Yoakum Official Visitors & Newcomers Guide

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

YOAKUM

OFFICIAL VISITORS & NEWCOMERS GUIDE OF TEXAS’ YOAKUM

explore: LAND OF LEATHER Circle Y Saddles Precision Saddle Tree AA&E Leathercraft Double J Saddlery

UNIQUE FINDS

Branding Iron Meat Market The Turquoise Cactus Central Station Bar & Grill The Muddy Pig

FAMILY TIME

Tom Tom Festival Hometown Street Dance Christmas on Grand Parks, Parks and More Parks!

Uniquely Texan

STACY MUELLER

YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

FOR ALL OF YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

Farm, Ranch, Residential & Recreational Real Estate

105 East Reuss Blvd • Cuero, Texas 77954

512-757-3566

Find your outstanding property with Stacy Mueller - from vast Western ranches to working farms, hunting land, recreational and waterfront properties to custom homes and everything in between.

HaydenOutdoors.com STACY MUELLER 512-757-3566 stacym@haydenoutdoors.com

Welcome to

YOAKUM

The Yoakum Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes you. We want to help you discover all the treasures our quaint town has to offer.

Yoakum truly has something for everyone.

Yoakum Area Chamber of Commerce 105 Huck Street Yoakum, Texas 77995 361-293-2309 yoakumareachamber.com

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ABOUT YOAKUM THINGS TO SEE CALENDAR OF EVENTS CIRCLE Y SADDLERY & PRECISION SADDLE TREE DOUBLE J SADDLERY AA&E LEATHERCRAFT CHRISTMAS ON GRAND & HOMETOWN STREET DANCE TOM TOM FESTIVAL

Trips

22 YOAKUM CITY GOLF COURSE 25 BRANDING IRON MEAT MARKET 27 SHOPPING 28 WHO’S NEW AT THE CHAMBER 29 DINING 30 LODGING 32 RELOCATION 33 WORSHIP 34 MEET THE NEIGHBORS Cover photo of downtown courtesy Tommy Linn.

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

YOAKUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Michelle Banse Stokes Lori Olivarez-Ligues 3

History of Yoakum Y

oakum boasts a rich heritage that covers a span of over 125 years. Mr. John May and wife, Mary Ann, came from Ireland across the vast American West to drive their stakes in Texas, near Brushy Creek. Mr. May obtained a league of land from the Coahuila and Mexican government in 1835. Tonkawa Indians lived in the region and raided farms in the area. The Tonkawas joined with the Mexican army in terrorizing settlers during the “Runaway Scrape” of the Texas Revolution. Despite all the hardships, the settlers held on to their dreams. The Mays’ land became a gathering place for many herds of cattle that congregated for the long cattle drive up the Chisholm Trial.

Eventually, Yoakum became the “Hub City” thanks to the dreams of Uriah Lott. In 1884, while working in Corpus Christi, he was interested in building a railroad between San Antonio and Corpus Christi. Lott had no financial support, so he borrowed five dollars to obtain a charter to build the railroad from San Antonio to Aransas Pass. In July of 1887 the railroad to Houston reached halfway between Cuero and Hallettsville. The intention was to locate maintenance facilities in this area, but since they were unwilling to grant land, they lost the shop to Yoakum. The May family had granted Mr. Lott 200 acres of land for the railroad yard, shops and the right of the way for the Waco and Houston tracks.

On July 28, 1887, the town of Yoakum was established. It was named in honor of a man who worked for Lott, B.F. Yoakum. Mr. Yoakum became known for laying the most lines of track by any individual and for the opening and development of Long Island.

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Photo courtesy Sally Lake.

Lott built 600 miles of railroad with the main line running from San Antonio to Houston, and another two lines from Yoakum to Waco and Yoakum to Corpus Christi. As a result of the railroad Yoakum was founded and the town’s population grew rapidly.

Commerce continued in Yoakum when Mr. C.C. Welhausen built a tannery called Texas Tanning and Manufacturing (TexTan) that manufactured harnesses, saddles, bridles, billfolds and belts. As sales extended across the United States, Mexico and Canada, Tex Tan became a very large local employer and was eventually bought by Tandy Corporation. In its wake, other leather companies have sprung up in Yoakum. The international distribution of products and large number of companies have made Yoakum the “Leather Capital” of the Southwest.

Founded as a railroad town in 1887, Yoakum would transform itself into a place where famous cattle drives would begin, where tomatoes would be the main cash crop, where leather and its by-products would sustain the City for years to come and where new opportunities would still emerge over 125 years later to make Yoakum the “Hub of South Central Texas”.

Yoakum Community Hospital, Texas Department of Transportation, Circle Y Saddle Co., Hochheim Prairie Insurance, Eddy Packing Inc. (meat packing, largest private employer in the Golden Crescent Region), Yoakum Packing Co., (meat packing), Yoakum Independent School District, Enterprise Products Partners (cryogenic natural gas processing), Ranger Gates, and Advanced Drainage Systems (manufacturer of drainage pipes) and oil and gas exploration companies have all added to the employment base in Yoakum.

YOAKUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Stability you can bank on.

No matter what life throws your way, there are some things you should always be able to count on. That’s why we’re constantly adapting, innovating, and adding new features to meet your ever-changing financial needs.

With online and mobile banking available 24/7, Yoakum National Bank is always just a click away.

Learn more at YoakumNationalBank.com or download our app.

Yoakum National Bank (361) 293-5225 301 West Grand Ave. Yoakum, TX 77995

Area Attractions

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1. Orth Fitch House – Will Orth, a railroad conductor and the owner of a local flour mill, built his home in 1910. Soon other prominent local families began erecting homes on Coke Street, which became known as silk stocking row. Designed by local architect W. A. Fink, Orth’s home features characteristics of the Queen Anne and colonial revival styles. Farmer and merchant T. J. Fitch bought the home in 1917, and it remained in his family until 1973.

