Colorado County Citizen

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Colorado County Visitors’ Guide

✧24-Hour ATM

✧Free Internet Banking

✧Access 24-hour Telephone Banking

✧VISA Debit Cards

✧Imaged Statements

✧Home Equity Loans

✧Internet Bill Payment

✧Direct Deposit

✧Home Loans

✧Safe Deposit Boxes

THE FIRST STATE BANK Serving Columbus and Colorado County since 1913 Internet Banking: www.fsbcolumbus.com 979-732-2332 420 Walnut • P.O. Box 9 • Columbus, Texas Time & Temperature: 979-732-TIME

Spring/Summer 2011


Spring/Summer 2011

Colorado County Visitors’ Guide

Welcome ... O

n behalf of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, welcome to historic Colorado County, named after the river that runs through it and to Columbus, the county seat. Known for its Republic-era history and its lovingly restored Victorian homes, Columbus is a refreshingly relaxing get-away that has retained its charm and natural beauty, while simultaneously embracing the modern amenities expected of today’s traveler. Elegant and energetic with a personality that is authentically Texas, Columbus has captured the hearts and minds of generations. Explore Columbus and like those before you, you’ll discover an oak strewn oasis intersected with scenic riverbanks, brackish creeks, shallow bays and roadways filled with wildflowers. You’ll also find a town alive with museums, art galleries,

restaurants, boutiques, a first-class healthcare and surgical center, the Texas Crossroads Business Park and a nice array of outdoor recreational facilities. During your stay, make your first stop the Chamber of Commerce located downtown on the first floor of the Stafford Opera House. Designed by Galveston architect Nicholas Clayton, the Opera House is host to a small museum, monthly dinner theater, exhibits, weddings and galas. Ask about our Talking Houses program, a self-guided audio tour designed to enhance your visit to our historic sites with the assistance of your car radio. Then, begin your walking tour. While downtown, visit the Live Oak Art Center, discretely tucked inside a 19th century-era saloon Kim Dyer known as the Brunson Building. Columbus Chamber Also downtown are the Confederate of Commerce Memorial Museum, which is housed Executive Director in an old water tower that now resembles a castle turret and the Colorado County Courthouse, which features a stunning stained glass dome in the second floor district courtroom. Within walking distance are the 1836 Alley Log Cabin, a Santa Claus Museum and the Nesbitt Memorial Library, host to an extensive doll collection and array of literary and musical events. While in Columbus, take time out to shop our unique boutiques where you are sure to fulfill both your practical needs and your most whimsical desires. Before departing, you’ll want to drive by and take a peek at our large Live Oak, once listed on the Registry of Big Trees as the second largest in the state. Visit any time of year and you are sure to find something to do. Thanks to the town’s natural beauty, gently rolling hills and easy river access, Columbus is becoming an amateur athlete’s paradise. Bike races and 5k runs have long been popular events and in recent years, the river has been a select site for canoe races and championships. Due to our designation as an Inland Paddling Trail by Texas Parks and Wildlife, canoeing is gaining in popularity as a family friendly activity. Special events are Columbus’ specialty. Whether it is the irreverent and witty Live Oaks and Dead Folks Cemetery Tour hosted each fall by the Nesbitt Memorial Library, Ladies’ Night Out, dinner theatres at the Historic Stafford Opera House, a rocking concert at the County Fairgrounds, a cattle auction, the annual Live Oak Festival hosted each spring, or a Town and Country Homes Tour, Columbus has something to offer just about everyone any time of year. To learn more, log onto our website at www.columbustexas.org or just give us a call at 979-732-8385. We would love to talk with you!

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Colorado County Visitors’ Guide

Colorado County ...

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he territory that is now Colorado County was settled by Anglo colonists, many of whom belonged to Stephen F. Austin’s Old Three Hundred, beginning in 1821. A number of families settled near Beeson’s Ford, several miles south of the site of present Columbus. In November 1822, the settlers along the Colorado River in the future Colorado and Wharton counties were authorized by the Mexican government to elect an alcalde. Early in 1823, a skirmish was fought between a militia company from the settlement and a band of Cocos along Skull Creek. In August of that year the Baron de Bastrop, Rawson Visitors are encouraged to visit the beautiful District Courtroom Alley, Austin, and a party of in the Colorado County Courtslaves surveyed 170 acres house. above the Atascosito Crossing on the Colorado. The site became the capital of Colorado Municipality and the headquarters of all Austin colony, which was later relocated to San Felipe de Austin. Columbus grew up at the site of Dewees Crossing, five miles north of Beeson’s Ford, in 1835. When Sam Houston’s army retreated from Gonzales after the battle of the Alamo, it camped on the east bank of the Colorado River in Colorado County, and the Mexican army camped about two miles west of the river; the armies remained for seven or eight days. Other Mexican troops under Antonio López de Santa Anna arrived on March 25, 1836, and Houston ordered further retreat. Colorado County, one of the original counties of the Republic of Texas, was formed in 1836 and organized in 183. A German settlement grew up around the community of Frelsburg around 1839. Cotton and corn were the main crops grown in the 1840s. Among the more notable plantations in the county was that of Robert Robson, who arrived from Dumfries, Scotland, about 1839 and built a concrete castle of homemade lime and gravel on his estate on the south bank of the Colorado River. A steamboat, the Flying Jenny, ran from the castle up the Colorado to Austin. Keelboats and flatboats operated in the early years of the county, and by the 1840s the Moccasin Belle and other steamboats carried cotton from the county to Matagorda. Colorado County grew dramatically in the 1850s, reaching a population of 7,885, including 3,559 African Americans, in 1860. A significant plantation economy had emerged, based on cotton. In the 1850s new communities were founded at Osage and Oakland. Two other towns, Eagle Lake and Alley■ see COLORADO COUNTY, page 5

Columbus

Spring/Summer 2011

Annual Events Calendar JANUARY Student Rodeo Art Exhibit – Live Oak Art Center

FEBRUARY

Columbus Bridal Expo Dinner Theater - Stafford Opera House FFA Show & Sale – Colorado County Fairgrounds

MARCH

The Texas Independence Relay Chamber of Commerce Banquet – Stafford Opera House Trailhead – Texas Historical Shootists Society The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Dinner Theater – Stafford Opera House

APRIL

Greg Lundgren 5K Run/Walk – Beason’s Park BP MS 150 Bike Ride Junk in the Park Dinner Theater – Stafford Opera House Attwater Prairie Chicken Festival – Eagle Lake

MAY

Rajun Cajun Fest – Colorado County Fairgrounds Rolling Hills Bike Challenge – Beason’s Park Texas Live Oak Festival – Square in Downtown Columbus Annual Juried Art Exhibit – Live Oak Art Center Dinner Theater – Stafford Opera House

JUNE

IBCA Cook-off – Colorado County Fairgrounds

JULY

TX Oldest Independence Day Celebration – Beason’s Park Easy Riders Rodeo Tour

AUGUST

Colorado River 100 Canoe Marathon – Howell Canoe Livery Boots & Bling Gala

SEPTEMBER

Colorado County Fair – Colorado County Fairgrounds Health Fair & Walk – Columbus Community Hospital

OCTOBER

Sandy Barta 5K Run/Walk Dinner Theater – Stafford Opera House St. Anthony Fall Festival – St. Anthony Catholic Church St. Anthony Halloween Carnival Annual Ducks Unlimited Banquet Mentz Church Picnic Witches Tea

NOVEMBER

CCW Trees of Light Live Oaks & Dead Folks Cemetery Tour Dinner Theater – Stafford Opera House

DECEMBER

Christmas on the Colorado – Homes Tour Ladies Night Out Breakfast with Santa Christmas Cantata

Rotating exhibits with artists receptions throughout the year and an excellent permanent collection at the Live Oak Art Center.

Columbus Chamber of Commerce Call 979-732-8385 for more info columbustexas.org


Spring/Summer 2011

Colorado County Visitors’ Guide

Colorado County ... ton, grew up on the line of the Buffalo Bayou, Brazos and Colorado Railway. For a time Alleyton flourished as an important cotton-shipping point. The county’s first newspaper, the Colorado Citizen, began publication in 1857 in Columbus. The Columbus Tap Railway, a branch line from Columbus to the Buffalo Bayou, Brazos and Colorado Railway was completed in 1867. This line was farther extended from Columbus to the west in 1873, linking the county with San Antonio and leading to the founding of Weimar. The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway built through the county in the late 1880s, and about 1900 the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe was built from Eagle Lake to Matagorda. The Missouri, Kansas and Texas later built across the northeastern tip of the county. After 1900, Rice, which had been introduced in the county in 1898, became economically feasible with large-scale irrigation around the turn of the century and was grown on 15,000 acres in 1903. Sugarcane was also an important crop. The county oil and gravel industries began to develop in the first decade of the twentieth century. Companies and individuals began to explore for oil in the county as early as 1901, though the first significant find did not occur until 1932. Digging gravel for commercial purposes began by 1906. In 1980, the economy was dominated by

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Colorado County Clerk and Colorado County Tax Assessor/Collector offices have relocated to the Colorado County Annex located across from the Colorado County Courthouse.

agribusiness, the extraction of sand and gravel, and oil and gas production. The county was third in the state in rice production. Other major crops were corn, hay, soybeans, oats, and sorghum. Hogs and cattle were the principal livestock, though dairying remained an important feature of the economy. In 1982, 94 percent of the land in the county was in farms and ranches and 20 percent of the farmland was in cultivation. Rice, cattle, corn, nursery plants, poultry, hay, and sorghum are the chief agricultural products. With neighboring Washington, Fayette and Austin counties, it forms part of the Texas Pioneer Trail. Incorporated communities in Colorado County include Columbus (2010 population, 3,655), the seat of government; Weimar (2,151); and Eagle Lake (3,639).

The 1886

Dinner Theatre Stafford Opera House

Downtown Columbus

$35 per person includes dinner & production Call for current performance schedule Hours: Social 5:30pm Dinner 6:30 pm Curtain 7:30 pm 425 Spring Street - Columbus

979-732-5135 staffordoperahouse@yahoo.com Also available for weddings, receptions, seminars, & group functions.


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Colorado County Visitors’ Guide

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Stafford Opera House ...

