Brenham and Washington County - Volume 01 Number 01
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Transcript of Brenham and Washington County - Volume 01 Number 01
BRENHAMA N D W A S H I N G T O N C O U N T Y
w w w . V i s i t B r e n h a m t e x a s . c o m
w w w . D o w n t o w n B r e n h a m . c o m
This is so fun! In my role with this new publication, I can show you whyso many people fall in love with Washington County.
Most people think of bluebonnets when Brenham is mentioned. And yes, they are spectacular in the springtime. But there is so much more to this place! Just flip through these pages and feast your eyes on the scenic beauty of Washington County.
Gorgeous landscapes lured me and my husband from Houston in 2004. But it didn’t take long to realize it’s not just the scenery that makes this community so special. It’s the people, the hospitality, the community spirit.
I’ve learned that Texas’ first settlers also fell in love with Washington County – not only for the beauty, but for the fertile soils and abundant water sources. Here they found everything they needed to survive and prosper. As a result, many important men lived here – men who influenced history.
With such a rich heritage, we will embrace the county’s importance in early Texas. Each issue of Brenham and Washington County will include a colorful dose of stories that will delight you. Here we’re starting with the earliest stories to be continued in future issues, in chronological order.
We are also highlighting some of the most interesting and influential people in the community – past and present. John Barnhill was the mastermind behind Blue Bell’s marketing success and he recently enabled the restoration of the historic Simon Theatre, giving the community a showcase facility.
Charlie and Traci Pyle, owners of the popular Must Be Heaven Restaurant, are also celebrated here. Their many years of volunteerism have been a big part of Downtown Brenham’s popularity and success.
I am especially happy to feature the late Dr. Boy Hasskarl, a much-loved character of the last generation. After a long career of service to the community, Dr. Boy devoted his retirement years to writing the histories he grew up with. Each issue of Brenham and Washington County will bring you one of his charming stories.
These pages are filled with fun things to see and do, for locals and tourists alike. You’ll also find a great deal of community ambiance and old-fashioned Texas pride.
ENJOY!
LET
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rBRENHAMA N D W A S H I N G T O N C O U N T Y
The view from my front porch.
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M A G A Z I N E S T A F F
SHARON BRASSEditor
KATIE MECHAMArt Director & Lead Graphic Designer
LAURIE PEARSONGraphic Designer
WARREN BLUMGraphic Designer
P R O D U C T I O N S T A F F
SHAY TIDWELLProduction Manager
BONNIE McFERRENBookkeeping
TRACY MILLERAccounting
JOSEPH SONNIERIT Consultant
C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R S
JEANNE ALBRECHTJOE DOGGETT
JIM KOLKHORSTJENNY MILLSDOUG PIKEJOEL ROMO
CHERYL D. ROSSLINDA RUSSELL
STEPHANIE SCHULENBERG JARVISNANCY SHOUP
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
KEVIN BOGGUSCity of Brenham
PENNY BRYANT
MELISSA BURGERRB Film Productions
KATHLYN DRAGNA PHOTOGRAPHY
SCOTT HILLBrenham Portrait Gallery
LU HOLLANDERWashington County Chamber Convention
& Visitors Bureau
NATALIE LANGE
JAMES PHARAON CREATIVE
RW PHOTOGRAPHY
LEA WIE PHOTOGRAPHY
REAL PROPERTY LUXURY GROUP, LLC
GEORGE LANEPrincipal
WWW.VISITBRENHAMTEXAS.COMWWW.DOWNTOWNBRENHAM.COM
BRENHAM AND WASHINGTON COUNTY(713) 302-0555
4017 PENN LANE, FULSHEAR, TX 77441
© Copyright 2016 - Real Property Luxury Group, LLCAll rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
Letter from the Edtor
Brenham’s MagnificentNew Place of Amusement
Simon Stories
Bass Time
The Barnhill & Simon Theater Connection
The Barnhill Influence
Hometown HeroesCharlie & Traci Pyle
This Little Piggy
Hermann FurnitureFive Generations of Innovation
The Man Called “Boy”
Hasskarl HistoriesHow Early Settlers Traveled
Go Geocaching in Washington County!
Washington County Gallery
Texas Mountain Lions
Make Your Own Special MemoriesWashington On The Brazos State Historic Site
Celebrate the Texas Within YouWashington On The Brazos State Historic Site
Where Texas Became Texas
Dawn Doves
Visit the 1800’s - Old Independence
Sam Houston’s Years in Independence
A Charming Country Getaway - Chappell Hill
A Gin and a Whistle Stop - Burton
Snake Season
Fun Happenings!Brenham & Washington County
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BRENHAMA N D W A S H I N G T O N C O U N T Y
SPECIAL THANKSCATHY COLE • Heritage Texas Country PropertiesJENNIFER ECKERMANN • Main Brenham StreetPAUL FISHER * Baylor UniversityPAGE MICHEL * Washington County Chamber Convention & Visitors BureauLU HOLLANDER * Washington County Chamber Convention & Visitors Bureau
On the CoverPhoto by Lea Wie Photography of Chappell Hill
The horse, Legacy, owned by Ginger Walkerleawiephotography.com • facebook.com/LeaWiePhoto
Brenham’s Magnificent
New Place of Amusement
This 1925 front-page headline, in the Brenham Banner-Press, heralded the opening of a prominent Downtown landmark and entertainment center.
