anywhere else in the world. The ship accommodates 35 to 40 passengers. Divided by three, groups have the full attention of naturalist guides who identify species and answer guest questions. We arrived from the ship on a panga, a small inflatable boat, and slowly climbed Prince Phillip’s Steps, steep stairs carved into the rock leading to a

Short-eared lava owl

Red-footed booby

plateau full of bird life. Everywhere along the pathways, in bushes and in flight I saw red footed boobies, frigates, swallowtailed gulls, short-eared

Mating male frigate

lava owls, Nazca boobies and other birds. Genovesa was only one of my many Galapagos adventures. AdventureSmith Explorations and

Millions of birds call Genovesa island home

the Eclipse staff and crew made the week-long cruise perfect. From excellent food and accommodations to at least two excursions a day – often more – this is truly a

trip of a life time. For more information: AdventureSmith Explorations: www.adventuresmithexplorations.com; (877) 620-2875.

To view full story and more photographs visit WWW.TEXASFARMANDHOME.COM

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RELICS OF YESTERDAY SEARCHING FOR ANTIQUES, COLLECTIBLES & VINTAGE FINDS WITH LINDA

LINDA MOFFETT

ROUND TOP VINTAGE Two times a year the entire town of Round Top and the surrounding countryside is lined with antiques, vintage items and just good ol’ junk, but on any weekend of the year you can find Round Top Vintage Market open for business. Owned by Barbara Griffin, this 12,000 square foot venue chock full of antiques, art and vintage collectibles is sure to satisfy your niche for just browsing and reminiscing about years gone by and you are likely to find that treasure that you have been looking for. Round Top Vintage Market is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays all year. For those who have yet to make plans for it, the 2016 Fall Show is Sept. 22-Oct. 2. A “Happy Hour Shopping,” for Round Top Vintage Market is set for 3-6 p.m. Sept. 28. Round Top Vintage Market sits on three acres and was built in 2006. For the Fall Show, 40 vendors are expected in Round Top Vintage Market and will feature antiques, collectibles and other vintage and must-have items.

For the Country Home

4 A Timeless Treasure: This rounded top cupboard from Connecticut would make a great addition to the rustic home or any country home. Round Top Vintage Market, 1235 North Hwy 237, Round Top, TX 78954; roundtopvintagemarket.com or www.facebook.com/roundtopvintagemarket

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1920 Edison Phonograph 4 A beautiful piece with a beautiful sound: If you think competition among technologies is a new thing like VHS vs Beta in the 1980’s, read on. Most people know that Thomas Edison came up with the first cylinder phonographs around 1900. Few know that he was highly protective of his patents using force as well as the courts. This 1920 Edison Diamond Disc windup phonograph still plays well with its original diamond needle but its records were quite expensive. RCA Victor came up with a different technology to avoid his patents by using a cheap record and steel needle that needed to be changed after every record but they beat him in the marketplace. Come hear both technologies at A Blast from the Past store in downtown Giddings. We can also outfit you from 1890’s-1960’s as we dress customers for special functions like Dicken’s on the Strand in Galveston, Gangster and Great Gatsby, and Steampunk events. A Blast from the Past, 115 W. Austin, Giddings, TX 78942, FB or call 979-542-2590.

A Matching Set 3A Lovely addition : Extra large Ball LESMITH Hurricane Lamp with matching Candy Box. Circa 1920 A lovely addition to any Victorian or Cottage Style Decor. Owner Lisa Muska has this and much more at Old Czech Corner Antiques, 130 N. Main, West, Texas 76691. 254-826-4094; Cell: 254-709-0733

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RELICS OF YESTERDAY A Piece of History for the Kitchen 3 Gem Pans: Gem and muffin pans are a fascinating segment of cast iron cookware collecting. Among the various manufacturers, a myriad of designs exist. Within the same manufacturer, some pattern numbers are known to have been produced in over a dozen variations. Many are commonplace, others extremely rare. The term gem likely comes from the cakes being small and decoratively-shaped, like “gems”. Another possibility is that the term came from a kitchen housewares company named Gem that sold baking tins which came to be generically referred to as “Gem pans”. Regardless of how the name came to

be, a gem is a muffin. But a muffin is not necessarily a gem. Gems, first popularized in the 19th century, were always made with whole wheat Graham flour, and were baked in a heavy cast iron gem pan. Occasionally, fruit was added to the batter, and the result called a fruit gem. The term “gem flour” appears to have been commonly used to describe packaged flour mixes sold to make the non-yeast cakes. “Vintage” cast iron cookware from the late 19th and early to mid-20th centuries enjoyed a higher standard of material and workmanship than nearly all such products made anywhere else in the last 50 years. Typically thinner and lighter than today’s products, vintage iron ware was cast from the high grade virgin ore once mined in areas such as Erie, Pennsylvania and Sidney, Ohio, to name two of the most prominent.

