Experience Flatonia

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

Experience

FLATONIA

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO TEXAS’ FLATONIA

HISTORY

St. Mary’s Catholic Church Flatonia Livestock Commission Olle Hotel

EVENTS Annual Czhilispiel Christmas Wine Walk Texas Independence Relay

LOCAL FLAVORS Wine Haus The Market Annual Crawfest

Welcome!

Centrally located between four major Texas cities, Flatonia’s prime location, home town values and forward-thinking community leaders combine to make this city the perfect locale for easy living, personal growth and abundant business opportunities.

Whether you’re looking to escape to a relaxing, fun and friendly vacation destination business venture, Flatonia is the place to be.

Go ahead – take a look at what we have to offer. You’ll soon discover why all roads lead to Flatonia.

Cover photo courtesy of Joan Ivy with the Flatonia Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department.

4 - HISTORY OF FLATONIA 6 - AREA ATTRACTIONS 10 - NATIONAL HISTORIC DISTRICT 11 - FLATONIA LIVESTOCK AUCTION

26 - HISTORIC OLLE HOTEL

12 - LYRIC THEATRE

27 - LODGING ACCOMODATIONS

13 - FLATONIA PUBLIC LIBRARY

28 - THE MARKET & MARKET 2

17 - ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH PRAHA

29 - SHOPPING IN FLATONIA

18 - CZHILISPIEL 21 - CRAWFEST • PARADE OF QUILTS • SPRING MARKET DAY

30 - DINING AND RESTAURANTS 32 - WORSHIP IN FLATONIA 33 - RELOCATION INFORMATION

22 - WINE WALK • CHRISTMAS IN FLATONIA

34 - CALENDAR OF EVENTS

23 - FLATONIA PARKS

35 - SURROUNDING AREA

© Trips Publications, LLC www.tripspublications.com

CONTENTS

Flatonia Chamber of Commerce 208 East North Main Street | P.O. Box 610 Flatonia TX 78941| 361-865-3920

Michelle Banse Stokes & Lori Olivarez-Ligues 979-725-3080 • 406 W. Main St., Ste. 105, Weimar, TX 78962

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Come explore and stay awhile Flatonia today and yesterday

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e are very proud of our charming little town and its Czech and German heritage. Beautiful landscapes, ranches and countryside surround our town. We have several bed and breakfasts in country settings, a beautiful historic hotel located just one block from the downtown area, lovely cottages recently renovated just on the east end of town and three hotels conveniently located on I-10. There are a wide variety of antique and gift shops, pharmacy, and old-world museum and more ... all located in our Historic downtown area.

Flatonia is a community of about 1,500, centrally located between four major Texas cities – Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Victoria. It was established in 1873 and named for the pioneer merchant F. W. Flato. It became a melting pot for English, German, Bohemian, Czech and Italian immigrants.

Flatonia is still a well-known and scenic spot for train watchers, boasting one of Texas’ longest standing, manually operated railroad switching towers with North-South, East-West cross rails.

Flatonia was a market town for rich agricultural area, on one of this state’s earliest railroads (chartered 1841 by the Republic of Texas). Situated on land granted in 1840s to rancher William A. Faires. Germans began to settle here in 1860s, and soon needed a shipping point for their products. Sailing master Friedrich Wilhelm Flato (1820-1899) and his wife Sophie, of the German Colony, had a store about 2 miles south of here.

In the 1870s, Czech immigrants arrived, and the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railroad (delayed by Civil War, 1861-65) was built to this point.

John Cline, F. W. Flato, John Lattimore, and railroad president T. W. Pierce founded Flatonia on Oct. 16, 1873, naming it for the Flato family.

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All photos courtesy of E. A. Arnim Museum.

FLATONIA, TEXAS VISITORS & RELOCATION MAGAZINE

AMIGOS OPEN 24 HOURS 361-865-1000

COUNTRY CORNER

1415 Farm Rd 609 • Flatonia

CONVENIENCE STORE MEXICAN FOOD PIZZA BBQ

361-865-9116 Open 8am to 10pm HAPPY HOUR 2 to 5pm

HALF PRICE DRINKS AND SLUSHES

CHESTER’S FRIED CHICKEN !"#$%&'(")&#*+$','-*$)$#

Gasoline & Diesel

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Area Attractions

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1. FLATONIA GOLF COURSE 1245 E US HWY 90 • FLATONIA (361) 865-2922

9-hole regulation length course | Public golf course 36 par | 3,056 yards | Bermuda grass

The 9-hole “Flatonia” course at the Flatonia Golf Course facility in Flatonia, Texas features 3,056 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 36. Designed by Lonnie Garbade, the Flatonia golf course opened in 1993. Richard Schacherl manages the course as the General Manager.

The fairways are narrow and the greens are elevated. Unlike many of the older rural, 9-hole courses in the state, Flatonia’s course is a little longer (over 3,000 yards) and the holes tend to play more like the big-city courses. No. 5 is the longest par 4 at 413 yards, and is listed as the number one handicap. Hole 7 is fun to play, a 114-yard par 3 that requires a carry over water to reach the green.

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2. AMERICAN LEGION POST 94 JEROME MICHAEL & AUXILLARY 1225 E. US HWY 90 • FLATONIA

Bob Roberts - Commander. Call 361-772-6110 for hall rental information.

3. FLATONIA RAIL PARK MAIN STREET • FLATONIA 713-524-1750

One of the features of the historic park is Tower No. 3.Built in 1902 by Southern Pacific Railroad Company, the switching tower was originally located one-quarter mile west of downtown Flatonia at the interlocker, a junction of north, south, east and west tracks.