Now The Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre recaptures a golden era and promises to once again become a hub of cultural activity.
The Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre hosted the
Brazos Valley Model A’s in April, 2016, honoring the heyday era of the Simon Theatre.
Written by Sharon BraSS
Photo by Scott Hill, Brenham Portrait Gallery
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The auditorium in 1925. With smaller seats and no center aisle, it held far more guests than today.
Do your childhood memories include a local movie theater? Did you grow up, like many texans, experiencing the excitement and wonder of
motion pictures while hanging-out with friends? Maybe you even stole your first kiss in a movie house?
if you grew up in Washington County, you probably remember entire afternoons spent in the old Simon theatre. you could watch movies all day for only a quarter, and that included popcorn and a cold drink.
it was the place where you wanted to be, and to be seen. your heart was won and your heroes always triumphed. During their battles, you were on the edge of your seat. you held your breath during romantic scenes. you experienced all these sensations with your best friends, and you may have fallen in love.
these are the memories evoked when people walk into the barnhill Center today. “it’s so much fun to watch the faces of new visitors,” says barry brass, a volunteer who shows movies on Saturdays.
“Almost everyone is delighted when they first enter the restored auditorium. the folks who have Simon memories are usually very touched. i’ve even watched a few women cry when they walked through the door for the first time – the grand room is even more beautiful than people remember it.”
Elegant for its time, the theatre first opened in 1925 when vaudeville, photo plays and silent movies were the most popular forms of entertainment. in those days most folks walked or rode horseback, and horses were hitched in the alley behind the theatre.
Old-timers tell stories of an earlier era.
When it was new, the Simon’s acoustics and theatrical technologies were impressive and rarely found outside the largest cities. the auditorium was equipped with a sizeable stage, an orchestra pit, dressing rooms, and the finest leather-upholstered opera chairs available. The second floor was a large dance hall which was also used for meetings and public gatherings.
no matter what era you attended the Simon, it was the center of social life. between movies, you went there for talent shows, plays, concerts and community events.
it was sad to most locals when the Simon theatre was closed in the early 1980s. By the turn of the century, the building had lost its beauty and identity. Many years of restaurant tenants brought internal modifications, then long vacancies resulted in neglect and eventual decay.
For over thirty years, many people passing under the prominent marque on Main Street had no awareness of its past glory. Only the strong architectural features remained when the Simon was bought in 2003 by the non-profit, brenham Main Street Historical Preservation, inc. (bMSHP).
“�………the grand room is even more
beautiful than people
remember it.”
14
The auditorium in 1925. With smaller seats and no center aisle, it held far more guests than today.
Do your childhood memories include a local movie theater? Did you grow up, like many texans, experiencing the excitement and wonder of
motion pictures while hanging-out with friends? Maybe you even stole your first kiss in a movie house?
if you grew up in Washington County, you probably remember entire afternoons spent in the old Simon theatre. you could watch movies all day for only a quarter, and that included popcorn and a cold drink.
it was the place where you wanted to be, and to be seen. your heart was won and your heroes always triumphed. During their battles, you were on the edge of your seat. you held your breath during romantic scenes. you experienced all these sensations with your best friends, and you may have fallen in love.
these are the memories evoked when people walk into the barnhill Center today. “it’s so much fun to watch the faces of new visitors,” says barry brass, a volunteer who shows movies on Saturdays.
“Almost everyone is delighted when they first enter the restored auditorium. the folks who have Simon memories are usually very touched. i’ve even watched a few women cry when they walked through the door for the first time – the grand room is even more beautiful than people remember it.”
Elegant for its time, the theatre first opened in 1925 when vaudeville, photo plays and silent movies were the most popular forms of entertainment. in those days most folks walked or rode horseback, and horses were hitched in the alley behind the theatre.
Old-timers tell stories of an earlier era.
When it was new, the Simon’s acoustics and theatrical technologies were impressive and rarely found outside the largest cities. the auditorium was equipped with a sizeable stage, an orchestra pit, dressing rooms, and the finest leather-upholstered opera chairs available. The second floor was a large dance hall which was also used for meetings and public gatherings.
no matter what era you attended the Simon, it was the center of social life. between movies, you went there for talent shows, plays, concerts and community events.
it was sad to most locals when the Simon theatre was closed in the early 1980s. By the turn of the century, the building had lost its beauty and identity. Many years of restaurant tenants brought internal modifications, then long vacancies resulted in neglect and eventual decay.
For over thirty years, many people passing under the prominent marque on Main Street had no awareness of its past glory. Only the strong architectural features remained when the Simon was bought in 2003 by the non-profit, brenham Main Street Historical Preservation, inc. (bMSHP).
“�………the grand room is even more
beautiful than people
remember it.”
