VISIT FAYETTE County LA GRANGE • SCHULENBURG • FAYETTEVILLE • FLATONIA • ROUND TOP • CARMINE
2018/19 OFFICIAL FALL & WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
MONUMENT HILL Alive with History LOCAL EVENTS
No matter the time of year, you can find a festival or an event to interest you here in Fayette County PAGE 8
CZECH IT OUT
Taste and hear local culture PAGES 15 & 18
PAINTED CHURCHES An enduring tribute to Fayette County faith PAGE 34
Be your beautiful you! B
eautiful, comfortable linen fashion, statement-piece jewelry and bags, and unique gifts. Visit our new Bella Baby section for your little loves – adorable outfits and gifts. We invite you to come in — relax. Enjoy the personal service and attention MimiBella loves to give and let your beautiful shine! Heart’s Desire ~ Johnny Was ~ CP Shades ~ Flax ~ Crowne Linen ~ Yuvita ~ Frank & Eileen ~ Inae ~ Lysse Richard Schmidt ~ Mariana ~ Firefly ~ Ropin West & so many more.
Round Top, on ByBee SquaRe 979.249.5757 ~ open yeaR Round MimiBellas.com Bellville, 525 S. MaSonic ST. 979.865.2121 FB: MiMiBellaFinelinenweaR
2018 FALL/WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
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With our mild weather, fall and winter are great times to get out and explore in Fayette County, and you’ll find no shortage of adventures awaiting here. This year’s cover story is on beautiful Monument Hill State Park in La Grange. Meanwhile, the rest of this 60-page guide would be a great road-map for an adventure here which you can read while staying at one of those charming accomodations. Fayette County sits less than an hour and a half from three of Texas’ largest cities – but Fayette County feels a world away from Houston, Austin or San Antonio. With carefully preserved European roots, charming small town squares and a rural landscape of rolling hills to hardwood forests, Fayette County is like no other place in Texas. Here you’ll find: • The historic Painted Churches around Schulenburg • La Grange with its historic courthouse, a bustling town square, the Texas Quilt Museum and the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center • The antiquing meccas of Round Top, Warrenton and Carmine • Fayetteville, which is quickly becoming a center for the arts and artists • The historic railroad town of Flatonia And there’s so much more. Whether you are a visitor or a local, we hope this guide makes you feel excited about everything Fayette County has to offer.
– Jeff Wick, Editor
The Fayette County Record
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On the Cover Cannon fire at the Texas Heroes Day event at Monument Hill State Park
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County faith PAGE 34
2018 SPRING/SUMMER VISITORS GUIDE
VISIT FAYETTE COUNTY
Welcome Letter.....................................................................4 Fayette County at a Glance..............................................6 Annual Events.......................................................................8 Advertiser Index.................................................................58
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La Grange
LA GRANGE
Welcome to La Grange.....................................................13 Monument Hill Kreische Brewery..................................14 Weikel’s Store & Bakery....................................................15 AlgEternal Technologies...................................................16 Texas Czech Heritage Center..........................................18 Fayette County Museum/Archives..............................20 Colorado Valley Quilt Guild............................................22 Trail of Lights.......................................................................24 Texas Heroes Museum....................................................25 A Mammoth Find..............................................................26 Schmeckenfest in La Grange.........................................27 Riding the river with Ronny Ray....................................28
SCHULENBURG
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Schulenburg
Fayetteville
Welcome to Schulenburg................................................33 Painted Churches..............................................................34
FAYETTEVILLE
Welcome to Fayetteville..................................................37 Grand Fayette Hotel.........................................................38 Fayette Area Heritage Museum....................................40
FLATONIA
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Flatonia
Welcome to Flatonia.........................................................43 E.A. Arnim Archives & Museum....................................44 Central Texas Rail History................................................45
ROUND TOP
Welcome to Round Top...................................................47 Antiques...............................................................................48
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CARMINE
Welcome to Carmine........................................................53 Lane of Lights.....................................................................54
DAY TRIPS
Hallettsville Market Days................................................56 Blue Bell Creameries........................................................57
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Visit Fayette Visit Fayette is published twice a year by the Fayette County Record in La Grange, Texas. The purpose of the publication is to provide useful information for visitors considering Fayette County as their destination for leisure travel. It is used by the Fayette County Record staff as a tool for all trade shows and sales efforts, handed out at events and distributed at all TxDOT Travel Centers.
DATA FROM 2017 TEXAS ALMANAC
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High Hill
2238
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Rutersville
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Warrenton 237
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153
Winchester
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JoAnn Mueller Bennie Vasek George Kana Bobby Bedient Jamie Zimmermann
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Population 25,149 Area (sq.mi.) 959.8 Altitude (ft.) 200–590 Rainfall (in.) 40.46 Jan. avg. min. 39.2 July avg. max. 95.5 Civilian labor 12,350 0 Unemployed 3.0% Per Capita Income $48,197 Property Value $6,186,305,367 Retail Sales $400,891,966
957
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LAVACA
Physical Features: South central county bisected by Colorado River; Fayette County Reservoir; rolling to level; sandy loam, black waxy soils.
Economy: Agribusiness, production of electricity, mineral production, government/services, small manufacturing, tourism.
History: Lipan Apaches and Tonkawas. Austin’s colonists arrived in 1822. Germans and Czechs 127 S. Washington St. | P.O. Box 400 La Grange, Texas 78945 Ph: 979.969.3155 | Fx: 979.968.6767 Email: editor@fayettecountyrecord.com www.FayetteCountyRecord.com The Fayette County Record is published every Tuesday and Friday, except the publication immediately following Christmas by Fayette County Record, Inc. serving Fayette County since 1922. The Fayette County Record is locally owned and operated by the Barton family since 1976. (USPS 188-440) Postmaster: Send address changes to The Fayette County Record, P.O. Box 400, La Grange, Texas 78945. Periodicals Postage Paid at La Grange, Tx.
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began arriving in 1840s. County created from Bastrop, Colorado counties, 1837; organized, 1838; named for hero of American Revolution, Marquis de Lafayette.
Recreation: Monument Hill, Kreische brewery, Faison Home Museum, other historic sites including the Painted Churches; hunting, fishing, lake; German and Czech ethnic foods; Prazska Pout in August, Octoberfests. Recreation: Golf courses (2), State Parks (1), City Parks (13), Museums (18), Art galleries (12). Airport: Fayette Regional Air Center; 850 Airport Road, La Grange; 979-242-4056; Ma jor Cities: LA GRANGE (4,749) County seat; electric-power generation, varied manufacturing, tourism; Schulenburg (2,945) manufacturing, food processing; festival in August; Round Top (92) music center, tourism; antiques shows; Winedale (67), historic restorations; Carmine (258); Ellinger (386), Fayetteville (262) tourism, antiques, Lickskillet festival in October; Flatonia (1,401) food production, cattle ranching; rail history museum, Czhilispiel in October; Ledbetter (83); Muldoon (95); Plum (145); Warda (121); Warrenton (186); West Point (213), and Winchester (232).
2018 FALL/WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
Routine Restorative Care • Preventive Care • Cosmetic Dentistry Routine Restorative Care • Preventive Care • Cosmetic Dentistry Implant Restorations • One-Day, In-Office CEREC Crowns Implant Restorations • One-Day, In-Office CEREC Crowns Oral Sedation • Solea Laser Dentistry Oral Sedation • Solea Laser Dentistry Most Insurance Accepted • New Patients Always Welcome Most Insurance Accepted • New Patients Always Welcome
Karen A. Roberts, D.D.S. Karen A. Roberts, D.D.S.
Luke Henderson, D.D.S. Luke Henderson, D.D.S.
279 E. Colorado St., La Grange, TX 78945 279 E. Colorado St., La Grange, TX 78945
(979) (979) 968-9451 968-9451
Fax Fax (979) (979) 968-8608 968-8608
www.iluvcornerstone.com www.iluvcornerstone.com
2018-19 Annual Events
No matter the time of year, you can find a festival or an event to interest you here in Fayette County. Here’s a partial list of our annual events: Written by KARA KOETHER The Fayette County Record
SEPTEMBER Sept 20-30 Antiques on the Square
Show opens Friday, Sept. 21 and ends with the Auction on Sunday, Sept. 30. Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Antique auction by Teel Services Sept. 30 starting at 6 p.m. Packing Up Sale starting 9 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 1 and until we are packed up. Contact Lisa at (318) 465-1603 or email for more information. Free parking.
Sept. 22 - Oct. 6 Fall Antiques Festival in Round Top and surrounding communities
Melinda Zajicek, chairman, (979) 820-8793 or mzschielack@gmail.com
Nationally recognized as one of the largest antiques events in America, drawing thousands of dealers to tents, fields and buildings from Fayetteville to Burton.
Oct. 20-21 Lickskillet Days Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m./4 p.m.
OCTOBER Oct. 6
Oktoberfest
Craft Beer Tasting
Antiques Over 100 kinds of craft beers.
Food. Live Music. Fayette County Courthouse Square, 3-7 p.m. Call (979) 968-3017 for details.
Czech Heritage Fest
Oct. 14 Fayetteville Picking Park
Every 2nd Saturday of each month January through November Acoustic Bluegrass Music On Fayettevillle’s Historic Town Square
Arts and Craft Vendors, Food, Cold Drinks, Saturday Night Street Dance featuring Black Cat Choir, Sunday Morning Parade, catered meal after the parade, raffle. This is a homecoming hall for all former Fayettevillians and an invite to non-natives. For more information and or Vendor Information, call, text, or email. Free Entry. Free Parking. Oct. 21 Fusion
A Celebration of the Visual Art and Music, Gallery Exhibition, Exhibition and opening reception on Saturday. The Gallery at Round Top. 203 E. Austin St, Round Top (located on Bybee Square) (979) 249-4119
Oct. 19-20 Heritage Fest & Muziky
Sept. 15 Texas Heroes Day Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites, La Grange 9 to 11 a.m.
Free Admission Sept. 16 Schützenfest Round Top Rifle Hall
Dinner, dancing and the crowning of the crackshot König (king) are the highlights of this target-shooting competition, dating back to 1965. Shooting contest (members only) at 9 a.m. Community celebration at 5 p.m. Crowning of the SchützenKönig at 6 p.m. Dance at 6:30 p.m.
