Cuero Record Routine Special Section by Texas Press Association

Page 2, Visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide, 2012 Edition

Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition, Page 3

Welcome to DeWitt County!

elcome to DeWitt County! Centered between San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Austin, and Houston, all these major commercial centers are less than two hours from DeWitt County. Victoria is less than a half hour away. DeWitt County is a great place to live and work. Many consider this part of Texas the prettiest part of the state. With its rolling hills, fabulous oaks, winding rivers and wildlife, there is no better place to relax and enjoy life. Maybe that is why Spanish and French explorers carefully documented their travels through here 300 years ago. We especially want you to come see our recently restored DeWitt County Courthouse. Built 115 years ago, this towering center of government is con-

sidered one of the finest in Texas. Actually, Cuero (which means rawhide in Spanish) earned its name from the Spanish during a period between 1729 and 1749 when Indian cowboys from area missions were using this area as a cattle camp. Yorktown was named for Captain John York, one of Texas’ great freedom fighters in its bid for independence from Mexico. The town grew as an important relay station between the coast and the German settlement of New Braunfels. Cattle drives, railroads and tomatoes played an important role in the development of Yoakum, located in the north east corner of DeWitt County. It is known as the “Hub City” in this county.

Whether you are here to shop the many antique stores, tour the many museums, see the historic homes and buildings and picturesque farms and ranches or travel the backroads to look at wildflowers, DeWitt County offers a full year of activities. When it rains our unique combination of Texas soils produces a cavalcade of color when almost 1,000 different wildflowers bloom here. Racing wild turkeys has international fame and is a highlight of our Turkeyfest celebration each fall. 2012 is the 100th anniversary of Cuero’s original Turkey Trot celebration. Yorktown celebrates Western Days-Ziegfest, one of the state’s top festivals, also in the fall. In the near future there will be another reason to visit De-

Witt County, the opening of Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum. Located in Cuero this museum promises to become a key destination point for tourist as it presents a history of the region’s rich ranching legacy and contributions to the nation’s cattle industry, while telling the story of the legendary cattle drive era. More recently DeWitt County has been in the spotlight because of the petroleum rich Eagle Ford Shale play. Oil rigs and pipelines can be seen in all parts of the county and are a testament to our diversified economy. We want you to know that DeWitt County is open for business. We have industrial parks, residential developments and community leaders ready to answer questions about your move

here. We hope you take time to thumb through each page of this edition of our Visitor’s Guide. After reading about what we have to offer, you will see why we have made this our home. Welcome to DeWitt County! Glenn Rea, Publisher-Editor

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What’s Inside: PAGE 3 Welcome to Dewitt County PAGES 4-5 History of DeWitt County PAGE 6 Dewitt County Courthouse PAGES 7-8 Cuero PAGE 9 Elected Representatives Important Area Numbers PAGE 10-12 EagleFord Jobs PAGE 13-14 Chisholm Trail Museum PAGE 15 Christmas In The Park

PAGES 16-18 Yorktown PAGE 19 Guadalupe Paddling Trail PAGE 21 Westhoff Hochheim Turner Hall PAGES 22 Turkeyfest PAGE 23 Turkey Trot PAGE 24 Cuero Heritage Museum PAGE 25 Yoakum PAGE 26 Tom Tom Festival PAGE 28 Cuero EDC Texas Certified

Retirement Community PAGE 31 Benavidez Memorial PAGE 32-34 Western Days-Ziegfest PAGES 35-37 Cuero Community Hospital PAGES 39 Thomaston Arneckeville PAGE 40 Nordheim School Ratings PAGE 41 Meyersville Concrete PAGE 43 DeWitt County Historical Museum

DeWitt County offers much for visitors

eWitt is a typical Texas county. Its citizens are a real Texas mix - cowboys who are bankers, CPAs who are ranchers, teachers who are artists, doctors who are photographers, attorneys with pecan orchards. College graduates have come back “home” to manage such businesses as ranches and supply stores like many born and reared in the comfortable atmosphere of a small town where “everybody knows your name.”

Then there are the newcomers who have either chosen to come and live in DeWitt County or have been transferred here by occupation. What they have found is a lively town. Artists and craftspeople are busy with visitors. Social activities crowd the calendar. Visitors and tourists are fascinated by the architecture of the DeWitt County Courthouse. Almost daily they can be seen around the square photographing the 1896 Romanesque Re-

vival-style building. This fascination extends to the other historical sites and structures. Cuero now has more than 50 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places from a survey made in 1988. Agriculture dominates the economy of the county. However, oil and gas production continues to add to that. Pecans are important and peaches are increasing in importance. See DEWITT COUNTY, Page 5

Continuing the Quality of Life

We understand that these are difficult times. You care & are concerned about the health & well-being of a loved one. So, making the right decision isn’t easy. We’re here to provide the support & understanding you need to make the transition easier for all concerned. Care away from home is seen by many as a last resort. We don’t agree. Our residents receive quality health care, & enjoy companionship in a clean, safe, & homelike setting. Our team of professionals provide comprehensive health services in:

Nursing • Rehabilitation • Nutrition • Recreation

• Outpatient Therapy Services Available •

What sets us apart is our commitment to understand each resident’s unique needs. We tailor services to achieve the highest quality of life for each individual. Come by & get to know us! Ask questions. For your peace of mind, the more you know about us, the better.

• Step I Quality Award from AHCA • 2011 Deficiecy Free Survey Conducted by TDADS

Committed to Compassion, Striving for Excellence, Serving Responsibly

A Diversicare Facility

Trista Winkenwerder, Administrator 670 W. Fourth Street P.O. Box 805 Yorktown, TX 78164 361-564-2275

Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition, Page 5

DEWITT COUNTY Continued from Page 4

Youth activities are important in the community as well. There are 4-H and FFA projects. Also, all school activities are of high priority to the community. There are more than 30 churches representing more than 14 denominations. Many of the church buildings are listed on the Texas Registry of Historical Buildings as well as the national list. According to the Handbook of Texas, archeological digs in DeWitt County show that human habitation dates from the Paleo-Indian period. The Guadalupe River was a focal point of the earliest residents. Later, Coahuiltecan-speaking tribes, mostly the Aranamas and Tamiques, settled in the area. Other visitors were the Karankawas and Tonkawas and then later the Apaches and Comanches.

Contributed photo by Pamela Anderson

DeWitt County is known for its historic courthouse in Cuero.This 115 year old building was restored to its original magnificence in 2007.

The first European visitors were probably the survivors of the Narvaez expedition of 1528, including Cabeza de Vaca. Other explorers crisscrossed the area. Later, stagecoaches and wagon trains crossed the county. The county was formed in 1846 and named after empresario Green DeWitt. The La Bahia Road crossed DeWitt County from the northeast to the southwest. Wagon roads developed only with increased travel resulting from Anglo-American settlement. The first road authorized for use by DeWitt County commissioners was built in 1846 and connected Chisholm’s Ferry to the La Bahia Road. A second project connected Hochheim with the Victoria-Gonzales road. In 1861, DeWitt County joined the majority of organized Texas counties in voting to leave the Union. Several military units were raised in the county. Although citizens of Clinton

protested the use of the county courthouse for military and hospital purposes, DeWitt County was not a center of conflict. The county’s ferries and roads were used for shipping commerce, clothes, and supplies to the Confederate forces since the county lay on the important route from Indianola to San Antonio. One of the trails of the Chisholm Trail, a major cattle trail, originated near the site of present Cuero at a place called Cardwell’s Flat. The first drive to northern markets on the Chisholm Trail occurred on April 1, 1866. By year’s end, 260,000 cattle had been driven up this route. Railroad construction began in DeWitt in 1873. Cuero and Yoakum are still served by rail. Cuero is on three major highways and is served by a four-lane divided highway to Victoria. The latest census reported that 20,354 people make DeWitt County their home.

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Courthouse restored to original 1896 look DeWitt County by the numbers Founded 1846 Population 20,255 Land area 909.18 square miles Water area 1 square mile Persons 65 and older 18.3 percent Persons per square mile 22.1 Coordinates 29.08ºN 97.36ºW

trip to DeWitt County is not complete until you see its recently restored 116-year-old courthouse. Sitting in the center of the county, this three-story, Romanesque style structure in located in Cuero. Completed in 1896, it originally cost taxpayers $107,000 and was designed by architect A.O. Watson. For almost 60 years it housed the government of this county. However, a decision was made to refurbish the building in the mid-1950’s. The building’s interior was remodeled to include air conditioning and more accommodating offices. Those improvements served residents well for another 50

years. With the start of the 21st century, DeWitt County partnered with Texas Historical Commission to restore the exterior of the building. A master plan was submitted and approved and THC awarded DeWitt County $4 million as part of the state’s courthouse restoration grant program. In 2005 THC provided another $1.7 million to the project to include interior restoration work. That restoration would see much of the interior returned to its original look of 1896. DeWitt County and its residents matched 20% of the almost $6 million THC grant to

meet the project total. Touring the restored courthouse will reveal the majesty of this county icon. From the completely restored clockworks in the bell tower to the handpainted ceiling tiles in the district courtroom, the building is breath-taking. Doors, floor-tiles, stair hand-rails, and windows reflect the way the building looked to residents here over a century ago. Pride in DeWitt County Courthouse was evidenced during the restoration effort as over 100 volunteers worked for weeks hand-painting ceiling tiles and decorative tiles for the building. A plaque in the first-floor hallway recognizes the efforts of

those who made this project possible. A guest book on the first floor indicates visitors from 25 different states, as well as, Canada, Mexico and China have toured the restored structure. Texas Film Commission has also taken note of the historic building for possible future films. DeWitt County Courthouse received the Historic Restoration Award at Preservation Texas’ Annual Honors Awards for 2010 in Houston. It was also chosen for the Texas Historic Courthouse Stewardship Program Award presented by Texas Historical Commission in 2010.

Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition, Page 7

‘Cool’ Cuero unique in many ways T

In 1868, the Taylor and Suthere are probably many town that has endured many obton families began a feud that reasons why Budget stacles over the decades. Cuero was chosen as a mid- was very bloody and longlasting. Travel Magazine included Cuero as one of its 2010 way stopping point between In- It encompassed a 30-year span “Coolest Small Towns in Amer- dianola and San Antonio on the and was said to have originated Gulf, Western Texas and Pacific from bad feelings after the Civil ica” list. War during Reconstruction. AlCuero, the county seat of De- Railway. The historic Chisholm Trail though the true cause may Witt, is unique for many reasons. It claims to be “The began outside present-day never be determined, it is a Turkey Capital of the World” Cuero in 1866. The trail was topic of much debate. The town was incorporated and is home of one of Texas’ considered a western wonder in perennial high school football its day and was used in the late in 1873 and replaced Clinton as powerhouses. It is also known 19th century to drive cattle the county seat in 1876. In 1875 and 1886, many worldwide for its legendary overland from ranches in Texas Cuero citizens had migrated to to Kansas railheads. “chupacabra.” The town was incorporated escape the hurricanes that had Cuero’s rich history is evident by its museums and culture. The in 1875 and replaced Clinton as destroyed Indianola, which once rivaled Galveston as a major gulf town offers visitors and residents the county seat in 1876. port. Some families went so many opportunies for recrefar as to dismantle their ation, shopping, and enterhomes in Indianola and retainment. built them in Cuero. The According to The Hand- Location: At convergence of U.S. first hurricane hit on book of Texas, the town was highways 183, 77A and 87. Sept.15, 1875. Indianola named after Cuero Creek, Founded: 1873 was full because of visitors which the Spanish called Arattending a trial that was a royo de Cuero, or Creek of Population: 6,841 (according to result of the Taylor-Sutton the Rawhide, in reference to 2010 U.S. Census) Feud. Fatalities were estithe Indians’ practice of killing Origin of name: Town was named wild cattle that got stuck in after Cuero (rawhide in Spanish) Creek mated at 150 to 300. Only eight buildings were left unthe mud of the creekbed. Information from The Handbook of Texas damaged by the storm. On The name is fitting for a

Cuero quick facts

Aug. 19, 1886, a second hurri- organized the Home Protection cane hit Indianola and was ac- Club, which aided law officers and drilled regularly as a military companied by a fire. The Cuero Star newspaper unit. By 1887, Cuero’s population began publishing weekly in 1873. The Cuero Daily Record had risen to 2,500. By the midwent to press in 1894. The 1890s, Cuero had one of the Record later absorbed the Star state’s largest cottonseed oil and German-language newspa- mills, capable of producing 80 tons a day. per Deutsche Rundschau. There were also three large Professor David W. Nash opened Guadalupe Academy, a cotton gins, an ice factory, two coeducational private school, in bottling plants, a cigar factory, a 1873. The Cuero Independent tannery, a private electric comSchool District was formed in pany, and the first of three hospitals. 1892. The Turkey Trot, which has Cuero prospered despite peinto present-day riods of lawlessness and a disas- evolved trous fire in 1879. Local citizens Turkeyfest, began in 1912. See CUERO, Page 8

Ridge View Ranch Bed & Breakfast

A country Bed & Breakfast located on a cattle ranch in DeWitt County. The Main House is surrounded by three large porches and a veranda. The ranch offers scenic views and the serenity of the surrounding countryside. We provide comfortably furnished rooms with private entrances, a family room, a furnished kitchenette and dining areas. The facility does provide satellite TV service and wireless internet service. The facility accommodates a special needs guest. Accessible. Please call to make a reservation. We accept Visa and MasterCard.

64 Evening Cloud Lane * Cuero, Texas 77954-6393 Office Number: (361) 277-8814 • Mobile Number: (361) 648-2844 Website: www.ridgeviewranch-cuero.com Email: rvr@ridgeviewranch-cuero.com

Gift Certificates Available **Bridal Registy**

Page 8, Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition Continued from Page 7 Traveling salesmen from the north began watching with great interest the large flocks of turkeys that were driven on foot to the Cuero market. Today there is an annual race between turkeys from Worthington, Minn., and Cuero. Also, there is a carnival, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and much more during the three-day Turkeyfest

CUERO in October. In the mid-1920s, the power dam on the Guadalupe River was the largest in the state. Cuero pioneered the turkeyraising industry in South Central Texas and became one of the largest poultry markets in the Southwest. The city also supported large cattle, dairy, and meat-packing industries and produced pecans, cottonseed oil and products, and

feeds. During World War II Cuero Field was established at the Cuero Municipal Airport, two miles west of Cuero. It was a US Army Air Force training field. All instructors and mechanics were civilian, though the Army supervised training. Thousands of pilots who graduated from Cuero Field went on to serve in World War II. The Cuero Livestock Com-

History Heritage Hospitality...

Cuero Texas

• Visit our variety of shops for clothing, home décor, kitchen gadgets, jewelry, wine, food, antiques, furniture and more • Home of Cuero’s Turkeyfest, Christmas in the Park and DeWitt County’s Wildflower Lanes & Byways • Go on a driving tour of our beautiful historic homes • Enjoy our public nine hole golf course • Wander around in the DeWitt County Historical Museum, Cuero Heritage Museum and view the progress on our newest museum, the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum • Cuero is a Preserve America Community and a Certified Retirement Community

For more information Please Contact City Administration Office. at P.O. Box 660, Cuero, Texas 77954 or call 361-275-3476

Contributed photo by Dee Henneke

Planters along Main Street in Cuero feature murals as do many of the buildings in the downtown area. mission records show Cuero as the largest shipper of cattle in the state in 1942 and 1943, with more than 800 train carloads exported per year. The commission, established in 1940, sold $251,750 worth of stock that same year; sales jumped to $1.3 million in 1941, $3.5 million in 1942, and $4.7 million in 1943. Even though Cuero means “rawhide” in Spanish, the town also has a storied history with the pigskin. In 1973, 1974 and 1987, the Cuero Gobblers brought home state football titles. In 2000, the first business relocated to the 150-acre Industrial Park. Today there are several businesses in operation there. In 2004, Cuero became a

Preserve America Community. Preserve America is a White House initiative that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy their cultural and natural heritage. Cuero became a Preserve America Community for its efforts to maintain its history and heritage. Cuero became recognized as a Certified Retirement Community in 2007 by the Texas Department of Agriculture for the living and amenities offered to residents. In 2009, Cuero became a Film Friendly Community, certified by the Texas Film Commission. The recommended film policy by the state was adopted to make the process easier for anyone interested in Cuero as a potential film location.

Your DeWitt County news sources The Cuero Record & The Yorktown News-View

Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition, Page 9

Cuero/Area Numbers

Elected representatives

Ambulance Service . . . .275-6191 Emergencies 9 1 1 Animal Control . . . . . . .275-3552 City Adm. . . . . . . . . . . .275-3476 Sheriff . . . . . . . . . . . . .275-5734 Emergencies 9 1 1 Court House . . . . . . . . .275-0916 Chamber of Com. . . . . .275-2112 Driver’s License . . . . . . .275-6154 Cuero ISD . . . . . . . . . . .275-1900 Electricity . . . . . . . . . . .275-6281 Fire Department . . . . . .275-2411 Emergencies 9 1 1 Garbage Collection . . . .275-6266 Health Depart. . . . . . . .275-0920 Housing Authority . . . . .275-6127 Library . . . . . . . . . . . . .275-2864

U. S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison 703 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 1-202-224-5922

State Senator Glenn Hegar, District 18 P.O. Box 12068- Capitol Station Austin, TX 78711 1-512-463-0118 District Address P.O. Box 1008 Katy, TX 77492 1-281-391-8883

U. S. Representative Ruben Hinojosa, District 15 2463 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 1-202-225-2531 District Office 107 S. St. Mary Beeville, TX 78102 1-361-358-8400

State Representative Geanie W. Morrison, District 30 P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78769-2910 1-512-463-0456 Victoria Office 1501 E. Mockingbird, Suite 101 Victoria, TX 77903 1-361-572-0196

U. S. Senator John Cornyn 517 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 1-202-224-2934

o T e m o c l We ! y t n u o C t t i W De

Marriage License . . . . . .275-0864 Natural Gas . . . . . . . . . .800-700-2443 Newspapers: Cuero Record . . . . . .275-3464 Victoria Advocate . 361-575-1451 Police Department . . . . .277-3552 Post Office . . . . . . . . . .275-5323 Senior Center . . . . . . . .275-9182 Tax Assessor . . . . . . . . .275-0879 Tax Appraisal . . . . . . . .275-5753 TDCJ Prison . . . . . . . . .275-2075 TxDOT . . . . . . . . . . . . .275-3821 Vehicle Registration . . . .275-0879 Victoria College . . . . . . . .361-573-3291 Voter Registration . . . . .275-0879 Workforce Dev. . . . . . . .277-8870 Univ. of Houston/Vict. . .361-570-4848

For additional information about visiting or living in DeWitt County: www.cuero.org www.yoakumareachamber.com www.yorktowntx.com

We’ve Reserved a Place For You!

Aunt Di’s Kountry Kitchen 606 E. Main Street • Yorktown 361-564-2897

OPEN Weds. thru Sun. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Closed Mon. & Tues.

1161 N. Esplanade • Cuero 361-275-6144

• Daily Lunch & Evening Specials • • Sunday Turkey & Dressing or Roast Beef Lunch • • Full Menu Always Available • • Burgers & Mexican Food • Steaks & Seafood • Catering Available

Friday Nite Catfish Special plus Live Entertainment!

“ Fri Whe Fa ends re M mily & eet ”

Page 10, Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition

Shale expected to create 117,000 jobs

evelopment of oil and natural gas in the Eagle Ford Shale contributed $25 billion in total economic output to the region in 2011, according to a study released today by the Center for Community and Business Research at The University of Texas at San Antonio Institute for Economic Development (UTSA). "The Eagle Ford Shale has proven to be one of the most important economic engines in the state," said Dr. Thomas Tunstall, director of the UTSA Center for Community & Business Research, and the study’s principal investigator. “In 2011 alone, the play generated over $25 billion in revenue, supported 47,000 full-time jobs in the area, and provided $257 million in local government revenue.” The study also concluded that

in 2011 shale development: ·Paid $3.1 billion in salaries and benefits to workers; ·Provided more than $12.6 billion in gross regional product; ·Added more than $358 million in state revenues, including $120.4 million in severance taxes; ·And spurred a triple-digit sales tax revenue increase in various local counties. The increased revenue from the Eagle Ford Shale is rebuilding local communities. New schools and new hospitals are being built, and new training programs have been launched to maximize hiring from the local workforce. The study projects the creation of approximately 117,000 full-time jobs by 2021. The Eagle Ford Shale is a 50 mile-wide by 400 mile-long formation that runs from the Continued on Page 12

As Home?

Why Choose

Our beautifully designed 120-bed facility offers the very best in long term care and is staffed by compassionate, specially trained professionals. Both Medicare and Medicaid certified, we offer skilled nursing for those needing personalized therapy programs, and rehabilitation services for those who need interim care before returning to their own homes.