BR
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today the barnhill Center at Historic Simon theatre is a grand sight, even if you are not native to brenham. Almost anyone can appreciate its simple, plush elegance and old-time atmosphere.
the multi-use building is a movie theatre, performing arts theatre, conference center and event facility with retail spaces on the ground floor. Alamo Alley adjoins on the west side of the building, providing attractive outdoor spaces.
it’s a treat to enter the old lobby and see exhibits from the theatre’s past. the artifacts and vintage photos on display demonstrate how closely the restored building matches its original design.
you are transported to a past era when you enter the Hasskarl Auditorium. you’ll feast your eyes on the French-style kaleidoscope of
colors and the hand-made plaster frescos throughout the room. the lavish carpets were designed to match the original palette of colors in the decorative frescos. the luxurious seats look much like the original leather opera seats, ordered from the original company. Latest technologies are installed throughout the building, to support almost any type of gathering. Digital Cinema Projection and a full-sized movie screen in the Hasskarl Auditorium are comparable to most movie theaters today. the stage and acoustics are ideal for live performances, with room for an orchestra.
the upstairs bullock ballroom is spacious and bright, with the same attention to details. Opulent chandeliers are the focal point, complemented by original wood floors and
fashionable furnishings. the roomy catering kitchen, designed by brenham’s top caterer, provides state-of-the art equipment and easy access to the ballroom. the ballroom is equipped with movie screens, projection equipment and a small stage area. For large events, the auditorium and ballroom sound and projection systems can be tied together.
The old beauty is back, in all her splendor.
Left: On stage are Tena Rae Helm and Mike Brinkmeyer.
Below: The theatre has been restored to its original design and beauty.
Photos by RW Photography
Photo by RW Photography
Photo by RW Photography
Alfred Finn was born in Bellville in 1883 and became a renowned Houston architect. For about 35 years he was known as the principal architect of Houston, doing much work with Jesse Jones.
Finn designed many important business buildings, homes, hotels, theaters and public buildings in Houston and across texas. His distinguished career produced Hermann Hospital (1922), the Gulf Building (1929), the San Jacinto Monument (1938), Sam Houston Music Hall and Coliseum (1937), the Shriner’s Crippled Children’s Hospital (1950) and many other landmarks.
It was about 1921 when Brenham’s James Simon commissioned Finn to design the Simon theatre. Simon had owned the brenham Opera House for almost 30 years, but now he needed a facility that would support the newfangled moving picture shows that were coming out of Hollywood.
this was a very ambitious and sophisticated venture for both architect and owner, but the Simon was finally completed in 1925. Sadly, James Simon passed away just before the theatre opened. His family operated it for 22 years.
brenham claims Finn’s only remaining theater. He built five additional downtown movie houses in the early 1900’s in Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth. Famous at the time, all these theaters except the Simon have been closed or demolished.
The Renovation
“the goal was to restore the Simon to its original design and beauty, while making the facility compliant with today’s building codes,” said Jennifer Eckermann, advisory board member of BMSHP. “But when our non-profit bought the building in 2003, everyone was shocked by its condition. It seemed almost impossible to achieve the goal.”
“the most recent tenant had been a Chinese restaurant on the ground f loor,” said Donna Cummins, manager of the project, “and there had been a Chinese grocery in the back of the auditorium. the back third of the room, under the balcony, had been leveled with concrete. A massive wall separated it from the rest of the auditorium. the most recent green and tan wall colors were stained and peeling. Graffiti was everywhere.”
Jennifer remembers the worst part. “there was an overwhelming odor that permeated the whole building, but we didn’t easily find the cause. After much exploration, it was discovered that the restaurant grease trap had no outlet and had never been drained. it had leaked into the basement, for what must have been years, forming a large, smelly pool. A septic pump truck finally solved the problem, but it was a slow process due to the large volume of grease. “the first renovation years were spent planning and fund raising,” said Jennifer. “but the building was in such bad shape, it was embarrassing when prospective donors toured it. they often watched us moving buckets around to catch leaks.”
The spacious and bright Bullock Ballroom has multiple uses.
“ Before tours, we had to carefully inspect
the building to remove dead pigeons!”
ARchiTecT Alfred c. Finn
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Simon Theatre TimelineCirca 1921James Simon commissioned renowned Alfred C. Finn to design the theatre.
1925Grand Opening on November 27, featured a photo play, the Merry Widow.
1930’sStill owned by the Simon family, declined during the Great Depression.
1947Sold to the Stuckert family who continued the movie theater operation.
1970Sold to Stuckert/Van Dyke partnership. Movie house, offices & workout room.
Late 1970’sSold to the Jaster family. Movie house, restaurant, & living quarters.
Early 1980’sthe movie theater closed.
1980’s & 1990’sVarious restaurant tenants & long vacancies. neglect, deterioration, decay.
2003Bought by the non-profit, Brenham Main Street Historical Preservation, inc.
2004Fund raising began & grants applied for. Original blueprints found in Houston!
2006Architexas was hired for planning. Save Our Simon fund raising campaign began.
2008renovation of the exterior began, starting with a new roof.
2009Front façade finished with the lighted marque on Main Street.
Late 2010Lobby & retail spaces completed. Washington County Visitor Center opened.
2011renamed “the barnhill Center at Historic Simon theatre.” Fund raising revived.
2012Property next door was acquired for theatre restrooms & meeting space.
2014Fund raising reached $5 million. Bullock Ballroom & kitchen opened.
2016Grand Opening of the Hasskarl Auditorium in January!
“that bad roof caused other problems,” laughed Donna. “before tours, we had to carefully inspect the building to remove dead pigeons!”
