Giddings, Texas

DRIVING TOUR

ROMANTIC VENUE

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

GIDDINGS GIDDINGS MURALS

THE SILOS

CITY MARKET

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO TEXAS’ GIDDINGS

HISTORIC

LEE COUNTY MUSEUM Schubert-Fletcher House

ALL THE BEST OF GIDDINGS, TEXAS

GOLF COURSE | CAMP TEJAS HISTORIC COUNTY COURTHOUSE RODEOS | VETERANS PARK FAMILY EVENTS | SITES TO SEE FINE DINING | UNIQUE LODGING

S A X E T N I M O O R W O H S LARGEST OPEN AIR PORTABLE CABINS • PORTABLE GARAGES • PORTABLE SHEDS METAL CARPORTS • METAL GARAGES • METAL BARNS METAL COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS ANIMAL RUN SHEDS • GREENHOUSES • DOG KENNELS CUSTOM CABINS, DECKS AND MORE!

WE DELIVER ANYWHERE IN THE STATE • FINANCING AVAILABLE 3331 E. AUSTIN STREET | GIDDINGS, TEXAS 78942 Hours: Monday – Saturday 8:30am – 6pm, Closed Sundays

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Welcome!

You’ve discovered Giddings, Texas - Experience Hometown Hospitality.

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We are so happy to have you here and look forward to sharing some ‘Hometown Hospitality’ with you. Our wonderful community has a long history of good old-fashioned hometown hospitality.

The Giddings Area Chamber of Commerce Visitors and Newcomers magazine is 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.

From the famous murals all around the city, to the many restaurants and retail stores, we love to make all our visitors and citizens feel right at home. There is so much to see and do in Giddings, Lexington, Dime Box, Serbin, Round Top, Paige, and the vicinity that you will need several days to visit everything.

Michelle Banse Stokes Partner/Publisher

First, stop by the Giddings Area Chamber of Commerce and Official Visitors Center to pick up a map and visitor’s guide. This gives you access to all the sights and sounds available. While you Denice Harlan are here, you will want to check out the Lee County Museum. We Executive Director house the museum in the historic Schubert Fletcher Home, built Giddings Area Chamber of Commerce in 1879. It is a beautiful wooden masterpiece of history.

Lori Olivarez-Ligues Partner/Sales

John Jones Project Reporter/Photographer

Today, we celebrate 150 years as the City of Giddings. Come experience Hometown Hospitality at its finest!

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Courtney Bell Copy Editor

elcome to the thriving city of Giddings, Texas!

We are located at the central crossroads of Highway 290 and Highway 77, connecting Houston to Austin and Corpus Christi to Dallas/Fort Worth. Our motto, Experience Hometown Hospitality, rings true for those who are just passing through and those looking to stay for a while.

Contributors Frank Smith, Kelita Thomas, Lori Hamff Diez, Trevor Absnaider

Whether you are looking to escape the urban daily grind, a growing family looking for a new place to call home, or a business looking for one of the best places to relocate, we look forward to meeting you and showing you firsthand our friendly and welcoming city.

Advertising and Circulation - 979-725-3080 lori@tripspublications.com

Editorial - 979-725-3080 michelle@tripspublications.com

406 W. Main Street, Suite 105 Weimar, Texas 78962 tripspublications.com

John Dowell

Giddings Area Chamber of Commerce 183 East Hempstead Street Giddings, Texas 78942 979-542-3455 www.giddingstx.com

Cover photo by Frank Smith Photography LLC.

© 2021 Trips Publications, LLC. All rights reserved.

4 - HISTORY OF GIDDINGS, TEXAS 6 - AREA ATTRACTIONS 9 - THE MURALS OF GIDDINGS, TEXAS 14 - HISTORIC MUSUM TOUR - LEE COUNTY MUSEUM 16 - BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - THE SILOS ON 77 20 - CALENDAR OF EVENTS 24 - RELOCATION INFORMATION 25 - CHURCH LISTINGS 28 - LOCAL SPOTLIGHT - SPENCER SCHNEIDER 30 - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - CITY MEAT MARKET 32 - CHAMBER MEMBER DIRECTORY 38 - SURROUNDING AREA - MEET THE NEIGHBORS

GIDDINGS, TEXAS |

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CONTENTS

Mayor Giddings, Texas

HISTORY

Historical Giddings, Texas

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GIDDINGS, THE COUNTY SEAT OF LEE COUNTY, IS AT THE INTERSECTION OF HIGHWAY 290 AND HIGHWAY 77, AND A TRAIN TRACK IN THE MIDDLE

ike many towns across America, Giddings came into being because of location, economy, and trains. As the push to transform the wild frontier into a civilized territory and, thus, an economic opportunity, trains pushed their way across Texas. Towns such as Giddings sprang up along the tracks where people could seek a better living, leave old skeletons in the closet behind, or revel in the adventure of untamed territory. Never to let a profitable opportunity pass it by, railroad companies or entrepreneurs bought up parcels of land and sold lots to settlers.

The Houston and Texas Central Railway came through the area because of its location. H&TC Railway ran its tracks over the high divide between the Brazos and Colorado Basins instead of crossing over the Yegua Creek and its numerous

branches. The town of Giddings officially formed in 1871. Lee County was etched out of several surrounding counties because the citizens would have to travel too far for county business. The new county was named after Robert E. Lee.

The new county was named after Robert E. Lee. Lee, according to history, visited the Giddings area during the Civil War. Although Lexington was the older settlement, thanks to the railroad coming through the town of Giddings, Giddings became the county seat.

Massive acres of farmland produced corn,

GIDDINGS, TEXAS |

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oats, and grain. Cotton, cattle ranching, pigs, and poultry gained momentum as the economy shifted gears after the Great Depression. Farmers and business owners from all walks of life came for the dream in America. Anglos, blacks, Germans, Wends, Czechs, Moravians, Jews, and Mexicans made up a patchwork of cultures to give the Giddings area its own flavor.

Giddings grew to over 5,000 citizens, with many businesses converging on this tiny town far from the big city of Austin. The Giddings Chamber of Commerce started in 1922 with 49 businesses and 121 citizens.

Top, an old photograph remembers the Lee County Courthouse from yesteryear.

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AREA ATTRACTIONS |

BY JOHN JONES

The Lee County Courthouse is a Texas State Antiquities Landmark, a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This present-day historic testament to Lee County is at 200 South Main Street.

Must see sites in Giddings, Texas VISITORS WILL WANT TO EXPERIENCE ALL OF THESE GIDDINGS GEMS Lee County Courthouse is an architectural marvel built by J. Riely Gordon in 1899. Riely’s courthouse features Richardson-Romanesque designs, with large classic columns made of Texas granite. Unlike other structures he designed and built throughout Texas, and the State Capital of Arizona, this octagonal shaped, four-sided beauty points toward the four points of a compass. Another unique feature that will keep you looking for hours is each of the four corners are decorated a little differently, as Gordon had told his builders they could have fun and decorate each entrance as they wished. Surrounded by streets wide enough to turn your horse and carriage around, you can experience the width and breadth of this massive historical structure.

Giddings Golf Course is a great place to putter around at. This beautifully maintained, nine-hole, professionally designed golf course is just a shot off Highway 290. Grab your clubs and head to the club and enjoy complimentary coffee and hot chocolate. Wide fairways, mature trees, minimal bunkers, and water obstacles guarantee this par for course. This family-centric course provides fun for all ages with activities year-round.

The manicured Drive and Putting green will help you ace that next ball or sink that next putt.

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Club member Andy Wolf tees off on the beautifully maintained Giddings Golf Course.

The golf course is at 1031 County Road 227.

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Camp Tejas hosts retreaters year-round. This Christian-based camp is situated just outside of Giddings, but is still nestled amongst the oaks and rolling hills. This premier Christian retreat center is centrally located between Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. The private rooms, bunk houses, conference rooms, and recreational facilities are a perfect setting for church, family, friends, or just a couple’s get-a-way. Every winter, Tejas is transformed into a winter wonderland with the Christmas at Tejas celebration.

