Burton, Texas 2023

Welcome!

Some say we are in the middle of it all and yet still a hidden treasure. Burton is a charming, walkable town with friendly folks, deep history and an evolving story. We have much to offer with our great dining, shopping and services, local wineries and tasting rooms, nearby lake recreation and so many exceptional neighbors to enjoy while you are here. Halfway between Houston and Austin we are close for an easy day trip or weekend escape. We invite you to come to see why we think It’s better in Burton!

Welcome to Burton! We are a small town nestled in the midst of so much to do and see in the area between Houston and Austin. Enjoy a night or two in one of our bed and breakfasts or a fantastic meal in one of our family owned restaurants. Drop in the Texas Cotton Gin Museum and get “boll-ed” over with the history of cotton and how it permeates our lives. Or perhaps, a walk about town or down the nature trail is more your speed. Even better, check out our event calendar in this magazine and plan your trip around one of the many things going on here in town. We would love to see you soon!

Tommany, Susan S. Kiel, Steph Jarvis, James Bethany, Chris Evans, Emily Henderson

The Burton, Texas magazine is produced and published by Texas-based Trips Publications, a publisher with a focus on small towns throughout Texas. To view all of the towns in the Trips Publications family, visit tripspublications.com or call 979-725-3080 to request copies.

Banse Stokes Partner/Publisher Lori Olivarez-Ligues Partner/Sales

Be on the lookout for our peacock when you're in Burton!

Susan Kiel Secretary Burton Chamber of Commerce

Susan S. Kiel, Secretary of Burton Chamber of Commerce and President of the Burton Heritage Society

Karen Buck, Mayor

Karen Buck Mayor City of Burton

Leander Harvey McNelly

1844-1877

Leander H. McNelly was born March 12, 1844 near Follansbee, Brooke County, Virginia. Leander spent two years in Missouri with the family of his older brother Peter, before returning to Virginia.

By the later 1850s, Peter McNelly had settled in Washington County. By 1860, L. H. McNelly was already showing signs of the tuberculosis that would later cause his early death.

In September 1861, McNelly was mustered in as a private in Campbell’s Company, 2nd Regiment of the Sibley Brigade, 5th Texas Cavalry. He saw action in campaigns in New Mexico, Galveston and Louisiana. By the end of the war he was a captain of a company charged with hunting down deserters.

Following the war, McNelly returned to farming near Burton. He also spent some time working for the General Land Office. When the Reconstruction-era State Police agency was formed in 1870, McNelly accepted a commission as one of four captains of the force.

He was wounded in Walker County in February 1871, but continued to serve in the State Police until they were disbanded in April 1873.

In 1874, McNelly was commissioned to head a special force of Texas Rangers called the Washington County Volunteers. Although separate from the Frontier Battalion, the mission of the “Special Force” was the same -- to protect the frontier from the depredations of factions both inside and outside of the state.

McNelly’s Rangers were very active in suppressing lawlessness in the Nueces Strip, an area of land along the border between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande. They were instrumental in quelling the Sutton-Taylor Feud and curbing the activities of John King Fisher and Juan Cortina.

The “Special Force” was effective, but many saw their tactics as too aggressive. For example, McNelly and his men crossed into Mexico and engaged in gun battles with bandits and citizens in attempts to recover stolen livestock. This was in contravention of U.S. policy and Mexican law and raised the ire of politicians in both countries.

By early 1877, McNelly was incapacitated by the effects of the tuberculosis he had suffered from for years. He was forced to resign his command and retire to his farm.

Leander H. McNelly died of tuberculosis on September 5, 1877. He is buried at Burton, Texas. Visitors can visit his grave in Burton to pay their respects to this local hero.

Left, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum is located on the banks of the Brazos River. A department of the City of Waco, it preserves the history and inspires an appreciation of the Texas Rangers, a legendary symbol of Texas and the American West.

Leander McNelly Texas Ranger

TEXAS RANGER HISTORY

Stephen F. Austin assumed his late father’s contract as empresario, or developer of settlements in the Mexican province of Tejas. He was authorized to recruit settlers from the U.S. and Europe who would be given land if, among other conditions, they agreed to become Mexican citizens, adopt the Catholic religion and learn to speak Spanish. Austin was to be rewarded for his services with land, titles and military powers over the colony. His colony, and those proposed by other empresarios, would serve to reinforce Mexico’s claim to Texas and act as a buffer between the hostile Comanche Indians and Hispanic settlements at San Antonio de Bexar and Laredo.

By 1823, the settlements suffered frequent raids by the Comanche, Tonkawa and Karankawa Indians. Under Mexican law, Austin was authorized to form a militia to ward off Indian raids, capture criminals and patrol against intruders. In May, while Austin was in Mexico City, his lieutenant, Moses Morrison, used this authority to assemble a company of men to protect the Texas coast from the Tonkawa and Karankawa Indians.

supplement Morrison’s company. He called for “ten men ... to act as rangers for the common defense...The wages I will give said ten men is fifteen dollars a month payable in property.” These men are regarded as the first ancestors of the modern Texas Rangers.

During Austin’s day, companies of men volunteered and disbanded as needed. Some served for days and others for many months. The official records show that these companies were called by many names: ranging companies, mounted gunmen, mounted volunteers, minutemen, spies, scouts and mounted rifle companies. By whatever name they were known, these units performed the same ranging duties.

These early Texas Ranger had multicultural roots. Company rolls show that Anglos, Hispanics and American Indians served in all ranks from private to captain. While most had been born in the American South, many also hailed from Ireland, Germany, Scotland and England. Early Rangers shot Spanish pistols, Tennessee and Kentucky rifles, carried Bowie knifes made in Sheffield England and rode swift Mexican ponies. Their tools and tactics were suited to the rugged frontier, and they provided their own horses and equipment. One writer said that a Texas Ranger could “ride like a Mexican,

trail like an Indian, shoot like a Tennessean, and fight like the devil.”

