Carmine, Texas by tripspublications

Carmine

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO TEXAS’ CARMINE

ALL THE BEST OF CARMINE CARMINE STATE BANK CARMINE Y FAMILY EVENTS SITES TO SEE HISTORY DINING LODGING

small town, big heart

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Welcome to Carmine

Marlene Waak Carmine Chamber of Commerce President

The Carmine Chamber of Commerce Visitors and Newcomers magazine is published by Texas-based Trips Publications, a publisher with a focus on small towns throughout Texas. To view all of the towns in the Trips Publications family, visit tripspublications.com or call 979-725-3080 to request copies.

You are always welcome in Carmine! The Carmine Chamber of Commerce is proud of the small rural Texas town with German heritage that was established in 1883. The chamber works to promote the members and their businesses within the greater area of Carmine. We provide opportunities to ensure that this quaint, easy-going, small town atmosphere continues to have a successful future. Our events provide networking opportunities for our population as we strive to promote, represent, and support economic development of our area. The Carmine Chamber has the unique privilege of promoting our rural heritage by owning and maintaining the Carmine Museum and Visitor Center which is located on Hwy 290 in the historic train depot. There are many interesting items to see at no charge to individuals or school groups. Open twice a month or by appointment by calling 979-277-4613 or 979-451-1507. Carmine truly is a small town with a big heart!

Michelle Banse Stokes Partner/Publisher

Lori Olivarez-Ligues Partner/Sales

Emily Henderson Photographer

Welcome to Carmine. Carmine is located in the far northeastern corner of Fayette County next to US Hwy 290, approximately half-way between Houston and Austin. Carmine, with a population of 250 folks, is a small town with a big heart. The city has a beautiful city park where one can relax and experience our small-

Wade Eilers Mayor of Carmine

the busy traveler passing through. There are also cozy bed and breakfasts for those who wish to spend time shopping the various antique stores, visiting museums, or exploring the many historical sites in the general area, which makes for a perfect weekend getaway. For whatever occasion that brings you to Fayette County, on behalf of Carmine’s local citizens and businesses, we extend to you a big warm Texas welcome.

Courtney Bell Copy Editor Contributors Paul Zapalac, Debbie Price, Bart Benton, Lynn Heller, Erica Strickland Editorial - 979-725-3080 michelle@tripspublications.com Advertising and Circulation - 979-725-3080 lori@tripspublications.com 406 W. Main Street, Suite 105, Weimar, Texas 78962 tripspublications.com

Carmine Chamber of Commerce 248 East Sylvan Street Carmine, Texas 78932 (979) 248-4200 www.carminetx.com

4 - HISTORY OF CARMINE, TEXAS 6 - AREA ATTRACTIONS 9 - CARMINE HALL RESTORATION PROJECT 14 - CARMINE STATE BANK 16 - Y STATION IN CARMINE 20 - LOCAL HANGOUTS 24 - CALENDAR OF EVENTS 25 - CARMINE’S CLASSIC CAR SHOW 26 - CASINO NIGHT

28 - PAW PAW’S FIREHOUSE CAFÉ 30 - CHAMBER MEMBER DIRECTORY 33 - CITY OF CARMINE INFORMATION 34 - SURROUNDING AREA

CONTENTS

CARMINE, TEXAS

HISTORY

Explore Historical Carmine

armine was founded on December 24, 1883, by Benjamin J. Thigpen, a highly regarded physician. He purchased 46 acres of land for $230 and plotted the townsite as “Sylvan,” but subsequently changed the name to Carmean, after one of the original highly-respected settlers of the area, Newton Carmean. The spelling of the town was changed to Carmine on June 15, 1892, to eliminate confusion for the postal service with the town of Cameron. The railroad opened a small station in the new town of Carmine where farmers could ship their products to market. By 1900, Carmine had four general stores, four saloons, two blacksmith shops, a new paper named the New Century, several churches, and ten other businesses. The Carmine State Bank opened in 1907 and the town received an economic boost that has helped the city throughout the years. With the bank opening, other industry followed, boosting Carmine’s population growth to approximately 500 in the early 1900s.

The main economics of yesteryear were cotton, potatoes, chickens, eggs and cattle. Today, the chief source of Carmine’s economy is antique stores, tourism, ranching and the beautiful, historical countryside surrounding the city.

CARMINE, TEXAS

HISTORICAL FACTS 1. City was founded on December 24, 1883 by Dr. Benjamin Jackson Thigpen, a physician who came to Texas from North Carolina. 2. The railroad was first built to and through Carmine in 1871. After Dr. Thigpen sold the railroad (known as the Houston and Texas Central Railroad) a right of way in what is now the center of Carmine, a small rail station was built in 1883 and Dr. Thigpen became the station agent. 3. The very first name given to Carmine was Sylvan but was subsequently changed to Carmean in honor of John Carmean who was one of the oldest settlers to the area. 4. The first post office was established on January 14, 1886 with Elizabeth Price as the first post mistress. 5. The spelling of the name of the town was changed on June 15, 1892 because of difficulties with the mail service. 6. The primary economic base of the city was cotton which was shipped to the coast via rail. The first cotton gin opened in 1889. 7. The first general store opened in A family in the Carmine in 1886. early days of 8. The Carmine Bank opened in 1907. Carmine. 9. In 1910 the city of Carmine had a Carmine was population of approximately 500. founded in 1883.

