Texas farm & home sept 2015 by Texas Farm & Home

TEXAS FARM & HOME

SEPTEMBER 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

VOLUME 5

•

NUMBER 11

SEPTEMBER 2015 20

8 Rural Ramblings 46 History & Heritage 66 Texas Travels 68 Gardening Basics

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Round Top resounds with Notable buildings

IN EVERY ISSUE

SECTIONS

Lockkhart’s Southwest Museum of clocks and Watches features rare historic pieces

55 Recipes 62 Cafés Across Texas 72 Texas Events 77 Marketplace 78 Country As Cornbread

SEPTEMBER 2015

Big Names in a Small Town: The Piney Woods Fine Arts Association celebrating 25 Years

Fred Gipson, Author of “Old Yeller”, enthralled millions with tales

ON THE COVER

A Peter Stretch Clock from 1710 at the Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches Photo by Christina Stewart

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editor’s welcome

Christina Cutler Stewart

There’s no place like home

n a recent trip across Texas I discovered something, there is no short way to get anywhere. The trip from our home to the Southwest Museum of Clocks recently took us slightly less than four hours. Looking at a map, you know, one of those folding maps of Texas, it does not look like we traveled that far. Open up an atlas, though, and look at the New England states and you realize we could have gone across three states during that time. Still, I can’t complain because I am still in Texas after all, and there is no better place to be. Although when we plan a vacation to some place like Colorado, the distance seems daunting, especially with two small children, but the trip would not be that bad if we did not have to go all the way across Texas. After searching for places to go and looking for things to see I realize Texas is a wonderful place. Sure, the Rockies are spectacular, the redwoods of California

are surely great, glaciers I am sure are special, the Great Lakes are probably far beyond mediocre. The thing is, none of those places are home, and as Dorothy so wisely said in the Wizard of Oz, “There’s no place like home.” Isn’t that the truth? Summer vacations are great, it is fun to see all of the different places, but the best part of any trip is when the vehicle comes to a stop in front of our door, and we walk into our own house and sleep once again in our own bed. Home is just such a special place, and this time of year it seems even better as there is just no better place to be than snuggled in your home on a cool fall eve-

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FARM & HOME MANAGING EDITORS

ning. Wayne and I have never strayed too far from home. We went to Mexico on our honeymoon, we went up to Iowa and Nebraska once and traveled to the Four Corners area in Colorado a few years ago, but that’s about as far from home as we have gotten, but the older we get the less the travel bug bites us. No matter where we go, though, and where we live, for those who have given their lives to Christ we are reminded the world is just a temporary place. Here on this earth we are just residents as our citizenship is in Heaven. The Bible says we are just pilgrims passing through, we are here for a while, and then our time is up. During that short amount of time we are to live as Christ lived, and in many ways that means in service to others so they can learn there is a better place they can truly call home. He tells us He is there right now preparing a place for us, that’s a promise He made, “There’s no place like home.” TFH

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

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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.

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rural ramblings

Wayne Stewart

Rosie and Daisy, Hereford gilts that now call the Stewart farm home, enjoy a Pennington Watermelon from Grapeland.

New additions on the farm

cious.

ver the years the Stewart household has raised a few pigs and they all tasted deli-

A few weeks ago Christina and I decided to go in a bit different direction. Instead of just buying a couple of 2-month-old pigs, feeding them out and then butchering them, we decided to try and raise some pigs of

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our own. We discovered Rob and Kelly of Neches, in Anderson County, here by way of Montana, which I am sure they missed when it got up to 105 or more several days in August. They breed and raise Hereford Hogs, a strikingly beautiful breed of hog colored just like the cattle of that same name â&#x20AC;&#x201D; red with white face. We appreciate their help in this endeavor and their selection of fine swine, two of which have taken up residence with us â&#x20AC;&#x201D; outside in their own pen of course.

Needless to say Claire fell in love with the two girls immediately, and helped us give them the name Daisy and Rosie, as all pigs should be named after dainty flowers. Sam has reservations about the pigs; he enjoys looking at them as long as they do not get too close. The pigs enjoy pressing their wet snouts against his baby-skinned legs, which usually ends up with a cry for “Momma.” Dad is just there to pick stuff up and to roll him around a bit. Back to the pigs, having never raised breeding sows before we are having to change up the fencing and operation a bit to allow them more room to roam than we did our feeder pigs, while making sure our fences are hog proof. We also are trying to make sure all the hog pens are double fenced to keep them from coming into direct contact with any wild hogs scampering about — something we are not short on having. As the years go by most animals outgrow their cute stage and the same is true with swine as most folks will not call a 600-pound sow cute, but who am I to judge. Cute or not, we look forward to having some babies from the girls sometime in 2016. Oh, and by the way, pork may be our family’s favorite type of meat, though we will not tell Daisy and Rosie. Still, it is enjoyable watching the young pigs root around the ground searching for an acorn here and there, or finding a mud hole and flopping around it for a few minutes before heading out for another exploring expedition. Lonesome Dove probably is one of my favorite movies and is definitely up there when it comes to literature, and seeing the pigs definitely makes me nostalgic for the movie. Soon after we got the pigs we posted a picture of them on the Texas Farm & Home Facebook page and one of our readers commented they named their cows but never their hogs. I responded, but ended with a quote from Lonesome Dove’s Jake Spoon when he told Gus, “Folks that keep pigs ain’t no better than farmers.” For my fellow Lonesome Dove fans, here are a few quotes on pigs from the movie, “You’ll have us the laughing stock of the whole country with that, ‘We don’t rent pigs part.’” Gus responded to Call’s upbraid by saying, “Well, we don’t rent pigs; because a man that rents pigs is… he’s hard to stop.” Later, as the group made it’s way into Montana Gus told Call they should let the pigs ride in the wagon, which of course, made Call bristle a bit. Nevertheless, I am convinced of a couple of things, no farm should be without pigs, or a copy of Lonesome Dove. For those who have been waiting for it, no home should be without Jesus Christ. For without Him there is nothing. Recently our preacher made a statement during a message particularly poignant for people searching for some type of meaning in their lives, as our lives only mean something through Jesus Christ, as He should be the only source of our self worth — He truly is our fountain of life. Fall is getting busy, but try not to forget the most important thing in life. TFH

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{Talkin’ Texas} Reader Mail H Reader Stories H Reader Opinions

A LETTER FROM “KIN FOLKS” Dear Texas Farm & Home I have to tell you guys you have an amazing magazine!!! I truly get excited when it arrives!! I love the witness of Jesus you inject in your business and sharing with your subscribers!!

I love the recipes!! I keep each issue and use it as a resource as to things to do and places to go through this wonderful state of Texas! Your magazine is like getting a special letter from “kin folks” back home!!! God bless — I pray He blesses you abundantly.

Irene Bridges Hometown girl from Normangee and Madisonville EDITOR’S NOTE: Thank you so much for your kind words and thank you for your prayers. Over the course of our lives God has blessed us abundantly, more than we could ever deserve; of course, that is the thing about grace, it isn’t deserved, but out of love God gives it anyway. What a wonderful Savior we serve. I am sure Irene won’t mind this call to invitation: that promise of abundance is there for all, not material abundance, but joy from the freedom of belonging to Jesus Christ; a spirit of joy that makes the things of this world seem like dust. If any would like to talk about what it takes to come to Jesus, please e-mail me at wstewart@texasfarmandhome.com.

WILSON, TEXAS COTTON GIN First: I am Henry Skupin and I live in Houston, Texas but I grew up on a farm outside of Rosebud, Texas. A couple of years ago You published a very complimentary article about the book I wrote on “Growing Up On the Farm” In Rosebud, Texas, In the 40s and 50s. Thank you for that. I visited my brother David Skupin in Rosebud in early November and he took me to a cotton gin in Wilson, Texas. Wilson is on Farm Road 1671 about 6 miles west of Rosebud. No one actually lives in Wilson but the cotton gin there is amazing. David is on the board of the COOP Gin so he is fairly knowledgeable about it. They ginned 36,600 bales this past cotton season between late August and mid December. As I stood and watched the gin was kicking out a 500 pound bale every 2 minutes and 45 seconds that was placed in a plastic bag that is suitable for export. David said they can actually go even faster than that. When we were there, there were cotton modules everywhere, each contained four to fifteen bales waiting their turn to be ginned. I would estimate there were 5,000 to 10,000 bales crammed onto the gin’s property, if not even more. Some modules were even located a mile or two from the gin because the gin property was totally full. Some of the cotton was trucked to the gin from up to 150 miles away. Most people know this, but a cotton gin removes all of the trash from the cotton, separates the seed and the cotton into two separate products, and compresses 500 pounds of ginned cotton into about 2 feet by 2 feet by 40 inches. Almost everything is automated and I did not see a single worker that appeared to be working up a sweat. Remember, I am a city boy today so please verify any data I give you before printing a story. I would recommend that you visit the site in mid October to get the full impact of what is going on there. I even bought a jar of “clover honey” from Cameron, Texas while I was there. Henry Skupin

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KEEPING TIME Lockhart’s Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches features rare historic pieces Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

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“

Gene Galbraith, horologist

“

I impart a lot of feeling and emotion into every clock here. I work hard at giving each piece the respect it deserves and I try to treat each one equally. — Gene Galbraith

ankind has been marking time for millennia, whether by following the seasons or staring at the sun, they have sought to break down the earth’s natural cycles into measurable moments. Much of that history is chronicled at the Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches in downtown Lockhart. This one-of-a-kind museum presents not just the history of timekeeping, but the evolution of clocks, not only in America, but throughout Europe. To go along with the history, there

”

are dozens of clocks on display from small shelf clocks, to long case clocks — today known as grandfather clocks — to tower clocks and other specialty clocks most could never imagine. Behind the museum is the mechanical genius of Gene Galbraith, a modern-day horologist (timepiece expert), who ended up in Lockhart when he was asked to restore the Caldwell County Courthouse clock tower seven years ago. From Mr. Galbraith’s work on the tower, a museum was born, a museum meant to literally, mark the time. For Mr. SEPTEMBER 2015

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KEEPING TIME

ABOVE: A tower clock set up in the museum gives guests a glimpse of how it works. LEFT: Bob Brewer, a local historian, explains the mechanics of a clock. FACING PAGE: Dan Sweet talks about a 1710 Peter Stretch clock(featured on the cover of this magazine). A hip toggle clock was one of the early battery operated clocks. In the background are banjo clocks.

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Galbraith, a former music teacher, there is no favorite clock of his in the museum, as each one has its own special story of how it came to be in the museum, and its own space in the history of clocks. “I impart a lot of feeling and emotion into every clock here,” Mr. Galbraith said with a grin. “I work hard at giving each piece the respect it deserves and I try to treat each one equally.” He takes a fatherly view of the clocks in the museum, and his care has been noted as the Texas Historical Commission has recognized the museum for its efforts in restoring clock towers across the state and it preservation work in the community. In 2013 the Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches received the prestigious John L. Nau III Award of Excellence in Museums. Helping Mr. Galbraith at the museum, which is open only on Saturdays, or by appointments, are dedicated volunteers. Dan Sweet, called by Mr. Galbraith the “Wizard of Time,” as he gives visitors an in-depth tour and history of the pieces of the museum; also helping out are Bob Brewer, a local Lockhart historian and Dianne Stevenson, who also serves on the Board of Directors for the museum. Inside the museum, separate galleries are dedicated to different types of clocks, as there is an American clock gallery, a French and German clock gallery, shelf clocks, and many other types. “In our American gallery, every clock in it was designed by an American,” Mr. Sweet, noted. “There are Seth Thomas clocks, we have a large selection of those; we have a Peter Stretch clock…” That Peter Stretch clock is the oldest clock in the museum, dating to 1710, made in Philadelphia. It is a long case clock and it is quite special. “This clock was handed down from father, to son, and so on,” Mr. Sweet explained. “From what we have learned, it is the oldest Peter Stretch clock in existence and it is the seventh clock he ever made.” Another popular clock in the American collection are the banjo clocks, first designed by Simon Willard, which made the early clocks a more manageable size, something most of the early clocks were not. Early versions of clocks, according to Mr. Galbraith, began as sundials. From there mechanics began to play a role in time keeping.