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The tower was moved from the interlocker in the mid-1990’s to its current location at the corner of Penn and South Main Street. Tours are available by calling 713524-1750.

FLATONIA, TEXAS VISITORS & RELOCATION MAGAZINE

4. CENTRAL TEXAS RAIL HISTORY CENTER

104 E. SOTH MAIN STREET • FLATONIA (713) 524-1750

The history of the railroads in Flatonia lives at the Central Texas Rail History Center. The Center houses many historical artifacts, model train displays and photographs from when ‘rail was king’ in Flatonia. The Center is dedicated to the preservation and education of Flatonia’s rich railroad history. The Central Texas Rail History Center is open every Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.–noon and 1–3 p.m. Group and special tours are welcomed.

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5. E. A. ARNIM ARCHIVES & MUSEUM

101 EAST NORTH MAIN STREET • FLATONIA (361) 865-3455 • www.arnimmuseum.org

Step into the E. A. Arnim Archives and Museum in Flatonia and into the past. Housed in two large downtown buildings, the museum’s exhibits illustrate the settlement, early history and continuing development of the town of Flatonia and the surrounding rural area. Historical photographs of citizens at work and play, letters, documents and local advertising memorabilia throughout the exhibits add extra layers of detail to the story of Flatonia, its people and its culture.

The Veterans Museum occupies the second floor of the main building and was opened in October of 2007 as a tribute to the men and women from the Flatonia area who have served in the Armed Forces, and as a reminder of the sacrifices they have made for our country. A “Wall of Honor” displays more than 300 photographs of individual veterans.

Uniforms worn by local servicemen and women and memorabilia brought back from foreign wars fill smaller exhibit rooms. The museum encourages students to visit its library for research and to see actual war footage from its DVD collection to fully understand the significance of past wars.

The barn contains a wide array of farm implements and a collection of vehicles ranging from a genuine covered wagon to a 1926 Chevy truck used to deliver farm produce in the area over a period of several decades.

In addition to a display of “labor saving” laundry mechanisms spanning a century or more, a complete farm kitchen features everything a hardworking farm wife needed from crocks and butter churns to a wood-burning stove.

Judy Pate Curator

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110 W. Main St., Flatonia • 361-865-5050 Thursday-Saturday 11am to 11pm Sunday Brunch 10:30am to 1:30pm

good food • good drinks • great time

On every Texan’s Bucket List PAINTED CHURCHES TOUR TEXAS’ FAMOUS PAINTED CHURCHES

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To book a tour or for more information, please call (866) 504-5294 or see our web site:schulenburgchamber.org

FLATONIA, TEXAS VISITORS & RELOCATION MAGAZINE

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oulton Inn and Suites

STEAKS • SEAFOOD • PASTA • CHICKEN • CAJUN TEX-MEX • SANWICHES

200 S. Lavaca St. Moulton, TX 77975

361.596.4200 Extended Stay Only Weekly and Monthly Rates Stacey Smith - Manager moultoninnandsuites@gmail.com

www.moultoninnandsuites.com FLATONIA, TEXAS VISITORS & RELOCATION MAGAZINE

LUNCH SPECIALS SERVED DAILY Monday 11am-2pm • Tuesday-Sunday 11am-9pm 101 East Moore, Moulton • www.kloesel.com (361) 596-7323 - Call for food to-go and reservations.

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Flatonia Commercial Historic District Listed in the National Register of Historic Places

T he Flatonia Commercial Historic District in Flato-

nia, Fayette County, was recently listed in the National Register of Historic Place. The Texas Historical Commission assisted in the nomination of the district in recognition of its importance of the history of Flatonia and the district joins other properties around the state with National Register status.

The Flatonia Commercial Historic District is a 36-acre area in central Flatonia, Texas. Most of the district’s historic properties are one and two story commercial buildings constructed of local stone or brick during the late 19th century, representing the city’s primary periods of development. Several historic industrial buildings stand at the district’s perimeter.

Flatonia was incorporated in 1875 along the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railroad, and the railroad tracks bisect the district into roughly two

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halves.The district’s oldest building related to this rail history and the resulting the commercial and industrial development.

For more than a decade after its establishment, Flatonia enjoyed the position of being the only rail shipping point in the middle of a large trading area. Although many small rail towns in Texas began to decline in the 1920’s with the advent of the automobile, downtown Flatonia experienced a second wave of economic investment and development after securing a spot on the Old Spanish Trail (later Highway 90), on of the counthrough Great Depression and war years, and the and architectural trends common to rural Texas.

Overall the district retains a high degree of integrity and stands as a well-preserved example of a small town commercial center.

FLATONIA, TEXAS VISITORS & RELOCATION MAGAZINE

Keeping a Texas tradition alive Beck family keeps family first at Flatonia Livestock Commission Company

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ivestock auctions are a tradition in Texas. That tradition has been carried on by the Beck family since 1981.

Originally one of the largest sale barns for cattle in Central Texas, the Flatonia Livestock Commission Company has generations of Becks help keep the beef industry alive and well in Flatonia and the surrounding area. and daughter of owners Ronnie and Mollie Beck. “Family is the foundation. We all want to do it. My brother, Ron Beck Jr., takes care of everything in the back and keeps up with the market report on a weekly basis. My mom family affair.”

To better serve ranchers and buyers, Flatonia Livestock Commission Company offers a wide range of major order buying companies and the major packing houses are represented at each Monday sale. The Beck family stresses that there are plenty of buyers on hand each week to buy cow and calf pairs, as well as replacement animals, cows and bulls, and they specialize in stocker cow and bull sales.