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AREA ATTRACTIONS

Must see sites in Carmine VISITORS WILL WANT TO EXPERIENCE ALL OF THESE CARMINE GEMS Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine opened her are every Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. Waldeck doors welcoming Pastor David Tinker a little over eight and Evangelical Lutheran Church is located at 6915 Waldeck in a half years ago. He would join a long line of pastors dating Ledbetter and their services are held every Sunday at 8 a.m. back to 1902 when the congregation was originally founded. Guests are always welcome at both parishes. Having served over 26 years as a Lutheran pastor, Tinker brings a love of Christ and commuThe Texas Basketball Museum is located halfAbove, Martin nity to the parish. way between Austin and Houston, Texas just Luther Lutheran one block south of Highway 290. The museum Church of “I’m here to help people know Jesus and have had its grand opening on June 14, 2009 and over Carmine was their lives be better through Jesus,” said Tinker. 500 visitors in the first year enjoyed the great founded in 1902. “People fulfilling their life purpose through God display of memorabilia of Legends of the Past, all and telling people they are loved by God. I want from the high school ranks to the professionals. to encourage people to love God, love their neighbor and Visitors from as far aways as Sweden, Switzerland, England, know God’s message to them.” Germany and Brazil have made the stop into the basketball centerpiece of Texas. Martin Luther Lutheran Church is located at 211 Luther Lane in Carmine and online at mllccarmine.com. Services Everyone that is recognized in the honorable Texas High

CARMINE, TEXAS

PHOTOGRAPHS BY LORI OLIVAREZ-LIGUES

School Basketball Hall of Fame is displayed in the museum and all are from Texas where they played or coached high school basketball. So, if you are a lover of basketball, its a good stop to stretch your legs and take in all of the displays that feature items from the olympics, including uniforms, vintage basketballs, whistles, cards, games, trophies, photographs, shoes, knee pads, stamps, first day covers, banners, and signatures of the greats. Please call in advance for large parties at 1-800364-HOOP (4667) or online at texasbasketball. com. Carmine Visitor Center & Museum is located at 248 Sylvan Street. The building housing the museum was the actual Southern Pacific Railroad Depot building for the City of Carmine. Through the generous donation of the land by Mrs. Gladys J. Krause and the building by Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Wagner, the depot, which had been moved out of the city of Carmine was returned to the city and restored to become the city’s historical museum. Numerous area residents have donated historical items for the museum and today it provides a historical review of Carmine dating back to its founding in 1883. The museum is open on every second and fourth Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Special tours may be arranged by calling 979-277-4613. The Carmine City Park was created by the generous donations of the land to the City of Carmine by Mr. & Mrs. Emil Albers and Mr. & Mrs. Fred Muehlbrad. The park and the pavilion are available to rent for special events by calling 979-278-3273.

Top, visitors will want a tour of the Texas Basketball Museum; middle, historical items are on display at the Carmine Visitor Center & Museum; bottom, the Carmine City Park welcomes everyone to spend more time outdoors.

CARMINE, TEXAS

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CARMINE, TEXAS

RESTORATION PROJECT

CARMINE

DANCE HALL

BY MICHELLE BANSE STOKES

CARMINE, TEXAS

CARMINE DANCE HALL

ance halls are where generations of Texans have joined their partners in a lively twostep, polka or waltz while enjoying some of the best music in the Lone Star State. At a dance hall, you can fall in love, teach your children or grandchildren to dance, catch up with old friends, and create the social ties that bind us all together.

remodel the kitchen and bathrooms, and discover what’s behind all that paneling. There are so many decisions to make and a lot of labor ahead but this is what we need to do to be competitive with other halls in the area. This is what must be done to survive.”

Dedicated to preserving the past by restoring Carmine Dance Hall, Tom is passionate about the historic structure German and Czech immigrants built a numand its value to everyone within the commuber of dance halls throughout Texas in the nity. late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Above, Carmine Dance primarily as community centers. Sadly, many Hall, also known as the “If we don’t do something, it’s over,” stressed have been neglected and fallen into disrepair. Cedar Creek SchutzenTom. “We have several amazing events here, Fortunately for the Carmine Dance Hall, also Verein, is the heartbeat but that’s not enough to keep it going. We’re known as the Cedar Creek SchutzenVerein, of Carmine. members of the Texas Dancehall Association there’s a group of dedicated people working and there are many bands that are starting to hard to restore her to her former glory for all make the circuit. This hall could be so much to enjoy once again. Tom Drummond is a part more. We need to open the hall up and exof that group. pose the beauty that’s here. This project is very doable. It’s important to restore these older dance halls to their former “We’d like to walk into the hall and experience the openess glory and, by doing so, you create a beautiful venue for all of the rafters as it was in the past,” said Tom. “It’s not going to to enjoy.” be an easy project and it’s going to take time. We hope to remove the drop ceiling, redo the electrical and the plumbing, All of the plans, in addition to hard work, also take a lot of make sure the floor is level, restore the swing out windows, money. However, the restoration group has a plan.