At Cuero Nursing and Rehabilitation Center we offer :

• Physical, Respiratory, Occupational, Speech and IV Therapy • Wound Care • Laundry & Housekeeping Services • Religious Services • Beauty & Barber Shop Services • Transportation

2011 - Celebrating 19 years of caring for the residents of DeWitt County! 1310 E. Broadway • Cuero • 361-275-9133

Visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide, 2012 Edition, Page 11

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EAGLE FORD SHALE Continued from Page 10

Pioneer Natural Resources is building this office, maintenance and supply office complex in Cuero as part of the Eagle Ford Shale play. Weaver - Jacobs Constructors of Cuero is the contractor.

New Construction doesn’t have to be a dream ... we can help make it a reality.

southern portion of Texas to the east. The formation produces natural gas, condensate, oil, and natural gas liquids, with margins more favorable than other shale plays. The study assessed the economic impact of the Eagle Ford Shale on the 14 counties currently producing oil and natural gas from the formation, as well as the six surrounding counties indirectly involved in its development. The UTSA Institute for Economic Development’s Center for Community and Business Research conducts primary research on community and business development in South Texas and the Border Region. For more information, visit www.ccbr.iedtexas.org. To On average there are about 20 oil download the study, visit rigs drilling in DeWitt County each week. http://bit.ly/EagleFordShale.

MOUND CREEK RV PARK & STABLE 14 Full Service Sites (water, sewer, electricity) Furnished RVs for Rent • Quiet Setting Horse Boarding Available

830-299-0047

830-299-1720

Located in the NE corner of Karnes County, 14 miles from Nixon, 14 miles from Yorktown, & 10 miles from Gillett.

Jimmy Timpone - Owner Kevin Wanjura - Technician

Build on your lots or acreage or ours. Coming Soon! New Lots in Pebble Ridge II!

www.customhomesbyjohnpost.com POST Lumber Co., Inc. 1401 N. Esplanade • Cuero 361-275-2547

•A/C • Brakes • Tune-Ups • Shocks & Struts •Electrical • Diagnostic • Fuel Injection • Engine Repair

Welcome Visitors! (361) 277-AUTO(2886) • 391 U.S. 183 N. Cuero, TX 77954

Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition, Page 13

Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum provides educational, cultural, recreational resource

t is April 1, 1866 and with the coming of first light, 1,800 head of the toughest Longhorn cattle are gathered at Cardwell Flats (approximately four miles north of present-day Cuero). As the story is told, Crockett Cardwell, known as one of the earliest merchants in the fledgling state of Texas, recognized the abundance of Texas cattle, coupled with the growing demand for beef. Seeing an opportunity, he called on his friend and capable cowman, Thornton Chisholm, to lead an ambitious cattle drive

Ride Over And Check Us Out!

-- all the way to St. Joseph, Missouri. Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum was established in 2000 and quickly set forth a mission, “to preserve the ranching and western heritage of South Central Texas through interpretive exhibits, research, and educational programs.” The board of directors of the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum announced a $2.1 million capital campaign at their biennial Taste of the Trail fundraiser held in 2012. The campaign is targeted primarily for complet-

ing the build-out of the museum’s exhibits on the 4,000 square-foot ground floor of Cuero’s historic Knights of Pythias Hall. Funding from the campaign also includes completion of green space and expanded parking (55 new parking spaces), which will be located behind the historic building and annex; build-out of approximately 800 square feet of permanent display area, which has exposure along the front sidewalk and Esplanade; and completion of the entry / gift shop

See CTHM, Page 17

area where visitors will enter the museum and multi-purpose community facility. The Museum’s board of directors purchased the historic (c. 1903), two-story Knights of Pythias Hall approximately ten years ago for the purpose of establishing a ranching and cowboy heritage museum. The

purchase was followed by the hiring of preservation architect David Hoffman, who created a seven-phase restoration master plan.With Hoffman’s guidance during the planning process, the organization decided to convert the former ceremonial and recreational rooms, Continued on Page 14

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CHISHOLM TRAIL Continued from Page 13

located on the second floor of the historic fraternal hall, into a multi-purpose community facility. Later, in 2008, Lewis Fisher of Fisher-Heck Architects, San Antonio was hired to complete the restoration process begun by Hoffman, who resigned due to health issues. Extensive restoration to the upper floor was supported by Save America’s Treasures, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the U.S. Department of Interior; and several regional foundations, corporations and agencies, including H-E-B’s Tournament of Champions, Ed Rachal Foundation, Texas Historical Commission, J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation, M.G. & Lillie A. Johnson Foundation, Lower Colorado River Authority and the Cuero Development Corporation.

Also completed in early 2010 is a two-story, 4,500 square-foot annex -- built to accommodate the requirements of a modern structure, including an elevator, ADA-compliant restrooms, office, archival space, catering kitchen and mechanical room. Funding support in the amount of $1 million from the Economic Development Administration and U.S. Department of Commerce enabled the organization to complete the annex in a one-year period beginning in the spring 2009. Since its opening in 2010, approximately 7,800 members of the general public have enjoyed the use of the Museum’s multi-purpose community rooms for lectures, receptions, seminars, workshops, small conferences, children’s programs, and a variety of other cultural, educational and recreational activities. To date, over $2.8 million has been invested in the restoration of one of Cuero’s most visible historic buildings

and construction of the adjacent 4,500 square-foot annex. Lonn Taylor, retired Smithsonian historian and consultant to the museum’s story plan, reflected on the Museum’s accomplishments, “The Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, by preserving the Knights of Pythias Hall, is contributing to the preservation of a unique built small-town environment in Cuero. Texas and the United States have a lot of wonderful museums in big cities, but having a collection like the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum collection in a town the size of Cuero means that people are able to go there and understand their own heritage without having to travel a long distance.” He added, “The (CTHM) collection itself far transcends the local experience of cattle ranching in the Guadalupe River Valley because the Edward Larocque Tinker Collection is a collection of horsemen and cowboy artifacts from all over the Americas.

One can visit the Museum and understand that cattle ranching was not a local phenomena, but an experience that covered the entire New World.” The campaign will fulfill over a decade of planning, fundraising and dreams of creating a destination attraction for Cuero and South Central Texas. Additional programs and activities can be found at www.chisholmtrailmusuem.org . Board chair, Robert Oliver, concluded the

funding appeal, “With your help, the pioneer spirit that gave rise to our rich cultural heritage will be preserved for future generations. It is a spirit that has created our unique and remarkable history and one that deserves to be remembered, emulated and honored.”

Our doors are always open! We are the only facility in Cuero with a secured hall. We are conveniently located behind the Cuero Community Hospital. We are proud to have a skilled, caring staff that have been with us for many years. If you would like a tour contact Stephanie Flessner, Marketing Director

105 Hospital Dr. • Cuero Phone: 361-275-3421- Fax: 361-275-8640

Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition, Page 15

Christmas In The Park lights up holidays

uero’s Christmas in the Park is a must see each year for both visitors and residents. The event runs nightly beginning the first Tuesday before Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, and features over 130 lighted scenes on a driving tour of Cuero Municipal Park, located off Highway 87 South. Approximately 60,000 to 100,000 visitors passed through the park to view the displays each year. Over 20,000 vehicles take the free self-guided tour that features 12-car train, gingerbread house, Victorian carolers, tree trimmers, and skaters; Santa on Lakeview Knoll; a 17piece Nativity on the Lake Island; an 85 foot paddlewheeler; a Peace on Earth Globe; a Sea Serpent; Santa's 10 car train; praying hands; 11 foot candles surrounded by poinsettias; and a Western scene complete with stagecoach, horses, cowboys, Indian, and others on display. Some of the scenes are animated and will bring out the "kid at Christmas" in young and not-

so-young alike. A live nativity is on display in December, and features volunteers from several community churches. Wagon rides through the park are available in December. Christmas in the Park began in 2000, as the brain child of the December Events Committee, an adhoc committee of the Cuero Chamber of Commerce. Money for the Christmas in the Park project has come from the Cuero Development Corporation, as well as donations from businesses, organizations, and individuals. Volunteers are on hand during the season to take donations from those driving through the park to help the project to continue and grow. For more information on Christmas in the Park, contact the Cuero Development Corporation at 361-275-8178; email: Cuero’s Christmas In The Park began in 2000. cueroed@gvec.net; or visit their website at www.cuerodevelopment.com.

Contributed photo Marsha Gibson

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Page 16, Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition

Yorktown - first incorporated town in county M ore than a century ago Yorktown, which is DeWitt County's oldest incorporated town, was founded by Captain John York and Charles Eckhardt, during the ad-

ministration of Governor G. L. Wood. In honor of Captain John York, in whose breast burned the Spirit of Empires, the town was named Yorktown.

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Yorktown Historical Museum Captain York was born in Kentucky on July 4, 1800, and came to Austin County, with his parents in 1821. He became a famous Indian fighter and was in command of a company of citizens who, under Ben Milam, defeated General Cos and 1,500 Mexicans in 1835 at the battle of Bexar. For his military services, York received many acres

of land in the Coleto Creek area. Being interested in colonizations, he felt he could enhance the value of his property by establishing a settlement on his land. In 1846, two years previous to the founding of the town, Captain York moved to Coleto Creek, a short distance from where the present town is now located. Captain York lost his life in October 1848 in a battle with Indians who had raided the settlement of Yorktown. A historical marker designates York's grave only seven miles from

town. Charles Eckhardt, the other founder, came from Laasphe Germany in 1832 and started a mercantile business in Indianola which at that time was a major Texas seaport. Eckhardt participated in the Texas War of Independence and may have met Captain York during military service. By 1843, Eckhardt's business was prospering and he had dealing with merchants as far away as San Antonio and New Braunfels. Transportation by carts and See YORKTOWN, Page 17

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Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition, Page 17

Continued from Page 16 wagons was tedious and usually averaged only seventeen miles a day on a rough, crooked trail going through Victoria and Gonzales to New Braunfels. He hoped to find a shorter and better route with water available about every fifteen miles and blacksmith shops available for wagon repairs. Charles Eckhardt contracted with John A. King, one of the pioneers of West Texas, to survey a road from Indianola through Yorktown to New Braunfels, later known as the Old Indianola Trail. From its inception in February, 1848, this road remained the chief thoroughfare for this part of the State to New Braunfels and San Antonio. This trail shortened the former route by twenty miles and established Yorktown as an

YORKTOWN important relay station for freighters, prairie schooners, trail drivers, and stage coaches bringing mail and passengers. The trail came through upper town near Dr. W. E. McAda's present Veterinary Clinic on North Riedel Street. Indianola, which was then the principal seaport of the Southwest, was destroyed by a hurricane in 1875. Early in 1848, after the founders had the proposed town surveyed, they offered ten acres and the choice of a lot free to the first ten families to settle the townsite. Many German, Bohemian, and Polish families came and soon changed this wilderness into one of the most prosperous sections of the entire state. In May, 1848, Peter Metz and John Frank built the first house in the settlement of York-

