Historical Groups

The vision of Barney Davis was to give future generations a place to examine their past and to illustrate the life and events of the past of Somerville and surrounding area. This was accomplished through the participation of the community who donated historical documents artifacts, furniture, tools, other items and funds. The museum is housed in two early 1900’s adjoining sandstone buildings. You can explore the town’s railroad historic past through historic photographs, memorabilia, military exhibits, farm, school and pioneer artifacts.

The museum is entered from the back of the building. Upon entry you can almost hear the sound of the train whistle as a mannequin attired in railroad worker overalls, looks straight at you. An array of railroad and tie plant memorabilia and photos also greet you. In the same area you can smell the coffee brewing as a Harvey House waitress stands there dressed in a long black skirt and blouse with a crisp white apron with attached bib and starched white collar. The table is set according to specifications set out by Fred Harvey, restaurant founder: sterling silver flatware, white linen tablecloth and a rose vase at the table.

The museum features a Sanctuary area with a long church pew, communion utensils, pump organ, all from area churches. Move on to the Ladies and Children’s area and you pass by the Somerville Post Office area with boxes that had a combination. Proceed from there to the beauty shop featuring an electric hair wave permanent machine. A room filled with military uniforms and paraphernalia are on display. Of note is the WWII German Army helmet.

Since the population of Somerville has been diverse since before the turn of the century, a display case features artifacts of the early Mexican community. Prominent in this display is the Cruz Azul banner that belonged to the Cruz Azul social society. This was a social service group whose role was to welcome the Mexican immigrants who were arriving in the area. There are photos of the members in their white uniforms fashioned from the same Society in Mexico. Also, there is a group picture of children who attended the Mexican school as well as the Hispanic baseball team and fiestas patrias posters. A work in progress is the exhibit recognizing the Afro American community and their presence and role in the growth of the city. The Emmitt J. Scott cornerstone from the school for blacks is exhibited as well as a yearbook and group school picture.

The museum has an extensive school exhibit. High School yearbooks date back to 1945 to the present. Senior class pictures hanging on the wall date back to 1911.

The museum is located at the corner of Highway 36 and 8th Street. It is surrounded by a beautiful park like area known as Heritage Square. Most prominent at the square is the monument honoring WWII veterans from the area. Adjacent to the museum is the stucco jailhouse and the printing press used to print the Somerville Tribune, the weekly newspaper.

The Somerville Area Historical Museum is the “gem of Somerville.” It is run by the Somerville Historical Society and is a non-profit. The Society meets the second Monday of the month in the Heritage Room except for the summer months. Operational funds come from membership dues and donations. The Museum is open on Saturdays and by appointment. Phone numbers are posted at the door. There is no charge.

Photography Credit: J. Griff Smith

Caldwell Burleson County Lions Club

Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays

12:00 pm at Caldwell Civic Center

BURLESON COUNTY HISTORY - HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED? A Guide to Burleson County Historical Groups

1Burleson County Historical Commission The Burleson County Historical Commission is appointed by County Commissioners’ Court to serve two-year terms. Every County in Texas has a CHC under state law and they are an arm of the county government. The Burleson CHC works under the guidance of the Texas Historical Commission in Austin, and participates in many state programs, as well as their own projects. Most notably, CHCs are responsible for

securing local Texas Historical Markers and Historic Texas Cemetery Designations.

The Burleson CHC maintains the Burleson County Historical Museum in the county courthouse, gives tours, assists individuals and other groups with historical and family research, records archeological sites, and much more.

They sponsor Burleson County Heritage Week each March to celebrate the county’s birthday, and an Archeology Awareness week each October. The Burleson County Cemetery Book and “Burleson County..Back When”, a county timeline book are available through the CHC.

Meetings are called, posted and held at the courthouse, six times a year. All meetings are open to the public, and anyone interested in more information may call the Burleson County Judge’s office at 979567-2333.

The Burleson CHC is always looking for people who demonstrate a certain degree of historical expertise and interest to represent the county on the local and state level, and help preserve vital historical resources.

2

Burleson County Historical Society, Inc.

The Burleson County Historical Society, Inc. was formed as a non-profit organization in 1979. They published the award-winning county history book entitled “Astride the Old San Antonio Road: A Pictorial History of Burleson County.” Reprints are still available from the BCHS.

The BCHS owns the historic Kraitchar House Museum, an 1891 restored Victorian Cottage which boasts both a Texas Historical Marker and a National Register Marker. The Kraitchar House, which as a wedding gift for Thomas Kraitchar Jr. and his wife, is available for parties, weddings, shoers, etc. Member of the Society are eligible for discount rates. Tours can also be arranged.

The BCHS also hosts several “First Friday Luncheons” throughout the year. Meetings are during odd months at 7 pm at the Kraitchar House on the corner of Buck and Porter Streets in Caldwell, and hosts a brown bag lunch at noon during even months. Locations vary for lunch meetings so please call ahead.

A potluck picnic is held once during the summer as well as a Thanksgiving Dinner in November. Everyone is invited to attend meetings and meals.

Membership dues are $15 per individual or $25 per couple. To join, or for more information, you may contact the BCHS at:

Burleson County Historical Society, Inc. P.O. Box 127 Caldwell, TX 77836

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: J. GRIFF SMITH

Kraitchar House

3The members of this group sponsor and maintain the Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum on Fawn Street in Caldwell. Through the restored Polasek House, they can show visitors a traditional Czech homestead, furnishing, and also assist with family research. Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum

Call for information and tours (979)-567-000.

The group is active in a number of events throughout the year, including Founders Day in

March, A Food Tasting Party in April, a very popular Ice Cream Social the 3rd Thursday in July, a Pre-Kolache Festival Party the second Friday night of September (the night before the Kolache Festival), Czech Heritage Month in October, and Christmas Tea the first Sunday of December.

Meetings are held in the cozy Carriage House on the Museum grounds on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm. Guests are always welcome!

4Somerville Historical Society The Somerville Historical Society is committed to preserving the history of the area of southern Burleson County. The society will assist in doing family or community research for Somerville, Lyons and other surrounding communities. They meet on the 2nd Monday of each month, September

through May at 11:30 am with a luncheon and business meeting. Meetings are held in the Heritage Room of the Somerville Area Museum at the intersection of Highway 36 and FM 1361. The Somerville Area Museum is open on Saturdays from 10 am – 12 pm and 1 – 3 pm or by appointment. Dues are $5 per person and to join or for more information contact Lucinda Murphy 210-842-8337. See feature on page 56.

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: J. GRIFF SMITH

Kraitchar House