CARMINE, TEXAS

PHOTOGRAPHS BY EMILY HENDERSON

“We’ve already had a couple of people that said they’re willing to put some money into it and all of us on the committee are committed to adding to that fund,” added Tom. “But the money goes fast. Our goal is to get the information out to the public and I bet you that people from all over the place will donate.

We’d like to walk into the hall and experience the openess of the rafters as it was in the past. “This hall is the heartbeat of our community and we want to get back to the way it was when it was when it was originally built. I’m ready to concentrate on getting things done. Everyone is welcome to join us in our efforts to restore Carmine Dance Hall.” Carmine Dance Hall is located at 300 North Hauptsrasse Street in Carmine. You can call 979-203-3408 for more information.

Many events take place throughout the year, including housing antique dealers during the Round Top Texas Antique Week, as seen above, and the annual Fireman’s Fest. The hall is also vital to the Carmine Chamber of Commerce and hosts their annual Casino Night. Restoration of the hall would make it a more appealing venue and asset to Carmine.

CARMINE, TEXAS

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CARMINE, TEXAS

248 E Sylvan, Carmine 979-278-4200 www.carminetx.com The Carmine Chamber of Commerce meets every 1st Thursday of month. The public is welcome, call 979-451-1507 for more information.

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LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

BY MICHELLE BANSE STOKES

Carmine State Bank FATHER AND SON DUO CONTINUE LEGACY OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY

ons learn from their fathers. Whether it’s how to pitch a baseball, ride a bicycle, or tie a tie - the lessons that fathers teach last a lifetime. Calvin Coufal went a step further by inviting his son, Chris, to work alongside him while serving the community at one of the oldest banks in Texas.

State Bank while also overseeing the lending department and staying involved with compliance.

“I started working at Carmine State Bank when I was in high school,” said Chris. “I was looking for a part-time job and my father, Calvin, said that the bank was hiring, so that’s kind of how this all started. I worked here throughout high school and college and, after graduating from Texas A&M University in 2003, I came back full-time. When I was a kid, I had ideas of what I wanted to pursue and banking wasn’t one of those ideas. However, when I realized what an important fixture the Carmine State Bank is to our community, it was a natural fit for me to carry on the legacy of serving Carmine and the surrounding area.”

Carmine State Bank was opened in 1907 by the community of Carmine and originally operated by another father and son duo, HLF Doerr Sr. and his son, HLF Doerr Jr. Today, Chris is proud to also be working alongside his father.

Still active in day-to-day operations, Calvin is CEO and chairman of the board. Chris is the president of Carmine

CARMINE, TEXAS

“In a small bank you wear a lot of hats,” said Chris. “That’s true for all of our employees. They all have multiple roles. We are very fortunate to have employees that have been with us for many years. We couldn’t operate without them.”

“Calvin is a wealth of knowledge,” added Chris. “He’s been through some rough times in banking. It’s great to have his experience and expertise.” Standing as a fixture when you drive through town, Carmine State Bank is not easy to miss. However, the bank is more to the community than just a brick-and-mortar building. It is the culture of the people in the building that truly represent what Carmine is. PHOTOGRAPHS BY EMILY HENDERSON

“We are proud to give back to our community in many ways,” shared Chris. “Whether it is through sponsorships or fundraisers, we make an effort to be a part of every aspect of the community. When the Chamber of Commerce hosted their Casino Night, we were happy to not only offer a monetary donation but proudly had employees working as cashiers. We’re also very active with the fire department’s annual fundraiser and employees work with that event as well. We feel it’s important to support our area youth, as well. One example of that is purchasing projects at the local junior livestock show and auction for our youth. We try in every way to give back to the community as much as we can and be active physically, as well.

We are proud to give back to our community in many ways. “We’re owned by the stockholders in the community. That’s pretty unique today in banking. We’re very thankful to them and to our loyal customers over the years. We’ve served them and generations before them. That’s what has made this bank successful – our loyal customers.” Carmine State Bank is located at 235 Centennial Street and online at www.carminestatebank.com.

Top, father and son, Calvin Coufal and Chris Coufal of Carmine State Bank.