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town for Charles Eckhardt. It was built of logs, twelve by twenty feet, with a back room and chimney. This house was later occupied by a brother, Caesar Eckhardt, who was the founder of C. Eckhardt and Sons Mercantile Company, known for half a century as the leading firm of its kind in western DeWitt County. A few months later the first house on the new townsite was built by C. G. Hartmann. At this time the country surrounding was a wilderness, where all manner of wild game, as well as wild horses and mustang, roamed at will. Unfortunately, neither of the founders lived to see the town develop beyond this point. In October 1848, in a battle with Marauding Indians, Captain York and his son-in-law, James Madison Bell, were killed. They

were buried in a single handmade coffin in the Yorktown Cemetery some seven miles east of Yorktown. In 1852, on an inspection of some of his properties in Central America, Eckhardt contracted yellow fever and died at sea on his return trip. He is buried in New Orleans. The Eckhardts did not have any children while the Yorks had ten children. The town grew in spite of the loss of its founders. The thrifty settlers knew the value of education and erected their first school building in 1853 and the first church building four years later. The Catholics established a church in 1867 and the Lutherans in 1872. The huge oak tree on the lawn of the latter church is one of the oldest in the state. The nearest neighbors to those hardy pioneers were

found in the settlements of Indianola, Victoria, Meyersville, and Clinton to the east, Goliad to the south, Gonzales to the north, and New Braunfels and San Antonio to the northwest. Freight movements in those days from the port of Indianola and Port Lavaca to San Antonio and other trading centers passed through Yorktown. Because of its midway position it became an important relay station for prairie schooners and trail drivers. The town was incorporated in 1871. Fifteen years later the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway constructed their first line into this territory, thus opening to Yorktown the advantage of rail transportation for both passengers and freight service. Charles Eckhardt's first store See YORKTOWN, Page 18

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Page 18, Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition

YORKTOWN

Continued from Page 17 was a tent and the second a log structure. After his death, his brother, Caesar and his sons, conducted the business and built

Yorktown quick facts

Location: On State Highway 72 and Coleto Creek Founded: 1846 by Capt. John York Population: 2,143 (according to 2010 U.S. Census) Origin of name: Town was named after founder and Indian fighter Capt. John York Information from The Handbook of Texas

the sandstone-steel structure in 1876 and 1878 in lower town on Main Street. The building now houses the Yorktown Historical Museum. The building has been restored and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also, the Holy Cross Catholic Church has been around for more than 125 years and its existing building is 77 years old. St. Paul Lutheran Church was started in 1872 and its present building was built in 1931. In the next twenty years many other businesses were established including grist mills, cotton gins, groceries, dry goods, saddleries, millers, blacksmiths, butchers, hotels, saloons and beer agencies, tailors, barbershops, bottling works, dance halls and opera houses, physicians and undertakers, and a drug store, confectionery, stage stop and livery stable, and newspaper. Upon observing its the anniversary in 1898, Yorktown

had a list of 63 proprietors in these various categories -- a thriving town, indeed! By the hundredth anniversary in 1948, there was a small city park in the center of town with a homemade ferris wheel, other playground equipment, a tennis court, a library and a fire station. The city celebrated with a huge parade, crowning of a Centennial Queen and presentation of a colorful pageant depicting highlights of the first century with a cast of over 300 persons.

DeWitt County Historical Commission recently completed a paver project in front of the Texas Historical Commission’s Centennial Marker located in Cuero just off Hwy. 87 South. Over 260 pavers were purchased which will assist in maintaining the marker. The marker recognizes many of the founding fathers of DeWitt County.

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Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition, Page 19

Paddling trail along Guadalupe River in DeWitt County proving popular

addling a canoe or kayak along the Guadalupe River is now a little easier. DeWitt County has three locations for paddling enthusiasts to “put in - take out” thanks to work put forth by Cuero Development Corporation, Cuero Chamber of Commerce, DeWitt County Commissioners Court, Guadalupe Blanco River Authority, Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas Department of Transportation. The river sites are located at highway bridges on FM 766 (Hell’s Gate Bridge), Hwy. 72 and Hwy. 236. Texas Department of Transportation owns the property under the bridges and DeWitt County has adjacent property at Hwy. 72 and FM 766. Texas Parks and Wildlife has put information about the locations on their Texas Paddling Trail website and in brochures.

A kiosk has been provided by GBRA at the FM 766 location listing rules, regulations, maps, safety tips and other information. The kiosk was erected by TxDOT. Currently there are paddling trails near Gonzales, Goliad, Victoria, Bastrop, Luling, Columbus, and Comal County. Paddling trails are geared to people who enjoy floating along rivers in canoes or kayaks. The trail would involve having a place to launch the kayak and a place to exit the river. Those entrance and exit locations would need easy access to the river. Among the other outdoor recreational activities in DeWitt County are golfing and fishing. Cuero, Yoakum and Yorktown each have golf courses and fishermen have experienced good luck at the Cuero Park lake and the Guadalupe River.

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Page 20, Visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide, 2012 Edition

Roadside color

Contributed photo by Marsha Gibson

DeWitt County has been designated as the Wildflower Capital ofTexas. Most years, the wildflowers produce a wide array of color along DeWitt County roadside in April and May.

Contributed photo by Pamela Anderson

Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition, Page 21

Night in Old Pearl City historic, fun at Turner Hall

istory and fun! Do the two mix? You betcha, especially during the annual Night In Old Pearl City observance the weekend before Thanksgiving (Nov. 17) at historic Turner Hall in Pearl City. In just a few short years, a Night in Old Pearl City has become one of the most popular events in the area, bringing attention to the historic significance of the Pearl City and Hochheim communities. Pearl City was named in 1932 by Walter G. Hagens, owner of the community’s only store, and R.J. Etlinger, the local Pearl beer distributor. They chose the name based on the popularity of the beer and the amount that was consumed in Hagen’s store. This tiny hamlet is located on the Hochheim Prairie, about 61/2 miles west of Yoakum. This event is held each year on the Saturday before Thanks-

giving and includes an afternoon tour of local historic sites. Each site has a story to tell and represents an important piece of the area’s architectural and cultural history. Past tours have included the Saint Ann’s Church and Cemetery, Hermann Sons Cemetery, Hochheim Prairie School and the Stagecoach Inn. Tickets are available for a small fee and include a historic tour, dinner with dessert, silent auction, dance and door prizes. Tickets are $20 and include tours, meal and dance. Music will be provided by the Almost Patsy Cline band. This year they have a German Christmas Market from 10 a.m.6 p.m. Admission to this market is free with your ticket to NIOPC. Without a ticket to NIOPC you can still shop for authentic German products at this market for only $5.

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Hochheim quick facts

Location: Intersection of U.S. Highway 183 and State Highway 111 Founded: 1856 Origin of name: Town was named after settler Valentine Hoch and means “Hoch’s Home” Information from The Handbook of Texas

Westhoff quick facts

Location: On U.S. Highway 87, 14 miles from Cuero Founded: 1906 Origin of name: Town was named after Upper Meyersville settler William Westhoff Sr. Information from The Handbook of Texas

1913 fire destroys 13 businesses in Westhoff

he residents of Bello were not happy with the United States Postal Service’s refusal to recognize their town’s name in the early 1900s. According to The Handbook of Texas, the postal service claimed the name was too similar to Bells, a town in Grayson County, so, after three years of protest, by residents, Westhoff was born. The Westhoff school was es-

tablished in 1908. Despite a fire in 1913, which destroyed 13 businesses and from which the town never fully recovered, Westhoff had a population estimated at 475 in 1915. Passenger service to Westhoff on the Texas and New Orleans Railroad operated until 1950. By 1960, the community had Catholic, Lutheran and Baptist churches.

Hochheim busy trade center along stage route

ochheim, sometimes called Dutchtown by its residents, was a busy trade center on the stage route between Indianola and Austin in the late 1800s. According to The Handbook of Texas, Hochheim shipped cotton, wool, and hides and had a population of around

200 by 1885. Daily stages connected the town to Gonzales and Cuero. Population dwindled in the 1900s as residents moved to larger cities for employment opportunities. In 1985, the town maintained its post office but reported only one business.

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Page 22, Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition

Turkeyfest celebrates 40 years

hat do most people know about Cuero if they are not from Cuero? They usually say something like ... “Say isn’t that that town with all the good football teams?” or “Hey aren’t you the guys that race those turkeys?” Explaining an outstanding football heritage is considerably easier than explaining “turkey racing.” But it was back in 1908 when Cuero’s first turkey dressing house was opened and turkey raising began on a large scale on DeWitt County farms. Early in November the growers would herd their turkeys down country roads and through the city streets to the packing house. Visitors in town would marvel at the sight. They enthusiastically expressed their interest to local citizens and year by year the number of visitors who came to Cuero to watch the turkey drives grew. In 1912, a group of businessmen in the Chamber of Commerce, sensing the

interest of these visitors and wishing to encourage turkey raising and to advertise South Texas turkeys, decided to stage a celebration with a turkey drive down the city’s main streets as the main feature. A popular dance at that time was the “Turkey Trot” and this name was adopted for the event. The original “Turkey Trot” and all future “Trots” proved highly successful. Newsmen, cameramen, magazine writers and thousands of spectators flocked to Cuero each time the celebration was staged. As many as 20,000 live strutting turkeys have appeared in the line of march. In 1973, a group of Cuero citizens decided to add to the Cuero Turkey Trot. A full South Texas spectra of turkey based food recipes, carnivals, gala parades, free mall areas in the downtown streets, continuous live entertainment, home tours, street dances, arts and crafts, in addition to a “herd” of wild turkeys parading down

the streets all climaxed with the “Great Gobbler Gallop.” This final event is an annual turkey race between the cities of Worthington, Minnesota and Cuero. A two-heat race –one heat in each town each year–the best time of the two races determines the winner. The prize being a four foot trophy, “The Traveling Turkey Trophy of Tumultuous Triumph” and the title of the “World’s Fastest Turkey.” The event is most successful bringing thousands of people into Cuero for the annual three day event which is now called Cuero Turkeyfest. The 40th Annual Turkeyfest will be held Oct. 12-14. The featured entertainers will be Charlie Robison and Jason Boland & The Stragglers. You can find out more about Turkeyfest at their website: www.turkeyfest.org.

Contributed photo Charlie Robison will perform this year at Turkeyfest.

