Texas farm & home march by Texas Farm & Home

TEXAS FARM & HOME

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

VOLUME 6

•

NUMBER 5

FEBRUARY 2016

8 Rural Ramblings 66 History & Heritage 70 Texas Travels 76 Gardening Basics

TEXAS FARM & HOME

Experience the beauty of an east texas spring

IN EVERY ISSUE

SECTIONS

Lufkin cocacola bottling company is the last of its kind

MARCH 2016

62 Cafés Across Texas 79 Texas Events 82 Country As Cornbread

Discover history, art, culture and recreation for the entire family in La Grange

Round Top Home to Antique Wood Pipe Organ

ON THE COVER

A butterfly rests on a flower in an East Texas field.

Photo by John A. Penick

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

editor’s welcome

Christina Cutler Stewart

No shortage of spring color I t’s once again spring festival time around Texas. Time to get out and enjoy the spring flowers, birds, butterflies and explore what the state has to offer. In this edition Recklaw reader, John A. Penick shares some of his photographs of an East Texas spring. We are hoping his photographs will encourage you to take the time to capture some of your own favorite Texas spring scenes. From the Palestine dogwoods to the Ennis bluebonnets there is no shortage of spring color to be found while driving the Texas highways and byways. The 78th Annual Palestine Dogwood Trails Celebration will take place April 18-20, 25-27 and April 1-3. The Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival will be held April 15-17 and the Bluebonnet Trails will run April 1-30. If it’s antiques your looking for the small towns of Round Top, Warrenton, Carmine, Fayetteville, La Grange and the surrounding area will once again come alive during their Spring Antiques Festival, March 18 - April 4, with plenty of opportunity to find just the perfect piece your seeking. Schulenburg celebrates sausage during its annual Sausagefest held on April 2, and Burton celebrates the area’s cotton industry on April 15-16 at the Texas Cotton gin Museum. So there is plenty to celebrate this spring.

Around our house we are celebrating the simple state of being healthy, after the whole family spent a few weeks in February suffering from a cold or flu. With the sickness behind us we can turn our attention to gardening and enjoying life in the country. Wayne started a bunch of new herb plants from seed this year that we hope to get planted in the ground this month, along with some corn, maze and sunflowers for feeding the pigs and chickens. We have decided to grow some of our own feed with the increase in animal population around the farm. Over the last few years much of our time has been spent building a house and tending to the kids, especially Sam as he is just a little over 2 1/2 years old. Now that the house is almost finished and Sam is big enough to go outside and participate in activities we hope to expand the farm. Helping with that expansion were the new chicks that came in the mail recently, also the sheep will be having their babies soon with the pigs coming in May or June. What is a farm without baby animals to tend, it keeps the kids busy, entertained and learning some responsibilities. We hope you get out and enjoy spring as much as we are.

TEXAS

FARM & HOME MANAGING EDITORS

936-687-2424

www.texasfarmandhome.com

Christina Cutler Stewart, cstewart@texasfarmandhome.com Wayne Stewart, wstewart@texasfarmandhome.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jolene Renfro, Lois Marie Guymer, Marilyn Jones, Randy Rollo

PROMOTIONS MANAGER/ ADVERTISING SALES

Linda Moffett, lmoffett@texasfarmandhome.com 512-966-9426

ADVERTISING SALES

DISTRIBUTION SUBSCRIPTIONS

Ansel Bradshaw, ab@texasfarmandhome.com 936-546-6707 Randy Rollo, rrollo@texasfarmandhome.com 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

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

rural ramblings

Wayne Stewart

It’s spring on the farm T he calendar has turned over to March, we’ve had some rain, ground is being plowed — it’s spring at the Stewart house. This time of year brings such joy with it. While the kids may not agree with ol’ Dad on this, but I like spring better than Christmas mostly because I can’t play in the dirt at Christmas. Just to fill everybody in on the happenings at the farm, hopefully everybody remembers we got us a couple of gilts back in August, they were Hereford hogs, colored just like a Hereford cow. Back in January a Berkshire boar came to live with us. With the two crosses we should have some of the finest pork available as both breeds are well known for their quality of meat — the meat has many of the same marbling characteristics of beef. Well, we should have some young pigs out of this union in May and June. We are excited about the prospect. We’ve raised many pigs over the years, but we always purchased “feeder” pigs, fed them out for a few months and then they fed us. This will be our first attempt at raising them from scratch. We’ve also added a passel of chickens, 40 to be exact. They are breed specific and hopefully we can keep them for their eggs and raise others for meat. What is a farm without hogs and chickens? You can read in books, watch old movies and see the old fashioned farm was a diverse operation. They raised a few crops, raised some livestock including hogs, chickens and cows, possibly even a Jersey for some milk. It provided a family with a meager living and there was never a shortage of work, but it was a way of life from the time the Pilgrims stepped ashore in Massachusetts to the end of World War II. The G.I. Bill and farm mechanization changed so much. In many cases for the better, but not always. Whether good or bad, the family farm would never be the same, as many left the farm for jobs in the big city — after 300 years a way of life suddenly was gone. It’s easy to be romantic about those days because I never had

TEXAS FARM & HOME

MARCH 2016

to put in the endless toil it took to live that life. Thank God for the American farmer. There is something else happening in March this year — Easter. Easter falls on March 27 this year. It always is a bit confusing when it comes to determining Easter. For those who do not know, Easter always is the first Sunday, after the first full moon after the vernal or spring equinox. Easter also is another reason I love spring. At Christmas we celebrate Christ’s birth, but Easter, that is why Christ came to Earth. There would not be a need for Christmas if it was not for Easter. My favorite part of the Easter stories in the gospels happens at the end of the book of John where the risen Jesus met the disciples on the shores on the Sea of Galilee, this is where Christ reinstated Peter, after he had denied him the night of Jesus’ arrest just a few days before. Christ braces Peter to his core, and cuts through the pain like only Jesus can. There have been times in my life when I didn’t stand for Jesus like I should. There are times when I haven’t been the man my Lord wants me to be. There are times when words I say, or actions I take put me at odds with the One who did so much for me. Yet, just like He did with Peter, He comes to me and tells me He can love me past all my faults, past all my transgressions. He will pick me up, wipe the tears from my eyes and ask me to come and join Him at His work. Many who read this will have no clue about what I am saying. Or worse still, they believe me full of yoohoo, but there is no denying the truth of the gospel, or the power of Christ to save. To deny it, is to deny the one holding his hand out to you, promising you life; not to choose Christ is to choose certain death. My precious friends, if you haven’t yet done so I would encourage you to choose Christ, choose life. Happy Easter.

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

The last of its kind LUFKIN COCA-COLA BOTTLING COMPANY IS THE LONE INDEPENDENT BOTTLING COMPANY IN TEXAS

Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

ven after 110 years, Lufkin Coca-Cola Bottling Company continues to bring the world’s favorite soft drink to the thirsty residents of Lufkin and the surrounding area. This family-owned business has been a staple of the Lufkin economic landscape since 1905, with Wood Newsom taking over the company in 1911, keeping it in the family ever since. Late in 2014 Lufkin Coca-Cola Bottling Company became the last independent bottling company in Texas with the closing of Crockett Coca-Cola Bottling Company in neighboring Houston County. The Lufkin plant also is one of only 64 independently owned bottling companies in the United States — and it plans to stay that way. “If someone would go up to one of the 64 that are left some

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

would likely entertain an offer to sell,” said Jim Watkins, general manger of Lufkin Coca-Cola Bottling Company. “Not Lynne (Haney, owner and president of Lufkin Coca-Cola Bottling Company) she’s in it for the long haul. Her son is working here, she has a daughter at Texas A&M who may be here at some point.” Thirty years ago there were hundreds of independent bottlers, but now they slowly are going away. Lufkin Coca-Cola finds itself still firmly entrenched in the community it continues to serve including the counties Angelina, Polk and Trinity just the way they always have. Serving is part of their mission statement: “We deliver happiness, refresh customers and support our community.” “It is an honor and a privilege and a testament to those who

J p W

Jim Watkins, general manger of Lufkin Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Lynne Haney, owner and president of Lufkin Coca-Cola Bottling Company stand in front of their new sign. RIGHT: Painting of W.D. Newsom and Irma Newsom Franklin hang in the office of Lynne Haney. MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

Lufkin Bottling

were here before me as to why we are still here,” Mrs. Haney said. “Just to be able to be here and sell the best soft drink ever made is such an honor.” In the early days of Coca-Cola, it was just Coke and maybe a few knockoff competitors, but Coca-Cola was king, and still is today, but there are so many more products today than there were more than 100 years ago. “It’s a bit of a challenge to continue to provide an iconic beverage in a world that’s changed so much,” Mrs. Haney admitted. “Now there are challenges with obesity and other problems, but people still love their Red Coke.” Part of the job is keeping up with all the different products in multiple packaging options available then provide them to the businesses and people of the three-county area Lufkin Coca-Cola serves. “We now have 600 different items we distribute, stock and promote,” Mr. Wat-

kins pointed out. “It has changed a lot over the past 100 years. More are added every year, so it’s an operations and logistically ever-increasing challenge. For decades Coke just came in the 6 1/2 ounce bottles, it’s a lot different than that now.” Much has changed over the years. In 1905 Lufkin Bottling Works was formed, and in those days the Cokes were made and bottled in Lufkin. Four years after it was formed the first bottle was sold, with 8,888 cases sold. When Mr. Newsom took over the company in 1911, Lufkin Bottling sold 21,000 cases. By 1972 more than a million cases were being distributed every year. Coca-Cola actually was bottled in the downtown Lufkin plant, and at their new location at 804 Webber Street until 1979, that is the year Lufkin Coca-Cola partnered with other distributors to form Southwest Canners Bottling Company, which now distributes 22 million cases per ABOVE: A Coca-Cola mural, titled “Looking Back” is in downtown Lufkin. RIGHT: A ghost sign can be seen in the Standpipe Coffee Shop in Lufkin. LEFT: Mr. Watkins shows a new Diet Coke bottle.