Texas Rangers often served as volunteers since government offers of payment rarely materialized. In 1835, as the movement for Texas independence was about to boil over, a council of Texas representatives created a “Corps of Rangers” to protect the frontier from hostile Indians. For the first time, their pay was officially set at $1.25 a day and they were to elect their own officers. They were required to furnish their own arms, mounts, and equipment.

Settlers rebelled against the Mexican government in 1836 over increasing dissatisfaction with the Mexican government and the suspension of immigration from the U.S. The Texas Rangers played an important but little known role in this conflict. They covered the retreat of civilians from the Mexican army in the famous “Runaway Scrape,” harassed columns of Mexican troops and provided valuable intelligence to the Texas Army. The only men to ride in response to Col. William B. Travis’ last minute plea to defend the Alamo were Rangers who fought, and died, in the cause of Texas independence.

Editorial source: Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Museum, Waco, Texas www.texasranger.org, Christine Rothenbush, Marketing & Development Coordinator at Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

TEXAS HISTORICAL MARKER

Born in Virginia, Leander McNelly was a valiant Confederate soldier. In 1870, appointed one of four State Police captains by Gov. E. J. Davis. Then with Texas Rangers, McNelly was assigned a special force, “The Washington County Volunteer MiIitia,” to mediate the Sutton-Taylor feud. Company then assigned to Rio Grande border to control international cattle thieves in “Las Cuevas War.” His men always proudly called themselves, “Little McNellys.” (1963) Marker No: 8369

Geographic: 30.214211, -96.576508

Location: In Mt. Zion Cemetery, 3 miles northeast of Burton at the intersection of SH 390 and FM 1948.

Above, the Burton Heritage Society hosts the annual Texas Ranger Day at the Burton Railroad Depot every March. More information can be found at www. burtonheritagesociety.org and on page 27 of this publication.

Photo by James Bethany.

Must-see sites in Burton

INDIAN CREEK NATURE AREA & WALKING TRAIL - A beautifully wooded natural area that is located behind the Texas Cotton Gin Museum in Burton. There is a grassed picnic area and table, a bat box and a wooden bridge to a nature area along Indian Creek which sometimes runs with a small waterfall. It is maintained by Texas Master Naturalists. Just below the Texas Cotton Gin Museum |512-924-9003 |txmn.org

BURTON RAILROAD DEPOT & MUSEUM - In olden days, the importance of a depot, especially to a small town, cannot be overstated. It was the town's link to the rest of the world, communications headquarters (telegraph office), as well as a gathering place for the community. Countless travelers, bales of cotton and other agricultural products, cattle and lumber, as well as numerous tons of miscellaneous merchandise passed through this building during the many decades of its use as a depot. In May 1990, after being used for

area attractions

several different purposes, the Burton depot was moved back to its original location and restored, just before it turned 100 years old.

507 N Railroad Street | 979-803-0393

burtonheritagesociety.org

MT. ZION CEMETERY AND HISTORICAL CHAPEL

This 5-acre cemetery is located on the league of land granted to Robert Clokey, of Stephen F. Austin’s Second Colony, in 1831. First grave here was that of an infant, E. A. Metcalfe, who died Sept. 15, 1852. Some unmarked graves may date from a yellow fever epidemic that struck this area in 1867. The cemetery was probably named for the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, located here from 1853 to 1882. Deeded to cemetery trustees in 1881 by owner J. R. Hines, the site contains 13 marked graves, which represent 55 families. The Burton Heritage Society now maintains the property.

Pioneer area settlers organized the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in 1852 on land donated by James R. Hines. Early ministers included notable Baptist leaders from

Old Baylor College at nearby Independence. The church building was dismantled and rebuilt in the new town of Burton on land donated by F. A. Rice and A. Groesbeck in 1882. At that time the congregation was renamed Burton Baptist Church. The sanctuary was rebuilt after being damaged in the 1900 storm and on Feb. 18, 1983, was moved here to its original site. It now serves as a reminder of the area’s rich pioneer heritage.

2450 FM 1948 | 979-251-4078

burtonheritagesociety.org

WHITE HORSE TAVERN

Located in downtown Burton across from the historic Cotton Gin, the White Horse Tavern features favorite lunch items and cold drinks. You can even catch great live music on the weekends.

Great selection of cold beer and friendly hospitality make this laid-back tavern a wonderful choice for groups, weekend visitors, and those looking for an entertaining night spot.

400 N Main Street | 979-277-5768

burtonwhitehorse.com

Facing page, from top, Indian Creek Nature Area and Walking Trail, Burton Railroad Depot and Museum; left, White Horse Tavern; above, Mt. Zion Cemetery and Historical Chapel.

Lacey Farms Lavender a The Barn at Lacey Farms

by Michelle Banse Stokes

It all started with a little lavender. This alluring herb, with a long and colorful history, guided the Lacey family down a path that has led to success in Burton. And lavender was just the sweet beginning of this story.

“We were actually making lavender products before we bought the property,” said Fred Lacey of Lacey Farms. “It started with the whole family: our four grown children and their spouses.”

And it wouldn’t take long before a little family competition put Lacey Farms on the map.

“The family was having a contest to find mom-and-pop shops to sell our lavender products when one of us got the Kroger account,” Fred shared. “That was the beginning of our big wholesale project. Kroger wanted to put us in 25 stores that week. There was no way to do that, so we went into one store at a time.”

As the wholesale project grew, so did the family’s ingenious plan. But the family’s dream of creating an outdoor venue on the lavender farm took a back seat to consumer demand for their popular products.