Dry Gulch Mercantile, on the square, 127 S. Mount, Fairfield,TX; 214-803-0505 or 903-880-7533; www. drygulchmercantiletx.com

Gaining in Popularity

3 From Canning Fruit to Collectible Conversation Pieces: In recent years Ball jars have been gaining in popularity with collectors. The roots of the Ball Glass Manufacturing Company go back to 1880’s, when Frank and Edmund Ball of Buffalo, New York began manufacturing a kind of glass canning. Between 1888 and 1961 the company made more than 41 million canning jars. The jars ranged in color from Standard clear to aquamarine, green and less common amber. You can find jars as well as many other collectibles and relics at Armadillo Emporium 101 W. Commerce, Fairfield; FB or Instagram @armadilloemporium or call 903-389-3336.

A personalized display

4A symbol for the married couple: This Glove de Mariage is from the 19th century France. It is a display for married couples, to preserve their wedding souvenirs. Over the years special items were added to the unique display. To see this antique and many others visit Liberty Bell Antiques, 14363 Liberty St, Montgomery, TX; 936-597-4606 or www.libertybellantiques.com

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LAND + LIVESTOCK THE TEXAS AGRICULTURE SCENE

A Family Partnership Johnny Ward, left, and his father Willie Ward brand and vaccinate a group of Brangus bulls recently at their Fairfield ranch.

Ward Ranch of Fairfield producing top-of-the line Brangus Bulls Story by WAYNE STEWART and Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART AUGUST 2016

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LAND + LIVESTOCK H At The Ranch

A Brangus cow and a heifer (below) stand in the pasture at Ward Ranch.

exas is known for a lot of things. It’s known for wideopen spaces, its oil reserves, its big cities, its small towns, its unique and fiercely independent culture. Texas also is known as cattle country, and the Ward family in Fairfield is doing its best to keep it going with their Brangus operation, specializing in selling top quality bulls to cattlemen looking to improve their herds. “Black cows are definitely the best for this area,” Johnny Ward explained. “The Brangus (a cross between the Brahman and Angus cattle) is more heat tolerant for down here in the South; but they also can go further north as we breed for a smaller sheath, which doesn’t limit their ability to function in the colder climates. “Plus, I always like them with

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LAND + LIVESTOCK H At The Ranch a little hump on their back,” Johnny added. The bulls are all naturally polled and pass that gene on through their progeny. The cows and the bulls are selected based on carcass quality, but also on temperament, as they want people to be rest assured they are getting a calm bull that’s easy to work with. All of the work is kept in the family as the cattle operation is a partnership between Johnny Ward and his father Willie Ward. “My cowboys are my grandkids,” Willie Ward joked. “They come and help us out when it comes to sorting, branding and giving them their shots.” Detailed records are kept on every head of cattle the Wards have. All calves are weaned at 210 days, they are measured and weighed with the same process happening again at a year old. That information is uploaded to the family’s website and shared with the International Brangus Breeders Association. People looking to purchase a bull from the family can see the animal’s history back several generations. This easily accessible information allows breeders the ability to choose an animal that best fits the needs of their particular herd. Typical Ward Ranch bulls produce calves with high yearling and weaning rates, which helps make the most money for

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Hayden Ward helps his grandfather with the branding of bulls.

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LAND + LIVESTOCK H At The Ranch

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LEFT: Hayley Ward helps her grandfather, Willie Ward, vaccinate some bulls. BELOW: Pictured is a Brangus calf at the ranch.