S

hortly before the Civil War, a young man from a Georgia named Bob Stafford came to Colorado County. Though his father owned a slave plantation, he had or soon lost all interest in doing so. Instead, he became interested in the cattle business. After a brief and unsuccessful stint in the Confederate military, he returned to the county three years before the end of the war and began building a herd. Though he was nowhere near the largest cattleman or the richest man in the county at the end of the war, through a series of enormously successful deals, within 15 years he had become both. In the same years, five of his brothers, six or seven of his sisters, and assorted others of his relatives came to the county. Soon, the numerous Staffords, and most particularly the numerous cowboys who worked for Bob Stafford, amassed reputations as people not to be crossed. In the first few years after the war, the Staffords at least once and probably twice sought to end the frequent rustling of their cattle by dispatching their cowboys into the field to ruthlessly murder whomever they regarded as suspicious. And a good many people turned up dead. The Staffords, too, sustained casualties. One of Bob Stafford’s brothers was shot and killed and another shot and wounded. Bob Stafford himself, however, remained above such affrays. In 1880, wealthy in the extreme, he retired from the range and moved into Columbus. He spent the next few years traveling, and expanding his business endeavors. He opened a private bank, R. E. Stafford & Company, and a general store, and became the principal stockholder and principal hope for success in an ambitious beef packing enterprise, the Columbus Texas Meat and Ice Company. In the mid 1880s, anxious to live in a better house, he acquired property in downtown Columbus, some of which fronted on the courthouse square. The lots on the square had been rendered vacant by a disastrous fire in May 1883. Stafford planned to remove the debris from the fire and construct two commercial buildings on the square, and to build his new home behind the buildings. Soon, however, prompted by a petition circulated by his friend and partner in the meat packing business George H. Little, Stafford was persuaded to change his plans. Little and his fellow petitioners wanted to upgrade the level of the theatrical productions that had theretofore been offered in Columbus. Rightly, they blamed the small and inadequate Columbus theaters that had been operating for decades, theaters like Ilse’s Hall on the second floor of Ilse’s Saloon, for the quality of the productions. Such small venues had no real chance of drawing major attractions. The petitioners asked Stafford to redesign his proposed commercial buildings, uniting them into one large building with an undivided second floor for use as a theater. Stafford agreed. Soon, work was underway on what would come to be known as the Stafford Opera House, designed by the respected Galveston architect Nicholas J. Clayton. By 1886, two businesses, Stafford’s bank and the largest and most successful general store in town, Senftenberg Bros. Store, had moved

into the building. Work proceeded on the second floor well into 1887. Stafford, who seems to have taken scant personal interest in the theater, assigned one of his more valuable employees, Ed Sandmeyer, to manage it. Sandmeyer put together a schedule of productions that were definitely a step or two above anything seen before in Columbus. The theater opened on Oct. 28, 1887 with a production featuring the wellknown actress Louise Balfe. Stafford was not in attendance. The new opera house and its high-quality productions were emblematic of the prosperity that had arrived in Columbus, a prosperity which is reflected today in the number of fine public buildings and homes of the time which survive. The culmination of that prosperity came in three more years, when the county voted to construct a new courthouse. Ironically, the rapid decline of the county was forecast and assured on the same day that the cornerstone for the new courthouse was laid. On that day, July 7, 1890, Bob Stafford and his brother were shot and killed by a nervous city marshal, Larkin Hope, ending any chance for the future success of the meat packing business, of the opera house, and of a host of other endeavors. Within 20 years, there would be little trace of the Stafford fortune in town. Within five years, the Stafford Opera House had closed. It had never made money. Charles Brunson and John Slutter attempted to ride on its coattails, doubling the size of their downtown saloon and opening the Lone Star Opera House on the second floor, but their endeavor never attracted the same quality show and quickly failed. In 1898, while running for sheriff, Larkin Hope was shot and killed in downtown Columbus. Soon, his brother and numerous of his cousins, the Townsend, Reese, Clements and Burford families, were engaged in a bitter feud. In 1899, two Reeses, and more alarmingly, two innocent bystanders, were shot and killed. A number of other incidents and the continuing animosity of the factions finally drove the peaceful citizens of the town to demand the end of the feud. Some years earlier, to save money, the town had dissolved the office of city marshal. Now the citizens, believing that a city police force was needed to quash the feud, demanded that it be reinstituted. The mayor pushed to do so, but the city councilmen, concerned about taxes, refused. After several attempts failed to dent the council, the citizens adopted a drastic measure: by petition, they forced an election to consider dissolving the city government, which would then more thoroughly place the city within the jurisdiction of the sheriff. The measure passed overwhelmingly, and, in 1906, the City of Columbus was voted out of existence. It would be 21 years before city government was reinstituted. The same years were hard on the Stafford Opera House. It ran through a succession of owners. The first floor, long since vacated by its original tenants, was converted into one of the first automobile dealerships in town, complete with gasoline pumps near the front entrance. The second floor was seldom used, though once in a while it was rented for a local production or a dance. In the late 1920s, the theater was con■ see OPERA HOUSE, page 7


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Colorado County Visitors’ Guide

Opera House ... verted into a basketball court, on which Columbus High School played its home games. It was the site of a memorable game in January 1928, between Columbus and Eagle Lake. The game had to be stopped in the third quarter when a freefor- all broke out. In 1929, wrestling and boxing matches were added to the old theater’s sports card. By the time Arthur Willrodt bought the The Columbus Historic Preservation Trust place in 1941, the Inc. hosts dinner theatre productions throughout the year. For more information accoutrements of call (979) 732-8385. the theater were mostly gone. He repaired the building, and installed six or eight apartments on one side of the second floor. In 1960, Henry P. Meyer, who owned the Ford dealership that had long been housed on the first floor, bought the building from Willrodt. Two years later, a recently-created group that called itself the Magnolia Homes Tour organized the first “Open House

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Day,” a tour of four Columbus homes conducted on the same weekend as the Live Oak Art Club’s then 8-year-old outdoor art festival. They hoped that 100 people would pay to go through the homes; 285 did. Buoyed by their success, the homes tour grew, over the next few years, into the biggest event of the year. Regular attendants could count on seeing at least one house (usually more) which had not been opened in previous years. Food booths proliferated. There were history skits, local and regional musicians, horse-drawn carriage rides, antique shows, old automobiles, and young girls, styled Magnolia Belles, dressed up in 19th century costumes. Soon, the organization was incorporated, and began acquiring property. In 1972, it made its boldest acquisition, buying the 85-year-old Stafford Opera House from Meyer, and embarked on its boldest plan, an extensive renovation of the building with a view toward reopening it as a theater. For the next decade and a half, the organization poured more than one million dollars into the building. The Ford dealership moved out, and offices were installed on the first floor. Beginning in 1976, a few concerts and theatrical productions were offered on the second floor, at first on a makeshift stage with makeshift lighting and accoutrements. Finally, in 1990, the Homes Tour declared the building finished and formally reopened it as a theater. Its first regular schedule of productions in nearly 100 years began in 1991.

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Colorado County Visitors’ Guide

Spring/Summer 2011

Sites of interest ...

Colorado River Mural Project MEMORiAL PARK (2 ACRE) Legion Drive at Veterans Drive • Columbus In the summer of 2003, the children of Columbus, under the leadership of award-winning ceramicist and Artist-in-Residence Pat Johnson, began work on the Colorado River Mural Project, a whimsical quilt of hand-painted, six-inch clay tiles reflecting life forms in the Colorado River. Once completed, the tiles of fish, turtles, snakes and water birds were combined with Johnson’s more refined work to depict an overall image. Today, the outdoor mural hangs alongside the Columbus municipal swimming pool in Memorial Park.

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NESbiTT MEMORiAL LibRARY 529 Washington St. • Columbus Telephone: 979-732-3392 • www.columbustexas.net/library In addition to a vast collection of literary works and archives, the library features a small collection of fine art, art reproductions, and a doll collection with over 200 dolls and related artifacts, many of which were once owned by benefactor Lee Quinn Nesbitt. In 1997, the Friends of the Nesbitt Memorial Library began sponsoring talks and book-signings by a number of Texas authors and historians, including Randolph B. Campbell, Barry A. Crouch, and others. In 2001, the Friends conducted the first annual Lee Quinn Nesbitt Symposium on Texas History and Culture, which featured T. R. Fehrenbach, Wolfram M. Von-Maszewski, and Joe Tom Davis.

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V olumbus V ommunity [ ospital c hysicians

Spring/Summer 2011

Colorado County Visitors’ Guide

110 Shult Drive • Columbus, TX 78934 www.columbusch.com

“Your Health Matters”

(979) 732-2371 Internal/Geriatrics Medicine

Four Oaks Medical Clinic 109 Shult Drive Columbus, Texas (979) 732-2336

TOM HANCHER, M.D.

Family Medicine

Columbus Medical Clinic 2122 Hwy 71 South Columbus, Texas (979) 732-2318

DAVID NEISNER, M.D.

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Columbus Medical Clinic 2122 Hwy 71 South Columbus, Texas (979) 733-0095

ESLAM ELHAMMADY, M.D. FACOG

Internal Medicine/Family Medicine

Columbus Medical Clinic 2122 Hwy 71 South Columbus, Texas (979) 732-2318

DAVID WILKINSON, M.D.

Emergency Medicine

CCH Emergency Dept. 110 Shult Drive Columbus, Texas (979) 732-2371

DONNA CAMPBELL, M.D.

Ophthalmology

Columbus Eye Associates 100 Sweetbriar Lane Columbus, Texas (979) 732-5771

TODD HOVIS, M.D.

Family Medicine

Four Oaks Medical Clinic 109 Shult Drive Columbus, Texas (979) 732-6263

KIRK ANDERSON, M.D.

Family Medicine/Obstetrics

Columbus Medical Clinic 2122 Hwy 71 South Columbus, Texas (979) 732-2318

TROY MILLICAN, M.D.

Pediatric Medicine

Columbus Medical Clinic 2122 Hwy 71 South Columbus, Texas (979) 733-0095

CHRISTIAN FREEMAN, M.D.

General Surgery

Surgical Associates, PLLC 1860 Hwy. 71 S. Columbus, Texas (979) 732-6552

JULIO AREBALO, M.D., FACS

Family Medicine

CCH Emergency Dept. 110 Shult Drive Columbus, Texas (979) 732-2371

GABRIEL VALENCIA, M.D.

Ophthalmology

Columbus Eye Associates 100 Sweetbriar Lane Columbus, Texas (979) 732-5771

ARUN NAYAR, M.D.

Family Medicine

Columbus Medical Clinic 2122 Hwy 71 South Columbus, Texas (979) 732-2318

JAMES HRACHOVY, M.D.

Family Medicine

Columbus Medical Clinic 2122 Hwy 71 South Columbus, Texas (979) 732-2318

THOMAS MUELLER, M.D.

Family Medicine/Obstetrics

Columbus Medical Clinic 2122 Hwy 71 South Columbus, Texas (979) 732-2318

RAMASHILPA SUDIREDDY, M.D.

Orthopedics

CCH Professional Bldg. 2122 Hwy 71 South Columbus, Texas (979) 732-2371 ext. 556

SANDY BAHM, M.D.

Skin Care

Four Oaks Medical Bldg. 109 Shult Drive Columbus, Texas (979) 733-0238

ROBERT GOBERT, M.D.

Ophthalmology

Columbus Eye Associates 100 Sweetbriar Lane Columbus, Texas (979) 732-5771

LORI LEARNED, M.D.

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Colorado County Visitors’ Guide

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Sites of interest ...

United Daughters of the Confederacy 1883 Confederate Memorial Museum SW corner of the courthouse square • Columbus Housed in the city’s original water tower, the building now resembles a castle turret. The museum includes unusual historic items from throughout Colorado County, including ladies’ mourning jewelry, rare china, military uniforms and a three-barrel shotgun.

We’re here with a helping hand because “everyone needs a little TLC every now and then!”

1511 Montezuma St. • Columbus

(979) 733-0500 www.tlc-columbus.com

1836 Alley Log Cabin & Antique Tool Museum 1224 Bowie St. • Columbus Telephone: (979) 732-8385 • Fee: No fee This square-notch, fully furnished 1836 log cabin is an excellent example of Texas Colonial Period. The cabin was built, just after the Runaway Scrape, by one of the original "Old 300" settlers brought to Texas by Stephen F. Austin. It is one of the oldest surviving structures built during the Texas Revolution just after General Sam Houston ordered the area's buildings to be burned to the ground.

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Spring/Summer 2011

Colorado County Visitors’ Guide

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Sites of interest ... Live Oak Art Center (1891 bRUNSON bUiLDiNG) 1014 Milam St. • Columbus Telephone: 979-732-8398 http://www.liveoakartcenter.org/ Fee: No charge. Donations accepted Dates: Call for current exhibit schedule Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 10am-5pm In 1848, Scotsman Robert Robson built a castle on the river and began providing homes to local and itinerant artists. Today, creative spirits can rejuvenate at the Live Oak Art Center, housed in the historic Brunson Building downtown. Established by local citizens in 1954, the gallery shines as a beacon for new and aspiring artists and art livers by providing workshops for all ages, hosting rotating exhibits, and maintaining an outstanding permanent collection. Of special interest are the ‘meet the artist’ socials and exhibit openings. The building and adjoining patio also serve as a meeting facility for weddings, galas and other special events.

