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AREA ATTRACTIONS
from Moulton, Texas
LOCAL TREASURES Must see sites in Moulton
VISITORS WILL WANT TO EXPERIENCE ALL OF THESE MOULTON GEMS
Texas saddlemaker and leather artist Don Gonzales runs Don Gonzales Saddlery with his wife, Claudia. Although Gonzales has a strong passion and a long history of building custom saddles, today it is the teaching of his craft that motivates him most in his work.
“Five or six years ago, we started a YouTube account and kind of threw a few videos up there,” added Gonzales. “They got a few views and we had fun making the videos. Then we started offering a few patterns on our website and selling the digital file of the artwork, because learning to draw is the hardest part. I can teach anybody to do the leatherwork part but learning to actually do the artwork, that takes a lifetime to learn. Ha, I’m still learning! Recently, we’ve expanded to offering actual material packs and people can tie it in with a workshop video, making their own belt, wallet, purse or whatever. We have lots of patterns for different items.”
Don Gonzales Saddlery is located at 110 South Main and online at www.dgsaddlery.com. Listeners can also follow his podcast, Lost Trade with Don Gonzales, on Spotify or his website.
The Veteran’s Memorial was donated to the City of Moulton by VFW Post 6971 and the Ladies Auxiliary. Landscaping for the Veteran’s Memorial was donated by the Keep Moulton Beautiful organization. It is located at 102 Veterans Drive. A historical marker located at the downtown gazebo recognizes Adolph Hofner (1916-2000) for his role as a pioneer of western swing music. He was the first to record the classic Cotton-Eyed Joe in 1941.
Sam and Will Moore Institute’s name honors brothers who gave site and half costs of building; the community matched their donation. The architect was H. Struve and the building contractors were Joel Meyer & Co. The Order of Sons of Hermann laid cornerstone July 31, 1901, in a gala celebration including a parade, band concert, barbecue, ball, and orations in English, German, and Czechoslovakian. The North wing was added in 1923.
After laying the cornerstone on July 31, 1901, a great party ensued. The City Band and the Lone Star Band opened the
Don Gonzales trims a leather belt in his workshop in downtown Moulton. Photo by Emily Henderson.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
festivities at 10 a.m. for an estimated crowd of 5,000 enthusiastic celebrants. After a long parade, 21 head of cattle and several sheep were barbecued and 81 kegs of beer were consumed. A dance lasting until 2 a.m. concluded the celebration. A newspaper account of 1901 stated that enrollment the first year as 170. Today, the historic building still houses Moulton Independent School District students. Sam and Will Moore Institute is located at 400 Bobkat Drive.
Wondering what a visit to Rocky Creek Maze might be like? Well, just imagine wandering along more than 2.5 miles of paths in a eight-acre field of tall corn, trying to find your way through a giant puzzle!
Their unique brand of good farming fun is the perfect activity for kids, parents and grandparents. Or, if you’re interested in some spooky fun ... enter if you dare! In total darkness, stumble your way through the Haunted Trail and prepare yourself for a monstrous adventure. The haunted trail is separate from the main corn maze and takes place the last three Friday and Saturday nights in October.
Rocky Creek also hosts Field Trips for school groups. They’ve partnered with Spookley the Square Pumpkin to promote bullying prevention. Students can walk a short trail through the corn to discover Spookley’s story and answer anti-bullying discussion questions.
The family also operates a dairy farm and bottles fresh unprocessed milk, offers artisan cheese and fresh yogurt - all made with their own milk. Be sure and bring your cooler. Dairy products are available every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. in their farm store, a cash or check self-service facility that operates as an honor box.
Four E Dairy and Rocky Creek Maze are located at 784 County Road 251 in Moulton and online at www.rockycreekmaze.com.