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Two days of family fun and music. Friday-Octoberfest on the Deck-4 p.m., Music by the Dujka Brothers from 6-9:30 p.m. Chicken & Dumplings served in the Hanslik Hall beginning at 5:30 p.m. Saturday-Entertainment All Day in the Hospoda (Beer Garden) 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Music by Jerry Haisler & the Melody and Enzian Baum from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Antique Farm Equipment Show, Car Show, Tarock Tournament, Heritage Demonstrations & Booths, Tours, Muziky Performance at the Amphitheater - The Legacy of the Vrazels Polka Band from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Fireworks Finale starting at 9:30 p.m. Oct. 20 BBQ Cook-Off
Proceeds benefit Fayetteville’s Ball Park. For more information contact
2018 FALL/WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
Praha Veterans Day Service
Oct. 26-28 CZHILISPIEL 46 Czhili & BBQ Cook Offs - Flatonia
One of the oldest and largest Czhili Cook Offs in Texas. Held every 4th full weekend in October. Three days of live music, czhili, BBQ, contests, entertainment & fun for the whole family.
Fayetteville Licketskillet
Nov. 2-4 Round Top Wine Fest 12-4 p.m.
Three incredible days of sipping, shopping, savoring and celebrating the town that’s big time small. Stop in and experience Round Top right. Cheers! Tickets are $25 and will be sold at the Courthouse on the Town Square. (979) 249-4042 Nov. 3 Harvestfest Arts for Rural Texas, Fayetteville
Dinner and Silent Auction - 6-8 p.m. Live Auction - 8 p.m. For information or to purchase tickets to the dinner and auction call (979) 378-2113.
Flatonia Czhilispiel
Nov. 24 Shop Small Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the La Grange Visitors Center
Nov. 3 Flatonia Rail Fan Pavilion Party
Rail fans gather at the cross rails pavilion for a fun day of train watching. Nov. 4 Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center’s World War I Presentations Hanslik Hall from 1 to 3 p.m.
Oct. 28 An Acoustic Afternoon in the Country with Radney Foster 3 p.m. at the Shakespeare Theatre Barn at the Winedale Historical Complex in Round Top Oct. 31 Trick or Treat on the Square 4-6 p.m.
Come dressed in your favorite costume and Trick or Treat at some of your favorite restaurants, shops and businesses on the Square in a fun and safe environment. Enjoy Halloween games on the Courthouse Lawn.
NOVEMBER
Ceremony - Recognition of Descendants of WWI Soldiers at 2 p.m. Reception and Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Czech Sovereignty at 3 p.m. Nov. 11 All Veterans Day Memorial Service At the Praha Cemetery
Mass at 9:30 a.m., Assembly at 10:30 a.m., Veterans Memorial Service at 11 a.m. and Flyover and Flower Drop by Commemoative Air Force at 11:45 a.m. Meal served.
Nov. 29 Lighting of Christmas Village Flatonia Nov. 30 Wonderful Winter Wine Walk Flatonia
DECEMBER Dec. 1 Country Christmas and Home Tour Fayetteville
Santa, arts and crafts, music, a homedecorating contest, tractor displays and a “bit” of history are all in the making to celebrate the Country Christmas in Fayetteville on the historic square, Pictures with Santa at Country Place Hotel, Caroling on the Square, and Horse drawn carriage rides
Nov. 10 E. A. Arnim Museum & Archives Fundraiser Flatonia, Texas
Nov. 2-4 21st Annual Theatre Forum: Hand in Hand Explore “Theatre Holding Hands”
Nov. 10 Fayetteville Picking Park Every 2nd Saturday of each month January-November
Theatre in collaboration with other art forms, disciplines and life itself. Internationally acclaimed and New Yorkbased actor, composer and playwright, Danny Ashkenasi, will enlighten us about his work on, and behind, the Big Apple stages, as well as his in-school program of creating original music theater with children. For more information, go to www. roundtop.org and check the Event Calendar.
Nov. 18 Flatonia Citywide Thanksgiving Service
Acoustic Bluegrass Music On Fayettevillle’s Historic Town Square
Praha Veterans Day Service
2018 FALL/WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
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Veterans Day Celebration
Dec. 1 21st Annual Christmas Tour of Homes and Historical Places 11 a.m.
Spend Christmas in the country and stroll through Round Top admiring several homes participating in the annual Christmas Tour of Homes and Historic Places. Several homes will be on display with beautiful Christmas decorations inside and out...light refreshments and holiday drinks will be served at each home. Tickets are $15 per person, free for those 10 and under.Round Top
Dec. 1 Christmas in Flatonia with an Arts & Crafts Market
Cookie & Candy Carnival & Santa in the Civic Center Dec. 1 Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center Annual Gala Pavilion Hall from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Honoring Czech Musicians and Bands, Silent Auction, Music and dancing from the Czechaholics Band, and Culinary Creations. Contact (888) 785-4500 for more information or see website www.czechtexas. org. Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, and 15 Trail of Lights 6-8 p.m. Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites, La Grange
Admission fee required. For more information call (979) 968-5658. Dec. 1 Round Top Christmas Parade 10 a.m.
What better way to kick off the Christmas season than with an old-time parade around Town Square? With carolers, vintage cars, fun floats and the occasional farm animal, the Round Top Christmas Parade is the perfect chance for residents and visitors to come together to enjoy one another’s company and some small-town Christmas charm.
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Dec. 2 Carmine Christmas Fest Dec. 6 Schmeckenfest 5-8 p.m.
La Grange’s 11th Annual Wassail Tasting & Christmas Celebration on the Square including a parade, delicious treats, children’s activities, shopping on the Square and, of course, a visit from Santa
JANUARY
Jan. 12 Fayetteville Picking Park Every 2nd Saturday of each month January-November
Acoustic Bluegrass Music On Fayetteville’s Historic Town Square Jan. 19 Flatonia Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet 6 p.m. at the Flatonia Civic Center
FEBRUARY Feb. 9 Fayetteville Picking Park Every 2nd Saturday of each month JanuaryNovember
Acoustic Bluegrass Music On Fayetteville’s Historic Town Square
2018 FALL/WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
MARCH
Mar. 9 Fayetteville Picking Park Every 2nd Saturday of each month January-November
Acoustic Bluegrass Music On Fayetteville’s Historic Town Square Mar. 30 Flatonia Spring Market Day & Texas Independence Relay on Main Street
APRIL Apr. 6 6th Annual Schulenburg Sausagefest 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sausage cookoff, arts and crafts and live music. Apr. 13 Fayetteville Picking Park Every 2nd Saturday of each month January-November
Acoustic Bluegrass Music On Fayetteville’s Historic Town Square Apr. TBA (potentially the fourth weekend in April) BP MS-150
A two day, 150-mile bicycle journey from Houston to Austin to raise money for the fight against MS. This is the largest event of its kind in North America. Riders spend Saturday night at the Fayette County Fairgrounds in La Grange. Day Two starts at the fairgrounds and ends at the State Capitol.
Visit fayettecountyrecord.com for more events throughout the year! Czech Heritage Fest
Family-owned and -operated since 1912, Hruska’s continues to provide cleanliness, community and home-cooking to thousands of visitors each year. No matter how far folks have traveled, Hruska’s makes the trip worthwhile!
www.hruskas-bakery.com 109 W State Hwy 71 | Ellinger, TX 78938 | (979)
378-2333
Welcome Y'a!
Stop by the La Grange Visitors Center for a Memorable Experience
Maps & Brochures Restrooms And yes, some FREE Stuff too!! Monday – Friday 9am-5pm
Saturday 10am-5pm
Sunday 12noon – 5pm
Inside the Historic Casino Hall 254 N. Jefferson St., La Grange, TX 78945 979-968-3017 www.visitlagrangetx.com
Texas Czech Heritage Center
Monument Hill Kreische Brewery
La Grange is on the Colorado River, between Houston and Austin on Texas State Highway 71. Home to the Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites. Monument Hill is a memorial to the men who died in the Dawson Massacre and in the Black Bean Episode of the Mier Expedition. The Kreische Brewery site commemorates European immigrants and their contributions. The 2017 population estimate was 4,680.
Colorado Valley Quilt Guild
2018 FALL/WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
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A Trip Back in Time
Monument Hill is a State Park Treasure Just south of the city of La Grange is hallowed ground where Texas Heroes rest peacefully in a common tomb. Memorialized by a 48-foot monument, these brave men gave their lives to defend the independence of the Republic of Texas. High on The Bluff near the monument is the homestead of German immigrant, Heinrich Kreische, and ruins of one of Texas’ first breweries. Together, they make up Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites. Each are memorials to the hard work and sacrifice which molded Texas into the great state that it is today. Six years after Texas won its decisive victory over the Mexican Army at the Battle of San Jacinto, the threat of Mexican invasion lingered. In September 1842 Texan forces battled at Salado Creek to repel the Mexican invaders who had captured nearby San Antonio. Nicholas Dawson’s advanced militia company of Fayette County men, marched from the Muster Oak in La Grange toward San Antonio to join the fight. As they approached the battlefield, Mexican soldiers attacked, killing 36 men in what became known as the Dawson Massacre. Three men escaped but 15 were taken prisoner and marched over 1,000 miles toward Perote Prison in southern Mexico. In the winter of 1842, Texans set out to avenge the brutal Dawson Massacre. Over 300 soldiers marched south and attacked the border town of Ciudad Mier. In spite of many Mexican casualties, 250 Texans were captured and marched toward Mexico City. Within weeks of their capture, 188 men escaped. However, 176 of them were later recaptured. Santa Anna ordered the execution of all escapees, but urgent diplomatic efforts from the United States and Great Britain led to the compromise that came to be known as the Black Bean Death Lottery. The captured escapees drew beans from a pot containing 159 white beans and 17 black beans. Those who drew black beans were executed. The Mexican army then marched the white bean survivors to Perote Prison. There in a bittersweet reunion they met the prisoners from Dawson’s group that they had set out to avenge. White bean survivor John Dusenberry returned to the area of the execution during the Mexican War. Dusenberry and his men exhumed remains of the Black Bean victims and returned them to Texas. La Grange was chosen as their resting place as it was home of Capt. William Eastland, the highest ranking officer executed in the Black Bean Incident. As Fayette County citizens learned that La Grange had been chosen as the destination for these remains, the same sense of duty and honor prompted them to retrieve the bodies of Dawson’s massacred men from their graves near Salado Creek. On Sept. 18, 1848, the 6th Anniversary of the Dawson Massacre, the remains of these Texan militia volunteers were reburied in a common tomb on the bluff overlooking La Grange. Over 1,000 people attended the funeral including many dignitaries and family members. The adjacent 48-foot monument, was built in 1936, the centennial of Texas independence.