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2020 Milam Street in Columbus 979-732-2385

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1001 Milam • Columbus

(979) 732-2003 100 Commerce • Eagle Lake

(979) 234-5591


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Colorado County Visitors’ Guide

Spring/Summer 2011

Annual events ...

Art, architecture and wildflowers • April Join us in April as we celebrate Texas’ annual bluebonnet season with a month of activities that will delight the senses and make you wish spring lasted all year long. This month features bike rides, 5k runs, architectural homes tours, artists studio tours, theater performances, lectures and, of course, plenty of leisure time to stroll the countryside and enjoy the beautiful wildflowers of Central Texas. Call 979-732-8385 for a schedule of events and to learn about the best wildflower viewing routes.

Trailhead Family Festival Texas Historical Shootist Society • www.thss.org Gunsmoke, Texas Four miles north of I-10 on Hwy 71 at Columbus; 1 mile west on FM 1890 Featured in Shootists Magazine (2005) and on the Outdoor Channel (2005) the Texas Historical Shootist Society has gained national recognition as one of the premier Western Action Shooting facilities in the country. The THSS works to preserve the history of the old west through period dress and through the multi-faceted shooting spot in which contestants compete with firearms typical of those used in the taming of the Old West: The organization hosts a monthly shoot at its facility on the third Sunday, and each spring hosts “Trailhead,” a family-oriented festival that features action shooting, food and vendor booths and lots of socializing.

THE FALLS Resort & Golf Club “The Best Drive of your Life” Lodging • Championship Golf • Swimming • Tennis • Casual & Fine Dining • Special Events & Catering Top Rated Course in Texas

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Call today for your FREE destination packet! Don’t leave Colorado County without a visit – only 13 miles north of Columbus on FM 109.

The Cascades RESTAURANT is open Thurs.-Sat. 5pm – 9pm & Snack Bar 8 am – 4 pm

NEW ULM • 978-992-3123 • www.thefallsresort.com


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Colorado County Visitors’ Guide

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Annual events ...

Live Oak Festival (Music and art) Downtown Columbus Telephone: 979-732-8385 This spring festival will be back in 2012 when renovations to the courthouse are completed. First begun as a showcase for the area’s artistic talent, the festival has grown to include Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo performers, music, food and the presentation of the beautiful Magnolia Belles.

Medical Skin Care Services including: • Evaluation and treatment/removal of skin lesions, including: pre-cancer sun damage spots, keratoses, skin tags, moles, rosacea, warts and eczema

• Office surgery for skin cancers • Acne management • Full body survey for skin cancers and conditions

CHARLES ROBERT GOBERT, M.D. Board Certified in Family Practice Practice Limited To Teenage and Adult Skin Disorders and Aesthetics

Fourth of July Celebration Columbus Chamber of Commerce Visit www.columbustexas.org for more details. Hosted by the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, this annual Independence Day festivity boasts being the ‘oldest’ celebration of its kind in Texas. A spectacular fireworks display, live entertainment, food and drinks make the Fourth of July an evening to remember for the entire family.

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• Laser permanent hair reduction • Skin Tyte laser treatments for firmer, more youthful looking skin • Glo Minerals Make-up and Glo Therapeutecs Professional Skin Care

JUDY WERLAND Aesthetician

Monday - Thursday 9am-5pm. Friday 9am-Noon

109 Shult Drive • Suite 207 • Columbus • 979-733-0238


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Colorado County Visitors’ Guide

Spring/Summer 2011

Annual events ...

Colorado County Fair Colorado County Ag Complex Hwy 71 • Columbus www.coloradocountyfair.org Scheduled annually each fall, this event features nationally known entertainers, rodeos, parades, antique tractor and engine shows, the Fair Queen contest, an art/photography display and needlework, handicrafts, baked goods and floriculture contests. Rodeo events run from Wednesday to Sunday and include invitational round-robin steer roping, 50 head bull riding and CPRA rodeo.

Plants • Metal and Yard Art Pottery • Gifts • Floral • More!

Sheila Grigar 700 South Eagle | Weimar, Texas 78962 www.thefrontyardweimar.com

Ladies Night Out 5 to 9 p.m. • December 1 Columbus • Telephone: 979-732-8385 The Christmas spirit comes alive Thursday, Dec. 1 as numerous area merchants participate in ‘Ladies Night Out.’ During the annual event, sponsored by the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, merchants will keep their doors open late for Christmas shoppers, often with door prizes and refreshments for customers including wine on the Wine Walk. Participants may purchase a souvenir wine glass at the chamber office and receive samples of wine at participating shops. Vendors will have booths in the Buddy Rau Room of the Stafford Opera House as well.


Spring/Summer 2011

Colorado County Visitors’ Guide

Shopping, Services ...

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we’ve got it all!

HOTELS

rV ParkS

Columbus Inn 2208 Hwy 71 S • I-10 Exit 696 • Columbus 79-732-5723 This AAA-approved motel has 72 spacious guest rooms, ample parking, an outdoor pool and restaurant on site.

Columbus RV Park 1011 New World Dr. • Columbus 979-732-6455 • 800-657-6108 columbusrvpark.1@sbcglobal.net www.columbusrvpark.net Park has 50+ sites available, all pull through. Full hook ups are available: 30-50 AMP service. Free wi-fi, free cable, four washers and dryers are available, restrooms are kept very clean and well decorated with city water and city sewer on-site. Enjoy peace and quiet with no train or highway noise. Columbus RV Park is within walking distance of seven eateries with the closest store within walking distance at only 200 feet. Columbus RV Park sits on 12 quiet acres keeping you remote yet close to all of the amenities that Columbus has to offer!

Comfort Inn 2535 Highway 71 S • Columbus 979-732-3785 • www.comfortinn.com Relax and unwind at Comfort Inn and Suites in Columbus. Inviting rooms are just ahead! After a long day of travel, you’ll start to relax the moment you walk into the warm, welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy all of the amenities you require including soft, coy bedding, free breakfast, swimming pool and free internet access. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!

Country Hearth Inn 2436 Hwy 71 S, I-10 & Hwy 71 S, Exit 696 Columbus • Fax: 979-732-6211 979-732-6293 • 888-325-7817 www.countryhearth.com This charming, locally owned and operated motel has 40 spacious guest rooms, and incredible breakfast, lobby with fireplace, free local calls, internet access and HBO, CNN and ESPN.

BEd & BrEakfaSTS

Cummins Creek Guest House 1013 Dungens Mill Rd. • Columbus 979-732-3589 • www.ccguesthouse.com waldine@ccguesthouse.com Cummins Creek Guest House is a two-bedroom (1 twin, 1 double, 1 queen) country house in the country with Cummins Creek access on 400+ acres. Property is located seven miles east of Fayetteville. Fishing is available.

The Little Red House Bed & Breakfast 634 Spring St. • Columbus 979-732-2726 • www.magnoliaoaks.com Next door to Magnolia Oaks is the charming 1860s German Saltbox cottage named The Little Red House. The cottage has a roomy suite, the Flag Suite, which has two bedrooms each with queen beds as well as a sunny sitting porch and bath. The suite accommodates from two to four people. The Upper Room of The Little House has two double beds with bath downstairs. The Little Red House common room has an historic painted ceiling of Texas wildflowers and the Texas star.

Magnolia Oaks Bed & Breakfast 634 Spring St. • Columbus 979-732-2726 • www.magnoliaoaks.com You’ll find true southern hospitality at this 1890 Eastlake Victorian home in the heart of historic Columbus. Gingerbread porches shaded by massive oaks and magnolia trees offer pleasant afternoons. You’ll be intrigued by the true Texana décor that fills both Magnolia Oaks and The Little Red House next door. Member of the Historic Accommodations of Texas. Prairie Street Heritage House 1118 Prairie St. • Columbus 979-732-5555 Turn of the century charm can be found at this newly restored 1890 heritage house. Located in the historic district, you will find accommodations that sleep up to eight. Guests will enjoy a leisurely continental breakfast in the midst of period furnishings and an occasional afternoon tea served in the Camellia Room. Prairie Street Heritage House will gladly host weddings, receptions, showers and other special events.

arEa dINING

Beckey’s Café 1237 Bowie • Columbus Telephone: 979-732-5553 Beckey’s is right up there when it comes to hometown cooking and small town charm. Get there early in the morning and you can get a cup of coffee along with the latest news on what’s happening in the area. Homestyle lunches and real made-from-scratch pies and desserts are available daily. If you’re looking for a place to experience the local culture, this is it.

Cascades Restaurant at The Falls Golf Course & Resort 1750 North Falls Dr. • New Ulm 979-992-3123 • www.thefallsresort.com Venture out to The Cascades for fine dining at this premier 18-hole golf course and resort. Voted by San Antonio Express News as “Best Hidden Gem,” the tranquil beauty of the solid cedar and pine forests, lakes connected by cascading waterfalls that wind throughout the golf course property, and a wonderful array of domestic and exotic animals combine to provide guests with an unparalleled sense of serenity.


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Shopping, Services ...

Los Cabos Mexican Restaurant 2101 Milam • Columbus 979-732-9744 Dine in or take out, this Mexican food restaurant features colorful food and décor, both just right MEXICAN GRILL for those with hearty appetites. Stop by and be instantly transported to a small Mexican villa complete with authentic food and a full bar.

Los Cabos

Dean’s Café On The Square • Columbus 979-733-8686 Dean’s is proud to offer unique, pressed Cuban sandwiches to area residents that can’t stop coming back for more! Located right in the heart of downtown Columbus across from the historic Colorado County courthouse, Dean’s motto is “not spicy food, just tasty food.” Menus items include pressed Cuban sandwiches, wraps, soups, sides, desserts and assorted beverages. Vegetarian items are available. Local owners take pride in their food and know that you’ll keep coming back for more! Formosa Chinese Restaurant 2208 Hwy. 71 • (near the Columbus Inn) Columbus • 979-732-2398 Served with steamed or fried rice, Formosa offers perennial favorites such as General Tso’s chicken, Mongolian Beef and Lemon Chicken, along with specialty items such as Seafood with Asian Stew Cream and Woo Shi Ribs. Vegetarian and children’s plates are available. Hruska’s Store & Bakery 109 W. State Hwy 71 • Ellinger 979-378-2333 Stop by Hruska’s and stroll back into Czech history to enjoy local treats like pig-in-theblankets and warm kolaches. Varieties of indulgences include sausage with jalapeno cheese, pan sausage with sauerkraut, cherry cream cheese puffs, along with many more mouthwatering pastries and skrumptions. Also included in the store are holiday gift items, UT and A&M collectibles and a variety of home décor items. Keyser’s Meat Market 1116 Milam • Downtown Columbus 979-732-2658 Use the term “old fashioned meat market” in the strictest sense of the phrase and you’ll know right away what Keyser’s is all about. Stop by to pick up smoked meats, ham, turkey or a party tray, then order a sandwich to go while you’re waiting. Kolaches and fresh bakery items are also available every day!

McDonald’s 2421 Hwy 71 South Columbus 979-732-8293 Mikeska’s Bar-B-Q Jerry Mikeska 4053 Hwy 90 East, Exit 698 Columbus • 979-732-2293 www.jerrymikeska.com Owned by Jerry Mikeska, the building’s “somewhat octagon” shaped design is based on an old dance hall. As much a museum as a restaurant, it would be easy to get distracted by the vast collection of exotic animals on display, except that the food is just so darn good!