Veterans Park lets the kids run off steam while you chill under the large oak trees and enjoy the park in all its glory. The children’s play area is second to none. During the hot summers, you and the kiddos can dip your toes into the three to 12 foot deep pool. There is a kiddie pool for the little swimmers. You can enjoy the tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, and a basketball court. This wonderfully kept park will relax, rejuvenate, and refresh you and yours as you take in all the sights in and around Giddings. Next to the park is the Veterans Honor Park, where people can gather to honor veterans.

Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo Arena features bull riding, barrel racin’, mutton bustin’ fun with various activities throughout the year.

The bulls are mean, but the cowboys are meaner. The barrel racers go hell-bent for leather and no one knows for sure whose mutton gets busted - the kids or the sheep. This covered rodeo arena is a mammoth structure with bleachers and skyboxes. It features electrical hook-ups, covered stalls, and weekday rentals. Schedule your trip to Giddings in July and see the dirt get kicked up for the Fury on the Fourth Championship Bull Riding event.

Giddings Public Library proclaims to be the biggest little library in Texas! It is a huge 19,000 square foot of books, resources, business service centers, and exhibits. The annual Texas Word Wrangler Book Festival, showcasing Texas authors and their books. The library hosts an impressive 432 programs and events each year. Founded in 1920, the library has over 5,024 members and serves the entire county. This 100-year-old biggest little library features the collections of 38,020 books and genealogy research materials. Historians and archeologists, professionals and hobbyists, can browse the Arnold Smith arrowhead and artifact collection, containg items that were indigenous to the area. Immerse yourself in all the books or view the exhibit of local baseball legend Hilton Smith. The library is located at 276 Orange Street and is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and closed on Sunday.

Situated among the trees at 1038 Private Road 2191, Camp Tejas is the place to begin or continue your spiritual journey.

At 191 Raymond Street, the Veterans Park is a respite from the hectic day. Certainly not mundane, this park is ideal for families to visit and enjoy year round.

Cowboys and Cowgirls will enjoy the covered arena and the wild rides at the Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo Arena.

It is located at 2591 Highway 290.

Photo courtesy of Frank Smith Photography LLC.

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Furniture | Flooring | Bedding | Appliance Sales and Service

201 West Austin Street, Giddings, Texas Direct: 979-542-3167 | Toll Free: 1-800-290-6917 info@orsags.com

www.orsags.com AUTO • HOME • BUSINESS INSURANCE

“Personal Service Is Our First Policy”

Michael T. Siegeler, C.I.C. “Serving The Entire Area Since 1967”

Phone: 979- 542-3449 or Fax: 979-542-0469

Need help buying or selling a home or acreage?

246 East Austin Street, Giddings, Texas 979-249-6869

www.siegins.com 172 W. Austin Street (Hwy 290) Giddings, Texas 78942

www.SchultzTexasProperties.com GIDDINGS, TEXAS |

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THE POWER OF

PUBLIC ART ONLY IN GIDDINGS, TEXAS

Mural, Mural, on the Wall THE MURALS THAT BEAUTIFY THE TOWN AND OFFER A TOUR THAT IS SECOND TO NONE

BY JOHN JONES

In 2019, an unknown artist unknowingly left a tribute to the iconic pitmaster, Gerald Birkelbach, when Birkelbach passed away in 2020.

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MURALS OF GIDDINGS, TEXAS

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ho has the prettiest murals of them all? A drive through Giddings and you can see that this town loves its murals. Murals have been discovered from the Upper Paleolithic Age to the Egyptian era. Murals are seen in the caves of France, Egyptian tombs, Pompeii, and Minoan places. Now, you can see the expressions of people right in your own time period! While there are a couple of old murals still visible in Giddings, artists can amaze you at their art creation such as Kiptoe as late as 2020. But why paint the side of buildings, anyway? Public murals, such as those on the open sides of buildings visible to everyone, are intended to make a political or cultural statement.

by Dime Box Distillery, it displayed the mural on the Orsag’s Furniture and Appliance building.

According to the artist, the black and gold buffalo prominently displayed in the middle, was painted without him knowing that the local school is the Giddings Buffaloes. The school colors are black and gold. “I had no idea,” says Kiptoe.

That is the power of the mural.

The Giddings Pride mural, painted by California artist Kiptoe, painted in 2020, depicts the lively and colorful spirit that is Giddings, with its own wild west flair. This brightly painted enormous 90 foot wall showcases all things Texas, replete with cowboys, buffalo, and a train. Kiptoe painted his first gigantic mural in Texas right here in Giddings in a little under a week. Commissioned

Nothing says, “Give me a big bag of tobacco” like the Bull Durham Smoking Tobacco mural. Right beside the Giddings Pride mural at 201 West Austin Street, is one of the oldest surviving murals in Giddings. That says a lot, since the extreme Texas heat from the sun plays havoc on all things. Tourist Director Kelita Thomas says the Bull Durham Smoking Tobacco was a very successful loose-leaf tobacco company. It originated about 1850 until August 1988. In 1870, Bull Durham hired four teams of artists to go around the states and paint huge ads on the sides of buildings. One of those paintings ended up here in Giddings. That is the power of the mural.

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MURALS OF GIDDINGS, TEXAS Within walking distance of the Giddings Pride and the Bull Durham Smoking Tobacco mural is the Hometown Hospitality mural. Johnny Jones painted this mural in 2007. The mural reflects the friendliness of Giddings. Although it depicts a street scene in the 1800s downtown, Giddings continues to take the slogan of City of Hometown Hospitality! seriously. The Hometown Hospitality mural is at 198 West Austin on the corner of Highway 290 and Burleson Street.

Travelers coming in on Highway 77, greeting visitors, is the Texas City Meat Market mural painted on the backside of the iconic Giddings City Meat Market. Commissioned by the late Gerald Birklebach, lost is the artist’s name with the passing of the famous City Meat Market pitmaster. It was painted in 2019 and features the likes of the famous pit master himself. His daughter, Brooke Kovar, carries on with the slogan, We Chop, Till You Say Stop.

Cowboys Receiving the Mail mural can be true today as it was in yester-year. This mural sits inside the Giddings Post Office, which is historic in itself. Commissioned in 1936 by the Federal Works program, artist Otis Dozier painted this picturesque western-themed mural high and inside the post office. The mural is at 279 East Austin Street.

The City of Giddings, Home of the Buffaloes, underscores the town’s love of their school and their Buffalo pride. Although sitting on city property, these paintings by artist Johnny Jones are easily viewed. Viewers can see these murals at 300 North Caldwell and 1584 East Austin, respectively.

The MMM! This is so Good mural that is painted on the side of the Nitsche Group building at 173 East Austin. It was originally commissioned in 2011 for the locally owned coffee shop which is now closed. This newly painted, old-fashioned painting speaks of the welcoming atmosphere that Giddings portrays. The coffee’s good and so are the people! For those who love their coffee, this mural hits the spot.

The murals of Giddings, Texas can be seen all around town on businesses and public structures.

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AWARD-WINNING HOMETOWN HEALTHCARE St. Mark’s Medical Center Named a 2021 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital

The Chartis Center for Rural Health has confirmed what we’ve always known. St. Mark’s has a top-notch healthcare team that delivers excellent healthcare. This national recognition wouldn’t be possible without team members who give their best each day and the steadfast support of this community.

To learn more about St. Mark’s physicians and services, visit www.smmctx.org.

One St. Mark’s Place La Grange, Texas 78945 (979) 242.2200

www.smmctx.org

AWARD-WINNING HEALTHCARE

St. Mark’s Medical Center

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A TOP 100 RURAL AND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL OF AMERICA

hether visiting, seeking a new place for your family to call home, or opportunity to start your business, access to excellent health care is a critical consideration. Lee and Fayette Counties, and the surrounding region, are fortunate to be supported by the team at St. Mark’s Medical Center in La Grange.

BUILT ON QUALITY AND OUTCOMES Opened in 2005, St. Mark’s Medical Center (SMMC) is a modern facility not often expected in rural America. With 65-beds, this 100,000-square-foot complex is not-for-profit, and provides comprehensive healthcare in central Texas.

Priding themselves in offering local, top-level acute care, SMMC was recently named among the Top 100 Rural and Community Hospitals in America, as scored by the Chartis Group, a leading healthcare advisory and analytics firm. “This top ranking further validates what we offer,” said Mark Kimball, President and CEO of the facility. Kimball is a veteran of rural healthcare leadership, and joined SMMC in 2020 with more than 20 years of experience.

