Carmine: Your Complete Guide to Texas' Carmine

Carmine

DINING | SHOPPING | RECREATION | HISTORY | FAMILY FUN | EVENTS

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO TEXAS’ CARMINE

EVENTS & EXPERIENCES

explore: LOCAL FLAVORS

JW’s Steakhouse Paw Paw’s Firehouse Café The Village Market

Casino Night Carmine Dance Hall Antiquing Carmine Christmas Fest

HISTORY

Texas Basketball Museum Carmine Museum & Visitor Center Martin Luther Lutheran Church

UNIQUE LODGING

Pecan Grove Inn Solid Rock Ranch Windmill Ranch Retreat Cottages on Cedar Creek Ranch Rocking Horse Retreat

small town, big heart

BuckUpRealty.com

Heather Kaspar 979.421.0325 heather@buckuprealty.com

SENIOR REAL ESTATE SPECIALISTS

SOLD

SOLD

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RESIDENTIAL

FARM & RANCH

COMMERCIAL

• MARKETING EXPERT • • RESEARCH & MARKETING TEAM• • RURAL MARKETS SPECIALIST • LISTINGS ON: AUSTIN & HOUSTON MLS & LANDS OF AMERICA & TXLS

Your ON LIN E Auction Solution • MOBILE APP • CUSTOMIZED BIDDING PLATFORM • •BID FROM COMPUTER OR SMARTPHONE • • PAYMENT PROCESSING • BIDDER VERIFICATION • • MAX BID FUNCTION • REMINDERS & ALERTS • • AUTO EXTEND CAPIBILITY •

BUCK U P! Call us to help with ALL your auction needs!

979-451-8725 • info@buckupauctions.com

BuckUpAuctions.com Consignment | Real Estate | Fundraising | Estate

Fun Fact: Heather can be seen on Texas Flip N Move on the DIY Network.

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

Open twice a month or by appointment by calling 979-277-4613 or 979-451-1507.

Carmine truly is a small town with a big heart!

Marlene Waak

Carmine Chamber of Commerce President Welcome to Carmine. Carmine is located in the far northeastern corner of Fayette County next to US Hwy 290, approximately half-way between Houston and Austin. Carmine, with a population of 250 folks, is a small town with a big heart. The city has a beautiful city park where one can relax and experience our small-town atmosphere. Carmine offers fine dining or refreshments for the busy traveler passing through. There are also cozy bed and breakfasts for those who wish to spend time shopping the various antique stores, visiting museums, or exploring the many historical sites in the general area, which makes for a perfect weekend getaway.

For whatever occasion that brings you to Fayette County, on behalf of Carmine’s local citizens and businesses, we extend to you a big warm Texas welcome.

Wade Eilers

4 - HISTORY 6 - ATTRACTIONS 10 - BUCK UP AUCTIONS & REALTY 11 - PECAN GROVE INN 12 - CARMINE VISITOR CENTER & MUSEUM

Trips

20 - MARTIN LUTHER LUTHERAN CHURCH 23 - ANTIQUES & MORE 24 - SHOPPING 26 - DINING 28 - LODGING

13 - CALENDAR OF EVENTS

31 - RELOCATION

17 - CARMINE CHRISTMAS FEST

32 - WORSHIP

18 - CASINO NIGHT

34 - MEET THE NEIGHBORS

© Trips Publications, LLC 406 W. Main Street, Suite 105 • Weimar, Texas 78962 (979) 725-3080 • tripspublications.com

CARMINE, TEXAS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mayor of Carmine

Michelle Banse Stokes Lori Olivarez-Ligues 3

History of Carmine Carmine was founded on December 24, 1883, by Benjamin J. Thigpen, a highly regarded physician. He purchased 46 acres of land for $230 and plotted the townsite as “Sylvan,” but subsequently changed the name to Carmean, after one of the original highly-respected settlers of the area, Newton Carmean. The spelling of the town was changed to Carmine on June 15, 1892, to eliminate confusion for the postal service with the town of Cameron. The railroad opened a small station in the new town of Carmine where farmers could ship their products to market.

By 1900, Carmine had four general stores, four saloons, two blacksmith shops, a new paper named the New Century, several churches, and ten other businesses.

The Carmine State Bank opened in 1907 and the town received an economic boost that has helped the city throughout the years.

With the bank opening, other industry followed, boosting Carmine’s population growth to approximately 500 in the early 1900s.

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

Historical Facts

1. City was founded on December 24, 1883 by Dr. Benjamin Jackson Thigpen, a physician who came to Texas from North Carolina.

2. The railroad was first built to and through Carmine in 1871.

After Dr. Thigpen sold the railroad (known as the Houston& Texas Central Railroad) a right of way in what is now the center of Carmine, a small rail station was built in 1883 and Dr. Thigpen became the station agent.