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KEEPING TIME

“Time keeping really began in the 1330s to 1350s with sun dials,” Mr. Galbraith explained. “They really were crude and primitive, then they developed techniques for making gears interact and then telling time on a dial. Timekeeping really began to evolve through the 1500s and 1600s — that’s when it really took off.” Much of the evolution of clock making goes back to some enterprising blacksmiths. “We owe a lot to the smiths,” Mr. Galbraith continued. “They were instrumental in setting up the foundries to fashion the gears and develop the clock parts and to figure out how they interact, to know how many teeth to put on a gear and then learn how to power them. “The first (mechanical) clocks were powered by water, some were even powered by wind and some used donkeys to turn big wooden gears. Eventually they added weights to power the mechanical clocks,” Mr. Galbraith added. The advent of the mechanical clock was one of the engines that powered the industrial revolution; it also spawned its own industry as clock making became a huge industry on the American East Coast. Many delved into clock making, including founding father Benjamin Franklin. There is a replica of Franklin’s clock in the museum. “The clock keeps great time,” Mr. Sweet said as he explained how the clock operated. “The only thing about this clock is, you have to know what time it is in order to know what time it is, as

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it is very hard to read.” Clocks are mechanical works of art, and possibly one of the greatest works of art in the museum also may be one of its most famous and treasured, the desk clock of the famous circus master P.T. Barnum. “The clock originally started as music box,” Mr. Sweet explained. “It has two paintings of King David, one of him being crowned king by the tribes of Israel, and the other of him being tended by a Shunammite woman in his elderly years. The music of the desk actually is an organ consisting of 72 hand-carved pipes. A drum with bellows pumps air into the pipes to play the music and makes dancers FACING PAGE: twirl near the top of the desk. Mr. Sweet points The clock was added to the desk in to dancers on top 1831. of the desk clock “How do we know it was 1831?” Mr. owned by P.T. BarSweet asked. “Well, when Gene (Mr. num. TOP: From left, Galbraith) was restoring the clock Dan Sweet, Gene he found a German newspaper from Galbraith and Bob March 1831 used as a shim.” Brewer. ABOVE: A The desk, made from mahogany Seth Thomas Mantel from Honduras, first came into BarClock, circa 1909, num’s possession after he saw it durfeatured a wood ing a tour of a castle in southern Gercase with Adamanmany. tine finish. “He bought it and he ships it back to America,” Mr. Sweet said. “When SEPTEMBER 2015

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KEEPING TIME

Courtesy Photo

he got it home, everybody always wanted to come see it and hear it play. “Ever the businessman, he has a hole carved into it so people had to put money into it to make it play,” Mr. Sweet added. The piece was one of Barnum’s favorite pieces of furniture, but his wife did not like it, so when he died she had it shipped to a ranch he owned near Huntsville and it stayed there for 80 years until it came into the possession of Mr. Galbraith and the clock museum. It took him four years to restore Dianne Stevenson, a member of the museum staff and board the clock. member. “We got a call from the Florida Circus Museum and they wanted us to donate it to them,” Mr. Sweet told. “We told them we were grateful they recognized the desk, but we were not going to part with it.” During the restoration process Mr. Galbraith had to learn a lot more than just clocks. “Learning how the organ works, the bellows and the air tubes was a matter of disassembly,” Mr. Galbraith said. “There really is no book that tells all of that. I did learn organs look much like the inside of a clock.” There are dozens of other clocks with their own stories in the museum, such as a tower clock brought to the U.S. from a cathedral destroyed during the London Blitz in World War II; there also is the rare radio clock only made by a couple of companies. Inside every clock is an act of discovery for horologists like Mr. Galbraith, who loves unlocking their secrets. Some of those secrets are inside old clock towers across Texas, and one of the goals of the museum is the restoration of these clock towers around the state through their tower clock initiative. “There are 50 county courthouses with tower clocks,” Mr. Galbraith said. “Only about a dozen of those works and six of them we restored.” Which is one of the reasons the Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches received the Texas Historical Commission Award of Excellence, for being distinguished in the art of horology. ——— To learn more about the Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches, visit their website at www.swmuseumofclocks.org. TFH

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Courtesy Photo

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Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

Schueddemagaen Home

REMARKABLY HISTORIC Round Top resounds with historic buildings Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

ound Top may be famous for its twice a year antiques fair, but stroll around town and look at all the historic buildings and houses and it becomes abundantly clear Round Top is all about maintaining its historic roots. Building after building in Round Top has a fascinating history behind it, whether it is a hand-hewn log structure, or a frame building, they all are a part of history and are on display for visitors to see. For visitors to Round Top wanting to see these special buildings here is something to note — they all are historical, but here are just a few of the historic buildings in Round Top proper — this list is by no means comprehensive. The surrounding countryside is replete with its own buildings from Texas’ bygone days, deserving their own nod, but that will be saved for another day.

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Haw Creek Church

A Fayette County precinct courthouse replica sits in downtown Round Top.

h SEPTEMBER 2015

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REMARKABLY HISTORIC

The barn behind the Schueddemagaen Home

Schueddemagen Home

— this house, built in 1852 by Carl Siegismunde Bauer, is one of the most visible homes in Round Top as it sits at the intersection of FM 237 and Rock Street. The house is an example of Teutonic architecture and is a replica of the family’s home in Wiesa, in the Kingdom of Saxony

Bethlehem Lutheran Church Scherrer Cabin

Scherrer Cabin — Located in Henkel Square at the corner of North Live Oak and Main Street, this cabin was built by Bernard Scherrer, of Switzerland, who reached Texas in 1833. During the Texas Revolution Scherrer served in Burleson’s regiment and received a land grant in Colorado County, but chose instead to settle in Fayette County in 1838. He also served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. The cabin was his first residence built in Round Top.

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Bethlehem Lutheran Church

— Lutherans first started organizing in Round Top in the early 1850s. Conrad and Whilhelmine Schueddemagen sold the land for the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and adjacent cemetery to the congregation in 1865. The church, built of native limestone cost $2,400 to build. Two bells were erected for the church. Local cedar was used to build the pipe organ, which features 408 pipes and 51 keys. The organ was dedicated in 1867 and is still played at church services. The official dedication of the church came in October of 1866. Bethlehem Lutheran still has an active congregation.

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REMARKABLY HISTORIC Wandke House — Built by Johann Traugott Wandke, who came to Texas from Prussia along with his wife and two children in 1855. The family first lived in La Grange, then moved to Round Top in 1860. In 1863 they built their stone house and workshop. Mr. Wandke was a well-known mechanic and cabinetmaker, but according to the Handbook of Texas, he was best known for his organs he built for churches in the area, including the historic Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Round Top. Mary Phelps House — A large two-story sided house in Henkel Square belies the historic nature of this old home. While it does not have a recorded building date, there are logs beneath the siding, and the house is a closed-in dog run house with added porches on the front and back. The house was originally located about 2 miles north of Henkel Square, and originally was owned by Mary Phelps, who came to Texas from Connecticut with her neighbor, Moses Austin. She later was widowed, but still managed to receive a land grant from the Mexican government. Haw Creek Church — One of the focal points of Henkel Square, the Haw Creek Church originally was located about 5 miles south of Round Top and was built in 1872. Over the years it served as a Lutheran Church, schoolhouse and a community center. LEFT: An old barn and windmill near downtown Round Top are fine examples of some of the old buildings and structures located around the historic town.

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Wandke House

The Mary Phelps House is now home to the Blue Door.

Haw Creek Church SEPTEMBER 2015

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REMARKABLY HISTORIC

Muckleroy House

Muckleroy House â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Originally located 22 miles away in the Frelsberg area, the house was built by Mike Muckleroy in 1840. The hand-hewn structure was built in the dog-trot style, which provided for a cooler climate in the hot Texas summers. It featured three rooms downstairs and two rooms upstairs and originally sported a kitchen behind the house.

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Muckleroy House Kitchen

Muckleroy House Kitchen â&#x20AC;&#x201D; This building, now home to The Garden Company, once served as a detached kitchen for safety reasons, and to help keep the house a bit cooler during a hot Texas summer. It was originally built in 1840.

Henkel House

Henkel House — This home, built in 1852 by Edward Henkel is now home to Royer’s Pie Haven inside Henkel Square. Edward Henkel came to Round Top in 1846 and was instrumental in establishing the community. He also built and owned a general store, which burned in 1924. Building materials in the house consists of cedar and pine and still has the original floors.

The Apothecary Shop

The Apothecary Shop — Built in 1875 by Edward Henkel for his friend Mr. Recknagel, it served as a drug store while Mr. Recknagel’s wife operated a photography studio in one corner. Today The Apothecary Shop is home to Indian Creek.

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ROUND TOP ANTIQUES FAIR Historic town comes alive for annual event

wo times every year Round Top fills with people looking for something unique that cannot be found anywhere else. For those who are really looking, not just looking for a one-of-a-kind antique, but looking for something special it can be found just by being in Round Top. This beautiful community of 90 tucked away in the rolling countryside of Fayette County is its own special find. Stroll through the antique homes and buildings of Round Top. Meet the warm and friendly people, and get an idea of what Texas is all about. Endless shopping, dining, music, arts and antiques has made this town with a population of just 90 people a major destination stop for thousands of Texans looking to get away from the big city life, if for just a little while. The big draw, though, is the Antiques Fair, which begins on September 17 and runs through the first weekend in October. During this time thousands of people flood the hills, pastures and valleys around Round Top looking for something special. Also, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the antiques exhibits in the surrounding communities of Warrenton, Carmine, Burton, Fayetteville, Shelby and Rutersville, but the original always will be Round Top. The original Round Top Antique Show began in 1967 with just 22 dealers at the Round Top Rifle Hall. It met with success which spawned several other shows over the years which now span a 10-mile radius around Round Top. Some of the shows are in historic dance halls while others take up acres in local pas-

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tures under enormous tents. Most of the shows are located along FM 237; some shows require entrance fees while others are free to the public. Exhibitors from across the country, with many vendors from Europe. Some of the products exhibitors sell include old tools, architectural pieces, furniture, art and much more. There are numerous lodging accommodations in the area surrounding Round Top, including the larger cities of La Grange and Brenham. To learn more about the individual antiques exhibits and other activities in and around Round Top during this busy time, visit the Round Top Chamber of Commerce website at www.roundtop.org. TFH

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BIG NAMES IN A SMALL TOWN

Piney Woods Fine Arts Association celebrates 25 years Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

very year for the past 25 years some of the biggest names in entertainment come to Crockett thanks to the work of the people of the Piney Woods Fine Arts Association. From country music legend Willie Nelson to famed silent performer Marcel Marceau, Over the years a group of dedicated volunteers, and a determined man managed to get such quality performers, including stage acting, classical music, country, rock and eclectic performances and maybe anything else people can think of bringing to town. “It’s all timing and attitude,” noted recently retired PW-

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Recently retired PWFAA Executive Director Bryan Lake (top) looks at the posters from the acts that have visited over the years that include famous singers such as Willie Nelson above).