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

year. Lufkin Coca-Cola has been with Lufkin helping and watching it grow over the years. When the business called downtown Lufkin its home, people walking through town could look through windows and see the bottling lines. The business became a Lufkin icon, because who didn’t love an ice-cold Coke. When the 1960s rolled around Lufkin Coca-Cola began distributing Dr Pepper and Dr Pepper products, another extremely popular soft drink. So, with this vast stable of products, Lufkin Coca-Cola provides a seamless supply of refreshments to the people of Angelina, Polk and Trinity counties. There have been a few hiccups along the way, for a time there was a sugar shortage, which was a bad thing when nobody was looking to go sugar free — this span in the early 1970s helped spawn the rise of diet, or sugar free drinks. Then of course in the mid-1980s there was the “New Coke,” debacle. “People were almost ready to riot in the streets,” Mrs. Haney laughed about CocaCola’s experiment with New Coke. “There were death threats made, people called us to complain, not realizing we had no control of it whatsoever. Thankfully, they brought Classic Coke back and everybody was happy again.” That incident drove home how much people love their Coca-Cola and how big a part it plays in the lives of the people who love it. The future, though, is ever changing and the people at Coca-Cola and Lufkin CocaCola work to make sure as people’s tastes evolve, they have the products to meet that changing demand. “There is a big movement back to real sugar beverages away from high fructose corn syrup,” Mr. Watkins explained. “There has been a lot of negative media about high fructose corn syrup, but we still sell the safest, most popular soft drink in the world.” These days water, tea and sports drinks are a big part of the Coca-Cola lexicon, with something new coming almost every week as the industry transforms. “No matter what the future holds, Coke will be at the leading edge of it,” Mrs. Haney said. From its inception in 1905, Lufkin Coca-Cola has played an active role in the community, supporting schools, athletic functions and other organizations around not just Lufkin, but in all the counties they serve. As Lufkin Coca-Cola bought the

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

Lufkin Bottling first jumbo-tron for a high school stadium in Texas, when it bought the big screen for Abe Martin Stadium at Lufkin High School in 2001. “We believe in a being a part of all the communities we are in,” Mrs. Haney stressed. The communities have noticed. A mural, entitled “Looking Back” on the side of the building located at South First Street and East Shepherd Avenue in downtown Lufkin, commemorates Lufkin Coca-Cola and its connection with the city. Plus, it has a bit of family for Mrs. Haney as one of the young girls standing in the back of the truck in the painting is Irma N. Franklin, Mrs. Haney’s grandmother, who ran the company for a time, a pioneering business woman. Inside that building, the portion housing the Standpipe Coffee House is an excellently preserved Coca-Cola advertising sign restored to its original glory, it’s worth the time to stop by and give it a look. ——— To learn more about Lufkin Coca-Cola, visit their website at www.lufkincocacola. com.

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

Experience the Beauty of An East Texas Spring

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

Photography by JOHN A. PENICK

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

pring is a beautiful time of year, and spring serves no place better than East Texas. Reklaw resident John Penick took these photographs that capture the abundant flora and fauna of the East Texas landscape. Photography is more than just

showing with a camera, snapping a photo and leaving. It requires hours of patience and dedication to the perfect shot to appear. That is apparent in this collection of Mr. Penickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. If you would like to order one of his photographs, give him a call at (936)369-9004, and work out the details.

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

SMALL TOWN TEXAS

DISCOVER LA GRANGE

Texas Quilt Museum

History, culture and art, and recreation for the entire family offered in the heart of Fayette County Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART & LINDA MOFFETT

Kreischer House, Monument Hill

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

itting at the center point between Houston, San Antonio and Austin, La Grange offers more than just a respite on a trip across the state. La Grange offers history; La Grange offers culture and art; La Grange offers recreation along the historic Colorado River. La Grange offers a bit of something for the entire family. For those wanting to learn some of the unique history behind La Grange, there are tours available that will take visitors back into the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic past and delve into its rich German and Czech heritage, for which the city and surrounding county has become so well known. The tours feature a video at the Old County Jail about Fayette County, plus

Fayette County Courthouse MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

SMALL TOWN TEXAS a tour of the Fayette County Courthouse, built by famed architect J. Gordon Riley. Other tour stops include the La Grange Depot; a stop at the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center; Monument Hill state Park to see the memorial cenotaph to the men killed in the Dawson Massacre and Mier Expedition; the Faison Home; Fayette Heritage Museum and Archives; Downtown Square and its historic buildings, including a stop at the famed Muster Tree; and a stop at the Polka Lover’s Club of Texas Museum. There also is a tour of the historic churches around La Grange including Saint James Episcopal Church, built in 1885; United Evangelical Lutheran Church, built in 1890, Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, built in 1856 and the Freyburg United Methodist Church. If there is time, the tour will go through the historic La Grange Old City Cemetery, where visitors can allow the cemetery to tell them the story of some of the early pioneers of La Grange. La Grange’s origins date back to 1826 to Moore’s Fort. A community sprang up around the fort and by 1837 the town was platted with Fayette County established by the Texas Legislature that year with the new town of La Grange serving as the county seat. It was considered as the site for the Texas Capital, but Sam Houston vetoed the move. Still, the town grew and prospered and played an important role in keeping Texas independent during the Republic years, and also sending men to fight during the Civil War. That is where Muster Oak comes in. This massive oak tree still grows at the northeast corner of the Fayette County Courthouse Square. Over the years military recruits during six different conflicts would meet, or muster under the tree. This began with fights against Mexico. La Grange always has loved its stately oak trees, as many of the streets in residential neighborhoods go around centuries old trees — paying homage to some of La Grange’s oldest residents. After Texas’s independence was firmly secured, Czech and German immigrants began coming into Fayette County beginning in the 1850s. During the 19th century Fayette County had more Czech immigrants than any

Downtown La Grange

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

Monument Hill State Park

S h o p, v i s i t & s t a y l a g r a n g e

Kreischer Brewery

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

SMALL TOWN TEXAS

La Grange Depot county in the country, and they brought their culture with them to help their new home grow and thrive. The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center tells the special story of Czech’s in Fayette County and in Texas. The center contains a museum chronicling the history of Czech people in Texas, along with an extensive genealogy section, helping people trace their Czech roots. The museum grounds also houses the Texas Czech Village, with houses several houses, buildings and barns with

distinct European architecture, showing the artisanal genius of the people who braved an ocean to call the rolling Texas prairie home. To learn more about the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, visit their website at www.czechtexas.org. The sites around La Grange are just beginning, as no visit to this special city would be complete without a stop at the Texas Quilt Museum. The Texas Quilt Museum calls a pair of buildings built in the 1890s home. The museum features modern and antique quilts and

A stately oak grow in the middle of the road.

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

some of the most beautiful art quilts around. The quilts are rotated with different themes celebrated throughout the year. Artists from around the globe have quilts on display in the museum, just as it has drawn visitors from around the world. Beyond just the quilts, the museum also has an extensive library on quilting books along with a large textile collection spanning many countries and several centuries. Throughout the year the museum holds lecture series and other special programs. Plus, it also has a beautiful garden, known simply as Grandmother’s Flower Garden, which is a period garden that contains many quilting components. To learn more about the Texas Quilt Museum, and to learn about its special programs, visit the website at www. texasquiltmuseum.org. Do not leave La Grange without making a special trip to Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Site, and see the sacrifice made by the men who left La Grange to fight against Mexican incursions into a young and fiercely independent Texas. Those buried in the vault were killed in the Dawson massacre, where marauding Mexican soldiers killed 36 Texans near San Antonio. It also holds the bodies of those killed during the black bean incident of the Mier Expedition — it should

Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center

Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center be holy ground to all Texans. If that’s not enough to do, look out for one of the outfitters around La Grange and take a canoe trip down the beautiful Colorado River, then eat a kolache or other baked goody from Weikel’s Bakery. To learn more about all the things to do in La Grange, visit the La Grange Visitor’s Center website at www.visitlagrangetx.com. MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

t fi s t i

o a

v n i c p

c o l

A Craftsman’s Gift Round top Home to Antique Hand-Carved Wood Pipe Organ Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

his year marks 150 years since Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Round Top organized to serve the needs of the people in the community. The old building features limestone rock covered with plaster, boasting walls that are 2-feet thick — a truly amazing structure, but inside the old church building is another marvel, a pipe organ built by local Round Top resident Traugott Wandke in 1867. Mr. Wandke was a German craftsman who immigrated to Texas from Germany in 1855. The organ is not some massive musical instrument taking up an entire wall of the church, but it is elegant in its simplicity — truly an item made out of love and service to his beloved church. It still blesses the church today, nearly 150 years since it was made and

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

dedicated to the church. Work on the organ began after the church was built and finished in 1866. Mr. Wandke hand built the organ into the balcony. Using aromatic cedar from the surrounding hills around Round Top, Mr. Wandke turned the cedar on a lathe to create the pipes for the organ. There are 408 pipes in the organ with a keyboard featuring 51 keys. Every facet of the organ came from the able hands of Traugott Wandke. Mr. Wandke donated the organ and all of his work to the church he loved so much. Today, he is buried in the cemetery behind the historic old church. The organ is roughly 10-feet tall and about 6-feet wide. The natural cedar, according to those who’ve heard musicians perform on it, creates a mellow, beautiful sound filling the stonewalls of the small church.

p s

b t

g b o h

Originally the organist had to pump air through the pipes using foot pedals, today it has been modified with an electric motor doing that work, but it still has leather baffles pumping the air. Except for the addition of the electric motor the organ is still in its original form. The organ is still played in the church, though not on every Sunday, it is played about 10 times a year according to members. “Whenever someone knows how to play it, we invite them to come to the church and perform for us,” noted church member Cathy Gau, whose husband is the sixth generation of his family attending the church. “It truly is a beautiful experience to hear it play.” When the organ plays it is a special treat for the members. “You know how sometimes when you’re sitting in church, you are just thinking and maybe not aware of everything going on around you,” Mrs. Gau related. “Then, all of a sudden you hear the old organ

playing, and that’s when you realize something special is happening.” Church secretary Elsie Schulze agrees. “It is unbelievable to hear it play. It makes your whole body tingle.” Generations of people around Round Top have grown up in the church, hearing the organ play beloved hymns. Mrs. Schulze’ family has been a part of the church nearly from its beginning, noting her husband grew up in the church. Such is true also for church member Jackie Sacks, an owner along with her husband Michael of the MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