2. Centennial Park - Located on West Grand Avenue in Yoakum, Centennial Park sits on land donated by the Stevens Family.

After the erection of the flagpole to commemorate the US Bicentennial, the gazebo commemorating the Texas Sesquicentennial and the footbridge commemorating Yoakum’s Centennial, the park was re-named “Centennial Park.” During Christmas, the park is festively decorated with lights in all the trees.

3. The Grand Theatre - 212 W. May, Yoakum, 361-427-4002, yoakumgrandtheater.com. The theatre originally opened in 1922 half a block away from its current location with silent films. It moved to its current location in the late 1930’s and withstood two fires but remained open until 1991. Current owners Phillip and Tammy Steinmann purchased the building and reopened in September 2016. A true landmark that can relate to several generations of Yoakumites. For current showtimes and dates, check out their website and Facebook page.

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YOAKUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

4 4. Wildflowers - In the Yoakum area from March to May, there are highways and byways in which to enjoy the beautiful wildflowers of this area that include native bluebonnets, Indian blankets, primroses, buttercups, hollyhocks, and so many more. One such route includes a segment of Highway 77-A from Yoakum to Cuero that has been awarded the Citation of Merit from the White House for renowned highway beauty.

5. City Park - Yoakum’s Municipal Park is truly a community gem! It boasts one of the finest municipal golf courses in the region with a nine-hole course that is open to the public. Beautifully located on 150 acres, the park features a fishing pond, soccer fields, jogging trail, barbecue pits, basketball and tennis courts, family swimming pool, new playscape, covered pavilion for picnics, showers and clean restrooms. The park is located just two miles from downtown shopping.

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6. Mack Jamison Park – Beautiful, large oak trees invite you to enjoy an afternoon of fun at the Mack Jamison Park for your next family gathering.

Equipped with a large 4’ x 8’ barbecue pit, picnic tables, pavilion, playscape, basketball court, baseball field and restrooms, the park is close enough to downtown to be convenient if supplies are needed, yet far enough away to be serene and peaceful.

Visit yoakumareachamber.com to discover even more of what Yoakum has to offer!

YOAKUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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PVC Pipe & Fittings • Trenching Machine • Poly Storage Tanks Concrete Troughs • Galvanized, Stainless & Brass Fitings Water Treatment Equipment

361-293-3168 966 FM 318 EAST, YOAKUM

CHANDLERDRILLING.COM 602 US Highway 77A S Yoakum

361-293-2181

Caring for you and about you.

Open Mon-Fri: 8:30am to 5:30pm

www.citydrugyoakum.com

Providing energy for the world

while staying committed to our values.

At ConocoPhillips, we’re dedicated to finding and producing the oil and gas the world needs. It’s what we do. We’re also committed to our SPIRIT Values—Safety, People, Integrity, Responsibility, Innovation and Teamwork. It’s how we do it. We’re not just a company with global reach—we’re a team with strong ties to the local communities where we operate. And, we’re proud to call the Eagle Ford home. Driving performance while being accountable as an Eagle Ford citizen—it’s just a part of who we are.

© ConocoPhillips Company. 2020. All rights reserved.

Calendar of Events

JANUARY JANUARY •• Yoakum Chamber Commerce Banquet Yoakum Chamber of of Commerce Banquet FEBRUARY FEBRUARY •• Sweet Home PTO Chili Supper Sweet Home PTO Chili Supper •• St. CatholicSchool SchoolGala Gala St. Joseph Joseph Catholic

MARCH MARCH • Carl and Mary Welhausen Dr. Seuss Birthday • Carl and Mary Welhausen Dr. Seuss Birthday Party Party APRIL APRIL • Friends of the Library Annual Luncheon • Friends of the Library Annual Luncheon MAY • Dash for Downs MAY Dash for Downs •• Austin Street Baptist Church Salad Luncheon • Austin Street Baptist Church Salad Luncheon • Sweet Home Fireman’s Festival • Sweet Home Fireman’s Festival JUNE • Yoakum RoyaltyJUNE Pageant Yoakum Royalty Pageant •• Yoakum Chamber of Commerce • Yoakum Chamber of Commerce Tom Tom Festival Tom Tom Festival • Carl and Mary Welhausen Summer Learning • Carl and Mary Welhausen Summer Learning and Entertainment Program and Entertainment Program •• Frazer’s CysticFibrosis FibrosisBenefit Benefit Frazers Cystic

JULY JULY •• Carl and Mary Welhausen SummerLearning Learning Carl and Mary Welhausen Summer and Program and Entertainment Entertainment Program AUGUST AUGUST • St. Joseph Catholic Church Picnic St.Joseph JosephAlumni CatholicDinner Church Picnic •• St • St Joseph Alumni Dinner SEPTEMBER • Aryana StrongSEPTEMBER Benefit •• Yoakum Chamber Aryana Strong Benefit of Commerce • Yoakum Chamber of Commerce Hometown Street Dance Street Dance •Hometown Sweet Home/Koerth Church Picnic Sweet Home/Koerth ChurchGala Picnic •• Yoakum Heritage Museum • Yoakum Heritage Museum Gala OCTOBER • Rotary Club Skeet Shoot OCTOBER •• National Night OutShoot Rotary Club Skeet •• St. Joseph Fall Out Festival National Night •• Carl and Mary Annual St. Joseph Fall Welhausen Festival Spooktakular • Carl and Mary Welhausen Annual •Spooktakular Pumpkin Patch Trail • Pumpkin Patch Trail