CARMINE, TEXAS

ANTIQUES

BY MICHELLE BANSE STOKES

Y Station in Carmine SAVVY SHOPPING DESTINATION WITH A HISTORIC PAST

ntique hunters have flocked twice a year to “I’ve been doing Texas shows for 20 years,” said Len. “I startThe Round Top Antiques Show since 1968. ed setting up the at the Y and learned that one of the show Since then, the show has actually grown ex- fields was coming up for sale – that’s where I wanted to be. I ponentially into a show circuit, expanding checked the numbers and it worked. I realized to have parkout into the entire area. Savvy ing and everything else, I needed the corner and hunters know where the best when it became available, I purchased that thereY Station’s Len locations are and today, we’re letting you in on a by creating what Y Station is today. We are able to Peters; a vendor place that’s known as one of the very best places become a destination instead of a little show.” displays their to find exactly what you wanted and a whole lot of wares. what you didn’t even know you were looking for. Y Station would need some major repairs and fixing up before it would become the location it is Y Station in Carmine is located at 212 North Highway 237 at today, and Len was up for the task. the Carmine “Y” along what used to be old 290. The property used to be a sausage factory, egg plant, filling station, and a “There are a lot of buildings here,” added Len. “People didn’t place to dance. Patrons have been known to wander in and see the potential because it was falling into disrepair and, point to the location where the jukebox used to sit during the frankly, because it was so slam packed full of stuff. The tracWorld War II era. Today, owner Len Peters operates a place tor barn, garage and lean-to have all been remodeled. It’s a for vendors to come together to offer their wares and knowl- continuous process and it all takes a lot of time – we’re well edge to fortunate shoppers. on our way.”

CARMINE, TEXAS

PHOTOGRAPHS BY EMILY HENDERSON

Y Station is currently home to 20 vendors with potential to house 35 or 40 vendors in the near future. Len is proud to talk about the variety of items that people will find. “We’re trying to keep a mix with mostly antique, collectible and vintage items,” shared Len. “And our vendors don’t just put items out there with a price tag on them – they’re knowledgeable. We have an art dealer that has contemporary and historic art, as well as period pieces. Another couple does a lot of fun rusty, crusty farm stuff. One vendor has jewelry, another does furniture and records, yet another mid-century modern, and one carries vintage carnival glass. We also have a group that offers items across the board from basically the 40s to the 80s. One guy has been here since the millennium with American oak and period pieces. I never know what they’re going to drag in! “I see an upwards trend for us as we continue to grow, always working to get better. We invite everyone to come out and see what’s going on at Y Station.”

Y Station is currently home to 20 vendors with potential to house 35 or 40 vendors in the near future.

CARMINE, TEXAS

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CARMINE, TEXAS

LOCAL HANGOUTS

BY EMILY HENDERSON

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f you’re looking to escape the hustle and “Throughout our travels, we learned to cultivate meaningful bustle of busy city life, Carmine has two community wherever we found ourselves and continued to hangouts that have it all: Busted Oak Cellars make friends all over the world. We look forward to sharing and The Vintage Hideaway. Both venues of- many of our own stories and special memories over a glass fer lodging, music, and food & of wine with our patrons, and hope they’ll make A couple enjoys drink – with their own specialsome memories with their family and friends as a break from ized flare! Whether you fancy wine and grazing well,” Sherrie stated. the mundane boards or beer and southern comfort food, these at Busted Oak two local spots will have you coming back again According to their website, “Patrick’s natural Cellars. for another comfortable, captivating escape. passion for building and horticulture and Sherrie’s gift for creativity and hospitality led them to BUSTED OAK CELLARS dream of building their winery and tasting room.” Not only did that dream become a reality, but they now have cabins to Busted Oak Cellars is located at 6195 Round Top Road in rent on site – offering their visitors an all-inclusive destinaCarmine. It is owned and run by husband-wife duo Patrick tion appealing to family and friends alike. and Sherrie Cook, and their son Kevin is the manager. After many years of traveling the world for Patrick’s job in the oil & While visiting Busted Oak Cellars you can order a flight to gas industry - including living in Egypt, Scotland, and Israel sample their award-winning wines. Come sit on the patio - they decided to plant some roots and create a business built and take in the view of the expansive property equipped around bringing people from all over together to celebrate with a duck pond as you enjoy your favorite item from their the simple things in life. menu, take out a paddleboat or a kayak, pick up some special

CARMINE, TEXAS

PHOTOGRAPHS BY EMILY HENDERSON

goodies in the gift shop, and enjoy live music – just to name a few options. It truly is a dirt road venue offering serenity, while still providing a variety of things to do to slowly pass the time. Check out all they have to offer online at www.bustedoakcellars.com. THE VINTAGE HIDEAWAY Located at 3820 Schoenst Road in Carmine, The Vintage Hideaway is unlike any weekend getaway destination you’ve been to. The owners Brian Broussard and Eva Park are also a husband-and-wife pair who wanted to exchange the stresses of living in the city for a slower-paced life in the country. “When we say hideaway, we mean it. You don’t just come here by accident,” announced Eva. While Brain owned an oil and gas service company, Eva worked in Katy as a PE teacher for 15 years. He is from Louisiana and has found a new purpose cooking Cajun dishes for the guests, and now she can usually be found serving folks in the beer and wine garden with an energetic smile that’s hard to miss.