Craftsman’s Gift

Round Top Mercantile Co., who is a several great-granddaughter of church founder Carl Siegismund Bauer. “I grew up in Spring Branch,” Jackie Sacks said. “I came here when I married my husband, and started going to (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) and started doing some genealogy and found out I was related to so many people around here. “It made me proud to be such a part of the history.” The history of the church and organ will be celebrated this year in honor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church’s 150th anniversary. On July 17 Bethlehem Lutheran Church plans on holding a special pipe organ service, where all the music in the church will be played on the historic instrument. “We will have some professional organists come in an play especially for that service,” Mrs. Gau explained. “We also have some local organists coming to play — we are really looking forward to that service.” Other special services at Bethlehem Lutheran Church throughout the year include a youth-led service on April

3; a Polka service and chicken fry on May 1; a Country & Western service on Sept. 18; and the church’s grand anniversary celebration on Oct. 23. Round Top’s Bethlehem Lutheran Church can trace its roots to 1855 as many of the German immigrants

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

around Round Top began organizing a church with Lutheran pastors. Carl Siegismund Bauer planned and directed the building of Bethlehem Church while Conrad and Wilhelmine Schueddemagen sold the land for the church building and cemetery in 1865.

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

Craftsman’s Gift

The young congregation built the limestone structure for a cost of $2,400 — paid for by free will offerings. The church was officially dedicated on Oct. 28, 1866, and continues with an active congregation today. Round Top’s Bethlehem Lutheran Church is located at 409 S. White St., to learn more about the church visit their Facebook page, or to arrange a visit or learn more about upcoming special anniversary events, call (979)249-3686.

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

Round Top Vintage Market

Downtown Round Top

Event venues keep growing Round Top Spring Antiques Festival draws hundreds of thousands to area

or most of the year Round Top consists of 90 residents, going about their business in this sleepy community. For a few weeks every spring and fall, this small town swells from about 90 people to a few hundred thousand as people flock to its rolling hills to browse through one of the myriad event venues in the pastures surrounding Texas Highway 237 between U.S. 290 and La Grange. It has grown so large that Round Top no longer can hold all the different events, with small communities like Warrenton and Oldenburg, Carmine and Fayettville, La Grange and surrounding areas also filling to the brim with people, antiques and other treasures not to be missed. Burton, in Washington County also holds some special events along with Kenney, in neighboring Austin County. This special celebration of antiques has become known as

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

Round Top

the Spring Antiques Festival of Texas, because it takes a place as big as Texas to hold such a large event. This year’s events kick off on March 17 and are slated to run through April 3. Here is a brief listing of the show venues around Round Top: • Abbieland Antique Show & RV — March 29-April 2, located at 2336 SH 237. Features antiques, arts work, metalware, furniture, and much more.

• Arbor International Antiques & Interior Design Show — March 23-April 2. Located a mile north of the Round Top Square on SH 237. Features antiques, art, home décor and much more. Venue features a restaurant, martini bar, a book signing with Mary Emmerling. • Bar W Antiques & Collectibles — March 18-April 3 • Big Red Barn Event Center — March 28-April 2. Features some of the

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

finest antiques in the world at the event show that started it all. Located at SH 237 five miles north of Round Top in Carmine. • Bill Moore Antiques — March 17-April 3. • Blue Hills at Round Top — March 19-April 3. Located on SH 237 near Carmine. • Chelsea’s Meadow Antique Show — March 24-April 3.

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

Round Top • County Line Antique Show & RV Park — March 18-April 3. • DYD Square Fair — March 24-April 2. • Grace’s Treasure Hunt — March 25-April 3. This event is located on State Loop 458 in Carmine. Show features estate finds, antiques and much more. • Marburger Farm Antique Show — March 28-April 2. Located south of Round Top on SH 237. • McLaren’s Antiques and Interiors — March 18-April 2. Features authentic, reclaimed antique furniture and interiors. Located north of Round Top on SH 237. • Old Depot Antique and Market Place — March 18-April 2. • Old Glory Antiques — March 24-April 2. Located at 12401 Washington in Burton. Features antiques and other vintage finds as authentic as they are beautiful. * Old Henry Farm — March 21-April

2. Located about a mile north of Round Top on SH 237. Features fine antiques

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

from vendors located throughout the United States. • Recycling the Past — March 17-April 3. Specializing in architectural salvage. Located at 1132 FM 129 in Round Top. • Round Top Hill Antiques & RV — March 23-April 2. Located 1 1/4 miles north of Round Top. • Round Top Vintage Market — March 24-April 3. Located at 1235 N. SH 237. Features antiques, art, and plenty of vintage collectibles. • The Compound — March 19-April 2. Located at 2550 South SH 237. Wide array of vendors and antique dealers. • The Continental Tent — March 28-April 2. Part of The Big Red Barn events. • The Lone Star Gallery — March 25-April 2. Located in Warrenton. Features Vintage finds and traditional antiques along with plenty of treasure. • The Marketplace at Warrenton — March 25-April 3. Another Warrenton treasure spot, features boutique items, furniture, home décor, art and repurposed items. Free admission, free parking and RV park. • The Rendezvous — March 18-April 2. Plenty of vintage finds and other items sure to please the whole family. Located at 2425 South SH 237 in Round Top. • Zapp Hall — March 28-April 2. Located in Warrenton, this nationally known show brings dealers from across the U.S. to this corner of Fayette County.

FAR LEFT: Second Market in Round Top, located in Henkel Square, features antiques, jewelery and more. LEFT: The Bybee Square also features other shopping venues in downtown Round Top.

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

SAVE THE DATE H Texas Events

All about the sausage

Schulenburg celebrating Annual Sausage Festival with live entertainment, arts and crafts and a sausage making contest

ike sausage? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Then head to Schulenburg the first Saturday in April for a mouthwatering experience. While there is plenty of live entertainment, arts and crafts and typical fair things happening, this festival is grand celebration of sausage. A contest will pit sausage makers from around the state against each other to see who has the special something to make their sausage stand tall above all the rest. Contest categories include smoked sausage, sausage-based concoctions, fresh sausage

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

stuffed on site and Klobasniky more commonly known as pigs in the blanket. There also is a special category called “Everything But the Oink,” and features items like head sausage, boudain and a wink to roadkill. Sausage isn’t the only contest out there, there are some interesting goings on with condiments as there also is a special event to find the best pickle, sauerkraut and homemade wine. As mentioned before, live entertainment is a part of the festival, and what is a festival dedicated to sausage without some polka music. Bands performing for the Schulenburg Sausage Festival include the Shiner Hobo Band, the Czechaholics, Mark Halata & Texasavia, and the Texas Dream Band. Opening ceremonies for the festival begin at 11:45 a.m. followed by the Grand March beginning at the Biergarten. In between sausage tasting and swilling in some fine pickles and sauerkraut, browse through the arts and crafts dealer and maybe even find something for Mom for Mother’s Day. Plus, if there is a lot of sausage in your future, then take part in the Wurst Run, the Sausagefest 5K run beginning at 9 a.m., so burn some calories before packing more in. Admission to this special celebration is free and takes place in downtown Schulenburg. To learn more about the festival and that’s happening around the area, visit the Schulenburg Sausagefest website at www. schulenburgsausagefest.com. MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

SAVE THE DATE H Texas Events

Celebrating Cotton Burton and the Texas Cotton Gin Museum getting ready for April festival

or 27 years Burton and the Texas Cotton Gin Museum has celebrated the biggest of cash crops and the city’s historic gin with an annual festival honoring the area’s cotton industry and farming tradition. This year’s festival is set for April 15-16. There is no lack of entertainment for this two-day event as it features a parade, live entertainment, gin tours, antique tractor and engine show, folk life demonstrations, arts and crafts, festival food, live auctions and plenty of things for the children to do. If heading to the event on Saturday, don’t miss the parade kicking off the day’s events. The parade will feature everything from old tractor, to vintage cars and other interesting pieces of life in Burton. If antique tractors and old engines are your thing,

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

Texas Ranger Day set for March 12

then don’t miss their special exhibits at the Texas Cotton Gin Museum. If you like to see them run, then don’t miss the special tractor pull event. As for the antique engines, go by and see the technological marvels (for their time) used to keep a farm running. It is a look into the area’s storied past and the ingenuity of the American farm, and its machinists and engineers. Adding to that are the folk life demonstrations. This special part of the festival allows people to recreate how things were done and made during the 1800s and early 1900s. Whether it involved churning butter, spinning and sewing and any of the other countless tasks involved in running a working farm. “We try to have something for everybody,” noted Texas Cotton Gin Museum Director Linda Russell. “It’s just good, old fashioned family entertainment.” The centerpiece of the festival, of course, is the Burton Cotton Gin, under the care of the Texas Cotton Gin Museum. This gin, named by the Smithsonian Institute as “And Industrial Marvel,” fires up the Lady B, the Bessemer oil fired engine used to run the old gin, it is the largest oil fired engine in operation in the United States. Tours of the gin begin at noon and run through 3 p.m. when the gin starts churning to produce the historic cotton bale. “We’ve got enough cotton to gin about four bales,” noted Texas Cotton Gin Museum Curator Jerry Moore. “ Everybody will get to hear Lady B running and see how the gin used to be.” ——— To learn more about all the things happening around the Burton Cotton Gin Festival, visit the Texas Cotton Gin Museum’s website at www.cottonginmuseum.org, or give them a call at (979)289-3378.