ACCESS TO A FULL SPECTRUM OF CARE Whether arriving through the emergency department or for scheduled care, SMMC services include: MRI, CT, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, mammography, and bone density; vascular and sleep studies; and echo cardiograph.

SMMC’s acute care offerings include a wide list of general inpatient and outpatient surgical services, as well as specialty care, such as: endoscopic, gynecologic, podiatry, ENT, cardiology, and orthopedics.

FOSTERING AN ACTIVE LIFE Orthopedics and follow-up therapy are two key specialties at SMMC that continue to allow patients of all ages and abilities to enjoy their best life. “Our amazing regional outdoor activities are appealing to families, retirees and travelers,” said Kimball.

“It is extremely convenient to have this care here, especially when an unexpected injury occurs,“ Kimball added.

Services offered at St. Mark’s include: sports medicine, ACL reconstruction, meniscus, ligament and rotator cuff repair, joint replacement, arthritis management, carpal tunnel, trigger

finger, thumb arthritis, tendinitis, arthritis, arthroscopic treatment; and trauma/fractures.

“Long-distance travel is difficult on both the patient and family,” adds Tammy Hartfield, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at SMMC. “Having it all here at St. Mark’s and provided by caring, local staff, can make all the difference in a positive experience.”

Other follow-up care programs available at St. Mark’s include cardiac rehab and wound care.

CARE FOR THE STUBBORNEST OF WOUNDS Opened in 2020, SMMC’s Wound Care Center treats patients with slow-healing wounds from injury, surgery, or when compromised from disease, such as diabetes.

The clinic staff works closely with the patient’s primary care provider or other specialists to ensure needed care. And patients can self-refer to the clinic by calling 979-242-2104.

CARE BEYOND THE SMMC WALLS An important partnership that further bolsters SMMC’s offering is its clinical affiliation with St. David’s HealthCare in Austin.

SMMC has access to their experts in clinical program development, research and clinical trials, and specialists’ network. “Our providers know one another, and can easily and confidently consult and refer patients for needed care,” added Kimball.

WHEN SPEED IS CRITICAL Lee and Fayette Counties are fortunate to have access to excellent EMS and air ambulance providers. “Strong relationships with these important units are invaluable to a rural area when time can make the difference,” says Kimball.

CARE WITH COMPASSION SMMC’s team is comprised of many life-long residents and transplants who enjoy knowing their patients and seeing them in the community. Get to know us. You’ll be glad that you did.

St. Mark’s Medical Center is located at One St. Mark’s Place in La Grange, TX, 78495; 979-242-2200, and smmctx.org.

This article is a paid advertisement and was submitted by St. Mark’s Medical Center.

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HISTORICAL MUSEUM TOUR

T Lee County A LOOK AT GIDDINGS, TEXAS

Museum

A WALK BACK THROUGH TIME WITHOUT LEAVING THE PRESENT

BY JOHN JONES AND MICHELLE BANSE STOKES

he Lee County Museum is a home that speaks of the living history of a time left behind by the pressing forward of time. Each room in this two-story house shows a visitor what it was like to live in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Originally owned by August Schubert, he built it in 1879 for his wife and 10 children. The Schubert’s sold the house in 1894 to Concordia College, who later sold the house to the Baylis Fletcher family for $1,200 in 1900. Baylis was a general merchandise store owner and, later, became the Lee County Treasurer. In 1987, his daughter, Eleanor Fletcher, donated the home to the town as a museum.

Above left, Tour Director Kelita Thomas, left, and Chamber Executive Director Denice Harlan, right, stand on the grand porch of the Schubert-Fletcher Museum and Chamber office; right, displayed in the second floor bedroom, these hand-made dresses were the epitome of fashion in the early 1900s.

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GIDDINGS CHAMBER STEPS IN AND STEPS UP In 2016, the Lee County Heritage Society donated the home to Lee County. The Giddings Chamber of Commerce moved into the home as their headquarters and took over the museum, the tours, and the outfitting. “We are continuously tweaking the displays to represent all of Lee County”, says Kelita Thomas, tour director for Giddings Chamber. Due diligence by Kelita and a lot of research goes into selecting pieces that are in keeping with its tradition.

EACH ROOM A LIVING PIECE OF HISTORY Many things in this home spoke of money and prestige.

“Eight doors on this house! Eight!. That’s extravagant.” declares Denice Harlan, executive director of the chamber. Nooks and closets were unheard of except for the rich. Inside trim was a luxury and a waste of wood if you were poor, but if you wanted to impress without being audacious, the trend was to put detailed trim around the room. Many costly working hours went into putting down its small-width wood floors and, to this day, squeaks less than a mouse.

The stately Fletcher home is a two-story beauty with three decks and a large inviting porch. The oversized entryway opens up to the formal living room to the left and the family room to the right. Inside the formal living room, a large painting of Marie Hester Fletcher hangs. Educated and musically accomplished, this family’s piano and guitar are on display amongst the many reading books. Denice is quick to point out the framed Fletcher family tree dating to 1066. There are many time-period artifacts for visitors to enjoy throughout the house. Upstairs, just like the first floor, oversized windows flood the house with natural light. Each room depicts moments in time in historic Lee County.

VISITING THE MUSEUM History buffs and nostalgia seekers can hitch up their horses to the front of the Schubert-Fletcher Home and Museum at 183 East Hempstead Street. Tours are free.

The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment by calling 979-542-3455.

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

A UNIQUE VENUE IN LEE COUNTY

The Silos on 77 HARDWORKING SISTERS TAKE PRIDE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE

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BY JOHN JONES AND MICHELLE BANSE STOKES

wners of The Silos on 77, sisters Lori Diez and Lisa Sillavan, couldn’t have imagined their lives so intertwined as life sped ahead. They didn’t envision themselves owning and operating one of the largest event venues in Lee County. As the saying goes about being in the right place at the right time, it certainly fits this bill. Tucked away off the road in Giddings sits a large parking lot, a building, and a large grain silo. It’s the silo sitting out front that beckons guests off County Road 223.

CUSTOMER SERVICE KEY TO SUCCESS

This massive 14,000 square feet of event venue space trans-

forms from reality into a fantasy land imagined by the customer and created by Lori and Lisa. The Silos provides special events for weddings, large corporations, small businesses, concerts, and special occasions. What you cannot see from the front hides what is in back. The Silos also provides outdoor spaces with staging areas.

Their mantra is to provide Above, The Silos on 77, owned excellent customer serand operated by sisters Lori vice. “We take pride in our Diez and Lisa Sillavan, is all customer service,” says decked out for a wedding Lori and Lisa. “We are honreception. ored when we can be part of a client’s successful

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event. But we couldn’t do it alone, our staff also does an amazing job providing the client with remarkable customer service, and we are lucky to have each and every one of them on our team. We do our best to treat others how we would want to be treated.”

ELEGANCE WITH A COUNTRY FLAIR

The Silos came to fruition when, by happenstance, the old Sons of Herman building came up for sale in 2017. Lori, an owner of an event and management company in Galveston, has over 20-plus years in the event management industry. It only seemed natural for her to gravitate to what she knows best. Grain silos always fascinated her. Lori doesn’t know why, but it may be the simplicity and the country feel of a grain silo. She knew that they should be the overall theme.

Lori turned to her best buddy, her sister Lisa, to make The Silos a reality. They divided their duties to operate The Silos. It needs to be since both have full-time jobs. Lori has her own event business and Lisa in the health care industry. Known as the Energizer Bunny, Lori divides her time between her full-time job in The Woodlands, of which takes her to conventions across the nation, and helping Lisa run the event center; one can’t imagine her with any energy left to spare. Plus Lori ad Lisa are involved in a few different non profit organizations where they give of their time and energy. Her husband, Joe, says, “I got married to the hardest working woman I know!”

Knowing God is in control, this brings peace to both Lori and Lisa while they find time to enjoy life themselves. Lori loves to travel and Lisa is an avid bowler. Lisa has been bowling for almost 40 years and has carried an average up to 185 at times. They enjoy their alone time, but also enjoy being together. “We always got along well,” says Lori about her and her sister, Lisa. The future of The Silos gets bigger as their sister friendship gets stronger.