“The beef industry is here and we want to keep it here,” said Mikulik. “We are here for the farmers and ranchers.

That’s their main livelihood; the beef. We have to keep it going.”

And, if the Beck family has their way, they’ll keep the long-standing tradition of Texas livestock auctions going for many generations to come.

Ronnie and Mollie Beck

“The Ronnie Beck Family appreciates your business and is always willing to make sure our customers are stock Commission Company. “Selling your livestock is our business.”

Family can also be found pitching in Jamie’s Café, a local favorite in Flatonia. Beck children, and even grandbuyers and the entire community. But it’s the Texas-style comfort food that brings hungry folks back to the café time and time again.

“Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to have a café,” said Mikulik. “I love to cook. It’s my passion. I like to make different types of country food and offer a plate lunch. You the tradition alive.”

Flatonia Livestock Commission Company holds their -

3538. Jamie’s Café is open every sale day at 8 a.m. and is also open on Thursdays and Fridays. The café

Flatonia Livestock Commission Co. Sale Every Monday 11 a.m.

“Selling your Livestock is our Business”

Ronnie Beck Ron Beck Jr. 361-561-6170 361-561-6170 We appreciate your business!

Family owned and operated.

FLATONIA, TEXAS VISITORS & RELOCATION MAGAZINE

eat at

Jamie’s Cafe Jamie Mikulik, owner

361-772-4216 Monday, Thursday-Friday 11am – 2pm

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See y’all at the movies!

Flatonia’s Lyric Theater offers a nostalgic choice for moviegoers

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he Lyric Theater was built in 1879, making it the oldest brick structure in downtown Flatonia. The Lyric started out life as The Happy Hour Theatre and featured indoor movies during the winter months and outdoor entertainment down the block to the east at what was known as The Aerodome.

As times changed, so did the name, becoming The Lyric Theatre and being housed full-time at 120 East South Main Street. Charlie Kral pretty much was the projectionist until the Theater closed in 1967. There are many colorful stories of Charlie, just ask a local next time you’re in town.

The Lyric hosted its grand re-opening in April 2017 and hosts movies on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as hosting special events as needed.

The theater still retains a lot of its charm both inside and out.

My Honey and I were on a weekend getaway and found stepping back in time and enjoyed everything. From the wonderful prices on tickets and concessions to being able to watch Looney Toons before the movie. We will be back

LYR I C

Theater

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FLATONIA, TEXAS VISITORS & RELOCATION MAGAZINE

So much more than books

Flatonia Public Library has something to offer everyone

There aren’t many truly public

places left in the world today, however since 1982, the Flatonia Public Library remains open to everyone.

“I’m so proud of the library and what we’ve been able to do,” said Laverne Dornak, director of the library. “We have no paid workers, only volunteers.”

The Flatonia Public Library offers offers a special section to showcase the latest and

Donated books that they are not able to put in their regular circulation are donated to the Wounded Warrior Project® in support of veterans.

Special programs, like the library’s summer reading program for children, offer volunteers a chance to share with the next generation their passion for reading.

“I enjoy interacting with the public,” said Dornak. “I love books. I love The Flatonia Public Library is online -

presses.

In addition to the traditional offering of adult and children’s books, the library also offers public computers, free internet access, as well as videos and CDs for free check out. And there’s no charge to obtain a library card.

The City of Flatonia allocates funds for the purchase of books and supplies and the library also accepts memorial donations or books donated in celebration or memory of a life event.

Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap companed to that of an ignorant nation.

FLATONIA PUBLIC LIBRARY 208 E. North Main Street 361-458-2008 Open Monday - Friday 3 - 5 p.m.

Walter Cronkite

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La Grange 111 East Travis 979-968-9511 Flatonia 204 N. La Grange 361-865-2875 Schulenburg 87 N. Kessler Ave 979-743-6541 132 E. South Main St. FLATONIA, TX o: (361) 741-4890 www.bubela-associates.com

Your True, Local Hometown Community Bank

Weimar 709 South Eagle 979-725-1030

www.fayettesavings.com ARTS For Rural Texas ARTS For Rural Texas WHO WE ARE

WE ARE ARTS is aWHO non-profi t organization ARTS is a non-profi t organization founded on the belief that the children founded belief that the children living inon ourtherural communities must living our rural have invisual andcommunities performing must arts have visual asandpartperforming arts experiences of their basic experiences part ofskills theirsuch basic education toasdevelop as education to develop skills such as creativity, confidence, dedication, creativity, confidence, dedication, problem-solving, and accountability problem-solving, accountability - traits that lead and to success in work -and traits life that lead to success in work and life

SHINER DENTAL, PLLC 821 North Avenue D • Shiner, Texas 77984

Melanie Billimek Cowan, DDS Family and General Dentistry

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Proud to Serve Flatonia!

Programs Programs ARTS AFTER SCHOOL • ART ARTS AFTER SCHOOL • Fine Arts Assemblies • AFTER SCHOOL ARTS AFTER SCHOOL • SUMMER ART CAMP • EMERGING ARTIST • Fine Arts Arts Assemblies Assemblies Fine Assemblies Fine Arts LocatedSUMMER in Fayetteville, Texas, ART CAMP SUMMER ART CAMP SUMMER ART CAMP THE ROSS GALLERY provides art and ARTIST EMERGING culture toEMERGING theEMERGING community, featuring ARTIST ARTIST local artists and musicians.