SUPPORTING PWFAA

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PWFAA FAA Executive Director Bryan Lake. “I worked on Kenny Rogers for 30 years before I got him to come here, so it takes a lot of persistence.” When it comes to bringing the big names, which PWFAA has done year after year, routing has a lot to do with it as the organization is able to bring in acts as they are traveling between major destination points. What also helps is Mr. Lake and his wife produced and toured with a children’s theater troop for nearly 30 years before coming back to his hometown of Crockett. “When we toured we went through a lot of places like Crockett and in all those years we discovered things that worked and things that didn’t, so when we came back home, with the help of some people here in the community like Dr. Patrick Walker, who was very influential in helping to get us (PWFAA) started.” Behind all of this work lies a desire to pass on the love of the arts to following generations. “Our bylaws requires us to promote cultural awareness through the performing arts,” Mr. Lake said. Over the years PWFAA has worked with all the schools in Houston County to promote the arts, but many of the schools, regrettably according to Mr. Lake, are dropping the arts programs from their curriculum, and it is creating a void in the education of children. All the acts brought to Crockett are

special, but there are a few that stand out in Mr. Lake’s mind after 25 years of putting these performers on stage. “The Smother’s Brothers have been here twice,” Mr. Lake said. “When they first came here I was so star struck, because I grew up watching them on TV, but the second time they were here it was on Dicky’s 70th birthday, and we had a 70th birthday party for him here in Crockett.” He also mentions Lyle Lovett as being a genuine nice guy along with Willie Nelson, both of whom have been some of the most popular acts brought to Crockett by the Piney Woods Fine Arts Association. It was a Merle Haggard concert that introduced the Gold Circle special seating section to PWFAA concerts. Over the years the country music acts have filled seats and brought a lot of people to the area, but it is some of the more non-traditional acts that may be some of Mr. Lake’s favorites, and truly bring more artistic acts to East Texas. “One of my favorites had to be when Marcel Marceau came in 2001,” Mr. Lake recalled. “He really was the original performance artist. He spent four or five days here and he really hit it off with some of the people around here. My wife has a theater book she has collected over the years and she showed it to him and he had these incredible stories of all the people in it. It really was a cool thing having him here.”

Along the walls of the Piney Woods Fine Arts Association are 25 years worth of playbills, from the first one, Maggini Strings Quartet to the latest, serving as a remembrance of the time and hard work put into every performance. “Every concert is kind of like having a baby,” Mr. Lake joked. “You put all this work into it, and when the concert is going on and when it’s over, you forget all that hard work.” Twenty-five years of work, of performers, of acts usually only reserved for a large city or a university campus have been a part of a small East Texas town, bringing a bit of respite from everyday life. “Working with children has always been one of my favorite parts of doing this,” Mr. Lake said. “Kids always make the best audience.” But, so do people wanting a chance to experience something a bit more in their lives, and that is why Mr. Lake and other worked so hard the past quarter-century. As for the future, Mr. Lake said he hopes the volunteers and the people taking over Piney Woods Fine Arts Association will, “keep something on the lower shelf for the little guys,” so everybody can enjoy something a little special in their lives. For more on the Piney Woods Fine Arts Association and the work they do in the community, or to purchase tickets, visit their website at www. pwfaa.org.

Along the walls of the Piney Woods Fine Arts Association are 25 years worth of playbills, from the first one, Maggini Strings Quartet (left) to Marcel Marceau (right).

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SUPPORTING PWFAA

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PWFAA ANNOUNCES ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON Multiple genres of entertainment to be presented including The Charlie Daniels Band, Kenney Rogers and Driving Miss Daisy

Kenney Rogers

he Piney Woods Fine Arts Association is preparing for its 25th anniversary of bringing the best acts in the performing arts to East Texas. The season will open with the annual Piney Woods PolkaFest and will continue to feature such acts as The Charlie Daniels Band, Kenny Rogers, Driving Miss Daisy and Bill Haley Jr. and The Comets. The 25th anniversary season presents multiple genres of entertainment that is fun for the whole family so don’t miss out on seeing these amazing acts this season! Those who wish to become a season ticket holder are encouraged to start their membership now. Season ticket holders are able to choose their seats before the general public to assure they get the seats they desire for every show and are the first to choose from the reserved seats for special events. August 24th is the deadline for new contributors. Contributions cover more than 45 percent of the total operating budget and not only help to bring world-class performers to the stage but also support a wide variety of education programs for children. Following is a complete list of PWFAA’s 25th anniversary series: Piney Woods PolkaFest! Music by Brave Combo – Sat. Oct. 3, 7 p.m. Back by popular demand at the Houston County Airport, this 7 Grammy nominated polka/rock band, Brave Combo, has been a huge success in the Texas music scene for more than 25 years! This show will be fun for the whole family so come and show off your best chicken dance, eat authentic food, and enjoy the beer garden. Funded in part by a grant from Texas Commission on the Arts and sponsored by Cutshaw Chevrolet and Wal-Mart. General Admission tickets are $27. Restless & Reckless: Restless Heart and Reckless Kelly – Fri. Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. Restless Heart has close to a dozen #1 hits and albums! This legendary music group has been performing for more than 30 years! Reckless Kelly, root-rockers known for the integrity

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The Charlie Daniels Band of their musical approach, the hard-core energy of their live shows, and the fierce loyalty of their fans. Houston County Electric Co Op and Brookshire Brothers sponsor this event. Ticket prices start at $42. Special Event: The Charlie Daniels Band – Fri. Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. The Charlie Daniels Band has Gold, Platinum, and MultiPlatinum albums, multiple awards from the CMA, The Academy of Country Music, and the Gospel Music Association, and won a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance in 1979. Charlie has been furiously playing the fiddle for more than 50 years and was inducted as a full-fledged member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008. Sponsored by Thomas L. Driskell, this special event will be a hit! Ticket prices start at $57. The Vocal Majority Christmas Show – Sat. Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. Back by popular demand, this is the only act that has been brought back three times! This Dallas-based, 150 male voice chorus is billed as America’s Premier Pop Chorus and has sung for the Queen of England, the Mormon Tabernacle choir, for presidents of the United States and this December they will sing for you! Funded in part by a grant from Texas Commission on the Arts and sponsored by The Shelor & Maurine Edminston Charitable Foundation and H-E-B. Ticket prices start at $32. Special Event: Kenny Rogers – Sat. Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m. Kenny Rogers has sold more than 120 million albums worldwide; making him one of the top ten best selling male solo acts of all time. With 24 #1 hits, he has won many awards including 3 Grammys, 19 American Music awards, 11 People’s Choice awards, 8 Academy of Country Music awards, and 6 Country Music Association awards. Don’t miss out on this special event sponsored by Sam and Ginger Gregg. Tickets start at $62. Driving Miss Daisy – Fri. Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m.

SUPPORTING PWFAA

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PWFAA Starring Antonio Fargas (Everybody Hates Chris, Starsky and Hutch, All My Children) and Dawn Wells (Gilligan’s Island), Driving Miss Daisy is the touching and funny story of the nearly three-decade friendship that develops between an elderly and wealthy Southern lady and her black chauffer. Sponsored by Citizens National Bank and Dean Insurance Agency. Ticket prices start at $32. The Texas Guitar Quartet – Sat. Mar. 19, 7:30 p.m. Unique passions and talents are brought to this ensemble dedicated to presenting chamber music of the highest quality. “This quartet performs with virtuosity, clarity, balance, and a refined character which will help to establish them as one of today’s leading guitar quartets” – Guitar International. Funded in part by a grant from Texas Commission on the Arts and sponsored by Wilma Foote Music Club. General Admission tickets are $27. Bill Haley Jr. and The Comets – Sat. Apr. 2, 7:30 p.m. This high-energy five piece combo will be performing a rousing, crowd-pleasing set of songs first recorded at the dawn of Rock n Roll in the early and mid 1950s. This Rock n Roll History Show features the music of Bill Haley Jr. and will perform not only the hits, but the earlier songs as well. Sponsored by Callaway-Allee Funeral Home and Coldwell Banker. Tickets start at $22. All tickets can be purchased at pwfaa. org. Tickets for the 25th anniversary season start at $135. Single tickets for the PolkaFest go on sale September 1st. Single tickets for all other shows go on sale September 14th. All shows, subject to change, are at the Crockett Civic Center unless otherwise stated. There are no refunds, exchanges, or exceptions. For more information call the PWFAA office at (936) 544-4276 MondayFriday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or stop in to visit at 603 E Goliad, Ste 203, Crockett, TX. Like us on Facebook to receive important updates and announcements. TFH

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FALL FESTIVALS

YOUR GUIDE TO HERITAGE & AUTUMN CELEBRATIONS

Pictured are books by Myra Hargrave Mcilvain (left) and Ken Bangs (right). They will be two of the authors featured at the 10th annual Texas Word Wrangler Festival in Giddings on September 11. BELOW: Visitors get the opportunity to talk with the authors during the festival on varied topics such as childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stories, quilting, archeology and poetry.

Fall Festivities Texas towns come alive with autumn celebrations Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

all is finally here and for many out there the changing seasons means the time has arrived to head out the front door and enjoy the life and culture of a Texas fall festival. Just about every town or community in Texas has its own special way of doing things, and for its people it definitely is the best thing going. So, whether it is a festival of a people like the Wendish Festival in Serbin, near Giddings, which has its own special festival, or celebrating the arrival of Fall in Huntsville, or the opening battle of Texas Independence in Gonzales, there is something for everybody across this great state. SEPTEMBER 2015

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FALL FESTIVALS

YOUR GUIDE TO HERITAGE & AUTUMN CELEBRATIONS

The Wendish Festival will be held Sept. 27 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church (left) in Serbin. The art of decorating Wendish Eggs (right) will be demonstrated at the event.

Giddings Texas Word Wrangler Festival Looking for something a bit more academic this fall, then head to Giddings for it’s 10th annual Texas Word Wrangler Festival on Friday, Sept. 11. The Giddings Public Library & Cultural Center along with the Giddings Chamber of Commerce are proud to use words to convey ideas, stories and to portray people and places. Some of the notable authors to be at the event this year have written on such varied topics as children’s stories, the art of quilting, archeology, poetry, Texas cookbooks, bird watching, fiction stories, history, historical fiction, mystery, romance, music, gardening and just about anything else related to Texas and life in it. Authors get to sell their books and get to know the people buying them and reading them. Some authors read and talk to the groups visiting the library. On Thursday, Sept. 10, authors will visit with area schools about being authors and how a book is written. The authors are formally introduced to the community that night at a fund-raising gala. The main library event is held on Friday, Sept. 11.

Thirty authors are on tap for the event and will man individual author stations in the library. Authors scheduled to attend are: Ken Bangs, author of Rosco Jack of Gateway Farm and Arctic Warriors; Angie Barton My Name is Hanna and I’m Adopted; historic writer Ann Bell; Lurlene Bowden cookbook writer; fiction writer Connie Carson; Lara Chapman, writer for young adults; Art Costello author of Expectation Therapy; Ann Crawford; fiction writer Bob Doerr; Dorothy Drulman, children and young adult writer; Pat Durham author of Nyger’s Advent Journey; children’s writer Laura W. Edkroat; R. Wayne Edwards (The Family Poet), Jamie S. Foley Christian/Young adult writer; Deborah Frontiera, known writer in various genre; Celia Hayes author of books with a Texas theme; fiction writer Lydia Hill author of Finding Home, The Orphan’s Journey; Pamela Fagan Hutchins recognized as one of the top writers in Texas and author of Saving Grace among others. Other writers include poet and photographer Cindy Huyser, Brooklyn James fiction writer and musician; Linda Baten Johnson author of books for young readers; Donna Maloy writer of books for tweens, teens and young

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adults; Nancy Robinson Master writer and winner of the Scottish Rite Masons’ Stephen F. Austin Distinguished Service Award, Myra McIlvain writer of all things Texas; Don Mueller Christian writer and author of Signs; Peter O’Loughlin, Connie Peck author of The Black Pony books; Gean Penny (P.G. Shriver); children’s writer Shanalee Sharboneau; children’s book writer Kathleen Shields; romance writer Jackie Smith; Andrea Stehle author of Gods of Arcadia; Elsie Wallach, science fiction writer George Wier, Dee Wilbur (Dee Pipes & Charles Yates), and Debra Winegarten author of several non-fiction books. Special Guest Becka Oliver, Executive Director of the Writers League of Texas, plans to attend this special Giddings event.

Serbin Wendish Festival Regular readers of Texas Farm & Home might recall the story on Wendish Easter Eggs written earlier this year, well, now is the time to go see them get made at the annual Wendish Festival held in Serbin on Sunday Sept. 27.