For all lovers of Texas history, do not miss Texas Ranger Day, set for March 12 in Burton and sponsored by the Burton Heritage Society. Come and see what Ranger life was like in the 1800s with live action and folk life demonstrations. There will be arts and crafts and tours of the local railroad depot the historic Texas Cotton Gin Museum. Don’t go away from the event hungry, either, as the festival would not be complete without the Annie Maud Avis Memorial Fajita and Bean cook-off. So see this special part of Texas’ storied history come alive in a way only Burton can put together. To learn more about the festival visit the Burton Heritage Society website at www. burtonheritagesociety.org.

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

SAVE THE DATE H Texas Events

Antique Alley 30-mile sale stretches between Grandview and Cleburne

ead to North Texas this April for a fun frolic from Ellis to Johnson County in the spring installment of Antique Alley Texas. Antique Alley began in 1999 in a combined effort of local people and business owners to create a special shopping experience for these Texas towns just south of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. This year’s Antique Alley Texas is set for April 15-17. The fall version of Antique Alley Texas is slated for Sept. 16-18. On each weekend the show runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in sunshine or rain. The organizers of Antique Alley Texas call it a “Texas Treasure Hunting Adventure.” Here are just a few things to discover out there at Antique Alley Texas: there’s some wonderful junk, hand-crafted items like soaps and candles and decorations; there are western items and home décor stuff; there will be some artisans selling hand-made knives; kitchen items — and in case it does not get mentioned, lots and lots of antiques. For those who get hungry while they are shopping, there are plenty of food vendors scattered throughout this 30-mile sale in a smattering of pastures along the Farm to Market Road 4 between Grandview and Cleburne. The show also travels along FM 916 from downtown Grandview down FM 66 to Maypearl. Some of the shows along the way have upwards of 200 vendors and dealers. Other communities involved in the event include Sand Flat and Venus. Event organizers ask drivers to be patient as traffic through the sale venues can be heavy at times; they also advise drivers to watch for pedestrians and be respectful for others as they

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

travel through the area. In the downtown areas of Antique Alley portable restrooms are provided, with many of the event venues also providing the facilities. While in the cities, also pay a visit to their local shops and restaurants. Antique Alley organizers describe downtown Grandview, Maypearl, Alvarado and Venus as being lined with vendors in the main downtown area; Cleburne, they note, boasts scattered sales throughout the city. While the sale is open on Sunday, organizers advise people that not every thing will be available as there are many Mennonite families selling handmade furniture and others items not be missed. Many of the Mennonites observe strict ordinances against doing any kind of business on Sunday. Still, Sunday is a wonderful day to come with many of the private shows along the way still going at full steam. Many of the communities along the Antique Alley roads may have non-shopping related events planned, so be on the lookout for something special — like a special event by the Grandview Antique Tractor & Machinery Club. For those who want to take a break from endless shopping there is plenty of live entertainment to be found across the area. Several of the shopping venues have live entertainment planned. On Saturday Grandview hosts a free concert at its FireFly Stage. To learn more about all the happenings around Antique Alley, visit the Antique Alley Texas website at www.antiquealleytexas.com; or e-mail info@AntiqueAlleyTexas.com.

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

SAVE THE DATE H Texas Events

Palestine Dogwoods by Stuart Whitaker

Welcoming Spring Palestine Dogwood Trails Celebration takes place over three weekends

alestineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Dogwood Trails Festival welcomes spring every year with the blossoming of the beautiful dogwood tree and a special three-weekend festival â&#x20AC;&#x201D; for the past 15 years music has been a focal point of the festival. More to the point, old time music, as in the Palestine Old Time Music and Dulcimer Festival dominates the festivities during the second weekend of the Dogwood Trails Festival. The festival began in 2002 as a brainchild of Margaret and Jerry Wright, formerly of Houston and now of Kennard in Houston County. Old Time Music truly is American roots music with traces to Irish and Scottish tunesmiths. The music originated in Appalachia and still is played there and has been brought to the masses by people like Margaret and Jerry Wright who are devoted this distinct piece of

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

Palestine Texas State Railroad by TSRR

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

Dogwood trails

Museum for East Texas Culture photo

American history and culture with anyone willing to listen. The Old Time music often centered around the fiddle, a mountain dulcimer and a clawhammer banjo. For those new to the genre, it is not to be confused with Bluegrass music, which is an offspring of the Old Time music. The couple, and their two sons, is well known in Old Time Music circles for their talent and one day while visiting the Museum for East Texas Culture in Palestine, they thought it would be a perfect place to hold a music festival. The old auditorium had great acoustics and presented a great opportunity for concerts. The museum, also served as the old Reagan High School in Palestine when it was built over 100 years ago and

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

the old classrooms in the building provide opportunities to get one-on-one music lessons through a series of workshops that are an integral part of the three-day festival. During the festival concerts are held throughout including an afternoon and evening concert on Friday and Saturday of the festival with an informal concert of the opening day, Thursday, of the festival. This year the Palestine Old Time Music and Dulcimer Festival is set for March 31 through April 2. For those wanting to learn more about Old Time Music, or how to get more proficient on an instrument, the workshops are a great place to learn different techniques, songs and also a great place to have fun. There will be a workshop for most all instruments used in Old Time Music.

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

Dogwood trails Some of the headliners at this year’s festival include: The Dove Brothers; Mark Cruz; Sue Carpenter; Spencer and Rains; Aaron O’Rouke; David and Annette Lindsey; Marsha Harris; Lloyd and April Wright; Wayne Henderson; Don Pedi; Betty Scott; Beverly Smith and John Grimm; Dana and Judy Hamilton; Jody Kruskal; Steve and Sheryl Hartz; Hollis Wright; and The Sawmill Vagrants.

Concertinas also are a part of this festival, and they are set to have their how headliner and workshop; they are a wonderful and unusual part of American music history. The concerts are an enjoyable part of the music festival, but just getting in and walking around the old museum and listening to the countless, impromptu jam sessions is one of the best parts. Instrumentalists walking down a hall

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

will run into another one, they will sit, start playing, others will come to join in and voila, there is a mini-concert going on. That happens throughout the three days of the festival, and is where some of the best music is heard. Festival organizer Jerry Wright notes the jam sessions are for beginners and seasoned professionals alike, as the jams allow people to learn as much as taking a lesson. “The main thing is do something, and take it upon yourself to get something out of it,” the Wrights wrote. “This is a wonderful opportunity. This is why Margaret and I go to the trouble to have this festival. We want you to learn. We want you to be happy. We would like to see you in the middle of a jam someday.” For those wanting to learn, Jerry Wright said, “In all probability you will not learn to play your particular instrument in one weekend, but this weekend can take you a long way down the road.” Even for those who do not play instruments, it is great family fun, and a wholesome way to introduce children to this important part of American music history. The Museum for East Texas Culture is located at 400 Micheaux St. in Palestine. To learn more about the Palestine Old Time Music and Dulcimer Festival visit the website at www.oldpalmusic. com, or to preregister for the event e-mail Margaret Wright at margaretgwright@yahoo.com.

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

SAVE THE DATE H Texas Events

Exploring the Ennis Bluebonnet Trail

othing tugs at a Texan’s heart quite like a field full of bluebonnets. All Texans should know the bluebonnet is the state flower, but head to Ennis starting about mid-March and into April, and it’s easy to see why this beautiful wildflower is the state’s favorite. So don’t miss nature’s beautiful display at the annual Ennis Bluebonnet Trails, this is the 65th year of the trails. Oh, and by the way, Ennis didn’t get the title Bluebonnet Capital of Texas for nothing. There are more than 40 miles of mapped trails around Ennis. The Ennis Convention and Visitors Bureau creates map of trails and provides them at their office in Ennis, or they can be downloaded online at www. visitennis.org. The trails change from year to year and people with the Ennis Garden Club constantly drive the trails so the Ennis CVB can relate the information to visitors headed to Ennis. Traditionally, the best sites are on the east side of Ennis, but as noted before, the best trails change from year to year and from week to week. The Ennis Bluebonnet Trails festival is set for April 15-17. The festival features an arts and crafts fair, bluebonnet souvenirs, railroad and heri-

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

Ennis Bluebonnet Trail tage museum tours, a car show, wildflower walks at Kachina Prairie, plus great festival food and plenty of other fun happenings. Kachina Prairie provides festival goers access to bluebonnet fields on public property for up close photos without trespassing onto private property. The festival is held at Pierce Park, located on Northwest Main Street; other activities are slated for West Knox Street and on North Dallas Street in downtown Ennis. Over the years Ennis has become famous for its trails and in 1997 the Texas Legislature named Ennis the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas and also the Official Bluebonnet Trail of Texas. Ennis is located about 25 miles south of Dallas on Interstate-45. To learn more about the happenings around Ennis, visit the Ennis Convention and Visitors Bureau website at www.visitennis.org.

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

FARM & HOME

Recipes

Strawberry Bread

Light & Spicy Step into bold spring flavors with lots of peppers and greens.

Recipes by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

Everything changes with the coming of spring. The flowers, the weather, and even the food. Food goes from being heavy and something to stick with you on a cold night to something thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lighter, but bursting with flavors. There are a few of those recipes in this installment of Farm & Home, and oh, are they delicious. Peppers are front and center in this installment as they provide a good kick to get the tastebuds going. In one of our recipes we saute jalapeno peppers

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

with spinach and then stuff it in a chicken breast and grill it to perfection. This particular recipe is likely one of the new favorites now in the Farm & Home kitchen, we encourage you to give a try as you will love it. Others include a delicious Pulled Pork Huevos Rancheros and a also a stuffed Pablano pepper. Any of these recipes pair well with avocados, and if looking for an accompaniment on a plate, sweet potatoes always serves as a delicious and nutritious option. So break out of the winter rut and enjoy eating once again.

Pulled Port Huevos Rancheros 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 corn tortilla 1/2 to 3/4 cup pulled pork 2 tablespoons corn relish or corn salsa 1 egg 1 tablespoon crumbled queso fresco minced green onions Hot Sauce to taste 1 avocado Place an 8 to 10 inch, skillet over medium high heat. Add the pulled pork to the hot pan and toss, allowing to fry until crispy around the edges and hot all the way through. Transfer to a bowl.