ARTWALK ARTWALK Community Events HARVESTFEST ARTWALK - First Weekend in May HARVESTFEST

Gallery: 9 AM - 5 PM - Tuesday - Friday 10 AM - 5 PM - Saturday

info@shinerdental.com • 361-594-2800

HARVESTFEST - First Saturday in November

www.shinerdental.com

114 N. Live Oak, Fayetteville, TX 78940

artsforruraltexas.org • 979-378-2113

FLATONIA, TEXAS VISITORS & RELOCATION MAGAZINE

Flatonia General Store • Hydraulic Hoses • Automotive Parts and Accessories • Plumbing • • Electrical • Farm & Ranch Supplies • Dry Cleaning & Laundry Service •

Brandon Vinklarek 515 N. La Grange St. Flatonia, TX 78941

361-865-3900 Monday-Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 8am to 5pm, Sunday 8am to noon

!"& !

Liquor

505 E. I-10 Frontage Rd. Flatonia, Tx 78941

361-865-2777

Charles & Mary Hattenbach

c-mliquor.com crazymary6257@sbcglobal.net

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. FLATONIA, TEXAS VISITORS & RELOCATION MAGAZINE

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Rotary Club of Flatonia

Rotary

Celebrating 81 years of service to our community.

Meets at Noon Every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Thursday Robert’s Steakhouse, Flatonia

flatoniarotary.org

500 W. Elm St, Moulton, TX

CZECH HAUS

Comfortable Quiet Affordable

Daily, Weekly & Monthly Rentals Available!

www.CzechHaus.com Call: 361-221-1010 / 866-232-2001

M E X I C A N GRILL

(361) 865-9010 BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER

Shirley M. Polk

Sun-Wed 6am-8:30pm Thu-Sat 6am-9pm

Schulenburg Native, Author & Storywriter Books available from Amazon or www.shirleympolk.com.

507 East I-10 Frontage Rd, Flatonia

12604 State Hwy 95, Cistern cisternstore-bar.com

361-865-3655

Burgers, Reubens, Wings, Salads & More Dancing • Jukebox • Pool Tables

BRANCH OF FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF SHINER

FLATONIA NATIONAL BANK

Live Music & Karaoke Every Weekend!

Open Monday – Saturday at 11am and Sunday at noon “Closed when slow or the law says you gotta go!”

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EqualHousing Lender

114 N La Grange St, Flatonia 361-865-3800 www.fnbshiner.com

Member FDIC

FLATONIA, TEXAS VISITORS & RELOCATION MAGAZINE

Visit St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Praha One of the famous painted churches

Journey less than four miles outside of Flatonia

and you’ll discover Praha, a tiny community listed in Lindsay Baker’s Ghost Towns of Texas. The present stone church was started in 1892; its ceiling and walls were painted by fresco artist Gottfried Flurry.

Part of the painted churches tour, St. Mary’s Catholic Church Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary appears unassuming as you MASS TIMES approach the stone structure, but as you enter the Weekends: Saturday 4:30 p.m. • Sunday 8 a.m. front doors, prepare to have your breath Weekdays: Monday 8:30 a.m., Tuesday 8:30 a.m., taken away by the incredible beauty found inside.

Wednesday 7 p.m. (1st), Thursday 8:30 a.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Dedicated: 1895 Architect: O. Kramer Artists: Gottfried Flury, Rev. Louis Netardus, and Gene A. Mikulik

St. Mary’s was built in 1895 and is one of the oldest of the painted churches. The term painted interiors painted by talented artists. The stone and polished marble columns and ceilings are actually paint and woodwork. The paint is still vibrant and bright to this day.

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THREE DAYS OF LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

LARGEST TENTED BIERGARTEN FAMILY FUN

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zhilispiel is a nod to Flatonia’s Czech and German heritage. First, the name comes from a play on the word “Chili.” The addition of the “z” is a play on a Czech spelling, and the German work “spiel” means play.

The festival started in 1973 to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Flatonia. Czhilispiel began as a fundraiser to help fund a local Flatonia student’s medical school education. At the time Flatonia needed a doctor, so the residents organized the Czech heritage festival and chili cook-off, after completing medical school, but ended up staying longer. Czhilispiel for students or community services.

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FLATONIA, TEXAS VISITORS & RELOCATION MAGAZINE

Czhili and Barbecue Cook-Off on Saturday along with LIVE entertainment throughout the day.

Grand Parade, Arts & Crafts, Food Booths, Carnival, Children and Adults Contests, Live Entertainment

CZECH US OUT!

Over the years, Czhilispiel has grown from a small cook-off to a larger event with a concert series, biergarten, carnival, parade, arts and crafts market, 5K and various activities throughout the weekend.

It is held every year on the fourth full weekend of October.

Czhilispiel also has a variety of opportunities for partnerships as sponsors, commercial and food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, cook-off and event participants, and for volunteers. The event is 100% volunteer driven.

Call 361-865-3920 for more information.

Some of the past performers have included: Robert Earl Keen, Eli Young Band, Stoney LaRue, Aaron Watson, Brave Combo, The Bellamy Brothers, The Dujka Brothers, Cory Morrow, Wade Bowen, and many, many more.

FLATONIA, TEXAS VISITORS & RELOCATION MAGAZINE

4th Full Weekend in October Downtown Flatonia

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Cowgirl Provisions is a Cooking Boutique featuring Cooking Classes, Prepared Foods, Catering-To-Go and quality provisions for your table and entertaining needs.

Located at 116 E South Main Street in historic downtown Flatonia next to Central Park.