When work was started on the interior, a restoration paint analysis identified the building’s original paint palates. Almost like an archeology dig, the many layers of paint and flooring were peeled back to discover the original materials and colors.
“It was interesting to find the earliest décor under all those layers,” said Donna. “the biggest surprise was the beautiful plaster work and frescos that had been covered-up. We were excited to learn that the decorative tulip stenciling is similar to that in nashville’s ryman Auditorium.”
Another significant discovery was a vintage curtain that had been wadded-up under a pile of dirt in the orchestra pit. A beautiful painted scene in the center was surrounded by local advertisements from the 1930’s era. Unfortunately, the curtain was in poor shape.
“Hoping to use this unique treasure, we took the curtain to Jhonni Langer of Source,” said Jennifer. “He had done the historical paint analysis and he thought he could restore the curtain. Well, he quickly called to report the bad news. The curtain was 99% asbestos. We learned that it was common in the early 1900’s to use asbestos curtains as fire barriers on stages. back then, no one knew how harmful asbestos is.”
bMSHP arranged to have a replica of the curtain made through Source. today’s visitors delight in the reproduction curtain, which looks almost exactly like the original found in the old auditorium.
FOr MOre inFOrMAtiOn 979-836-6980
TheBarnhillCenter.comFind Us on Facebook
Photo by RW Photography
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“I was too young to get into the risqué vaudeville shows. I used to sneak in the back door on the alley with friends like Boy Hasskarl. Those burlesque girls, half dressed, would tease me about where they wore their butterflies.” F.C. Winkelmann
“My mom would drop me off and let me stay at the Simon watching westerns all day. The theatre staff had a phone behind the counter that kids could use to ring their parents, to come pick them up after the shows… it was a different time.” Hal Moorman
“Back in the 1940’s and 50’s, I loved watching all the cowboy pictures with stars like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. I especially liked Esther Williams – probably because she spent most of her screen time in a swim suit. But the thing I liked most about the Simon was the air conditioning. People forget that air conditioning was not common in those days. The Simon was one of the few places in Brenham you could get cooled off.” John Barnhill
“My favorite treat at the concession stand was pickle juice. For a nickel, you could buy a cup of juice that had been drained from a pickle jar.” Tommy Williams
“I worked in the Simon’s concession stand for a few years around 1970. Every Saturday we cooked a big pot of chili and it sold-out pretty fast. But we had no kitchen. My least favorite chore was washing that big chili pot in the tiny sink of the ladies’ restroom.” Sarah Book
“The men’s restroom was on the second floor, next to the ballroom. I knew some mischievous young men who went upstairs and came upon a huge heap of red curtains that had been thrown on the ballroom floor. Knowing that the downstairs auditorium had brand new curtains, the boys decided to steal the old curtains to cover their car seats. They managed to throw the large red bundle out a ballroom window without being seen, and they were so proud of the plush new car seats! But their secret was revealed after riding around town on a hot summer day with no AC. When they emerged from the car, wet with perspiration, bright red stains covered their whole back sides! That’s when they were forced to confess their theft.” Anonymous
Simon Stories
“After the Somerville theatre burned down during WWII, anyone who wanted to see a movie had to go to either Brenham or Caldwell. Gasoline and tire rationing were in effect so Brenham, being closer than Caldwell, always won the toss.
My gang would gather at the bus stop several times a week to catch the evening bus for Brenham. From the Kerrville Bus Station, we would walk down Main Street to the Simon.
After the movie we would walk over to the Candy Kitchen, because of the homemade ice cream that was so good, it might have very well been Blue Bell.
After that treat, we’d walk down to the Santa Fe Depot to catch the 11:00 train home. When we got back to Somerville, we would walk our separate ways home, but most times a boy would walk his current girl of interest to her home first.
This was not for safety reasons, because no one ever thought about assaults in those days. The walk was for the couple to be alone for the first time that evening, and may have been the primary reason for the trip.” Bill Neinast
Do you have a fun Simon story? We’d like to hear from you! Please send your story, with contact info, to [email protected]
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“Like most other kids in Brenham, I went to the Simon on many a Saturday. We black kids used a separate entrance on Douglas Street. We sat in the balcony upstairs, apart from the white kids. I didn’t think anything of it – that was just life in the days of segregation. And the balcony was really the best place to be, after all. All the white kids wanted to go up there. We had fun throwing popcorn on them from above!” Lloyd Mays
Local artist and poet, Lloyd Mays, portrays the Simon theatre of his childhood during segregation years.
MoST SaTurdayS, aLL yEarThE daWn oF WaShInGTon CounTyMovie, 25 minutes. Meet the gallant Dr. richard Fox brenham.
Showtimes: 11:00 am1:00 pm2:00 pm
JuLy 15BruCE roBISon and KELLy WILLIStexas’s favorite country singer/songwriter duo in concert.
doors: 6:00 pmShow: 7:00 pm
JuLy 22FIELd oF drEaMSClassic movie.
doors: 6:00 pmShow: 7:00 pm
auGuST 20ray WyLIE huBBardLive concert with a Q&A session.
doors: 6:00 pm Q&a: 7:00 pm Show: 8:00 pm
auGuST 27BIG aL’S hISTorIC, aLMoST auThEnTIC, ELECTrIFIEd VaudEVILLE ShoWLive stage show celebrating the Simon theatre’s opening in 1925.