Return the skillet to the burner. Heat the oil in the skillet over medium heat. When oil is shimmery, carefully lay the corn tortilla in it until it bubbles around the edges and is golden brown on the bottom. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate and drop the heat under the pan to low. Crack the egg into the pan and fry until the whites are set all the way through and the yolk is still a little runny. Remove the pan from the heat. Stack the tortilla, heated pulled pork and corn relish on a plate. Use a spatula to carefully transfer the fried egg on the stack, then top with he crumbled cheese, chopped green onions, and salsa or hot sauce. Garnish with avocado. Serve immediately.

Stuffed Pablano 4 Pablano peppers, cored and seeded 2 chicken breasts 8 slices bacon Monterrey Jack Cheese 1 cup sour cream 1 small onion, chopped 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning Brown chicken in skillet over medium heat in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. After chicken has cooked through, shred into small pieces. Combine chicken with cheese, sour cream and onion and Cajun seasoning. Stuff chicken mixture into cleaned peppers. Wrap with bacon and place on broiling pan. Bake in 350 degree oven about an hour, or until bacon is done.

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

FARM & HOME Recipes Portuguese sausage), sliced 1 yellow onion, diced 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 red bell peppers, sliced 2 Idaho® potatoes, peeled and shredded 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons black pepper 2 teaspoons smoked Spanish paprika 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 4 cups whole milk 1 1/2 cups manchego cheese, shredded 1 1/2 cups Monterey jack cheese, shredded 1/2 cup green olives, sliced 1 pound medium shells (or elbow macaroni) 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (or plain Italian bread crumbs)

Spicy Stuffed Chicken 2 chicken breasts 4 ounces spinach leaves 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 jalapeno pepper, chopped (remove the innards to make less hot) 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 2 teaspoons olive oil 6-8 slices bacon 1/2 cup white wine 1 tablespoon butter Salt and pepper to taste Heat a large pan to medium heat and add jalapeno peppers with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Cook about 4 minutes. Add spinach leaves and garlic. Stir. Cook about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the spinach leaves reduce. Remove from heat and set mixture aside. Once cooled, add Parmesan and mix well. Pound the chicken breasts to about 3/4 inch flatness or thinner with a meat tenderizer. Don’t overdo it, as you’ll need to stuff them. Slice a thin strip into the side of each chicken breast and stuff half of

the spinach-garlic-pepper mixture into each. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then wrap each piece of stuffed chicken with bacon slices. Heat a large pan to medium-high heat and add remaining olive oil. Heat until the oil is nice and hot. Add wrapped chicken breasts and cook about 5 minutes, then flip and cook another 5 minutes or so, or until chicken is cooked thoroughly through. Remove chicken from the pan and add cooking wine to the pan. Scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan and mix. Allow to reduce to about a tablespoon. Remove from the heat and add butter. Swirl the butter to thicken up the pan sauce. Pour over the chicken breasts and serve.

Potato Spanish Mac and Cheese 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 (13 oz) package Spanish chorizo (or

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

Idaho Potato Commission

Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add the olive oil and allow to heat through. Carefully throw in the sliced chorizo (or sausage) and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until crisped and slightly charred. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Throw in the onions, garlic and red bell peppers. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on medium, until soft and caramelized. Peel the potatoes and shred with a box grater or food processor. Place in

a fine-mesh sieve and rinse with cold water. Drain really well, squeezing the potatoes to get most of the moisture out. You want them really dry. Add the shredded potatoes to the skillet with the rest of the veggies. Cook for another 5 minutes until soft. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir to evenly combine. Remove from heat and set aside. In a large saucepot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, add in the flour and stir. Cook for about 3 minutes (or until it turns a golden brown) to develop a nutty aroma. Slowly stream in the milk while continuously whisking. Stop whisking once the flour has completely dissolved into the milk. Allow to thicken, stirring every so often. It should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Season with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder. Remove from heat and add in the shredded cheeses (reserving a little of each for topping later on). Stir with a wooden spoon until melted. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. You want the noodles to be a little undercooked as theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll continue to cook when the mac and cheese bakes. Once the noodles are done, drain and return to pot. Stir in the cheese sauce, sautĂŠed veggies and potatoes, chopped green olives and crisped chorizo (or sausage). Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly combined. Pour into a 9x13 inch-baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and reserved cheese. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Serve and enjoy!

Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Baked Potatoes 4 large Russet potatoes 1 tablespoon olive oil Kosher salt 1 pound chicken breasts 1 (15 ounces) can red enchilada sauce 1 small yellow onion, sliced thin 1 can green chilies 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 2 avocados, peeled and chopped 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese Sour cream (for topping) Cilantro (for topping)

Idaho Potato Commission

In a slow cooker, combine the chicken, enchilada sauce, onion, green chilies, and garlic powder. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high for 4. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and use two forks to shred it. Return to the slow cooker and keep warm. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Wash and dry the potatoes. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Poke all over with a fork then drizzle with olive oil to coat on all sides. Sprinkle with Kosher salt. Use tongs to transfer the potatoes directly to the rack in the oven. Bake until fork tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. When the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven. Place a long slit down the center of each potato and use your fingers to pinch it

together and get the potato to fan out. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Butter if desired. Top each potato with chicken, chopped avocado, cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TFH

Cafés Across Texas

WEIKEL’S

Story By Randy Rollo

Ricocos signature dish Molcajete Caliente Philly Cheesesteak

Prosciutto & Arugula Pizza

The Best Little Bakery in Texas

a Grange, the county seat of Fayette County, is on the Colorado River and State Highways 71 and 159, U.S. Highway 77, and the Union Pacific Railroad in the central part of the county about 63 miles southeast of Austin. The town became nationally recognized in a 1973 hit ZZ Top song; “La Grange.” La Grange is scenic and rich with Texas history. It also is home to one of the most famous bakeries in the state, Weikel’s Bakery. Weikel’s has a long history in La Grange with its roots in a restaurant that opened in 1929 on the downtown square. That restaurant named “the Bon Ton,” operated for many years downtown and eventually sold. After a short retirement, Jimmy Weikel decided to open a gas station on

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

Wraps made with homemade tortillas

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TFH

Cafés Across Texas

LEFT: Pictured is Philip Weikel and his father Jimmy Weikel. Weikel’s serves up a variety of menu items including stuffed baked potatoes (top left), breakfast sandwiches (top) and Philly Cheesesteak and much more. the highway 71 bypass around La Grange. He met with executives of an oil company and showed them the property on which he intended to open, and they gave him excellent advice. They told him that people needed a reason to stop at your convenience store because anyone can sell gasoline. Jimmy came up with the idea of using the old family recipe for kolaches as the reason for people to stop at his place in La Grange and the rest is history. Now Weikel’s Bakery is known throughout the state and beyond as one of the leaders in true Czech pastries including Kolaches, Strudel, Pies, Cookies, and Bread (all of which can be ordered online at Weikels.com). However Jimmy and his son Philip have more than a successful bakery; Wiekel’s also sells apparel, private labeled food products, fuel, and houses a very popular Deli. The deli serves breakfast tacos and a variety of breakfast sandwiches served on buns, homemade breads, and croissants. You can create yours

on combinations featuring egg, ham, bacon, or sausage; with toppings such as cheese, avocado, beans, potatoes, and homemade pico. The breakfast menu is served from 5 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. The lunch specials are available after that including the soup of the day, a large variety of sandwiches, chef salads, fruit cups, and meat trays. Wiekel’s has many choices of sandwiches ranging from grilled cheese and peanut butter & jelly, to pastrami on rye with sauerkraut, and wraps made with homemade tortillas. Although I love sauerkraut, I chose to sample the Philly Cheesesteak with peppers and onions, and the Original Weikel’s Sandwich. The Original is available cold or grilled on your choice of bread. They have eleven meat choices, five kinds of cheeses, seven veggies, and six breads so the combinations are endless. My Original was on toasted thick white bread with ham, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, jalapeño, avocado, and spinach. The Original was outstanding the ingredients were fresh and crisp.

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

However, the bread gave the sandwich an exceptional flavor that tasted homemade. Next I sampled the Philly and it was amazing, tender beef covered in cheese, peppers, and onions on a hoagie bun. The distinguishing feature of this sandwich was great flavors, yet outstanding tender texture. Both choices were great, and the prices were very reasonable. Weikel’s also offers stuffed baked potatoes with your choice of trimmings and serves half sandwiches for light appetites. Weikel’s is a family owned and operated business that serves fresh high quality foods at very affordable prices. One main component of Weikel’s Bakery that stands out is exceptional customer service. Located at 2247 W State Highway 71, La Grange 78945. Store hours are Monday-Thursday 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Friday-Sunday 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. You can find Weikel’s on Facebook, on the web at Weikels.com, or if you want more information give them a call at (979) 968-9413.

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS HISTORY + HERITAGE

THE BAPTIST TRADITION Independence museum chronicles history of the Baptist Church and its influence on Texas.

ver the course of Texas’ rich history, Baptists played an integral role in the development of the Lone Star

State. Today Baptists are the largest protestant denomination in Texas. It also was the first protestant church in Texas, Pilgrim Baptist Church established in what is now southern Anderson County by the famed Parker family (written about last year in Texas Farm & Home) while Texas was still a part of Mexico — a no-no at the time as the Catholic Church

was the only church recognized and allowed by the Mexican government. As Texas progressed from a colonial state of Spain, then a part of Mexico and into an independent republic, the Baptists were there (as were Methodists, Presbyterians and Catholics) to help form a new nation. They also established churches across a young Texas to minister to the spiritual needs of the people. Much of this rich history is chronicled at the Texas Baptist Historical Museum in Independence, a small community in northern Washington County. Indepen-

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

dence once was one of Texas’ most influential cities. It is where Baylor began. Independence was, and still is, a Baptist enclave and sits on one of the original land grants given out by the father of Texas, Stephen F. Austin. Independence also is home to the oldest continually meeting missionary Baptist church in Texas, Independence Baptist Church, founded during the Republic of Texas in 1839. Independence Baptist Church was instrumental in the founding of Baylor University, with the University presi-

Baptists were the first organized Protestant denomination in Texas, established before the Republic years. From there they grew and today Baptists are the largest denomination in Texas. The Texas Baptist Historical Museum in Independence, operated by Independence Baptist Church, Sam Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s former church, and the church in which he was baptized, chronicles this special history. Outside the museum is a bell tower, with a bell dedicated to the church by Sam Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother-in-law in honor of his Baptism. The old church still is used on occasion, though a new church home was built a few years ago across the street. Baylor University has its roots in Independence, and has been instrumental in the life of the museum.