3. The very first name given to Carmine was Sylvan but was subsequently changed to Carmean in honor of John Carmean who was one of the oldest settlers to the area.

4. The first post office was established on January 14, 1886 with Elizabeth Price as the first post mistress.

5. The spelling of the name of the town was changed on June 15, 1892 because of difficulties with the mail service.

6. The primary economic base of the city was cotton which was shipped to the coast via rail. The first cotton gin opened in 1889 7. The first general store opened in Carmine in 1886.

8. The Carmine Bank opened in 1907.

9. In 1910 the city of Carmine had a population of approximately 500.

10. The first telephone system was established in 1889.

11. The city of Carmine was incorporated in 1973.

12. The first paved road in and through Carmine was State Highway 20 built in 1925.

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CARMINE, TEXAS

Rated 5-Stars by Bauer Financial for 30 Continuous Years.

979-278-3244 | 800-720-1441 235 Centennial Street | P.O. Box 341 | Carmine, TX 78932

www.carminestatebank.com

CARMINE DANCE HALL

Area Attractions CARMINE DANCE HALL - One of the original antique show venues in the area, Carmine Dance Hall is a community-owned location for weddings, reunions, and dances while remaining the premier destination when shopping the show. The hall was built in 1896 and later became organized under the Cedar Creek Sheutzen Verein committee in September 1916.

“Everyone is a volunteer that maintains the hall,” said Cherrie Wines, one of the committee’s six members.

“We’ve installed an inside cooler in the bar, painted and maintained the building. We’re currently working on remodeling the upstairs.”

Wines’ family ties to the Carmine area were the motivating factor behind her active involvement with the hall.

“I’m fourth generation in Carmine,” shared Wines.

“My great-grandparents were members (of the hall committee). It used to be a skit theatre when my mom was growing up. I remember the dances there every night and the bands.”

There are two fried chicken fundraisers every year, in September and February, to support the Carmine Dance

Hall project and all dessert sales go to scholarships for students graduating from Round Top-Carmine High School.

The hall is a great venue for weddings, anniversary parties, and more and available for your next event. Call 979-203-3408 for booking.

Carmine Dance Hall is located at 300 North Hauptstrasse Street. You can follow the hall on Facebook for information on upcoming events. The hall is a member of the Texas Dance Hall Preservation.

JW’S STEAKHOUSE - See page 26 122 S. Hauptstrasse Street

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CARMINE, TEXAS

TEXAS BASKETBALL MUSEUM - Located halfway between Austin and Houston, Texas just one block south of Highway 290, had its grand opening on June 14, 2009 and over 500 visitors in the first year enjoyed the great display of memorabilia of Legends of the Past, all from the high school ranks to the professionals. Visitors from as far aways as Sweden, Switzerland, England, Germany and Brazil have made the stop into the basketball centerpiece of Texas.

Everyone that is recognized in the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame is displayed in the museum and all are from Texas where they played or coached high school basketball. So, if you are a lover of basketball, its a good stop to stretch your legs and take in all of the displays that feature items from the olympics, including uniforms, vintage basketballs, whistles, cards, games, trophies, photographs, shoes, knee pads, stamps, first day covers, banners, and signatures of the greats.

Please call in advance for large parties at 1-800-364-HOOP (4667) or online at texasbasketball.com

TEXAS BASKETBALL MUSEUM

CARMINE VISITOR CENTER & MUSEUM See page 12 248 Sylvan Street MUEHLBRAD-ALBERS CITY PARK - The Carmine city park was created by the generous donations of the land to the City of Carmine

by Mr. & Mrs. Emil Albers and Mr. & Mrs. Fred Muehlbrad. The vision and hard work of local leaders and community volunteers with the donation of materials, labor, money and time to clear and shape the land and construct and install playground equipment, benches, picnic tables, barbecue pits and the bridge across the creek and the pavilion created the park over the course of four years. The park was dedicated in 1982 as a community park for all to enjoy.

In 2010, after six years of planning and raising money, which enabled the city to receive grants from Texas Parks and Wildlife and the LCRA, the city installed sidewalks, new playground equipment, picnic tables, benches, more barbecue pits and lighting, as well as refurbishing some of the existing equipment and making the restrooms ADA compliant.

An outdoor basketball court is being added.

The park and the pavilion are available to rent for special events by calling 979-2783273.

CARMINE, TEXAS

CARMINE VISITOR CENTER & MUSEUM MUEHLBRAD-ALBERS CITY PARK

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A wine best served with

family and friends

Antiques & Collectibles

248 Centennial 979-278-4040 Open Thursday - Sunday 11am to 5pm

Antiques & Collectibles Open during the semiannual show weeks and by appointment.