Visit Giddings: The Depot Capital of Texas

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FALL FESTIVALS

YOUR GUIDE TO HERITAGE & AUTUMN CELEBRATIONS

This special events honors the Wendish people from that migrated to Texas from Central Europe in the mid-1800s. Their unique culture is kept alive during events at this special festival. Sunday’s festivities begin with services at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Serbin. Services begin with an English worship service at 8:30 a.m. followed by German services at 10:30 a.m. with Dr. Curtis P. Giese performing the services. Entertainment for the festival this year features musicians and dancers with the La Grange High School German Club. Other entertainers include the German-Sorbian Volkstheatre Bautzen and musicians with the Sorbian-German-Peruvian theater band. Also, the Floppy Dolls will perform at the St. Paul Lutheran School Gymnasium between the morning worship services. They will perform again during the afternoon. Sorbian egg decorators from the Förderkreis für Sorbische Volkskultur (Society to Promote Sorbian (Wendish) Culture) will be at the festival to demonstrate the art of decorating Wendish Easter eggs. They also will present a collection of award winning eggs to the Wendish Heritage Museum in Serbin. Other activities at the festival include the community meal featur-

ing sausage, sauerkraut, green beans, Wendish noodles, beets, peaches and homemade bread. Other snacks can be purchased during the festival. Traditional live music can be heard throughout the day. Folk life demonstrations include noodle making, sausage stuffing and wine making; along with the Easter egg decorating, quilting and lace making and even some rope making. Recognize the demonstrators by spotting their period attire — which will have its own exhibit. For those wanting to learn what life was like in the 1800s, don’t miss such presentations like spinning, stone ground corn meal, grist mill operation, soap making, blacksmithing, a 1926 fire truck, vintage farm equipment and classic automobiles. If competition is in the blood, then feel free to take part in a washer pitching contest and the cross-cut saw contest. Children can take part in stick horse races, coloring contest, greased pole climbing, face painting, train rides and a bounce house. Also, don’t miss the Texas Wendish Heritage Country Store to take home a memory of one of the most unique festivals in all of Texas. To learn more about the annual Wendish Fest, visit the Texas Wendish Heritage website at texaswendish.org.

Huntsville Fair on the Square Don’t miss Huntsville’s premiere fall event with its annual Fair on the Square festival the first weekend in October. This year, the 41st installment of this annual the festival is set to take place on Saturday, Oct. 3 in downtown Huntsville around the Walker County Courthouse Square. The festival features 380 vendor booths, three live bands, fair food and so much more. A visit to the square is a great way to start shopping for Christmas, which thousands of people take the opportunity to do so. For those attending, don’t miss this year’s new attraction, “Wine Knot.” For $20 partakers receive a commemorative wine glass and eight tastings. Chef pairings also will be at the “Wine Knot,” all set to take place in the parking lot next to First Bank. While the fair officially is a Saturday event, there is a pre-fair concert on the square Friday evening, tickets for the concert are $5; there is no charge for Saturday’s events. The concert features Allados Del Norte, performing in the Beer Garden tent located at the corner of 14th Street and University Avenue. Other

Huntsville’s Annual Fair on the Square is set for Oct. 3 in downtown Huntsville around the Walker County Courthouse Square.

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FALL FESTIVALS

YOUR GUIDE TO HERITAGE & AUTUMN CELEBRATIONS

bands performing for the festival include Singlewide and Raisin’ Cane. What would the Fair on the Square be without its food court, which is sure to tempt patrons with such favorite like sausage on a stick, kettlecorn, and all the deep-fried favorites people come to expect at such an extravaganza? The food court is located at the Walker County Annex parking lot on

the corner of 13th Street and University Avenue. Along with the vendors, local merchants along the square will be open for business and encourage festivalgoers to stop by and see what they have to offer. Plenty of entertainment abounds for the kids as they can play in Kids Korner for free, sponsored by the Boys

and Girls Club of Walker County and Home Depot, take the young ones by their arts and crafts station where children can learn to build and create something of their own. There also will be a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce house, balloon artist, sno-cones, face painting, a rock wall and much more. To learn more about everything happening at the Fair on the Square, visit the website www.faironthesquare.com; or call (936)295-8113 or e-mail the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce at chamber@chamber.huntsville.tx.us.

Gonzales “Come and Take It” Festival Not all fall festivals are alike, and nowhere is it more evident than in arguably one of Texas’ most historic towns — Gonzales. Gonzales is where the fight for Texas independence began on Oct. 2, 1835. It is where the “Come and Take It” flag was made and flew, taunting advancing Mexican forces to take back a tiny cannon from the Texians devoted to defending it. This seemingly minor battle started a war for independence that saw a free and sovereign Texas within seven months. Every year, on the first Saturday in October, this special moment in Texas history is celebrated in Gonzales at the annual “Come and Take It” Festival. The people of Gonzales call it the most historic celebration in Texas. The festival is set this year for Oct. 2-4. During the revolution era of Texas, Gonzales marked the westernmost Anglo settlement in Texas and was laid out in seven public squares in the shape of a cross. During its early time period, Gonzales was one of the most influential towns in Texas, and supplied more men to the Alamo than any other Texas city. In 1835, when 150 mounted Mexican soldiers came to take back the 6-pound cannon given to the people of Gonzales, the “Old Eighteen,” 18 men from Gonzales stood against them. More volunteers came, and with one shot sent the Mexican forces away and in the process began the Texas Revolution. The Come and Take It Festival celebrates that history, plus it has all the trappings of an old-fashioned fall festival.

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“Come and Take It” flag in downtown Gonzales

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FALL FESTIVALS

YOUR GUIDE TO HERITAGE & AUTUMN CELEBRATIONS

Events for the festival include the annual historic parade through downtown Gonzales; a cutting horse event; historical programs throughout the weekend including battle re-enactments; live music; a street dance; biergarten; exhibitors; 5k run; chicken flying contest; food eating contest; canoe race at Lake Wood; carnival; camera club photo contest; Gonzales Art Group show; Come and Take It square dancing; bingo; T-Bone cook-off; Bean & Chili Cook-off; memorial services; food booths; car and motorcycle show; children’s entertainment; petting zoo; mechanical bull; and much more. Some of the live entertainment scheduled for the weekend includes Johnny Lee; John Conlee; Shiner Hobo Band and many more. For folks who just want to head to Gonzales and stay a while, don’t miss the First Shot Cook-Off held Friday through Sunday, Sept. 18-20, which is part of the IBCA BBQ and CASI Chili Cook-Off, also at the event will be an antique tractor exhibit; arts and craft vendors, tractor pull and a 5K run-

walk. Then of course is the Come and Take It Festival the first weekend in October; then on Nov. 6-7, don’t miss the Rusted Gingham Barn Sale. This yearly event features a group of friends

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who like to display vintage finds and special creation all under and old barn. It is a good time to get ready for the Christmas holidays. Visit the Rusted Gingham website at www.rustedgingham.com for more information.

Canton Main Street Autumn Festival Head to Canton two weekends in a row in October, go there for First Monday, then stick around for the Canton Main Street Autumn Festival, formerly the Autumn Stroll, held on Oct. 10 this year. This year the festival features live music, a stew cook-off, arts and crafts fair, children’s area, Downtown Merchants Sidewalk Sale, door prizes; downtown window decorating contest. Events are held in downtown Canton on North Buffalo Street off of Highway 64. Admission to the festival is free. There are other events going on in Canton during this time period, like the Classic Country & Honky-Tonk Music Revival. This is the second installment of this event held at the Canton Civic Center. Shows begin on Thursday, Oct. 8 with all shows during the long weekend beginning at noon. Some of the bands include Jake Hooker & The Outsiders; Joe Dale & The Caddo Creek Band; The Rocky King Band; Jeff Woolsey & The Dancehall Kings; Landon Dodd & The Dance Hall Drifters; and Rance Norton & The Cadillac Cowboys. Also, don’t miss the Lewis Auto Swap Meet, held Oct. 8-11. There is a lot more in Canton during October, like the Quilt Show set for Oct. 16-17 at the Canton Civic Center located at 800 Flea Market Road. This year visit the special program for the Pleasant Hill Quilters Group of Linden with their special them of “Underground Railroad” history quilts. The month of October ends like it begins with the First Monday Trade Days, which at that time of the year is usually one of the best as it is a great time to get out and do some Christmas shopping. TFH

s Texa ts Even

For more fall events and happenings around Texas check out the Texas Events Section on page 72.

FACING PAGE: The Canton Main Street Autumn Festival will be held Oct. 10 in downtown Canton. Pictured is the Van Zandt County Courthouse in Canton. TOP: A mural welcomes guests to the downtown area. Canton’s famous First Monday will be held Oct. 1 -4 for the month of October. SEPTEMBER 2015

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TEXAS HISTORY + HERITAGE

A Texas

Story Teller

Fred Gipson enthralled millions with tales Story by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART

ver the years Texas has grown some of the nation’s best storytellers

with famed writers like Larry McMurtry and J. Frank Dobie telling the stories of a mythic state; there is one writer, though, who could spin a Hill Country story like few others — Fred Gipson. The son of a cotton farmer, Frederick Benjamin Gipson was born in the Texas Hill Country town of Mason in 1908. Over the years he worked as a field laborer, goat driver, mule-

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LEFT: A statue of “Old Yeller” characters, Travis and Old Yeller, sits in front of the Eckert Memorial Library in Fred Gipson’s hometown of Mason. Much of the life of Gipson is chronicled at the library.

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HISTORY + HERITAGE

Downtown Mason skinner and a day laborer before he headed off to school at the University of Texas in 1933 where he was soon noted for his writing ability. Journalism was Gipson’s major in college, but he left school before finishing to pursue his career as a reporter. Over a brief period he worked at the Corpus Christi CallerTimes; the Denver Post; the San Angelo Standard-Times and the News

in Paris, Texas. His heart, though, never was far from home and he moved back to his beloved Mason in 1940 and began writing from home. According to a biography of Fred Gipson by the Harry Ranson Humanities Research Center at the University of Texas at Austin, most of Gipson’s early work consisted of short western stories, along with a few non-fiction books dealing with

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his beloved Texas. It was in the mid1950s when Gipson’s work would capture the imagination of a nation, be made into a movie and become one of the beloved children’s novels of all time — Old Yeller. This beloved story about a boy and his dog in post Civil War Texas has pulled on heartstrings since it was written in 1956 and made into a movie by Walt Disney the following year.

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HISTORY + HERITAGE Other novels by Gipson around this time include Trail Driving Rooster, Recollection Creek, Savage Sam and Hound-Dog Man. Much of the life of Gipson is chronicled at the Mason Library. Visitors to the library can see memorabilia from the Old Yeller movie, Fred Gipson’s favorite cowboy hat, photos of Gipson

and other pieces from the author’s working past. Gipson’s works are still children’s classics, even after nearly 60 years. Few writers, have been able to tell a story with such heart as Gipson, yet present them with such simplicity as to be accessible to all readers. A sign in the Eckert Memorial

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Library tells a bit about Gipson, it reads, “But for his writing, Fred Gipson’s epitaph might well read, ‘Born in Mason County, Texas… never happy anywhere else… died in the county he loved better than any other place on earth. “Ironically, Fred Gipson is not buried in his beloved Mason County. His writing made him, like other great Texans, belong to the whole state. And so he rests in the State Cemetery in Austin. His epitaph reads, ‘His books are his monument.’ “Fred’s friend, Walter Prescott Webb, the foremost historian in Texas, once compared Gipson to Mark Twain and said that Old Yeller stood perhaps the best chance of achieving immortality of any book yet written in Texas.” History will bear out such claims, but for those who fell in love with the story of a boy and his dog, Fred Gipson’s work may have achieved a type of immortal status. Outside the Eckert Memorial Library is a statue of a likeness of Travis and Yeller, from the book. The artist captured the bright-eyed boy and the grizzled yet lovable dog standing dutifully at his side. The Texas countryside is full of tales of heroism, bravery, love and sometimes just plain old silliness, but perhaps no one was better able to put these differing aspects of life into a story so many could enjoy and understand, as it spoke to the core of what it means to be a Texan, but more than that, what it means to be human — Fred Gipson was a master at this. This quote from Travis Coates’ father in Old Yeller sums up the poignant emotion Mr. Gipson could impart in just a few words, “What I mean is, things like that happen. They may seem might cruel and unfair, but that’s how life is a part of the time. But that isn’t the only way life is. A part of the time, it’s mighty good. And a man can’t afford to waste all the good part, worrying about the bad parts. That makes it all bad.” Even today, nearly 60 years after it was made into a movie people can picture and hear in their mind Fess Parker trying to comfort Travis, after Travis had to shoot Old Yeller, with these wise words that bubbled up

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HISTORY + HERITAGE from Mr. Gipson’s imagination like a fountain. While his education and God-given talent aided Fred Gipson greatly in his writing, the stories and books he wrote reflect as much on the town he loved so much and the rugged Hill Country terrain that shaped his character. Inside the foyer of Eckert Memorial Library, before a visitor comes to any collection of books, is the memorial to Gipson. While there is a lot of items from his past there, to get to know Gipson, the best way is to read his work. For those who have read his work, Fred Gipson will forever be a Texas treasure. Mason knows it, and on Sept. 26 this year, head to this special community to celebrate Old Yeller Days, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the grounds of the Mason County Court-

house. The event is sponsored by the Eckert Memorial Library and features re-en-

actors and demonstrations from the 1870s era — the time period of Old Yeller. Children, and adults, are

encouraged to play in old-fashioned games such as hoops, sack races and marbles. Not to be missed is the pet parade, and the always-popular Old Yeller Lookalike contest; there also is a Travis lookalike contest. After the festivities on the square conclude, head to the Odeon Theater for a showing of Fred Gipson’s Old Yeller sequel, Savage Sam. The showing is set for 2:30 p.m. and admission to this historic theater is free for the showing. Old Yeller Days in Mason runs concurrent with the community’s Fall Festival of Churches. TFH TOP: Mason’s historic Odeon Theater will show Fred Gipson’s Old Yeller sequel, Savage Sam during the Old Yeller Days after the festivities on the square conclude.