Annie@CowgirlProvisions.com

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True Texas Lodging www.OlleHotel.com 361-772-0310

Delicious hot breakfast, wi- i and satellite TV Walk to Red Vault Bistro, Wine Haus, Lyric Theater & The Market

Located in a

National Historic District

Flatonia

CRAWFEST Al

ways in April, Flatonia’s Crawfest is an event you don’t want to miss. Chow down on potatoes, corn, beer, wine, and iced tea while Tickets are available from the Flatonia Chamber of Commerce Main Street in Flatonia.

ALWAYS IN APRIL

Czech Us Out! SPRING MARKET DAY

& Texas Independence Relay Flatonia for their annual Spring Market Day, held every March

homemade jellies, and home décor. Patrons enjoy music and refreshments on site as they welcome the Texas Independence Relay Teams as they Flatonia For more information, forms and booth spaces, contact the Flatonia Chamber of Commerce

Flatonia Chamber of Commerce

PARADE OF QUILTS The Parade of Quilts Stop by the Flatonia Chamber of Commerce for a map.

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Christmas in Flatonia It’s the most wonderful time of the year – in Flatonia!

Flatonia Civic Center

Every November

Flatonia Chamber of Commerce

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FLATONIA, TEXAS VISITORS & RELOCATION MAGAZINE

PARKS & RECREATION 1. 7-Acre Park - Located at 111 Garbade Lane, 7-Acre Park is the westernmost area of the fully connected parks system on the east side of Flatonia.The park has the following features: multi-purpose/

3. McWhirter Park - Located at 1135 East US Hwy 90, this park features a walking trail, sand volleyball court, swimming pool, playscape, gazebo, covered picnic areas.

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trail, disc golf course (six holes), picnic areas, sitting benches and a large parking area.

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2 - Central Park - Located at 118 E. South Main Street in the Flatonia National Historic District, Central Park is a small, quiet, downtown getaway for peace and relaxation.Features include: a gazebo, sitting benches, kiosk with maps of the City of Flatonia and area attractions, and ADA compliant sidewalks, access ramps, gazebo and picnic table.

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4. Railroad Park - Located in the Flatonia National Historic District at the corner of 108 W. South Main Street, the Railroad Park is bordered on the north by the Union and on the south by East South Main Street.

5. E. A. Arnim Archives & Museum Texas Natives Garden - The transformation of a bare, weedy lot adjacent to the E. A. Arnim Museum barn to a blooming oasis began in 2010. Kent Milson, then a landscape architect student drew a landscape plan that featured open grassy areas with borders of native Texas

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project gained momentum in 2014 with a collaboration between the museum and Bluebonnet Master Gardeners. Concurrently, the museum applied for and received a generous grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority for some much needed infrastructure. They installed a cistern to catch rainwater off the barn roof, an irrigation system, gravel walkways and an open rock patio. Landby Cactus Stone, the purchase of additional trees, shrubs and perennial forbs enhanced by the addition of a picturesque—and shady—pavilion over the rock patio, made possible by a generous donation in memory of Jerry and Amanda Michal. The Texas Natives Garden is open to the public and visitors are always welcome during daylight hours.

6. Mulberry Creek Connector

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Park - Located at 1135 East U.S. Hwy 90 and features a splash pad, walking trail, T-ball 7. Garbade Park - Located at 1255 East U.S. Highway 90 and features a little league stand, playscape and baseball practice area.

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Czech Us Out! 23

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oon S g n i

Com

Home-Cooked Breakfast & Lunch 114 E South Main St • Flatonia 830.237.2446 Taylor Laney, Owner

www.darlinsdiner.com Alignments • Brake Service • Tires Batteries • Oil Changes & More

Home - Auto - Life - Farm and Ranch

Old School - Eccl 3:15 418 E. 12th Street • Flatonia

Phillip Adamcik, Agent

361-865-5022 Steve & Cindy Moeller, Owners

420 W Travis St., #102 La Grange, TX 78945 www.lagrangetxinsurance.com

979-968-3600 All other brands available upon request.

Open Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm

FLATONIA, TEXAS VISITORS & RELOCATION MAGAZINE

Se Habla Español

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Return of the good ol’ days at Olle Hotel T

Flatonia’s Historic Bed & Breakfast offers guests a step back in time he two-story Olle Hotel, located in Flatonia’s National Historic District, was built between 1896 and 1901 by a local physician, G. W. Allen, Sr. In the hotel’s drummers, or travelling salesman, who crossed the countryside by rail. Today the current owner, Kathryn Geesaman, still greets business travelers in addition to happy vacationers, tourists and those seeking a respite from busy city life.

While it may be the historic structure that originally draws people to the hotel, it’s Geesaman’s personal touch that brings guests back again and again.

“I have a lot of repeat customers,” shared Geesaman.

“They feel like family when they are visiting. There are so many choices, so when I get repeat customers, that means I’m doing good work.”

After enjoying a restful night that only a quiet, small Texas town like Flatonia can provide, guests wake up to

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a hot breakfast, served buffet-style.

“I always make something different,” said Geesaman. “I make a hot casserole, kolaches, homemade granola and a fruit tray. The buffet is open for an hour and a half.”

Olle Hotel boasts 11 rooms and 13 bathrooms. There are also three houses available on-site for families or those desiring more privacy. One of the houses is pet friendly for those traveling with their four-legged family members. And while the structure itself may be historic, and satellite TV. “Guests always remark that coming to Olle Hotel is a ‘throwback in time,’ a different atmosphere than the city,” added Geesaman. “There’s a neighborhood feel, a uniqueness. Guests can walk to area restaurants, shops, wine bars and a tavern.”

Call Olle Hotel at 361-772-0310 to book a room or visit the hotel online at www.ollehotel.com.