Matineedoors: 1:00 pmShow: 2:00 pmEveningdoors: 6:00 pmShow: 7:00 pm
SEpTEMBEr 10GrEaSEClassic movie musical.
doors: 6:00 pmShow: 7:00 pm
111 W. Main Street in Brenham979-836-6980
Purchase tickets at the door or online: TheBarnhillCenter.com
Coming Attractions
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BassTime
WRITTEN BY DOUG PIKE
THE ROD tip bounced and the line came tight,
angling to the left along the reed-rimmed shoreline. Rickey and I watched Liz Coulter lower the rod, reeling to keep pace, and, then, finally, stricking hard to the open side of the johnboat.
A two-pound largemouth bass promptly jumped, showing an open mouth, flared gills and the flapping plastic worm pinned in the corner of the jaw. The hooked bass fell back, pulled hard, then jumped again. Rickey Morris nudged the stern-mounted electric trolling motor, maneuvering to deeper water. “Good job,” he said. “You did that exactly right.”
“It’s about time,” Liz laughed. “I didn’t do so well on the first two strikes. Or ‘taps,’ or whatever you call them.”
We were fishing a small lake near Morris’ home south of Houston. The bass plodded close and I reached with thumb and curled index for the classic “lip grab.” I held the chunky green and gold fish aloft.
“CONGRATULATIONS; YOUR FIRST BASS.”
We snapped several photos then released the fish. It flashed away, diving into the clear green.
Coulter is an avid saltwater angler, but that recent foray was her first for largemouth bass. She was wielding a 6 1/2-foot two-handed rod and a free-spool casting reel,
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and handled the casting tackle with growing confidence as Morris eased the 12-foot aluminum boat along the shoreline.
The lure of choice was a crawfish-type soft plastic rigged snagless “Texas style” on a 4/0 worm hook below a 1/4-ounce bullet-type slip sinker. The same setup, with various modifications, has been used a jillion times in the lakes and ponds of southeast Texas, and it remains a killer for summer bass.
attempt to swallow) the lure. The hit typically transmits as a “tap” or “bump” then the line comes tight as the fish moves off with the chewy plastic in its mouth. This deliberate tempo gives the angler time to react.
The single drawback at the beginner level for fishing bottom-bumping Texas-rigged plastics is the violent hook-set required to set the barb. Remember, the hook point is pressed back into the soft body of the lure to
I caught four bass. Of course, I was in the center seat and forfeiting most of the “ice cream” water. Well, that sounds good. Rickey caught two but he was driving the boat and, way back in the stern, fishing seriously used water. Needless to say, in a desperate game of catch-up, I was giving him few uncontested shoreline shots.
Come to think of it, even with solid contact on the hook-set, I jumped off a “solid 5.” So did, well, never mind about her.
But, regardless of experience and on large water or small, the angler using a snagless soft plastic has taken a major step forward in catching summer bass. D
It also is an excellent choice for the newcomer. First, with the hook point turned back into the soft plastic lure body, the offering is virtually snagless amid “hard” cover such as logs, stickups. and reeds.
The weighted “worm” is relatively easy to cast; the compact lead bullet sinker provides a positive payload for tentative lobs. Conversely, other effective bass lures demand a higher skill level for smooth deliveries. Air resistant payloads such as tandem-bladed spinnerbaits and balsa thin-minnow floating/diving plugs are among the worst.
For example, during the same session, I attempted to wham a thin-minnow plug into the gusting southeast wind and, well, the backlash easily was among the top 10 in my 50-year fishing career. Maybe the top five. The spool was absolutely buried amid exploded monofilament. One look and I started snipping with line clippers. It was brutal, especially with semi-pro credentials riding on the effort.
Also an advantage, the pace is slow with a bottom-bumping weighted plastic. You don’t wear yourself out with chunk-and-wind. And, on the sluggish days of summer, allowing the bait to dawdle in a “fishy” spot gives lurking bass plenty of opportunity to seize the moment.
Finally, bass absolutely love soft-plastic baits. The strikes usually are confident and fish tend to hang onto (even
keep it from snagging as it bounces and flutters over the bottom contours. Also, the line in deeper water encounters more water resistance as the angler raises the rod on the strike.
Liz missed the first two fish simply by not hitting back hard enough. The bass were there but she failed to reach them with a soft reaction. No question, bass are more difficult to hook on Texas-rigged worms than on fast-moving plugs with exposed trebles. On the latter, the solid contact is automatic.
But the tuned angler willing to pay attention can make the adjustments. During our two-hour late-afternoon session, Coulter caught six bass to three pounds. Her skill level increased markedly as she understood the drill.
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ThE aBoVE STaTEMEnTfrom John and Jane barnhill, explains their passion for bringing back the grand Simon theatre of John’s childhood years. indeed, the couple has been a driving force and enabler for the renovation project.