The Silos are located at 1031 CR 223, Giddings. Contact them at info@the-silos.com or visit their website on www. the-silos.com.

Above, sisters Lisa Sillavan, left and Lori Diez, have a little fun at The Silos on 77.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MARCH

JULY

OCTOBER

Saint Patrick’s Casino Night

Summer Reading Program at the Library

Dime Box Black Bridge Fest and Mini Marathon

Girlfriend’s Night Out at First Assembly

Grimes Street Music Festival

National Night Out

Riley Key Barrel Race

Firemen’s Fourth of July Celebration

APRIL

Lee County Sheriff’s Posse Fury on the Fourth

Shane Hanchey Invitational Calf Roping

AUGUST

Trunk or Treat at Immanuel Lutheran

MAY

Chamber Awards Banquet

NOVEMBER

Lexington Homecoming

Denim and Diamonds Gala

Texas Word Wrangler Book Festival

Lee County Fair and Charcoal Challenge BBQ

SEPTEMBER

Sip and Shop Christmas Market

JUNE

Giddings Volunteer Fire Department Patriot Day

Rodeo Giddings

Summer Reading Program at the Library

Relay for Life

Community Thanksgiving Service

Did we miss you?

Texas Wendish Festival

chambergiddings@gmail.com

Grimes Street Music Fest

Hosted by the Giddings Chamber of Commerce Every July, around celebration time, Giddings invites everyone to this free music venue. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic on the courthouse lawn just like the olden days. Pull on your boots and kick up your heels to some boot scootin’ boogie.

If you don’t have boots, no one is going to stare. Just come on out and have a good time.

Come early and browse the vendors lined up to show you what they got. Stay a little longer and dance like no one is watching!

The street dance lasts until 11 p.m., so stay the night at several of Giddings’ hotels.

For more info, email the Giddings Chamber at giddingschamber@gmail.com or call 979-542-3455.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Casino Night

Dia dhuit (Hello) from Giddings, Texas!

No one needs luck more than you when you double down on the roulette wheel. Having Casino Night during Saint Patrick’s Day may not guarantee you extra luck, but it sure is fun at Saint Patrick’s Casino Night. This contagiously fun-filled night with games that include: Texas Hold Em’, Roulette, Craps, Blackjack, and poker. It will rival any casino house around.

Casino Night benefits the Giddings Chamber of Commerce, so the turnout is high and so are the stakes. Players can win prizes donated by local sponsors. But don’t wait until you put your chips down. Belly up to the table for a hearty bowl of Irish stew. May the road rise up to meet you and may you be at the gates of heaven an hour before the devil knows you’re dead!

Don’t press your luck, even with a four-leaf clover. Check with the Chamber on the time and location at chambergiddings@gmail.com.

Sip and Shop Until You Drop

Features local businesses and so much fun The Giddings Chamber of Commerce holds the Sip and Shop event every year in November. You can find gifts for your loved ones or for yourself and a sip of wine at this Christmas Extravaganza.

Nothing says Christmas is coming like the Sip and Shop event in Giddings. So many vendors, so many gift ideas, so much wine to taste!

Positioned perfectly in November, shoppers can take their time to browse the local vendors’ wares and avoid the last-minute Christmas rush. Who knows, you may run into Santa Claus while you are taking in the sights on a carriage ride.

Sip & Shop Christmas Market always occurs the Sunday before Thanksgiving at The Silos on 77, 1031 CR 223. Please contact the Chamber at 979-542-3455 for more information.

Giddings Chamber of Commerce Banquet There is no shortage of fun at the annual Chamber Banquet. This is one of those events that pays to be part of the Chamber of Commerce. This well-attended event brings out the best in the community. Awards for Citizen of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Business of the Year, Civic Organization of the Year, are just a few of the awards given during the banquet.

To find out how to join the Giddings Chamber of Commerce, contact Denice Harlan at chambergiddings@gmail.com, or call 979-5423455.

Photos courtesy Kelita Thomas.

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Certified Excellence Our fiberglass vessels are ASME RTP-1 and APJI 12P certified.

Texas-based L.F. Manufacturing, Inc. (LFM) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality fiberglass reinforced products (FRP) that has supported oilfield, municipal and industrial customers in North America since 1974. From design to installation, LFM specializes in manufacturing custom fiberglass tanks, manholes, wetwells and piping systems. Headquartered in Giddings, Texas, we also have plants in Laurel, Montana, Stanton, Texas and Waycross, Georgia.

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deidreharry.JuicePlus.com deidreharry.TowerGarden.com GIDDINGS, TEXAS |

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Meme’s Quilts FABRICS AND MACHINE QUILTING

Dorothy Falke owner

1695 County Road 119 Giddings, Texas

979-540-8162 A

ver

Disco

iginal r O s Texa

Wednesday – Friday 10am – 4pm Saturday 10am – 2pm

(979) 732-8385 @DiscoverColumbusTexas ColumbusTexas.org info@ColumbusTexas.org

CITY MEAT MARKET AWARD-WINNING, AUTHENTIC TEXAS BBQ

101 West Austin Street Giddings, Texas

Conveniently located at the crossroads of I-10 and Hwy 71, historic Columbus is a short drive from Giddings. It’s a shopper’s paradise, home to many unique specialty stores. Spend the day tubing or kayaking the Colorado River. Satisfy any craving with many delicious food and wine options. And with plenty of comfor- table and affordable lodging options, you can kick up your heels and stay awhile!

Make your way to the “sweet spot” of Texas and discover Columbus.

We look forward to seeing y’all soon!

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979-542-2740 brookebirkelbach@yahoo.com

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C K O S L M R IT H A T S AUTO | COMMERCIAL | RESIDENTIAL 24 HOUR MOBILE EMERGENCY SERVICE SERVING GIDDINGS AND THE SURROUNDING AREA FOR OVER 40 YEARS!

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“We Make Keys That Work!”

635 North Main Street, Giddings, Texas 78942 | www.starlocksmithgiddings.com | License #B11992

GIDDINGS, TEXAS |

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RELOCATION INFORMATION

WELCOME HOME

Moving to Giddings, Texas TRANQUIL LIVING WITH BIG CITY ACCESS Giddings, Texas is on Highway 290, only 45 minutes from Austin. Highway 77 intersecting Highway 290 in Giddings makes it easy to travel to Bryan and College Station. Giddings is the county seat for Lee County.

This small town is expected to grow exponentially in the next five years. It is an ideal community to grow your family while having an easy commute to Austin. Giddings continued growth in businesses lends itself to creating jobs without the hassle of a commute to a large city. The City of Giddings is the epitome of affordable housing, a top-rated school district, and superior city services. With a population of around 5,000, Giddings is still known as the “where everybody knows your name” community.

People still say hello with a nod or a wave.

Housing in Giddings is an average of $137,600 and connects you to over 45 restaurants, healthcare facilities, and businesses that strive for customer satisfaction. As an urban-fringe community, Giddings is close to Round Top, Lake Somerville, the Cottonbowl Speedway, the Blue Bell Creamery, and many other cultural and musical venues just down the road in Austin.

However, with so much to do in the city itself and surrounding historical areas, you may never want to wander away from the country-side with rolling hills and beautiful oak trees.

over 10 colleges and 25 universities within 50 miles of Giddings ISD. The City of Giddings maintains an effective police department and a volunteer fire department. It has several Lions Clubs, Rotary, and many other civic organizations. Kids can have fun in 4-H clubs throughout Lee County. The city has three medical clinics and one urgent care within its city limits. Just 12 miles away in La Grange, St. Mark’s Medical Center is a 65 bed, 100,000 square foot hospital with the most modern technology and highly trained physicians and healthcare professionals.

Some of Giddings’ key advantages are its proximity to good jobs, good housing, and affordable lifestyles. It has sustainable, clean water provided by the Edwards Plateau Aquifer.

The City of Giddings is a Home Rule city governed by the City’s Charter. It operates as a Council-Manager form of government.

The Giddings City Council comprises a Mayor and five Council Members. All six members serve two-year terms.