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER •Yoakum Heritage MuseumChristmas ChristmasTree Tree •Yoakum Heritage Museum Forest Forest •• Yoakum Chamber of ofCommerce CommerceSip SipN& Yoakum Chamber Shop Shop •• Dewitt/Lavaca AggieMom’s Mom’sStyle StyleShow Showand and Dewitt/Lavaca Aggie Supper Supper •• Annual CraftShow Show Annual Country Country Craft DECEMBER DECEMBER • Yoakum Heritage Museum Christmas Tree • Yoakum Heritage Museum Christmas Tree Forest Forest •• Yoakum Chamber of ofCommerce Commerce Yoakum Chamber Christmas On Grand Grand Christmas On •• Night the Museum Museum Night at at the •• Betty CommunityLunch Lunch Betty Powell Powell Community •• Carl Mary Welhausen WelhausenChristmas Christmas Carl and and Mary Celebration and Open OpenHouse House Celebration and

Did we miss your event?

Call 361-293-2309 to have your event included in the next publication.

Yoakum has so much to do!

Yoakum is close to everywhere! Just a short drive from San Antonio, Houston, and Austin ... come see for yourself!

Photo courtesy of Tommy Linn.

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AUSTIN 92 miles

HOUSTON 124 miles

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SAN ANTONIO 99 miles

YOAKUM

Map Data © 2020 Google Maps

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YOAKUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Welcome to Yoakum

We invite you to stay at any of our fine lodging establishments.

Black Gold Inn 207 Hwy 77-A South Yoakum 361-298-5322

Grand Cottage Guest House & Grand Cottage Apartment 1107 W. Grand Ave. Yoakum 361-772-2110

OYO & RV Park 104 Ellen May Rd. Yoakum 361-204-2050

Serenity Bed & Breakfast 506 W. Grand Avenue Yoakum 361-772-2110

Woodfield Inn 604 Hwy 77-A North Yoakum 361-293-5211

RV PARKS Ace Storage & RV Park 5730 FM 318E Hub City RV Park 1307 Carl Ramert Drive, Yoakum 361-293-5682 Roadrunner Laundromat, RV Park & Mobile Home Park 900 Old Shiner Rd., Yoakum 361-293-3420 Rollin Inn RV Park 25 CO RD 403, Yoakum 361-772-0982 Shady Spot RV Park #2 2134 US 77A North, Yoakum 361-293-4678

Beauty in the Saddle

Six decades of technology and innovation at Circle Y of Yoakum

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Anniversary Collector’s Edition Saddle. From his work in films to elebrating their 60th anniversary this year, it’s easy to raising Hereford cattle at his 26 Bar Ranch in Arizona, my dad identify why Circle Y maintains a solid reputation still today with always appreciated the necessity of a quality saddle in his life, horse enthusiasts worldwide for producing the best saddles and and Circle Y was an obvious choice to make this great saddle,” tack in the industry. said Ethan Wayne, managing member of Wayne Enterprises.

“It’s the consistency of our products,” said Mark Today, Circle Y continues primarily as a wholeJemelka, executive vice president and chief operasale manufacturer, but customers can still order a We’re always trying to custom saddle. Custom saddles typically take eight tions officer of Circle Y since 1992. “We use a comcompete against bination of modern technology and craftsmen who to ten weeks to produce. possess over 1,500 years of combined experience “We have eliminated all waste and shortened ourselves to make a when it comes to assembling saddles. Our design, our production lead time,” shared Jemelka. “We better product.” innovation and technology set us apart.” expedite and manufacture a saddle in the shortest Mark Jemelka And that use of modern technology is what really time necessary to satisfy the horse enthusiast. gives Circle Y the advantage. Always striving to We do carry catalog inventory on our top selling stay at the front of the herd, Jemelka happily shares the secret to saddles, but more and more people today are wanting some sort their success. of customization. We take “All of our saddles are built on Precision Saddle Trees and we great pride in serving also use CNC leather cutting equipment to ensure a perfect fit for all of our customers.” all our leather pieces,” said Jemelka. “We’re constantly changCircle Y of Yoakum ing and always on a mission to continuously improve. We want can be reached to make our products better, so we keep improving the level of online at craftsmanship and quality that we put into each and every sadcircley.com. dle. We’re always trying to compete against ourselves to make a better product.”

Over the years, Circle Y has sent a multitude of custom saddles out the door, but one illustrious project was particularly memorable for Jemelka.

“We made a commemorative limited-edition saddle for the 100th anniversary of John Wayne’s birth,” added Jemelka. “We were able to actually replicate a saddle that the family donated to the Cowboy Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, duplicating the overall shape and size to market it. We only have one left and it sits in a special spot in our foyer.”

Wayne Enterprises couldn’t have been happier with the outcome of the project.

“We are proud to be a part of the Circle Y John Wayne 100th

“

Strength from Within

Precision Saddle Tree is the backbone of today’s saddles

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omplimenting Circle Y, Precision Saddle Tree has been the internal support for their western saddles for over 30 years. The saddle tree is, in essence, the chassis of the saddle.

“We primarily manufacture all of the trees for Circle Y,” said Mark Jemelka, executive vice president and chief operations officer of both Circle Y and Precision Saddle Tree. “But we also market to other saddle makers and saddle repair shops. We boast a fantastic repair process; you can send in broken trees and we reassemble and reinforce them. We repair the exact same tree.”

This process ensures that the same tree can go back in the saddle and all original leather parts will fit on the repaired wood frame, and that requires cutting edge technology.

“All wood parts are cut with our CNC ma-

chines,” added Jemelka. “This ensures symmetry; a mirror image.”

And, as all horse enthusiasts know, symmetrical beauty must be complimented with strength to pass the real test of what makes a quality saddle.