Continued on page 22.

Above, a patron waits for a mug of brew at The Vintage Hideaway’s Halloween event; below, outdoor games on the porch entertain guests at The Vintage Hideaway.

CARMINE, TEXAS

LOCAL HANGOUTS It only makes sense that while speaking of their venue Eva proudly boasted, “Visitors can expect when they arrive at The Vintage Hideaway that they’re going to have southern hospitality with good Cajun food.” These two definitely have those covered. They purchased the 12 acres their business is situated on in 2018, first working on clearing the land and building their 5 guest cottages. Each cottage is an identical bedroom apartment floor plan of 300 square feet equipped with a kitchenette, microwave, mini fridge, sitting area and bathroom with stand-up shower and vanity. The cottages each have their own unique name and décor, so you can have a new experience each time you stay.

Brian and Eva later came up with the idea of adding their pavilion and beer and wine garden, as well as the food truck. “We wanted to create an experience where people could come and eat and drink and enjoy themselves as well as have a place to stay and relax – just an all-in-one experience,” remarked Eva. Rooms can be reserved through VRBO, as well as Air B&B. Be sure to check out these two off-the-beaten-path locations have to offer the next time you visit Carmine, and tell them Trips sent you!

Top left, Busted Oak Cellars pours out a flight of their vast variety of wines for patrons; top right, The Vintage Hideaway offers guests a rustic atmosphere; bottom, Busted Oak Cellars is a dirt road venue worthy of repeat visits.

CARMINE, TEXAS

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEBRUARY Carmine Sweetheart Classic Cruise and Gathering - Second Saturday at frontage road by Carmine Museum on Highway 290 MARCH Carmine Chamber of Commerce Mixer – Friday on or before Texas Independence Day, March 2 at JW’s Steakhouse Pavilion APRIL Easter Egg Hunt with Bunny at Carmine Park – Saturday before Easter Day JUNE Martin Luther Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School – week prior to Father’s Day weekend JULY Carmine VFD Annual Fireman’s Feast & Fundraiser at Carmine Hall AUGUST Carmine Chamber of Commerce Casino Night - Second Saturday at Carmine Hall OCTOBER Carmine Night Out & Flag Retirement – First week, at Carmine Fire Station, call 979-451-1507 Martin Luther Lutheran Church Harvest & Homecoming Festival – Third Sunday at Carmine Hall

CARMINE, TEXAS

Carmine Volunteer Fire Department Annual Halloween Gathering – Halloween Night at Carmine Fire Station NOVEMBER Economic Development Corp. Christmas Tree Lighting and Dedications – Carmine City Park DECEMBER Carmine Chamber of Commerce Polar Express Christmas Festival with stew, burgers, vendors, and Santa. First Sunday at Carmine Hall Martin Luther Lutheran Church Christmas Eve – Candlelight service ONGOING EVENTS Chamber of Commerce - First Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Carmine Museum, and noon at local restaurants, call 979-4511507 Carmine Lions Club – Third Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. at JW’s Steakhouse Carmine Hall – Second Tuesday, 6:30pm Martin Luther Lutheran Church Council - Third Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. City of Carmine Council – Second Monday, 6 p.m. at City Hall Carmine Economic Development Corp – First month of each quarter, third Monday at 5 p.m. at Carmine City Hall

Bob Springer’s Sweetheart Classic Car Show FUN EVENT FOR BOTH THE YOUNG AND YOUNG AT HEART

eld the Saturday closest to Valentine’s Day, the Bob Springer’s Sweetheart Classic Car Show in downtown Carmine features a wide variety of cars and trucks, mostly antique and classic, from towns all over central Texas and beyond. Springer expects over 100 vehicles to attend the 2022 event. “The public really enjoys it,” said Springer. “It’s an opportunity for car enthusiasts to show off their ride. We welcome both old cars and new ones, too.”

Vehicles can start showing up at 8 a.m. and the show runs from 10 a.m. until usually 3 p.m. There is no entry fee and the event is free to the public.

CARMINE, TEXAS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Casino Night A FUN-FILLED EVENING TO BENEFIT THE CARMINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

he Carmine Chamber of Commerce creates an exciting and fun-filled evening with a decorated Casino Night at Carmine Hall with local dealers for Black Jack, Craps, Money Wheel, Texas Hold’Em, and more. Winners recieve great prizes!

Tables and individual tickets are sold for a sit-down evening meal and live entertainment. It’s a busy night held on the second Saturday of August.