Giddings unique positioning outside of Austin and away from the downtown traffic will be a draw to workers as Tesla builds its new facilities just under an hour away. Multiple corporations employing thousands of people are well within an easy drive from this laid-back town. This city is “business friendly” and boasts a strong GEDC that provides a wide range of assistance for new and expanding businesses. Locating your business in Giddings is important to the city, important to your business, and economically, a “win-win” plan.

Giddings ISD school district provides exemplary education services to its students. The Buffalo pride is clear in every school activity. The community stands behind its school as the school board listens to the parents and teachers while building strong relationships and values with students and families. There are

GIDDINGS, TEXAS |

City Hall 118 East Richmond Street Giddings, Texas 78942 979-540-2710 City Manager, Spencer Schneider Mayor, John Dowell Chief of Police, William Weems www.giddings.net 24

CHURCH LISTINGS

Immanuel Luthereran Church, left; Bethel St. Paul Missionary, right.

Worship with us

EVERYONE IS WELCOME AT ANY OF OUR AREA CHURCHES First Baptist Church 600 Sunrise Avenue 979-542-3335 Worship Sunday 11am and 6pm

New Hope Baptist 697 West Boundary Street 979-542-3498 Worship Sunday 11am and 6:30pm

Martin Luther Lutheran Church 573 North Main Street 979-542-2286 Sunday 9am and 11am

First Presbyterian Church 192 South Grimes Street 979-542-9020 Worship Sunday 9:30am

Bethel-St. Paul United Missionary Baptist Church 887 West Hempstead Street 979-542-2784 Worship Sunday 11am and 6:30pm

Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana 1591 North Main Street 979-542-2895 Worship Sunday 11am and 6pm

First United Methodist 279 Monroe Street 979-542-3409 Worship Sunday 11am

Church of Christ 424 South Chambers Street 979-542-2827 Worship Wednesday 6:30pm and Sunday 10:30am

St. Margaret Catholic Church 276 East Bellville Street 979-542-0217 Worship Saturday 5:30pm and Sunday 9am, Spanish noon

Calvary United Pentecostal 345 Rolling Oaks Drive Worship Wednesday 6pm and Sunday 9am

Pilgrims Rest Primitive Baptist 3410 East Austin Street 979-542-0166 Worship second and fourth Sunday 11am Corinth Missionary Baptist Church 1008 Private Road 1181 979-542-9831 Worship Sunday 11am

Immanuel Lutheran Church 300 North Grimes Street 979-542-2918 Worship Sunday 8am and 10:30am

First Assembly of God 1050 North Orange Street 979-542-2904 Worship Wednesday 7pm and Sunday 10:30am

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Shorter Chapel - AME Church 613 West Houston Street Worship Wednesday 5pm and Sunday 11am Concord Church 588 North Main Street, Hwy 77 979-542-2052 Worship Sunday 11am

“Christ-Centered Church with a Christ-Centered Mission”

First United Methodist Church 279 Monroe Street Giddings, Texas 78942 979-542-3409

Rev. Patricia Wehn-Glowski Sunday School - 9:45am Worship - 11am Prayer Meeting Wednesday - 7pm Bible Studies throughout the year Thursday Fun and Fellowship Luncheon and Games - 11:30am

Workforce Solutions of Lee County 164 West Austin Street Giddings, TX 78942 Call Today: (979) 542-1740 Book Your Appointment: www.workforcesolutionsrca.com

No Cost Services Include: Employer Resources & Customized Skills Training Recruiting, Interviewing & Weekly Virtual Hiring Fairs Child Care Tuition Scholarships & Provider Support Education & Career Workshops Access to Over 20,000 Virtual Career Training Courses Job Search Support & Career Exploration Labor Market Information Veterans & Youth Services Vocational Rehabilitation Services for People with Disabilities WSRCA All-In-One Mobile App

Where Business & Careers Meet!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Relay Texas: 800-735-2989 (TTY) and 711 (Voice) Important Notice To Customers

This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, the accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.

This document contains vital information about requirements, rights, determinations, and/or responsibilities for accessing workforce system services. Language services, including the interpretation/translation of this document, are available free of charge upon request.

Este documento contiene información importante sobre los requisitos, los derechos, las determinaciones y las responsabilidades del acceso a los servicios del sistema de la fuerza laboral. Hay disponibles servicios de idioma, incluida la interpretación y la traducción de documentos, sin ningún costo y a solicitud.

GIDDINGS, TEXAS |

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GIDDINGS ON THE GROW

Enterprise Supercenter LOCAL BUSINESS BRINGS IN SHOPPERS FROM ALL OVER THE STATE AND BEYOND

P

BY MICHELLE BANSE STOKES

eople are choosing to downsize the space they live in, simplify, and live with less. The tiny house movement isn’t new, but it’s on the rise. The typical American home is around 2,600 square feet, whereas the typical small or tiny house definition is a home where the square footage is between 100 and 800 square feet.

Enterprise Supercenter has quickly expanded to meet the needs of tiny and small home shoppers from all over Texas and beyond, offering the largest open air showroom in Texas for not only tiny homes, but also for portable buildings, carports, metal barns and more.

and granddaughter, Karen Parker, are also hands-on with dayto-day operations creating a true family atmosphere.

“When I started ten years ago, Enterprise Supercenter was only a half acre in size and had only one team,” added Tom. “We’re on six acres now with five teams and expanding continually.

People are coming from everywhere, especially for our small and tiny homes and it’s really putting Giddings on the map.

We love it here in Giddings and the community has been very supportive of us.

“The tiny home phenomenon has been gaining a lot of interest,” said Tom Long, owner and founder of Enterprise Supercenter.

“People want to downsize and move to the country. There’s a tremendous demand.”

Originally starting the business as a way to garner extra income as a retired minister, Tom quickly realized the potential for growth that would benefit not only his own venture, but Giddings as a whole. Today, Tom’s daughter, Tammy Operton,

“We love it here in Giddings and the community has been very supportive of us.”

Enterprise Supercenter is located at 3331 East Austin Street and online at www.enterprisesupercenter.com. View their advertisement on page two for more information.

Above, Enterprise Supercenter employees build new portable buildings, as well as small and tiny homes, for customers from all over the state of Texas and beyond; Tom Long, owner and founder, enjoys his work that was originally meant to be a pastime during his retirement.

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LOCAL SPOTLIGHT GIDDINGS CITY MANAGER

A Man with a Mission SPENCER SCHNEIDER LEADS BY EXAMPLE, SERVES HIS COMMUNITY WITH PASSION

BY JOHN JONES

W

hat started out as just a job has turned into a mission of sorts. Spencer Schneider came to Giddings in 1975 and went to work as a grunt in the City of Giddings electrical department. A grunt is lower than a human in electrical terms. Now he manages the whole of Giddings with what he calls a “leading from behind” philosophy.

in 1986 and served through 1991. But fate and faith moved him back to work for the city - this time as a code officer. Spencer was on the move up the ladder, whether or not he knew it.

By 2017, he was promoted to director of public services. Once again, the opportunity to serve the community opened up and he became the Giddings city manager on June 1, 2021.

Graduating in 1974 from Lexington, right outside of the city he now calls home, Spencer married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn, and headed to Giddings to work. He started his grunt work for the city in 1980 with little expectations except a paycheck to make ends meet and start a family. In high school, Spencer met Carolyn while he was hauling hay for her father.

He saw her walking up to the barn and he said right then that he was going to marry her. Now they have two children and four grandkids.

Spencer doesn’t have fancy diplomas hanging on his wall. He moved up the ranks to help steer the city into the future by common sense, the school of hard knocks, and the will of God. As an elder in the Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Lincoln, he takes his faith seriously.

After five years of pulling wire, Spencer felt a calling to help the community he had grown to love. He joined the Lee County EMS

Above, City Manager Spencer Schneider surveys a water connection project. Schneider is a hands-on city manager, but trusts his departments to do it right. Here he gives a little advice on backfilling.

GIDDINGS, TEXAS |

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“I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for God,” said Spencer. “I tell all our employees, ‘It’s God first, family second, and then the job.’”

He has a style of leadership that sits well with the rank and file. He likes to go by the city barn first thing in the

“I like to get up and go to work every day.”

morning and talk to the guys. Someone once remarked to him that he shouldn’t be in a city barn since he is the city manager. He simply said, “Right now, I’m just Spencer.” Spencer takes his civic duties seriously as well.