Nancy’s Steak House 2536 Hwy 71 S. • Columbus 979-732-9700 Enjoy a fine dining experience at this locally owned and operated restaurant situated within walking distance of area lodging. Nancy’s offers a full menu that includes an appetizing selection of soups, salads, sizzling steaks, seafood platters and pasta entrees. Nancy’s also sports a full bar so that you may enjoy your favorite mixed drink, foreign or domestic beer or a classic margarita with your meal. Take note of the interesting Western décor, which was designed by several Columbus area artists and designers. Pickett’s Bar-B-Q 48001 I-10 West, Exit 698 • Alleyton Enjoy barbecue, ribs, chicken, burgers and wings. All smoked with our special Texasstyle sauce and packed with a flavor that will keep you coming back for more!

Roasters Chicken & Grill 1206 Fannin St. • Columbus (979) 733-WING If you are hungry for some home cooking, then you want to come eat with us! We are family owned and operated, and our goal is to offer a menu full of variety. In addition to be voted the “Best Fried Chicken in Colorado County” our customers say we have the best Hand-Breaded Chicken Fried Steak and Hamburgers they’ve ever had! Maybe you are watching the waistline or eating healthy...try one of our Grilled Chicken Plates or Signature Salads and Wraps. Dine in or sit outside on the deck under our 300 year old Live Oak tree. If you like to watch the news or your favorite sport event while dining, we have 2 TVs inside and 6 TVs on the deck. During football season have a beer and some hot wings, we air all the games on the NFL package. Wi-Fi available. Stop by we’ll make you feel right at home! Schobels’ Restaurant 2020 Milam • Columbus 979-732-2385 Within walking distance of area lodging, Schobels’ is frequented by a healthy mix of locals and visitors. Easily accessible and quick, it is consistently rated at the top of the list. While you’re there, don’t miss the mini exhibit of sports memorabilia and portraits. They are also able to accommodate bus parking and group tours. Serving homemade food for over 25 years!

COLUMBUS SHOPPING A-Trains & Birdie’s Doll House 1124 Milam • Downtown Columbus Telephone: 979-733-0392 Exceptional train and hobby store with toys, dolls, die cast cars, planes and more. Located on the square in downtown Columbus, this specialty shop maintains a unique inventory by carrying items generally not found on “super centers” and other major retail outlets.

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Shopping, Services ... Alexander Plant Farm 1214 Piney Woods Rd. • Alleyton 979-732-8311 www.alexanderplantfarm.com Known for it’s quality and customer service, this full service nursery is open to the public six days a week. Stop by and you’ll find an experienced and friendly nursery staff ready to provide advice, guidance and products to meet your home landscaping needs. Calico Hens 1419 Milam • Columbus 979-732-8348 • www.calicohens.com “Gifts for giving and keeping” since 1983. Calico Hens owner Gayle Coble has created a challenging combination of unique and hard to find gifts, accents for the home and garden, cards, stationary and more. Located in the Texas Historic Home, the “Montgomery House, “which was built in 1876, this typical Empire house is one of the older houses remaining in Columbus. Follow us on Facebook!

Cardinal Ice & Water 1031 Walnut St. • Columbus 979-942-0673 Open 24 hours. Fresh, filtered water and ice ready when you are. Bagged ice and water for refilling your one gallon and five gallon jugs available.

The Custom Shoppe 808 Front St. • Columbus 979-732-5254 Window fashions, interiors, picture framing, custom blinds, shutters, draperies and consulting. By appointment only, in shop or in your home, call today! Coleen Zimmerhanzel, Interior Designer and Consultant. Donna’s Attic 733 Walnut St. • Columbus 979-733-8864 Conveniently located near downtown Columbus, Donna’s Attic offers a nice selection of seasonal décor, as well as purses, jewelry and gift items. Donna’s Attic also has the ever-popular Yellow Box shoes.

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The Front Yard 700 S. Eagle • Weimar • 979-725-6772 Unique gardening and yard art that you won’t find anywhere else is what you’ll discover at The Front Yard in Weimar. Owner Sheila Grigar is always available to help you find gifts for a special friend, indoor and outdoor décor, rustic furnishings, trellises, fencing, crosses, wrought iron, and the finest selection of flowers, plants and hanging baskets in the area. New merchandise arrives weekly, year ‘round. Stop in and see us! Kay Klauber Candies 520 Walnut • Dowtown Columbus 979-732-3084 • 800-649-4059 kaycandy@wcnet.net www.kayklaubercandies.net Sweet in the heart of Texas! From creamy fudge to dreamy peanut brittle, Kay’s candies have been featured everywhere from presidential gift baskets to retail outlets throughout the nation. When your sweet tooth needs satisfying, stop. Mail orders are Kay’s specialty. LifeChek Pharmacy 109 Shult Dr. • Columbus • 979-732-2361 LifeChek offers warm and sincere customer service, quality gifts, home décor items and professional pharmacy service in a relaxed, clean and pleasing atmosphere. Bridal Registry and invitation printing service is available. M-G Implement 200 South Eagle • Weimar 979-725-8524 • 888-725-8524 mgimp@cvctx.net Marvin Gilbreath arrived in Weimar, Texas in 1938 with 15 cents looking for a job. After hard luck and odd jobs he started his own produce business M-G, buying and selling chickens and eggs. In 1940 he bought a small produce company. He then decided not only to buy the farmers produce, but to sell them feed and supplies. Over the years the Feed Mill and Farm Store were expanded and remodeled to accommodate the growing business. In 1994 the John Deere store was purchased and renamed M-G Implement. The new Feed Mill, located on I10, was completed in 2001 after two years of planning and over a year of construction.

Potter’s Western Store Henry Potter 2106 Hwy 71 South • Columbus Telephone: 979-732-2288 Owned and operated by Henry and Pam Potter, this cowboy (and cowgirl, too!) outfitter offers quality western clothing, boots, jeans, hats, leather goods, handbags, jewelry and gifts. Take a minute and let Henry steam your hat before you head on out the door. Now, you won’t get service like that just anywhere!

Quality Electronics 1310 Fannin St. • Columbus (979) 732-3750 Owners James and Marilyn Yearwood opened Quality Electronics in 1976. Quality Electronics offers well-known name television brands like LG, Sony, Aquos, Hitachi, Samsung and Memphis, Pioneer and JVC car electronics. They also carry GE and Hotpoint appliances. From televisions and HD DVRs to refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers, Quality Electronics has it all. They offer a full line of cellular phones and satellite dishes and systems by RCA and DirecTV. The Fannin Street store also offers XM satellite radio service. Service after sales is available by annually trained, certified technicians and Quality Electronics offers financing. Most major credit cards are accepted. Silver Barn 1120 Milam • Columbus • 979-732-6900 www.thesilverbarn.wordpress.com/ Silver Barn Antiques, Gifts and Interiors boasts a wide array of home décor items from antique furniture to new and unique furniture pieces designed to compliment the beautiful country setting surrounding the Columbus area, or even the condo in the city – that wishes it were in the country! Silver Barn also features many Texas artisans with a selection of one-of-a-kind products for the home, as well as the kitchen. One of the biggest selections of Texas foods will continue to evolve as owner, Cynthia SuttonStolle tastes her way across the state! Silver

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Shopping, Services ... Barn also features great products for the soul – from natural soaps and lotions to candles that are either soy or beeswaxbased. While assisting the needs of every day shoppers, Cynthia also assists brides with the largest bridal registry in Colorado County and a new bridal room, totally devoted to brides-to-be. Brands such as Lenox, Vietri, Gorham, Beatriz Ball fine silver and others are featured. Whatever you are searching for – be it for yourself or a loved one – a trip to the Silver Barn is certain to be an interesting journey.

StonesNSilver Studio Bead Shop 1038 Milam • Columbus 979-73BEADS www.StonesNSilverStudio.com Beading supplies, books and a huge selection of beads including gemstone, specialty glass, Swarovski crystal, seed beads and more. Jewelry making classes, demonstrations and workshops are held each month. For non-jewelry designers we offer a line of large hole beads to instantly create jewelry, beadable pens or add to your Pandora bracelets! Custom jewelry design & stringing services. Internet Cafe for travelers.

Sunshine Design 522 Spring • Columbus 979-253-2759 A different kind of shopping experience, just around the corner. Come see our selection of arts and crafts and schedule a class. We can plan both group and individual classes. We have an extensive baby department with many handmade items. Christmas ornaments are available all year. Our jewelry department includes genuine Southwest silver with turquoise and jewelry made by us. We also carry Texas souvenirs, aprons, baskets and small home décor. Everything under the sun!

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Walmart 2103 Milam St. • Columbus 79-732-8341 • www.walmart.com

rECrEaTION The Falls Golf Course and Resort 1750 North Falls Dr. • New Ulm 979-992-3123 www.thefallsresort.com The Gateway to the Hill Country is where you will find The Falls Golf Club and Resort, The Cascades Restaurant and a beautiful, private residential community. Experience a relaxed, tranquil atmosphere, Texas hospitality, picturesque views of the rolling Hill Country, wildlife, towering forests and a Championship Texas golf course. Chosen “Best Hidden Gem” by San Antonio Express News 2004. Call for rates, dates and hours of operation. Amenities include an 18-hole championship golf course, swimming, tennis, fishing center stocked with bass and catfish, overnight lodging and a conference center.

Splashway Water Park P.O. Box 85 • Sheridan • 979-234-7718 info@splashway.org • splashway.org A cool splash of family fun! Just south of Columbus, this 4.5-acre facility is hands-down one of the best ways around to beat the Texas heat! Hours are seasonal. Amenities include: Hurricane Hill – a 100 foot waterslide that empties into a 3.5 foot deep splash pool; 900 foot River, 3.5 feet deep, with current; 6,000 square foot Wave Pool; Beach Volleyball; Water Volleyball Pool; Kiddie Cove Playground for kids with tree house, slides, seven waterfalls and Willie the Whale; Minnow Pond – a toddler pool with button the butterfly, water slide and a giant water cascading mushroom; Sand Beach for sunbathers with lots of chairs and beach loungers; four 20 foot umbrellas; three shaded cabanas; 6,000 square foot pavilion for picnicking; showers; coin op lockers; a gift shop; full concession stand with food and drinks.

The Stafford Opera House 425 Spring St. • Columbus 979-732-5135 Please call for rates. Capacity is from 50 to 600. Amenities include: Historic Opera House; air conditioned meeting room with kitchen on first floor; air conditioned event facility with stage on second floor; disability accessible with an elevator to the second and third floors; round banquet tables; restrooms; limited AV facilities on site; business support services on site with fax, copies and internet access; downtown area street parking.

WEddINGS

Phoenix Bed & Breakfast 1626 Hodde Ln. • Columbus 979-733-0304 www.thephoenixrising.com The Phoenix Special Events Facility considers our brides family; it is an honor and privilege to participate in the planning and hosting of such an extraordinary occasion. Because we believe a wedding should bring families and friends together for more than a few hours, The Phoenix offers a breathtaking backdrop where you, your family and friends can spend up to four days sharing, celebrating and hosting the perfect country wedding.

SErVICES A.J. Struss Company Heating and Air Conditioning 101 East Main St. • Eagle Lake 979-234-2020 • 866-553-7259 www.ajstruss.com The A.J. Struss Company has been family owned and operated since 1921. They specialize in service, repair and installation of all makes and models. A.J. Struss has certified technicians that are experienced in both commercial and residential systems. Your satisfaction as a customer is their number one priority.