CARMINE, TEXAS

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1695 County Road 119 Giddings, Texas

979-540-8162 Wednesday – Friday 10am – 4pm Saturday 10am – 2pm

SHOW DATES

Meet me at the “Y”

Winter 2022 Jan 20 – Jan 22

Easy FREE parking - enter from Hwy 237

Open 9-6 Daily

770-940-4002

Spring 2022 Mar 19 – Apr 2 Fall 2022 Oct 15 – Oct 29

ALL 979-525-6116 HOMEMADE AND MADE FROM SCRATCH

212 N Highway 237 at Carmine Y (corner of Hwy 237 & Spur 458) Carmine, Texas

FLATONIA

Chamber of Commerce

March

Events

Parade of Quilts Market Day with Texas Independence Day

April June

Crawfest

May

Spring into Bloom Wine Walk, 1st Friday

90 Miles on 90 Yard Sales, 1st weekend in June

October

Czhilispiel, 4th Full Weekend

December

Village Lighting & Santa Wonderful Winter Wine Walk Merry Market Vendors, Cookie & Candy Carnival, Santa & Photos

www.flatoniachamber.com CARMINE, TEXAS

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT BY MICHELLE BANSE STOKES

Paw Paw’s FireHouse Café FOODIE DESTINATION HONORS HEROES

arry Clack is spending his retirement a little differently than most folks. Instead of sitting on a porch swing in Carmine, Larry chose to pursue a second career and a passion that also gives him an opportunity to be a blessing to others.

told me, ‘You never know until you try.’ It was a fairytale story that came true for us.” While designing the layout Paw Paw’s FireHouse Café, Larry added special features to honor those that are important to him and made a difference in his life.

“I worked for over 30 years as a truck driver,” Bottom left, Paw Paw’s “We wanted to show appreciation to veterans, said Larry. “I could live off my retirement if I Larry Clack points out police officers, firefighters, and school teachwanted, but I really want to help others. It was his father’s name, WD ers,” added Larry. “They have a special place in a dream of mine that I would one day own a Clack, and father-inmine and my wife’s hearts. We let them sign restaurant. My wife never wanted me in the law’s name, Alvin Kiel, our walls and now those walls are covered in restaurant business. but we had an opportuni- on the veterans wall. names. I hope it makes them feel special for ty to buy this place and she and I decided to go Both Larry and his wife a few minutes. We also love our motorcycle for it. I’d had my eye on the building for a good wish to honor them. groups and have a wall for them, as well. In the amount of time … it had been for sale for three first part of this year, we hosted a big event – years before we bought it. God gave us this opportunity and I The Warrior’s Refuge. It’s a charity event that includes a bike know we were meant to have it, that’s why it didn’t sell before. run, car and bike show, barbecue and chili cookoffs, and live My wife said that she wanted to see what I could do with it and auction. We hope to host other events for special needs in

CARMINE, TEXAS

PHOTOGRAPHS BY EMILY HENDERSON

the future. If we believe in a charity, we’ll go all out to help them.” In addition to his work giving back to charities, Larry is also known for his kindness towards those close to him. “He’s the best boss I ever had,” said Tina Thornton, long time employee at Paw Paw’s FireHouse Café. “My husband had a stroke in 2018 and Mr. Clack believes that family always comes first. I live close and if anything happens with my husband, I can go to him – no questions asked. I have never worked for anyone like that.” But you want the real reason to visit Paw Paw’s FireHouse Café? Undoubtedly, it’s the food.

“The ribs are falling off the bone and people order ribs by the slab to take home,” Larry said with a laugh. “Another favorite is our double fried wings. We have a couple that comes every day during the antiques show and they’ll also make a special drive up from San Antonio just to get our wings. “One of our biggest items is the Kyle Special. We take a Paw Paw’s cheesesteak sandwich and build a pulled pork sandwich on top of it – it’s two sandwiches in one. And everyone does burgers, but we chargrill ours with a special seasoning that no one else has. People that work as head chefs in Round Top drive over for our burgers. I’ve always loved to cook and, normally, it was all barbecue. Now I’ve ventured off into all kinds of good stuff.”

Right, patrons chow down on chargrilled burgers, wings, cheesesteaks and more at Paw Paw’s.

Left, Valerie Moore, Larry Clack, Tina Thornton, and Robert Williams of Paw Paw’s.

CARMINE, TEXAS

CHAMBER MEMBER DIRECTORY ANTIQUES Bill Moore Antiques County Line 4905 FM 2502, Burton 760-587-1300 Carmine Trading Post 248 Centennial Street 832-264-5516 Y Station 212 North Highway 237 770-940-4002 AUCTIONS Buck Up! Auctions & Realty 115 East Thigpen Street 979-421-0325 AUTO GLASS & REPAIR Quality Glass 150 FM 1948 Road, Burton 979-289-3303 KT Auto Plus 1006 North Park Street, Brenham 979-836-5280 CATTLE AND RANCH J & V Cattle 1137 State Loop 458 979-203-8873 30