Spencer has served with the Giddings VFD since 1978 and he is currently fire chief of the Lincoln VFD. He has served as a volunteer firefighter for 44 years. Spencer has sat on the Giddings School Board for the past 12 years. With all of his responsibility to the city, he still somehow managers to find time to play drums as part of the Lost Cause Band. Few people know he has played drums since 1975 and gets crazy with the band many a weekend night.

As for Spencer retiring soon, he responds, “I like to get up and go to work every morning. I enjoy working for the City of Giddings. When I moved to Giddings, I had a lot of people that were good to me. I try to find a way to give back to the city every day.”

It doesn’t sound like retirement is coming too soon for a man with a mission.

Top, Spencer got rhythm! Playing drums since 1975, Spencer now sits in with The Lost Cause band; bottom, Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Schneider checks the pressure gauges on a pumper truck while preparing for a water hose pressure test.

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CHAMBER MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

ICONIC DOWNTOWN BUSINESS

City Meat Market BROOKE KOVAR CONTINUES HER FATHER’S LEGACY

I

BY JOHN JONES

s it a meat market? Is it a barbecue joint? Well, I guess When his protege entered her junior year in high school, a stuit depends on which door you enter through at the City dent of fire and smoke was being mentored to take over the Meat Market. Coming in the front door, the customer family business. probably wants a cut of meat. Come in through the time-worn side door, the customer wants a Brooke Kovar, a little wisp of a lady, seems out Kendrick Robinson slice of barbeque. Either way, this meat market of place where men usually dominate. Now a checks the ribs at City and barbecue joint will take you back in time pitmaster in her own right, she is at home at Meat Market in where there was a meat market in every town her pit, handling slabs of meat and tossing large downtown Giddings. and, if it served barbecue, it was on brown pachunks of seasoned firewood into the age-old, Visitors won’t want to per and not a fancy plate. blackened firebox. However, pitmaster is not pass by this historic her only superpower as she is equally adept at establishment without Although the City Meat Market has been in opskillfully wielding a knife. Brooke methodically stopping for a taste. eration a very long time, it was bought by Gerald slices meat in just the right thickness and cut Birkelbach in 1982 and soon became synonyto make a griller happy and many a butcher jealmous with great barbeque. Little did Gerald realize then that ous. Brooke didn’t realize that her training would lead to running he was creating a dynasty when he had his then 13-year-old the only combination meat market and barbeque place in Giddaughter working for him after school and all day on Saturdays. dings.

GIDDINGS, TEXAS |

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“Everything was gradual. I washed dishes, bussed tables, and learned how to barbecue by watching Daddy and doing it like he did it,” said Brooke.

In February 2021, Gerald passed away and Brooke took over running things in the front and back. Her fondest memories of her dad are those we all take for granted.

“I miss the talks with Dad and I had in the early mornings before things started getting hectic at work,” added Brooke.

Those times when the pit was being readied, and the heat was coming up to temperature, there were many early mornings when she and Gerald would share stories and bond over years of crackling fires and burning coals.

“I am a daddy’s girl,” she shared wistfully.

Tucked in the corner of the meat market area is a desk filled with receipts, orders, and who-knows-what. There is no computer in sight, as paperwork and receipts are written by hand.

Equally riveting is the well-worn monster wooden chopping block behind the counters. No longer in use because of sanitary laws, this chopping block serves as a catch-all and sits like a sentinel harkening bygone days.

Long before a brown paper sheet is filled with barbecue, Brooke’s day starts at five in the morning, getting the pit ready and the meat over the fire. Kendrick Robinson, her only helper, takes turns tending the embers and turning the meat. The place looks like it hasn’t changed in over 50 years, and that is because it hasn’t. A large pit full of meat, darkened with smoke and age and, as any barbecuer worth their salt will tell you, that is half the taste.

“Every day it’s something different,” said Brooke. “Getting to help people make their events successful. The customer is always right … even when they are wrong.”

A Giddings native and Giddings Buffalo alumni, Brooke doesn’t see herself doing anything else than what she is doing now.

“I want to fulfill my father’s legacy.”

City Meat Market is located at 101 West Austin Street and online at www.citymeatmarketco.com.

Top, City Meat Market serves their barbecue on brown paper, just the way Gerald Birkelbach used to; bottom, Brooke Kovar of City Market welcomes customers into her downtown meat market and barbecue restaurant.

GIDDINGS, TEXAS |

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CHAMBER MEMBER DIRECTORY ACCOUNTING AND BOOKKEEPING Medack & Oltmann, LLP 321 North Main Street (979) 542-3713 Urban, Thielmann, Oltmann, & Company 160 South Leon Street (979) 542-5551 AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE Altman Specialty Plants, LLC 1180 Private Road 2906 (979) 542-1165 AIR CONDITIONING AND HEAT SERVICES ACES-Air Conditioning Electrical Services 475 South Caldwell Street (979) 542-9917 Traeco Heating & Air 2915 East Austin Street (979) 540-5328 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR Sills Aviation Services 1234 County Road 206 (979) 542-6081 APARTMENTS Parkside Apartments 448 North Joekel Street (979) 212-5001 Shade Tree & Sunrise Apartments 382 East Industry Street (979) 399-5011 Villas of Giddings Apartments 270 Lazy Oaks Lane (979) 542-3200

ARTS Lee County Center for the Arts 115 West Austin Street (979) 353-1228 AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE AND SUPPLIES B&B Auto Farm Supply 264 West Austin Street (979) 542-3615 Ben’s Body & Paint 493 Turner Lane (979) 542-3035 Lopez Auto Clinic, LLC 176 South Navarro Street (979) 542-8800 Ronnie’s Tire and Automotive Center 1996 East Austin Street (409) 542-4274 Sylvin’s Automotive 330 East Austin Street (979) 542-3441 Wilbert’s Tire Center 2830 East Austin Street (979 542-5795 BANNERS, FLAGS, SIGNS, AND MORE Hughes Manufacturing 2301 Highway 290 West (979) 542-0333 BARBERS AND SALONS Acme Braid Loc Hair Studio 1061 North Orange Street (512) 851-6701 Adorable Hair 740 Boysenberry Street (512) 409-6482 Small Town Salon 1865 East Brenham Street (979)575-2620

BARBER AND SALON FURNISHINGS Kaemark Salon Furnishings 1338 County Road 208 (877) 886-5291 BEER AND WINE DISTRIBUTORS Mike Hopkins Distributing Company 1751 Highway 290, Brenham (979) 836-2022 BUSINESS PROFILES Better Business Bureau 418 Tarrow Street, College Station (979) 260-2222 BUTANE AND NATURAL GAS Maass Butane Company 491 South Main Street (979) 542-3384 CAMPER SHELLS AND TRUCK ACCESSORIES RBS Campers 759 West Austin Street (979) 542-5262 CHARITABLE FOUNDATIONS Lehman Charitable Foundation 228 South Grimes Street (979) 542-6400 CHILD CARE Tiny Dreamers Learning Center 631 South Harris Street (979) 542-1049 CHURCH AND MINISTRY Concord Church 588 North Main Street (979) 542-2052

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First Assembly of God 1050 North Orange Street (979) 542-2904 First Baptist Church 600 Sunrise Avenue (979) 542-3335 First Presbyterian Church 192 South Grimes Street (979) 542-9020 First United Methodist Church 279 Monroe Street (979) 542-3409 Immanuel Lutheran Church 300 North Grimes Street (979) 542-2918 Martin Luther Lutheran Church 573 North Main Street (979) 542-2286 Ridgeway Baptist Church 153 Ridgeway Cemetery Road, Paige (512) 704-6369 Saint Vincent DePaul 276 East Bellville Street (512)540-9467 Tejas Camp & Retreat 1038 Private Road 2191 (979) 366-2422 COMPUTER AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS Computer Network Technologies 382 North Harris Street (979) 542-3383 CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING CONTRACTORS Butler Contracting 123 Longhorn Street, Bastrop (844) 628-8537 x 3 Carpenter’s Carpentry 334 Biscayne Street (512) 568-9273

CHAMBER MEMBER DIRECTORY ExxonMobil Pipeline Company 2277 Springwoods Village Parkway, Spring