“For competitive saddles, such as those used in ranching and roping, we reinforce all joints and stress points with Kevlar,” shared Jemelka.

“Anywhere there is a potential for breaking.”

Although Precision Saddle Tree has been around since the 90s, few people stop to think about what really goes into making a great saddle.

“Most people in Yoakum have no idea what we do,” said Jemelka. “Our products are all over the world.”

Precision Saddle Tree can be reached online at precisionsaddletree.com.

YOAKUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Still in the Saddle

Family-owned and operated Double J Saddlery of Yoakum focuses on quality craftsmanship

It’s curious whether Leland Tucker, one of the founders of Cir-

cle Y, had the foresight to know that teaching his young son-inlaw how to produce a quality saddle would lead to a three-generation family success story. The foundation that Tucker started all those years ago is today the cornerstone of Double J Saddlery, a family-owned and operated business celebrating three decades of quality craftsmanship.

“We are third generation in the saddle making business,” said John DeBord, owner of Double J. “Leland Tucker is the reason I’m in the saddle business. I married his youngest daughter and, after college, he offered me a job. I thought I’d give it a whirl.

After he passed away, and we grew the company monstrous. It was a lot of fun.”

And keeping it all in the family while creating an unrivaled product is what it’s all about at Double J. “When I started Double J, I’d been in the saddle business for 17 years,” shared DeBord. “It was a part of God’s plan, although I didn’t realize it at the time. Our goal was to build a high quality, handmade product using the best raw materials. When we started, my sons were little boys. We named it Double J after our sons, Jesse and Josh.”

When the boys were young, DeBord recalls weekends spent travelling, team roping at lots of events, making a lot of nice horses, and fine tuning the features of a saddle that help both the horse and rider perform to their maximum potential.

“There wasn’t a team roping in south Texas that we didn’t go to,” shared DeBord. “The boys thought they couldn’t have it if we weren’t there. In 1996, at a big roping produced by Butch Smith, there were four Double J Saddles to be won in the novice division. The boys brought three of them back. We still proudly have them on display today.”

What sets Double J apart from the crowd is a strong focus on not only the beauty of their saddles, but also their quality of construction. Building a team of capable craftsmen ensures that every saddle that leaves serves double duty, being both a work of art and ready to work.

YOAKUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

“One of the best things we do is that we build our own saddle tree,” added DeBord. “It’s state-of-the-art and as good as it can possibly be done. We have a lot of really skilled people, salt of the earth people. Our craftsmen’s strong commitment to the trade is key to everything we produce.”

Most of the saddles produced are custom orders. Customers have the option to choose from a multitude of leather options and tooling, building a saddle that truly is their very own. Double J also offers a phenomenal line of belts, purses, and personal accessories … all made in Yoakum. The two daughters, Chaedrea and Kristyn, have designed some amazing creations. And, just like their saddles, the quality is obvious in every product they sell.

“I’d seen plenty of inexpensive products in our industry.” said DeBord.

“We wanted to offer only high quality. The tradition is alive and well in Yoakum, Texas.”

Double J Saddlery is located at 2243 US Highway 77A South or online at doublejsaddlery.com.

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Following in Dad’s Footsteps AA&E Leathercraft owner Shannon Blaschke continues the tradition of leather in Yoakum

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t was an easy transition for Shannon Blaschke to go from employee to owner in 2012, having worked with leather at AA&E Leathercraft since he was six years old. The founding owners included his father, Emil Blaschke, and partners Alvin Wenske and Alfred Proschko. When Proschko passed away, Milam Herchek bought his shares out and became an owner, as well.

“I’ve been around the leather industry my whole life,” said Blaschke. “I’ve followed in my dad’s footsteps. Owning AA&E and being one of the leather owners in Yoakum is a great feeling.”

AA&E Leathercraft primarily manufactures leather gun slings, with the hunter in mind, and work belts; always striving to offer the highest quality merchandise at an affordable price.

“Our craftsmanship is top notch,” added Blaschke. “It’s great to hear all the raves and reviews we get from our customers, sharing that it has been 25 years and they’re still using our leather goods. They don’t fall apart like other mass-produced products can.”

When asked of the key to his success running his family business, he’s quick to share that he couldn’t do it alone.

“We don’t have a big crew, but they’re very talented at what they do,” shared Blaschke. “I work with one lady who is over 70 years old and she still loves to come to work. We’re more like a family here. Yes, we have a job to do, but we’re not stressed out.

Our team is focused on the quality just as much as I am.”

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Always referring to leather and family as if the two words were synonymous, it’s pretty obvious that Blaschke continues to grow AA&E with a passion that was instilled in him long ago.

“I’ve been hunting since I was a young boy with my dad,” said Blaschke. “Living where we live, enjoying hunting and leather, it goes with the country. That’s big. And hunting is a pastime not only enjoyed by only men and boys anymore … everyone can get out and hunt.

I like to follow with the people that come down and take tours and see them fascinated by the products we make. A lot of it is handmade … you can’t automate leather gun slings.”

AA&E Leathercraft is located at 208 Industrial Loop and online at aaeleathercraft.com.

YOAKUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Destination Yoakum

Christmas Tree Forest - 33rd Year

Yoakum Heritage Museum - 2020

Nov. 21 - Jan . 10

Birthdays•Weddings•Funerals Holidays•Anniversaries•Special Occasions

219 Irvine,Yoakum 361-293-2012 amy@loviesfloral.com

www.loviesfloral.com

1200 Carl Ramert Dr. Yoakum, TX 77995

361-293-2321 www.yoakumhospital.org For the healthcare of your life!