CARMINE, TEXAS

Windmill Ranch 1629 US Highway 290 979-451-1507

Paw Paw’s Firehouse Café 2290 Hwy 237 713-385-8778

CHAMBER

The Vintage Hideaway 3820 Schoenst Road 281-235-7486

Burton Chamber of Commerce 507 North Railroad Street, Burton 979-289-2677 Carmine Chamber of Commerce 248 East Sylvan Street 979-278-4200 Washington County Chamber of Commerce 314 South Austin Street, Brenham 979-836-3695 CONSTRUCTION AND CONTRACTORS Round Top Home Builders 204 North Washington Street, Round Top 979-249-5151 DINING J.W.’s Steakhouse 122 South Hauptstrasse Street 979-278-4240

FARM EQUIPMENT Shoppa Farm Supply 1309 East Austin Street, Giddings 979-542-2259 FEED & FERTILIZER Carmine Feed & Fertilizer, Inc. 230 Centennial Street 979-278-3111 ENTERTAINMENT Kountry Chick Karaoke & DJ 11375 Young Circle 979-278-3064 FINANCIAL & INSURANCE Burton State Bank 515 North Main Street, Burton 979-289-3151 Carmine State Bank 235 Centennial Street 979-278-3244

Herman Son’s Insurance 490 East US Hwy 290 512-736-9988 FLOORING Kenjura Tile, Inc. 1004 North Park Street, Brenham 979-836-5563

LODGING

MUSEUM

Cottages on Cedar Creek Ranch 1040 Carmine Cemetery Road 217-369-8036

Texas Basketball Museum 107 Augsburg Avenue 713-898-7667 Carmine Museum & Visitor Center 248 East Sylvan Street 979-278-4200

FOUNDATION

Goodnight Round Top 10900 Mayer Cemetery Road, Burton 979-278-3210, 817-905-6304

Festivalhill - Round Top Festival Institute 248 Jaster Road, Round Top 979-249-3129

Inn at Indian Creek 2460 Boehnemann Road, Burton 361-935-5343

Round Top Carmine Education Foundation 979-249-7183

Pecan Grove Inn 233 Augsburg Avenue 281-433-8845

FUNERAL SERVICES

Solid Rock Ranch Retreat 1324 Schoenberg Road 713-806-3453

Fayette County Record 127 South Washington Street, La Grange 979-968-3155

The Vintage Hideaway 3820 Schoenst Road 281-235-7486

Show Daily Magazine 6231 Hwy 159, La Grange 979-249-4149

Windmill Ranch Retreat 407 Schmidt Lane, Round Top 979-451-1507

Trips Publications 406 West Main, STE 105, Weimar 979-725-3080

Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home 3950 East Austin Street, Giddings 979-542-3113 LIBRARY Round Top Family Library 206 West Mill, Round Top 979-249-2700

ORGANIZATIONS Burton Friends & Neighbors P.O. Box 455, Burton 979-251-24773 PUBLICATIONS

Continued on page 32. CARMINE, TEXAS

REAL ESTATE Keller Williams Platinum 5501 Andreas Road, Round Top 979-661-0028 Round Top Real Estate 101 Main Street, Round Top 979-249-5732 REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT GTR Partners, LTD 1970 Koether Road 281-853-5905 RV PARK Round Top Carmine RV Park 308 Centennial Street 979-353-2536, 832-978-5220 SEWING Darlene’s Custom Sewing 123 East Thigpen Street 979-278-3325 SHOPPING Carmine Village Market 115 West Sylvan Street 979-278-3333

CARMINE, TEXAS

Jacob’s Store 204 Centennial Street 979-278-3242 Round Top Mercantile Company 438 North Washington Street, Round Top 979-249-3117 STAIN GLASS & ART The Glass Anvil 271 East Thigpen Street 979-278-3688, 713-419-8757 STORAGE Round Top Roadrunner Storage 1475 State Hwy 237, Round Top 979-966-3706 UTILITIES City of Carmine 979-278-3273 Industry Telephone 979-357-4411 WINERY Busted Oaks Winery 6195 Round Top Road 281-795-2588

JOIN THE CHAMBER 979-278-4200

CHAMBER MEMBER DIRECTORY

Carmine City Council

Mayor Wade Eilers

Mayor Pro-Tem Susan Bathe

Mayor Wade Eilers was born in Houston, Texas. However, his ancestory line dates back to Carmine in the mid 1800s. Wade was sworn into the Carmine City Council in 2001. He has served in the US Air Force Reserves, and worked as an Electrical Designer for the oil and gas field. He and his wife Nancy Eilers settled in Carmine in 1985. Together they share two children, and six grandchildren.

The City of Carmine

MAIN OFFICE 260 Luther Lane P.O. Box 76 Carmine, Texas 78932 979-278-3273 Fax 979-278-3310 carmine@cityofcarmine.com

Susan Bathe was born in Brenham and raised in Carmine. Leaving the area following high school graduation, she lived in various Carmine Volunteer cities in Texas, returning to Carmine in 1994. She is employed in Fire Department the banking industry and active in various community clubs and 111 Augsburg Avenue organizations including but not limited to being the President for Carmine, Texas 78932 Carmine’s Economic Development Committee. She has previously 979-278-3250 served on the Carmine City Council from 2000 - 2012, and returned Follow on Facebook in 2015. Rhonda was born and raised in Houston, Texas. In 1977, at the age of 16 her parents decided it was time to move the family of 5 out of the big city, and to the country. They moved to New Ulm, Tx. Rhonda began her junior year of high school at Columbus High School. She graduated and started her family in New Ulm, where she stayed for 25 years. In 2004 she bought a house in carmine. Rhonda and her son settled in rather quickly, and love the community and people of Carmine.