Limited dealer spaces available.

Call for details.

GRUMP-PA’s ANTIQUES 108 S. Hwy 2377 At the Carmine “Y” 361-550-0825

Hours of Operation: Monday 1 to 4pm Thursday 4 to 8pm Friday 12 to 9pm Saturday 12 to 9pm Sunday 1pm to 6pm

BUSTED OAK CELLARS

281.795.2588 6195 Round Top Rd • Carmine BustedOakCellars.com

home away from home

The Glass Anvil Stained Glass and Mosaic Art Contact: dtovey@theglassanvil.com Diane Tovey - Glass Artist www.theglassanvil.com

Sleeps up to 8!

407 Schmidt Lane, Round Top, TX 979-451-1507 • Full-Size Washer/Dryer • Breakfast, Drinks and Snacks Provided • • Outdoor Firepit • Nature and Wildlife • Brahman Cattle On Site •

www.windmillranchretreat.com

Paw Paw’s

F I R E Café HOUS E

Carmine Chambe r of Comm erce Business of the Ye ar!

Open Thursday thru Monday 10 ‘til ?

Rek Hill Distillery Spirit Whiskey • Vodka • Gin Tasting Room and Sales 2737 E. State Hwy 159 • Fayetteville

2290 Hwy 237, Carmine | 713-385-8778

512-751-4943 Call ahead for hours or info.

Visit us on Social Media! rekhilldistillery@gmail.com

#BuyfromBuck

You’re My #1 Customer Buck Williams • bwilliams@appelford.com AppelFord.com 1820 HWY 290 W Brenham, TX 77833

Office 979.836.3659 Direct 979.277.7511 Cell 979.492.9074

The power of the auction

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Carmine-native Heather Kaspar is not your typical auctioneer Following in her Uncle Melvin Schoenst’s footsteps, Heather Kaspar of Buck Up Auctions and Realty left a secure job in advertising sales to chase a dream of being an auctioneer – a profession where less than seventeen percent are women.

“I worked for seven years in TV ad sales and loved it,” said Kaspar. “Then a change in management and commission structure changed everything. The good Lord was pushing me in the path that He had for me. I prayed and asked the Lord what it is that I can do that matters. The thought of becoming an auctioneer popped in my head. My uncle had been a cattle auctioneer his whole life … I’m talking 40 plus years as the go-to auctioneer. He was my segue into the industry. I called my dad and told him my crazy idea. I asked him not to tell my uncle but he did. Two weeks later my uncle told me I was going with him to the Plum church feast and I was going to call that auction.”

A combination of excitement and concern, and a whole lot of prayer, helped Kaspar prepare for that first auction.

“For two weeks I watched YouTube videos on how to create a chant,” shared Kaspar.

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“My biggest fear was counting backwards and losing the bidders and I ended up doing both of those things once. I made a joke of it and the whole crowd laughed. My first three auctions I kept thinking that they’re just interested in me because I am a girl and I am young. I questioned if I was really good enough to do this. My third auction was in my hometown at Carmine Hall. I was nervous and I knew my hometown folks wouldn’t sugarcoat it. If I was not good, they were going to let me know. At the end, everyone was so supportive. In 2014, I quit my job to pursue this full-time.”

Kaspar learned the power of the auction years prior when her own father fell ill and the community pulled together to hold her family up.

“My dad needed a liver transplant,” added Kaspar. “Uncle Melvin said, ‘Look, we have to figure out how to raise money and get him a liver.’ We had three different benefits. People donated items that did not know us. Once it came to auction time, we had so many items … it was an overwhelming experience. It was my first time, as an adult, to see the power of the auction method. I knew I would never be able to repay these people for as much as they had given us. I just had to succumb and pray my way through it. That was God’s plan.”

Today, Kaspar has grown Buck Up Auctions and Realty into a full-service auction and real estate company. They help clients with fundraisers, consignment and estate auctions with the majority of their business going now to online auctions.

Kaspar obtained her real estate broker license in 2020.

Heather and her team have experience with traditional real estate and real estate auction properties: farm and ranch, homes, older homes, ranchettes, rural commercial properties and land-only lots. They have been hired all across the state predominantly focused within a 100 mile radius of Carmine.

Buck Up Auctions and Realty can be reached at 979-4210325 or online at buckupauctions.com.

CARMINE, TEXAS

From Crumbles to Cookies

Pecan Grove Inn welcomes guests to downtown Carmine

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The stars must have aligned over Carmine 25 years ago when James and Jane Press took a Sunday drive to check out an old rooming house in need of some tender, loving care.

“I came to the antique show every six months and I picked up a brochure for this property,” said Jane. “We came up on a whim to see if it was still for sale. The realtor kept saying this house had some really good bones, real possibility. It sounded to me kind of like a blind date where they say the girl has a real good personality.”