H W Y 87 - Vi c t o r i a H w y Cuero, T e x as 77954 3 61 - 2 7 5 - 2 311 • 1 - 8 0 0 - 2 8 8 - 7 0 3 3 O p e n S a t u r d ay s w w w . w e b e r m o t o r c o m p a n y. c o m

Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition, Page 23

Turkey Trot returns to celebrate 100

fter a 40 year absence, the Cuero Turkey Trot will return to town on Oct. 5 and 6 to celebrate the bird and the festival that made this town famous 100 years ago. The Cuero Turkeyfest Association, along with the volunteer help from all corners of the community wishes that you will come out to witness this unique, once-in-a-lifetime event. Kicking off a Turkey Week that will culminate in the annual Turkeyfest celebration, the Turkey Trot begins on Friday, Oct. 5 with the Downtown Sultan’s Stroll on Main Street. This will be a family friendly event where the history of the Turkey Trot will be featured with exhibits beginning in the Cuero Heritage Museum and continuing in the storefronts downtown. Elegant costumes will be front and center at this event, repre-

senting the elegant affair that the Turkey Trot became until its end in 1972. Along with costumes and turkey farming artifacts, various bits of art, education and entertainment will delight visitors looking to understand what it meant to be alive during the golden age of the Cuero Turkey Trot. The next night Cuero will be transported to another realm and another time with the staging of the 15th Turkey Trot Royal Coronation at the High School Cafetorium. Children, teens and adults will gather to perform a historical comedy that weaves its narrative through time until it arrives at the Coronation where Sultan Yekrut and Sultana Oreuc will reign over Turkeydom yet again. Immediately following, the Sultana’s Ball will be accepting visitors into the Royal Palace at Cuero

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City Park where guests can be received by the Royal Court and can dance the evening away with the sounds of a live orchestra. The next weekend, the 40th Annual Cuero Turkeyfest debuts Friday night, Oct. 12 with a covered street dance featuring the sounds of Texas entertainers Charlie Robison followed by Jason Boland and The Stragglers. Be sure to have a good spot downtown the next day to witness the 40th running of the Great Gobbler Gallop turkey race between Worthington, Minnesota's Paycheck and the "World's Fastest Turkey," Cuero's Ruby Begonia. Directly afterwards is a special treat as a large herd of turkeys are marched through the city streets in homage to the past Turkey Trot celebrations. This proces-

sion will kick off the Turkeyfest Parade, which this year will include the royal floats from the Turkey Trot Coronation. The entertainment continues all day and into the night over at Cuero City Park. Come join the locals and out-of-town guests as they shop the vendor’s market, eat the best in Texas cuisine, play fun games with the kids, have pictures taken with real turkeys, watch family films, and enjoy the best music around by the likes of Ashley Duderstadt, the Texas Tornados, Cory Morrow, and the night's headlining act, The Casey Donahew Band. The Cuero Turkeyfest Association hopes that you will take in as many of these special activities as possible, celebrating a century of celebrating the bird that made Cuero world famous. Why? Because you only turn 100 once.

Contributed photo

The first Turkey Trot was held in 1912 and Cuero will celebrate the 100th anniversar y of that event Oct. 5-6. Shown is Sultana Oreuc IV.

Page 24, Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition

Cuero Heritage Museum a must see

he mediterranean style building constructed in 1915 at 124 E. Church, houses the Cuero Heritage Museum and the Cuero Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. The building was originally home to the Cuero Post Office and other Federal offices. In 1962 the Post Office was moved to a new location. The Federal offices remaining eventually moved to other locations,

leaving the building vacant by 1987. The City of Cuero was able to acquire the building, without monetary consideration, if it were used for historic purposes. The City then proposed using the building as a city museum with ongoing exhibits. The City also proposed that the Cuero Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture be relocated to the building, thus

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assuring that the building would be open regularly. The remaining rooms would be used as the museum and would be named the Cuero Heritage Museum. The building is listed in the National Historic Registry with the museum recognized by the Texas Historical Commission as an exemplary museum in 2001. Currently, "Cuero Talks Turkey," "A Tribute to our WW II Veterans, Brayton Field, and Those who kept the Home Fires Burning," "Cuero Gobbler Sports" are on display in the Heritage Museum. The foyer and meeting room are dedicated to featured exhibits which are changed out quarterly. "Cuero Talks Turkey" highlights five (of the total 14) Turkey Trots-1912, 1913, 1920, 1922, and 1928. The current exhibit also illustrates

that as the curtain closed on the final Turkey Trot in 1972, preparations were underway in Cuero to begin a new tradition, Cuero's TurkeyFest. "A Tribute to our WW II Veterans, "Brayton Field, and Those who kept the Home Fires Burning" chronicles the efforts of Cuero during World War II, particularly the training of 1,800 pilots and Leonard Ray Harmon, U. S. Navy, the first Black-American to have a de- A complete look at Cuero stroyer named for him due to his High School Gobbler history heroic deeds in WW II. Also is on display at the museum. featured is a scale model of the Brayton Flying field as it was in planned by a board of directors. the early 1950s. Highlighting the varied interests The newest exhibit features of local citizens, the museum an extensive collection of also features a series of exhibits “juicers” donated by resident entitled "Cuero Collections." Wayne Adickes. These collections have included The Cuero Heritage Mu- juicers, Christmas ornaments, seum's exhibits and activities are dolls, hair brushes, paintings, and is currently highlighting a collection of antique and reproLocal Photo Booth Rentals duced mechanical and cast iron • Weddings • Mixers banks. • Parties • Events A growing exhibit is the history of Cuero High School’s Hip and ultra-modern photo Gobblers. Photos, news clipbooth meets lounge for the pings and memorabilia from the social media savvy and cutting Gobblers’ great history has edge bride & groom. proven to be a favorite of many tourists. Fun Frames Fotobooth A planned exhibit will feature Erik McCowan, Proprietor 512-332-6905 the Federal Building. This exhibit will illustrate the construction of the Federal Building with photographs, artifacts, and the museums' prized possesion, a journal written by the superinCuero has the pleasures of a small town as well as the tendent of the building crew technical advantages of a large city. We offer some of those which narrates every phase of advantages - business telephone systems, VOIP systems, the construction of this grand Network & Fiber cabling, IP cameras. old historic building. The museum is funded by hotel/motel tax receipts and visitor contributions. The museum is open Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 - 4:30 p.m. Special requests for Saturdays may be made. For more information, call 275-2112.

Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition, Page 25

Leather, tomatoes were vital to Yoakum

ocated on the Lavaca-DeWitt county line, Yoakum was founded by John May after he was granted a league of land by the government of Coahuila and Texas in 1835 and the area was utilized as spot for cowboys and cattle to gather along the Chisholm Trail. Yoakum didn’t begin to grow until 1887 when the construction of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway began.The town was later named after Benjamin F. Yoakum, vice president and general

manager of the line. In 1887, J. P. Jamieson built a store. A post office opened the same year. L.W. Thomas was made the town’s first mayor in 1889. By 1896, Yoakum had grown to a population of 3,000. By 1914, the number of residents had reached 7,500. Industry took off in Yoakum in 1919 when Carl Welhausen took over a small tanning company, the first of several in the city. Tex-Tan, a manufacturer of saddles, bridles, harnesses, belts, billfolds, and novelties, became part

of the Tandy Corporation. In 1926, Yoakum began producing commercial tomatoes. By the 1940s, 15 packing sheds in Yoakum shipped tomatoes north, and the town was called the tomato capital of South Central Texas. In 1968, Charles Kvinta founded the Bluebonnet Youth Ranch, a home for neglected children. The former home of J. K. Elkins and Mr. and Mrs. William Browning became the Yoakum Heritage Museum in 1982. The town had twenty-one churches of ten denominations. Among them is St.

Joseph's Catholic Church, which celebrated its centennial in 1969. The First Baptist and First Methodist churches were built in 1889. Yoakum is a division point for the railway and also the site of a Texas highway department office. Since 1960 the town has sponsored an annual wildflower trail in the spring, which includes a guided tour and wildflower art exhibits. The May TomTom Festival, which first publicized the tomato business, began in 1928, was suspended for five years in World War II, and resumed See YOAKUM, Page 26

Yoakum quick facts

Location: On the DeWittLavaca County line Founded: 1835 by John May Population: 7,879 (according to 2010 U.S. Census) Origin of name: Town was named after Benjamin F. Yoakum, vice president and general manager of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway Information from The Handbook of Texas

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Page 26, Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition

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eld annually the first weekend in June, Yoakum’s Tom Tom Festival is piece of a history wrapped in some good ’ol Texas fun. The Tom Tom festival originated to honor Yoakum’s tomato industry, which was predominant in the area in the late 20s and early 30s. This festival is one of the oldest in the region due to the “down home” style of fun, found only in South Texas. With a craft show, live music, barbecue cook-off, parade, rodeo and a whole lot more, this festival draws thousands each year. The week starts with Royalty Pageants. On Saturday morning, the Grand Parade begins at

10 a.m. and is held in downtown Yoakum. The fun continues downtown, with several events including a Barbecue Cook Off, Tomato Cook Off, children’s games and horseshoe tournaments. There are food and craft booths, a car and motorcycle show and a dachshund race. A CPRA rodeo is held both Friday and Saturday nights.

Texas Music fans will be not be disappointed as they enjoy local and regional artists. To make the event complete, a carnival is held from Thursday through Sunday downtown. For more information on Yoakum’s Annual Tom Tom Festival, call the Yoakum Area Chamber at 361-293-2309 or email info@yoakumareachamber.com In 1958, Yoakum City Manager Rueben Koether, left, presented a box of tomatoes to Texas Governor Price Daniel.

YOAKUM

Continued from Page 25

in 1946. The annual event now celebrates the local leather industry and is called the Leather TomTom Festival. A local Youth Rodeo is held each July. The population of Yoakum, listed as 4,733 in 1940, grew steadily throughout the next four decades. In 1984 it reached 6,148, with 3,283 in Lavaca County and 2,325 in DeWitt County. In 1990 the population was 5,611. In Yoakum Heritage Museum hosts the 25th Annual Christmas Tree Forest 2000 the population was November 7 through January 4 at 312 Simpson Street. 5,731.

Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition, Page 27

Welcome to DeWitt County

Home of Turkeyfest that will be celebrating its 40 anniversary Oct. 12-14. Lots of Texas country music and where Miss Cuero traditionally kisses the winning turkey in the Great Gobbler Gallop.

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M-F 8-5 Sat 8-4 Closed Sundays

M-F 9-5 Sat 9-4 Closed Sundays

Midway Bar

138 E. Main St. Yorktown

• C olde st Lon g N ecks in Tow n • Wed. & Thurs. • 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fri. • 4 p.m. - 12 a.m. Sat. • 4 p.m. - 1 a.m. • Closed Sun., Mon. & Tues. •

Historic Hardware Store Electrical ~ Plumbing ~ Tools ~ Hardware ~ Outdoor ~ Power Equipment

& Second Story Gift Shop

Home of the Historic Painted Murals

Filled with eclectic home decor, gifts, jewelry and more!