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

dents serving as pastor of the church from the university’s founding in 1846, until it left Independence for Waco. Independence Baptist Church also was the church home for Sam Houston when he lived in Independence. He was baptized into the church in 1854 at nearby Rocky Creek. Sam Houston, hero

of San Jacinto, Republic of Texas president, Texas governor and a senator, was a known drunk and brawler. But love and faith changed the man. He married a devout Baptist, Margaret Lea, who

through love helped lead the irascible Texan to faith in Jesus Christ. The story goes that after Sam Houston was pulled up out of the water a friend told him, “Well, General, all your sins have been washed away.” To which the larger-than-life Houston replied, “If that be the case, God help the fish down below.” This special museum chronicles some of the Baptist and Independence history connected with Sam Houston, such as the bell given to Independence Baptist Church by Sam Houston’s mother-inlaw Nancy Lea. It also looks at the broader history of the Baptists in Texas. The museum chronicles the rise of Baylor University and Mary Hardin Baylor, it also chronicles notable Baptist leaders in Texas, while also giving a history on Baptists in general. Some place the birth of Baptists back to the early 1600s in Amsterdam with English Separatist John Smyth being the first pastor. From scripture reading the Baptists eschewed infant baptism and instituted the rite for only believing people of accountable age. Some have taken this to be similar with the Anabaptists of the same time and believe the church is an outgrowth of it. No matter its origins, the Baptists spread to England as part of the English Separatist movement, then to the Americas. These Separatists were close cousins of the Puritans. It was just a few short years later, in 1639, when the first Baptist church in America began

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

in Rhode Island. Baptists found fertile ground in the Southern colonies, quickly becoming the biggest denomination in many of the southern states. And in less than 200 years from its appearing on American shores, the Baptists were influencing a fledgling Mexican state known as Texas. One display in the museum notes an affirmation from noted English philosopher John Locke, “Baptists were the first propounders of absolute liberty, just and true liberty, equal and impartial liberty.” It was that spirit of liberty people brought with them into Texas. Sure they were flawed people, many advocating liberty while at the same time owning slaves; they were products of their time, but in spite of their sins they still had an abiding faith in Jesus Christ and believed in personal freedom. From this the spirit of Texas was born and its influence still is felt. Part of the museum tour is a walk through the old Independence Baptist Church, built of local stone in 1858. “It still served as the local church until about seven years ago,” said Independence Baptist Church Pastor Dr. Phil Hassell. “Then we built a new building across the street, but we still have some special services there throughout the year.” While the museum may chronicle Baptist history in Texas, that history is incomplete without a long hard look at the Baptists of Independence. “It really is the mother church of Baptists in Texas,” Dr. Hassell explained. “The first Baptist Association in Texas began here. The Independent Baptist Association began here. The first Baptist missionaries to Brazil and Germany were from here. Even though the area now is known for it Czech and German populations, Dr. Hassell said Independence was first settled by Baptists before Texas became a Republic. “There are only two churches in Independence,” Dr. Hassell noted. “Both of them are Baptist. But, outside of Independence in the country they are all Lutheran.” To learn more about the Texas Baptist Historical Museum visit their website at http://texasbaptisthistoricalmuseum. weebly.com/. Call (979)836-5117 to set up a tour, or to schedule a wedding in the old Independence Baptist Church.

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS TRAVELS

Visit Yesteryear Grapevine at Nash Farm GRAPEVINE CVB

Story by MARILYN JONES

he house is quiet except for an animated conversation coming from the kitchen. Two women dressed in period costumes, and three girls and their mother are huddled around an antique work table. The docents are teaching the girls how to make popcorn balls the way it used to be done. One of the women explains the process as she drops some of the heated mixture of sugar, corn syrup, water, butter and salt into cold water. “This is how we tell if it’s ready,” she says. “See how it separates into hard brittle threads? Now we’re ready to add the popcorn.” This is Nash Farm and Frugal Housewife Friday, just one of the many programs offered in this unusual attraction in the middle of Grapevine, a busy city just north of the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. According to Wesley Lucas, the Communications Coordinator for the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau, visitors are invited to help do chores. “It’s a great way, especially for children, to learn how life used to be. “Thomas Jefferson Nash and his wife Elizabeth came here from

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

T A

TOP: The barn was built in the early 1900s. FAR LEFT: Chickens and sheep live at Nash Farm. ABOVE LEFT: The kitchen table is set for dinner. ABOVE RIGHT: The bedroom at Nash Farm.

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS TRAVELS

LEFT: A windmill and water storage tank. RIGHT: A steamer trunk in a corner of the bedroom. FAR TOP RIGHT: Thomas Payneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grave is one of several graves in Nash Farm cemetery. He was the grandson of Thomas and Elizabeth Nash. BOTTOM RIGHT: Two costumed docents explain how to make popcorn balls.

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

Kentucky in 1850,” says Lucas. “They had six children; three born in Kentucky and three here in Grapevine. They lived in a log cabin until they built this house in about 1869.” The house, restored in 2008, also features a roomy parlor with ornate wallpaper and a beautiful fireplace flanked by two rocking chairs. The adjacent room is furnished as the master bedroom includ-

ing a large armoire open to reveal clothing of the period. In addition to the house, guests can visit the barn and family cemetery. “Today just over 5-acres of the original farm remains,” says Lucas. “Visitors can also help around the barn and care for the chickens and sheep. We’re also getting cows. Not something you see too often in a city.

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS TRAVELS “Nash Farm offers a window back in time to the migration of settlers in this area and the beginning of Grapevine,” Lucas says. “We’re fortunate to have it here.”

When you go: The farm grounds are located at 626 Ball Street and open for self-guided tours Labor Day through Memorial Day - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Memorial Day through Labor Day Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; closed New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and two weeks in February for annual maintenance. For more information about the farm and special events, call (817) 410-3185 or check the website at www.grapevinetexasusa.com/nash-farm.

What’s Online GLOBETROTTING

TEXAN

Minneapolis Hotel Gives a Nod to its University Location By Marilyn Jones

The Commons Hotel has a theme throughout its lobby, restaurant, rooms and suites. And I like hotels with themes. Maybe it’s all those nights at Walt Disney World resorts, but whatever the reason, I was pleasantly surprised when I entered the lobby and discovered an upscale retro, geek chic, schoolhouse atmosphere. Designers took their cue from the hotel’s location on

the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis and ran with it. Walking into the lobby, straight ahead is a semicircle of bookshelves and chairs. In the center is a fire pit; a touch that is also featured in front of

the hotel. The reception desk is backed by a large

collection of world globes, and small seating areas are ideal for students to take advantage of the hotel’s Wi-Fi. This academic theme is carried through to rooms and suites with plaid wallpaper, and historic U of M

photography on the walls. The fun part for me was discovering little details. Where the room numbers are located, for example, are drawings of patent designs that originated on this campus. The Beacon Public House, the hotel’s restaurant, has screens above the bar. During the day they show books; in the evening, a roaring fire. On game day dining and bar guests can

cheer for their team. Just outside the restaurant is a set of lights; its globes are actually lab beakers. Another sitting area looks like lab tables and stools. Restaurant breakfast offerings include the usual fare (Eggs Benedict, steak and eggs), but they also offer an East Bank Huevos which is wonderful with “two eggs, pulled pork, stewed black beans, ranchero sauce, pico di gallo, queso fresco and crisp tortilla.” Lunch and dinner features items you may not find on many menus including Grass-Fed Bison Bangers and Mash, and

Maple Grilled Salmon. In addition to the wonderful and fun surroundings, the Green METRO Line runs in front of the hotel. You can take it to downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul making the hotel the perfect location. I can highly recommend this hotel, not only for its fun atmosphere, excellent dining option and location, but for the friendly and professional staff. It’s the perfect choice if you are visiting the Twin Cities for business or pleasure. For more information check website at www. commonshotel.com.

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

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

GARDENING BASICS

let’s get growing — tips for March

Hugelkultur

Updating your Gardening Vocabulary

A Gardener’s Glossary Story By Jolene Renfro

Crockett Garden Club & Master Gardener

very now and then new terms (often for old techniques) are introduced in gardening literature. Here is a glossary of words that may be unfamiliar, even if you have been gardening for years. Hugelkultur- Coming from a German term, hugelkultur translates roughly as “mound culture” and is a gardening technique where fallen branches and logs are used as resources to mimic the nutrient cycle found in natural woodlands. This form of sheet composting helps retain moisture on site, builds soil fertility, improves drainage and uses the woody debris that is unsuitable for other use. Hugelkultur beds are large layered compost piles covered with a growing medium into which a garden is planted. Here is how you make one:

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

1. Select an area about 6 feet by 3 feet and lay down logs as the first layer (avoid using cedar, or walnut as they are allelopathic---kill other plants) 2. Add branches and small sticks until the pile is about 3 feet high 3. Water these layers well , then fill in spaces with leaf litter and kitchen scraps and/or manure 4. Top off the bed with 2 inches of top soil and a layer of mulch 5. Plant your flowers and vegetables into the mulch As the underlayer decomposes, it warms the soil prolonging the growing season. No irrigation is necessary because the woody base acts like a sponge, absorbing and releasing water and no additional fertilization is necessary either because decomposi-

tion breaks the woody material into nutrients. Keyhole Garden-This is a garden that is built in the shape of a circle that measures about 6 feet in diameter, stands waist-high, and is notched like a pie with a slice cut away. A hole in the center holds a composting basket made of chicken wire that will be filled with material that moistens and nourishes the soil. Here is how to make one: 1. Construct the exterior wall about 3 feet high and 6 feet in diameter using rocks, metal, timbers or

any material that can support the weight of wet soil. Leave an opening on one side that is large enough to allow a person to enter to feed material into the center composting basket. 2. Stand a tube made of wire mesh that is one foot in diameter and 4 feet high in the center of the circle. 3. Line the inside of the retaining wall with cardboard (but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t line the wire mesh tube in the center). 4. Fill the garden circle with compostable materials with the last