Growing up in Brenham in the 1940s and ‘50s, John attended movies at the Simon theatre on most Saturday afternoons. As early as he can remember, his father owned the Sweet Shop in the same building, which served as the concessions stand for moviegoers.
but it wasn’t nostalgia for the good old days that spurred John’s interest in the restoration project. He was won over by the enthusiasm and conviction of tom bullock Sr. and
“You have to have landmarks in your life. When people come to our hometown, they don’t want to see the new stuff. They’re looking for things that are authentic. There’s not enough of that anymore.”
former brenham mayor, Dr. “boy” Hasskarl. bullock loved the Simon building – the last surviving theater by renowned texas architect Alfred C. Finn. Hasskarl loved brenham history and he wanted to restore the Simon’s unique historical character to its former splendor.
“these two visionaries imagined a revived Simon theater, once again serving as a downtown
entertainment center,” said John. “they believed the center would del ight locals, attract tour ists and conferences, and generate revenues for the community.”
to raise money for the project, bullock and Hasskarl recruited John, local attorney Hal Moorman, and publisher Charles Moser. but fund raising proved to be a challenge. “Although our community is full of generous people, it’s also full of charitable organizations competing for donations,” said John. “Money trickled in, but not enough to accomplish much.”
Fund raising was only part of the challenge. Many people asked the barnhills why they bothered with the decrepit old building, when a brand-new one could be built for far less trouble and expense. but the couple never lost sight of the larger community goals as envisioned by their now-deceased friends, bullock and Hasskarl. “besides,” said Jane with a smile, “once you embark on a restoration project, it gets under your skin. you just can’t quit.”
After several years of moderately successful fund raising, the barnhills got an idea to kick-start the project. John approached his old friend, retired blue bell CeO ed Kruse, and proposed that they each give large, matching endowments. ed agreed, but he insisted that the building be rechristened in honor of John.
now that the barnhill Center at Historic Simon theatre is open, residents and tourists eagerly attend movies and events, enjoying the impressive old building.
“is this how it looked when you were growing up?” invariably, that’s the first thing folks ask John when they see the restored Hasskarl Auditorium.
“Well it was always dark,” John quips. “Who knew what it looked like?”
nevertheless, longtime residents marvel at the splendor that has emerged from the decayed old ruin. And former skeptics now thank the barnhills for advocating “one of the nicest attractions brenham has ever had.”
Written by ChEryL d. roSS
The Barnhill & Simon Theatre
C o n n e C t i o n
Phot
o by
Sco
tt Hi
ll, B
renh
am P
ortra
it G
alle
ry
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W hen John Barnhill took his first summer job at Blue Bell Creameries back in 1954, he had no idea that he was forging a lifelong bond with the company. Although
he later became executive vice president and general sales manager, his school years were spent preparing for a journalism career.
In fact, as a teenager among highly skilled Blue Bell factory workers, John probably stood out for the comedy he generated. Like most new hires of the time, he was asked to fill half-gallon cartons by maneuvering them under a nozzle that dispensed ice cream. He managed to keep the cartons moving so the frozen concoction wouldn’t spill or overflow.
But when it came to filling pint cartons – well, you might picture Lucy Ricardo and Ethel Mertz panicking as a conveyor belt brought chocolates far faster than they could stuff them into boxes – or their mouths.
“It was Howard Kruse who said, ‘John, maybe that’s not the best job for you,’” John recalls with a laugh. He was reassigned to paint advertising signs on grocery store windows.
NUMBER SIXON THE LIST
Although he enjoyed his summers at the creamery, John was immersed in his studies while attending the University of Texas in Austin. That’s where he met Jane Cook.
Spend time with the couple of 57 years and you’ll likely spend that time laughing, too. They give the impression that they’ve gone through the past decades peppering each other’s stories with wry humor, and matching each other wit for wit.
Take the story of how they met, for instance. John wasn’t happy about being set-up with a party date by fraternity social directors. So he wrote his own list of five other girls and started calling. Those girls already had dates, so John opened an annual and looked through the photos. He was drawn to the face of Jane Cook. When he asked her out, she was the first to accept.
“The family likes to say that I was his sixth choice,” Jane smiles.
WRITTEN BY CHERYL D. ROSS
REACHINGFOR THE STARS
As a journalism major at UT John set his sights on working at a respected newspaper such as the Dallas Morning News. Perhaps, one day, he’d run a small country newspaper of his own.
But fate intervened, in the form of then Blue Bell CEO Ed Kruse. Ed had taken over the management in 1951 with plans for transforming the little-known brand into the most esteemed name in ice cream. He soon began casting his net for people to help his vision come true.
Somehow, Ed settled on his teenage neighbor as the person to lead the creamery’s sales efforts. The choice had less to do with John’s performance in his summer jobs than with his bold confidence and drive, as demonstrated in his personal and academic life.
Locally, John was known as senior class president and orchestrator of special class projects. At UT he was active in the Kappa Alpha Fraternity and a smorgasbord of clubs and organizations. He also worked for the Texas press secretary during Gov. Price Daniel’s administration, drafting proclamations and occasional speeches.
Jane fondly remembers attending Gov. Daniel’s inaugural ball with John during finals week. “The next day I made the only ‘D’ I ever made at the University of Texas,” she says. “But it was worth it.”
John’s experiences and accomplishments, at such a young age, impressed Ed Kruse. He saw in John the quality that Jane says has defined her husband over the years, “he’s not afraid to reach for the stars.”