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LAND + LIVESTOCK H At The Ranch

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LEFT: Quality bulls come from the combination of the finest cows with the best bulls out there. ABOVE: The Wards make sure all of the animals they sell are in the best shape with a docile temperament

cattle raisers. “We want out customers’ calves to have good marketability,” Johnny Ward explained. While many ranchers may opt to AI cattle these days, the Wards still keep it natural with a selection of herd bulls providing future calves. Artificial insemination still has a relatively low success rate when it comes to breeding, and with a missed opportunity a rancher has to wait another month, which makes the calf a month later in coming. “We try to buy the top bulls out there and let them do the work,” Willie Ward said. “We can ensure we are getting bulls not related to our lines — it just works out better for us.” All bulls sold by Ward Ranch are purebred Brangus bulls. All bulls are guaranteed fertile for one breeding season and are fertility tested prior to being sold. The family keeps their bulls and cattle in different locations around Fairfield, including the historic Lott Hill, named for the family that was one of the earliest settlers around Fairfield. To learn more about Ward Ranch and to see bulls being offered for sale, visit their website at wardbrangus.com. TFH AUGUST 2016

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COUNTRY WISDOM OUR FINANCIAL EXPERT ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

HAVE FARMING OR RANCHING ESTATE ISSUES? EMAIL JEFF STEED AT jsteed@sbtexasfoundation.com

by DR. JEFF STEED

Impacting Ministries with Farmland

ranklin D. Roosevelt once said, “The nation that destroys its soil destroys itself.”* Soil is at the heart and soul of farming. Farmland must be protected and used for the sake of current and all future generations. Imagine for a moment being able to use farmland for current and future generations, specifically for ministry purposes. Many have done so and impacted the lives of numerous individuals literally around the world. Farmland can be used as a tool to impact ministry and to impact lives. The following are some practical ways that individuals can use farmland to benefit ministry and to also potentially help them as well as their families: Outright Gifts: For individuals who no longer have a need for their farmland during their lifetime, farmland can be given to a ministry

outright. Donors bypass any capital gains tax from the appreciation of the land value and receive a charitable income tax deduction based upon a qualified appraisal. As an example, the farmland can be given to a Donor-Advised Fund. Income can be generated annually from the farmland and the donor’s family can advise on the ministries that will be impacted with that income. These types of funds are a great way to teach generosity to children. Estate Gifts: Individuals can also leave farmland outright to ministry through a will or revocable living trust. A charitable estate tax deduction is applicable, if needed. The farmland can actually fund an endowment with the annual income benefiting a ministry such as one’s church and other ministry organizations. Charitable Remainder Trust: A

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charitable remainder trust can be a great way to benefit both the farmland owner and ministry. As a case study, John and Mary Doe bought their farm 34 years ago and the value of the farmland has appreciated significantly over the years. John passed away last year; Mary still owns the farmland, but plans to move to a retirement center close to her children and grandchildren. If she sold the farmland, there would be a significant capital gains tax. Mary decides to setup a charitable remainder trust and deeds the farmland to it. The Trustee operates the farm and distributes 6 percent of the trust value to her every year out of the income generated. She uses the income for her living expenses. She also calls her life insurance agent and sets up a policy to pay out to the children upon her passing to replace the value that they would have received from the farm.

She actually uses some of her trust income to pay the premiums every year. After she passes away, the remainder of the trust funds an endowment to perpetually benefit her church specifically for missions. Mary also receives a partial charitable income tax deduction in the year that she sets up the trust. Charitable Lead Trust: A charitable lead trust can be an effective tool to benefit ministry and family. As an example, Cathy and Charlie Smith have farmland that is not being used. They would like to give the farmland to their son John, but would incur gift tax if they deeded him the farm now. They setup a charitable lead trust and deed the property to the trust. The Trustee operates the farm. To reduce or eliminate the gift tax in giving the property to John, the Trustee distributes for 10 years an amount of 6% of the farm value to ministry purposes from the income generated. At the end of 10 years, the property is distributed to John with a decreased or potentially eliminated gift tax. Farmland can be a significant tool to leave a legacy that can perpetually impact ministries and the lives served by those ministries. Once

again, imagine for a moment being able to use farmland for ministry purposes to impact the lives of current and future generations. ——— Dr. Jeffrey Steed is Director of Planned Giving at the Southern Baptists of Texas Foundation. Formerly, Steed has served in ministries and higher education including serving as the Vice President of the Arkansas Baptist Foundation in Little Rock for

over ten years. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, MBA in finance from the University of Texas at Arlington and a BBA in finance from the University of Texas at Arlington. Steed has written articles for Christian Leadership Alliance, Texas Nonprofits, Church Business, Church Solutions, and Philanthropy Journal. TFH