“Soon Kroger added 40 more stores, put us in Brookshire Brothers and more,” Fred said. “A total of 85 big retail stores carry our products. We had to put the venue off for five years.”

Continued on page 12.

When the time was right, Fred and his family had the plan for the venue ready to go. This was, after all, their vision from the very beginning.

“We were going to do the venue from the get go,” Fred added. “It all started when my daughter was getting married nine years ago. She wasn’t married here because it was before we had the property, but that is where our vision originated.

“I started designing the new barn, drew up the plans and sent them to Nebraska. They cut all the wood for us and shipped it in on three 18-wheelers. After three and a half months of construction, the first wedding was held in August of 2019.”

And Lacey Farms has been blooming with lavender joy ever since.

“We had 62 weddings in 2021, which was a lot,” Fred shared. “It’s been a lot of work and a big learning curve for us. We quickly added an exclusive bartending service and made a wedding coordinator a part of our package.

“We’re continuing to book weddings into 2024 and 2025 and we continue to make improvements as we go. Although we have five varieties of lavender in bloom right now, we’re adding more areas for wedding picture opportunities. Both beautiful and affordable, we love sharing Lacey Farms with others and look forward to many years to come.”

Lacey Farms and The Barn at Lacey Farms is located at 4504 FM 390 and online at laceyfarms.com and thebarnatlaceyfarms.com.

“ It started with the whole family: our four grown children and their spouses.

Photos courtesy Fred Lacey. Middle photo courtesy James Bethany.

The Texas Cotton Gin Museum

by Steph Jarvis, Museum Director, Texas Cotton Gin Museum photography by Emily Henderson

The Texas Cotton Gin Museum, Inc. (formerly Operation Restoration, Inc. and then Burton Cotton Gin & Museum, Inc.) was founded as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1986 to save the historic Burton Farmers Gin from demolition. The fully documented Burton Farmers Gin has been widely recognized as the best operational example remaining in the nation of an early, fully automated systems gin still in its original historic setting. Built in 1914, it stands as a testament to the era of King Cotton. Guided by the Smithsonian and the National Trust for Historic Preservation and other advisors, dedicated volunteers restored the 1925 Bessemer twin-type IV oil engine that still powers the gin.

The gin has been designated a National Historic Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (1994). It is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (1988) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1991). Other historic buildings on the museum campus include the historic

Wehring Shoe Shop and the Burton Farmers Gin Cotton Warehouse. Many of the individuals that were an integral part of ORI, Inc. continued on with the newly formed Burton Cotton Gin & Museum, Inc. in 1999.

In 2009 the Burton Cotton Gin Museum was designated the Official Cotton Gin Museum of Texas by the 81st Texas State Legislature. In February, 2011 the name was changed to the Texas Cotton Gin Museum to honor the new designation. The Museum’s mission is to keep the legacy of cotton alive for all generations through the maintenance and preservation of the 1914 Burton Farmers Gin – the oldest operating cotton gin in America.

Top left, The Texas Cotton Gin Museum is a landmark in Burton; bottom left and right, the gin is a treasure to tour. Museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and admission is free. Gin tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tours are $6 for adults and $4 for students. Group rates are available.

The Engine that Could

BESSEMER TYPE IV ENGINE STILL RUNNING TODAY

by Tynan Shadle

photography by Emily Henderson

Every cotton gin needs a source of power. Over the years many methods were used including hand, livestock, and water power. The Burton Farmers Gin originally had a steam engine in 1914.

Over the next 11 years, the steam engine supplied power to the Gin. The engine performed its job but by 1924, the BFGA was looking for a new option. After experiencing rust issues and the high cost of fuel, the stockholders of the BFGA instructed the directors to install an oil machine. After much debate, a Bessemer Type IV, from the Bessemer Gas Engine Co. was chosen.

The investment in the Bessemer Type IV was a good one. From 19251963 the engine was the primary power source for the Burton Farmers Gin. Sometime, during the ginning season of 1962, the Bessemer experienced a breakdown. The engine was brought back on line, but trust in the Bessemer had faltered. In 1963, an Allis Chalmers Electric Motor was purchased and the Bessemer became the backup source of power. When the Burton Farmers Gin closed in 1974, the Bessemer along with the gin lay dormant for the next 12 years.

Then, in the mid 1980s, interest in the gin and engine was renewed. After the discovery that the Burton Farmers Gin was intact, Doug Hutchinson contacted the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. The Smithsonian came to Burton and after thoroughly cataloging the structure and its equipment and issued a challenge to the community. If the gin and Bessemer Engine could be returned to working condition, the Burton Farmers Gin would be the Oldest Operating Cotton Gin in the country!

After sitting dormant for more than a decade, a lot of work was needed to restore the Bessemer to working condition. This project fell to a dedicated group of volunteers and on February 29, 1992, the engine roared back to life. In 1993, the first bale of cotton was ginned since the gin closed in 1974, with the Bessemer supplying the power. Every year since at the annual Burton Cotton Gin Festival, the Bessemer has roared to life as the Burton Farmers Gin fires up for its ginning run. You can also see the engine run on the first Saturday of every month, and the museum is now offering classes to folks who are interested in learning to run the engine.

From top, the Bessemer Type IV engine; Steph Jarvis conducts a tour for a group of visitors at the museum; cotton was king in Burton and still is today. The Texas Cotton Gin Museum is located at 307 North Main Street.

A Bank BORN & RAISED in Texas

The Burton Belle

Nestled in the heart of downtown Burton, Texas, this century old homestead is a perfect getaway.