The Premier Lifestyle Brand of the West

doubledranch.com | 800-899-3379

VISIT OUR STORE IN DOWNTOWN YOAKUM!

509 Lott Street, Yoakum, TX 77995 Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Mention code YCC10 to receive 10% in store discount.

Hometown Street Dance W

anting to celebrate our heritage, but deciding July was just too hot to be able to enjoy our beautiful downtown, The Chamber has moved what was previously called our Birthday Bash to September and it is now the Hometown Battle of the Bands. The event will feature Southpaw and the Justin Cooper Band which are both locals who have grown up in the Yoakum area and both put on a great show. So join us in the 100 block of West Grand Avenue for good music, good food, and good drinks! For the latest details, follow us on Facebook - Yoakum Area Chamber of Commerce.

Christmas on Grand

Looking for a way to kick off your holiday season?

Then grab your friends and family and make plans to attend Yoakum’s Annual Christmas on Grand Celebration!

This annual event is held the first weekend in December in Downtown Yoakum and loaded with family friendly events including: • Lighted Christmas Parade • Santa Photo ops • Holiday Goodies AND SNOW! Each year just gets better and better so be sure and visit our calendar and Facebook page for more details and dates!

Photos courtesy Raymond Rosas.

YOAKUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Welcome to the Tom Tom Festival I

t’s a summer tradition that families throughout South Texas have enjoyed for over 90 years …

The Yoakum Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Tom-Tom Festival! Held annually the first weekend in June, Yoakum’s Tom Tom Festival is piece of a history wrapped in some good ‘ol Texas fun!

The Tom Tom festival originated to honor Yoakum’s tomato industry, which was predominant in the area in the late 20s - early 30s. This Festival is one of the oldest in the region due to the “down home” style of fun, found only in South Texas and draws thousands each year ... and for good reason.

Annual Tom-Tom BBQ and Bean Cook-Off Tom Tom Parade • Softball Tournament Art & Crafts Booths • Food Booths • Carnival Rodeo • Horseshoe and Washer Tournaments Live Entertainment • Car Show • and so much more

Parade and rodeo photos courtesy of Tommy Linn of TeePee Photography. Horseshoe, 2020 royal court, and band photos courtesy of Raymond

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YOAKUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

e!

d Rosas.

YOAKUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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706W. W.Grand Grand Ave 706 Ave Yoakum, TX 77995 Yoakum, 77995

361-293-0430 361-293-0430 Monday --Friday Monday Friday 10am 6pm 10am -- 6pm Home of the Original Yoakum Market Weiners Est. 2019

BRANDING IRON MEAT MARKET

Call In Orders Welcome

515 Irvine Street, Yoakum 361-293-2333 Customer Processing: Calf, Deer, Hog Deli Meats & Cheese • Fresh Cuts of Meat Open Monday – Friday 8am to 5:30pm and Saturday 8am to 1pm

www.brandingironmeatmarket.com

City of Yoakum We are Here to Serve You

Yoakum 361-293-3572 Moulton 361-596-4616 Victoria 361-703-5103

www.crbanktx.com Member FDIC

Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm Closed on City Observed Holidays 808 Hwy 77 A South • P O Box 738 Yoakum, TX 77995 361-293-6321

PAM WARD

Where do you want to go today?

Shirley Rothbauer

PO Box 15 Hallettsville, Texas 77964

361-772-1345

Your local Yoakum REALTOR ®

www.shirleyluckytours.com

THE RON BROWN COMPANY 2505 N. Navarro Victoria, TX 77901 Office 361.575.1446 Cell 361.293.4885 phward513@gmail.com 25 YEARS

M

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

It’s always a great day for a game of golf!

Yoakum City Golf Course is ranked as one of the best 9-hole courses in Texas

Yoakum’s 9-hole course features narrow

fairways and small, quick greens that everyone will enjoy. Two ponds wreak havoc on three holes.

The yardage here suits the average golfer-the layout features two par 5s that play around 450 yards, two par 3s that require only short irons, and five par 4s that all play well under 400 yards.

The course is well maintained with clear cart paths and beautiful, lush fairways and greens.

There is a city park, playground, and swimming pool on premises.

LUSH GREENS

Yoakum City Golf Course 703 Park Road • Yoakum 361-293-5682

PRO SHOP 22

BEAUTIFUL FAIRWAYS YOAKUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Turquoise Cactus

ZIMMERMAN ELECTRIC, LLC

Gift Shop • Women & Baby Clothes • Accessories• Metal Art

410 W Grand • Yoakum

361-298-5317 OPEN

Tuesday - Friday 10am to 5:30pm Saturday 10am to 1pm

Residential · Commercial · Licensed & Bonded TECL 32562

theturquoisecactusyoakum.com

Contact: Randy Zimmerman TX Master Electrician LIC # 5773

361-293-3077 PO Box 29 · 313 Poth St. · Yoakum, Texas 77995

How can we help you thrive?

601 Lott St. | Yoakum, TX 77995 ProsperityBankUSA.com

361-293-5221

sally_lake@sbcglobal.net • 817-455-3026

Log on to website for pricing and to set up a session.

www.sallylakestudios.org

RANDY FISHBECK 361-293-8827

612 W. Grand

Yoakum, TX 77995 361-293-2495

Gifts & More

Open Tuesday noon to 5pm Wednesday - Friday 10:30am to 5pm Saturday 10:30am to 2:30pm

WE FILL PROPANE TANKS 315 Irvine • Yoakum, Texas 77995 361-293-7050 hubcitysales@gvec.net

Making the Cut

Family-owned Branding Iron Meat Market slices up happiness

Michael Dierschke and his family couldn’t pass

good reason - the recipe goes back over fifty years.