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Colorado County Visitors’ Guide

Shopping, Services ... Frnka Corp. A/C Sales and Appliances 1132 Milam • Downtown Columbus 979-732-3244 www.frnkacorp.com Offering a full line of air conditioning and heating units, installation and repair. All major brands of appliances are available for washers, dryers, refrigeration’s, freezers, ranges, dishwashers and microwaves. There is no benefit from shopping at the mega-outlets in the city when you can get the same brands at great prices from your local neighbors that are here working for you! Hot Iron Texas, LLC P.O. Box 246 • Columbus 979-732-6677 hotirontx@gmail.com Hot Iron Texas, LLC is the parent company of three businesses. Armadillo Portable Toilets provides “necessities” for parties, weddings, special events and construction sites. Texana Vacuum is available for septic cleaning and repairs, holding tanks rental and grease trap cleaning. Armadillo Land Clearing is the one to call for clearing, leveling and excavating. R&S Builders and Maintenance 102 Camp St. • Alleyton (979) 732-6690 R&S Builders and Maintenance was established in 1987 by Ronald and Shirley Freshour. R&S Builders and Maintenance offers a full line of carpentry, roofing, building, remodeling, additions, new construction, concrete and painting services. There is no job too small or too large. Free first-time estimates. San Bernard Electric Co-op 4285 Highway 71 S. • Columbus (979) 732-8346 www.sbec.org San Bernard Electric Cooperative, Inc. had its beginning in 1939, when several leaders from Austin and Colorado Counties became interested in securing service for their farms. As a result of their efforts, the cooperative was incorporated in November of 1939. Currently the Cooperative has over

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3,600 miles of line serving over 25,000 meters in parts of eight Texas counties – Austin, Colorado, Lavaca, Waller, Montgomery, Harris, Grimes and Fayette. San Bernard Electric Cooperative, Inc. no longer borrows government loan funds. When financing is required for system construction, funds are obtained from (CFC) a financial cooperative. San Bernard Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a distribution utility. The Cooperative does not own or operate any electrical generating plants. Instead, SBEC’s power requirements are purchased from the (LCRA) Lower Colorado River Authority and (CPS) City Public Service Energy and are distributed by San Bernard Electric to its members. Schneider Machine & Welding 3927 Highway 90 • Columbus (979) 732-2579 www.schneidermachineandwelding.com Offering In-Shop or On-Site Welding and Repairs for Oil, Mining and Farming Industries. Are you looking for top-quality welding services? Contact Schneider Machine & Welding for precision welding services and durable trailer parts from our shop. Schneider Machine & Welding is a family-ownedand-operated business that’s been providing customers with unparalleled welding services since 1963. Our owner, Henry, and his son, Will, are experienced welders who are more than happy to provide you with quality welding services at great rates. In addition, using state of the art Plasma Technology they can create beautiful custom artwork and nameplates for your gate or entrance. Texas Irrigation & Pipe LLC 1870 Frelsburg Rd. • Cat Spring Telephone: (979) 732-3970 Fax: (979) 732-5899 www.texasirrigation.com As licensed professionals in this industry, Whyman, Carolyn and Brian Psencik have an established reputation for customer satisfaction. The company specializes in residential and light commercial irrigation systems as well as schools and sports fields. Texas Irrigation & Pipe LLC provides a full range of services from project design to complete installation. They also have a full service department for all types of irrigation systems and have three licensed backflow testers on staff that can test and certify your backflow as well. TIP also has Water-Reel Irrigation Systems available for agricultural properties.

fINaNCIaL INSTITUTIONS Columbus State Bank 1102 Milam St. Columbus 979-732-5786 www.columbusstate.com The First State Bank 420 Walnut St. Columbus 979-732-2332 www.fsbcolumbus.com First National Bank Columbus Branch 1001 Milam St. Columbus 979-732-2003 www.fnbeaglelake.com Industry State Bank Main Branch 16886 Fordtran Blvd. • Industry 979-357-4437 www.isbtx.com Industry State Bank New Ulm Branch 1210 FM 109 • New Ulm 979-992-3391 www.isbtx.com Industry State Bank Columbus Branch – Opening in 2011 2015 Milam St. • Columbus 979-732-5626 www.isbtx.com

rEaLTOrS Dee Brabham 930 Walnut St. • Columbus (979) 733-2424 www.texasstarrealty.com Your inside source for all real estate needs! Marketing and promotions are my strengths. These skills are essential whether you are buying or selling a home, looking for commercial real estate - investment property, or desire a weekend get-away. A good realtor knows how to determine a client’s needs and give them all the options to meet those requirements. If I can help you with any of your real estate needs or if you have any questions about any area of real estate, I would be happy to help you!


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Shopping, Services ... Michelle Courtney, Realtor Texas Star Realty 930 Walnut St. • Columbus 979-733-8200 office 979-733-9009 fax 713-822-3635 cell michelle@texasstarrealty.com www.texasstarrealty.com Welcome to our beautiful town of Columbus! I hope you enjoy your stay! If I can help you with your real estate needs, please feel free to contact me.

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to serve clients & customers who are interested in selling and buying real estate in town, ranch property, a special weekend get-away, as well as commercial property for your new business! Through the years of working in the tri-county area, I have made so many wonderful friends through real estate deals and I appreciate their friendship and business. Whatever your real estate needs are, it is my pleasure to assist you contact me for professional and friendly service.

Nicola Hammett 930 Walnut St. • Columbus 979-733-4594 • 979-733-8200 Nicola@texasstarrealty.com www.texasstarrealty.com Hallmark Realty, LLC 312 Walnut St. • Columbus 979-732-8811 www.hallmark-realty.com The Hallmark ladies, Mary Ellen Prause, Owner/Assoc., Johnna Maertz, Owner/Broker/Associate, and Shannan Gerik, Sales/Assoc. (Joan Lasley, Owner/Broker not pictured) are known for their motto of call anytime – “We Are Always On Call.” Hallmark Realtors are proud of their reputation and are one of the oldest real estate companies in the area. Hallmark Realty works hard for their clients, are honest and appreciate their repeat business. Hallmark Realty specializes in homes in and out of town, lots for building homes or mobile home placement, commercial properties, ranches of all sizes, and even rental properties. Jolyn Goolsby, Realtor Texas Star Realty 930 Walnut St. • Columbus 979-733-8200 Office 979-733-9009 Fax 979-733-4851 Cell jolyn@texasstarrealty.com www.texasstarrealty.com Hello and welcome to Columbus! Our beautiful town is known for Live Oaks, Bluebonnets, and Rolling Pastures - all within an easy drive from Katy and Houston. I’m here continued ...

Tri-County Realty, LLC 707 South Eagle • Weimar 979-725-6006 www.tricountyrealestate.com Serving Colorado, Fayette and Lavaca counties. Listing on Tri-County’s web site include farm and ranch, acreage, lots, residential and commercial. One of the most trusted names in the business, you won’t regret calling on Tri-County for all of your real estate needs throughout Colorado County and beyond. Linda Woodward 930 Walnut St. • Columbus 979-733-6409 • 979-733-8200 linda@texasstarrealty.com www.texasstarrealty.com Welcome to beautiful, historic Columbus. In 1993, my family and I relocated to this area from San Antonio. We have thoroughly enjoyed the small community atmosphere that Columbus offers. If I can be of assistance to you in buying or selling your real estate, please give me a call. You can rest assured that your real estate needs will be met with utmost in professionalism.

CIVIC OrGaNIZaTIONS Columbus Chamber of Commerce 1st Floor of the Stafford Opera House 425 Spring St. • Downtown Columbus 979-732-8385 kim@columbuschamber.org www.columbustexas.org This organization promotes local member businesses through networking, ribbon cuttings, mixers, offering seminars and by sponsoring a business directory of current members. Some of the special events planned annually are the Columbus Bridal Expo, Junk in the Park, Membership Appreciation Banquet, Ladies Night Out and Breakfast with Santa. RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES SENIOR CARE Oak Bluff Village 1513 Montezuma St. • Columbus (979) 732-6983 Oak Bluff Village is a senior housing community. Residents enjoy access to various amenities and services designed for healthy and social living. There are regularly planned group activities and special events. Seniors choose to live at Oak Bluff Village because of the peace of mind it affords them.

TLC – Trucare Living Centers 1511 Montezuma St. • Columbus Telephone: 979-733-0500 www.tlc-columbus.com At the heart of our facility lies a skilled team of professionals who are committed to caring for the physical, mental, and social well being of each resident we serve. We’re here with a helping hand because everyone needs a little TLC now and then. We are a 104 bed nursing facility, licensed by the State of Texas to operate as a skilled nursing facility. We employ over 100 qualified staff members to help meet the needs of our residents. We are certified to participate as a provider of Medicare and Medicaid services by the federal agency, CMS. It all starts with one phone call. Call about our available beds or simply arrange for a free tour of our facility.


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Shopping, Services ... MEdICaL

Columbus Community Hospital Shult Drive Columbus 979-732-2371 www.columbusch.com Columbus Community Hospital is a 40bed, acute care medical and surgical facility recognized throughout the community as a comprehensive health care organization. As a rural hospital, Columbus offers its patients the best that advanced technology has to offer combined with the warm personalized care of a hometown facility. Our patients can expect “your health matters” continuity of care administered in a caring and friendly environment by dedicated professionals wholly committed to serving them. As one of largest employers in Columbus, CCH maintains a significant contribution to the economic health of the surrounding area. Every member of the Columbus Community Hospital staff is committed to a common goal: effectively meeting the needs of patients and their families. Through an emphasis on innovative service and top quality care, Columbus Community Hospital is positioned to meet the health care challenges now and in the future. Columbus Medical Clinic 2122 Hwy 71 South Columbus 979-732-2318 Four Oaks Medical Clinic 109 Shult Dr. Columbus 979-732-5794 Charles Robert Gobert, M.D. Judy Werland, Aesthetician 109 Shult Drive Suite 207 Columbus 979-733-0238 Dr. Gobert is board certified in family practice and limits his practice to teenage and adult skin disorders and aesthetics. Together, Dr. Gobert and Judy Werland offer medical skin care services and medical cosmetic procedures. Revitalize your skin today!

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Sharon Hanzelka, R.M.T., C.Ht 738B Walnut St. • Columbus 979-732-8888 Cell: 979-732-4614 sharonhanzelka@cmaaccess.com Sharon offers therapeutic massage, cranial sacral therapies, reflexology, hypnosis and prenatal massage. Established in 1990. VETERINARY SERVICES

Colorado Valley Veterinary Services, PA 1391 Bus. Hwy. 71 • Columbus 979-732-9981 www.coloradovalleyvetservices.com Michael Ridlen, DVM, of CVVS provides routine and specialized diagnostics, therapeutics and surgical services for large and small animals with a helpful and friendly staff. CVVS has four full-time and one part-time employee, so they have ample hands to assist with whatever your animal needs. Ridlen is a 1997 Cum Laude graduate of Texas A&M College of Veterinary medicine and has 11 years experience practicing large and small animal medicine. Your pets are members of your family. When they are not feeling their best, the entire family is affected. Maintaining your pets’ good health and wellbeing is our primary goal at the Colorado Valley Veterinary Services. Dr. Ridlen is also pleased to provide complete medical and surgical services for your livestock.

aUTO dEaLErS Tommie Vaughn Auto Country 4860 Interstate 10 • Columbus 979-732-2353 www.tommievaughnautocountry.com Tommie Vaughn Auto Country is a Full Service Ford, Mercury, Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep Dealer located in Columbus Texas, offering a full line of new vehicles and a large selection of good quality pre-owned vehicles. At Tommie Vaughn Auto Country, we are committed to making Customer Satisfaction our #1 Priority! Our customer friendly attitude - combined with good people, no hassle, and honest dealing has enabled us to be the sales leader in our area year after year.