The Barnhill Influence
Photo Courtesy of John & Jane Barnhill
Like many Brenham youths,JOHN BARNHILL went off to college with no
expectations of returning for his career.Now in retirement, he reminisces about
his life’s work that helped putBLUE BELL and BRENHAM on the map.
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Jane tells a story about this, going back to John’s days as vice president of UT’s rodeo club. He decided that movie star Roy Rogers would be the perfect attraction for an upcoming event, so he phoned Rogers’ staff in California.
John still laughs about the early morning return call. One of his dorm friends straggled out of bed to answer the pay phone. John woke up to a loud shout down the hallway, “Barnhill, Roy Rogers is on the phone for you!” Suddenly John was surrounded by half-asleep friends, staggering down the hall to listen. “The singing cowboy declined my invitation,” John said, “but he was so gracious, it was impossible to feel bad about it.”
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS AND KNOCKS,
AND KEEPS ON KNOCKINGWhile John was away at college, Ed found ways to keep him involved with the creamery. He phoned John one day and asked him to create some ads for the Brenham and Bellville newspapers, John’s college calendar was already full, but he whipped-out some silly ads that he was later embarrassed to tell his staff about: “Doctors love B-B Ice Cream” (as the brand was then called) and “Farmers love B-B Ice Cream.”
But John wasn’t ready to give up on his dreams of Pulitzer Prizes. He took a job as a reporter at the old Houston Press for a year. When he enlisted in the Army National Guard, he was immediately sent to basic training in California.
All the while, Ed often wrote and called with local news: “We got a new machine to make our Popsicles,” John recalls him saying and, “we’re getting three new delivery trucks!”
Suffering through boot camp, John couldn’t muster much enthusiasm for these developments, but he did realize how serious Ed was about recruiting him.
IN THE COMPANY OF AGGIES
Back in Houston, John finally joined Blue Bell Creameries in 1960 with direction from Ed to, “sell all the ice cream you can.”
At the time, John thought, “that is just the kind of vague business goal you’d expect from an Aggie!” Later he realized, “that’s the most brilliant thing you could tell a new sales manager, because there are no boundaries and no pressure. It gave me room to be creative.
“Of course, I knew we would succeed because the ice cream, that Howard Kruse was making, was so good.” John adds.
Still, broaching the cosmopolitan Houston market wasn’t easy, especially when calling on customers with no brochures. John was armed with a box of ice cream cartons and Ed’s hand-me-down business cards. “Just scratch out anything that doesn’t apply,” John recalls Ed saying.
John was steaming one day after a sales meeting with his former UT classmate, whose family owns an upscale grocery chain in Houston. His friend told him, “We don’t sell brand X. Maybe you want to go out to one of the discount stores.”
“It was a real putdown,” John complained to Ed.
“Well,” Ed said, “if you don’t like it, change it.”A popular early Blue Bell ad campaign under John’s direction.
During Blue Bell’s 100th anniversary in 2007, John demonstrated one of his first roles with the company.
Photo Courtesy of Blue Bell Creameries
Photo Courtesy of Blue Bell Creameries
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CHARMINGTHEIR WAY TO THE TOP
One step at a time, with Ed’s blessings, John began to reinvent the company’s image. First to go was the “B-B” on the cartons and delivery trucks. John decided to spell out “Blue Bell” and romanticize it. He created new business cards, brochures, and sales materials.
With these new materials and radio ads to produce, John’s strategy was to promote the rural charm of Brenham. “We played-up the fact that Blue Bell is made in the country and no one else can say that.”
The ads were an instant hit. The Houston market responded and Blue Bell started making headway. Encouraged, John and Ed hired Houston ad man, Lyle Metzdorf. Together they refined the down-home image of “The Little Creamery in Brenham,” creating long-term advertising gems such as “Blue Bell tastes so good because the cows think Brenham is heaven.” and “We eat all we can and we sell the rest.”
Blue Bell soon cornered the Houston market. In 1972, at Ed’s request, the Barnhills moved to Brenham so John could assume the role that Ed had originally sketched out for him – executive vice president and general sales manager.
With the same strategy of charmingly-country ad campaigns, Blue Bell began launching in other select markets, soon winning a hefty chunk of ice cream sales in each. Over the following years, under John’s guidance, this strategy turned Blue Bell into the third best-selling ice cream brand in the nation – and the top brand in Texas.
COMMITTEDTO HELPING OTHERS
Ever since they returned to John’s hometown, the Barnhills have been important contributors to the Brenham community. And for over 100 years, so has Blue Bell Creameries. The two entities go hand-in-hand in the perception of locals, and many non-profits have benefited from the generosity of both.
John and Jane are active in church and various clubs, organizations, and boards. They are both dedicated to UT activities. The Texas Exes elected him president. He was appointed as a Regent of The University of Texas System, and was named a Distinguished Alum. The Barnhills have endowed three scholarships in honor of their children.
The renovation of the historic Simon Theatre was a project dear to the Barnhills’ hearts, and their endowments made that project possible. They have also restored two historic properties of their own: houses built in 1824 and 1844 by two of Stephen F. Austin’s original colonists. (Jane likes to refer to the 1844 house as “the new house.”)