FLATONIA, TEXAS VISITORS & RELOCATION MAGAZINE

Stay with us!

Wake up in Flatonia ... the Twinkle in the Lone Star Best Western Plus 310-B I-10 Frontage Road Flatonia 361-865-1989

2055 FM 609 Flatonia 361-865-9290

65 North Kessler 979-743-4388

Carefree Inn 718 North La Grange Street Flatonia 361-865-2906

6020 FM 154 Muldoon 361-865-2323

The Gathering at Mulberry 1826 County Road 283 Flatonia 903-850-7499

Moulton – 832-458-0390

Moulton - 361-596-4200

Town Cottages 705 East North Main Street Flatonia 361-772-3234

Flatonia

361-772-0310

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oulton Inn and Suites

200 S. Lavaca St. Moulton, TX 77975

361.596.4200 Extended Stay Only Weekly and Monthly Rates Stacey Smith - Manager moultoninnandsuites@gmail.com

www.moultoninnandsuites.com

FLATONIA, TEXAS VISITORS & RELOCATION MAGAZINE

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An extraordinary find

Explore The Market and Market 2 and discover small town hospitality

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emories of Grandma and a desire to give back Randy Johnson to their community is what drove Randy and Cyndi Johnson to open The Market and The Market 2 in downtown Flatonia in 2018.

“Randy’s family is from Moulton,” said Cyndi. “He spent every summer with his grandparents when he was growing up. He accompanied his grandma every day to get her groceries. I guess Grandma’s love stayed with him all these years.”

But getting into the grocery business wasn’t exactly what the Johnsons were looking for at this point in their lives. After spending five years retired from their was fun learning about all that.” respective careers, the they found themselves back But the fun would soon turn in nine months of in the area once again while helping their son and renovations, seven-day work weeks, and a lot of daughter-in-law find a house in Flatonia. The Johnextraordinarily hard work. sons bought the building in 2017.

“We had lots of kudos and community support “We kind of fell into this,” said Cyndi. “Our realfrom everyone in town checking in on us,” said Cyndi tor said you have to come see this building. It was while fighting back tears of gratitude.

Miqels Supermarket at the time and they had it for 60 years. It looked like It’s more of a partnership with “All their support went a long way and boy, you sure can’t take that way too big of a project to me. But, the community than it is a away from the people here. They’d in the end, we bought the building business.” drop by with dinner or check in to and Randy declared we were openCyndi Johnson see if we needed anything. They ing a grocery store. He really felt this were really great. The week my community would not do well without a grocery store. mother passed away and Randy was in ICU, everyIt’s a way to give back some of those memories to one was so great. People came by to help put things someone else.” out, sack groceries, and one gentleman went and The Johnsons started researching the grocery picked up supplies for us. Thank goodness. I knew if business and talking to everyone they could in the they were being that kind and patient, we were doing industry. A trip they had planned to New York prior to the right thing.” acquiring the building afforded them an opportunity That love for community isn’t just what got The to get ideas while away.

Market and The Market 2 off the ground, it’s also the “We visited every single market we could find,” foundation that the Johnsons lean on day after day. shared Cyndi. “We walked up and down the aisles, “It’s more of a partnership with the community talked about distributers, anything and everything. It than it is a business,” said Cyndi. “We are a part of the community and they invest in us. Having a good variety of items, excellent customer service, reasonable prices – that’s all icing on the cake. What really makes us different is that we are a part of the community and they are a part of us. It looks like we’re going to be here a long time and still keep investing in our community and the people in it.”

The Market is located at 116 W. North Main and can be reached at 361-865-9244. The Market 2 is located at 120 W. North Main. For more information, see The Market’s advertisement on page two.

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FLATONIA, TEXAS VISITORS & RELOCATION MAGAZINE

Shop with us!

Amigos Country Store

Galleria Texana Antiques, Arts & Cultural Exhibits

1415 FM 609 Flatonia 361-865-1000

Antique Furniture Restoration & Sales 517 South Market Street Flatonia 361-865-9326

Barbara’s Flower World 417 East North Main Street Flatonia 361-865-3627

127 East North Main Street Flatonia 979-208-9156

505 East I-10 Frontage Road Flatonia 361-865-2777 www.c-mliquor.com

116 West North Main Street Flatonia 361-865-9244

3593 County Road 256 Moulton 361-596-7016 www.georgesart.com

The Market 2 120 West North Main Street Flatonia 361-865-9110

HeartBrand Beef

Timewise Store/Shell

Supplies

Circle W Feed & Supply 122 East 7th Street Flatonia 361-865-2883 www.circlewfeed.com

155 W. Travis St. La Grange 979-968-8336 www.hengstpringing.com

Cistern Country Store Grill & Bar

Ken’SawdusTherapy

709 North La Grange Street Flatonia 361-865-9399 www.landmarkindustries.com

Wine Haus 110 West North Main Street Flatonia 361-865-5050 www.winehaustx.com

612 Whistleville Road Flatonia 979-702-9448 www.kensawdustherapy.com

12604 North State Hwy 95 Cistern 361-865-3655 www.cisternstore-bar.com

Main Street Pharmacy & Gifts

Flatonia Food Mart 205 South Faires Street Flatonia 361-865-3330

121 East North Main Street Flatonia 361-865-3554

Flatonia General Store NAPA

Majek Vineyard & Winery 12508 FM 957 Schulenburg 210-413-8912 www.majekvineyard.com

515 North La Grange Street Flatonia 361-865-3900 tonia/store/28528

Floy Farm Interior, Flowers & Gifts 625 North La Grange Street Flatonia 361-865-2323

The Market

George’s Art and Sign Shop

101 West South Main Street Flatonia 361-865-2121 www.heartbrandbeef.com

C&M Liquor

T-Gear Spirit Shop 105 East North Main Street Flatonia 361-865-3369

FLOY FARM

Moravia Vineyard & Winery 12564 FM 957 Schulenburg 979-562-2236 www.moraviavineyard.com

Rhinestone Angel 501 East I-10 Frontage Road Flatonia 361-865-9026 www.rhinestoneangel.com

FLATONIA, TEXAS VISITORS & RELOCATION MAGAZINE

AMIGOS

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Dine with us!