“We tend to never have enough and usually have up the opportunity when the owners of County Line to make them at least once a week to keep up with Meat Market asked him if he would be interested in the high demand,” added Branden. “A few of the taking over the market. After much discussion, the other popular meat choices are our ribeyes and pork iconic meat market opened their doors with a proud, steaks, especially around the holidays.” new owner and a new name, Branding On any given day, you’ll usually only Iron Meat Market, in April 2019.

It’s a family affair. spot Branden working alongside the staff, Branden, Dierschke’s son and busibut Branding Iron Meat Market it is a We’re all happy to ness manager for the market, rememfull family working business. Although serve our bers it being an opportune time for Branden’s dad and brother, Dylan, have community.” him since he had just lost his job as a full-time jobs elsewhere, they still put in veterinary technician due to the busiBranden Dierschke their fair share of work after hours and ness closing. when they can.

“I also have a degree in animal science and an ag “It’s a family affair,” said Branden. “We’re all happy background,” shared Branden, “so this job is a perto serve our community.” fect fit for me.”

Branding Iron Meat Market is located at 515 Irvine Branden tells us that he loves working at the marStreet in Yoakum. ket because of the customers. He enjoys visiting with frequent customers and the new faces that come in as well.

“Some of the best compliments I get is how clean the market is and how friendly the staff is,” said Branden. “The customers always love that the market cases are always full and that we have great meat choices.”

All of their sausage is made at the market and all of their meats are US Grade from local meat producers. And although Branding Iron’s vast selection gives customers much to choose from, their market wieners are arguably their most popular item and for

“

YOAKUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

25

Growing Where They’re Planted

Double D Ranch’s customer-centric approach proves key to their success Distinguished women’s clothing retailer, Double D Ranch of Yoakum may have had humble beginnings but they’re now recognized as the premier lifestyle brand of the West. They’ve designed and manufactured women’s apparel since 1989 with the introduction of their famed Native American blanket coat.

Today, Double D Ranch’s style can be best described as a blend of bohemian, cowboy, and Native American-inspired fashion, and their three decades of success can be attributed to a mix of hard work and dedication to their craft.

“And that we’re stubborn,” added Audrey Franz, chief operations officer of Double D Ranch. “We have a fighting spirit, and we come by it honestly. We probably would’ve folded our hand a dozen times by now if we weren’t so competitive and determined.

I think you’ve got to have a little bit of that to be successful in any business. My sisters and I just may have gotten a little extra.

They don’t call us the Wolf Pack for nothing!”

Cheryl McMullen, designer and creative director at Double D, is quick to point out that combining that tenacity for excellence with a genuine love of their customers has been the key to their success.

“Our customers are incredibly loyal and supportive, and they’re our biggest advocates,” shared McMullen. “And they’re beautiful people, so they’re walking advertisements, standing out in a crowd everywhere they go, sharing the brand with everyone they know. It’s wonderful. But I also have to admit, a major contributing factor to the success of Double D Ranch is that no one else is doing what we do. It’s hard to even categorize our clothing, because it’s really unlike anything else that’s out there.”

Looking back on their adventures, McMullen recalled a particular client that stands out in her memory.

“Tanya Tucker called us up one day last summer and asked if she could come shopping, and she rolled her giant tour bus right 26

into the heart of Yoakum, Texas, and spent the afternoon in the Double D Ranch showroom shopping and singing and sipping tequila,” said McMullen. “Since then, we’ve chartered a bus to Lake Charles for her performance at the Golden Nugget, we’ve photographed her at her ranch and visited her home in Tennessee, and we dressed her and her whole cast of characters when she headlined the Grand Ole Opry in January. Designing her performance outfit for the 2020 Grammy Awards was certainly a memorable experience; a very surreal and humbling moment, seeing Double D Ranch – this little family business out of little ol’ Yoakum – represented on a stage of that magnitude.”

Looking forward, the ladies both agree that Double D Ranch is constantly pushing to improve their unique women’s clothing line, always with their customers in mind.

“We’re celebrating our thirtieth year in business this year, so it’s been several months of looking back at where we started and forward at where we want to go. We’re proud of how far we’ve come and this company we’ve built, but we’re never fully satisfied, we’re never finished progressing or striving for improvement,” added McMullen. “Day after day, year after year, collection after collection, we want to be better than the one before.”

But “better than before” doesn’t mean moving off to the big city or forgetting where their foundation is.

“I think one of the things that made Double D Ranch what it is, that really defines us and sets us apart, is that we stayed right here,” shared Franz. ”Our quality and craftsmanship and designs could stand up against any label you’ll find on Rodeo Drive or 7th Avenue, but I think there is a good chance we would’ve lost ourselves, lost our authenticity, lost our aesthetic, if we didn’t stay rooted right here in Yoakum.”

Double D Ranch is located at 122 W Grand Avenue in Yoakum and online at doubledranch.com.

YOAKUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Shop With Us! AA&E 208 Industrial Loop Yoakum 361-293-6366 ACE Hardware 201 US Hwy 77 Yoakum 361-427-4040 Anders Auto Supplies 219 West Grand Ave Yoakum 361- 293-3642 Ann’s Flowers 302 Lott St Yoakum 361-293-3611 Bleu 516 Lott St Yoakum 361-293-3345

Double J Saddlery 2243 US Hwy 77 A S Yoakum 361-293-6364 doublejsaddlery.com

Ritzie Britches 706 West Grand Ave Yoakum 361-293-0430 Follow us on Facebook!