INSUraNCE PrOVIdErS The Baumgart Agencies 1127 Bowie St. • Columbus 979-732-2808 columbus@baumgartinsurance.com www.baumgartinsurance.com

Citizen State Farm Insurance Randy Schulte 1135 Fannin • Columbus 979-732-8327 www.randyschulte.com

The

NEWSPaPErS

Colorado County

The Colorado County Citizen 513 Spring St. • Columbus 979-732-2304 www.coloradocountycitizen.com

CHUrCHES

Calvary Baptist Church 710 S. Eagle • Weimar 979-725-6832 www.calvarybaptistweimar.org Bible Study: Sunday 9:30 a.m.; Worship Service: Sunday 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m.; Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 6:30 p.m.; Nursery Care Provided More than a church – we’re also a family and you are welcome. Christ Church – Episcopal 304 East Stockbridge • Eagle Lake 979-234-3437 Holy Eucharist Sunday, 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Children,10:10 a.m.; Bible Study, Wednesday 6 p.m.

Christian Gospel Church


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Colorado County Visitors’ Guide

Shopping, Services ... Christian Gospel Church 100 Camp • Alleyton 979-732-3019 Pastor Earl Pruitt Sunday School: 10 a.m.; Worship: 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday Worship: 7 p.m. First Baptist Church 1700 Milam St. • Columbus 979-732-6261 Sunday School: 9:45 a.m.; Services: 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wednesday: 6 p.m.

First United Methodist – Weimar 301 W. St. Charles St. • Weimar Service 10 a.m. Sundays; We are a small church with a big heart and bigger dreams. Our worship is informal and upbeat…all are welcome, just as you are. St. John’s Episcopal Church 915 Travis St. • Columbus 979-732-2590 www.stjohncolumbus.org Follow us on Facebook! Bible Study: Sunday 9:30 a.m.; Worship: Sunday 11 a.m.; Rev. Dr. Sharon Turner invites you to come make yourself at home and find that’s exactly where you are! St. John’s family welcomes you to join us in serving God by serving others. We are located one block northeast of the courthouse on Travis Street.

Editor/Publisher: Cindy Parkhurst Managing Editor: Fernando Castro advertising: Michelle Howard Bookkeeper: Shirley Freshour Type setting: Dani Parkhurst

we’ve got it all!

St. Paul Lutheran Church 201 Veterans Dr. • Columbus 979-732-2423 Saturday Worship: 7 p.m.; Sunday Worship: 9 a.m.; Contemporary Service: 11 a.m.; Sunday School: 10:05 a.m.; St. Paul Lutheran is an ELCA congregation whose vision is to connect people with Jesus Christ and with one another. Trinity Lutheran Church of Frelsburg 2309 FM 1291 • New Ulm 979-732-3987 Sunday: 9 a.m.; Trinity Lutheran Church of Frelsburg has served the community with religious worship since 1855. We invite you to join us this Sunday in fellowship and Christian worship. Also visit Grace Lutheran Church of Eagle Lake.

NaIL SaLONS Columbus Nails 1123 Fannin St. • Columbus 979-733-8893 Voted “Best Manicure” in Colorado County. A full service salon, they are happy to offer manicures, pedicures, acrylic and solar nails and waxing. No appointment is necessary, so stop in today and discover for yourself why Columbus Nails was voted number one! Star Nails & Spa 1532 Fannin St. • Columbus 979-732-5800 Star Nails & Spa offers solar nails, sculptured nails, eyelash extensions, manicures, waxing, pedicures, facials, massage and microderm abrasion. Always clean and professional – your absolute satisfaction is guaranteed. Star Nails is always happy to be open on Sundays for those on a busy weekday schedule.

Citizen

The

Spring/Summer 2011

Colorado County

Your hometown news source since 1857 513 Spring St. • P.O. Box 548 • Columbus Phone: 979-732-2304 • Fax 979-732-8804

www.coloradocountycitizen.com

HaIr SaLONS Trimmer’s Den 301 Walnut • Columbus 979-732-3741 A place where we take pride in making our customers look good and feel like family. We provide haircuts, colors,perms, foil coloring, styles, facials, microdermabrasions, Ipeels and waxing. Come on in and enjoy a relaxing time with Melody Siewert owner-stylist, Loraine Gast stylist and Ginny Peach stylist-facialist.

EXPLOSIVES/EdUCaTION Bonetti Explosives 1186 Smith Rau Rd. • Columbus 979-739-5597 www.bonettiexplosives.com Come watch the professionals at Bonetti Explosives provide a day of exciting learning in a safe and fun environment! Feel the awesome power of high explosives like TNT shake the ground. See the pyrotechnic display and witness the destructive power of explosives first hand. Receive a basic introduction to various types of explosives (high and low) and follow in the footsteps of a modern day Alfred Nobel. Lunch and official Bonetti Explosives T-shirts available and “souvenirs” of the blasts can be taken home. Demonstrations can be scheduled anytime during daylight hours. We can accommodate for large or small groups. This would be the perfect unique outing for a small family adventure or for a large group looking to have a blast! Come enjoy a day in the country...but don’t expect too much peace and quiet.


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Annual Events ... Live Oaks & Dead Folks Cemetery Tour Hosted at local cemetery each fall; Date and location vary. Sponsored by the Nesbitt Memorial Library www.columbustexas.net/library The legendary and century-old feuds of Colorado County are so fascinating that someone once wrote a book about them. Annually, the Nesbitt Memorial Library conducts the “Live Oaks & Dead Folks Cemetery Tour,” during which casts of characters who lived through such memorable times spring to life through the eyes of history and the voices of local re-enactors. Participate in the tour and you’ll meet the ghosts of Columbus’ past whose strange, heroic and sometimes tragic tales will have you wiping away tears of both joy and sorrow. This event is a fun and unique way to learn about Texas history, while celebrating those who lived through it.

Relax & Unwind Inviting rooms are just ahead

Junk in the Park beason’s Park on the Colorado River Tentatively scheduled for April 14, 2012 Sponsored by the Columbus Chamber of Commerce A version of a citywide garage sale, “Junk in the Park,” is a chance to gather in Beason’s Park where participants can sell items, crafts and collectibles. Whether it’s antiques, something new, or simply the garage sale “stuff” you’ve been boxing up for sale, think about your participation in the Chamber’s Junk in the Park next Spring.

Large or Small, we care for them all

COLORADO VALLEY VETERINARY SERVICES Michael Ridlen, DVM 1391 Bus. Hwy 71 Columbus, TX 78934

Office (979)732-9981 Fax (979) 733-9755

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2535 Highway 71 S • Columbus 979-732-3785 • www.choicehotels.com

www.coloradovalleyvetservices.com


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Prairie Chicken Fest...

est. 1912

T

he Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge between Eagle Lake and Sealy has its annual Attwater’s Prairie Chicken Festival, usually in April. The male Attwater’s prairie chicken is known for its distinctive courtship dance. The festival is a great opportunity for the public to come out and see the dance for themselves. Over a century ago, one million Attwater’s prairie-chickens graced the Texas and Louisiana gulf coastal prairie. Each spring, males gathered to perform an elaborate courtship ritual. They inflated their yellow air sacs and emitted a strange, booming sound across a sea of grasses. Today, less than one percent of coastal prairies remain. With so little of its home left, the Attwater’s prairie-chicken has come dangerously close to following the passenger pigeon to extinction. The Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge offers one of the last hopes for survival of this endangered bird. You may not see the birds, but they are here, valiantly struggling to keep their species alive. Although times are still tough for the endangered Attwater’s prairie chicken, there is still hope for their survival as long as there are people who are willing to help try to protect them. Through the conservation efforts of numerous wildlife organizations, as well as the help of caring volunteers, these birds are getting their chance to take a step towards survival, however small that first step may be.

GRILL & DELI • Pig-in-the-Blankets • Cookies • Kolaches • Puffs • Skrumptions • Gift Shop • UT & A&M •Unique Holiday Décor

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Gedenke ...

W

eimar’s annual spring festival will have plenty of entertainment from the area The Weimar Chamber of Commerce has gathered talent from the area and beyond for the Weimar Gedenke May 6-7. Entertainers include The Telstars, The Night Shift Band, Southbound 955 and Chris Rybak. The Telstars, which Rural Texas Tourism, LLC has stated is a “tradition” to Texas, is a band that has been around since the early 1960s. Some of their selections of music are golden oldies, rock and country. Performances have included weddings, dances, private functions, benefits, rodeos and a multitude of festivals. Southbound 955 hails from Fayetteville and became connected when performing at an FFA talent contest. Their style is in Texas country, traditional and southern rock. Chris Rybak primarily performs on accordion but plays on keyboard or even a trumpet as well. His expertise includes bluegrass, Cajun, country, folk, oldies, polka, TexMex and Zydeco. “When thinking about the music I play,” Chris says, “you find that there aren’t just songs, but are stories from people’s lives, the joys, hardships, struggles. We’re going to introduce our audience at the Gedenke to a special sing-a-long that is guaranteed to be memorable.” “Since the Weimar Gedenke means a ‘time remembered’ and has become a popular celebration of cultures to the community, it was quite natural for local musical talent to be chosen for this year’s entertainment,” says Sandra Michna, executive director for the Weimar Chamber of Commerce. The schedule for Friday’s musical entertainment is DJ Johnny Loco and Southbound 955. The battle dance will be held Saturday evening, with the Telstars and Night Shift bands ringing the sounds of a hometown celebration. In addition to the line-up of entertainers, other featured activities include Arts and Crafts, a barbecue cook-off, pie contest, 5K family run and walk, festival parade, games and activities for all ages, and the pageant. For schedules, forms for the activities or other information, contact the Weimar Chamber of Commerce at 979725-9511 or weimarcc@cvctx.com. Application information for the parade, 5K, arts and crafts, or sponsorships may be found at www.weimartx.org.

Historic B & B's Magnolia Oaks

Little Red House

~Retreats~ ~Small Weddings~ ~Parties~ Magnolia Oaks and Little Red House Bed & Breakfasts 2 blocks from historic square

Columbus www.magnoliaoaks.com 979 732 2726 • 979-732-1256


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Who to call ... UTILITIES: City of Columbus (979) 732-2366 605 Spring St. • Columbus City of Weimar (979) 725-8554 106 E. Main • Weimar City of Eagle Lake (979) 234-2640 100 E. Main • Eagle Lake Glidden Water District (979) 732-8855 200 Clayborne • Glidden New Ulm Water Supply (979) 992-3699 Sheridan Water Corp. (979) 234-7422

ELECTrICITy: San Bernard Electric (979) 732-8346 (800) 364-3171 Hwy 71 S. • Columbus CPL Retail Energy (866) 322-5563 AEP Texas (877) 373-4858 Outages - (866) 223-8508

TXU Energy (866) 585-4898

GaS: Centerpoint Energy (800) 427-7142

TELEPHONE: AT&T (800) 288-2020 - New (800) 246-8464 - Repair

SCHOOLS: Columbus ISD: Administration: (979) 732-5704 Elementary ................732-2078 Jr. High ......................732-2891 High School ...............732-5746 St. Anthony Catholic School (979) 732-5505 Weimar ISD: Administration: (979) 725-9504 Elementary ................725-6009 Jr. High ......................725-9515 High School ...............725-9504

Icy Cold. Deliciously Bold. Iced Mocha.