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Recipes FARM & HOME

FAIR FOOD Recipes by WAYNE STEWART Photography by CHRISTINA STEWART SEPTEMBER 2015

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FARM & HOME

Recipes corn on the cob, funnel cake, kettle corn. As if that isn’t enough, we have a pancake with a slice of bacon in the middle, and we also threw in a couple of sandwiches, such as a Greek Gyro stuffed in a pita, a bacon avocado sandwich and one of our favorites, the ultimate egg and bacon sandwich with a surprise ingredient. So, if you can’t make to your favorite festival this year, don’t fret, just bring some of the festivities to your own kitchen.

Bacon-Wrapped Corn 8 large ears sweet corn, husks removed 8 bacon strips 2 tablespoons chili powder Wrap each ear of corn with a bacon strip; place on a piece of heavyduty foil. Sprinkle with chili powder and paprika. Wrap securely, twisting ends to make handles for turning. Grill corn, covered, over medium heat 20-25 minutes or until corn is tender and bacon is cooked, turning once.

Corn Dog 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal 2 tablespoons sugar 3 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon chili powder Dash pepper 1 egg, slightly beaten 1 cup evaporated milk Wooden skewers Hot dogs Oil for frying

eople love festivals, they are just so festive — what’s not to love? Some people like the carnivals, some like the arts and crafts — for some, though, the best part of any fair is the food. It’s the type of food you crave, but only dare eat on such special occasions as the hometown festival. Truthfully, the food always is better in the fall. Spring fairs are great,

but nothing compares to a fall festival as the stagnant air of summer gives way to crisp, fresh days of autumn. The food of these festivals embodies all of the festive feel of fall. What makes these festival favorites so special? Is it the idea of food on a stick, or maybe just the idea of something already delicious, deep fried to make something just a bit more special. We did that with some stuffed peppers; we also are presenting an easyto-make corndog, bacon-wrapped

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In a large bowl mix flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, chili powder and pepper. Whisk in egg and milk just until blended, do not over mix. Pour the batter into a tall drinking glass. Heat oil in a large skillet or a deepfat fryer, heat oil to 375 degrees. Insert skewers into hot dogs. Dip hot dogs into batter and allow excess batter to drip off, but make sure hot dog is completely coated. Fry corndogs about 3 minutes, or until golden brown, turning occasionally if using a skillet. Drain on paper towels and serve while hot.

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Deep Fried Peppers 8 Jalapeno peppers 2 grilled chicken breasts Rice pilaf or wild and long grain mix 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded 1/2 cup sour cream Salt and Pepper 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon cumin 8 slices bacon Batter 1 cup buttermilk 1 1/2 cups flour Salt and pepper 1/2 teaspoon red pepper Oil for frying

coating pepper, then roll in flour mixture and place in hot oil. Cook about 3 minutes, turning occasionally until pepper is golden brown. This is a wonderful twist on a grilling favorite.

Funnel Cake 2 eggs 1 cup milk 1 cup water 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup sugar 3 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt Oil for frying Powderedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sugar

In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add milk, water and vanilla until well blended. In another bowl, mix in flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; beat into egg mixture until smooth. In a large skillet heat oil to 375 degrees. Cover the bottom of a funnel spout with your finger; ladle 1/2 cup batter into the funnel. Holding the funnel several inches above the oil, release your finger and move the funnel in a spiral motion until all the batter is released, scraping with a rubber spatula if needed. Fry 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Dust with powdered sugar; serve warm.

Clean peppers, remove stems and seeds by slitting along an edge, but do not cut all the way through pepperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s end. Make rice pilaf following package directions, mix with cooked chicken, add in Cheddar cheese and sour cream, chili powder, cumin and salt and pepper to taste, mix well. Stuff rice and chicken mixture into peppers, wrap with bacon and secure with toothpicks. Cook peppers on grill over low heat or in oven on broiler pan until bacon is fully cooked. Allow to cool briefly. Heat oil in large skilled to 375 degrees. Mix 1 1/2 cups flour, salt and pepper and red pepper. Dip peppers in buttermilk, completely SEPTEMBER 2015

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FARM & HOME

Recipes Kettle Corn 1/2 cup popcorn 3 tablespoons popcorn oil 1/4 cup sugar Salt This is best accomplished on a stovetop popper. Heat oil in popper, when oil gets hot, add in popcorn and sugar, stir or shake constantly. When fully popped, place in bowls and sprinkle with salt to individual taste. Tastes nearly as good as Kettle corn from the local carnival.

Caramel Corn 4 quarts popped corn 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup butter 1/4 cup corn syrup 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Place popped corn in large bowl; set aside. Combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt in a medium sauce pan. Boil for 5 minutes. Add the baking soda; stir in quickly, mixing well. Pour over popped corn, stirring quickly to coat. Spread on cookie sheet and bake at 200 degrees for 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes. Cool the corn slightly before serving.

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EASY AUTUMN SANDWICHES Sometimes there is no better meal than a well crafted sandwich full of all your favorites between two pieces of bread.

Skirt Steak Gyro 1/3 cup olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon oregano 1/2 teaspoon paprika Kosher salt Coarse ground pepper 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt 1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 red onion, sliced 1 pound skirt steak Pitas Mix olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper to make a marinade, saving a tablespoon to mix with the yogurt and 2 tablespoons of water. Add the onion and pepper to the

marinade, add the steak, making sure everything is covered. Allow to sit about 30 minutes. Grill the pepper, onion and steak until done. Slice the steak and fill pitas with steak, onion, peppers and drizzle with yogurt sauce. Add chopped tomatoes if desired.

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FARM & HOME

Recipes

Bacon-Guacamole Grilled Cheese 2 slices bacon 2 slices sour dough bread 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons guacamole

crowave or skillet. Mix pancakes according to package directions. On an electric griddle, place a strip of bacon, then pour pancake batter over top of bacon, when batter bubbles, flip and continue to cook

Cook bacon until crispy. Butter one side of each of the bread slices, then sprinkle half of the cheese on the unbuttered slice of bread, spread the guacamole, add the bacon and remaining cheese then top with the other slice of bread, butter side up. Toast in skillet until bread is toasted and brown.

Bacon â&#x20AC;&#x2122;n Pancakes 8 slices bacon Favorite pancake mix Syrup This recipe is easy, cook bacon in mi-

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for another minute. Serve as regular pancakes, or for a bit of flair, pour some syrup down the strip of bacon, then roll up, kids love it this way.

2 slices bacon 2 eggs 2 slices wheat bread 1 slice Cheddar cheese Sliced ham Strawberry jam Cook the bacon until it suits the eater. Put a couple tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet and heat over medium heat,

add eggs and fry to desired consistency, the sandwich is best with slightly runny yolks. Coat a slice of bread with strawberry jam, add a slice of cheese, slice of ham, the fried eggs, the bacon, and another slice of bread with strawberry jam spread upon it. In the skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter, place sandwich in the skillet and toast about a minute on each side. TFH

Monte Cristo Sandwich 5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled 1/2 cup Dijon mustard 1/2 cup clover honey 1 sweet yellow onion, diced small, sautéed, chilled 6 egg yolks 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup butter, clarified 18 slices turkey breast 18 slices ham 18 slices Genoa salami 12 slices Gruyère cheese Add potatoes to large pot of cold salted water. Bring to boil, 10 to 15 minutes. Cook until fork-tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Mash potatoes, chill. In small bowl, whisk together mustard and honey. Reserve. In large bowl, combine potatoes, onion, egg yolks and flour, mixing thoroughly. On work surface lined with waxed paper, use spatula to form potato mixture into 12 square patties. Heat generous amount of

butter in large, nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Working in batches, transfer patties to pan and cook until golden-brown, about 5 minutes per side, adding more butter as needed. Lower heat; keep warm in uncovered pan. In separate pan over high heat, sear turkey, ham and salami just until hot. Distribute meats evenly over 6 potato patties. Top each with 2 slices Gruyère; let cheese melt slightly, about 2 minutes. Top with remaining potato patties to make sandwiches. Serve warm with honey mustard on the side for dipping.

Courtesy of the Idaho Potato Commission

Egg-Bacon Sandwich

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TFH

Cafés Across Texas

ROYERS CAFE

Story and Photography By Randy Rollo

Ann Criswell’s Pecan Pie

Amazing food in a historic Texas town T

Jud’s Great Steak

TEXAS FARM & HOME SEPTEMBER 2015

oday I am in Fayette County in a town originally named Townsend after Nathaniel Townsend. In 1834, on one of his trips from Mississippi to St. Louis, Townsend became interested in Texas. After an exploratory trip, he moved his family to San Felipe de Austin, where he set up a general store. Townsend is now Round Top and home of Round Top Antiques Fair. This small town is located west of Brenham just south of Texas Highway 190. Twice a year many visitors come to this area to shop for antique bargains at various shops and vendors. Visitors appreciate good food and they are in luck. One of the best cafes in Texas, Royers, resides in this historic locale. Royers Cafe is an outstanding eatery located on the square in downtown Round Top. Despite their unassuming appearance, they serve up some of the best food in Texas. Royers started as a family business by his dad Bud, “the Pieman” Royer, in 1987, it is now owned and operated by J.B. Royer and his wife Jamie-Len Royer.