Harley’s House of Liquor 214 US Hwy 77A S Yoakum 361-293-7577

Soehnge Do-It Center 408 West Grand Ave Yoakum 361-293-3576

HEB 201 West Gonzales Yoakum 361-293-5281

The Muddy Pig Co 612 W Grand Ave Yoakum 361-293-2495

House of Style & Jewels 208 W Grand Ave Yoakum 361-293-5522

The Turquoise Cactus 410 W Grand Ave Yoakum 361-298-5317 theturquoisecactusyoakum.com

Hub City Motors 315 Irvine St Yoakum 361-293-7050 hubcitysales@gvec.net

Branding Iron Meat Market 515 Irvine St Yoakum 361-293-2333

Kathy’s Boutique 101 Irvine St Yoakum 361-293-5451

CH Graphics 1466 E. Cemetery Rd Hallettsville 361-798-3071 chgraphics.com

Lovie’s Floral 219 Irvine St Yoakum 361-293-2012 amy@loviesfloral.com loviesfloral.com

Circle Y Saddles 1708 N. South St Yoakum 361-293-3501 CircleY.com

Three Oaks Retreat 1404 E Gonzales St Yoakum 210-508-3516 Yoakum Discount Pharmacy 210 Nelson St, Unit E Yoakum 361-741-7455 www.mygnp.com Yoakum Packing Co 500 Front St Yoakum 361-293-3541 FarmPac.com

City Drug Store 602 US Hwy 77 A South Yoakum 361-293-2181 Cooper’s Auto Care 1015 W. Gonzales St Yoakum 361-293-3538 DeWitt Poth and Son 211 West May Yoakum 361-293-3791 Double D Ranchwear 122 West Grand Ave Yoakum 361-293-2394 and 800-899-3379 DoubleDRanch.com

THE MUDDY PIG

YOAKUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

27

Look Who’s New! CENTRAL STATION BAR & GRILL

216 W. May St., Yoakum 361-298-5777 Family-owned bar and grill with a full bar and full menu, offering appetizers, salads, burgers, steaks, seafood, and Mediterranean dishes. They offer a great atmosphere for any occasion.

CENTRAL STATION BAR & GRILL

THE TURQUOISE CACTUS

THE MUDDY PIG

THE MUDDY PIG

612 W. Grand., Yoakum 361-293-2495 A gift shop with so much more! Home décor, baby items, clothing and fashion, religious items, and special things that’ll make anyone smile.

THE TURQUOISE CACTUS

410 W. Grand, Yoakum 361-298-5317 A fun and fresh gift shop specializing in womens and baby clothes, accessories and metal art.

RED CAT DAY SPA

THE RED CAT DAY SPA

204 Hwy 77A S., Yoakum 361-298-5599 Classy day spa with a mission to provide the opportunity for everyone to discover both their unique beauty and absolute self-confidence.

28

LOVIE’S FLORAL

LOVIE’S FLORAL

219 Irvine St., Yoakum 361-293-2012 A local Yoakum florist with a lovely variety of fresh flowers and creative gift ideas to suit any style or budget.

YOAKUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Dine with Us! Dairy Queen

Haven Pizza

610 US-77 ALT, Yoakum 361-293-5253

123 W May St., Yoakum 361-298-5656

Dairy Treet

Yoakum Perk Too Drive Thru

901 W Grand Ave., Yoakum 361-293-3481

Emiliano’s Mexican Grill 401 Lott St., Yoakum 361-293-7603

603 US HWY 77A, Yoakum

Sonic Drive-In

706 South US-77, Yoakum 361-293-5995

H & H Bakery and Café 719 Lott St., Yoakum 361-293-3232

PERK TOO DRIVE THRU HAVEN PIZZA

DAIRY TREET H & H CAFÉ

YOAKUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

29

Stay with Us!

Grand Cottage Guest House & Grand Cottage Apartment 1107 W. Grand Ave., Yoakum 361-772-2110 info@grandcottageyoakum.com grandcottageyoakum.com

Roadrunner Laundromat, RV Park & Mobile Home Park

Shady Spot RV Park #1

1890 Hwy 77A ALT, Hallettsville 361-293-4678

Shady Spot RV Park #2

2134 US 77A North, Yoakum 361-293-4678

900 Old Shiner Rd., Yoakum 361-293-3420 Office 361-582-6593 Cell yoakumroadrunner.com Laundromat open 7 day a week, to public 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. and holidays

Rollin Inn RV Park

25 CO RD 403, Yoakum 361-772-0982

SERENITY B&B

Serenity Bed & Breakfast 506 W. Grand Ave., Yoakum 361-772-2110 info@serenitybandb.com serenitybandb.com

ROADRUNNER 30

GRAND COTTAGE GUEST HOUSE YOAKUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Yoakum

361-293-3420 361-582-6593

ROADRUNNER

900 Old Shiner Road • Yoakum, TX Laundromat, RV Park and Mobile Home Park

MOBILE HOMES FOR RENT

RV Park

Full hook ups (30 amps and 50 amps) Daily, Weekly and Monthly Rates Wi-Fi Available

Wash &

Open to the Public • Coin Operated Open 7 days a week including holidays 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

FOLD Service

Let us do the work for you!

Laundry Products Snacks TV

Stay Awhile!

Yoakum is a progressive community with a strong work ethic and excellent quality of life.

Yoakum is located in South Central Texas, and is centrally located between Austin, Corpus Christi, Houston, and San Antonio.

Hwy 77-A serves as Yoakum’s major corridor traveling north and south; Hwy 111 serves to connect Yoakum to Hwy 183 and Hwy 77 traveling east and west.

Fire Departments

Fordtran Volunteer Fire Department 25225 U.S. Hwy. 77 N. Sweet Home Volunteer Fire Department FM 531 & CR 318 City of Yoakum Fire Department Yoakum Volunteer Fire Department 203 Nelson St.