When they finally saw the house in person, James and Jane really had to look hard to see the diamond beneath a challenging exterior, in desperate need of a makeover.

“No one had lived here for ten years,” added Jane. “The gentleman that lived here last was a bachelor, a fry cook and a chain-smoker. Everything was covered in nicotine. Still, we began to see the possibilities. The house had good bones and we ended up buying it. First, we had the house moved from its original location facing highway US 290 to its present location on Augsburg Avenue. The wiring was unsafe, the only bathroom was non-functioning, the front porch was rotting away … it took us a year and a half before we could actually stay in the house. Six years later we opened up to our first guest.”

With a lot hard work and dedication, the Presses turned the old, dingy house on Augsburg Avenue into a home.

“We did most of the work ourselves,” added James. “We were financially unable to hire tradesmen to do the restoration work, so we restored most of it using ‘sweat equity’ instead.”

Conflicting information left the new owners uncertain if the house was built in 1904 or 1907, but historic accounts record that the old rooming house was a popular place to stay for cotton buyers coming to town on the train that ran where Highway 290 is now.

CARMINE, TEXAS

“Gentlemen would come over and get a room,” said Jane.

“No board, no food, just a room.”

“It was the first house in town with electricity,” added James. “The former owners pointed out the DC generator foundation in the yard that was used to power our house and the church.”

Today, the Presses offer Pecan Grove Inn Bed and Breakfast to guests and include not only breakfast, but a special treat that can’t be found anywhere else.

“Everyone feels our bed and breakfast is very homey,” said Jane. “And a lot of people come for the food - we do put out a good spread - but their favorite thing is the cookie jar. I keep it full of crunchy oatmeal cookies and guests really enjoy them. I go through dozens and dozens every antique show. One lady had me bake cookies and mail them to her daughter-in-law at Christmas as a surprise so her whole family could enjoy them.”

“Everyone just raves over them,” added James with a laugh. “This is our brand. No need to make any others.”

For those traveling with limitations, Pecan Grove does offer a suite that is able to accommodate guests with a wheelchair, complete with a ramp and accessible bathroom. James and Jane are always striving to make sure all of their guests feel at home.

“It’s a labor of love,” said Jane. “We’ve met so many wonderful people over the years that are still staying with us 18, 19 years later. It’s a really fun thing to do.”

Pecan Grove Inn Bed and Breakfast is located at 233 Augsburg Avenue and can be reached at 281-433-8845.

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A Step Back in Time

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Carmine Visitor Center & Museum Located at 248 Sylvan Street, the building housing the museum was the actual Southern Pacific Railroad Depot building for the City of Carmine. Through the generous donation of the land by Mrs. Gladys J. Krause and the building by Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Wagner, the depot, which had been moved out of the city of Carmine was returned to the city and restored to become the city’s historical museum.

Numerous area residents have donated historical items for the museum and today it provides a historical review of Carmine dating back to its founding in 1883.

The museum is open on every second and fourth Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Special tours may be arranged by calling 979-277-4613.

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CARMINE, TEXAS

Calendar of Events February • Bob Springer’s Sweetheart Classic Car Show Saturday closest to Valentine’s Day March • Mixer & Awards Night - first Friday June • Martin Luther Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School – week prior to Father’s Day weekend July • Carmine VFD Annual Fireman’s Feast & Fundraiser August • Casino Night - second Saturday

October • Carmine Night Out - second Thursday • Martin Luther Lutheran Church Annual Harvest & Homecoming – third Sunday • Carmine VFD Annual Halloween Gathering Halloween night November • Carmine Lion Club Christmas in the Park December • Christmas Fest - first Sunday • Martin Luther Lutheran Church Christmas Eve Candlelight service 6 p.m.

Bob Springer’s Sweetheart Classic Car Show Held the Saturday closest to Valentine’s Day, the Bob Springer’s Sweetheart Classic Car Show in downtown Carmine features a wide variety of cars and trucks, mostly antique and classic, from towns all over central Texas and beyond.

Springer expects over 100 vehicles to attend the 2021 event.

“The public really enjoys it,” said Springer. “It’s an opportunity for car enthusiasts to show off their ride. We welcome both old cars and new ones, too.”

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

CARMINE, TEXAS

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welcome!

B Bar B Storage & RV 880 Highway 237, Burton 979-277-5279

www.bbarbstorage.com 10 sites with full hook-ups 30/50 amp and septic wash house/restrooms

10x10 and 10x20 storage units available for rent

cool, clear water

This hideaway is located on a 35-acre ranch and only four minutes from Carmine off Hwy 290 and eight minutes from Round Top.