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2018 FALL/WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
The end of the Mexican War in 1848 brought peace and prosperity to Texas. Attracted by fertile farm land and a mild climate, large numbers of Czechs and Germans arrived in Fayette County. In 1849 German immigrant Heinrich Kreische purchased The Bluff property including the Dawson/Mier tomb. Kreische constructed a large 3 story home and married Josepha Appelt in 1855. A family of six children soon followed. By 1857, Kreische had become a prominent member of the community and was recognized as a master stonemason, constructing numerous buildings in the county including a jail and courthouse. For the rest of his life, Kreische maintained the Dawson/Mier tomb that became known as Monument Hill. In the early 1860s, Kreische built a stone brewery in the ravine below his house and became a brew master. By the middle of the Civil War, “Kreische’s Bluff Beer” was being produced on a commercial scale. By 1879, the Kreische Brewery was the third largest brewing operation in the state. When a new batch of beer was ready Kreische raised a banner with the traditional German phrase “Frisch Auf!” meaning “Freshen Up!” This served as an invitation for social events with people gathering on Kreische’s grounds to enjoy the beer, shooting competitions, large picnics and dances. Kreische’s death in 1882 and modernization of the brewing industry spelled the doom of the brewery in 1884. The family remained on the property and lived in the house until 1952. Today, people are still attracted to the scenery and structures of the bluff and can glimpse back in time to the natural settings of the mid-19th century. The site provides opportunities to enjoy and learn more about the intertwined heritage of honor, settlement, industry and scenic nature that makes this a special part of Texas and Fayette County.
Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites is open 8am-5pm daily. Admission is free. Weekend guided tours lead visitors back in time to learn more about Texas’ diverse history! Monument Hill Kreische Brewery
Get a True Taste of Kolaches A Fayette County Treasure, Weikel’s Kolaches
Weikel’s Store and Bakery, known for its authentic Czech kolaches and klobasniky (pigs-in-the-blanket), meringue pies, and other homemade pastries, has proudly called Fayette County “home” for decades.
Weikel’s Store and Bakery
The area’s appreciation for Czech heritage, culture and food has been a beautiful match for Weikel’s pastries and family history. Thanks to this success and customer loyalty, the Weikel family is excited to soon share their tasty treasures, Czech heritage and story beyond county lines. Weikel’s Bakery opened a new bakery in Brenham in December of 2017. The new bakery is located at 2155 Highway 290 West (adjacent to the Westwood Chevron building), and is scheduled to open this fall. “Our family has been making and serving homemade food in Fayette County for decades. We are very excited to expand our bakery and share our family’s joy for homemade food with the residents of Brenham and those traveling through,” said Philip Weikel, third-generation owner and manager of Weikel’s Bakery. The 1,800-square-foot Brenham bakery includes a full-scale baking operation and a seating area for up to 16 guests. The menu includes an extensive assortment of kolaches, klobasniky, sweet rolls, pies, bread, muffins, cookies and cakes as well as a coffee, tea and soft drinks beverage counter. “We feel the area’s history, culture and small-town charm are a good fit for our made-from-scratch baked goods,” Nick Hensley, Weikel’s Bakery operations manager. In addition to the flagship bakery in La Grange, Weikel’s also send products fresh daily to The Village Market in Carmine. Additional wholesale opportunities are available. Baked goods also can be ordered online at www.weikels.com and shipped fresh to customers.
Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites Activities:
Historic Sites • Picnic Area • Hiking Trails Guided Tours • Scenic Views Wildlife Viewing • GeoCaching
September 14, 2019
(979) 968-5658
December 1, 7, 8 14, & 15, 2018
High on the bluff overlooking La Grange 414 State Loop 92 • La Grange, TX
Check out Weikel’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/weikelsbakery for news, updates, promotional offers and discounts.
Health Care For All La Grange Medical 753 E.Travis St. (979)968-2000 La Grange Dental 220 W. Guadalupe St. (979)968-5700 Giddings Medical 185 Decker Dr. (979) 968-2000
www.tejashealthcare.org
2018 FALL/WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
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AlgEternal Technologies, LLC
Emulating Nature using microalgae for sustainable products and Ecosystem Services AlgEternal Technologies, LLC of La Grange, Texas has been recognized as one of the 50 Smartest Companies of 2018 by the Silicon Review Magazine published in New Jersey. “We’re proud of being recognized for our approach to sustainable business”, says CEO of AlgEternal, David Ramjohn. “We don’t compete with nature; we emulate nature. We eschew biofuels in favor of the nonfuel products and ecosystem services from microalgae. Our technology delivers significant competitive advantage. We bridge the gap between science and business, harnessing the planet’s primary producers, microalgae, to manufacture products and provide ecosystem services faster, more efficiently, with greater benefits for humanity.” According to Ramjohn, microalgae hold the answer to sustainable environmental, social and economic benefits beyond the petroleum horizon. AlgEternal Technologies harnesses these microorganisms to produce a wide range of products and services necessary to human life. AlgEternal, an algae biotechnology company, manufactures two
product lines using microalgae grown at their facility at 3637 West State Highway 71, La Grange, TX 78945. “AlgEternal has produced what can be described as two ‘skin care’ products using microalgae;” says Ramjohn, “Agtivate™ a natural soil amendment that treats soil, the ‘Earth’s skin’, and the AlgAllure™ AlgaRiche™ Facial Skin Care Collection, for human skin.” AlgEternal intends to expand their product offerings over time to include nutritional and pharmaceutical products since research shows that microalgae are superior in nutritional value and possess significant medicinal properties. The AlgAllure AlgaRiche Collection comprises a cleanser, facial serum, daytime moisturizer, and night cream, all containing an extract from marine red microalgae grown by AlgEternal. The extract has documented beneficial properties on human skin such as antioxidant, hydrating, and wrinkle reducing, with no harsh chemicals. According to Jennie Besal’s (SC) review on the AlgAllure Facebook page, “Wow! What a product! I’m 66 years old and have been switching skincare products all my life. Thanks to Algallure, I’ve finally found a regimen I’ll stick with. I didn’t believe it when Algallure promised to work on all skin types, but believe me, it does. Both of my daughters, who are in their 30’s, are using it with the same miraculous results I’ve seen. What a game changer in skincare! Thank you!” Agtivate undergoes independent testing at Texas A&M; results show using Agtivate on rice allows reduction of nitrogen by up to 75% while increasing yields by 900 pounds over untreated rice. “Agtivate returns soil to natural health, and healthy soils will grow anything,” says Ramjohn, “we’ve had great results on corn, hay, cotton, grapes, and garden vegetables—even on trees and ornamentals.”
Joslyn Hensley
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2018 FALL/WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
Contact AlgEternal at admin@algeternal.com or 979.208.9932 or 9933 or visit their websites at www.algeternal.com, www.algallure. com, and www.agtivate.com to purchase these incredible algae products or learn more about fascinating microalgae.
TCHCC Czech Heritage Fest Has It All! Muziky Performance to Honor Vrazels Polka Band The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange will host the annual Heritage Festival & Muziky on October 19 and 20. The Fest will open at 4 p.m. on Friday with their famous homemade chicken and dumplings served while it lasts in the Hanslik Banquet Hall beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Polka On! Octoberfest on the Deck will begin at 6 p.m. with music by the Dujka Brothers till 9:30 pm. Mark and John Dujka have been making music together for over 30 years and have several acknowledgements, including being inducted into the Polka Hall of Fame at the KC Hall in Hallettsville, and receiving a Favorite Song Award from the International Polka Association for their recording of Church Picnic Polka. The song is featured on their latest CD, Let’s Have a Party, which celebrates the duo’s 30th anniversary. Saturday, the day kicks off with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. The La Grange Ford Hospoda will be filled with cold pivo and musical entertainment by Jerry Haisler & the Melody 5 and Enzian Buam from 11:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jerry Haisler from Temple and his band have been making music for almost 50 years. Enzian Buam of Houston combines German and Czech standards, as well as country, featuring the yodel meister, Jason Keepers, Urban Cowboy fiddler, Robert Herridge, and bass man Bill Holt. Plenty of room to dance on the Capital Farm Credit dance floor!
Strmiska, Albert Heselmeyer, David Trojacek, and Patrick Strmiska. The band has received numerous awards and recognition, the most recent being inducted into the 2018 Polka Hall of Fame at the KC Hall in Hallettsville. The Legends Series performance will be followed by a huge Fireworks Finale, sponsored by HEB.
STROLL THE VILLAGE In addition to enjoying the great music,
you’re invited to stroll the Czech Village, an early 1900s recreated village complete with residential houses, barns, tavern, sawmill, and general store. Demonstrations of early life for the immigrants will take place throughout the grounds all day, including working in the saw mill, blacksmithing, corn shelling and grinding, hay pressing, and the making of textiles, noodles, sausage, and wine. Children activities will be available as well as Bingo in the Velehrad SPJST Hall. An antique farm equipment show sponsored by the South Texas Wheel Spinners & Crank Twisters Club and an antique car show will spread through the village. Vendors and craft booths will be available for your shopping pleasure. Visit the country store for some good buys, including fresh, stone- ground corn meal for cooking. Plenty of food and cold beverages will be available as well. The Janak Barn & Texas Czech Agricultural Museum displays farm practices and implements from the late 1800s to 1940. The Czech Village houses two music museums. The Czech Music Museum of Texas, located in the Kalich House, features four genres of Czech music – classical, folk, polka, and liturgical. The Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum, located in the Hoelsher House, features a display of Texas polka bands, as well as memorabilia and photos of the Polka Lovers Klub of America, Texas Chapter.