Councilperson Rhonda Meeks William goes by the nickname “Sunny.” Sunny was born and raised in the city of Carmine. He graduated from R.T.C. in 1951. He served is the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. After he was discharged, he went to work at Cameron Iron Works, in Houston Texas. While there, he attended school to become a machinist. Sunny married his wife, Dorothy in 1958. They share a son and a daughter. After retirement, in 1999 he moved back to Carmine. Councilperson William Marth Anita Drydale was born in Syracuse, New York. Anita was sworn into the Carmine City Council in 2019. She has lived in and around Houston before moving to Carmine with her daughter to be closer to her parents in 2004. She has spent twenty years employed in the oilfield services industry and enjoys being involved with the community and church.

Councilperson Anita Drydale

CARMINE, TEXAS

SURROUNDING AREA

Meet the Neighbors VISIT ALL OF THESE UNIQUE DESTINATIONS WHEN YOU STAY IN CARMINE Winedale is home to numerous nineteenth-century wooden structures including five homes, a one-room schoolhouse, a rare foursquare barn, and three log cabins. The property is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, a State Antiquities Landmark, and on the National Register of Historic Places. Named for early settlers, Ledbetter was the first town in Fayette County to get a railroad. Visitors who love history will want to travel the short 6.6 miles to Ledbetter. The Ledbetter Volunteer Fire Department does an awesome job with their Christmas Lane of Lights. A ten dollar tour on hayride includes a Christmas Trail of Lights, live entertainment around a campfire, Santa, hot chocolate with cookies, and viewing of historical homes decorated for Christmas. You can even view the bullet hole in the floor from an Indian attack. Follow the Ledbetter Volunteer Fire Department on Facebook at Ledbetter Volunteer Fire Dept Christmas Lane of Lights. Home of the oldest operating cotton gin in America, Burton is only a short 6.5 miles away from Carmine. The historic 1914 Burton Farmers Gin is nestled in the heart of Burton - located on the same site where it was built over 100 years ago. Take a tour of the gin, explore the quaint Texas town and step back in time. The gin is open Tuesday through Saturday with tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sheriff ’s Posse Rodeo Arena in Giddings features bull riding, barrel racin’, mutton bustin’ fun with various activities throughout the year. The bulls are mean, but the cowboys are meaner. The barrel racers go hell-bent for leather and no one knows for sure whose mutton gets busted- the kids or the sheep. This covered rodeo arena is a mammoth structure with bleachers and skyboxes. It features electrical hook-ups, covered stalls, and weekday rentals. Schedule your trip to Giddings in July and see the dirt get kicked up for the Fury on the Fourth Championship Bull Riding event. Nothing hollers Giddings more than cowboys and rodeos.

Top to bottom, Winedale, Ledbetter, Burton, and Giddings, Texas. Top two photos by Lori Olivarez-Ligues, third photo courtesy of Burton Chamber of Commerce, bottom photo by Frank Smith Photography.

CARMINE, TEXAS

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ELEMENTARY 608 N Washington Round Top 78954 979-249-3200

HIGH SCHOOL 378 Centennial Carmine 78932 979-966-6118

ROUND TOP-CARMINE ISD

• RATED AN A BY TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY • ONE TO ONE TECHNOLOGY CAMPUS • CLASSROOMS ARE EQUIPPED WITH INTERACTIVE TOUCHSCREEN WHITE BOARDS • SMALL CLASS SIZES LED BY TENURED TEACHERS • EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH ATHLETICS, BAND, BETA, FCCLA, FFA, MODEL UNITED NATION, ROUND TOP FAMILY LIBRARY, UIL

STAY IN ONE OF OUR FABULOUS HOTELS DURING YOUR NEXT VISIT TO MOULTON!

500 West Elm Street Moulton, Texas • Comfortable • • Quiet • • Affordable •

Moulton Inn and Suites 200 S. Lavaca Street Moulton, Texas 77975

361-596-4200

DAILY, WEEKLY, & MONTHLY RATES AVAILABLE www.CzechHaus.com

361-221-1010 | 866-232-2001

Coin Operated Laundry Area Ice Machine Both Levels Meeting Room Available

www.moultoninnandsuites.com CARMINE, TEXAS

1324 Schoenberg Road | Carmine, Texas 979-803-0209 Bob and Sadie Easley, owners

… a place to retreat SIX ROOMS IN THE BARN AND ONE COTTAGE

FISHING • HIKING • KAYAKING www.solidrockranchtx.com