TWO COTTAGES • EACH SLEEPS FOUR GUESTS • RENT ONE OR BOTH! 217-369-8036 | cedarcreekranchtx@gmail.com

www.ccrtxrental.com

your home away from home

New Water Wells • Water Treatment • Water Well Service Water Treatment Service • Well Inspections • Water Testing We have praised JB Water Wells before for their amazing service when they drilled and installed our water well, but a few weeks ago they installed a water softener for us and we couldn’t possibly be more happy with it. Justin and Buddy do amazing work, they are the best of the best. As far as we are concerned, they are the ONLY ONES to call! ~Holly J.

JB WATER WELLS

Serving Fayette and surrounding counties. Licensed and insured.

979-830-0625 office | 979-421-0305 Justin Bilski’s cell | jbwaterwellservice.com

45 Sites with Full Hookups 30 and 50 amp Pull-Thru Sites Restrooms with Showers Free Wifi Laundry Facility Big Dog Park 308 Centennial Street, Carmine

979-353-2536 | www.roundtopcarminervpark.com

The greener grass on the other side of the fence may be due to a septic issue.

LEAVE IT TO THE PROS

Very good experience, highly recommend.

Honest, hardworking family owned company.

Technician that came to pump my system was very knowledgeable and took the time to explain how everything works, gave tips and advice and answered all questions. ~Joshua P.

JB SEPTIC PUMPING

Serving Fayette and surrounding counties. TCEQ license #25687 and insured.

979-551-2263 | jbsepticpumping.com

Discover

Carmine Hall Private Events Weddings Birthdays Reunions

T E X A S ART AND ANTIQUES, LODGING, HISTORICAL LANDMARKS, WINERY, EVENTS, DINING, ENTERTAINMENT, SHOPPING

300 N Hauptstrausse, Carmine 979-203-4313

www.ccsvcarminehall.com

It’s Better In Burton!

BURTONTEXAS.ORG

ON THE INDEPENDENCE TRAIL JUST OFF OF HWY.290, EXIT 390 or spur 125

THE

VILLAGE MARKET Rocking Horse Retreat Vacation Rentals Perfect country getaway on 57 beautiful acres with bluebonnets and wildflowers in season, and a fishing pond for catch and release.

Conveniently located just off Hightway 290 between Houston and Austin, close to JW’s Steakhouse and only nine miles from Round Top Square.

RoundTopCabins.com

115 East Sylvan, Carmine 979.278.3333

Gift Shop Deli Wines Open Daily 6am to 9pm

Carmine Christmas Fest F

Carmine Hall 300 N. Hauptstrasse Street

or 36 years, the Carmine Chamber of Commerce has sponsored Santa coming to town on a fire truck at the Carmine Christmas Fest on the first Sunday of December.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Carmine Christmas Fest. In true Carmine tradtion, festival-goers enjoy kettle-cooked beef stew, hamburgers and homemade desserts.

The Carmine Hall is filled with vendors offering unique Christmas gifts. Get all of your shopping done in one day while supporting small businesses and vedors.

And the best part? The kids love riding the Polar Express train on an outdoor float!

First Sunday of December

CARMINE, TEXAS

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Nigh

CASINO CARMINE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ht

O

T

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

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

Second Saturday of August at Carmine Hall

Spreading Joy, Carmine-Style

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Pastor David Tinker invites everyone to Martin Luther Lutheran Church Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine opened her doors welcoming Pastor David Tinker a little over eight and a half years ago. He would join a long line of pastors dating back to 1902 when the congregation was originally founded. Having served over 26 years as a Lutheran pastor, Tinker brings a love of Christ and community to the parish.

“I’m here to help people know Jesus and have their lives be better through Jesus,” said Tinker. “People fulfilling their life purpose through God and telling people they are loved by God. I want to encourage people to love God, love their neighbor and know God’s message to them.”

Tinker is also the pastor for Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church down the road in Ledbetter. The parishes come together every Thanksgiving, switching locations each year.

Another special event is Carmine’s Harvest Festival and Homecoming. This much anticipated event is held the third Sunday in October at the Carmine Dance Hall, also known as the Cedar Creek Sheutzen Verein.

“We always have our famous fried chicken,” shared Tinker.

“There’s a worship service and various activities, including an auction and games for the kids. Homecoming is also a time for confirmation class reunions. Those confirmed at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in the past are invited back at every five-

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year mark to see each other and reconnect with their church.

A lot of people come out for the meal and to hear different music … German polka, country, or even old time gospel. The annual event, dating back to 2010, raises extra money for the church to close out the year or support a special project.”

And there’s one special project that is very close to Tinkers’ heart.