Texas Czech Heritage Center
VRAZELS’ POLKA BAND LEGACY Enjoy more music at
the Muziky, Muziky event from 7-9:30 p.m. in the Sanford Schmid Amphitheater. Always a popular part of the Heritage Fest, this year’s Legends Series will feature The Legacy of the Vrazels Polka Band. The band, formed in 1953, was originally known as the Vrazels’ Playboys and consisted of Alfred, Anton and their three cousins, Leo, Louis, and Ladis Vrazel. Shortly after this, Alfred and Anton changed the name of the band to Vrazels’ Polka Band. A third brother, Lawrence Vrazel, Jr. joined them playing drums for the following 12 years. The band that retired in 2009 featured Alfred and Anton Vrazel, Thomas
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2018 FALL/WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
Inside the TCHCC main center, stop by the Czech Gift Shop to browse the brand-new stock of authentic Czech items, T-shirts, caps, crystal, periodicals, music CDs, and new Christmas decorations for 2018. Watch textile demonstrations of spinning and looming, crochet, and knitting. Enjoy the current exhibits at the center: WWI and the Birth of Czechoslovakia details Czech efforts on the battlefield and Czech Americans on the home front during World War I. Lidice 1942, on loan from the Czech Embassy in Washington, D.C., details the fate of this small village near Prague during WWII. Have you always wondered about your Czech roots? The spacious Melnar Library will offer help with genealogy research. The Hanslik Hall will be the site of the KJT State Taroky Championship. Swing in there and they’d be happy to teach you this fun card game. Plenty to do for the entire family! Come out and Czech out the fun! Book your hotel rooms at the Best Western and ask for the TCHCC Fest room block and discount before October 1. Article contributed by Theresa Parker, Texas Polka News.
For more information, contact TCHCC at 1-888-785-4500, email info@czechtexas.org, or visit the website www.czechtexas.org.
e
Czech Herit s a x ltural C ag e ente T Cu r &
(BEER
Hospoda GARDEN) Train Rides Music Village Tours Demonstrations Antique Tractor & Car Show Arts & Crafts
Heritage Festival & Muziky October 19th and 20th 250 West Fairgrounds Road, La Grange, Texas Friday, Oct. 19th ~ Octoberfest on the Deck ~
4:00 PM to 10:00 PM Czech Style Chicken & Dumplings Served!! Music 6:00 - 9:30 PM with The Dujka Brothers FREE Admissions
Saturday, Oct. 20th Opening Ceremony - 10:00 AM
KJT State Taroky Tournament ▪ Museums & Czech Gift Shop Antique Farm Equipment & Car Shows Arts & Crafts ▪ Children’s Activities ▪ SPJST Kolač Eating Contest
~ Heritage Demonstrations ~
Saw Mill ▪ Blacksmithing ▪ Corn Shelling & Grinding ▪ Textiles Noodle Making ▪ Hay Press ▪ Wine Making ▪ Sausage Making Peanut Threshing and MORE!!
~ LaGrange Ford Hospoda ~ “Beer Garden”
The Dujka Brothers
Visit The Czech Village
r
Shiner Beer Stage 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM FREE Admissions
Jerry Haisler & the Melody 5
Jerry Haisler & the Melody 5 and Enzian Buam
J r
~ Amphitheater ~
Enzian Buam
$10 Admissions
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Muziky, Muziky
1-888-785-4500 czechtexas.org info@czechtexas.org
Original Vrazels’ Polka Band
“THE LEGENDS SERIES” Part V Featuring The Legacy of the Vrazels’ Polka Band
~ Saturday Night Fireworks Finale ~
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H-E-B
Fayette County Museum/Archives 40 Years of Presenting History Written by ANDY BEHLEN The Fayette County Record
Fayette Heritage Museum and Archives turned 40 years old in 2018. Museum director Allison Shimek and archivist and curator Rox Ann Johnson sat down with the Record prior to this event, at study table covered with historical documents. One was a map of La Grange from the turn of the 20th century. It showed Jefferson Street dead-ending at the north city limit; the road to Giddings at that time left town on Von Minden. Another document was an 1878 Fayette County death warrant for a condemned murderer named Jim Jones. The hand-written A collection warrant sealed of figures with a black hand-carved ribbon stated from cedar wood. that Jones was to be hung by the neck until he was “dead, dead, dead.” Another was an unsigned painting of the La Grange square from the 1850s. “I don’t think people realize how impressive our collections are,” Shimek said. A collection of military uniforms from World War I are on display in the museum’s rotating exhibit area. “Those uniforms were some of the first artifacts collected by the museum,” said Johnson. “Local men who served in World War I were still alive when the museum was getting started, and some of them donated their service uniforms to us at the time.”
combine the museum and archives with the existing local public library. At the time, the library was located in the historic J.C. Stiehl Home at the corner of Franklin and Fannin streets. The library was organized in the 1880s and was later managed by the Etaerio Club, a local literary society. When the library, museum and archives combined in 1978, the City of La Grange constructed a new building at the corner of Eblin and Jefferson. That building was expanded and renovated in 2003. Since then, the Fayette Public Library takes up the first floor while the Fayette Heritage Museum and Archives occupies the second floor. It sits on a picturesque 2½ acre city block with a gazebo, playground, park benches and a display of the six flags that have flown over Texas greeting motorists as they pass by on US 77. Shimek and Johnson gave the Record a preview of the behind-thescenes tour they’ll be giving at the event on Friday. One room upstairs houses a collection of textiles – military, school band and sports team uniforms, women’s gowns, handbags, and hats. Another room contains the museum’s collection of artifacts. Perhaps the most important room upstairs is the archives vault. Temperature in the vault stays at a cool 68 degrees. Dehumidification equipment keeps the room exceptionally dry. The cool, dry conditions help to preserve the tens of thousands of historic documents and photographs in the collection. One shelf in the vault contains some rather mundane items – Colorado Valley telephone books from 2014 and 2015, a Czhilispiel 42 bumper sticker, and some recent Fayette County Fair Queen posters. Forty years from now, however, those items might not be so mundane. The
documents, photos and artifacts in the museum’s
BICENTENNIAL IDEA
The museum began as an idea in 1976, the year of the United States Bicentennial. At the time Fayette County established a bicentennial committee like many other cities and counties around the country. Those ‘76 committees were typically tasked with planning local bicentennial celebrations. A wave of interest in historical topics was sweeping across the country, and many of those committees also undertook efforts to preserve local history. “One of the priorities that the bicentennial committee came up with was that they wanted to make sure we took care of our past and preserve the heritage of our town and county,” Shimek said. The committee recommended the formation of a museum and archives facility to record the history of Fayette County. Organizers decided to
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2018 FALL/WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
A set of bellows sits on the floor of the museum’s artifact storage room.
collection attract genealogists, historians, writers and even the occasional title researcher. People browsing the library below sometimes wander upstairs to check out the museum. “One time a group of boys came up the elevator and started looking around. One of them asked me, ‘Do y’all have anything about people who’d been killed?’” Johnson said with a giggle. “I found them something.” The staff at the museum is also preparing for the next 40 years. “Digitization is a huge thing right now,” Shimek said. “So we’re making sure that everything that can be digitized is digitized.” About three-fourths of the photographs in the collection are digitized and available to view on computer terminals. That not only makes the items easier for visitors to view, but it also helps preserve the items by reducing physical handling. The museum recently teamed with the University of North Texas to digitize a large collection of historic newspapers including the La Grange Journal, the Fayette County Record, the Flatonia Argus, and the La Grange Deutsche-Zeitung.
Museum director Allison Shimek holds a La Grange High School band uniform hat from the 1960s
“We are making sure we are preserving things the best we can,” Shimek said. “The collection is so big that we really need technology to help us find things,” said Johnson. You can browse the museum’s collections online at http://www.cityoflg. com/departments/library.php.
The museum and archives is open Tuesday - Thursday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
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Colorado Valley Quilt Guild Growing New Home for Annual Show Colorado Valley Quilt Guild is pleased to announce its new location for the 2019 Best Little Quilt Show in Texas: The La Grange Knights of Columbus Community Center at 190 S. Brown Street in La Grange.
Fayette County Quilt Guild
The members are excited to present our bigger and better show on February 22 and 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is $7 with proceeds going to the Guild’s community service projects as well as our monthly programs. The Guild’s community service projects include making and donating lap quilts to residents of care homes in Fayette and Colorado Counties, making full size quilts for the “Quilts of Valor” program and “Quilted Stories” that brings the tradition of quilting into local elementary schools. Guild members produce small quilts that coordinate with story books. As the teacher reads the books, the children pass the quilt around as a visual aid. The Guild makes donation quilts for St. Mark’s Medical Center in La Grange and our local Gardenia Janssen Animal Shelter. After Valentines Day, the guild promotes the show by placing quilts into the windows of businesses around the Court House Square. Members hope you enjoy the pleasant walk around the square to view beautiful quilts made by members in the past. Fayette County Quilt Guild
Looking forward to seeing you at the show!
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Visit the Trail of Lights Holiday Fun in La Grange Written by PAUL SCHENCK
Trail of Lights
The first Christmas Trail of Lights of the season starts Saturday, December 1 at Monument Hill State Park in La Grange. The lighted trail begins with a “snowflake tunnel,” then winds through brightly sparkling displays in the Park to the historic Kreische House built in 1855. The warmth of the completely furnished stone house is reflected in the Christmas decorations that are also done in the style of the 1800s. Docents and Friends of the Park each year assist the Monument Hill staff in decorating with native cedar trees, yaupon greenery and bright red berries, much as the pioneer families did.
Some of the tree ornaments used in the Kreische House actually came from Lauscha, Germany, the small town in Thuringia that developed the blown glass ornament technique in the early 1800s. The first stop inside the Kreische House is the large downstairs room where Santa and Mrs. Claus will hear every child’s Christmas wish. Volunteer docents offer treats including cookies, popcorn, hot chocolate or sweet cider. The Kreische House is also filled with the joyous sounds of the holidays. Hours of the Trail of Lights are 6 to 8 p.m. each of the five nights. Admission cost is $5 for adults and $1 for children ages 3 to 12. Pets are not allowed in the Park during the Trail of Lights. Monument Hill staff under Dennis Smith, superintendent, work all during the month of November getting the Park ready for the Trail of Lights. Volunteers and members of the Friends of the Park assist with decorating the Kreische House and exterior grounds.
Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites is located on the Bluff south of La Grange off State Highway 77. For further information, call the Park at (979) 968-5658.