Keyhole Garden

few inches being already composted potting soil; the soil should slope down from the center to the edges. 5. Fill the basket with compostable materials and water this center basket only. Continue to feed lawn and kitchen scraps into the center basket and add water; the keyhole opening makes this basket easy to reach. 6. Consider arching a framework of wires over the garden to support a shade cloth in summer and a greenhouse in winter. This is a great gardening technique for older gardeners because you do not have to stoop over to weed or pick produce and everything is within armâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reach. Lasagna Gardens/Raised Beds/ Intensive Gardening/No Till Gardening/Square Foot Gardeningâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;All of these terms center on constructing a garden bed that is roughly 4 X 8 feet and 1 to 2 feet tall. Here is how you make one: 1. Make a wooden frame by screwing the 4 X 8 boards together or just support them by hammering iron bars used in concrete construction around the outside. 2. Inside the wood frame, put cardboard and newspapers to kill the weeds and grass. Note that you do not till the soil. 3. Add layers of compost material, manure, topsoil so the garden bed is raised 1-2 feet with a slope toward the edges, and top with a 3

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

GARDENING BASICS inch layer of organic mulch (the layers remind you of making lasagna). If you want the composting process to speed up, you can top with a sheet of black plastic. 4. Plant intensively in square foot sections, rather than in rows. The plants shade each other and use all of the planting area for production. 5. Never walk on or till the garden, but do keep adding mulch each year as decomposition takes place. 6. You can use PVC pipe to arch over the garden to support a cover for shade in the summer and produce the greenhouse effect in the winter. This garden can be set up in a day and is easy to sustain. Liners and Plugs---These are terms used in the plant nursery business. Liners are small cuttings of trees or bushes that have just been rooted. Plugs are seedlings of plants that the nursery will replant and grow large enough to sell as bedding plants. Permaculture/ Sustainable Gardening---Permaculture is a combination of the words permanent

and agriculture, and is a branch of environmental design that develops sustainable agriculture modeled from natural ecosystems. It combines principle of landscape design, judicious use of water, organic gardening, recycling, and biodiversity. In short, permaculture takes all earth friendly practices and combines them in one unified whole. It focuses on the environment and interrelationship of all living things. A garden based on permaculture is organized into zones, which radiate from the house, just as ripples radiate in water when a stone is thrown into a pond. Here is how the zones are laid out: Zone 0 the House Zone 1 intensively maintained, visited daily, has a greenhouse, henhouse, rabbits, kitchen garden, water storage, compost beds Zone 2 some large trees and hedges, small fruit trees, forage for hens, windbreaks, flowers, vegetable garden, beehives Zone 3 main crops and forage, pastures, pigs, goats, sheep, milk cows, unpruned orchards, woodlots Zone 4 timber production, hardy food crops Zone 5 unmanaged lands where you observe nature and learn This is a system that involves a lot of study and observation, but creates a habitat that works with nature. Rain Garden--This is a perennial planting bed designed to soak up and use rain water that may otherwise be lost. It is composed of a shallow, curved depression that captures and filters the runoff,

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

reducing the need for supplemental water. Here is how to create a rain garden: 1. Locate the garden to intercept the runoff from roof or driveway at least 10 feet away from building foundations, avoiding utility lines. 2. Create a depression in the soil and fill with mulch. 3. Make the margins curved concavely uphill where the water will enter, and bermed at the base about 3 inches higher than the natural ground outlet, leaving a gentle slope to catch the running water. 4. Plant native plants and mulch heavily to conserve the water that has been captured. This technique is appreciated in areas where rainfall is scarce. Riparian Zone—This is the name given to an area where land and a water stream come in contact. Riparian zones are important areas to stabilize the soil and filter water and support wildlife. It is recommended that 25 feet of vegetation, trees, shrubs, ferns, be left growing along both sides of creeks and streams. Xeriscaping---This word from Greek means “ dry scene” and is a gardening method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental watering. Here is how to implement a garden based on xeriscaping: 1. Draw a plan of the yard— where are the buildings, existing trees, etc. 2. Amend the soil with compost or gravel depending on the plants you will be planting. 3. Separate turf areas from planting areas and limit the turf grass areas in size and plant native grasses. 4. Group plants with common needs together and use a variety of native plants that have low water use needs. 5. Water deeply and infrequently to develop deep roots and never water during the day to reduce water lost to evaporation. 6. Lists of plants with low water use requirements are available from the AgriLife Extension office or from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center. Hope this explanation of gardening terms has been helpful . There will be no quiz.

TEXAS EVENTS March

1-April 2 — NACOGDOCHES: Nacogdoches Azalea Trails Annual event features 25 miles of selfguided driving routes, guided tours of the largest azalea garden in Texas on Saturdays through the month, the Little Princess Garden Party and two shopping events March 26. The Bloomin’ Good Volkswagen Show rounds out festivities on April 2 from 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Various locations. www.nacogdochesazaleas.com 888/653-3788 FOREST COUNTRY 4 & 5 — NAVASOTA: Texas Birthday Bash Celebrate Texas Independence with a birthday bash filled with two days of country music & Texas themed family fun activities in hisotric downtown Navasota. www.texasbirthdaybash.com PRAIRIES AND LAKES 12 — BURTON: Texas Ranger Day Which famous Texas Ranger lived and died in Burton, Texas? Discover Burton’s unique history at Texas Ranger Day from noon to 5 p.m. hosted by the Burton Heritage Society. Celebrate Burton’s history with the Annie Maud Avis Memorial Fajita and Bean cook-off and experience Texas Ranger Camp life in the 1880’s, folk life demonstrations, crafts, and tours of the Railroad Depot, as well as Burton Farmer’s Cotton Gin Tours at 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. We will have DJ music thanks to the Kountry Chick! All proceeds to restore the Mt. Zion Historical Chapel. Admission is free. Tickets for all-you-can-eat fajitas & beans are $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 5-10, FREE for kids under 5. For info visit www.burtonheritagesociety. org or call 979-353-0050. PRAIRIES AND LAKES 13 — LA GRANGE: Best Little Cowboy Gathering in Texas Fayette County Fairground; Explore the world of hervs and grow in knowledge and understanding while learning exciting new ways to utilize these plants. bestlittlecowboygatherning.org PRAIRIES AND LAKES 12 & 13 — FORT WORTH: 8th Annual Funky finds Spring Fling Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3409 Burnett-Tandy Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76107. Small Exhibits Building (marked Poultry Barn) 10am-5pm, Saturday, 11am-4pm, Sunday

www.funkyfinds.com/spring. For more information about this event, please contact Jessica Dougherty at (903) 665-7954 or via e-mail at handmade@ funkyfinds.com. PRAIRIES AND LAKES 13-April 24 —CLIFTON: Wildflower Art Show This judged and juried show features depictions of local flora and fauna by area artists. Bosque Museum, 301 S. Avenue Q. www.bosquemuseum.org 254/6753845 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 17-20 — GOLIAD: Goliad County Fair, Carnival, PRCA Rodeo & Dance Goliad County Fairgrounds, 925 S Hwy 183 361-645-8204 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 18-April 4 — ROUND TOP: Spring Antiques Festival of Texas Warrenton, Round Top, Carmine, Fayetteville, La Grange and the surrounding areas. Vendors and visitors from around the world gather for antiques, furniture, jewelry, art, primitives, clothes and truly unique items; AntiqueWeekend.com PRAIRIES AND LAKES 18-19 — ROUND TOP: 21st Annual Herval Forum, celebrating chili peppers Festival Hill; Explore the world of herbs and grow in knowledge and understanding while learning exciting new ways to utilize these plants; FestivalHill. org PRAIRIES AND LAKES 18 & 19 — TYLER: 35th Annual Tyler Quilt Show presented by the Quilter’s Guild of East Texas. “Scraps!” Quintessentially American. This judged show will display over 200 hanging quilts, have demonstrations in quilting, an “Old Fashioned Bed Turning”, vendors, a Country Store and Donation Quilt with the proceeds benefitting two local charities. Admission $7, Seniors and children $6. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Harvey Convention Center, 2000 West Front Street, Tyler, TX. For more information please visit www.qgetx.org or email tylerquiltshow@hotmail.com. FOREST COUNTRY 18-20, 25-27, April 1-3 — PALESTINE: 78th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration. This long-time celebration takes place the last two weekends in March and first weekend in April. Enjoy the delicate beauty of the dogwood trees in Davey Dogwood Park and the surrounding area. Activities are sched-

uled each weekend to compliment the Celebration, including the Dogwood Trails Festival, the first weekend. Don’t miss the Piney Woods Excursion and Dogwood Brunch Train at the Texas State Railroad, the Dulcimer Festival, the Main Street Farm & Flower Market, a play at the historic Texas Theatre & much more. www.texasdogwoodtrails. com FOREST COUNTRY 19 — PALESTINE: Dogwood Jamboree Palestine Civic Center 7 p.m.; “Down Home Country”, Featuring the Fuller Sisters and Reagan Star. Advance tickets $12.50, $15 at the door. 903-724-2556, 903-729-7080 18-20, 25-27, April 1-3 — PALESTINE: 78th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration. FOREST COUNTRY 19 — CROCKETT: Miro Quartet in Concert Crockett Civic Center, 1100 Edminston Drive. www.pwfaa.org 936/544-4276 FOREST COUNTRY 19-28 — FAYETTEVILLE: Antiques on the Square This show specializes in American primitives, tools, iron, furniture and smalls of all types. Hours are 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Town Square, 318/4651603 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 26 — JEFFERSON: St. Patrick’s Day Express Ride a historic steam train and celebrate the wearing of the green. Historic Jefferson Railway, 400 E. Austin. www.JeffersonRailway.com 866/398-2038 FOREST COUNTRY 28 — SCHULENBURG: Annual Schulenburg Sausagefest SchulenburgChamber.org PRAIRIES AND LAKES