Flatonia is known for outstanding dining options Amigos Country Corner

Darlin’s Diner - COMING SOON

1415 FM 609 Flatonia 361-865-1000

Cistern Country Store & Bar 12604 North State Hwy 95 Cistern 361-865-3655 www.cisternstore-bar.com

114 E. South Main Street Flatonia 830-237-2446 www.darlinsdiner.com

Frisch Auf Country Club 575 Country Club Drive La Grange 979-968-3965 www.favcc.club

Cowgirl Provisions

116 E. South Main Street Flatonia 361-661-3325 www.cowgirlprovisions.com

Jamie’s Café

Dairy Queen

Joel’s BBQ and Catering

1500 Hwy 90 East Flatonia 361-772-4216

609 North La Grange Street Flatonia 361-865-2524 www.dairyqueen.com

503 IH10 Frontage Rd Flatonia 361-865-2454 www.joelsbarbq.com

Kloesel’s Steakhouse & Bar 101 Moore Avenue Moulton 361-596-7323 www.kloesel.com

McDonald’s

I-10 and FM 609 Flatonia 361-865-3730

Olde Town Tea Room & Bakery 625 N. La Grange St Flatonia 361-865-2323

Red Vault Bistro

124 East South Main Street Flatonia 361-865-3663 www.theredvaultbistro.weebly.com WINE HAUS

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FLATONIA, TEXAS VISITORS & RELOCATION MAGAZINE

Richter’s Catering Mobile Kitchen Flatonia 361-772-2682

JOSESITOS

Robert’s Steak House 1241 Hwy 95 North Flatonia 361-865-3099

Josesitos Mexican Grill 507 East I-10 Frontage Road Flatonia 361-865-9010

Subway

WINE HAUS

2301 I-10 Frontage Road Flatonia 361-865-3400

The Market 116 West North Main Street Flatonia 361-865-9244

FM 609 and Hwy 90 Flatonia 361-865-2981

Wine Haus 110 West North Main Street Flatonia 361-865-5050 AMIGOS

KLOESEL’S

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Worship with us!

FLATONIA BAPTIST CHURCH 225 East 6th Street Flatonia 361-865-3813 WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday,10:45 a.m.

FLATONIA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 403 East North Main Flatonia 361-865-3658 WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

NEW UNION BAPTIST CHURCH

STS. CYRIL & METHODIUS CATHOLIC CHURCH

Flatonia WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday, 11 a.m.

Cistern 361-865-3568 MASS TIMES

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH 516 South Faires Flatonia 361-865-3568 MASS TIMES Friday, 8 a.m.

Sunday, 8 a.m.

Sunday, 9:30 a.m.

ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 821 FM 1295 Praha 361-596-4674 MASS TIMES Monday, 8:30 a.m.

Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.

Thursday, 8:30 a.m.

Sunday, 8 a.m.

ST. PAUL AME CHURCH 505 East 12th Street Flatonia 361-865-2110 WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday, 11 a.m.

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.

Matthew 18:20 STS. CYRIL & METHODIUS CATHOLIC CHURCH

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FLATONIA, TEXAS VISITORS & RELOCATION MAGAZINE

Here to Serve You

Flatonia is a unique blend of the old and the new, combining a rich cultural heritage and hometown values with economic opportunities that offer unlimited potential for future growth and prosperity. Centrally located between four major Texas cities – Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Victoria – Flatonia is just off Interstate 10 in southwestern Fayette County. Its transportation infrastructure includes Highways 90 and 95, the Union Pacific Railroad, and easy access to three major international airports.

This strategic location makes Flatonia ideal for any industry requiring rapid access to major transportation corridors.The City of Flatonia consistently strives to provide top quality services to our customers, offering cost-effective rates for water, wastewater, electricity, police protection, building inspections, and economic development services.

City Hall 125 E. South Main P.O. Box 329 Flatonia TX 78941 Phone 361-865-3548 Fax 361-865-2817 www.flatoniatx.gov

DEMOGRAPHICS Population Female Male Housing Education Workforce

Czhilispiel 47 Court

1,556 47.5% 52.4% 83.3% owner occupied 80.2% high school graduation rate or higher 850 in a 10-mile radius, 2100 in a 15-mile radius, 17,000 in a 25-mile radius

Source: U.S. Census bureau (2018)

PROPERTY TAXES City of Flatonia - $0.3150/$100 of valuation Fayette County - $0.4640/$100 of valuation Flatonia ISD - $1.25185/$100 of Valuation Fayette County GWCD - $0.0119/$100 of Valuation Total Tax Rate - $2.04275/$100 of Valuation

Top water tower photo courtesy of Art Hernandez.