Te xas Dining & Shopping Guide

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TFH

Cafés Across Texas

s b T F

Royers Cafe has a lunch menu that is served until 3 p.m. daily. The lunch menu has several specials, a variety of salads, sandwiches, and burgers. The highlight of the lunch menu and one of the most popular items on the menu is the Grilled Shrimp BLT. It consists of a quarter pound of grilled shrimp with bacon, lettuce, purple onion and tomato served with smoky mesquite mustard on a sourdough hoagie. Hand cut fries and a great blend of flavors makes this dish a memorable meal anytime of day. The dinner menu is served after 3 p.m. with many options. I sampled Jud’s Great Steak and the Grilled Center Cut Pork Chop; both entrees were outstanding. The pork chop is a 3/4-pound center cut pork chop topped with grilled onions and served with a roasted red raspberry chipotle sauce. The fantastic flavor of this dish is indescribable. The chipotle sauce is a perfect compliment to the tender pork chop. Jud’s Great Steak is a 10-ounce center-cut filet. This steak has outstanding flavor, and cooked medium it was so tender that it I could cut it with a fork. Royers offers a variety of outstanding vegetables to accompany their entrees including creamed corn, mashed potato

a e l m T s o S a M c

Original Buttermilk Pie, Ann Criswell’s Pecan Pie and the Sweet N’’Salty casserole, and their most popular side, Jalapeño cheese grits. After choosing from one of the outstanding main dishes that also include quail, gulf snapper, and pasta be sure to try one of sixteen different pies on the desert menu. I sampled the Cafe’s Original Buttermilk, Ann Criswell’s Pecan Pie, and the Sweet N Salty. The Original Buttermilk is a chess or dense custard type pie with a slight nutmeg after flavor that reminds one of the holidays. My second choice was Ann Criswell’s Pecan Pie which was perfect, not too sweet and doesn’t have a strong Karo flavor. The last pie I sampled

TEXAS FARM & HOME SEPTEMBER 2015

was the Sweet And Salty, it is gooey chocolate fudge and caramel sprinkled with sea salt. Of course all the pies are served with Amy’s Ice Cream. If you cannot make up you mind Royers offers the Pie Sampler Plate, a dessert to share with four different slices. Royers ships pies all over the world, including to our troops in the Middle East. Royers sells over twenty thousand pies per year and offers the Pie Of The Month Club which ships the pie of the month each month for either three, six, or twelve months. They offer some sugar free selections for diabetics, and seasonal pies that are not on the menu.

Grilled Center Cut Pork Chop Sunday has a special offering of Conlee’s Fried Chicken Dinner served from noon until they run out. Marinated twenty hours in buttermilk and garlic, then hand battered and served family style. This Sunday special is so popular that they do not serve French Fries on Sunday because they need the fryer space for the chicken. This amazing cafe serves a variety of wines and craft beers. They also try to accommodate vegetarians and customers who want to eat gluten free if you notify them before you order. They have a large local following that includes regular customers including former Governor Rick Perry. Royers will be serving pies at the annual Texas Country Reporter Festival October 24, on the courthouse square in Waxahachie. Royers accepts all major credit cards and is open Thursday-Saturday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., they are open Sunday from noon until 3 p.m. Royers Cafe offers excellent dining, and always tries deliver superior service. Royers address is 105 Main Street, Round Top 78954. They also have a web site and you can find them on Facebook. If you are planning on eating at Royers during Antique Week, they will start taking reservations by phone only at 2 p.m. Thursday September 10, call the Cafe at (979) 249-3611 and have your credit card ready to guarantee your reservation. You will be glad to experience excellent food in this historic Texas town. TFH

Sweet N’’Salty

ABOVE LEFT: J.B. and Jamie-Len Royer LEFT: Troops in the Middle East hold ‘thank you Royers” signs for the pies they received. SEPTEMBER 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS TRAVELS Story and Photograph by MARILYN JONES

ABOVE: Wine tastings are purchased with “wooden nickels,” a throw back to the building design’s original roots. BELOW: A glass of wine at the end of the day at Umbra Winery.

Grapevine and the Urban Wine Trail S eptember means it’s time for GrapeFest, the annual Grapevine event celebrating with wine tasting, family-friendly fun and live entertainment. This year’s event takes place September 17 – 20. But you don’t have to wait for GrapeFest to have a great time in this city of 50,000 situated just north of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. In addition to excellent attractions including the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center, the city is known for its Urban Wine Trail. Eight wineries located throughout the city offer wine tastings and special events in

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distinctive locations making the adventure even more memorable. Messina Hof Grapevine Winery is located in a replica of the Wallis Hotel. The original hotel opened in 1891 to serve locals and visitors and was situated just north of the train station. Today its replacement still serves locals and visitors by offering a cozy 19th century environment and a great selection of Texas wine. Messina Hof Winery is one of the most highly regarded and awarded Texas wineries in the state. The family-owned business features more than 50 wines from 28 different varieties including Private Reserve Papa Paulo Port, Private Reserve Cab

Franc and Solera Sherry. A few doors down the street is Umbra Winery, one of the newest additions to the wine trail. This winery features more than a dozen wines produced from grapes from their partner vineyards in Texas and the Northwest. With primary production facilities in Little Elm, Texas, the Umbra team has been crafting award-winning wines since 2005. Here, at its newest location, guests are invited to enjoy a glass of their Red Fusion, Pinot Gris or one of their many

other award-winning wines, including a Gold Medal five-time winner of GrapeFest’s People’s Choice. Grapevine Wine Tours is another popular way to experience wine tastings. The tour takes guests to three different wineries. The selection of tour stops rotates among the eight Grapeview wine destinations. While traveling from one winery to the next, a tour guide recounts the history of wine-making in North Texas, and guests get an overview of the city and its other offerings.

If you go:

Because of its proximity to the airport, Grapevine has several hotels catering to every budget and taste. I stayed at Embassy Suites. For more information: 972-724-2600; www.outdoorworld.embassysuites.com. For a list of the other six Grapevine wineries, additional accommodations and other attractions: 800-457-6338; www. grapevinetexasusa.com. For more information on Grapevine Wine Tours: 817-259-WINE; http://grapevinewinetours.com. TFH

LEFT: Friendly employees help make a stop at Messina Hof Grapevine Winery a fun place to stop for a glass of wine. RIGHT: Umbra Winery is a popular Main Street winery.

What’s Online GLOBETROTTING

TEXAN

AmaWaterways Tulip Time Cruise (Part 2 of 2)

By Marilyn Jones My adventure continues. Day 5 Bright and early I board a bus headed for Ghent, Belgium, once a powerful center of business and trade with beautiful gothic public buildings, towering churches, and well-kept homes and businesses. One of Belgium’s oldest cities, Ghent dates back to the 7th century. It was in the Middle Ages that Ghent became one of Europe’s wealthiest towns with the cloth industry. By the 13th century the city had become a major wool-producing center. But, with prosperity came

conflict between economic and state powers including the Hundred Years’ War and rebellions against the Duke of Burgundy. The city witnessed a revival in the 1800s when a port was opened and machinery was added to the factories. Today, connected with the North

Sea by the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal, Ghent is a major port and the chief textile and banking center of Belgium and a popular tourist destination. It’s a feast for the eyes and a breath of fresh air for the soul. In the afternoon I am head to Bruges, another walking city.

Chartered in 1128, Bruges had a strategic location at the crossroads of the northern Hanseatic League and southern trade routes. In the 15th century the population of Bruges grew to at least 125,000, but by the 16th century, the tidal inlet, which had given the city its prosperity, started naturally filling in making navigation difficult for ships. The success of Bruges as the economic flagship of the Low Countries then shifted to Antwerp. The best way to see the city is on foot and by canal boat. I walk with my tour group through historic neighborhoods, past churches and museums, finally ending up in Market Square where I am on my own. Bustling with tourists snapping photos, having lunch at outdoor cafes and enjoying street performers, the square is truly the heart of the city.

To view full story and more photographs visit WWW.TEXASFARMANDHOME.COM SEPTEMBER 2015

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GARDENING BASICS

let’s get growing — tips for September

Blue Lake bush bean

English Pea

BEANS & PEAS

Delicious and Nutritious

Story By Barbara Cook & Jolene Renfro

Crockett Garden Club & Davy Crockett Master Gardeners

hen you want to disparage something, you say, “It’s not worth a hill of beans”. Actually a hill of beans is worth a lot. Beans and peas provide as much protein per serving as eggs with the added benefit of fiber and minerals. Because they are legumes, the plants have the ability to obtain nitrogen through partnerships with soil-dwelling bacteria, and they produce flowers that attract beneficial insects to the garden. Native Americans grew beans as part of the Three Sisters crops—beans, corn, and squash. The beans and corn could be eaten fresh, or left to dry and be preserved for winter meals, and were appreciated for their ease of cultivation.

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Black-eyed peas

Peas and beans both grow best in a sunny spot in welldrained soil that has not been heavily fertilized. A raised bed garden is perfect for growing peas and beans as it keeps the seeds from getting soggy as they germinate, and helps warm the soil for planting. Prepare the soil with a 2-3 inch layer of well composted manure worked into a loosened soil. A light application of 5-5-5 fertilizer would give the garden bed all the extra nutrition it needs. Plant English or sugar snap peas 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost date. These peas like cool soil, so if you wait until weather is warmer to plant, production suffers. Plant peas 1 inch apart, in rows 6 inches apart, with a 4 foot tall support. Green Arrow is a good English pea variety to try. Plant bush or pole beans after the soil reaches 60 degrees (usually 2 weeks after last freeze). Plant small batches of beans every 2 weeks, in rows 1-2 feet apart, and thin seedlings to 6 inches apart. Pole beans like to climb a support that is 6 feet tall, so planting beside corn or sunflowers is a great way to utilize space. Some favorite bush bean varieties are Blue Lake, Pinto, and Top Crop, and favorite pole beans include Blue Lake and Kentucky Wonder. When warm weather comes along, plant black-eyed, crowder, purple hull, and cream peas about 4 weeks after last freeze. Look for varieties like Colossus Black-eyed peas, Zipper White Crowder peas, Texas Pink Eye Purple Hulls, or Cream 40s. The statistical last freeze dates for your area can be obtained from the County Agri-LIFE Ex-

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GARDENING BASICS

Pinto bean tension Office. One nice thing about living in Texas (and there are so many!) is that you can grow a second crop of peas and beans in a fall garden. You begin planting beans and Southern peas in late July and August, and English peas in September and October, and harvest before the first frost. This ability to get two harvests in a year no doubt kept the early settlers from starving. Lima beans do best as a fall crop because they germinate best in warm weather, but produce best as the weather gets cooler. Some lima bean varieties that do well are Jackson Wonder (bush) and Florida Sieva (pole). Plant 4 inches apart, in rows 2 feet apart, and about 1 1/2 inches deep. Although beans and peas are easy to grow, they are not pest and disease free. Mexican bean beetle lays orange eggs on the undersides of maturing bean plants and the young feed on the bean leaves. If you find these when inspecting your plants, crush the egg masses. Other insect pests are pea aphids, leaf miners, thrips, spider mites and stink bugs. Control with Safer soap, B.T., or introduce beneficial wasps. Beans and peas are short-lived plants and the older plants

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damage your plants. Prevent these by cleaning up debris from around the plants, and next year, grow beans in another location. It is said that the tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day to bring good luck got started after the Civil War in the South because you felt lucky to have ANYTHING to eat. To-

day the black-eyed pea gets celebrated in Athens, Texas, at the annual BlackEyed Pea Jamboree, with dishes such as Black-eyed Pea Caviar and Blackeyed Pea Martinis. Now when someone tells you don’t know beans about something, you can reply, “I know about both beans AND peas!” TFH

past production should be removed to interrupt the life cycles of pests and diseases. Fungal diseases such as rust and powdery mildew can infect your plant. Both cause the leaves to turn yellow and die. Disease caused by bacterial blight and bean viruses also can

Jackson Wonder SEPTEMBER 2015

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TEXAS EVENTS SEPTEMBER 3-6 — GRAPELAND: Salmon Lake Park Bluegrass Festival This annual festival has been an East Texas Staple for 39 years and features some of the biggest acts in modern Bluegrass, all set in the beautiful confines of this park resembling an Old West town. Tickets can be purchased at the park or by going to www.txbluegrassmusic. com. Contact Salmon Lake Park for RV lots or rental accommodations at salmonlakepark.com FOREST COUNTRY 4-Oct 31 — GLEN ROSE: The Promise Don’t miss this musical extravaganza about the life of Jesus Christ at this annual Passion Play. The play features an award-winning musical score with live animals and more than 200 people working to bring the production to life. The Promise is held every weekend during the fall at the Texas Amphitheater, a 3,250 seat outdoor venue. The production began in 1989 and has grown since. The events of the play are taken from Scripture and begins with the prophets foretelling the coming of Jesus, to his birth, ministry, death and resurrection. www.thepromiseglenrose.com. PRAIRIES AND LAKES 11-19 — BRENHAM: 147th Washington County Fair Come see what the “Oldest County Fair in Texas” has to offer. The fair features shows. rodeos, music and lots of fun with a carnival, crafts, food, livestock auctions, commercial exhibits and attractions. www. washingtoncofair.com PRAIRIES AND LAKES 12 — CALDWELL: Caldwell Kolache Festival Celebrate this Czech favorite and loving salute to all things Kolache. There are kolache baking contests and plenty are available for festival goers to give them a try. Also, don’t miss the Czech festivities and costumes sure to catch the imagination. To learn more visit https://www.