Greg: 713-306-6921

www.vrbo.com

Property ID: 4750999

The Magnificence and Grandeur of Aix-en-Provence in the Heart of Texas

Liesel Farm is a stunning setting that exists outside of time and beyond all expectations Located in Round Top, Texas, our grand estate evokes the elegant ambience and joyful emotions of a French countryside idyll Every element, perfectly curated to narrate a deeply authentic story, as you ' re conducted to a bygone age of extravagance and privilege.

Our setting – including a romantic cathedral – is i deal to celebrate your wedding, reception, anniversary, or special event Experience an elegant and magical atmosphere of Provençal romance that is destined to create cherished memories for your most memorable day

The property sleeps up to 6 people comfortably and is a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home.

Somerville - Deanville - Caldwell - Brenham - Snook - Navasota - Burton

Photo's: Lindsey Mueller

A saloon and venue located in Downtown Columbus in the old Orphic Theater, originally constructed in 1929.

Newly renovated, 21 and up saloon offering a full selection of beer, wine and spirits. We will be bringing LIVE MUSIC to our original theatrical stage.

As a VENUE, Old Three Hundred can accommodate large and small groups for weddings, private parties, and corporate events. Please contact us for further information!

Bridge Ministry of Burton

by Liliana Hinojosa

Bridge Ministry of Burton, Texas is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to build a bridge between racial, cultural, educational, and economic divisions within the community.

“There’s a lot of different ways that people can use their God given talents and strengths to help someone else that may not be at their specific church,” said Barbara Donnelly, President of Bridge Ministry of Burton.

“Bridge Ministry is 12 churches brought together in 2010 to find a way to gain strength and the knowledge and information that each of these small churches had and ways that they could work together to help our community,” she continued. “That would be everything from food insecurities to personal help, just all kinds of things they found that one church might have a need and another church had an answer.”

The location at 601 North Main Street hosts their administrative offices, a little kitchen for volunteers, a food pantry and a small business center.

Once a month on Fridays, trucks will come from Brazos Valley

Food Bank and drop off loads of canned goods and fresh produce.

“Several times a week, people can sign up to come in here with dignity, choose the types of food they want to take and that they’ll use,” Barbara said. “In the past when we did drive-thrus and gave people a box that was pre-chosen for them, it wasn’t as good. Sometimes you’d get a woman that has three children - she needs that whole box plus some! And then you’ll have a single, elderly person who wouldn’t eat that much in a month, so there was a lot of waste. Now, volunteers are here several times a week and people can choose food they want.”

There is also a community food box located right outside of The White Horse that was built by the Ministry.

“It’s another way for people to not go hungry,” Barbara said. “God provides all of us with a lot, but some of us don’t have as much so we all try to kinda help each other.”

Over the years, the Ministry found

Above, the pantry is filled with cans of food, fresh produce, cereals, pantry items and more.

that many people in the area do not have access to the internet or computers. In an effort to grow their services, they found a way to set up computers so that there would be a place to apply for jobs and supply the community with basic information that they may not have in their home.

While the pantry is the biggest part of the program, they also have the Burton Corner Shoppe on Brazos Street. Here they take things like donated small items, kitchenware, and clothing for the entire family to then sell and raise money to help fund their services.

The Shoppe, just like the pantry, is run by volunteers. Over the week, 15 to 20 volunteers sort through boxes of clothing, housewares, dishes, linens - all types of things! There’s a donation box right outside of the building where people can stop by 24/7 to donate items they are no longer using. Then on Monday-Wednesday when the Shoppe is closed, volunteers sort through it, clean it, make sure it’s up to standards, sort it by size, price it, and put it out for sale when the shop is open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sometimes additional clothing comes over to the pantry and lands in their “dress for success” section, set up to provide interview worthy clothes to those in need. Its racks

are filled with blazers, dress pants and skirts of all sizes.

“Kind of an offshoot of what happened from that led to people donating gently used furniture,” Barbara said. “As you can imagine, the Corner Shoppe is full from corner to corner, so when they’d bring furniture, sometimes it would sit out there because we didn’t have the capacity to move it or store it, but now we do. We’ve been blessed to have the location down at the old Foehner Funeral building, which was loaned to the ministry by owner Robin Connell, and that houses our furniture sales now.”

“Someone may have, because of a death in the family, or they’re moving, they have a couch, table and chairs. Or sometimes a refrigerator or microwave. Those items they would normally take to the dump. Instead of filling up the dump with something they don’t need, someone else has a need for it. We sell those items on Facebook Marketplace to try to raise money, just like the Corner Shoppe does, to fund all of our ministries.”

“Volunteers are the core of our business,” Barbara said. “Because it is a business helping people and staying organized, the volunteers are the heart and soul of it.”

Just this last year, the Ministry logged 11,269

volunteer hours between 358 volunteers.

“This is just all a labor of love for all of us here,” Susie Tommaney, bookkeeper, shared. “My personal passion is the pantry. I’ll merchandise it and make it all fancylookin’,” she laughed.

Madeline Johnson, co-secretary, oversees the senior meals program, which also meets in person every Friday at five rotating churches. Seniors gather to play bingo, interact with each other and enjoy a hot, home cooked meal. Those that are homebound are assigned a volunteer that takes them their food and checks in on them at the same time.

“If somebody is not there for a couple of Fridays, we start checking to see if something is going on, we kinda keep an eye on them,” Madelyn said. “That’s part of that ministry. It’s not just about a hot meal. It’s also about that face to face time.”

Bridge Ministry also hosts an annual Summer Camp in July for children of the community to attend, as well as a Thanksgiving Meal the Sunday before the holiday to provide a hot, delicious meal for everyone - volunteers and clients alike.