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GARDENING BASICS

let’s get growing — tips for August

CREPE MYRTLES

The Lilac of the South Story By Jolene Renfro

Crockett Garden Club & Master Gardener

he story of the crepe myrtle is the story of the American Dream — an immigrant from India rises to prominence as State Shrub of Texas. This was made possible because gardeners recognized the drought and insect tolerance, the variety of flower colors, the sculptural beauty of the bare trunk and branches in the winter, the adaptation to all areas of the state, and the variety of sizes available in this all- purpose plant. First introduced to Charleston, South Carolina in 1789, crepes have been hybridized so they now come in well over 50 varieties that can be seen across the South. The newer varieties are mildew resistant, come in small, medium, and large sizes, weeping varieties, and bloom from June to September. This shrub gives the garden maximum summer color with minimum work, and plants that will come back from being neglected year after year. Perfect for the lazy gardener like me! Once the plant tags at the plant nursery just told you if the

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GARDENING BASICS

blooms were going to be white, pink, or red, but now they will tell you how tall, how mildew resistant, what the name of the variety is such as Cheyenne, Arapaho, Hopi, or Baton Rouge to name but a few. The newest sensation is a variety called Black Diamond which has dark, dark leaves and bright red flowers. It really looks good planted next to a chartreuse-leaved plant like sweet potato vine. Crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.) can be left unpruned and grow as a naturally shaped shrub, or they can be cut back to have only one or two main branches and grow into a small tree. Besides the beautiful summer flowers, the tree rewards you with fall leaf color,

and rewards you again with its exfoliating bark, providing attractive bare trunks in the winter. A tree for all sea-

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sons! The main thing to remember is to not prune them back so there are stubs (often called Crepe Murder) because it is unattractive and hard on the plant. To repair a previous poor pruning job, cut the plant back to ground level and let it send up entirely new branches. Do your pruning in winter when the plant is dormant. These hardy trees transplant amazingly well. We have dug up some crepes that were well established at our old home in Lake Jackson, and with barely any root system intact, planted them up by the front gate. We did not baby them (did not water them and did not fertilize them) and in a few years they have become nice specimen plants and an attractive, welcoming entrance to the farm. Wonderful plants! If you will keep the spent blooms cut off and fertilize the plant after a bloom flush, it will reward you with more flowers, and will bloom best if grown in full sun. Aphids and mildew can occasionally be bothersome, but can be controlled with natural means such as ladybugs, or with sprays that are specific to the aphid/mildew problem. Mostly, the plant will cure itself, if left alone. A fun thing to do to amaze your neighbors is to plant 3 crepe myrtle bushes that bloom in 3 different colors in a single hole with their root balls touching. Tie the stems together so they touch. Eventually they will fuse to become one tree that will bloom in 3 colors. Be sure to remove the tie before it girdles the trees however. A wonderful place to visit to see all kinds of crepe myrtles is McKinney, Texas, also known as Crepe Myrtle City, where Neil Sperry has been instrumental in creating Crepe Myrtle Trails of Texas. TFH

FARM & HOME

Recipes

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Have your cake and sandwich too

Recipes by WAYNE STEWART, Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

t’s August, and for folks who keep up with these sorts of things, August means National Sandwich Month is here. Of all the special months of the year with their links to food, this is Christina’s absolute favorite as she is a sandwich aficionado. In this edition of Texas Farm & Home we focused on sandwiches and different ways to make chocolate cake, as we are declaring August Chocolate Cake Month for us — so you can have your cake and eat your sandwich too. There are some great sandwiches on tap as we have some Sloppy Joes; a chicken salad Panini, a pizza sandwich and one of our favorites, the state fair sub. We also

cooked up a chicken-bacon sandwich on garlic toasted ciabata bread; and for something a bit more whimsical try our pancake sandwich filled with a fried egg, bacon and a slathering of your favorite jelly or syrup. Or how about a grilled chicken breast on ciabatta bread with bacon, swiss cheese and mayonnaise mixed with adobo pepper sauce — it’s delicious. For those who looked past the sandwiches and toward the chocolate cake, we hope you are not disappointed. In the offing is a devil’s food cake that is sinfully delicious and moist, and we will share with you are secret ingredient that makes it such — yogurt. We also cooked up a German chocolate cake, and a chocolate pound cake. We encourage you to try them all — just hopefully not at the same time. AUGUST 2016

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Recipes Stir to completely coat bread pieces. In a large skillet brown the meat and onion until meat is no longer pink. Add the meat to the bread mixture, mix thoroughly then spoon into bread shells. Sprinkle each shell with shredded mozzarella cheese then wrap each shell in foil, slightly tenting the top to keep from touching the cheese. Bake in 400-degree oven for 25 minutes until cheese is melted and bread is slightly toasted.

Devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Food Cake

Chicken Salad Panini

Chicken Salad Panini 1 loaf sourdough bread 1/2 cup mayonnaise 3 teaspoons honey 2 teaspoons fresh dill 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 roasted chicken, deboned and shredded 1 cup chopped apple 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted 2 tablespoons butter, softened In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, honey, dill, mustard, chicken, cheese, apple and pecans. Cover a slice of bread with chicken salad, top with other slice of bread, spread butter on both sides and cook in a Panini maker or an indoor grill until bread is toasted and cheese is melted.

Pizza Sandwich Shredded mozzarella cheese Tomato, sliced 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt Pepperoni, sliced 1/4 cup butter, softened Marinara sauce, warmed On four slices of bread, French bread, Italian bread or even sourdough bread works great, layer a bit of marinara sauce, mozzarella, tomato slice, Parmesan cheese and a dash of garlic salt with a few slices of pepperoni. Top with a bit more mozzarella, top with another slice of

bread and coat each side of sandwich with butter. Grill on a hot griddle until bread is toasted and golden brown.

Sloppy Joes 1 pound ground beef 1 pound ground Italian sausage 1 1/2 cups ketchup 1/2 cup water 4 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 2 teaspoons mustard 5 garlic cloves, minced 1 onion, diced 1 teaspoon salt Brown meat, onion and garlic together until meat is no longer pink. Drain any residual liquids. Stir in water, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and salt. Brink mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve on hamburger buns.

State Fair Sandwiches 1 package sub or hoagie buns 2 eggs 1/2 cup milk 1 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 pound ground beef 1 pound ground Italian sausage 2 onions, chopped Shredded mozzarella cheese Take buns and hollow out bread leaving a shell. Place the removed bread in a large bowl with the eggs, milk, pepper and salt.

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2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 2/3 cups sugar 3/4 cup butter, softened 1 cup plain yogurt 2/3 cup baking cocoa 1 cup milk 1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 2 large eggs Fudge Frosting 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup baking cocoa 1/2 cup milk 4 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons light corn syrup 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans, or one 13x9-inch baking pan and preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat butter and eggs together until fluffy, continue beating and add vanilla then the eggs one at a time. In a separate bowl mix together flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt and baking powder. Add flour mixture to butter and sugar mixture a little at a time, alternating with the milk and the yogurt. Pour batter into prepared pans and cook about 35 minutes for round pans and 45 minutes for rectangular pans. Cakes are done when inserted knife comes out clean. Allow rounds to cool 10 minutes in pans, then remove to wire racks to cool completely before adding fudge frosting, usually about an hour. For the fudge frosting mix sugar and cocoa in a 2-quart saucepan. Stir in milk, butter, corn syrup and salt. Heat to boiling, stirring almost constantly. Boil for three minutes then cool for 30 minutes.

Chocolate Pound Cake

Devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Food Cake

German Chocolate Cake

Pizza Sandwich

Sloppy Joes

Pancake Breakfast Sandwich

State Fair Sandwiches

Grilled Chicken Sandwich AUGUST 2016

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Recipes

Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla until it turns smooth. Work quickly to frost and fill cakes. For a refined look, take a square of baking chocolate and cut curls using a paring knife to coat top of cake.