Real Estate

Coldwell Banker Realtor - Pam Ward 1455 CR 436 • 361-293-4885 Cornerstone Properties 503 N. Ave. F, Shiner • 361-594-8282 Hayden Outdoors Real Estate 78 Briar Lane • 512-757-3566 See Hayden Outdoors ad on page 2.

Matthew Realty 120 Isdale Dr. • 361-293-2613

32

City Manager

Kevin Coleman citymanager@cityofyoakum.org

City Clerk

Theresa A. Bowe, TRMC Personnel Officer Local Registrar, Public Information Officer tbowe@cityofyoakum.org 808 Hwy 77-A South PO Box 738 Yoakum, TX 77995 Phone 361-293-6321 Fax 361-293-5589

POLICE

900 Irvine St. PO Box 738 Yoakum, TX 77995 361-293-5234 361-293-3785 Karl Van Slooten, Chief of Police 361-293-5234 kvanslooten@cityofyoakum.org

Yoakum Organizations

Beta Sigma Phi, Boy Scouts, Bulldog Booster Club, Catholic Daughters, Knights of Columbus, Literary Club, Progressive Study Club, Retired Teachers Association, Salvation Army, Sweet Home American Legion and Legion Auxilary, VFW Post #2456, Yoakum and Bear Creek 4 H Club, Yoakum FFA, Bluebonnet Youth Ranch, Golden Crescent CASA, Golden Crescent Workforce Development Board, Hochheim Prairie Hermann Sons, Lavaca County Republican Party, League of Women Voters of Lavaca County, Republican Women of Yoakum Area, Rodeo Club of Yoakum, Warriors Weekend, Yoakum Heritage Museum, Yoakum Lions Club, Friends of the Library and Yoakum Rotary Club.

YOAKUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Worship with Us! Austin Street Baptist Church

Holy Communion Episcopal Church

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

Beth Elder Baptist Church

Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church

The House of Grace Church

Church of Christ

Mount Sinai Baptist Church

The Light House Church

Crossroads Community Church

Maranatha Assembly of God

First Baptist Church

New Life Baptist Church

1308 E. Gonzales St., Yoakum 361-293-7300 201 Huck St., Yoakum 361-293-6510

606 Sheehan St., Yoakum 361-293-5423 722 Front St., Yoakum 361-293-2107

202 Dunn St., Yoakum 361-293-2319

405 E. Hugo St., Yoakum 361-293-2888 605 Hwy 77 A, Yoakum 361-293-3033

1010 Dunn St., Yoakum 361-741-7649 404 Texas St., Yoakum 361-293-7389

1001 US Highway 77 A N., Yoakum 361-293-6123

First United Methodist Church

River of Life Church

1026 E. Gonzales St., Yoakum 361-293-2171

107 Hwy 77A, Yoakum 361-293-2597

His Church of Reconciliation

St. James Baptist Church

711 Hopkins St., Yoakum 361-298-5019

1076 CR 326, Yoakum 361-293-6721

210 Schrimscher St., Yoakum 361-293-3518 322 W. Gonzales St., Yoakum 361-407-5060

322 Pat Cleburne St., Yoakum 361-293-2758

And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 16:18

Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church

YOAKUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

33

Meet the Neighbors

SWEET HOME

PETERSVILLE – Travel a mere seven minutes and visit the long-lost town of Petersville. This small town was established in the vicinity of the old community of Hochheim Prairie in 1932, when Frank Peters built a store on State Highway 111, just four miles west of Yoakum. St. Anne’s Catholic Church is the long-time parish church for Hochheim Prairie. In 1948 Petersville had two grocery stores, a blacksmith, and a auto garage. In 2000 the population was 38.

PETERSVILLE

SWEET HOME – Located on FM 531 and CR 318 south of Mustang Creek in west Lavaca County. It was named when the first settlers found the conditions there ideal for home life. Around 1873 Czechs and Germans began to move into the community. In 1948 the town had twelve stores, a recreation hall, and a church for its population of 350. The population was still 360 through 2000.

SHINER – A short 15 minute drive and you’ll find Shiner, home of the Spoetzl Brewery. Brewery tours are $5 for all over 18. Free tours are offered for 18 and under, first 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 to take a tour and all ages are welcome at the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner.

SHINER

34

HOCHHEIM HOCHHEIM - Hochheim is at the intersection of U.S. Highway 183 and - State Highway 111. It was named for Valentine Hoch, a native of Alsace-Lorraine who contracted for a homesite here before immigrating to Texas.

Its name may be translated Hoch’s Home or High Home since Hoch settled on a hill. The town, located on the stage route to Indianola and Austin, grew as a trading center. In 1895 half of Hochheim’s population was German. In 1985 the town still had its post office but reported only one business. Valentine Hoch’s stone house, which was damaged in a storm in 1934, was restored in 1954 and won a number of awards and is recognized with a Texas historical medallion.

YOAKUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Where Creativity & Relaxation Meet

Sleeping room for 17 guests • Fully Equipped Kitchen • Large Gathering / Living Room Area • Laundry Room Creativity Center / Crafting Room • Onsite Quilt Shop • Long Arm Services • Serenity Room for Massages / Facials The house is set up perfectly for quilting and scrapbooking retreats, yet we have hosted several other events such as baby and bridal showers, family reunions, many parties and company dinners.

1404 State Hwy 111 East, Yoakum, TX 77995 • 210-508-3516 • dianesmith@threeoaksretreats.com

www.threeoaksretreats.com Serving a 9 County Area in Texas

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Small town heart. Big Texas Taste.

Offering a complete line of fully cooked, naturally smoked, marinated fresh and frozen meat products for over 65 years.

Come Join the Eddy Team! www.eddypacking.com 404 Airport Road Yoakum, TX 77995 361-580-3800