Bridge Ministry of Burton, Texas is located at 601 N Main Street and online at burtonbridgeministry.org

Left, power trio: these three women have dedicated their lives so that Bridge Ministry continues to grow year after year. Pictured from left to right, Susie Tommaney, Barbara Donnelly and Madeline Johnson. Above, The Corner Shoppe located at 307 N Brazos St. accepts donated items to resell to raise funds for the Ministry.

Burton’s Eats & Treats

by Liliana Hinojosa

Burton is small in size but big in flavor. There aren’t any big chain restaurants, but there is plenty to rave about when it comes to eating out.

In the mood for a cup of coffee brewed from freshly roasted coffee beans? Then Neon Moon is the place for you! They roast to order so the coffee being received by delivery, mail or in-store pickup, will always be roasted within a few days before you open it. This adorable coffee shop has a variety of coffee drinks, syrups and toppings to make your coffee experience one of a kind. Patrons also have the option to purchase bags of coffee to take a little piece of Burton back home with them the next time they brew their favorite beverage.

Those wanting to dine out can also grab some delicious Mexican Food at Los Patrones Mexican Grill. They have a great selection of steaks, seafood, fajitas, enchiladas, tacos and more. For Insta-worthy pics and Yelp worthy bites, enjoy your lunch at the beautifully decorated Blue Willow Cafe!

Need to feed a large crowd at your next special event? Contact 4S Meats & Eats, Goebel Catering, or Sandtown Catering to get the job done right. There is even Burton Meat Processing that will “cut and wrap or vacuum pack the way you want!”

The next time you are in Burton for a day filled with antique shopping, don’t worry about having to travel far to grab a bite. There are a variety of restaurants with delicious, homemade dishes that are just waiting to be discovered.

From top, friends enjoy their summer afternoon with their favorite Neon Moon beverage and intriguing conversation; Neon Moon has a selection of freshly roasted coffee for patrons to enjoy at home; The White Horse 400 North Main Strett features favorite lunch items and cold drinks.

burton hangouts

The list below has the Chamber of Commerce’s stamp of approval! Visit them today!

4S Meats & Eats: Catering Services 979-251-1416

Blue Willow Cafe: 12513 W Washington St. 979-289-0222

Burton Meat Processing: 1120 Navasota St. 979-289-4022

Burton Short Stop and Icehouse: 12400 FM 390 W. 979-347-2371

Goebel Catering: Catering Services 979-278-3396

JW’s Steakhouse: 122 S, Haupstrasse Carmine 979-278-4240

Key Lime Pies by Kristine: 9253 Hwy 36N 832-732-2417

Los Patrones Mexican Grill: 12607 W Washington St. 979-289-0111

Mike Hopkins Distributing: 1751 Hwy 290 W Brenham, 979-836-2022

Neon Moon Coffee:12510 W Texas St. 281-740-7433

Saddlehorn Winery: 958 FM 1948 N. 979-289-3858

Sandtown Catering: Catering Services 979-277-5023

Tuscany Italian Grill: 2100 Hwy 290 E, Brenham 979-551-4125

White Horse Tavern: 400 N Main St. 979-277-5768

Pictured clockwise from top left, Blue Willow Cafe offers chef-inspired selections in a hometown atmosphere; Burton Short Stop and Icehouse is a local favorite; Los Patrones Mexican Grill offers a full-bar in addition to their classic take on Tex Mex; Blue Willow is located at 12513 W Washington Street in downtown Burton.

“ There are a variety of restaurants with delicious, homemade dishes that are just waiting to be discovered.

Long Life Brotherhood Update

by Steph Jarvis, Museum Director, Texas Cotton Gin Museum

Long Life Brotherhood has been busy since the last visitor’s guide. So much work has been completed to preserve the 1919 lodge building. Thanks to the perseverance of president Chris Evans, the building has been leveled and received a new roof. The main side of the building has been reinforced and replaced with new wood and the building has been repainted.

The most recent work that has begun will include a new perimeter fence and dirt work to insure that no more water flows under the building during big rains. Plans are underway for the annual First of August celebration for Saturday, August 5 from 5 p.m. to midnight.

The group also now has a Facebook page so that everyone can keep up with the progress and hopefully join the team to continue the work to preserve this amazing piece of our local history!

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090739359024

photo submitted by Steph Jarvis

MARCH

• Burton Park Project Crawfish Boil

• Burton Volunteer Fire Department Stuff the Boot

• Farmer’s Artisans & Market (MarchNovember)

• Texas Ranger Day

• Antiques Festival Round Top/ Warrenton and beyond

• Antiques at the Texas Cotton Gin Museum pavilions

APRIL

• Alumni Baseball game

• Antiques Festival Round Top/ Warrenton and beyond

• Burton Cotton Gin Festival

• Long Life Brotherhood Club Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday before Easter

• Sons of American Legion BBQ Chicken Meal

• Spring Trade Days

• Good Friday Fishing Tournament

MAY

• Burton High School Graduation

• Long Life Brotherhood Club City

JUNE

• Sons of the Legion Burton Cotton Gin Classic Car Show

JULY

• Burton American Legion Fourth of July Celebration

• St. Paul Rehburg Vacation Bible School

• First Baptist Church Vacation Bible School

• St. John’s United Church of Christ Vacation Bible School

• BBM Camp Hope

AUGUST

• Long Life Brotherhood Club – First of August Celebration – first weekend

SEPTEMBER

• St. John’s United Church of Christ Homecoming

• Washington County Fair - Brenham

OCTOBER

• National Night Out

• Antiques Festival Round Top/

• Antiques at the Texas Cotton Gin Museum Pavilions

• Burton Farmer’s Gin Birthday Party & Volunteer Appreciation

• Burton Elementary PTO Fall Festival

• Burton Volunteer Fire Department Fireman’s Feast

• Burton Volunteer Fire Department Stuff the Boot

• Fall Trade Days

• Trick or Treat Trail

NOVEMBER

• Big Star Texas Night

• St. John’s United Church of Christ Annual Turkey Dinner

DECEMBER

• Burton American Legion Drive-Thru – 3rd Thursday

• Burton Community Thanksgiving Meal

• Burton Bridge Ministry Manna Mobile Food Pantry – One Friday a month

• Burton Christmas Market & More

• St. John’s United Church of Christs Christmas Cantata

History’s alive at the Official Cotton Gin Museum of Texas, home of the oldest operating cotton gin in America. The Burton Farmers Gin is powered by a 1925 Bessemer engine, the largest of its vintage still operating in the United States. Recognized by the ASME, Smithsonian Institution, National Trust for Historic Preservation and National Register of Historic Places, museum guests are transported to an era that defined the American Spirit.