facebook.com/kolachefestival. PRAIRIES AND LAKES 12 — CORSICANA: City of Corsicana Second Saturday Event Kick things off with Paint & Praise in Pocket Park at 1 p.m. For reservations, call Kelly Moore at 903-467-7071 or visit her webpage at www.livinglovewithkelly.com. The Corsicana Preservation Foundation will host a Trolley Tour/Dinner at 3 p.m. Cars of Navarro County will be set up on 3rd Avenue downtown at 4 p.m. with an impressive display of hotrods and classic cars, and there will be live music as well. Corsicana. 118 N. Beaton; 1-8 p.m.. For additional information, contact the Main Street Program at 903-654-4850 or visit www. corsicanamainstreet.org. For information regarding the Trolley Tour/Dinner fundraiser, contact the Preservation Foundation at (903) 879-7110. PRAIRIES AND LAKES 12 — GRUENE: Gruene 10k Enjoy a leisurely or competitive run through the Texas Hill Country with awards for each age group. Visit AthleteGuild. com for more information. HILL COUNTRY 12-Oct. 4 — WIMBERLEY: “Snow White and Rose Red” EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens, 1101 F.M. 2325. www.emilyann. org 512/847-6969 HILL COUNTRY 12 — WIMBERLEY: Second Saturday Gallery Trail More than a dozen galleries offer wine, snacks and art displays from 4–7 p.m. Wimberley Square. www.wimberleyarts.org 512/847-2201 HILL COUNTRY 12 — FAIRFIELD: Show of Wheels This 18th annual show features cars, trucks and motorcycles judged in 30 classes. Freestone County Courthouse,222 S. Mount St. www.fairfieldtexaschamber. com 903/389-5792 FOREST COUNTRY 12-19 — BRENHAM: Washington County Fair This 147th annual county fair includes ro-

TEXAS FARM & HOME SEPTEMBER 2015

deo events, Nashville entertainment, a carnival, crafts, food, livestock and poultry auctions, commercial exhibits and other attractions. Washington County Fairgrounds, 1305 E. Blue Bell Road. www.washingtoncofair. com 979/836-4112 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 13 — GRUENE: Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist Serves awe-inspiring gospel music coupled with a mouthwatering buffet from 10:30 a.m.–noon. Advance tickets recommended. Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road. www.gruenehall. com 830/629-5077 or 830/6061601 HILL COUNTRY 16-20 LUFKIN: Texas State Forest Festival Held the fourth week in September, this festival includes the Southern Hushpuppy Championships, a petting zoo, giant carnival, lumberjack show, concerts, local entertainment and other performances. George H. Hender-son Jr. Expo Center, 1200 Ellen Trout Drive. www.visitlufkin.com 936/6346644 FOREST COUNTRY 17, Oct. 15, Nov. 19 — GRUENE: Come and Taste It Sample some of Texas best wines and craft brews at the Grapevine in Gruene Historic District. Samples of food that is offered for sale will be provided and each event features live music and three prize giveaways which provides a great opportunity to learn from the Grapevine Staff. HILL COUNTRY 18-26 — COLDSPRING: SJC Fair, Rodeo and Parade The parade is Sept. 19, starting at 10 a.m. at the Jones Complex andSJC Fairgrounds. www.sjcfairandrodeo.com 936/524-7862 FOREST COUNTRY 18-20 — HALLSVILLE: The Battle of Crawford Major Battles of the Civil War present the Battle of Crawford held at Maple Springs Farm just west of Hallsville. www.battleofcrawford.com FOREST COUNTRY 19 — SPRINGTOWN: Wild West Festival This community festival features local entertain-

ers scheduled throughout the day, gunfight demonstrations, an interactive children’s area, vendors and the 15th Annual Wild West Barbecue Cook-off. Hours are 9 a.m.–4 p.m., with a parade at 10 a.m. Springtown Square and the Tabernacle, 112 S. Main St. www.wildwestfestival.org or www.springtownchamber.org 817/220-7828 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 19 — CLARKSVILLE: Red River County Annual Stew Cook-Off Come join in all you can eat stew at the Fairgrounds at Legion Park as citizens compete to see who has the best stew in Red River County. Listen and watch live entertainment or participate in auctions. Serving begins at 5 pm. County Extension Agent: 903-427-3868 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 19 — MARSHALL: Jeans ’n Classics Band Concert See the Marshall Symphony Orchestra perform with East Texas Baptist University Choir under the tent at 200 block of North Washington Street. Concert begins at 8 p.m. Call 903-935-4484 or visit www.MarshallArtsCouncil.org. FOREST COUNTRY 19 — LA GRANGE: Texas Heroes Day This event honors the men who fought and died for the Republic of Texas during the Dawson Massacre and Mier Expeditions of 1842 and 1843. Monument Hill State Park, 414 State Loop 92. 979/968-5658 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 19 — WASHINGTON: Living History Saturdays at Independence Hall Travel back in time to when a nation was born in 1836. People dressed in period clothing bring to life the residents and events of Old Washington, providing a unique opportunity to discover various aspects of life surrounding the birth of the Republic of Texas. Try writing with a quill pen and signing a copy of the Texas Declaration of Independence, visiting with militia soldiers travelling through town or playing

s a d t w 9 L 1 t S t E 1 v m f w C h c C 1 e v i f G H k H 1 a w i c i t B S L e E a 5 1 R A p 2 s y i l 9 L 1 f a f e

TEXAS EVENTS is a list of festivals and happenings occurring around the state. We recommend that you call be-

fore 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.

some early Texas games. Hours are 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Independence Hall at Washington on the Brazos State Park. www. wheretexasbecametexas.org 936/878-2214 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 19 — COLDSPRING: Heritage Days At the end of Slade Street. http://oldtowncoldspring. tripod.com 936/522-8493 FOREST COUNTRY 19-20 — HUNTSVILLE: Huntsville Antique Show Features more than 60 quality dealers from across the U.S. offering a wide array of antiques. Walker County Fairgrounds. http:// huntsvilleantiqueshow. com 936/581-1331 FOREST COUNTRY 19-20 — GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items and packaged Texas foods. Hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Gruene Historic District, 1724 Hunter Road. www.gruenemarketdays.com 830/832-1721 HILL COUNTRY 19-20 GLADEWATER: Artsand-Crafts Festival Find art, woodcrafts, handcrafts, ceramics, dolls, needlework, jewelry, clothing and other handmade items at this event. Also enjoy the Antique District Pancake Breakfast from 7:30–9:30 a.m. Saturday and the Lee Public Library book sale. Broadway Elementary School Campus, 200 E. Broadway. www.gladewater artsandcrafts.com 903/8455501 FOREST COUNTRY 19-Oct. 4 — ROUND TOP: Round Top Fall Antique Show A collection of individually planned shows stretches for 20 miles along F.M. 237 each season, offering antiques, yard art, dinnerware, vintage items, crafts and more. Various locations. www.roundtop.org 979/249-4042 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 19 — ROUND TOP: Schutzenfest This 143rd annual event is a traditional German shooting festival with a community celebration starting at 5 p.m., the

crowning of the shooting king at 6 p.m. and a dance at 6:30 p.m. Round Top Rifle Hall, 710 F.M. 1457. www.roundtoprifle.com 281/788-3278 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 23-26 — CLARKSVILLE: Red River County Fair Annual county fair featuring live entertainment, local food booths, displays of local crafters, produce exhibits, livestock and a midway with carnival rides. County Extension Agent: 903-427-3868 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 24 — NACOGDOCHES: Agroforestry Workhsop The Cooperative Extension Program at Prairie View A&M University will be partnering with the Landowners Association of Texas and the Texas Small Farmers and Ranchers-CBO to conduct an Agroforestry Workshop that will focus on educating producers about options for managing timber for profit. The program will start with a series of field visits to see how local producers are managing their timber land. The second half of the day will feature speakers such as: John Boyette- Texas A&M Forest Service; Dr. Joshua IdassiNorth Carolina A&T State University, representatives from the forestry department of Stephen F. Austin State University and representatives from the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Silvopasture Management, Alley Cropping, Controlling Timber Pests, Financing Options for Timber Production and Conservation Planning are topics that will be discussed. For those with pesticide licenses, we will be offering 1 CEU for this program. This workshop will be held at the Nacogdoches Courthouse Annex- 203 W Main St. Nacogdoches, TX. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. Transportation will be arranged for those participants coming from counties over 1 hour away. A 30 passenger van will be available in each county

(Smith Co., Houston Co. and Bowie Co) to bring you to the program and back. To reserve your seat please contact the agent in the county closest to you. John Miles (936) 5607711 (Nacogdoches County); Brandon Hawkins (903) 6286702 (Bowie County); Corey Hicks (936) 544-7502 (Houston County); Ashley Pellerin (903) 590-2980 (Smith County) FOREST COUNTRY 24 — WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse Concert Series Top musicians perform in an intimate setting. Wimberley United Methodist Church, 1200 C.R. 1492. www.wimberleyumc.org 512/722-3316 HILL COUNTRY 26 — DRIPPING SPRINGS: Pioneer Days This one-day event features more than 40 pioneer craft demonstrations such as butter churning, blacksmithing and quilting. Hours are 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead, 570 Founders Park Road. www.drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org 512/858-2030 HILL COUNTRY 26 — WOODVILLE: Ghosts of Texas Past Listen to fascinating stories of the legends and tales from the area’s colorful history. Begins at 7 p.m. Heritage Village, 157 Private Road 6000. www.heritage-village. org 409/283-2272 FOREST COUNTRY 26 — CORSICANA: Corsicana Airshow This wonderful air show is sponsored by the Coyote Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force. Gates open at 9:30 a.m., and patrons may walk among the airplanes until 11:30 a.m., with the show beginning at noon. Vendors will be on site with many food, beverage, and souvenir options. This event takes place at the Navarro Municipal Airport, 9000 Navarro Road. The is free to veterans, active military personnel, and their families. For additional information, contact Dan Summerall at 903-4677170/dsummerall@nctv.com or

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visit www.coyotesquadron.org. PRAIRIES AND LAKES 26 — MONTALBA: Montalba Fall Festival Located along Texas Highway 19 between Palestine and Athens, come experience this old-fashioned fall festival to benefit the Montalba Community Improvement Association and the Montalba Volunteer Fire Department. The annual parade begins at 10 a.m. and is followed by a pet show, baking contests, raffles, live auction, white elephant sale along with an arts and crafts fair with plenty of vendors. Barbecue dinners will be available. Bakers are encouraged to enter the pie and cake baking contest. Also, don’t miss the quilt show. Call Tammy Collins for more information about the festival at 903-549-2384. PRAIRIES AND LAKES 26 — MASON: Old Yeller Days Features contests, entertainment, arts and crafts, a dog show, and a 5K/10K run and walk. Courthouse lawn. 325/347-5758 HILL COUNTRY 26 — HALLETTSVILLE: Kolache Fest Knights of Columbus Hall, 321 Hwy 77 South. www.hallettsville.com 361/7982662 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 26 — MAGNOLIA: Stroll Through the Renaissance Come visit the characters of the Texas Renaissance Festival, the largest regional festival of its kind, while browsing the wares of artisans along the Magnolia Stroll park. Also enjoy food, refreshments and games. Magnolia Stroll, F.M. 1488 at F.M. 1774. www.CityofMagnolia. com 281/356-2266 FOREST COUNTRY 26 — ATHENS: Uncle Fletch Hamburger Festival Enjoy the day in Athens, which boasts a claim as the home of the original hamburger, with a burger cook-off, contests and other activities. Hours are 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Courthouse square, 100 W. Tyler St. www.athenstx.org 888/2942847 FOREST COUNTRY