Outlaws BBQ, Inc. 1380 North Main Street (979) 540-0712

Lee County EMS 1212 North Orange Street 911 or (979) 542-2777

Shoppa’s John Deere 1309 East Austin Street (979) 542-2259

Facility Maintenance Solutions, LLC. 144 Old Potato Road, Paige (512) 897-8223

Reba’s Village Deli & Pizzeria 208 East Austin Street (979) 542-4700

EMPLOYMENT AGENCY

FAST FOOD

Personnel Services 503 Lyons Avenue, Schulenburg (979) 743-2604

Chick-fil-A 721 Highway 71, Bastrop (512) 332-2000

Fischer Langham Custom Builders 3075 County Road 118 (979) 540-6377 Gaeke Construction 2910 East Austin Street (979) 542-2943 Jatzlau Construction 1205 County Road 208 (979) 542-2032 Roy Milam Painting (512) 785-6340 WJC Constructors Smithville (512) 497-7077 DINING AND DRINKS 290 Travel Restaurant 1790 West Austin Street (979) 212-5092 Giddings Downtown Restaurant 155 West Austin Street (979) 542-2201

Roadhouse Paige, LLC 147 Old Highway 20 East, Paige (512) 253-3939 White Box III 828 West Austin Street (979) 212-0760

Cotton Bowl Speedway 1175 County Road 202, Paige (512) 844-3582

DOZERS AND LAND CLEARING

The Bullpen Sports Bar & Grill 2156 County Road 217 (979) 366-2500

Lee County Crawlers, LLC 6180 East Highway 290 (979) 542-9300 DRY CLEANERS Siena Cleaners 591 East Austin Street (979) 542-4242 EDUCATION Green Stone Music Education Studio & Publishing 3310 East Austin Street, #9 (979) 542-7338 ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

Hoa Son Restaurant 1199 East Austin Street (979)212-0343

Precision Electric Company 6212 East Highway 290 (979) 542-3956

Hunan’s Chinese Restaurant 2448 East Austin Street (979) 542-1133

EMBROIDERY

Los Patrones 2880 East Austin Street (979) 542-0127 Lost Pines Bar-B-Que 1534 East Austin Street (979) 542-2075

ENTERTAINMENT

Bluebird Crossing Design Embroidery Shop 2267 FM 141 (512)207-0803 EMERGENCY SERVICES Giddings Volunteer Fire Department 911

EVENT VENUE Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center 1408 Chestnut Street, Bastrop (512) 332-8984 Ponderosa Wedding and Events & Urban Cowboy Catering 335 Frerich Road, Smithville (512) 229-5283 Round Top Festival Institute 248 Jaster Road, Round Top (979) 249 3129 x 19 The Silos on 77 1031 County Road 223 (979) 589-4949 FARM & RANCH Aubaine Supply Company 590 North Orange Street (979) 542-0577 Carmine Feed & Fertilizer 196 Madison Street (979) 542-2446 Kleiber Tractor & Equipment 1701 West Travis, La Grange (979) 968-3187

GIDDINGS, TEXAS |

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Dairy Queen 977 East Austin Street (979) 212-5005 Little Ceasar’s Pizza 1799 East Austin Street (979) 542-0002 McDonald’s of Giddings 1132 Austin Street (979) 542-0225 Sonic Drive-In 1254 East Austin Street (979) 542-1073 Subway Sandwich Shop 2458 East Austin Street, STE 110 (979) 542-9601 FESTIVALS AND FAIRS Lee County Fair Association 2495 West Highway 290 (979) 542-3455 FINANCIAL Citizens National Bank 104 West Austin Street (979) 542-3136 Classic Bank 825 East Austin Street (979) 542-6666 Edward Jones 776 South Main Street (979) 542-6061 Edward Jones 797 West Austin Street (979) 542-3940

CHAMBER MEMBER DIRECTORY First National Bank 108 East Austin Street (979) 542-1200 Gersch Wealth Strategies, LLC 321 North Main Street (979) 212-0814 Round Top State Bank 1442 East Austin Street (979) 542-7872 FLORIST Secret Garden 239 North Main Street (979) 542-0141 FUNERAL SERVICES Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home 3950 East Austin Street (979) 542-3113 FURNITURE AND APPLIANCES Orsag’s, Inc. 201 West Austin Street (979) 542-3167 GOVERNMENT Cen-Tex Family Services, Inc. 2402 Main Street, Bastrop (512) 303-7737 Congressman Michael T. McCaul 823 Congress, STE 1000B, Austin (512) 473-2357

Representative John Cyrier Texas House of Representatives PO Box 2910, Austin (512) 463-0682 GROCERY STORE Brookshire Brothers 513 East Austin Street (979) 542-5025 GUNS AND AMMO Jigsaw Weaponry, LLC 6212 East Highway 290 (979) 542-0300 HEALTH AND WELLNESS Anytime Fitness 2400 East Austin Street (979) 542-1641 Giddings NewYou Body Sculpting 1063 North Orange Street (832) 901-9934 HOSPITAL St. Mark’s Medical Center One Saint Mark’s Place, La Grange (979) 242-2207 Scott & White Hospital 700 Medical Parkway, Brenham (979) 337-5000 ICE VENDING Dellrif Ice, LLC (512) 318-0785

State Farm Insurance 321 North Main Street (979) 542-5060 The Nitsche Group 143 East Austin Street (979) 542-3666 INTERNET AND TV SERVICES Sparklight 840 East Travis Street, La Grange (844)546-3278 Zochnet 5476 Highway 77 (877) 866-7770 LANDSCAPING Deb’s Flower Beds & Landscaping 3032 FM 2440 (979) 716-8610 LAUNDRY AND WASHATERIA Zoch’s Laundry 288 North Burleson Street (979) 542-2441 LIVESTOCK AND AUCTION Giddings Livestock Commission 1732 County Road 226 (979) 542-2274 LIVESTOCK BREEDERS

Giddings Economic Development Corporation 924 East Austin Street (979) 542-2067

INSURANCE

Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst 2000 South Market Street, STE 101, Brenham (979) 251-7888

Daricek Insurance Agency 579 East Hempstead (979) 542-9527

Blackjack Ranch LEE, LLC 1325 Private Road 3263 (512) 253-0128

AFLAC (979) 540-6969

Siegeler Insurance Agency, Inc. 172 West Austin Street (979) 542-3449

LODGING Best Western 2161 East Hempstead Street (979) 542-5000 Executive Inn 3556 East Austin Street (979) 542-5791 Rainbow House Bed & Breakfast 609 North Main Street (979) 542-0601 LUMBER AND CONSTRUCTION SUPPLIES Goodson-Voight Lumber Company 251 North Orange Street (979) 542-3181 MANUFACTURING FIBERGLASS TANKS L F Manufacturing 5528 East Highway 290 (979) 542-8027 MEAT MARKET City Meat Market 101 West Austin Street (979) 542-2740 MEDICAL Bec’s Blessing 325 Cactus Street (979) 540-6894 D&A Testing 1509 East Austin Street (979) 542-2707

LOCKSMITH

Davam Urgent Care 2454 East Austin Street (979) 542-2273

Star Locksmith 635 North Main Street (979) 542-0601

Dr. Laura Birnbaum 219-A East Railroad Row (979) 542-9000

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CHAMBER MEMBER DIRECTORY Giddings Eye Care, PLLC 2480 East Austin Street (979) 542-2020 Giddings Residence & Rehabilitation Center 1181 Williamson Street (979) 542-3611 Hospice Brazos Valley 1048 North Jefferson, La Grange (979) 968-6913 John Gres, DDS 623 East Hempstead Street (979) 542-1298 Jones & Cowen Physical Therapy 283 East Railroad Row (979) 542-7300 Mary’s Clinic 596 East Austin Street (979) 540-2122 Oakland Manor 1400 North Main Street (979) 542-1755 Standards of Care 111 West Second Street, Cameron (979) 540-3800 Tejas Health Care 185 Decker Drive (979) 542-6500