Thousands of visitors from around the world tour the historic cotton gin where it has stood since 1914. Exhibits highlighting tools, equipment and photographs make the history of cotton come to life for all ages. Educational programs are available for school groups. Guided tours are available daily that last approxamately 60 to 90 minutes. The Museum Store has gifts for all ages and occasions offering books, t-shirts, caps, souvenirs, cotton bales, cotton boll angels, cotton boll wreaths and many other items that make shopping a treat. Daily tours offer visitors a fun and educational presentation on cotton where they discover its impact on Texas and American history, and learn how the seeds are separated from the soft white fibers.

Museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and admission is free. Gin tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tours are $6 for adults and $4 for students. Group rates are available. Submitted by Steph Jarvis, Museum Director, Texas Cotton Gin Museum.

Cotton Gin Classic

Bring the family and come on out to the annual Cotton Gin Classic Car & Truck Show held in the shadow of the oldest operating cotton gin in America and located in Burton.

Registration fee is $20 for all 1999 and older cars and trucks. Admission is free to the public. Covered pavilion, restrooms and food available. Event proceeds benefit the Sons of the American Legion Post 242, Burton.

Looking for a night out with great Texas music in an awesome Texas Dance Hall? The Burton Area Chamber of Commerce along with Burton Friends & Neighbors are hosts for the annual “Big Star Texas Night” in November at the historic La Bahia Turn Verein and Dance Hall.

The La Bahia Turn Verein and Dance Hall is located at 550 Hwy 237 in Burton. Visit www.burtontexas.org/bigstartexasnight for more information or to purchase tickets online. If you prefer to purchase your tickets in person, they are available at the Texas Cotton Gin Museum at 307 North Main Street.

For more information visit www.burtontexas.org/bigstartexasnight.

TEXAS RANGER DAY

Looking for some Texas history, food, and fun? The Burton Heritage Society has you covered with the annual Texas Ranger Day at the Burton Railroad Depot every March.

Celebrate Burton’s history with an afternoon of activities including tasty food at the Annie Maud Avis Memorial Fajita and Bean cookoff, live action by the Old West Rangers, demonstrations by the Legends of the Texas Rangers, folklife demonstrations including

blacksmithing and chuckwagon cooking, kids activities, mule driven buggy rides, and tours of the historic Railroad Depot, as well as the Burton Farmers Cotton Gin. Proceeds are used for restoration of the Mt. Zion Historical Chapel.

The annual event is held at 507 North Railroad Street in downtown Burton. For more information on this historic event, visit www. burtonheritagesociety.org.

Stay Awhile

Welcome to the City of Burton. Life here is enhanced by the preservation of our local history and the enjoyment of today. Our community combines agriculture, industry, history, civic activities, recreation and countless other events for a wholesome and fulfilled lifestyle, making it an ideal place to raise a family and grow your business.

The following information should help ease the transition of moving into the area for new residents:

Telephone (landline) - Frontier Communications

Residential 1-800-921-8101; Business 1-800-921-8102.

Electric Service - Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative

800-842-7708

Water and Sewer Utilities and Garbage Services - The City of Burton provides water and sewer services to residents within the city limits. Our service area does not exceed one half mile outside of the limits of Burton. Contact City Hall to set up your connections and utility account.

979-289-3402

Education - Burton Independent School District

979-289-3131

Internet Providers - Broadwaves; ZochNet; HughesNet

CITY HALL

City Hall is open from Tuesday through Thursday from 9am-ish until 2:30pm-ish daily. It's always a good idea to call before driving out to see us. Life's a little more laid back in the country.

City of Burton

12200 E. Mulberry St. Spur 125

P.O. Box 255

Burton , TX 77835

979-289-3402

cityofburton-tx.gov

Worship with Us

Bethany Christian Church

8955 Christian Cemetery Road

979-277-4137

Worship Sunday 10:30am

First Baptist Church

920 North Colorado Street at FM 390

979-289-2061

Worship Sunday 11am & 6pm

Greenvine Baptist Church

5010 FM 2502

979-836-8058

Worship Sunday 11am

Greenvine Emmanuel Lutheran Church

6700 Wickel Road

979-836-8156

Worship Sunday 10am

St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rehburg

4450 FM 1948 North 979-289-3896

Worship Sunday 10am

St. John’s United Church of Christ

516 North Colorado Street

979-289-2485

Worship Sunday 8am & 10am

ADVERTISING/ART

Busy Bee Inspirations, LLC 239-462-2632

KC Marketing Services  713-818-2286

The Carrina Show 979-451-2819

ADVISORS

Transworld Business Advisors of College Station 1716 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan 979-599-5200