Cold Drinks • Cool, Comfortable Setting

110 N. Esplanade ~ Cuero, Texas 77954 ~ 361-275-5134

Page 28, Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition

CDC assists commercial, industrial development

uero Development Corporation works to provide economic development services to those interested in starting up, relocating, or expanding a business to Cuero, Texas. We are dedicated to the promotion, enhancement and development of economic growth in the community. Having a central location between Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi, makes us a desirable commu-

nity for those looking for a home, place of business, development opportunity or just a day trip. No matter your type of business, Cuero has an educated labor pool that can address workforce needs. We also have a close partnership with Victoria College and the University of Houston-Victoria, which provides educational opportunities and training for our citizens. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the vibrant historic down-

town that is filled with shopping, art, restaurants, and displays of rich heritage. The wonderful museums and newly renovated DeWitt County Courthouse are a source of pride. The Cuero Development Corporation would be happy to answer your questions about the City. From demographics to utilities, CDC can provide all of the information you need. Randall Malik is the CDC Executive Director.

Cuero a retirement community

uero is a Texas Certified Retirement Community according to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples. Cuero was the sixth community in the state to be certified. Launched in June 2006, the Certified Retirement Community initiative helps rural Texas communities encourage retirees and potential retirees to make their homes in areas of the state meeting the criteria for certification by the Texas Department of

“The BEST Pizza in Town!”

Daily Specials • Soups & Salads • Subs Italian Entreés • Pizza, Pizza, PIZZA!

Paw’s Piza Pie formerly Belligan’s Pizzeria 134 E. Main Street • Yorktown • 361-564-4100 Open 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Mon., Tues., & Thurs. Open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Fri. & Sat. Closed Wed. & Sun.

Agriculture. CRC also encourages Texas tourism while promoting the state as a desirable destination for retirees and potential retirees both in and outside Texas. Texas is the sixth most popular retirement state, and native Texans account for one-fifth of retirees returning to Texas. Communities designated CRC must meet certain criteria including demographics, tax structure, local housing availability, safety, employment opportunities, availability of health care services, public transportation, continuing education, leisure living, recreational areas and sports at all levels. For more information on the Texas Certified Retirement Community Program, please visit TDA's Web site at www.tda.state.tx.us. To learn more about Cuero living, visit www.cueroliving.org

Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition, Page 29

HUDGEONS Welcome to DeWitt County

Paint & Body 210 Hutcheson • (361)275-6772 Owners: Kurt & Sandy Hudgeons

Pets are People Too Located about midway between San Antonio and Houston, Cuero is the county seat of DeWitt County.

Grooming & Boarding 361-275-8774 or 361-799-9841 206 Josephine - Cuero, Texas Closed Sunday & Monday Except For Boarding

- Cremation Services -

First Baptist Church in Cuero erected this granite marker close to the church.

Mon-Fri. 10am-5pm • Sat 10am-2pm • Colsed Sun.

There is plenty to do in DeWitt County including taking advantage of the new paddling trail along the Guadalupe River.

Page 30, Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition

McDonald’s of Cuero 101 E. Broadway • 361-275-9886 Locally owned & operated by Randy & Sylvia Jochim

Great food, folks & fun! Come in and enjoy our casual environment.

HAVE EVERYDAY

VALUE MEALS

A DOLLAR MENU FOR

BREAKFAST OR LUNCH!

Monday - Thursday 5am - 11pm • Friday - Saturday 5am - 12am • Sunday 7am - 11pm • Extended Summer Hours!

Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition, Page 31

Medal of Honor salute

ust over 40 years ago U.S. Army Master Sergeant (then Staff Sergeant) Roy Perez Benavidez distinguished himself through a series of daring and incomprehensible acts of valor while serving in his second tour of duty in Vietnam. Sgt. Benavidez volunteered

for a rescue mission in Cambodia to save 12 ambushed Special Forces soldiers. Despite severe wounds, he carried and dragged wounded team members to rescue helicopters while providing protective fire and hand-to-hand combat. In 1980 President Jimmy

Contributed photo Recognizing Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez is a memorial in Cuero on Hwy. 87 South.

Carter approved a Medal of Honor recognizing Sgt. Benavidez and his actions. In 1981 President Ronald Reagan awarded Sgt. Benavidez the Congressional Medal of Honor for his fearless personal leadership, tenacious devotion to duty and extremely valorous actions in the face of overwhelming odds. Roy Benavidez was born Aug. 5, 1935 near Lindenau in DeWitt County. He attended St. Michael’s Catholic School until he was seven. After both of his parents died of tuberculosis, he was adopted by his aunt and uncle in El Campo where he grew up. In 2008 the Benavidez Memorial Foundation dedicated a full-body statue of the Medal of Honor recipient in the park across from Cuero High School on Hwy. 87 in Cuero.

Finch Funeral Chapel, LLC 212 E. Main • Yorktown 361-564-2277

Hwy. 87 N in Nursery 361-579-6247 Custom Gift Baskets, Large Wine Selection, Gifts, Spirits & More

Page 32, Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition

M&M rodeo gave birth to Western Days-Ziegfest in ‘58

EL SOMBRERO CAFE 713 N. Riedel St. • Yorktown (361)564-3669 Open Mon. - Thurs. 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Open Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Closed Sat. & Sun.

~ Gas Qual& ity Diesel ServiceAuto At FaiRepair r Prices ~

Custom Gas & DExhaust iesel Aut& o RRepair epair Owners: Perry Custom Exh&auDenise st & RHiebner epair 20+ Years Experience Owners: Perry & Denise Hiebner ~ Quality Service at Fair Prices ~

104 W. Sarah • Cuero • 361-275-2304

fficially started in 1958, Western Days has its roots dating from the early to mid 1950’s with Leslie and Cecil Mueller’s M&M Rodeo Company organizing cowboy parades to promote the rodeo performances on Smith Creek, just south of Yorktown. A showman and promoter, Leslie Mueller gathered the rodeo cowboys to ride horseback through downtown Yorktown. These processions were said to have been quite a wild sight. Since there were not enough broke saddle horses to go around, many of the cowboys paraded down Main on broncs right out of the bucking horse string. In the Spring of 1958 Mueller, in cooperation with the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce, planned a Western parade to in-

A young cowgirl participates in the Western Days-Ziegfest Children’s Parade

volve the entire community, as well as out-of-town organiza-

308 St. Hwy. 72 East Yorktown, TX 78164 (361)564-9101

Specializing in Steaks & Seafood Gift Certificates Available!

Meat Market Fresh cut meats, steaks, fresh ground hamburger, assorted freezer packs, etc.

Drink Specials Every Day!! Call Brian at 361-935-9441 to customize your special event!

Catering Available

s e r o t S

Offering Daily Lunch & Evening Specials

Dine In or To Go Orders Available

Full Liquor Bar

Bottle & Draft Beer Margaritas • Daiquiri’s

tions. A two-day rodeo was planned as well. Mueller pledged a pair of handmade boots to the parade’s best-dressed cowgirl, while the Chamber promised boots to the best-dressed cowboy. Other prizes were pledged from community businesses such as Daniel Dry Gods, Simecek's Firestone, J. E. Wolf Sr. and Cole Dry goods. The April 2, 1958 edition of The Yorktown News reported that the parade was “conceived on the spur of the moment, with no time make elaborate plans, appoint committees or work out details….” The newspaper further reported that the success of the venture was due “…to the spontaneous and whole-hearted cooperation of local business men…” See WESTERN DAYS, Page 33

PLENTIFUL TRUCK PARKING!

COLD BEER & DRINKS!

Ice • Lottery • Gas • ATM Entertainment on Saturday nights from 9p - 1a!

Prvate Party Rooms

Seats 45-150 people, call for reser vations, birthday parties, conferences, Anniversaries, etc.

• Fresh Sub Sandwiches • • Hamburger Baskets • • Hot Breakfast Foods • • A Variety of Pizzas • • Fresh Hot Coffee Bar •

526 W. Main St. Yorktown, TX 78164

(361) 564-2600

Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition, Page 33

Continued from Page 32 In spite of this last-minute planning, on Saturday, March 29 at 3 p.m. Yorktown welcomed a crowd that jammed the down-town sidewalks to see the parade led by the VFW Color Guard. The “Bronc Busters,” aka The Yorktown High School marching band led by Mary Gail Kerlick, followed close behind. The parade featured the famous Lone Star Brewing Company Shetland Pony Hitch. This team of matched Shetlands was outfitted with ten gallon hats and six shooters and pulled a miniature covered wagon. A parade highlight was Monroe Woods’ mustang team pulling a frontier wagon carrying an ancient two-seater Chick Sale (outhouse), complete with corn cobs and a Sears catalog.

WESTERN DAYS The parade also included colorfully-garbed mounted groups, several floats, new tractors, trucks and automobiles, as well as the four-piece Disintegrated Brotherhood of Near Musicians. The Yorktown News also reported that most of the western parade watchers “…hightailed it out to Les Mueller's Smith Creek Arena…to take in the rodeo.” “We saw cars bumper to bumper all the way over the hill and as they wended their way into the grounds more and more kept coming.” “The show got underway about nine o’clock, and a thriller it was…with mean, ornery broncs and bulls, and fast elusive calves, there were plenty of spills, thrills and chills…as good a show as we’ve seen anywhere.” For nearly two decades, M&M

YHS cheerleaders perform a routine on Main Street during the parade. Rodeo Company produced a rodeo in conjunction with the Western Days celebration.

Throughout the years, the rodeos featured celebrated cowboys such as Bud Humphrey, Glen Dorn, Pat Doyle, Glenn McQueen, Billy Bridges, Cotton Proctor, Sonny Berry and Phil Lyne. Working ranch cowboys from the area who rode as pickup men included Carl Hoefling, John Horny and Lester Davis. Raymond Stoebner of Victoria served as rodeo announcer while renowned rodeo bull fighters Darrel “Sparky” Sparkman and Billy Willis entertained the crowd with clown antics while protecting the bull riders. Willis died recently in Waco at age 68. In 1962 Mueller constructed a new arena on his ranch north of Yorktown on Highway 240 in the small community once known as Little St. Louis and the rodeos were moved from the Smith Creek arena.

In July 1963 Mueller died after a horseback riding accident during a rodeo in Cuero. However, the Western Days rodeos continued with Mueller’s widow, Cecil Olivia Gilliam Mueller and son Don, managing M&M Rodeo Company. The last rodeo they produced in Yorktown was in 1975. Today Western Days continues to draw parade participants from surrounding counties, as well as visitors from across the country. The thousands who come to Yorktown each year enjoy not only the Grand Parade, but live music and entertainment, chili cook-offs, various contests, shopping and the genuine fellowship of the townspeople—the spirit out of which the celebration was born 51 years ago.