German Chocolate Cake

In case you are wondering, this cake has nothing to do with the country as it is named after Samuel German, the man who invented the sweet chocolate bar used to make this cake. 4 ounces sweet baking chocolate 1/2 cup water 2 cups sugar 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, softened 4 large eggs, separated 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup buttermilk Coconut Pecan Filling 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter 1 cup evaporated milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 large egg yolks 1 1/2 cups flaked coconut 1 cup chopped pecans Grease three 9-inch round baking pans or a 13x9-inch baking pan. Heat chocolate, water and 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until chocolate is completely melted. Beat sugar and butter until fluffy. Beat egg yolks into mixture one at a time. Beat in chocolate then add vanilla and continue to mix on low speed. Combine together flour, baking soda and salt. Add into sugar mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Beat just until smooth. In a separate bowl with clean beaters, whip egg whites until stiff. Fold into cake bat-

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ter then pour into pans. Cook about 30-35 minutes. Mix sugar, butter, milk, vanilla, egg yolks in a 2-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat about 12 minute, until mixture thickens, stirring constantly. Stir in coconut and pecans then cool about 30 minutes before filling and frosting cakes. Tradition dictates that the sides of a German Chocolate Cake do not get frosted, just the layers between the cakes and the top. Of course itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your cake so you can do what you want.

Chocolate Pound Cake 3 cups flour 2 1/2 cups sugar 1 cup baking cocoa 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 eggs 1 cup butter 1 cup plain yogurt 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup milk Grease and flour tube pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix butter and sugar together until fluffy, add vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each egg. In bowl blend together flour, baking soda, cocoa and salt. Mix milk, yogurt and vinegar. Alternate adding flour and milk mixture into sugar mixture. Pour into pan and bake in 350-degree oven about an hour or until inserted knife comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes then remove from pan. Cool completely before glazing. Glaze: For the glaze mix together a 1/2 cup of milk chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of corn syrup and 2 teaspoons of hot water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until consistency of syrup. Pour over cooled cake. TFH

TFH

Cafés Across Texas

Story By Wayne Stewart

A commitment to quality Phil’s Roadhouse & Grill in Montgomery has its own style of cooking that is delicious and worth ordering

hether it’s a juicy burger grilled to perfection over an open flame, a slab of brisket slow smoked over 24 hours, a steak, or anything else on the menu, it’s all delicious and worth ordering at Phil’s Roadhouse & Grill in Montgomery. Established in 2004 by Phil Philipello, Phil’s was his dream restaurant and the culmination of years growing up in the food industry, learning the craft and developing his own style of cooking, after his death, his daughter took over the operation and continues with the same commitment to quality as her father. “He took the best of everything he liked and he put it together, developed the recipes and that’s what we serve today,” explained Marisa Philipello, the daughter of Phil and now the owner of Phil’s Roadhouse. “If Dad didn’t want to eat it, he didn’t want to own it.” A large binder holds all of the recipes Phil developed for his restaurant. Those recipes are what’s on the menu of Phil’s. Not all at once, though, as every year some recipes are added and others taken away, but don’t be afraid, if you have a favorite Marisa said they will always be sure to fix it exactly how you like it.

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TFH

Cafés Across Texas cations, or as Marisa says, “How you want it is how we cook it. Our kitchen staff can make anything you want taste great.” Oh, by the way, the steaks are properly aged to bring out the best possible flavor in each cut of meat. Ruffino Meats of Bryan provide the meat products for Phil’s. Seafood also is on the menu with

Phil’s Roadhouse & Grill is a favorite for many in the Montgomery area and those traveling through, as can be seen by the decor of the restaurant.

“We’ve got everything you want,” Marisa continued. “We’ve got great barbecue, chicken fried steak, chicken fried chicken, hand-cut steaks, something for everybody, even if you are a vegetarian.” Check this out, Phil’s chicken fried steak is an ample portion, breaded to perfection by the chefs in the kitchen, deep fried, slathered in white gravy and served piping hot. It is please to the eye, but the taste buds are what counts, as the steak is fork tender and nearly melts in the mouth. For those who love chicken fried steak, Phil’s will not disappoint. “Nothing we serve here comes frozen out of a box,” Marisa explained of the quality of the meats and other dishes

served at Phil’s. “You can really taste the difference whether the food is fresh, or not.” The burger was invented in Texas, but it’s easy to notice Phil’s may have perfected the burger. A thick patty, cooked to perfection over an open flame. The burgers are all hand made right there at Phil’s, not pre-pressed out of a box. Then they are grilled and served hot with the customer’s choice of fixin’s. It’s sure to get every burger lover’s mouth watering. Speaking of hand made, all of the meat served by Phil’s is hand-cut right there in the restaurant’s kitchen. That includes the steaks and other meaty items desired. They are grilled to the customer’s specifi-