APPRAISALS

Rita, Inc. 979-830-7708

AUCTIONS

Buck Up Auctions

115 East Thigpen, Carmine 979-451-8725

AUTOMOTIVE

Goldberg’s Garage

308 North Main Street 979-203-1204

Malloy’s Automotive Specialties

13200 Highway 290 West 979-289-2121

Top Floor Cars

Classic Car Sales 301 South Market Street, Brenham 979-337-1006

BEAUTY SUPPLIES

Mary Kay Cosmetics

MJ Zorn, Independent Consultant 979-421-2716

BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTION

Mike Hopkins Distributing 1751 Highway 290 West, Brenham  979-836-2022

burton chamber of commerce directory

CATERING

4S Meats and Eats 979-251-1416

Blue Willow Cafe 12513 West Washington Street 979-289-0222

Goebel Catering 979-289-3396

Sandtown Catering 6108 Old Loewe Lane, Carmine 979-277-5023

CATTLE AND RANCH

JRS Cattle & Ranch 5405 Wilhelm Lane 979-451-3590

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Carmine Chamber of Commerce 248 East Sylvan, Carmine 979-278-4200

Round Top Chamber of Commerce 205 South Live Oak Street, Round Top 979-249-4042

Washington County Chamber of Commerce 314 South Austin Street, Brenham 979-836-3695

CHILD CARE

Tiny Treasures Childcare 919 North Colorado Street 979-277-2689

COFFEE SHOP

Neon Moon Coffee 12510 West Texas Street 281-740-7433

COMPUTER SALES AND SERVICE

Computer Helpers 2303 South Day Street, Brenham 979-836-6098

CONSTRUCTION

ACL Construction 979-251-1232

Baylor Lumber & Building Co.

310 West Washington Street, Navasota  936-825-3356

Build with Wade 3960 Bluebonnet Boulevard 979-551-5348

Burton Home Builders 979-530-6870

H & H Construction 11701 Old Landua Road 512-285-0992

Lucherk’s Services, LLC 3855 Highway 36 North, STE 100, Brenham 979-289-5531

Round Top Builders 204 North Washington Street, Round Top 979-249-5151

RWG Construction Management, Inc. 307 South Baylor Street, Brenham  979-836-7176

United Contractors of Texas 979-203-4515

DINING

Blue Willow Cafe 12513 West Washington Street 979-289-0222

Brazos Belle Restaurant 600 North Main Street 979-289-2677

Burton Short Stop & Icehouse

12400 FM 390 West 979-347-2371

JW’s Steakhouse 122 South Hauptstrasse Street, Carmine 979-278-4240

Los Patrones Mexican Grill 12607 West Washington 979-289-0111

Rohan Meadery 6002 FM 2981, La Grange  979-249-5652

White Horse Tavern 400 North Main Street 979-277-5768

EDUCATION

Burton ISD 701 North Railroad Street 979-289-3131

ELECTRICIAN

Heaton Electric 979-451-7044

ENTERTAINMENT

Kountry Chick Karaoke 713-818-2286

ESTATE SALES

Buck Up Auctions 115 East Thigpen, Carmine 979-451-8725

Red Roof Sales  6326 Rehburg Road 979-421-2762

FINANCIAL

Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union 2544 Stringer Street, Brenham 281-391-2149

Citizen State Bank 515 North Main Street 979-289-3151

Round Top State Bank 301 North Washington Street, Round Top 979-249-3151

FUEL

Burton Short Stop 12400 FM 390 West 979-289-0020

Malloy’s Automotive Specialties 13200 Highway 290 West 979-289-2121

GLASS

Quality Glass

150 FM 1948 Road North 979-451-0281

GRAPHIC DESIGN

401 Creative Group 105 East Main Street, STE 109, Brenham  979-836-7623

James Bethany Design 713-408-1788

INSURANCE

State Farm Insurance Jamie Morgan, LUTCF, Agent 225-802-9934

Wellmann Insurance Agency, Inc. Spencer Kunkel, Agent 103 East Academy Street, Brenham 979-836-3613

Woodmen Life  Christine Muehlbrad 979-525-5048

LANDSCAPING

Diaz Brothers Landscaping 9600 Grote Road 979-551-5662

Trees of Central Texas 10050 Highway 36 North, Brenham  979-836-7225

Washington County Landscapes  4579 Hwy 290 West, Brenham  979-353-0955

LAND SURVEYING

Blakey Land Surveying 4650 Wilhelm Lane 979-289-3900

LIBRARY

Round Top Family Library 206 W Mill, Round Top 979-249-2700

Continued on page 30

LIVE MUSIC

Burton Short Stop & Icehouse

12400 FM 390 West 979-347-2371

Rohan Meadery 6002 FM 2981, La Grange  979-249-5652

White Horse Tavern 400 North Main Street 979-277-5768

LOCKSMITH

Phil More Secure 979-978-7445

MUSEUMS AND PARKS

Burton Heritage Society 507 North Railroad Street 979-803-0393

Nails Creek Park 6280 FM 180, Ledbetter 979-289-2392

Texas Cotton Gin Museum 307 North Main Street 979-289-3378

LODGING

Burton Belle LLC  810 North Brazos Street 713-306-6921

Burton Ranch House 239-462-2632

Greenwood Acres Guest House 5100 Jaeger Road 239-462-2632

Hostie Vacation Rentals 979-250-1244

Inn at Indian Creek 2460 Boehnemann Road 361-935-5343

Mount Vernon Oaks 6841 Mount Vernon Road, Brenham  281-793-9943

Old Oak Cottage 909 Trinity Street 713-725-0158

burton chamber of commerce directory

Pigs Fly & Co. Guest House  12410 East Texas Street  512-423-1963

Prairie Hill Farm Bed & Breakfast

4356 FM 2679 703-306-5766

Prairie Wind Farm  4507 Havemann Road, Carmine 979-278-3208

Rocking Horse Retreat 2655 Homeyer Mountain Road, Carmine 281-723-5676

Rollin’ N Storage & RV Park 880 Highway 237 281-844-7313

Shady Oaks 9755 FM 390 West 979-289-2012

Texas Country Guesthouse 7103 Old Mill Creek Road, Brenham 936-539-8911

Texas Tin House 12400 East Texas Street 361-946-7488

The Old Farmhouse 5955 FM 2502 Road 979-277-4883

The Roost at Flown the Coop 701 North Main Street 937-215-4732

NON-PROFIT

Burton Bridge Ministry 601 North Main Street 979-289-2223

PEST CONTROL

Acme Pest Control 979-451-1511

PETROLEUM DISTRIBUTION

Petroleum Materials, LLC 16600 Highway 290 West 713-230-8990

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photos by Gabri 979-277-8687