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2018 FALL/WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
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Texas Heroes Museum Honoring Texans who have sacrificed for our country The Texas Heroes Museum pays tribute to Texas veterans who have fought for freedom. In addition we honor the early Texas Rangers and modern law enforcement; firefighters and first responders; the “Home Front” in World War II; Austin’s “Old 300” who settled in a rugged land; and every Texan who has sacrificed the “easy life” for the greater good. The museum is located in the old Fayette County jail that was in operation from 1883 to 1985. This beautiful Victorian Gothic stone structure is a historic treasure. Free guided tours of the interior describe the jail as was in its 102 years of operation. One jail cell remains as an example of the grim conditions that once existed. New exhibits describe the wars involving Texans from the Texas Revolution to the present. See how the weapons of the Texas heroes have changed, from the flintlocks of the Texas Revolution to the automatic weapons of today. (All weapons are realistic non-firing replicas.) Learn about the volunteers from La Grange and surrounding area who were killed in the Dawson Massacre and the Black Bean Lottery and are now buried in the nearby Monument Hill State Historic Site. See a flag that was flown on the Battleship Texas and replicas of historic Texas flags. Hear about famous Texas Heroes like Sam Houston, Audie Murphy, Chester Nimitz, and Chris Kyle. There are many displays
and stories, including one with artifacts from an F-100 fighter pilot who flew 287 combat missions in Vietnam and was awarded a Silver Star and two Distinguished Flying Crosses.
Texas Heroes Museum
Museum Hours Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Call (361) 210-7318 to schedule group tours on other days.
See how the people of Texas protected and defended us throughout the world.
FREE ADMISSION TexasHeroesMuseum@gmail.com • ph. (361) 210-7318 https://www.facebook.com/TexasHeroesMuseum
In partnership with the City of La Grange Main Street & Visitors Bureau http://visitlagrangetx.com
2018 FALL/WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
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A Mammoth Find A Houston man found a mammoth tooth near La Grange Written by ANDY BEHLEN The Fayette County Record
Jeff Kelly discovered the tooth during a fossil hunting expedition on April 7 with an old friend, Russell Vargo, and Russell’s father Dale Vargo, an amateur fossil collector. The Vargos traveled to La Grange from Georgetown to look for fossils and Indian artifacts on Kelly’s property along SH 71 near La Grange. “I grew up in Houston, but summers and weekends were spent at the ranch,” said the 34-year-old Kelly, who still lives in Houston. “As a kid I walked around out there, dreaming of dinosaurs, cavemen hunting mammoths, things like that.” Growing up, Kelly developed an interest in hunting for Indian artifacts and petrified wood at his family’s place near La Grange. “We walked around our property and Dale was telling me about the geology of our ranch,” Kelly said. “We didn’t really find anything. Then he asked me if I knew of any places in the county where friends had property where we could look around.” Kelly called a friend with property south of La Grange and got permission to walk around the property and look for fossils. “When we got in the car, I asked my Dale, ‘What are you looking for? Indian artifacts, fossils or what?’” Kelly said. “He said, ‘What I’m looking for is a mammoth tooth.’ I said, “A mammoth tooth? We had mammoths out here?’ He said, ‘Sure did. We had mammoths all over this part of Texas.’ He was telling that he found one ten years ago and that he always wanted to find another one.” Kelly said he plans to display the mammoth tooth on his mantle at home.
The group arrived at the property and began their search. They had been mulling around the property for about an hour and a half. Kelly and Russell were walking across some gravely ground near a creek when he looked down and spied something.
“Russell and I were catching up on old times, chatting,” Kelly said. “I was walking maybe 30 feet in front of him and I stopped in
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2018 FALL/WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
my tracks. I turned around and looked up at him and he said ‘What?’ I said, ‘I just found a mammoth tooth.’ He walks over and said ‘Oh my goodness.’ He hollers for his dad to come over. Only the tooth surface stuck out of the ground. The rest was embedded in the surrounding gravel. “It was surreal – literally an hour Jeff Kelly shows and a half off the mammoth earlier his dad tooth he found on property south of said he wanted to find a mammoth La Grange. tooth,” Kelly said. “At the time, I didn’t ask him what one looks like, I didn’t google it or anything. I guess somewhere stored in the back of my mind, from my interest in history, it was in my memory bank.” Kelly carefully dug around the tooth, breaking up the gravel until the tooth came free. “To actually find one brought back my childhood,” Kelly said. “We gave Dale the honor of pulling it out. His reaction was just priceless.” Kelly said he plans to display the tooth on his mantle – once he gets done showing it off. The columbian mammoth, a close relative to the woolly mammoth, roamed this part of Texas until they went extinct around 11,500 years ago. They stood around 13 feet tall and weighed around 10 tons. Mammoth teeth are occasionally discovered in the gravel pits around the area, but finding one on the surface of the ground is quite rare.
Schmeckenfest in La Grange How did La Grange get a winter festival named for an unusual German word? According to assistant Main Street manager Kim Newton, “Wendy McCarty, who was on one of the Main Street committees at the time, had been involved with Wassailfest in New Braunfels. She, along with La Grange Main Street officials Lisa Oltmann and Victoria Collins, customized the event for the La Grange area and came up with Schmeckenfest. It pays homage to the German heritage of the area. “Schmecken” means to taste in German so combined with fest, it makes for a wassail tasting party!” Each year over 35 teams compete to make the tastiest wassail and win the coveted title of “Schmeckenmeister” at the Annual Schmeckenfest held each year on the first Thursday in December from 5-8 p.m. Attendees vote for their favorite wassail. The festive community kickoff to the Christmas season starts with a parade around the Square led by the La Grange High School Mighty Leopard Band followed by the lighting of the County Christmas tree on the Courthouse lawn and a performance by the La Grange High School German Club.
This Christmas festival also includes music, delicious treats sold by local nonprofit organizations around the Square and a visit from Santa at the gazebo. There are also a number of children’s activities on the Courthouse lawn including a bounce house, the popular Schmeckenball pit, and Christmas cookie decorating and sometimes a Snow Play Pit. Christmas crafts and more will also be provided and don’t forget after-hours shopping at all the downtown stores. Schmeckenfest in La Grange
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Riding the River with Ronny Ray Fun on the Colorado River Written by H.H. Howze The Fayette County Record
Colorado River fishing and waterfowling guide Ronny Ray, who lives near Plum, invited yours truly to take a trip on the river recently. We were initially scheduled for the week before, but the water came up and the river got big and muddy. It was still off-color, but was back down to 1500-1600 cubic feet per second, the standard measure of water volume. River levels, barring large rain events upstream, are subject to the Lower Colorado River Authority and its contracts with downstream users. From mid-May to mid-October, Ray said, the agency releases water for rice farmers at about the level we experienced. Ray has been guiding part-time for years, but this year he retired from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and got after it fulltime. He has a variety of shallow draft river boats – canoes, drift boats and aluminum Jon boats. On this occasion we were in his 17.5 foot heavy-duty aluminum Gator Trax boat with a 35-horsepower air cooled “mud motor,” a combo designed for shallow water. We launched about 2:30 p.m. “The vegetation is coming back,” Ray said, pulling some off the pole he used to push off the shore at the Plum Park launch site. “The high flows after Hurricane Harvey stripped out the grass. It’s coming back now, thats good. I have high hopes for this year.” We were going fishing, but Ray guides duck hunting in the fall. His clients use 12-gauge shotguns except for one who shoots an over-and-under 20- gauge. He has a blind that fits on the boat and also uses lay-down blinds on shore. “We shoot teal in the second half of September and the big ducks – widgeons, mallards, gadwall and wood ducks – in November, December and January.”
was nothing to do but push the hook out through the skin, press down the barb and pull the hook back out. This was made more difficult by the treble’s tiny size and the fact that the skin on Ray’s hands is tough as a boot. Finally he got it out. We motored back downriver toward dusk, eyeing the huge driftwood piles left on the banks from the high flows after Harvey as we went. Then we visited with the nice folks from Louisiana who are the current custodians of Plum Park as we took out. Altogether, it was a great afternoon.
Ronnie and Sherri Ray (she’s an angler too) are at Tejasoutfitter@yahoo.com; (979) 702-1077 “ Outdoor Adventures in the Colorado River Valley.”
Fayette County fishing and hunting guide Ronny Ray took the Record’s H. H. Howze on a trip down the Colorado River recently.
Ray said the “puddle” ducks – those that usually feed by dabbling or tipping, rather than submerging – are the best eating; the diving ducks, such as the American shovelers, not so much. “They taste bad,” he said. Ray said the best fishing month is November, which coincides with duck season. Speaking of fishing, we weren’t having much luck except for a couple of channel cat which we released. “Wind from the east, fish bite least,” Ray recited. Wind from any other direction is better, according to the fishing adage. We were anchored in the shade at the head of a riffle when Ray finally caught something – his left index finger – with a small treble hook, one hook of which went in past the barb. “That’s the first time I’ve ever had one go in past the barb,” Ray said calmly. It was a small terrestrial bait, a grasshopper, and difficult to manipulate. We both got out our forceps and needlenose pliers. There
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2018 FALL/WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
Ray and Howze passed several piles of driftwood left from Hurricane Harvey on their trip down the river.
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979.249.3406
2018 FALL/WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
The Oak Motel is a wonderful 18 room Motel that we acquired in June of 2017 along with the 1907 House “Joseph Koss Home” we have remodeled the property and hope to make it your favorite place to stay in La Grange Texas. One block off the square next to Hanks Express and Subway.
Call us today!
979.968.3133
227 S. Jefferson St. La Grange • www.theoakmotel.com
Let Us Fill Your Tank! Schulenburg • Bastrop • Moulton
Painted Churches • Museums & Wineries
Preview what the Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum has to offer in the Main Museum, Original Factory Building, and the Ancestral Home.
model aircraft museum
311 Baumgarten Street, Schulenburg, TX Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday 10:30am-4:30pm
979.743.6559 www.stanzelmuseum.org
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Historic Architecture • Lodging & Dining For tours or more information:
(866) 504-5294 schulenburgchamber.org
Schulenburg Festival
Veterans Memorial
Schulenburg is a city highly known for its German culture, as well as those of Austrian and Czech descent. Home to the Texas Polka Music Museum honoring Texas polka bands and musicians of Czech, German and Polish ancestry. Enjoy the Painted Churches Tour, the Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum, and visit local Vineyards & Wineries. The population was 2,852 at the 2010 census.