NAIL SALON Happy Nails 2438 East Austin Street (979) 542-0196 OILFIELD SERVICES B&N Oilfield Equipment Company, Inc. 4220 FM 448 (979) 366-2888 H&R Machine 2689 West Highway 290 (979) 542-9271 Morgan Petroleum Testers 1038 Private Road 7703 (979) 542-9390 Pumpco, Inc. 1209 South Main Street (979) 542-9054 ORGANIZATIONS American Legion, York Post 276 1502 US Highway 77 (979) 716-1025 Buffalo Ridge Community Association (HOA) 511 University Drive, East, College Station

MONUMENTS

CASA of Bastrop, Fayette, and Lee County 507 Water Street, Bastrop (512) 303-2272

Janda Monuments 913 West Austin Street (979) 542-1291

Children’s Advocacy Center 1002 Chestnut Street, Bastrop (512) 321-6161

MUSEUM

Combined Community Action 165 West Austin Street (979) 540-2980

Texas Wendish Heritage Society 1011 County Road 212 (979) 366-2441 Winedale Historical Complex 3738 FM 2714, Round Top (979) 278-3530

Feed the Need Missions PO Box 1542 Bastrop (214) 236-4446

Giddings Area Chamber of Commerce 183 East Hempstead Street (979) 542-3455 Giddings Breakfast Lions Club Robert Albrecht (979) 542-0020 Giddings New Horizons Lions Club Denice Harlan (979) 542-3455 Giddings Noon Lions Club Christi Murray (512) 909-6526 Lee County Amateur Radio Emergency Services (979) 540-9630 Lee County Little League, Inc Lee County Sheriff ’s Posse Sheriff ’s Posse Arena 2591 West Highway 290 Lee County Youth Center 192 South Grimes at First Presbyterian Church (979) 542-9020 Rotary Club of Giddings Erin Kieschnick (979) 716-1600 Silver Haired Legislature 4224 Mather Street, Kyle (512) 268-2610 Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs Study Club (979) 542-2790 PHARMACY Pieratt’s Pharmacy 233 South Manse Avenue (979) 542-3164 PHOTOGRAPHY Frank Smith Photography 3050 FM 141 (979) 540-8738

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FSP Creative Media Services 3050 FM 141 (979) 540-8738 PLUMBING Area Wide Pro Plumbing 1533 County Road 135, Lincoln (979) 542-2797 PORTABLE BUILDINGS Enterprise Supercenter 3331 East Austin Street (979) 542-4330 PUBLICATIONS ATD Austin The Red Phone Book 151 Kirkham Circle, Unit B, Kyle (512) 288-6215 Giddings Times & News 170 North Knox Avenue (979) 542-2222 Lexington Leader 612 Wheatley Street, Lexington (979) 773-3022 Trips Publications, LLC 406 West Main Street, STE 105, Weimar (979) 725-3080 RADIO KTEX 106.1 223 East Main Street, Brenham (979) 836-3655 REAL ESTATE Bubela Texas Company 603 North Main Street Schulenburg (979) 743-4148 Cedar Frame 511 University Drive East STE 206, College Station (979) 922-5544

CHAMBER MEMBER DIRECTORY

Leeco Realty Group/WLR 137 Highland Drive (979) 341-6798 Schultz Texas Properties 1260 McCormick Road (979) 249-6869 South Central Board of Realtors 105 East Main Street, STE 209, Brenham (979) 836-2011 Sun Valley Community, LLC 691 San Marcos Street (832) 579-4591 Westfall Real Estate 157 South Manse Avenue (979) 542-1234 RENTALS Rental Solutions 5940 Highway 290 East (979) 540-0555 RECYCLING Lee County Recycling 1038 County Road 234 (979) 542-7210 ROOFING Vincent’s Roofing 7000 South US Highway 77 Schulenburg (979) 247-4587 RV PARK South Forty RV Park 3689 South Highway 77 (979) 366-9341

SHOPPING

TITLE COMPANY

All Around the Block Quilt Shop 979 North Leon Street (979) 542-2782

Texas Country Title 103 South Main Street (979) 542-3836

Ashley’s Attic 687 East Austin Street (979) 542-4345 Budget Blinds of Giddings (979) 542-0700 Gourmet Divas 721 East Austin Street (979) 540-3482 Harley’s Texas Style BBQ Seasoning 1068 Private Road 5007 (979) 716-8543 Lee County Ace Hardware 1120 County Road 208 (979) 542-2413 Meme’s Quilts 1683 County Road 119 (979) 540-8162 Rejuvenation 179 South Main Street (979)542-0134 Stoney’s Liquor 1058 East Austin Street (979) 542-2244 The Grapevine 790 East Austin Street (979) 542-1250 Walmart 2374 East Austin Street (979) 542-1375 TAX PREPARATION

SERVICE STATION

H&R Block 761 East Austin Street (979) 542-4116

Marion’s Shell Service Station 333 East Austin Street (979) 542-9016

L J Tax Services 1087 West Orange Street (214) 331-2200

UTILITIES AND HOME SERVICES Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative 3190 East Austin Street (979) 542-8539 LCRA -Lower Colorado River Authority PO Box 679000, Austin (800) 776-5272 Texas Disposal Systems, Inc. PO Box 17126, Austin (800) 375-8375 VETERINARY MEDICINE Giddings Veterinary Clinic 2046 FM 448 (979) 542-2000 Texas Star Animal Hospital 1005 County Road 205 (979) 540-3333 WINERIES AND DISTILLERIES Busted Oak Cellars 6195 Round Top Road, Carmine (281) 795-2588 Dime Box Distillery, LLC 235 West Railroad Row (404) 409-7574 WORKFORCE Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area 1001 West Buchanan Drive, STE 1, Burnet (512) 756-6769

GIDDINGS, TEXAS |

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JOIN THE CHAMBER! 979-542-3455

Diamond HF Holdings, LLC 4235 County Road 117 (512) 317-8683

Crossroads of the Texas Hill Country

We are open - come visit us!

100 East Main, Johnson City

johnsoncitytexasvisitorcenter.com P.O. Box 485, Johnson City, TX 78636 | 830-868-7684

SURROUNDING AREA

Meet the Neighbors VISIT ALL OF THESE HOTSPOTS WHEN YOU STAY IN GIDDINGS LEXINGTON With a hop, skip, and a jump from Austin, a short 45 minute drive can transport your family back in time. This small but bustling town has two 1800s log cabins on display on the north side of the square. It shows what life was like when the land was raw and the spirit of adventure was high.

Artifacts and tools of the past inside the cabins and in an adjacent building. After exploring all that Lexington offers, you can fill up on the world-famous barbeque from Snow’s BBQ on Highway77, where you may run into the equally world-renowned pit master, Tootsie. After a satisfying meal, walk it off by visiting and hiking in several area state parks within a short drive time.

ROUND TOP Whether you are an antique aficionado or a hobby crafter, you already know about the famous antique shows here. Henkel Square, Rummel Square, and Town Square are just a few of the “must-see” destinations for antiquing. Those in the know trek to the Round Top Area Historical Society, the Round Top Family LIbrary, and the Round Top Festival Institute. If you want to further your cultural insights, you won’t want to miss Shakespeare at Winedale.

DIME BOX If your bucket list includes seeing the largest dime you ever laid eyes on or an oversized mailbox, then head to Dime Box just a few minutes away from Giddings. A visit to the Dime Box Heritage Museum will satiate your curiosity. A couple of country-style restaurants will satiate more than your curiosity.

LEXINGTON

ROUND TOP

DIME BOX

SERBIN This small community is tucked away in the country only seven miles from Giddings. The few Wendish immigrants who came over from Europe called this historic place home.

Little remains of Serbin, but what is there makes a trip there a historic one. Visiting Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church is a wonder to behold. Painted designs inside the church are hard to describe and even harder to imagine. The beauty and vibrant colors covering almost every part of the sanctuary are truly unbelievable.

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SERBIN

BuckUpRealty.com

Heather Kaspar 979.421.0325 - cell 979.451.8725 - office heather@buckuprealty.com

SENIOR REAL ESTATE SPECIALISTS

2915 Hills Rd, Carmine TX

00 FM 111, Deanville, TX

901 College Street, Bastrop, TX

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1324 Schoenberg Road | Carmine, Texas 979-803-0209 Bob and Sadie Easley, owners

… a place to retreat SIX ROOMS IN THE BARN AND ONE COTTAGE

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