PLUMBING

Dynamic Drains Plumbing & Drain Experts, LLC 979-530-5256

PORTABLE BUILDING

Portable Buildings of Brenham 10050 Highway 36 North, Brenham  979-836-7225

PROCESSING

Burton Meat Processing 1120 Navasota Street 979-289-4022

PUBLICATIONS

Show Daily Magazine  6231 West Highway 159, La Grange 979-249-4149

Trips Publications, LLC 406 West Main Street, STE 105, Weimar 979-725-3080

REAL ESTATE

Buck Up Real Estate 115 East Thigpen, Carmine 979-451-8725

Market Realty, Inc. 615 North Main Street 979-289-2159

Southern District Properties Group 1108 South Blue Bell Road, Brenham 979-530-2714

SECURITY

Easy Access Technologies, Inc. 871 Oevermann Road 281-223-8862

SHOPPING

Blissful Folly Farm 6002 FM 2981, La Grange 979-249-5652

Buck Up Marketplace 115 East Thigpen, Carmine 979-451-8725

Burton Short Stop & Icehouse 12400 FM 390 West 979-347-2371

Corner Shoppe 307 North Brazos Street 979-289-2223

Flown the Coop 701 North Main Street

Junk Gypsy 1215 South Highway 237, Round Top 979-249-5865

Leftovers Antiques 3900 Highway 290 West, Brenham 979-830-8496

Neon Moon Coffee 12510 West Texas Street 281-740-7433

Trees of Central Texas 10050 Highway 36 North, Brenham 979-836-7225

Tx JunkR 12607 West Washington 281-785-3785

STORAGE

Container Source Storage and Roll-Off 12662 Highway 36 North, Brenham 979-830-5350

Rollin’ N Storage & RV 820 Texas 237 281-844-7313

TECHNOLOGY

Busy Bee Inspirations, LLC 239-462-2632

UTILITIES

Bluebonnet Electric Coop 800-842-7708

City of Burton 12200 East Mulberry Street 979-289-3400

VETERINARY SERVICES

Brenham Veterinary Hospital 2455 Highway 290 West, Brenham 979-836-2472

Watermark Vet Hospital 4511 Highway 290 West, Brenham 979-803-0791

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Container Source Storage and Roll-Off 12662 Highway 36 North, Brenham 979-830-5350

T4 Rolloffs, LLC 620 North Railroad Street 979-203-1797

WATER WELL SERVICE

Harvey’s Water Wells 3405 Highway 290 West, Brenham 979-836-2682

WEDDING VENUE

The Barn at Lacey Farms 5406 Longpoint Road 832-484-3409

WINERIES & WHISKEY

Busted Oak Cellars 6195 Round Top Road, Carmine 281-795-2588

Kooper Family Whiskey Co 100 West Highway 290, Ledbetter 979-249-5535

Rohan Meadery

6002 FM 2981, La Grange  979-249-5652

BURTON, TEXAS | 30

Meet the Neighbors

CARMINE - The Carmine Chamber of Commerce creates an exciting and fun-filled evening with a decorated Casino Night at Carmine Hall with local dealers for Black Jack, Craps, Money Wheel, Texas Hold’Em, and more. Winners recieve great prizes! Tables and individual tickets are sold for a sit-down evening meal and live entertainment. It’s a busy night held on the second Saturday of August.

ROUND TOP - Only 10 miles away, Round Top is worth the short drive the next time you stay in Burton. It might be the twice-a-year antiques show that originally put the small town of Round Top on the map, but there’s plenty more to do all year long. They’ve got a little something for everyone - fine dining, fantastic art, unique shops and great places to explore. Chartered in 1870, and with a population of a whopping 90 people, Round Top is full of small-town Texas charm.

BRENHAM - What does Blue Bell ice cream, live music, wineries, award winning barbecue, comfy beds and long strolls on historic streets have in common? They are just a few things you will discover when you take the 11-mile

drive east down Highway 290 from Burton. Prepare yourself for inspiration around every corner— look for the giant, modern murals that adorn Brenham’s historic buildings.

FAYETTEVILLE - Fayetteville is known far and wide for its culture, arts, 2400-acre fishing lake, music, antiques, German and Czech heritage and historic sites. There truly are treasures awaiting everyone. Only a short five-miles from Highway 77, you’ll know you’re heading in the right direction when you pass wide, green cattle pastures and the traffic thins out. Cross over the railroad tracks and enter this welcoming community that boasts a population of only about 250. In Fayetteville, you’ll find art galleries and oneof-a-kind shops to tempt your pocketbook. Feeling hungry? Indulge in local restaurants that offer everything from fresh, home-cooked meals to elegant chef-inspired creations. Staying awhile? We thought so. In Fayetteville, you’ll find comfortable lodging and bed-and-breakfasts that’ll feel like home. How about a drink? You won’t want to miss a stop at a local winery or distillery, all within a few short miles from the historic courthouse. You’ll want to tour that, too, while you’re there.

FAYETTEVILLE

CARMINE

ROUND TOP