High Hill Church Picnic
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Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church
St. Mary: Nativity of Mary, Blessed Virgin
St. John the Baptist Church
How Great This Art Fayette County’s Famous Painted Churches Written and Photographed by ANDY BEHLEN
St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption
Their efforts are almost incomprehensible today. All they had were simple tools like block and tackle, hand saws, hammers, chisels, and most importantly, brushes. But they were able to raise steeples that are still taller than most modern buildings in Fayette County and carve altarpieces rivaling anything on this side of the Atlantic. Marble and gold leaf were much too expensive, but they had paint. Fixtures had to be ordered from Europe and shipped across the Atlantic. They would have arrived by rail to Schulenburg, Flatonia or La Grange. From there, parishioners would have transported such items by wagon to country churches scattered around the county. Just imagine High Hill’s Tiffany-designed stained glass, or Ammannsville’s intricately carved Infant of Prague statue, swaddled in quilts and bouncing across creek bottoms in a rickety waggon. The Czech and German immigrants who peopled Fayette County in the second half of the nineteenth century were content to scratch an existence out of the dirt, but they demanded nothing but the finest for their houses of worship. The churches brought civilization, beauty and learning to what would have been an alien landscape for those early settlers. If you’re thinking about visiting one of these churches, consider booking a tour with the Greater Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce. Their expert docents will make your trip more than worth the drive.
St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption 821 FM 1295, Praha community
Located just south of the railroad tracks that run parallel to SH 90. Prior to the coming of the Czechs, Praha was called Mulberry by the Anglo settlers. Praha has a huge gathering every year when thousands descend on the church grounds for a veteran’s reunion. Built: 1895; Architect: O. Kramer Artists: Gottfried Flury, Rev. Louis Netardus, and Gene A. Mikulik Mass Times: Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m. Picnic: 8/15 & Sun. before Veterans Day Church related information on Praha—Call 361-596-4674
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Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church
Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church FM 1383 Dubina community.
Featuring simple stenciling and framed Stations of the Cross with words in Czech, the church is just west of Weimar off old Hwy. 90. Other than Sunday, the church can be viewed from the entry only. It can be opened for groups. Just north of the church is the old Dubina grocery. Following the road around the corner will take you over the “Piano Bridge” – one of the few remaining iron bridges in Fayette County. Painted: 1909; Architect: Leo Dielmann Mass Times: Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Picnic: Sunday before 4th of July Church related information on Dubina Call (979) 725-6714
St. Mary: Nativity of Mary, Blessed Virgin 2833 FM 2672, High Hill Community.
Elaborate faux-marble columns and vaulted ceilings make this church one of the ones not to miss. The grayish blue stone capping the buttresses and accenting the brick was quarried from the nearby town of Muldoon. Built: 1906; Architect: Leo Dielmann; Painted: 1912; Artist: Stockert and Kern Mass Times: Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Picnic: Labor Day Sunday Church related information on High Hill Call (979) 743-3117
St. Mary: Nativity of Mary, Blessed Virgin
St. John the Baptist Church
St. John the Baptist Church 7745 Mensik Rd., Ammannsville community
The Catholic church and a school opened in 1890. Destroyed by the hurricane of 1909, the church was rebuilt. It burned shortly thereafter and had to be rebuilt a second time. Built: 1918; Architect: John Bujnoch Painted:1919; Artist: Fred Donecker and Sons Mass Times: Sunday 9:30 a.m. (Odd Months). Sunday 8 a.m. (even months). Church related information on Ammannsville Call (979) 743-3117
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Fayette County’s quiet get-away featuring great lodging, food and drink. Come and take a break in Fayetteville, and enjoy Texas the way it used to be. HISTORIC INNS, B&Bs & HOTEL
StayInFayetteville.com
Lickskillet Parade Float
Fayetteville Chamber Music Outreach Program
Fayetteville is a charming town, roughly halfway between Austin and Houston. Come enjoy the arts of Fayetteville. The Fayetteville Picking Park hosts live acoustic bluegrass jams almost monthly along with other musical and arts events regularly. There are a plethora of cottages and cabins to stay in for a fun getaway. The population was 258 at the 2010 census.
Watertower Art
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The Grand Fayette Hotel is a comfortable, art-filled oasis on Fayetteville’s Historic Square
The Unique Grand Fayette Hotel Stylish Lodging in Downtown Fayetteville Grand Fayette Hotel offers unique lodging, art, wine and gourmet food, and shopping on Fayetteville’s Historic Square Fayetteville has become a center of attention for its art scene, quaint historic square, and now a spectacularly renovated hotel with its popular Wine Bar & Restaurant. The small village of 258 people is an oasis just 9 miles from the busy Antique Weeks crowds of Round Top / Warrenton.
The Grand Fayette Hotel is home to the Wine Bar & Restaurant on Fayetteville’s Historic Square
“Our menu of small plates comes from my upbringing in Greece, and foods that have influenced Kathy and me in our travels. So there are flavors from Greece to the Deep South to California’s Napa Valley,” says Chef George. “We get compliments on our crab cakes, bacon-wrapped shrimp, salmon and our award-winning bourbon bread pudding.”
Each of the Grand Fayette Hotel’s ten rooms is decorated in different colors, with one-of-a-kind furnishings. From antiques to quirky side tables, each room has its own distinct flavor, and its own original art.
The Wine Bar & Restaurant is open evenings from 5-9 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. On Sundays, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., a Champagne Brunch is served. It is a relaxing venue for brunch, with traditional Eggs Benedict, Tex-Mex or Italian Frittatas and specialty champagne cocktails.
“We wanted to create a comfortable and inspiring stay for our guests,” says co-owner Mary Quiros, “so we created rooms that we would want to stay in, with amenities that make an overnight stay in central Texas very special.”
Reservations are recommended for this intimate dining experience, especially during antique weeks. Call George at (979) 716-6988 and check out the wines and menus online. (www.winebaratthegrand. com)
“The small town of Fayetteville has a very large reputation when it comes to the arts,” states Joan Herring, co-owner and manager. “From amateur to professional, from performance to the visual arts, Fayetteville offers much more than you would expect from a town this size! And we wanted the hotel to reflect this artistic environment.”
And two more treats! The Store at the Grand, located in the lobby, offers unique gifts, bedding, travel satchels, wraps and more. Open when the Wine Bar is open, the boutique store is a delightful surprise tucked away in the country.
Many of the national and regional artists represented in the town’s now famous Red & White Gallery, such as Jesús Moroles, William Anzalone, Laura Wilson, Mary Quiros, Pat Johnson, Mark Kohler, Sally Maxwell and the late Charles Schorre also have pieces on display at the hotel. The Grand Fayette Hotel is also home to the Wine Bar & Restaurant at the Grand, where chefs George and Kathy Valtasaros have been serving tapas (small plates), salads, flat breads and deserts along with a collection of fine wines.
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The large Moravian Room, part of the Wine Bar & Restaurant, is an actual art gallery, currently showing Mary Quiros’ popular watercolors and acrylics. The Moravian Room also hosts the annual Fayetteville Chamber Music Festival, and has featured concerts this year by guitarist Beppe Gambetta, the quartet SASS, and jazz pianist Robert Sanders. On tap next is Shake Russell & Michael Hearne on November 8, with tickets available online. (www. thestoreathethegrand.com)
For room reservations at the Grand Fayette Hotel, contact Joan at 713-818-9766. (www.blackbirdlodging.com)
T H E
WINE BAR R E S TAU R A N T AT THE GRAND FAYETTE H O T E L
Salmon with tequila lime cilantro sauce. On Fayetteville’s Square. Reservations 979-716-6988. Thur-Sat 5-9pm, Sunday Champagne Brunch 11am-2pm (and everyday during Antique Weeks).
Fayetteville Area Heritage Museum Open Saturdays
History Exhibits
Photos courtesy of www.fayettevilletxmuseum.org
History of the Fayetteville Area is on display at the Fayetteville Area Heritage Museum. The Museum is the home of the Teddy Schultz Model Trains and Railroad Collection and many other artifacts of the good ol’ days including the historic altar from the original St. John’s Catholic Church (removed for rebuilding in 1969), the pipe organ from St. Mary’s Catholic Church, pre-historic bones & arrowheads, a cotton gin, the Dawn Theater’s movie projector, a fire engine pump, farm equipment and even a restored 1965 Chevy Bellaire. Memorabilia from the Baca Band is also displayed as well as that from numerous local schools, civic organizations, elected officials, etc. Located on the Square of Historic Fayetteville. Open by appointment-Tours Welcome. Always open 3rd weekend of October during Lickskillet Weekend and by appointment.
The Fayetteville Town Square
Historic Town Square Sat 11-2 & By Appt • 119 N Washington • 832-338-6630 Fayetteville Fire Engine No. 1, a hand-pumper, circa 1892
Pipe Organ from St. John Baptist Church
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t
FAYETTEVILLE Propane Co., Inc.
Residential & Commercial Parts & Service •LP GAS PIPING & INSTALLATION •ABOVE & UNDERGROUND TANKS •SPACE HEATERS •OUTDOOR COOKERS •GAS LOGS •GAS GRILLS •WATER HEATERS •BOTTLE FILLING STATION
800.549.2213
1424 E. State Hwy. 159 • Fayetteville, TX
May 4th & May 5th, 2019
ARTWALK on the square in Fayetteville, Texas
Fayetteville, TX
promoting local, regional and national artists
May 4th
10am - 5pm
May 5th
11am - 4pm
STROLL - SHOP - BUY FINE ART - FOOD - MUSIC
www.stayinfayetteville.com 2018 FALL/WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
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Pharm House Drug Co.
Check us out LIVE on FACEBOOK every Monday and Thursday for your FIRST LOOK!
www.FayetteCountyRecord.com
979.968.3155 • 127 S. Washington • La Grange 42
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Flatonia Mural
Czhilispiel
Flatonia is a historic town located on Interstate 10 and the Southern Pacific Railroad, 12 miles west of Schulenburg. Home to the abandoned Flatonia Railroad Tower, used from 1902 to 1996 it is one of Texas’ longest standing, manually-operated railroad switching towers with north-south and east-west cross rails. Enjoy a round of 9-hole golf on the well-maintained golf course. If you’re up for site seeing check out the six beautifully painted churches with easy driving distance. The population was 1,383 at the 2010 census. Flatonia Lyric Theater
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Historic Artifacts
E.A. Arnim Archives & Museum
Flatonia History Comes Alive Here Photos courtesy of www.arnimmuseum.org
Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, the E. A. Arnim Archives & Museum invites visitors to see six new murals on its exterior walls, offering “views” inside a cross-section of late 19th century/early 20th century Flatonia stores. In the three decades of its existence, the museum has grown to be one of the finest in central Texas. Located in the old Flatonia State Bank building on North Main Street and an adjacent “barn,” it documents the history and development of the Flatonia area with an ever-growing collection of artifacts from early homes, businesses, clubs, schools, churches and farms. It also boasts an impressive Veterans museum, a Texas Natives Plant Garden and a substantial archive of historical photographs, letters, journals and advertising ephemera. Beginning October 1, the museum is offering for sale a book on Flatonia and the surrounding area in Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series. The museum is open Thursday-Friday 1-4 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m., or by appointment.