Rice CISD: Administration: (979) 234-6311 Eagle Lake Primary ...234-3587 Middle School............234-3501 High School ...............234-3535 Garwood Elem ..........758-3385 Sheridan Elem...........234-7334 St. Michael Catholic School (979) 725-8461

COUNTy OffICES: County Judge (979) 732-2604 400 Spring St. • Columbus Commissioner Pct. 1 (979) 234-2071 Commissioner Pct. 2 (979) 725-8416 Commissioner Pct. 3 (979) 732-3270 Commissioner Pct. 4 (979) 234-2633 County Attorney (979) 732-8203 County Clerk (979) 732-2155 District Clerk (979) 732-2536

Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 (979) 234-2734 Justice of the Peace Pct. 2 (979) 725-8833 Justice of the Peace Pct. 3 (979) 732-8725 Justice of the Peace Pct. 4 (979) 234-2042

STaTE OffICES: Drivers License Office: (979) 732-3451 Texas Workforce: (979) 732-3299

Emergency: Call 911 POLICE: Colorado County Sheriff (979) 732-2388 Columbus Police Dept. (979) 732-3351 Eagle Lake Police Dept. (979) 234-2727 Weimar Police Dept. (979) 725-8060 Department of Public Safety (979) 732-3651

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Chamber Directory ... A to Z Printing & Graphic Design 979-733-9400 phone atozprinting@yahoo.com 1506 Fannin Columbus, TX 78934 Adcock Construction Co. 979-732-3462 phone neal@adcockconstruction.com 3349 FM 109 Columbus, TX 78934 AL&M Building Supply 979-732-2323 phone 538 Walnut Columbus, TX 78934 Amanda Danning Brasher 979-863-2979 phone amandadanning@gmail.com 1050 Buescher Rd. Columbus, TX 78934 A-Trains Hobby Store 979-733-0392 phone birdief@wcnet.net P.O. Box 986 Columbus, TX 78934 B and B Fence Company 979-733-4173 phone bbfencing@hotmail.com 2105 Walnut Columbus, TX 78934 Baumgart Agencies 979-732-2808 phone 1127 Bowie Street Columbus, TX 78934 Beckey’s Cafe 979-732-5553 phone 1237 Bowie St. Columbus, TX 78934 The Atrium Inn & Suites 979-732-3785 phone djmody08@hotmail.com 2535 Hwy 71 S. Columbus, TX 78934

Botts Title Company 979-732-8881 phone katiem@bottstitle.com 514 Walnut Street Columbus, TX 78934

Colorado County Youth & Family Services 979-732-8355 phone 1336 Fannin Columbus, TX 78934

Brookshire Bros. 979-732-8208 phone 1400 Fannin St. Columbus, TX 78934

Colorado Valley Vet. 979-732-9981 phone 1391 Bus. Hwy 71 Columbus, TX 78934

Brown Distributing Company 979-968-8481 phone 204 West Fannin LaGrange, TX 78945

Columbus Animal Clinic 979-732-5758 phone 923 Walnut Street Columbus, 78934

Calico Hens 979-732-8348 phone 1419 Milam Street Columbus, TX 78934

Columbus Arms, Ltd 979-732-2144 phone 1880 Hwy 71 South Columbus, TX 78934

Cantus’ Restaurant & Bar 979-732-5757 phone 2102-A Milam Columbus, TX 78934

Columbus Butane Co. 979-732-2074 phone 1340 Walnut Columbus, TX 78934

Capital Farm Credit (979)543-3327 phone 1807 N Mechanic El Campo, TX 77437

Columbus Car Wash 979-733-2447 phone Columbus, TX 78934

Charles Robert Gobert, M.D. 979-733-0238 phone www.dragobert@sbcglobal.net 109 Shult Drive, Suite 207 Columbus, TX 78934 City of Columbus 979-732-2366 phone www.columbusTX.net 605 Spring St. Columbus, TX 78934 Coldwell Banker-West Oaks 979-732-2700 phone 2116 A Business Hwy 71 S, Columbus, TX 78934

Columbus Community Hospital 979-732-2371 phone www.columbusch.org 109 Shult Drive Columbus, TX 78934 Columbus Eye Associates 979-732-5771 phone 110 Sweetbriar Columbus, TX 78934 Columbus Historical & Preservation Trust 979-732-8386 phone 425 Spring Street Columbus, TX 78934

Columbus Livestock Company 732-2622 phone P.O.Box 847 Columbus, TX 78934 Columbus Lions Club www.columbuslionsclub.org P.O. Box 532 Columbus, TX 78934 Columbus Nursing & Rehabilitation 979-732-5716 phone 103 Sweetbriar Lane Columbus, TX 78934 Columbus Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation 979-732-8280 phone 108 Shult Dr. Columbus, TX 78934 Columbus Plumbing & Service 979-732-3691 phone 2105 Walnut Street Columbus, TX 78934 Columbus Rotary Club P.O. Box 297 Columbus, TX 78934 Columbus RV Park 979-732-6455 phone 2800 Hwy. 71 South Columbus, TX 78934 Columbus State Bank 979-732-5786 phone www.colmbusstate.com 1102 Milam Columbus, TX 78934 Columbus Television & Appliance 979-732-6054 phone 1023 Walnut Street Columbus, TX 78934

Colorado County Fair Association Inc. P.O. Box 506 Columbus, TX 78934

Columbus ISD 979-732-5704 phone 979-732-5960 fax 105 Cardinal Lane Columbus, TX 78934

Condra Communication 979-732-2617 phone 535 Spring Street Columbus, TX 78934

Blisswood B&B at Lehmann Legacy Ranch 979-865-5594 phone 13300 Lehmann Legacy Lane Cat Spring, TX 78933

Colorado County Farm Bureau 979-732-2383 phone 1480 Walnut St. Columbus, TX 78934

Columbus Inn 979-732-5723 phone 2208 Hwy. 71 South Columbus, TX 78934

Country Fresh Cleaners 979-732-8360 phone 629 Walnut Columbus, TX 78934

Bonetti Explosives, LLC 979-739-5597 phone bonetti4@yahoo.com 303 Washington Street Columbus, TX 78934

Colorado County Oil Co., Inc. 979-732-3024 phone 1348 Hwy 71 N. P.O. Box 697 Columbus, TX 78934

Columbus KOA 979-732-9494 phone info@columbuskoa.com 2965 Hwy. 90 Weimar, TX 78962

Country Hearth Inn 979-732-6923 phone 2436 Hwy. 71 South Columbus, TX 78934 countryhearthcolumbus.com


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Chamber Directory ... Country Time Homes 979-732-5001 phone countrytimehomes.com 920 Milam Street Columbus, TX 78934 Culler Rada 979-733-2765 phone 1033 Front Street Columbus,TX 78934 Curtiss Automotive Supply 979-732-2362 phone 1520 Bus. Hwy 71 PO BOX 536 Columbus, TX 78934 Dairy Cone, The 979-732-5500 phone P.O. Box 423 Columbus, TX 78934 Danny’s Mood 979-733-8613 phone dannysmood@hotmail.com 308 Malleck St. Columbus, TX 78934 Dean’s Cafe 979-733-8686 phone txamelia@yahoo.com 1128 Milam Street Columbus, TX 78934 Discovery Camp 979-732-9200 phone www.burchfield.org P.O. Box 100 Columbus, TX 78934 Diversitech 979-732-8243 phone I H 10 E. P.O. Box 357 Columbus, TX 78934 Donna’s Attic 979-733-8864 phone donnatesch@sbcglobal.net Donna Tesch 733 Walnut Street Columbus,TX 78934 Dr. Sandy Bahm III 109 Shult Dr. P.O. Box 580 Columbus, TX 78934 Drymalla Construction Co., Inc. 979-732-5731 phone 608 Harbert Columbus, TX 78934

Edward Jones Investments 979-732-8266 phone 526 Spring Street Columbus, TX 78934

Fran Woodall 713-828-6777 phone 1100 Bowie St. Columbus, TX 78934

Elliott & Waldron Abstract Co. 979-732-2213 phone P.O. Box 428 Columbus, TX 78934

Frnka Corp A/C Sales and Appliances 979-732-3244 1132 Milam Columbus, TX 78934

Ester Chandler 100A Krupka Columbus, TX 78934 Exotics Unlimited 832-588-3711 phone ldavis@industryinet.com 1005 Briarcrest Drive New Ulm, TX 78950 Farmer’s Insurance 979-732-5104 phone 834 Walnut Street Columbus, TX 78934 Fayette Savings Bank 979-732-8246 phone 2201 Hwy 71 South Columbus, TX 78934 First National Bank 979-732-2003 phone 1001 Milam Columbus, TX 78934 First State Bank, The 979-732-2332 phone www.fsbcolumbus.com 420 Walnut Columbus, TX 78934 First United Methodist Church 979-7322643 phone 1229 Milam Street Columbus, TX 78934 Fore Auto Sales 979-732-3334 phone Delores Fore P.O.Box 850 Columbus, TX 78934

Golden Crescent CASA 979-733-8900 phone www.gccasa@viptv.net 738A Walnut Columbus, TX 78934

Holiday Inn Express 979-733-9300 phone holidayinncolumbus@yahoo.com 4321 I-10 West Columbus, TX 78934 Hollywood Detail 979-732-5020 phone 810 Walnut Street Columbus, TX 78934 Hospice Support Care 979-578-0314 phone 1102 N. Mechanic El Campo, TX 77437

H.C. Moeller, D.D.S. 979-732-2257 phone 1223 Bowie Columbus, TX 78934

Hot Iron TX, LLC 979-732-6677 phone hotirontx@gmail.com PO Box 246 Columbus, TX 78934

H.E.B. 979-732-6253 phone 2105 Milam Columbus, TX 78934

Howell Canoe Livery 979-732-3816 phone 804 Robson Columbus, TX 78934

Hallmark Realty, LLC 979-732-8811 phone www.hallmark-realty.com 312 Walnut Street Columbus, TX 78934

Industrial Country Market 979-732-6565 phone icm1799@hotmail.com 1799 Hwy 71 Columbus, TX 78934

Happy Oak RV Park 979-732-5587 phone 4499 IH 10 E. P.O. Box 790 Sealy, TX 77474

Industry State Bank 979-732-5626 phone www.isbtx.com 2015 Milam St. Columbus, TX 78934

Heaven’s Open Door 979-992-3732 phone 1127 FM 109 New Ulm, TX 78950,

Internet America 979-725-8136 phone wguentert@airmail.net Billy Ladin, C.E.O. #2 Jackson Square Weimar, Tx. 78962

Henneke Funeral Home, Inc 979-732-2143 phone 1515 Montezuma P.O. Box 725 Columbus, TX 78934

Formosa Chinese Restaurant 979-732-2398 phone 2208 Hwy 71 S. Columbus, TX 78934

Highsmith Builders, Inc. 979-725-8900 phone www.highrsmith customhomes.com 305 N. College Weimar, TX 78962

Four Oaks Dental 979-732-2722 4oaks@sbcglobal.net 109 Shult Drive, Suite 204 Columbus, TX 78934

Hoelscher Car Care Center 979-732-2263 phone P.O. Box 781 1028 Walnut Street Columbus, TX 78934

James Seymour Jr. 979-732-2479 phone 635 Travis Street Columbus, TX 78934 Janda’s Electric and Air, Inc. 979-968-6958 phone 563 E. Colorado Street LaGrange, TX 78945-5925 Jesus N U Foundational Ministries 512-740-9478 phone jnufministries@hotmail.com 119 Irwin Drive Columbus, TX 78934