“Every year we put together Christmas boxes for seafarers, men who work on the ships coming into the Port of Houston,” added Tinker. “The older men in our bible study group started it about a decade ago, filling 15 or 20 shoeboxes with necessities as gifts. We started it back up again a few years ago. Last year we filled 100 boxes and we’ll do at least 100 again this year. We fill them with things people can use – notebooks, pens, scarves, flash drives, playing cards.

We have this whole fun evening of doing things to help our neighbors. We love our neighbors. We never see them but we know, hearing from the chaplains, of the joy these boxes bring them. Such joy from a simple box of practical things they can use. This is part of living out our purpose in this world, to build up other people and then our own joy gets built up.”

Martin Luther Lutheran Church is located at 211 Luther Lane in Carmine and online at mllccarmine.com. Services are every Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church is located at 6915 Waldeck in Ledbetter and their services are held every Sunday at 8 a.m. Guests are always welcome at both parishes.

CARMINE, TEXAS

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Yes, we can do that, too.

The Pecan Grove Inn is a lovingly restored 1904 two-story home with a prominent German-style four-gabled roof. The bed & breakfast features wheelchair-accessible downstairs rooms, plus three upstairs rooms with private baths.

A full breakfast is included!

233 Augsburg Street, Carmine | 281.433.8845 PecanGroveInn.com | pecan1@pecangroveinn.com

Lori Olivarez-Ligues M/979-451-0826 tripsaccts@gmail.com

Michelle Banse Stokes M/979-702-9445 michelle@tripspublications.com

• MAGAZINES • FLYERS • RACK CARDS • • WEB • BUSINESS CARDS • BANNERS • • DIGITAL FLIPBOOKS • GRAPHIC DESIGN •

THE OLDEST OPERATING COTTON GIN IN AMERICA!

307 N. Main, Burton • 979-289-3378

TexasCottonGinMuseum.org Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am to 4pm | Gin Tours at 10am and 2pm

Antiquing in Carmine Carmine is home to stellar shopping, southern hospitality, art and culture.

Unique Antiques 138 E Sylvan Street, Carmine 979-278-3690 Open Friday and Saturday 10am–5:30pm Sunday 11am–5pm Y Station TX-237 & TX-458 Spur, Carmine 770-940-4002 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook

Glass Anvil Art Foundry 285 Thigpen Street. Carmine 979-278-3688 theglassanvil.com

La Bahia Turn Verein Hall 550 Texas 237, Burton 979-288-2684

Carmine Trading Post Antiques & Collectibles 206 centennial Street, Carmine 979-278-4040 Follow us on Facebook

Neese’s Antiques 111 E. Thigpen Drive, Carmine 979-278-3280 CARMINE, TEXAS

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Shop with us!

There’s so much to see in Carmine 4G Country Store 204 Thigpen St. 979-278-3000 Appel Ford Buck Williams 1809 Hwy 29 W, Brenham 979-277-7511 or 979-492-9074 www.bwilliams@appelford.com Burt’s Birdhouse 410 E US Highway 290 979-278-3880 Carmine Feed & Fertilizer 230 SH 458 Spur 979-278-3111 www.carminefeed.com

Carmine Trading Post 206 Centennial St. 979-278-4040 www.avstreasures.wixsite/carminetradingpost County Line North 1822 Spur 458 www.countylinenorth.com Grace’s Treasure Hunt Corner of Hwy 237 and Loop 458 713-557-5991 GRUMP-PA’s Antiques 108 S Hwy 237, at the Carmine “Y” 361-550-0825 Open during semi-annual show weeks and by appointment.

Glass Anvil dtovey@theglassanvil.com 979-278-3688 www.theglassanvil.com

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CARMINE, TEXAS

Hill Country Collectibles 115 E. Thigpen 979-278-3314

Y Station 212 N Hwy 237 770-940-4002

McCall Style 107 E Thigpen 817-304-0707

Yellow Barn Antiques 108 W Thigpen 979-278-3866

Neese’s Antiques 111 E Thigpen Dr 979-278-4004

Unique Antiques 138 E. Sylvan St. 979-278-3690

Oak Hill Trading Company 106 E Sylvan Street 781-526-5161 The Village Market 115 W. Sylvan St. 979-278-3333

Round Top Mercantile Company 438 N Washington St., Round Top 979-249-3117 CARMINE, TEXAS

Photo provided by the North American Hardware and Paint Association.

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Dine with us!

Chow down on fine fare, Carmine-style!

4G Country Store 204 Thigpen St. 979-278-3000 Open daily 5am to 10:30pm Grab a burger and a cold beer!

JW’s Steakhouse 122 S Hauptstrasse St. 979-278-4240 Open Tuesday-Thursday 11am to 9pm, Friday-Saturday 11am to 10pm jw-steakhouse.com Proudly serving fresh, top quality, homecooked, wholesome food in a comfortable atmosphere.