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favorites such as shrimp, salmon, tilapia and of course — catfish. Phil’s even makes its own sausage, from the founder’s original recipe. Almost everything is done in house, including the making of the dressings for the delicious salads. “We don’t have our own cows, but we do buy Borden’s buttermilk for our ranch dressing,” Marisa joked. “They are a local company and like I said, we try to keep everything as fresh as possible. “Everything Dad had dreams of doing, we’re doing right now,” she added. The only difference is she spends most of her time in the kitchen where her father liked to get out and visit with the customers more. People come from all over to eat at Phil’s as it sits just off the busy Texas Highway 105 in downtown Montgomery. The restaurant is popular with Corvette clubs, motorcycle clubs and people just traveling through the area between Conroe and the Woodlands toward the Central Texas cities of Bryan, College Station and Brenham. Nearby Lake Conroe provides man recreation opportunities for the area, including several golf courses, and Phil’s is a great place to stop for lunch or a quality and relaxing dinner before heading back home. “It’s just some great food and a great family atmosphere,” Marisa admitted. “Anyone, a doctor or lawyer or a big family, can come here and feel comfortable.” Phil’s Roadhouse & Grill is located at 14075 Liberty Street in Montgomery. Their menu can be viewed online at anytime by visiting their website at philsroadhouse.com. TFH

T E X A S

D I N I N G

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G U I D E

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COUNTRY AS CORNBREAD H By LOIS MARIE GUYMER

Snake Dog! W

hen I was a little girl of about seven, my brother and I decided we couldn’t live without a dog. Around our house money tended to be rather scarce most of the time, so another mouth to feed wasn’t exactly what my parents hungered for. Never-the-less, Mama finally consented to one little puppy, and in a few days we set off down the road to my Uncle’s. It seemed their German Shepherd had found a litter of pups a couple of months before, and they were now ready to give away. We were so excited we could barely contain ourselves! Of course Mama supervised our choice so we ended up with the smallest “runt of the litter” puppy. It didn’t matter though – she was cute, wiggly, and warm to hug! We named her Woodie, partly based on her light brown coloring and partly because our mother had a dog with the same name when she was a girl. What she lacked in size, lil’ old Woodie compensated for in spunk and gumption. It was obvious from the onset that she had the Shepherd intellect and intuition. In other words, she was one smart pup! We played with her, hugged her, and lugged her around. Mama fed her and gained her steadfast adoration. And it was Mama she was loyal to, first and last. When Woodie was about six months old and full grown in size (she was always to be a small dog) a snake got under our house. At that point in time the house had yet to be underpinned and sat fairly high off the ground on the kitchen side. Having seen the snake’s advance, Mama wasn’t about to rest until it was on the retreat. Grabbing a hoe, she began to crawl up under

the floor, all the while cautioning my brother and me to hold the puppy and stay back. Just as she reached a tight spot, the snake turned and made a break for it, heading straight back in her direction! With a shout, Mama started to wiggle backwards, all the while trying to fend the snake off with futile chops. During the ruckus, old Woodie escaped our hold, and with a series of high pitched yelps, went charging into the fray in an attempt to protect her one true love. In amazement, we watched as she grabbed the snake and slung it around and around until it ceased to exist. After a while Mama finally calmed down enough to convince the dog to let go the limp remains. Needless to say, our little pup became the hero of the day, for we were convinced the chicken snake would have eaten Mama had it not been for Woodie’s quick action! Thereafter, she became our “snake dog” and could be depended on to find any that dared belly onto the premises. She seemed to have some sort of “snake sonar” which, when activated, would erupt into a distinct high-pitched bark of excitement. Any time we heard that sound we knew what it meant: Woodie had a snake, killing it – for she always did! Somehow, her one impetuous moment of puppy bravery had resulted in a lifetime mission to rid the world (or at least our yard) of every forkedtongued slitherer. And until her dying day she did so. Old Woodie lived a long and colorful life before her passing, but in our minds she will always be remembered as the best “Snake Dog” the world has ever seen! TFH

Half Price Sale! For a limited time, the devotional set of “To Hear His Voice” and “Women He Touched” may be purchased for $12. Please send payment to Lois Guymer, 362 CR 4401, Jacksonville TX 75766 and specify for whom you’d like the book autographed.

TEXAS FARM & HOME AUGUST 2016

AUGUST 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS FARM & HOME AUGUST 2016