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Chamber Directory ... Kathleens’ Decorative Service 979-732-2977 phone 632 Walnut Street Columbus, TX 78934 Kay Klauber Candies 979-732-3084 phone 520 Walnut Street Columbus, TX 78934 Kleiber Tractor & Equipment 979-968-3187 phone PO Box 299 La Grange, TX 78945 Koltra Real Estate 979-732-3615 phone 115 River Bend Drive Columbus, TX 78934 Koy Concrete Inc. 979-885-3551 phone IH 10 W. Sealy, TX 77474 KULM - FM 98.3 and KNRG - FM 93.2 979-732-5766 phone 325 Radio Lane Columbus, TX 78934 Ladgie C. Krchnak 713-805-6055 phone 1091 FM 109 New Ulm, TX 78950 Laura Ann Rau 979-732-5881 phone Columbus, TX 78934 Leonard Peters, Attorney 979-733-0126 phone 425 Spring Street Columbus, TX 78934 Leon’s Electric & Plumbing 866-743-3056 phone P.O. Box 190 Schulenburg, TX 78956 Leyco Real Estate 979-732-3302 phone www.leycorealestate.com 3977 Hwy 90 E. Columbus, TX 78934 Lifecheck Drugs 979-732-2361 phone 979-732-2306 fax 109 Shult Drive Columbus, TX 78934

Live Oak Dance Center 979-732-5660 phone 1420 Walnut Columbus, TX 78934 Los Cabos Mexican Grill 979-732-9744 phone 2543 Hwy 71 S Columbus, TX 78934 M&S Distributing Co. 979-242-5404 phone 5230 W. State Hwy. 71 LaGrange, TX 78945 MacDonald Properties 979-732-3832 phone 602 Walnut Street Columbus, TX 78934 Magnolia Oaks Bed & Breakfast 979-732-2726 phone www.magnoliaoaks.com 634 Spring Street Columbus, TX 78934 Magnolia Place Apartments 979-732-3248 phone 1216 Montezuma Street Columbus,TX 78934 Margaret Golla 979-732-5280 phone 1491 Mentz Road Alleyton, TX 78935 Mark Hellrung 1-808-559-0935 phone 2188 Big Bar Drive Henderson, N.V. 89052 Martin Farms Christmas Tree Plantation 979-865-8483 phone martinfarms@sbcglobal.net 1772 Hwy 159 East Bellville, TX 77418 MIJASCO Construction Ltd. 979-257-6022 phone michael@mijasco.com PO Box 983 East Bernard, TX 77435 Mikeska Bar-B-Q 979-732-3101 phone 979-732-5232 fax Jerry Mikeska I.H. 10 E. Columbus, TX 78934

Milentz Enterprises 979-732-5566 phone www.milentzselfstorage.com 2878 CR 106 Columbus, TX 78934

Pierce Arthur, C.P.A. 979-732-5719 phone chris@wpacpa.com 2008 Milam Columbus, TX 78934

Mr. & Mrs. Don H. Morrison 979-732-3793 phone P.O. Box 636 Columbus, TX 78934

Pilot Club of Columbus, The 979-732-6240 phone P.O. Box 621 Columbus, TX 78934

N & J SERVICES 866-933-9515 phone 2101 Walnut St. P.O. Box 338 Columbus, TX 78934

Potter’s Western Store 979-732-2288 phone 2106 Hwy. 71 South Columbus, TX 78934

Nancy Garcia 281-352-0588 phone nlgarcia57@yahoo.com 1410 Anvil Drive Houston, TX 77090 Nancy’s Steakhouse 979-732-9700 phone 2536 Hwy. 71 South Columbus, TX 78934 Nature’s Necessity 979-865-9250 phone gllange@industryinet.com P.O. Box 709 Bellville, Tx.77418 Nelda Hajdik Over the Rainbow 979-732-9131 phone 1034 Milam Columbus, TX 78934 NewSound Hearing Aid 979-732-5791 phone clo@newsoundhearing.com 1515A Fannin St. Columbus, TX 78934 Oak Bluff Village 979-732-6983 phone 979-732-9298 fax 1513 Montezuma Street Columbus, TX 78934 Olga Poncik 979-732-3845 phone 219 King Drive Columbus, TX 78934 Photos by Lydia 979-732-3553 phone photosbylydia@hotmail.com 1090 Menis Road Weimar, TX 78962

Prairie Street Heritage House 979-732-5555 P.O. Box 1019 Columbus, TX 78934 Prestige Office Products 979-725-8422 phone 202 E. Jackson Weimar, TX 78962 Preston Kyle Shatto Wildlife Museum 979-732-2664 phone 4004 Windsor Dallas, TX 75205 PUPS-Prevent Unwanted Pets 979-732-5591 phone 1884 Bostik Road Cat Spring, TX 78933 Quality Electronics 979-732-3750 phone 1310 Fannin Columbus, TX 78934 Reba’s Liquor 979-733-0606 phone 2101 Milam B Columbus, TX 78934 Red Carpet Inn 733-9393 phone 3933 Hwy 90 East Columbus, TX 78934 Reflections By Dawn 979-732-3129 phone www.reflectionsbydawn.net 1428 Vogelsang Rd. Columbus, TX 78934 River Boat Tours 979-732-2726 phone 634 Spring St. Columbus, TX 78934


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Chamber Directory ... River Oaks Health Care 979-732-2347 phone 300 North Street Columbus, TX 78934

Star Nails & Spa 732-5800 phone 1532 Fannin Columbus, TX 78934

The Cedars Cabin 713-706-3552 phone 1330 Post Oak Blvd Ste 1375 Houston, TX 77056

Trucare Living Center 979-733-0500 phone 1511 Montezuma St. Columbus, TX 78934

Roasters Chicken and Grill 979-733-9464 phone 1206 Fannin Columbus, TX 78934

State Farm Insurance 979-732-8327 phone 1135 Fannin Columbus, TX 78934

The Colorado County Citizen 979-732-2304 phone 513 Spring Street Columbus, TX 78934

Truck and Tracks, Inc. 979-733-8012 phone PO Box 848 Columbus, TX 78934

Ron Lambert Tax & Accounting 979-733-0011 phone 425 Spring Street, Suite 101 Columbus, TX 78934

StonesnSilver Studio 979-732-3237 phone PO Box 1078 Columbus, TX 78934

The Flower Garden 979-732-8100 2004 Hwy 71 S. Columbus, TX 78934

Urban Electric 979-732-1753 phone 1085 Hwy 71 Columbus, Tx. 78934

S and R Events, LLC 979-732-2071 phone 1040 Buffalo Bend Weimar, TX 78962

Sunshine Design Enterprises 979-253-2759 phone 522 Spring Street Columbus, TX 78934

The Flower Stop 979-733-8265 phone 1511A Fannin St. Columbus, Tx. 78934

Veteran’s Memorial Center 979-732-6980 phone P.O. Box 605 Columbus, TX 78934

S.D.S. Physical Therapy 109 Shult Dr. Columbus, TX 78934

Texana MHMR Center 979-732-6204 phone 4910 Airport Ave.Bldg. D Rosenberg,Tx. 77471

The Old Law Firm 830-303-6900 phone 107 S River Street Seguin, TX 78155

Walmart Stores, Inc. 979-732-8341 phone 979-732-3791 fax 2103 Milam street Columbus, TX 78934

TX Bible Institute 979-732-9200 phone PO Box 100 Columbus, TX 78934

The Phoenix 979-733-0304 phone 1626 Hodde Lane Weimar, TX 78962

The Texas Falls 1750 North Falls Drive New Ulm, TX 78950 979-992-3128

The Vintage Shop 979-732-3376 phone 1511 Fannin Columbus, TX 78934

Great Southern Wood 979-733-0515 phone 1050 Great Southern Way Columbus, TX 78934

The SpecNet.com 979-732-6307 phone 1048 Miller Loop Weimar, TX 78962

Texas Irrigation & Pipe L.L.C. 979-732-3970 phone www.TXirrigation.com 1870 Frelsburg Road Cat Springs, TX 78933

Theut Glass 979-732-6251 phone 914 Wallace Columbus, TX 78934

San Bernard Electric Co-op 800-364-3171 phone P.O. Box 1208 Bellville, TX 77418 Schneider Machine & Welding 979-732-2579 phone Hwy 90 E. Columbus, TX 78934 Schobels’ Restaurant 979-732-2385 phone 2020 Milam Columbus, TX 78934 Sheridan Candles 979-732-2071 phone 1040 Buffalo Bend Weimar, TX 78962 Silly Stamper Scrapbook 979-732-6616 phone 738 Walnut Ste F Columbus, TX 78934 Silver Barn 979-732-6900 1120 Milam Street Columbus, TX 78934 St. John’s Episcopal Church 979-732-2590 phone 915 Travis Columbus, TX 78934 St.Paul’s Lutheran Church 979-732-6183 phone 150 St. Pauls Drive Columbus, TX 78934

Texas Star Realty 979-733-8200 phone nicola@TXstarrealty.com 930 Walnut Columbus, TX 78934 TX Tents & Party Supplies 979-263-4318 phone 2049 I.H. 10 Weimar, TX 78962 The Cardinal Express 979-732-3622 phone 979-732-3828 fax thecardinalexpress@att.net PO Box 429 Columbus, TX 78934

Thousand Trail Inc. 979-732-8229 phone 1062 Thousand Trails Lane Columbus, TX 78934 Tom B. Hancher, MD,FACP 979-732-2336 phone 109 Shult Drive, Suite 100 Columbus, TX 78934 Tommie Vaughn Auto Country 732-2353 phone 4860 IH 10 Columbus, TX 78934 Tre House Embroidery 4 Jackson Square Weimar, TX 78962

Water World Pool Service 979-732-9009 phone 979-732-8808 fax waterworldpoolsvcs@att.net 314 Walnut Columbus, TX 78934 Website Design by JVR 713-501-9128 phone PO BOx 115 Rock Island, TX 77470 Weido’s Tumbling 979-733-0880 phone laura.weido@sbcglobal. 920 Front Street Columbus,TX 78934 Weishuhn Engineering, Inc. 979-732-6997 phone P.O. Box 358 Columbus, TX 78934 Whataburger Division Office 979-732-8681 phone PO Box 791990 San Antonio, TX 78279-1990 Woodmen of the World 979-732-3111 phone 2011 Walnut Street Columbus, TX 78934 Workforce Solutions 979-531-0730 phone 1506 N Alabama Rd. Wharton, TX 77488


Spring/Summer 2011

Colorado County Visitors’ Guide

31

Jerry Mikeska’s Bar-B-Q PROUDLY SERVING THE BEST BARBECUE IN TEXAS!

Open Every Day 10am to 8pm

Barbecue King of the Southwest www.jerrymikeska.com

Located off Westbound IH-10, Exit 698, Columbus, Texas 979-732-2293 • Toll Free 800-524-7613 • Fax 979-732-5232

www.countryhearthinn.com

Country Hearth Inn “Warmth Through Hospitality” The Country Hearth Inn provides travelers with warm, friendly service and the best lodging value. At our Columbus location you’ll experience all the warmth of a bed & breakfast with the convenience of a hotel. local phone calls are free, the data ports in our cozy rooms provide the access travelers need, and our InnCredible Breakfast is included in the price of your stay.

2436 Hwy 71 S, corner of I-10 & 71 S, Exit 696 • Tel: 979-732-6293 • Fax: 979-732-6211


32

Traditional banking that’s here to stay! Colorado County Visitors’ Guide

Serving the area since 1911.

We welcome the opportunity to have you as an Industr y State Bank customer.

INDUSTRY STATE BANK 16886 Fordtran Blvd. Industr y, TX 78944 979-357-4437

1210 FM 109 New Ulm, TX 78950 979-992-3391

2015 Milam St. Columbus, TX 78934 979-732-5626

www.isbtx.com

Spring/Summer 2011


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