T HAMM P LUMBING “IN BUSINESS SINCE 1935”

Serving All Your Plumbing Needs! Plumbing Repairs - Remodeling - New Construction - Utility Construction

30 1 De p o t P l ac e - Cu e r o, Te x a s 3 61 - 2 7 5- 6 1 67 M-15972

Gerhardt’s Jewelry

Page 34, Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition

14K Derrick Pendant

Line of Jewelry, Watches & Gifts • Bridal Registry •

2012 Western DaysZiegfest musical lineup

122 E. Main • Yorktown • 361-564-2284 Open Tues. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat. 9-12 noon M/C, Visa, Discover Accepted

FARM & RANCH PROPERTIES

Lillian Smith 830-236-5330 Michael Ruschhaupt 361-676-6114 15 Houston St • Westhoff, TX 77994 Contributed photo

Roger Creager will perform at 11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20.

Cuero Independent School District Committed To Excellence www.cueroisd.org

Friday, Oct. 19 Joel Hernandez–5-7 p.m. Two Tons of Steel–7:309:30 p.m. Granger Smith–10 p.m.midnight

Cody Johnson–5-6:30 p.m. Bleu Edmonson–7-8:30 p.m. Kyle Park–9-10:30 p.m. Roger Creager–11 p.m.12:30 a.m.

Saturday, Oct. 20 Brian Milson–noon-1 p.m. Cooper Wade–1:30-2:30 p.m. Jason Meadows–3-4:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 21 DJ Val–noon-1:30 p.m. Trevor Cole Band–2-3:30 p.m. BJ Thibideaux & Blackwater Blvd.–4-4:30 p.m.

Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition, Page 35

CCH to expand chapel and volunteer services

uero Community Hospital celebrated a groundbreaking for the construction of the HamiltonWallis Chapel and expansion of Volunteer Services on May 3. The Cuero Community Hospital Volunteers pledged $100,000 to the chapel and expansion of volunteer serv-

ices. Mrs. Susan Wallis, in attendance with some of her family members, was recognized for her $250,000 donation and naming of the Hamilton-Wallis Chapel. Father Jairo Lopez was recognized as the mosaic stained glass artist who is

Hospital staff and supporters participate in the groundbreaking ceremony held May 3.

State-of-the-art technology at women’s center

eWitt Medical Foundation unveiled the new Belle Terry Elder Women’s Center on June 2, 2011. The 2,300-square-foot facility features some of the latest state-of-the-art technology in mammography and bone densitometry. The facility was funded through a bequest by Mrs. Clifford Elder Graham and proceeds from donations at the Cuero Community Hospital’s 2009 Gala VII. The technology now available at the Women’s Center is the same technology offered patients at Houston’s M.D. Anderson Hospital. “We find that our patients really appreciate the compassion and attention to personal care provided by our highly qualified

staff,” hospital administrator Darryl Stefka said. “We know that people today have a choice in health care and we want to provide excellent care close to home.” Brian Olsovsky, director of radiology, said the new equipment will provide better images in less time. “Most of the time, we know almost immediately if we have the best image possible, so we can save our patients’ time and provide a more comfortable experience,” Olsovsky said. The Women’s Center is decorated with wildflower photographs by photographers from the DeWitt County Shutterbugs Club and paintings from local artists. The Women’s Center is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

designing the arched windows for the chapel. Grace Episcopal Church donated six of its original stained-glass windows to the project to be used in the design of the new stained-glass chapel windows. Suzie Post, current DeWitt Medical Foundation president, was recognized

and the DMF organization was thanked for their gift of $150,000 that raised during Gala VIII in 2011. The newly constructed Hamilton-Wallis Chapel and expanded volunteer services are set to be complete by March 2013.

Page 36, Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition

CCH, providing quality care for four decades

Edgar & Gladys’ Cafe Specializing in Steaks & Mexican Food Burgers & Sandwiches Fried Chicken • Salads • More! State Hwy. 72 • Nordheim

361-938-7074

Open Tues. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Open Sunday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Closed Monday

Hope You Have a Blast Visiting DeWitt County!

Skinny’s Fireworks Family Owned & Operated Since 1980 by the

Paul Janacek Family

649-4669 • Metting Rd • Yorktown www.skinnysfireworks.com

See Y’all in December!

Celebrating Our 31st Year!

ANDERS AUTO SUPPLIES A Complete Line Of Auto Supplies

(361)275-6101 109 E. Main St. Cuero, Texas Alan K. Kahlich - Owner ELING CORPORATION

REAL ESTATE

302 E. Broadway • Cuero, Texas 77954

361.277.3424 www.elingcorp.com • realestate@elingcorp.com

EXPERIENCED AGENTS, EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

Margaret A. Thomas ~ Broker / Owner

Elenor Lamb, Broker Associate Shirley Nelson, Sales Associate

361.275.4857 361.648.7155

John Post, Sales Associate Rhonda Sinast, Sales Associate

361.275.4887 361.484.5732

“Family doing business in Texas since 1832”

ELING CORPORATION

aking the difference in the lives of community members is an integral part of Cuero Community Hospital and has been for almost four decades. Providing quality care close to home is the realization of a dream by civic leaders and physicians who led the effort to consolidate the Cuero Hospital Foundation and Burns Hospital, culminating in the opening of a new CCH facility in September 1970. With a continued emphasis on progressive health care, Cuero Community Hospital has expanded over the years to accommodate the changing needs of patients and the rapid advancement of medical technology. Governed by the Board of Directors, CCH offers many health care services larger city hospitals have including: Emergency Medical Services, 24/7 ER Services, Inpatient Care, Inpatient Surgery, Day Surgery, Outpatient Specialty Center, Radiology (64 Slice CT Scanner, digital mammography, bone densitometry, etc.), Nuclear Medicine, Child Birth Center, Sleep Study Center, Physical Therapy (including Aquatic Therapy), Home Health Care, Wellness Center and the newest addition, a High-Field True Open MRI System. The new High-Field True Open MRI System is unique to South Texas and is the latest

generation in open MRI systems. Not only does this MRI system offer physicians the highest-field image quality available today for advanced applications, it also features a completely open design that makes getting an MRI a more positive experience. The High-Field True Open MRI System features the widest gap of any MRI system on the market today making it a comfortable fit for virtually everyone. In addition, the system is equipped with the “Ambient Experience” that allows patients to choose from a variety of colorful fiber optic animated themes that are projected on the room walls. Each theme comes with its own stereo soundtrack which makes the experience soothing, relaxed and stress free. The new MRI Suite is part of a $5 million expansion/renovation project the hospital completed recently which consists of 9,400-sq ft. of new construction and 4,400-sq ft. of renovation work. Utilizing the area between the hospital and the Medical Plaza, new construction included a state-of the-art Physical Therapy area and a secondary clinic area, Outpatient West, for Specialty Physicians to see patients coming to the new Outpatient Specialty Center. Parking in the rear of the hospital has also expanded to include 80 new spaces and a new road has been

complete connected the rear parking lot of the hospital to North Esplanade. Over the years, growth has been so significant for CCH that several health related facilities are now off the main campus. The Heritage Program for Senior Adults, located at the very back corner of the CCH campus, offers an outpatient mental health treatment program that provides individualized treatment to older adults who suffer from psychiatric, emotional, or behavioral disorders. Serving a 50 mile radius around Cuero, Cuero Home Health, located at 615 N. Esplanade, provides health care services that eliminate or reduce the need for hospitalization or nursing home placement, resulting in cost savings for patients. Celebrating 25 years of service, Cuero Home Health‘s dedicated nursing staff has the knowledge and expertise to provide skilled patient care and family support. Cuero Home Health also provides Lifeline Personal Response Services allowing individuals to remain in their homes with the reassurance and peace of mind that help is within reach in minutes should they need assistance. “Don’t Just Dream It. Do It!” was born in May 2003 as the Cuero Wellness Center, located at 505 N. Esplanade opened its doors to a brand new world. Now it has grown to be Cuero Wellness & Rejuvenation Center where working out joins relaxation and rejuvenation. Regardless of what you want, there is something for everyone: Cardio and strength training equipment, free weights, fitness classes (step, Pilates, Yoga, muscle pump, and more), senior fit classes, massage therapy, HySee FOUR DECADES, Page 37

Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition, Page 37

FOUR DECADES Continued from Page 36

droMassage, Lumiere Light Therapy, hydration station, saunas. The center is now a Silver Sneakers Facility as well. The award-winning SilverSneakers® Fitness Program is a proven, results-oriented program that enables older adults, often burdened with chronic conditions, to take charge of their health and maintain an active, independent lifestyle. To learn more about the innovative program for qualifying senior adults, contact the Wellness Center at 275-WELL. As a non-profit hospital, Cuero Community Hospital also has two active and dedicated organizations committed to fundraising on the hospital’s behalf. The CCH Volunteers are a group of men and women who give generously of their time and talent to make Cuero Community Hospital a special place. Known as the “Pink Ladies and Gents,” these kind individuals help with administrative needs, provide patient support and raise dollars for hospital needs. Two ways they raise these funds are through the “Wishing Well Gift Shop” located in the hospital main entrance and “Bloomingdeals Resale Shoppe,” located at 106 W. Reuss Blvd. DeWitt Medical Foundation is the second charitable organization whose mission is to encourage, accept, and steward all public and private gifts in support of Cuero Community Hospital. DMF has raised over $2 million for Cuero Community Hospital since its inception through the generosity of its donors. Cuero Community Hospital serves DeWitt County, as well as its five surrounding counties. For more information on Cuero Community Hospital or any of its ancillary or charitable organizations call 361-275-6191.

Targeting breast cancer Belle Terry Elder Women’s Center employees Sylvia Rodriguez, left, and Lydia Padilla, pose beside the facility’s new digital mammography machine.

www.CueroRecord.com

BAHNHOF CAFE

217 W. Main Cuero 361-275-6688

213 W. Main Cuero 361-275-2211

DOC’S ANTIQUES

Page 38, Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition

Find the NewsView on Facebook

Make plans to come to Yorktown for the Western DaysZiegfest October 19-21. Children’s parade, Western Days parade and three days of outstanding music are some of the plans for this year.

We Work Hard To Make You Smile!