For additional information visit the museum’s website at www.arnimmuseum.org or call 361-865-3455.
Texas Native Plant Garden
E. A. Arnim
Archives & Museum
Local heroes
Two buildings house a unique collection that will take you on a journey back through Flatonia’s cultural and historical past to its founding in 1873. Hours: Thursday and Friday 1 – 4 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to noon and 1 – 3 p.m. Available for special tours by appointment.
Coming October 1st and available for sale at the museum: Flatonia, a book from Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series. 361-865-3455 or arnimmuseum@att.net 101 E. North Main St., Flatonia, Texas •www.arnimmuseum.org 44
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Huge exhibit space
Central Texas Rail History Preserving the History of Flatonia At one time, farmers, ranchers and merchants of Flatonia depended on the trains to deliver the necessities of their livelihood. For the town’s citizens and those from surrounding communities, train transportation was their connection to the outside world. Today, the history of the rails in Flatonia lives at the Central Texas Rail History Center, which is operated by Flatonia Special Projects (FSP). The museum is located at 104 South Main Street across from the town’s post office. The Center houses many historical artifacts, model train displays and photographs from when ‘rail was king’ in Flatonia. The Center is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. – noon and 1 – 3 p.m. Across from the Center stands old Tower No. 3, which was built in 1902 and served as a switching facility just west of downtown at the interlocker. The tower is available for viewing upon request. Another train related activity in Flatonia is the Rail Photo Pavilion, a covered, elevated facility that affords rail fans an up-close view of trains traveling East-West and North-South. The photo pavilion is located at interlocker only a few blocks from the Central Texas Rail History Center. Flatonia Special Projects is also the organization working
For additional information on the Central Texas Rail History Center or for an Amtrak update, visit the Center’s website at www.railcrossroadstx.com or call 713.471.8068.
to bring rail passenger transportation back to South Central Texas. For a number of years, members of FSP have worked with Amtrak to establish a station stop in downtown Flatonia. Having recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Amtrak for the proposed station stop, FSP is currently raising funds for the new station and related costs. No date has been established for the new service.
Central Texas Rail History
Central Texas Rail History Center & Flatonia Rail Park A Train Load of Treasurers • Model Trains • Photos Galore • Railroad Memorabilia • Historic Tower No. 3 • SP Caboose No. 4743 Central Texas Rail History Center Friday & Saturday 10:00 am – 12 pm 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
104 South Main St., Flatonia TX • 713.471.8068 • www.railcrossroadstx.com 2018 FALL/WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
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Looking for a change of pace... Let us be your guide to Fayette County.
101 Main Street | roundtoprealestate.com | 979.249.5732
Round Top State Bank TOM BAKER INSURANCE AGENCY
•Traditional Banking Services •Mortgage Lending •Home Equity •ATM at each location •Commercial and Consumer Online Banking
Full Service Agency Located at Round Top State Bank - Tommy Baker III, Agent Not a Deposit. Not FDIC Insured. Not Insured by any Federal Governmental Agency. Not Guaranteed by the Bank.
979-249-2126
• ROUND TOP 301 N. Washington 979-249-3151
• JARRELL (Eagle Bank - a Branch of Round Top State Bank) 12345 N. IH 35 512-746-2531
• LA GRANGE 2010 Hwy. 71 West 979-966-0556
• GIDDINGS 1442 E. Austin 979-542-7872
• ROUND ROCK (Eagle Bank - a Branch of Round Top State Bank) 2250 N. A.W. Grimes Blvd. 512-218-3903
• LEXINGTON 8681 St. Hwy. 77 979-773-2227 ROUND TOP FINANCIAL SERVICES
ROUND TOP STATE BANK INSURANCE AGENCY Your local Germania Agent - Tim Huebner Not a Deposit. Not FDIC Insured. Not Insured by any Federal Governmental Agency. Not Guaranteed by the Bank.
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Full Service Brokerage - Reece Cernoch, Broker and Tom Baker III, Broker
EOE Your Hometown Bank Since 1912
Member FDIC
2018 FALL/WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
www.roundtopstatebank.com
Securities and insurance products are not FDIC or NCUA insured, not bank or credit guaranteed, may lose value, not insured by any federal government agency, and not a bank or credit union deposit. Securities and insurance products offered by LPL Financial and its affiliates, member FINRA/SIPC. LPL Financial and Round Top State Financial Services are independent entities.
Marburger Farm Antiques
Festival Hill Conference
Round Top is well-known for crowd-pleasing favorites. Round Top Antiques Fair is an outdoor gathering of antiques dealers, and customers each year in the spring and fall. The Round Top Festival Institute, a training ground for young musicians. The Shakespeare at Winedale program is administered by the University of Texas at Austin English Department. The town is also known for Moore’s Fort, the oldest building in Fayette County, which was moved there from La Grange. The population was 90 at the 2010 census. Henkel Square
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Treasure Hunters Welcome Thousands of Vendors at Shows Here chance you’ve never heard of what some refer to as “the biggest treasure hunt in Texas,” you’ve come to the right place to learn about the history and lasting influence of Round Top antiques week. In the 1960s, wealthy Houstonians began to buy and restore historic properties in and around Fayette County, looking for an escape from bustling city life. As the new owners filled their weekend homes with European antiques, society women Ima Hogg, Faith Bybee and Hazel Ledbetter became concerned with preserving the legacy of fine Texas and American furniture and art. They approached Emma Lee Turney – a successful antiques dealer herself – with an idea. And with that, Round Top antiques week was born.
Antiques abound
If you’re from around here, you know everything about the semiannual antiques week that draws crowds of thousands every six months to Round Top and the surrounding areas. But if there’s a
The first Antiques Fair was held in Round Top in October of 1968, with around 25 vendors set up at the Rifle Hall. Antiques collectors came from far and wide to shop, bargain, and socialize. With the help of Hogg, Bybee and Ledbetter, who encouraged their friends to attend, the fair was a massive success. So successful that Turney decided to make it an annual event – adding tents outside of the Rifle Hall until the huge crowds and eager antiques dealers outgrew the space. The fair expanded to the Carmine Dance Hall and the fields in Warrenton that line Highway 237. Turney eventually purchased land on Highway 237 five miles north of Round Top and built the Big Red Barn, which is still the home of the Original Round Top Antiques Fair. Today, Round Top antiques week draws crowds of about 200,000 to the over 5,000 antiques vendors that line the highway and pack the surrounding buildings twice a year. This fall’s antique show takes place from September 20th – October 8th, and a valuable piece of Texas history awaits. All treasure hunters are welcome! Marburger Farms
A Special Place We are the Smallest Accredited Library in the State of Texas Stop by to check out our book, audiobook, and DVD collections or attend one of our community service programs for all ages. The Library is funded through private donations, events, volunteers, grants, and community partnerships.
206 West Mill, Round Top, TX 78954 • (979) 249-2700 • www.ilovetoread.org
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Insured & State Licensed
Truck Window Window Food Truck Service Catering Call us today to discuss your next catering event!
281.-639.2712
Corporate Events • Weddings • Hourly Parties • Graduations Birthday Parties • Lunches • Rehersals • Cocktail Parties
Hire our food trailer and treat your guests to a unique catering experience!
WE OFFER HIGH QUALITY DETAILING PACKAGES TO FIT MOST ANY BUDGET! • COMPLETE VEHICLE WASH/DETAIL SERVICES • RV’S/BOATS/TRACTORS/TRAILERS • CONVENIENT AND EASY • AFFORDABLE PACKAGES • ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY DETERGENTS • YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE WITHOUT YOUR VEHICLE ALL DAY • WE SAVE YOU PRECIOUS TIME BY COMING TO YOU CENTRALLY LOCATED IN GIDDINGS, TEXAS
Additional Mileage surcharge may apply beyond a 30 mile radius
ASK US ABOUT OUR ADDITIONAL PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES! Schedule your appointment today!
832-364-3722 2018 FALL/WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
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“Wow” is a common reaction. Concerts Gardens Theatre Poetry Conferences Forums Retreats Celebrations Weddings Receptions Picnics Campus Tours Group Lunches Family Reunions Photo Shoots
Oct. 13, 2018: Moores School Concert Chorale
Nov. 17, 2018: Houston Chamber Ringers
Dec. 8, 2018: The Nutcracker Ballet
Jan. 12, 2019: Texas Guitar Quartet
ROuND TOp FeSTival iNSTiTuTe
Feb. 9, 2019: Dick Smith and Friends
An Educational Non-Profit Public Foundation (979) 249-3129 • FestivalHill.org
Custom Homes | Renovations Barns | Barndominiums | Event Spaces Site Planning | Floor Plan Design 103 Main Street Ǧ Round Top, Texas
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979.249.5151
www.roundtophomebuilders.com
Outstanding Agents ANDREA RIEBELING
ARLENE JOHNsEY
Round Top
Round Top
832.816.1000
713.724.1125
BRITTNI ADAMs Round Top
979.966.8073
BRYAN ROBERTs La Grange
979.966.7305
CATHY COLE
PREsIDENT/OWNER
979.251.0603
Outstanding Results
• TRANSACTIONS . . . . . 193 • ACREAGE SOLD . . . . . 5654± • HOMES SOLD . . . . . . . . . . .146
DANIEL DERIDDER Round Top 832.654.3130
DEBORAH BEHRINGER La Grange
979.966.3907
THE ACTUAL RESULTS ARE FROM 10 OUT OF THE 14 AGENTS SHOWN BASED ON 24 MONTHS OF SALES
Want to be part of the equation? Then call one of our two Fayette County offices today!