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TEXAS EVENTS 26 — BELLVILLE: Sept. 26 Austin County Fair Shrimp Boil Enjoy all-you-can-eat shrimp with all the trimmings, plus live and silent auctions. Austin County Fair Convention and Expo Center, 1076 E. Hill. www.austincountyfair.com 979/865-5995 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 27 — SERBIN: Wendish Fest Texas Wends celebrate their heritage on the grounds of historic St. Paul Lutheran Church, one of the famous Painted Churches of Texas. Enjoy traditional Wendish foods, folklife demonstrations and exhibits, competitions, children’s activities, vintage machinery and car shows, music and special cultural presentations. Texas Wendish Heritage Museum and St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1011 C.R. 212. www.texaswendish.org 979/366-2441 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 29-Oct. 3 — KENNEY: Hodges Farm Antique Show Located between Brenham and Bellville this air conditioned hall features food vendors plus a treasure trove of exceptional and affordable antiques, hand made items and plenty of Christmas decor. www.VisitBrenhamTexas.com. PRAIRIES AND LAKES 30 - OCT. 3 ROUND TOP: Fall Original Round Top Antique Fair Tickets required. Big Red Barn Event Center, 475 Texas 237 S. www.roundtoptexas antiques.com PRAIRIES AND LAKES

OCTOBER 1-3 — CENTER: East Texas Poultry Festival This 39th annual festival salutes the poultry industry with live entertainment, a carnival, arts and crafts, food, a photography show, quilt show, chicken-cooking contest, poultry judging and auction, and more. Historic downtown square, 100 Courthouse Square. www. shelbycounty chamber.com/ chamber/events/poultryfestival 936/598-3682 FOREST COUNTRY 2-4 — GONZALES: Come and Take It Celebration This annual festival commemorates the firing of the first shot of the Texas revolution on Oct. 2, 1835, which took place near Gonzales. Historic downtown, 414 Saint Lawrence St. www.gonzalestexas.com/come-and-take-it 830/672-6532 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 3 — CLARKSVILLE: Red River County Fall Bazaar and 10th Annual Rotary Duck Race on the grounds of the Historic Clarksville Courthouse Enjoy food booths, vendors, and musical entertainment happening all day. There’s something for all ages! Jim Clark: 903-427-2266/ Donna Robinson: 903-427-0689. PRAIRIES AND LAKES 3 — HUNTSVILLE: Oct. 3 Fair on the Square Includes arts and crafts, a food court, children’s corner and entertainment. Downtown square. www.chamber. huntsville.tx.us 936/295-8113

FOREST COUNTRY 3-4 — SALADO: A Christmas Carol and Fright Trail Auditions A Christmas Carol requires 70 actors, Fright Trail requires 80 actors of various ages, come Saturday or Sunday at 3 p.m. if you have been bitten by the acting bug. Call 254-9479205 for information. PRAIRIES AND LAKES 7-11 CROCKETT: Michelle Lynn Holsey Foundation NCHA Cutting, Benefit Auction, Gala Dinner and Concert The Foundation’s purpose is to provide grants to men, women and children in their quest to battle cancer and other debilitating diseases, while funding innovative research, and supporting education through scholarships to local youth. For more information on the five-day NCHA Cutting, contact or Show Secretary Ruthie Vance at 936-8290370 or 936-675-0675 or Marla Campbell at 936.544.0744. The Dinner and Concert will be held on Saturday, October 11th. This year’s entertainer is country music entertainer Daryle Singletary. Tickets for the Annual Benefit Auction, Gala Dinner and Concert will be $75 per person, $140 per couple, or $550 for a table of eight. Seating is limited to 500 and tickets sell quickly. For more information about the MLH Foundation log on to www. michellelynnholsey.com. FOREST COUNTRY 9-11 — CLARKSVILLE: Gateway to Texas Get-a-Way Tandem Tour Sponsored by the Historic Red River County

Chamber of Commerce as cyclists enjoy a taste of Clarksville’s accommodations and dining while cycling through Red River County during beautiful fall weather. Call 903-427-2645 for information. PRAIRIES AND LAKES 10 — PILOT POINT: Bonnie & Clyde Days Celebrate the day Hollywood came to town to film the 1967 classic “Bonnie & Clyde” featuring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. Cheer on a soap box derby, step back in time with the Model A and Classic Car Show, Chain Gang Walk and a peanut threshing demonstration. See the re-enactment of the famous bank robbery scene. The festival features arts and crafts and food vendors, live music, a free kids zone. The festival lasts from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A concert featuring Aaron Tippin begins at 6 p.m. Call 940-293-7434 or visit www. cityofpilotpoint.org. PRAIRIES AND LAKES 10-11 BRACKETTVILLE: 175th Anniversary of the Fight at Las Moras Spring This is an observance of a battle on Oct. 13, 1840, between Comanche people and the Army of the Republic of Texas, giving reverence and honor the two parties who then opposed each other but are now friends. Representatives of the Comanche Nation and Texas Army living historians establish heritage encampments in Rendezvous Park. Historic Fort Clark, U.S. 90 at and F.M. 674. www.ffchd.org 830/563-2010 HILL COUNTRY

Monthly Events JEWETT: Jewett Flea Market Open every month on the second Saturday weekend; Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Over 300 vendor spaces 903-536-7689 FOREST COUNTRY CROCKETT: Crockett Trade Days & Flea Market Open the first and third full weekend monthly, year round; free parking, free admission, vendors welcome, fun for the whole family; 764 Hwy 21 West. Call Mike 702-2040731 FOREST COUNTRY MADISONVILLE: Small Town Friday Night Shop & Stroll Downtown retail shops will keep their doors open until 9 p.m. on the final Friday of each month. live music, explore the unique boutique shops for clothing, jewelry, home items, gifts, plants, yard decor and more; These various shops will have special treats, sales or featured products. FOREST COUNTRY

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15-17 — GRAPELAND: Grapeland Peanut Festival This 70th annual event includes carnival rides and games, a parade, live entertainment, and arts-and-crafts vendors. City Park. www.peanutfest.com FOREST COUNTRY 16-18 — WOODVILLE: Oct. 1618 Harvest Festival The largest fall folklife festival in East Texas features pioneer crafts, demonstrations, period costumes, music, dance and food. Heritage Village, 157 Private Road 6000. www. heritage-village.org 409/283-2272 FOREST COUNTRY 16-31 — CORSICANA: 4th Annual Pumpkin Patch held annually at the Corsicana Visitor Center, hundreds of pumpkins and gourds of all shapes and sizes. Many activities planned for the two week period through Halloween that the Visitor Center grounds are transformed into a sea of orange. Proceeds benefit downtown beautification projects. Patch hours are Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. The Corsi-

cana Visitor Center is located at 301 S. Beaton (at the intersection of Hwy 31/7th Avenue at Beaton.) Main Street Program at (903) 654-4850 or visit www.corsicanamainstreet.org. PRAIRIES AND LAKES 17 — CLIFTON: FallFest 14thyear a free family event in downtown Clifton which features a large children’s area with interactive exhibits and activities including a catch and release tank, the downtown including FM 219 filled with vendors from around the state, a classic car show, nationally recognized quilt auction, art show, live entertainment, artisan demonstrations and more PRAIRIES AND LAKES 17-18 — FAYETTEVILLE: Lickskillet Days Features a bean barbecue cook-off, kids’ activities, arts and crafts, Czech singers and dancers, polka, a catered meal, live music and street dance by Black Cat Choir, Texan Cheerleaders, queen pageant and a hometown parade. Town square,

112 N. Washington St. www. fayettevilletxchamber.org 979/8775290 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 24 — MADISONVILLE: 14th Annual Texas Mushroom Festival start the day at 8 a.m. with the Shiitake 5K Run/Walk around Lake Madison. From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., the entire downtown square is converted into an oldtime street festival, complete with live entertainment, delicious food including Monterey Mushrooms’ famous mushroom fajitas, and over 200 unique vendors. Auto Showcase, Quilt Show, Art and Photography contest exhibits, Grape Stomp, Kids Zone, Wine Tasting and Chef’s Cooking Showcase. New this year: a Biergarten filled with live entertainment and samplings of Texas craft beers. At the end of the day, join the Madisonville Sidewalk Cattlemen’s Association for a Fall Dance at their pavilion. Free admission to the festival but entrance into our Taste of Texas area which includes our

wine tasting, cooking demonstrations, and featuring Texas Craft Beer and Live Entertainment in the Biergarten is $20. www. TexasMushroomFestival.com or call 877-908-8808. FOREST COUNTRY 24 — WHEELOCK: Wheelock Community Center Country Market 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Anitques and vintage goods, flea market, arts and crafts, homemade goods, farmers market, knives and scissors sharpened. Located at 1908 Wheelock School, 10691 Cavitt St.; 979-828-3790 PRAIRIES AND LAKES 31 — ALTO: 12th Annual Alto Fall Festival on Halloween Day in beautiful downtown Alto; vendors, entertainers, kid’s play zone with peting zoo, car show, Alto’s Got the Voice, Little Miss Beauty Pageant, Kid’s Halloween Costume contes; League of Lions Wrestling Show. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Commerce Street FOREST COUNTRY

TFH

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COUNTRY AS CORNBREAD H By LOIS MARIE GUYMER

The Smell of Cocoa in a Can

oncentrating on getting the pie filling stirred together and ready to cook, I reached up into the cabinet and pulled down the cocoa can without much thought. It wasn’t until the lid was off that my hands stilled, as the familiar aroma rushed up to claim my senses. There is always something about that particular smell that carries me back home again to when I was a kid. Inhaling deeply, I closed my eyes and saw Mama smile as she held the can out under my nose so I could get a better sniff. “I’m making chocolate fried pies for supper,” she’d say as I edged closer to watch. As her helper, I always got to first pop open the can of biscuits she used for a quick dough, to give them time to warm up – swell up a bit while she made the chocolate middle. Spooning a quarter cup or so of the cocoa into a pot, she would then stir in a cup or more of sugar, a large hunk of butter, and about a quarter cup of milk or water. Placed on a burner, she let the mixture come to a boil, all the while stirring and stirring until it cooked down thick. Once it was ready, Mama would use her hands to smash a biscuit out flat on a floured plate, then place a spoonful of the filling on top. Next she’d dip a fingertip into a bit of water, then run it around the edge of the biscuit to help it seal better. The dough was then carefully folded over to cover the middle and crimped around the edge with a fork to form a half moon pie ready to fry in the hot grease she had going. And let me tell you, the smell of cocoa wasn’t half as tantalizing as the smell of those chocolate fried pies as they came out of the skillet, crispy brown and ready to eat! Of course,

almost every time one of them wouldn’t stay together good and a little of the filling would ooze out and smoke up a storm as the sugar burned away. Tsk-tsking, Mama would fuss as she rushed to open a door and set me to fanning the smoke out with a towel. The burned smell never bothered us much though – it was just part of what was to be expected when Mama fried pies! Of course, even though those were my favorite supper dessert, Papa had other ideas about the best use for cocoa. For a man who couldn’t stand chocolate ice cream, he thought he couldn’t live without a “real” chocolate pie at least once every week or two! Fortunately Mama loved Papa even more than he loved his pies, and was almost always willing to oblige his craving. Her pie crust was made from scratch out of a handful of flour, a scoop of lard, a pinch of salt, and a spoonful or two of water. Down through the years she made so many of them with me standing at her elbow, that I grew up knowing how to put a crust in a pie-plate without ever giving it a second thought. And speaking of thoughts, just as surely as those sweet memories carried me away back into the used to be, the business at hand slowly called me back to the present. Standing there in my own kitchen, gazing out the window into yesterday, it dawned on me that I was supposed to be cooking a pie. Shaking my head, with a grin I measured out a big spoonful of cocoa into the filling mix. And as the memory of Mama’s loving presence started to drift away, I could almost hear her laughing as the smell of cocoa in a can wafted up my nose once again! TFH

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 SEPTEMBER 2015

SEPTEMBER 2015

TEXAS FARM & HOME

TEXAS FARM & HOME SEPTEMBER 2015