C o m m e r c i a l & Pe r s o n a l L i n e s S pe c ia lizin g in O ilfie ld Sin c e 19 8 8 302 N. Gonzales • Cuero • Phone: 361-275-9183 Fax: 361-275-3572 • 1-800-828-8947

City of Nordheim “The Small Town with a Big Heart” 105 W. First Street • Nordheim 361-938-5223 (Office) 361-938-7101 (Fax) E-mail: cityofnordheim@yahoo.com

Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition, Page 39

Thomaston was key railroad stop between Cuero, Victoria

n 1895, the Cuero Star described Thomaston as the only railroad stop of importance between Cuero and Victoria, according to The Handbook of Texas. Thomaston was thriving in 1896 with 16 businesses, including a hotel and a dentist’s office, a lumber yard and four mills. The town’s population reached 347 in 1904. By 1906, four mail trains stopped in Thomaston daily. The Star reported that Thomaston residents could shop in Cuero or Victoria and be back home the same day. Thomaston was also linked to Mission Valley and Fordtran by good dirt roads. But improved highways and transportation convinced many residents to live in larger Cuero or Victoria. By 1925, the population

dwindled to 75 residents. In the 1930s, the railroad station was designated a flag station and passenger service was discontinued. A few years later, students of the two segregated schools began being sent to Cuero.

Thomaston quick facts

Location: U.S. Highway 87, one mile north of the Victoria County line Founded: 1872 Origin of name: Town was named after landowner Nathan Thomas Information from The Handbook of Texas

Arneckeville, a town with no name for 13 years

rneckeville was a town with no name for 13 years. According to The Handbook of Texas, Arneckeville dates back to 1859, but remained nameless until 1872, when the U.S. Postal Service opened and was named for settlers Adam Christoph Henry and U. Barbara Arnecke, whose log house stood from 1859 to 1947. In 1865, Zion Lutheran Church, which is still in existence today, was constructed of logs and served as a school until a new school building was built in 1890 on land donated by the Arneckes. The Arneckes also had the first store and operated the post office from 1872 to

1903. Dr. C.A.H. Arnecke, son of the founders, operated the first drugstore and opened a hospital in the community. By 1885, Arneckeville had a church, steam gristmill, cotton gin, and daily stages to Meyersville and Goliad. The population in 1896 was reported to be 250. But many residents moved to nearby Cuero or Victoria and the population dwindled to 100 by 1925. The population held steady through the late 1940s, when four businesses were reported in the community. The post office was closed in the mid-1950s. The population fell to 75 by the late 1960s and to 50 by

the mid-1980s. The latest census reported 50 residents of the community.

Arneckeville quick facts

Location: On Farm-toMarket Road 236, eight miles south of Cuero Founded: 1859 Origin of name: Town was named after settlers Adam Christoph Henry and U. Barbara Arnecke Information from The Handbook of Texas

Page 40, Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition

Nordheim’s Pilot Knob was highest point on SAAP Railway

ilot Knob, a 447-foot hill in Nordheim, was the highest point on the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway. According to The Handbook of Texas, Pilot Knob served as a lookout point and guidepost for the local Native Americans and pioneers. Nordheim was established in 1895 along the SAAP Railway and was known as Weldon Switch. Henry Meyer, A.F. Dahlmann, and George Freude were among the earliest settlers in the community. Much of the area was owned by H. Runge and Company of Cuero, which laid out the townsite. Nordheim had two stores and a school with 23 students by 1897. St. Paul’s Evangeli-

cal Lutheran Church was organized in 1896 and a cotton gin was built in 1898. A passenger depot was added in 1901 to serve a “swank passenger train” called the Davey Crockett, which ran from Houston to San Antonio. The town newspaper, the Nordheim View, was established in 1902 by James Walter Blanton. The Cuero Star described Nordheim as an important poultry-raising center and shipper of cotton, truck crops, and lumber, and citizens of Nordheim as the “better class” of German farmers. In 1922, the Ku Klux Klan threatened to march into the town’s Silver Jubilee celebration to protest home brewing and gambling, but changed its

plans after some of the Nordheim Germans invited the confrontation. The town population peaked at 600 in 1927. The movie Paris, Texas was filmed in Nordheim in 1984.

Nordheim quick facts

Location: Seven miles west of Yorktown Founded: 1895 Origin of name: Town was named after local businessman William Frobese’s hometown in Germany Information from The Handbook of Texas

Yoakum Heritage Museum Hours: Sun., Tues., Thurs. 1-4 p.m., Fri., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 312 Simpson • Yoakum, TX 361-293-7022 Email: yoakumheritagemuseum@gmail.com

Texas Education Agency 2011 Accountability Ratings for School Districts in DeWitt County District Cuero ISD Cuero High Cuero Jr. High Cuero Intermediate Hunt Elementary

Rating Academically Acceptable Academically Acceptable Academically Acceptable Recognized Academically Acceptable

Nordheim ISD Nordheim School

Recognized

Yoakum ISD Yoakum High Yoakum Jr. High Yoakum Intermediate Yoakum Primary

Academically Acceptable Academically Acceptable Recognized Recognized Recognized

Yorktown ISD Yorktown High Yorktown Jr. High Yorktown Elementary

Academically Acceptable Academically Acceptable Academically Acceptable Academically Acceptable

Westhoff ISD Westhoff Elementary

Academically Acceptable

Meyersville ISD Meyersville School

Recognized

Visit Our Ongoing Displays S.A.A.P. Railroad Leather History of Yoakum & Military History of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan

~ Yoakums 125th Birthday~ J uly 29th @ 2pm to 4pm at Yoakum Heritage Museum

~ 25th AnnualChristmas Tree Forest~ Nov. 17, 2012 - J an. 4 , 201 3

Click the QR Code to like us on facebook!

GERHARDT RV PARK re e s S h ade T r ye r & s D Wa s h e r A re a P ic n ic

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Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition, Page 41

Meyersville family provided turkeys for first Turkey Trot

f not for the Isaac Egg family of Meyersville, chances are there may not be a Turkeyfest today. According to The Handbook of Texas, the Eggs supplied 14,000 turkeys for the first Turkey Trot in 1912. Meyersville has also served in other vital capacities for the rest of DeWitt County throughout history. Adolph Meyer and his sister settled north of Twelve Mile Coleto Creek close to the La Bahia Road crossing in May of 1846. The Fritz Hausman family arrived shortly afterward. John York assisted the settlers, who constructed log homes near the creek. It took three days to receive supplies from Victoria, which was 20 miles away, until a store was established in Meyersville. Twenty families had settled in the area by 1850. In 1851, a log building was constructed

Welcome To Historic Cuero

Longhorn Ranch Restaurant 473 US Hwy 87 South 361-275-6491

for a school and Lutheran church. In December of 1851, Meyersville’s first post office was built. Lutheran residents constructed the first stone church and named it honor of St. John. Catholic residents built a larger church in 1880 and replaced it in 1939. The community’s first cotton gin was built in 1868. The horse-powered machine ginned two bales a day. Other early businesses included a gristmill, grocery store, mattress factory, saddlery, blacksmith shop, and brewery. The population of Meyersville in 1880 was estimated to be around 200 to 250 residents. That number held steady until the 1940s.

By 1948, the cotton economy had left Meyersville and the community’s six gins were closed. The population decreased to 150 in the 1950s and 110 by 1968.

Meyersville quick facts

Location: Just east of U.S. Highway 183, 14 miles south of Cuero Founded: 1846 Origin of name: Town was named after settler Adolph Meyer Information from The Handbook of Texas

Concrete had one of Texas’ top boarding schools in mid-1800s

ccording to The Handbook of Texas, the small DeWitt County community of Concrete was once the site of one of the most popular boarding schools in Texas. Concrete College, which was chartered in 1856, established Concrete as an education center in the region. Rev. John Van Epps Covey was a professor at Concrete College and established the community’s first public school, Covey Academy, in 1880. By 1885, Concrete’s population had reached 200. The community had a steam cotton gin, gristmill, Baptist and Methodist churches, and daily stages to Gonzales and Cuero. The economy thrived on cotton, pecans, livestock, and hides. But Concrete suffered after the Gulf, Western Texas and

Pacific Railroad established its railhead in Cuero in the mid1890s. The town’s population dwindled to 25 by 1933.

Concrete quick facts

Location: U.S. Highway 183, eight miles north of Cuero Founded: 1846 by James Norman Smith Origin of name: Town was named after the early adobe concrete that was used to construct local buildings and homes Information from The Handbook of Texas

Page 42, Visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide, 2012 Edition

Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition, Page 43

DeWitt County Historical Museum housed in home moved from Indianola to Cuero in 1870s

he fatal hurricane of 1886 struck Indianola on the evening of August 19. The wharves which extended a mile into Matagorda Bay were torn from their moorings and the storm used the timbers as battering rams against the frame buildings of Indianola. Before the morning, the Sheppard house collapsed. Mrs. Sheppard, Mrs. Jennie Luther's two boys, Mrs. Hodges, a visitor from Cuero, and Mrs. Crooker, a visitor from Austin all lost their lives. Young Henry (born August 5, 1870, 17 years old) clung to a piece of lumber, and in the darkness seized an inert body and supported it until dawn when they came to rest on the prairie. He then discovered that he had saved his sister, Jennie Luther. In October of that sad year F. W. Bates (Henry's brother-inlaw), J. L Sheppard (Henry's brother) and Henry returned to Indianola, gathered up the rem-

nants of the Sheppard home, loaded them on flat cars and shipped them to Cuero where they became the nucleus of-the Bates-Sheppard House. The home was built in October - November, 1886, by F. W. Bates who was the husband of Elizabeth Sheppard and brother-in-law to Joseph and Henry Sheppard. This is a "House Museum" with a rotating exhibit. This means DeWitt Historical Museum is attempting not only to exhibit artifacts, but to give a picture of life as it might have been in the particular period in which the house was built (1886). Many pieces in the museum are 100 years old or older. The house was remodeled in 1925 with the addition of an upstairs bedroom and two indoor bathrooms. The present kitchen was also added at that time. Prior to 1925 the single bathroom had been situated in a separate building connected

DeWitt Veterinary Clinic Large & Small Animal Service

Robert Beer, D.V.M. A.D. Duhon, D.V.M.

by an extension of the open porch (now where the wildflower specimen is housed) to the main house. One chimney served the kitchen cook stove in the dining room and the wood stove in an upstairs bedroom. The rest of the rooms, including the living room and the other bedrooms, were unheated. Out buildings included a large barn on the lots where the former Stratton Hospital now stands, a three (3) room storage house and a large chicken coop where the poultry for Sunday family dinners was kept. These out buildings were removed in 1951. A one-car garage was added in 1920 - since removed. All the walls, ceiling and floors were painted.

The DeWitt County Historical Museum, located at 312 Broadway in Cuero.

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Page 44, Visitor’s Guide, 2012 Edition

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