AREA ATTRACTIONS - Visit all of the gems that Moulton has to offer.

AREA ATTRACTIONS

LOCAL TREASURES Must see sites in Moulton

VISITORS WILL WANT TO EXPERIENCE ALL OF THESE MOULTON GEMS

Kloesel’s Steakhouse and Bar, located at 101 East Moore Avenue, was originally The Moore Hotel. Drawing crowds every evening from the surrounding area, customers travel vast distances for their famous steaks, seafood, specialty items and cozy bar.

The Moore Hotel was built in 1888 by William J. and Mary O’Daniel Moore to accommodate travelers. It was sold to Christian Kotzebue in 1890 but, after several decades of operation, gradually went out of business and was razed in 1940. A grocery store was built in its place and converted into a cafe in 1942.

Harvey and Diana Kloesel began their restaurant business on July 1, 1970 in a small café that seated 32 people which they rented. It was located where the Moulton Post Office is today. Within eight months they realized they had outgrown the café, purchased the present building from Ed and Minnie Pundt and began renovating.

In 1978, the Kloesels purchased a house belonging to the Kotzebue family, renovated it and moved from the upstairs apartment into their new home. The living quarters were then converted into a private dining area, and the east dining room was remodeled into a bar. In 1981, the bar was expanded to include a dance floor and more seating. Additional expansion was done in 1993 to accommodate the pool tables.

Kloesel’s Steakhouse & Bar in Moulton is a destination for travelers seeking fine dining in a relaxing, historic atmosphere.

The Veteran’s Memorial was donated to the City of Moulton by VFW Post 6971 and the Ladies Auxiliary. Landscaping for the Veteran’s Memorial was donated by the Keep Moulton Beautiful organization. It is located at 102 Veterans Drive.

A historical marker located at the downtown gazebo recognizes Adolph Hofner (1916-2000) for his role as a pioneer of western swing music. He was the first to re¬cord the classic Cotton-Eyed Joe in 1941.

Sam and Will Moore Institute’s name honors brothers who gave site and half costs of building; the community matched their donation. The architect was H. Struve and the building contractors were Joel Meyer & Co. The Order of Sons of Hermann laid cornerstone July 31, 1901, in a gala celebration including a parade, band concert, barbecue, ball, and orations in English, German, and Czechoslovakian. The North wing was added in 1923.

AREA ATTRACTIONS

After laying the cornerstone on July 31, 1901, a great party ensued. The City Band and the Lone Star Band opened the festivities at 10 a.m. for an estimated crowd of 5,000 enthusiastic celebrants. After a long parade, 21 head of cattle and several sheep were barbecued and 81 kegs of beer were consumed. A dance lasting until 2 a.m. concluded the celebration. A newspaper account of 1901 stated that enrollment the first year as 170. Today, the historic building still houses Moulton Independent School District students. Sam and Will Moore Institute is located at 400 Bobkat Drive.

A complete history of the Moulton Cemetery is not possible due to the lack of official records retention. The information known is based on research of county records, newspapers and personal interviews with those of with knowledge of the cemetery.

The cemetery consists of two separate fenced areas, one large area for Caucasians and one small area for African Americans.

In spite of research of records from Gonzales and Lavaca counties, no documents have been discovered that determine the establishment of the cemetery. It is believed that the first burial occurred in 1855 or 1856. The earliest date of burial on the marked graves is that of Louisa Lattimer (1842-1857), burial plot #63.

There are a number of burial plots having only one date on the tombstone, therefore; it is not possible to determine the age, date of birth or date of death.

The Old Moulton Cemetery has been recognized by the Texas Historical Commission. It is located at the end of Lavaca County Road 1680C.

Veteran’s Memorial was donated to the CIty of Moulton by VFW Post 8971.

Sam and Will Moore Institute still houses public school students today.

The full history of the Moulton Cemetery remains a mystery.

The beautiful downtown gazebo takes center stage at most of Moulton’s downtown events.