April

1 & 2 — GEORGETOWN: Quilt and Stitchery Show “Poppy Panache” 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Community Center in San Gabriel Park, 445 E. Morrow Street in Georgetown. Featuring

a silent auction, vendors, raffle quilt and tea room. Admission $6; www. handcraftsunlimited.com PRAIRIES AND LAKES 2 — CROCKETT: Bill Haley Jr. and the Comets in Concert Piney Woods Fine Arts Association presents Bill Haley Jr. and the Comets, a high-energy five-piece combo performing crowd-pleasing songs by the legendary Bill Haley and the Comets, and other popular tunes from the ’50s and ’60s. Crockett Civic Center, 1100 Edminston Drive. www.pwfaa.org 936/544-4276 FOREST COUNTRY 8 — CROCKETT: Annual Spring Flower and Bulb Sale hosted by the Crockett Garden Club; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Old Filling Station across from First United Methodist Church of Crockett. Renew your flower beds for spring and summer enjoyment. Money made from the sale goes into community beautification projects. FOREST COUNTRY 8-16 — LIMESTONE COUNTY The Limestone County youth livestock show, PRCA rodeo, horse show “buckle run” & barbecue cook off will be held at the county fairgrounds April 8-15 with the buyers lunch & project sale on Saturday, April 16. PRAIRIES AND LAKES 9 — HUNTSVILLE: Herb Festival at the Wynne Home hosted by the Texas Thyme Unit of the Herb Society of America. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1428 Eleventh Street in Huntsville. There will be a large selection of herbs, camellias, butterfly and hummingbird plants for sale. Speakers, local artists, musicians, children’s activities and vendors will round out the day. The event is free to the public. For more information, call 936-891-5024 or visit Texas Thyme Unit - Herb Society of America FOREST COUNTRY

TEXAS EVENTS is a list of festivals and happenings occurring around the

state. We recommend that you call before traveling to an event to verify the time and date as sometimes dates change. If you would like to submit an event to the calendar, please send to P.O. Box 130, Grapeland, TX 75844 or e-mail to cstewart@texasfarmandhome.com. Please submit information at least two to three full months before the first of the month in which the event will take place.

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS EVENTS 15&16 —HENDERSON: 21st East Texas Antique Tractor & Engine Club Show “Memories of YesterYear”. Rusk County Youth Expo, FM 13 off Loop 571; Contact Don Reynolds 903-889-2671 FOREST COUNTRY 15 - 17 — GRANDVIEW: Antique Alley Texas and 30 Miles of Shopping The towns of Grandview, Cleburne, Sand Flat, Alvarado, Maypearl and Venus offer this biannual community 30 mile flea market. Pasture sales with 100’s of vendors between Grandview and Cleburne. Each town has their own style of festival. Check web for complete information. Official Maps are given out at 300 E. Criner Street in Grandview. DO NOT PARK ON HIGHWAYS. Pull into pasture shows where free and safe parking are provided. Book rooms in Alvarado or Hillsboro because the show is big and too much to shop in just one day. This may be your first Antique Alley Texas but it will not be your LAST! 817-240-4948, AntiqueAlleyTexas. com PRAIRIES AND LAKES 15-24 — PALESTINE: The 1836 Chuckwagon Race Bring horses, mules and wagons to camp out on the ranch and participate in the many activities on the schedule, or just come and watch the fun. Races begin Friday at 1 p.m., drawing competitors

from all over the U.S. in four wagon classes, bronc fanning, pasture roping, mounted shooting and the Alamo race. Diamond B Ranch, 11589 F.M. 321. http://1836chuckwagonrace.com 903/721-9111 FOREST COUNTRY 22-24 — GEORGETOWN: Red Poppy Festival Includes nightly concerts, a parade and street dance Saturday, car show, more than 100 artisan booths, children’s zone and other activities. Hours are 6–9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday. Georgetown Square, 103 W. Seventh St. www. RedPoppyFestival.com 800/436-8696 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 23 — WECHES: Mission Tejas State Park’s annual Folk Festival, from 10am until 3pm. Park entry is free for the Folk Festival. Donations for the Mission Tejas State Park Friends Group will be accepted. Daily lives of the pioneers, occupations and crafts will be demonstrated by folks in period costumes. Demonstrations will cover pioneer life such as: the one room school, pioneer toys & games, quilting, chair making, Caddo stories & atlatl demonstrations, spinning, weaving, bobbin lace making, churning, soap making & laundry, quill pen & penmanship skills, an edible plants tour, authentic trapper camps,

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016

traveling medicine man, Buffalo Soldiers, wild west re–enactments, firearms, flint knapping and so much more. Also, the Jacksonville Jammers dulcimer music and Texas Top Guns authentic chuck wagon cooking and a silent auction. Located on Hwy 21 between Alto and Crockett in Weches. 936-687-2394 FOREST COUNTRY 23 — VERNON: Roy Orbison Birthday Celebration Held at Roy Orbison Park at 4400 Sand Road. Concert and birthday celebration honoring the Vernon native and Rock and Roll Legend Roy Orbison www.visitvernontx. com PRAIRIES AND LAKES 29 - May 1 — PORT ARANSAS: Texas SandFest Sculpting. Coastal. Memories. Run completely by volunteers, the popular invitational event draws visitors from around the globe to participate and to watch the fun. www.texassandfest.org GULF COAST 30 — GONZALES: Dutch Oven Cook Off held at the Gonzales Pioneer Village, 2122 N. St. Joseph Street; Contestants must cook a meat, bread and/or dessert. 830-857-4102, gonzalestexas.com SOUTH TEXAS 30 — LIVINGSTON: Downtown Tabby Cat Adoption The SPCA of Polk County will be offering cats and kittens for adoption for $20. The adoption fee covers the spay/neuter

surgery, rabies vaccination, micro-chip and the cats/kittens will be up to date on their feline vaccinations. The first 10 adopters will receive a free copy of the book Downton Tabby by Chris Kelly. There will be refreshments, door prizes and a drawing for a gift card to a local Livingston restaurant. Come out between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to hobnob with feline nobility and find your purr-fect aristocat. ID and references are required for adoption. 802 South Houston, Livingston, TX. www.spcaofpolkcounty.org phone 936-327-7722 FOREST COUNTRY 30-May 1 — WACO: 56th Annual Waco Gem and Mineral Show by The Waco Gem and Mineral Club at the Extraco Events Center on Saturday April 30th and Sunday. Show Hours are: Saturday- 9-6; Sunday 10-5; Admission Prices: Adults $5, Children ages 6-12 $1, Scouts in Uniform free, Parking - free, Some of the items you will be able to find at our Show, Cabs, slabs, precious and semi-precious gemstones, handmade jewelry, geodes, fossils and much more! For more information please see www.wacogemandmineral.org Or Facebook event page at: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1614239535487235/ PRAIRIES AND LAKES

marketplace

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

COUNTRY AS CORNBREAD H By LOIS MARIE GUYMER

Adventuresome Sleepin’

he other day some friends and I were laughing and talking about the old Andy Griffith show. Still a favorite of ours, the part we were remembering involved an episode in which a guest was invited to stay overnight. As a result, Opey volunteered to give up his room and sleep on an ironing board stretched between two chairs. He called it “adventuresome sleeping!” Well, I’ve never slept on an ironing board, but .... Growing up, Mama’s folks lived about three hours away from us. Once every couple of months we would load up and go spend the weekend with them. My Grandma only had one extra bedroom so my brother and I, and any cousins who decided to stay the night, were afforded the pleasure of sleeping in the living room. Back then, a “dream cloud” was the closet thing to an air mattress people had ever heard of. But my Grandma, being the far-sighted woman she was, kept an extra mattress stacked on top of her spare bed just for company. When night closed in, this “country guest bed” was dragged off, up-righted, then tugged into the living room and flopped onto the floor. The lucky ones got to sleep on it, simply ignoring the numerous feet crowding by as the grownups finally bid goodnight and went to bed. My grandparents also owned an old-timey davenport, or couch, that folded down to accommodate guests. To accomplish this feat, it first had to be slid way out away from the wall. Then my Daddy and Grandpa would each get on an end (davenports were built solid back then) and lift the seat portion from off the floor, tipping the back toward the wall until the bottom raised high enough to unhinge itself. At this point, the back would be lying

flat, and the front could then be lowered to form a smooth sleeping surface. Only it wasn’t! The newly created “bed” had a gorge running down the middle deep enough to rival the Grand Canyon! To remedy the problem, Mama simply folded one of Grandma’s quilts and stuffed the length with it. It worked great for about half of the night, but eventually our wiggling usually walked the quilt out of the crevice. From that point on, it was giggle or grouch and each man for himself, as we fought to hang on to the edge and keep from sliding down into the great divide. It was either that or roll off, crawl over to the mattress, and shove someone over far enough to join them. Talk about adventuresome sleeping! I can’t recall how many mornings I woke up on the floor to the smell of coffee and sausage frying. Rolling off the mattress onto my knees, I’d carefully stand and stretch out the kinks, then straggle into the kitchen for some hugs and heavenly sustenance. Back then Grandma’s house, while not ancient, still had a porch across the front that we used as a sort of den/dining room when the weather was good. It was where the old folks gathered to fan and cool off on hot summer nights, and where we youngsters collapsed to dangle our legs and listen after chasing lightening bugs around the yard. It was also where we usually ate, Grandma’s kitchen being small at best, and tiny with the men folks gathered around the table. Many a warm summer morning we cousins would congregate there, plates full of eggs and hearts full of plans about what to do that day. Somehow we never got to tired to figure out something fun, even after a long and restless night of pleasurable, adventuresome sleeping!

You may purchase a copy of Mrs. Guymer’s book, Country As Cornbread, 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 MARCH 2016

MARCH 2016

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS FARM & HOME MARCH 2016