Round Top Mercantile Company 438 N Washington St., Round Top 979-249-3117 Open Monday-Saturday 7:30am to 6pm, Sunday 9am to 3pm roundtopmercantile.com

4-G COUNTRY STORE

The Village Market 115 East Sylvan 979-278-3333 Open Daily 6am to 9pm Gift Shop, Deli, Wine and Weikel’s Bakery

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CARMINE, TEXAS

Paw Paw’s Firehouse Café 2290 Hwy 237, Carmine 713-385-8778 Open Thursday – Monday 10am ‘til ?

Carmine Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year

Busted Oaks Cellars 6195 Round Top Rd, Carmine 281-795-2588 www.BustedOakCellars.com Thursday 4pm to 8pm Friday and Saturday 12pm to 9pm Sunday 1pm to 6pm Monday 1pm to 4pm

BUSTED OAK CELLARS CARMINE, TEXAS

27

Stay with us!

Discover fantastic lodging choices in Carmine Pecan Grove Inn 233 Augsburg Street 281-433-8845 www.PecanGroveInn.com pecan1@pecangroveinn.com Rocking Horse Retreat 2655 Homeyer Mountain Rd. 713-851-9391 www.roundtopcabins.com Four cabins available.

PECAN GROVE INN

Round Top-Carmine RV Park 308 Centennial Street 979-353-2536 www.roundtopcarminervpark.com 45 sites with full hook-ups.

The Ranch RV at Round Top 4245 Leonhardt Rd., Round Top 512-818-7817 www.theranchrvatroundtop.com Windmill Ranch Retreat 407 Schmidt Lane, Round Top 979-451-1507 www.windmillranchretreat.com Sleeps up to eight.

ROUND TOP-CARMINE RV PARK 28

ROCKING HORSE RETREAT

WINDMILL RANCH RETREAT CARMINE, TEXAS

B Bar B Storage and RV 880 Highway 237, Burton 979-277-5279 www.bbarbstorage.com Ten sites with full hook-ups.

B BAR B STORAGE AND RV

COTTAGE ON CEDAR CREEK

Cottage on Cedar Creek Carmine, Texas 217-369-8036 cedarcreekranchtx@gmail.com www.cottagesoncedarcreekranchtx.com

Solid Rock Ranch 1324 Schoenberg Road 979-803-0209 www.solidrockranchtx.com Six rooms in the barn and one cottage.

CARMINE, TEXAS

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www.buckupauctions.com

Downsize! • Declutter! • Sell your things!

On the

Marketplace!

marketplace@buckupauctions.com | 979.451.8725

STAY WITH US!

CO SO MIN ON G !

SUBSCR IBE TODAY!

PICNIC TABLES BBQ PITS CENTRAL FIRE PIT OUTDOOR SHOWERS 20, 30 & 50 amp service at all RV sites Water at all RV sites Central Trash Can Provided 4245 Leonhardt Rd., Round Top 512-818-7817 www.theranchrvatroundtop.com

ALLEN’S A/C AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Serving The Washington County Area Since 2000

RESIDENTIAL SAME DAY IN-HOME SERVICE ULTRA HIGH EFFICIENCY UNITS AVAILABLE UP TO 10 YEAR WARRANTY ON NEW EQUIPMENT NEW & REPLACEMENT UNITS • WE INSTALL WiFi THERMOSTATS TABC #021965E

REPAIRS • SERVICE • ALL MAKES & MODELS

AllensAC.com

979-836-7029

Serving Brenham and the surrounding area • All major credit cards accepted

Stay awhile!

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

Mayor Wade Eilers

Mayor Pro-Tem Susan Bathe

Councilperson Rhona Meeks

Councilperson William Marth

Councilperson Anita Drydale

Susan Bathe was born Brenham and raised in Carmine. Leaving the area following high school graduation, she lived in various cities in Texas, returning to Carmine in 1994. She is employed in the banking industry and active in various community clubs and organizations including but not limited to being the President for Carmine’s Economic Development Committee. She has previously served on the Carmine City Council from 2000 - 2012, and returned in 2015.

Rhonda was born and raised in Houston, Texas. In 1977, at the age of 16 her parents decided it was time to move the family of 5 out of the big city, and to the country.

They moved to New Ulm, Tx. Rhonda began her junior year of high school at Columbus High School. She graduated and started her family in New Ulm, where she stayed for 25 years. In 2004 she bought a house in carmine. Rhonda and her son settled in rather quickly, and love the community and people of Carmine.

William goes by the nickname “Sunny.” Sunny was born and raised in the city of Carmine. He graduated from R.T.C. in 1951. He served is the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. After he was discharged, he went to work at Cameron Iron Works, in Houston Texas. While there, he attended school to become a machinist. Sunny married his wife, Dorothy in 1958. They share a son and a daughter. After retirement, in 1999 he moved back to Carmine.