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Calendar of Events January • Relay for Life Breakfast Tacos Kick Off at the Civic Center • Flatonia FFA & 4H Stock Show & Sale • Flatonia Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership Banquet • Fayette County Go Texan Shrimp Boil • Flatonia Fireman’s Stew Supper • Turtle Wing Toast at Senglemann Hall (Schulenburg) February • Flatonia ISD-Science Night Black History Event-St. Paul A.M.E. Church • Knights of Columbus Dinner at Sacred Heart Catholic Church • Flatonia Golf Association Fandango-Flatonia Am. Legion Hall March • Flatonia Chamber of ommerce Parade of Quilts • Krist Baseball Tournament and Schulze Softball Tournament • Flatonia Chamber of Commerce Spring Market Day w/Texas Independence Relay • Flatonia Education Foundation Dinner and 1 Act Play

April • Rail Fan Pavilion Party Easter Egg Hunt at Oak Manor Nursing Center • Flatonia Chamber of Commerce Crawfest • Jerry Weir Golf Tournament May • Relay for Life for Southern Fayette County • Jack Hooper Day at the Ballpark & Home Run Derby – Schulenburg Sports Complex • Flatonia Cinco de Mayo Fiesta – Downtown Parking Lot • ArtWalk – Arts for Rural Texas • Flatonia Rotary Golf Tournament • Flatonia American Legion Memorial Day Service June • Summer Fun at the Flatonia City Pool & ARTS Summer Camp • Sacred Hearth Catholic Church Spring Picnic – Flatonia • 90 Miles on Hwy 90 Yard Sales July • Summer Fun at the Flatonia City Pool & ARTS Summer Camp • Incredible Knockouts – Shrimp Boil

August • Summer Fun at the Flatonia City Pool & ARTS Summer Camp • Flatonia Golf Association – Day & Night Tournament • St. Mary’s Catholic Church-Praha-Prazska-Picnic • Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church-Cistern-Picnic • Flatonia Bulldog Football and Lady Bulldog Volleyball Begins September • Flatonia Education Foundation Golf Tournament and Homecoming Dance October • Flatonia Sacred Heart Catholic Church-Turkey and Dressing Lunch • Turtle Wing Monster Dash-Schulenburg Railroad Park • Oak Manor Fest-Everyone invited for Czhili and Music • CZHILISPIEL (Always the 4th Full Weekend in October) • Community Trick or Treat at Oak Manor Nursing Center

November • Rail Fan Pavilion Party-Flatonia • E.A. Arnim Museum and Archives of Flatonia Fundraiser, Stew Dinner and Play • Harvest-Arts for Rural Texas • Praha All Veterans Day Memorial Service • Flatonia Citywide Thanksgiving Service-rotating between local churches • Wayne Hunt Scholarship Dinner-Praha Hall December • Flatonia Chamber of Commerce Village Lighting and Santa at Santa’s House • Flatonia Chamber of Commerce-Wonderful Winter Wine Walk • Merry Market VendorsCookie/Candy Carnival and Santa Photos • Annual Christmas MusicalSt. Paul A.M.E. Church • Flatonia Bulldog and Lady Bulldog Basketball Tournaments

DID WE MISS YOUR EVENT? Call 361-865-3920 or email

All roads lead to Flatonia - the Twinkle in the Lone Star!

95 TO SMITHVILLE 26.6 miles

609 TO LA GRANGE 22.3 miles

FLATONIA I-10 TO HOUSTON 108 miles I-10 TO SAN ANTONIO 91.5 miles 95 TO SHINER 18.8 miles

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Map data ©2020 Google

FLATONIA, TEXAS VISITORS & RELOCATION MAGAZINE

Meet the Neighbors CISTERN - The quaint town of Cistern is located along State Highway 95, abut 12 miles northwest of Flatonia. Originally named Whiteside’s Prairie and then Cockrill’s Hill, the town known today as Cistern was ers’ water wells contained such high concentrations of minerals that they were forced to build cisterns to trap rainwater. Today, the Cistern Country Store is a proud mainstay in Cistern. Located at 12604 State Highway 95, this historic store serves up delicious burgers, wings, and cold beer to their patrons. Live music and karaoke on weekends attracts a large crowd of happy

Visit these nearby treasures when you stay in Flatonia!

CISTERN COUNTRY STORE

week, the jukebox and pool tables entertain in this classic, family friendly, old school hangout. Cistern is worth the short drive.

PRAHA that run parallel to Highway 90, and you’ll discover Praha, a tiny community listed in Lindsay Baker’s Ghost Towns of Texas. The present stone church was started in 1892; its ceiling and walls were painted by fresco artist Gottfried Flurry. It was dedicated in 1895. See page 17 of this publication for more information on Praha.

ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH - PRAHA

LA GRANGE – La Grange is nestled along the Colorado River and features history, beauty, festivals, museums, concerts, antiques, air shows, feasts, and an annual county country fair. Drive only 22 scenic miles to visit Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites, 414 State Loop 92. Open daily; the park is free to the public.

SHINER er, home of the Spoetzl Brewery. Brewery tours are $5 for responders, clergy, active military service members and veterans. Continuous tours are available Monday through Saturday, as needed, starting at 11 a.m. with the last tour starting at 3 p.m. No reservation is required and all ages are welcome.

SHINER - SPOETZL BREWERY

SCHULENBURG - POLKA MUSEUM SCHULENBURG of the painted churches and is only 12 miles east of Flatonia. Plan your visit around one of the area’s church picnics, Sausagefest, the Schulenburg Festival or during the beauty of Christmas. The Annual 90 Miles on 90 – literally 90 miles or garage sales Bingo is held every February and September, and the Schulenburg RV Park hosts a monthly jam session.

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The best of Japan. Raised in America.

At home in Flatonia, Texas.

Flatonia, Texas – home of the best branded beef and leading source of Akaushi cattle from Japan. At home under the name of HeartBrand.

Learn more at HeartBrandBeef.com