ELLEN HART Round Top
713.876.8666
JOANN AYREs Round Top
979.249.7494
KATIE sWAFFORD La Grange
979.702.0963
MADONNA MORRIs Round Top 281.731.3804
MAX COPPINGER Round Top
979.702.0425
FRANK JOHNsTON Round Top
979.249.7315
YOUR HOME TEAM NADINE HUFNALL Round Top La Grange 979.224.5956 BETTY MELTON PEG RICHARDsON
LA GRANGE OFFICE 103 N. Main La Grange, TX 78945
979.966.3088
979.249.7584
ROUND TOP OFFICE 203 N. Live Oak Round Top, TX 78954
979.968.5300
979.249.5767
serving austin, colorado, fayette, lavac a, lee & washington counties
w w w. h e r i tag e t e X a s c o u n t ry. c o M MEMBER HAR & SCBOR
Discover
CARMINE SHOP &
This little city has so much to offer for day trippers or over nighters looking to experience authentic small town hospitality. Located just off of Hwy 290 halfway between Houston and Austin.
WE HAVE PLENTY TO OFFER:
MUSEUMS VILLAGE MARKET MUSEUMS •• RESTAURANTS RESTAURANTS •• VILLAGE MARKET ANTIQUE SHOPS •• B&B’S RANCH SUPPLIES ANTIQUE SHOPS B&B’S •• FARM FARM & & RANCH SUPPLIES ROLLING HILL COUNTRY VIEWS VIEWS FOR FOR MILES ROLLING HILL COUNTRY MILES
W Wee WELCOME WELCOME
Your Arrival! carminetx.com carminetx.com
Carmine Depot
Carmine Playground
The city of Carmine is known for the Texas Basketball Museum, operated by Bob Springer. The museum showcases Texas High School Basketball state titles and trophies, a Hall of Fame room along with exhibits of players who became pros. Enjoy shopping in the antiques shops in town or visit the City Park, created by donations of land to the city by the Albers and Muehlbrad families. The park was dedicated in 1982. The population was 250 at the 2010 census. The Village Market in Carmine
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Lane of Lights Twinkling Holiday Tradition
Rated 5-Stars by Bauer Financial for 28 Continuous Years.
In Ledbetter, in northern Fayette County, enjoy a hayride through nearly a mile of lighted Christmas scenes including numerous animated displays. Stop to view two historic houses, visit Santa, enjoy the Ledbetter Homemaker’s homemade cookies, drink hot chocolate and wassail, amble through the walking trail, and enjoy music and singing by the warm and toasty campfires. Come early, stay late. This family event is enjoyed by people of all ages, and many families return year after year.
Ledbetter’s Christmas Lane of Lights, FM 1291 and Highway 290, Ledbetter, TX 78946. From Thanksgiving weekend until Christmas (Friday and Saturday evenings) $8 per person. Kids 2-under free. 6-9 p.m. Proceeds go to the Ledbetter Volunteer Fire Department.
Ledbetter Lane of Lights
979-278-3244 | 800-720-1441
235 Centennial Street | P.O. Box 341 | Carmine, Tx 78932 www.carminestatebank.com
Making Lives Better Through Print
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Use Promo Code: CHOP10 to Save 10% Off Online Orders
Hassle Free Printing Books | Magazines | Catalogs | Newsletters | Flyers | Postcards and More
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Hallettsville Market Days Enters its 10th Year Hallettsville Market Days started in November 2009, and in ten short years has grown to one of the largest market/trade days in South Texas. Cherri Fryer, Director of Hallettsville Market Days attributes this success to, “Location, Location, Location. Hallettsville is at the crossroads of Houston, San Antonio, Austin and Corpus Christi. We draw shoppers and vendors from a large radius.” Hallettsville Market Days is a joint venture between Fryer and the Hallettsville Knights of Columbus. “We are blessed to have the Knights of Columbus Hall as a wonderful resource to our City. The huge K of C facility provides comfortable shopping inside the Hall and on two large covered pavilions, as well as in the shade of the Live Oak trees on the grounds,” added Fryer.
Hallettsville Market Days
Held four times a year on the third Saturday of February, May, August and November, Hallettsville Market Days draws a wide variety of vendors offering items such as painting and photos, metal and wood work, furniture and home decor, jewelry and clothing, specialty food items, plants and herbs. “Our November market will attract about 200 vendors which makes it a great place to find unique items for the Holidays and everyone on your Christmas shopping list.” There is no charge for entry or parking. Shopping is from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more information visit www.hallettsvillemarketdays.com
Hallettsville MARKET DAYS Upcoming Dates 2018 : November 17 2019: February 16, May 18, August 17, & November 16
www.HallettsvilleMarketDays.com
Knights of Columbus Hall | 321 US-77, Hallettsville, TX 77964
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For more information call
361-772-0084
The Best Ice Cream in the Country Blue Bell in Brenham a Short Drive Away Blue Bell Creameries, known as “the Little Creamery in Brenham,” was established as The Brenham Creamery Company in 1907 in Brenham, Texas.
Bluebell Creameries
The Creamery was originally founded to make butter from the excess cream marketed by local farmers, and ice cream was added to the product line in 1911. At that time, the Creamery produced two gallons of ice cream a day, hand-cranked in a wooden tub filled with ice. In 1930, the name of the company was changed to “Blue Bell,” after the favorite Texas wildflower of the company’s manager. Butter was produced until 1958 when Blue Bell began to focus fulltime on making “the best ice cream in the country.” Blue Bell has produced many exciting products over the years including Moo-llennium Crunch Ice Cream, Cookie Two Step Ice Cream and a line of Light Ice Cream. The most popular flavor of Blue Bell Ice Cream, year after year, however, is the original Homemade Vanilla, created in 1969, which, many say, tastes like the hand-cranked ice cream folks used to make on the porch during long summer evenings. Blue Bell is a top-selling ice cream brand, although it is only available in 22 states. With Blue Bell located only a short drive from Fayette County, it is a perfect daytrip for locals. Stop by for a scoop of ice cream at the Ice Cream Parlor, view how ice cream is made from the Observation Deck, shop in the Country Store and learn more about Blue Bell in the Visitor Center.
The facility is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hours are subject to change. Please visit www.bluebell.com for more information.
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AlgEternal Technologies, LLC..............................................17 Arts for Rural Texas…………...................................................….41 Black Diamond Mobile Detailing...................................49 Boomba Latties...........................................................................49 Boothe Building Co……......................................................…….22 Brawley Dental Clinic, PLLC…….......................................….23 Capital Farm Credit……......................................................…..27 Carmine EDC….........................................…….......................…..52 Carmine State Bank…….....................................................…..54 Central Texas Rail History Center……….….....................…45 Colorado Valley Communications………..........................58 Colorado Valley Quilt Guild.................................................23 Corner Stone Dental…….......................................................…..7 Diggs Real Estate Inc…...............................….....................….24 E.A. Arnim Archives & Museum……...............................……44 Fayette County Tourism Association….….....................…55 The Fayette County Record...............................................55 Fayetteville Bank.......................................................................40 Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce........…....................36 Fayetteville Propane Co., Inc……………................................41 Flatonia Chamber of Commerce..................................….42 Grand Fayette Hotel……….....................................................…39 Hallettsville Market Days........................................................56 Hart Land Real Estate………………............................................21 Hengst Printing and Supplies............................................21 Heritage Texas Country Properties..................................51 Hruska’s…….............................................................................……..11
BIG ON
The Jersey Barnyard…....................................................……..30 Junk Gypsy…...............................................................................….3 KJK Dozer……….............................................................................24 Kleiber Tractor and Equipment Inc…….........................….29 La Grange Main Street Visitors Bureau.........................12 Lindemann Real Estate………..................................................16 Mimi Bella…….....................................................……......................2 Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery…......................….15 National Bank and Trust…...................................................…..31 The Oak Motel……....................................................................…30 Rohan Meadery..........................................................................32 Rosemary’s Vineyard and Winery……..........................….30 Round Top Family Library………............................................48 Round Top Festival Institute….............................................50 Round Top Home Builders..................................................50 Round Top Real Estate………..............................................…..46 Round Top State Bank……..................................................….46 Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce.......................…..32 Shweiki Media......................................................................…..46 Stanzel Museum….................................................................…..32 Tejas Health Care…….......................................................………15 Tex Propane……...........................................................................32 Texas Czech Heritage Center..............................................19 Texas Heroes Museum…………................................................25 Texas Quilt Museum……......................................................…..60 Weikel’s Bakery……................................................................…..59 Weise Farms….......................................................................…...41
Fast, Reliable & Local. Serving Fayette County Since 1953.
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979.242.5911 | cvctx.com 58
2018 FALL/WINTER VISITORS GUIDE
What You’ll Find At The Only Quilt Museum In The Southwest… Changing exhibits in three spacious, high-ceilinged galleries within meticulously restored 19th century buildings, winners of Preservation Texas and Main Street awards
A Museum store featuring quilt-themed products and artisan-created gifts
Quilts…History in the Making, a specially designed 13x85 foot outdoor mural painted by a well-known Texas muralist
Grandmother’s Flower Garden, a period “town” garden
typical of Texas gardens between 1893-1930, planned to inspire creativity and contemplation
The Pearce Memorial Library and Material Culture Center,
where research can take place in a quiet setting, and researchers can apply for a grant to conduct extended study
Space for educational lectures and presentations
Upcoming Exhibit Schedule (subject to change)
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 • Sue Garman: Traditional Masterworks • Comfort and Glory
Photo by Rhianna Griffin
OCTOBER 4-DECEMBER 23, 2018 • Bold By Design: Kaffe Fassett Quilts • Light Show from the Contemporary Quilt Art Association • Dazzling Millefiore Quilts JANUARY 10-MARCH 30, 2019 • Quilts: A World of Beauty Prizewinners • Stories of West Africa by Hollis Chatelain
Photo by Gensler
OPEN Thursdays through Saturdays ......10 - 4 Sundays ................................................. Noon - 4 Check website for holiday scheduling ADMISSION General ...........................................................$10 Seniors & Students ..........................................$8 Tours of 20+ when arranged in advance .....$6
Photo by Hester+Hardaway
Texas Quilt Museum These beautiful Indian Sujhani Tote Bags are just some of the items – many one-of-a-kind – available in the Museum gift store.
@TXQuiltMuseum
140 West Colorado • La Grange, Texas • 78945 • Phone 979-968-3104 • Fax 979-968-6010 projects@TexasQuiltMuseum.org • www.TexasQuiltMuseum.org
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