The City of Carmine

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

Carmine Volunteer Fire Department 111 Augsburg Avenue Carmine, Texas 78932 (979) 278-3250 Follow on Facebook

“WHERE WE LOVE IS HOME – HOME THAT OUR FEET MAY LEAVE, BUT NOT OUR HEARTS.” OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES, SR.

Anita Drydale was born in Syracuse, New York. Anita was sworn into the Carmine City Council in 2019. She has lived in and around Houston before moving to Carmine with her daughter to be closer to her parents in 2004. She has spent twenty years employed in the oilfield services industry and enjoys being involved with the community and church.

CARMINE, TEXAS

CITY HALL 31

Worship with us!

Everyone is invited to visit any of our local churches.

Greenvine Baptist Church 5010 FM 2502 Rd, Burton 979-836-8058 Greenvine Emmanuel Lutheran Church 6700 Wickel Rd, Burton 979-836-8156 St John’s UCC of Burton 516 N Colorado St., Burton 979-289-2485 Round Top Church Christian Fellowship 440 E Mill St., Round Top 979-289-5085

St. Martin’s Catholic Church World’s Smallest Active Catholic Church 3490 Texas 237, Round Top (Warrenton) 979-378-2277 Call for information on time and date of monthly Masses.

First Baptist Church 920 N. Colorado St., Burton 979-289-2061 Bethany Church 307 N Brazos St., Burton 979-289-2941 Hollowspring Baptist Church 220 N Brazos St., Burton 979-289-3520 Pilgrim Rest 7208 Bredhauer Rd., Burton 979-289-2212

ST. MARTIN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH

St. Paul Lutheran Church 4450 FM 1948 Rd. N, Burton 979-289-3896 St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 205 E. Bell St., Fayetteville 979-378-2277 Mass times: Saturday 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Sunday 10 a.m.

Tuesday 6 p.m.

Wednesday 7 p.m.

Thursday 7 a.m.

Photos cortesy Darren Brown, used with permission of Father Nock.

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CARMINE, TEXAS

Martin Luther Lutheran Church 211 Luther Ln, Carmine 979-278-3388 Saturday 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.

Sunday School 9 a.m. mllccarmine.com

MARTIN LUTHER LUTHERAN CHURCH See page 20

CARMINE, TEXAS

33

Meet the Neighbors

ROUND TOP

ROUND TOP - Only 7.3 miles away, Round Top is worth the short drive the next time you stay in Carmine.. It might be the twice-a-year antiques show that originally put the small town of Round Top on the map, but there’s plenty more to do all year long. They’ve got a little something for everyone - fine dining, fantastic art, unique shops and great places to explore. Chartered in 1870, and with a population of a whopping 90 people, Round Top is full of small-town Texas charm.

BURTON - Home of the oldest operating cotton gin in America, Burton is only a short 6.5 miles away from Carmine. The historic 1914 Burton Farmers Gin is nestled in the heart of Burton - located on the same site where it was built over 100 years ago. Take a tour of the gin, explore the quaint Texas town and step back in time. The gin is open Tuesday through Saturday with tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

LEDBETTER - Named for early settlers, Ledbetter was the first town in Fayette County to get a railroad. Visitors who love history will want to travel the short 6.6 miles to Ledbetter. The Ledbetter Volunteer Fire Department does an awesome job with their Christmas Lane of Lights. A ten dollar tour on hayride includes a Christmas Trail of Lights, live entertainment around a campfire, Santa, hot chocolate with cookies, and viewing of historical homes decorated for Christmas. You can even view the bullet hole in the floor from an Indian attack. Follow the Ledbetter Volunteer Fire Department on Facebook at Ledbetter Volunteer Fire Dept Christmas Lane of Lights.

BRENHAM

34

BURTON

LEDBETTER

BRENHAM - What do alpacas, a cotton gin, live music, wineries, award winning barbecue, comfy beds and long strolls on historic streets have in common? They are just a few things you will discover when you take the 18 mile drive east down Highway 290 from Carmine. Prepare yourself for inspiration around every corner— look for the giant, modern murals that adorn Brenham’s historic buildings.

CARMINE, TEXAS

In Memory Of

Dean & Joyce Ullrich In memory of Dean and Joyce Ullrich who have been model citizens in the Carmine community. They have always supported Carmine organizations, including the Carmine Chamber of Commerce, with many programs and events over the years.

Both of them were always willing to lend a helping hand. Dean and Joyce will continue to be missed in our community.

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

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

FISHING • HIKING • KAYAKING www.solidrockranchtx.com