Jane was appointed by two governors to serve 6-year terms on the Texas Historical Commission and she served twice as president of the Heritage Society of Washington County. She has also been active in Brenham’s annual Maifest celebration for many years.
John helped establish the Bank of Brenham, where he still serves as an advisory director. He was among the civic leaders who arranged Brenham’s participation in the nationally-recognized Main Street Program, an important factor in the city’s Downtown revitalization success.
After 57 years, three kids, and ten grandkids, John and Jane Barnhill still regard each other with twinkles in their eyes.
“John’s retirement from Blue Bell in 2000 hasn’t slowed him down a bit,” Jane says. “We are both very busy, but mostly in different directions. The secret to our happy marriage is having two cars.” D
John and Jane with an Elvis impersonator in 1993 when John was President of the Texas Exes.
As a UT System Regent,John was expected to read
volumes of material.
John receiving the UT Distinguished Alumnus
Award in 2011.
Photo Courtesy of John & Jane Barnhill
Photo Courtesy of University of Texas Distinguished Alum book
®
Photo Courtesy of John & Jane Barnhill
If you find yourself in the mood to volunteer for one of Brenham’s many Downtown events, try to get yourself assigned to Charlie and Traci Pyle’s team. Not just because the gregarious, energetic
couple has a good time, but because they’re the ones with the ice cream.
These owners of Must Be Heaven Restaurant actively recruit friends to sell cold beer in the sweltering July heat during Hot Nights, Cool Tunes concerts. But when the hard work is over, they lead their team back to Must Be Heaven for a cold, creamy, delectable reward. Tub after three-gallon tub of delicious Blue Bell ice cream – yours for the dipping!
WRITTEN BY CHERYL ROSS
Hometown HeroesCHARLIE & TRACI PYLE
family proves that volunteering is fun.
This dynamicPhoto by Scott Hill, Brenham Portrait Gallery
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So last year, with no Blue Bell and hot volunteers to cool off, Traci decided to try her hand at homemade ice cream. “It was okay,” she says, “but it just didn’t go over that great. Let’s just say that no one asked for the recipe.”
You’d be hard-pressed to find two people happier in their adopted home than Charlie and Traci. The couple moved to Brenham 18 years ago and soon found their niche in the community, taking over Must Be Heaven and getting involved in the community. They serve on several Main Street Brenham committees and volunteer at most Downtown events. Charlie even served a stint on city council.
“Volunteering lets you have a great time while also helping the
community.”
It all started in 1998 when Charlie accepted a job to head-up the Miller Beer distributor in town, Wright Distributing. Neither of the Pyles had been to Brenham before, and when Traci asked how big the city was, Charlie estimated, “Oh, about 40,000 or so.”
The Pyles drove down from College Station to find a town of only 14,000 “or so.” It was a Sunday afternoon and everything in Brenham was shut down for the evening. They explored the quaint streets until they finally found something open – the Walmart out on Highway 290.
“Brenham’s quiet country ways were a bit of a culture shock,” says Charlie. “We came from the bigger, busier cities of Conroe and Temple. Back then, nothing happened in Downtown Brenham after five o’clock in the afternoon. It was a much more laid-back town than we were used to.”
Brenham was a town, they decided, that was the perfect place to run a business and raise their twins, Jacob and Juju.
Now, years later, the Pyles join with other local volunteers to help preserve the distinctive, small-town charm of the city they’ve grown to love. The key to Brenham’s Downtown success, the Pyles believe, was the city’s willingness to rejoin the national Main Street Program in
Photo by Scott Hill, Brenham Portrait Gallery
Traci and Charlie working at Hot Nights, Cool Tunes.
1999. “Main Street is all about economic development in the context of historic preservation,” says Charlie. “It has been a vital part of this community’s Downtown resurgence.”
Before the days of Main Street Brenham, the Downtown Association tried to liven things up. The all-volunteer group had creative ideas, but few panned out. “Everyone wanted to do these great big things,” says Charlie, who led the organization for a while. “But we were all very busy running our businesses and couldn’t spend the time needed.”
Main Street Brenham changed all that. Now a city department, Main Street hosts the Downtown events. They can shut down streets, provide security, and even build stages.
Most importantly, the city hired a full-time manager, Jennifer Eckermann, to plan projects, organize volunteers and keep projects on track. “Jennifer really goes above and beyond,” Traci says. “We just help.”
Main Street Brenham successfully launched Hot Nights, Cool Tunes, the Scarecrow Extravaganza, the Uptown Wine Swirl, the Brew Step, Local History Day, and Toubin Park. The organization also continued the popular Christmas Stroll and more projects are in the works.
Proof of Main Street’s success can be seen most any day. Locals and tourists throng Downtown to participate in these fun events, and to shop the boutiques and antique stores. Most will catch a bite at one of Brenham’s charming bistros, and later unwind at the Brazos Valley Brewery, Unity Theatre or Home Sweet Farm for live music.
Traci’s favorite event is the Gingerbread House Showcase, which she took over last Christmas. Eighteen confectionery creations were entered into the competition and displayed at the Simon Theatre. The Pyles even made gingerbread martinis for the occasion.
“The event was a lot more work than I thought it would be,” Traci says, “but it turned out great. We’re definitely going to keep doing it, to benefit Main Street Brenham.”
Charlie’s most memorable volunteer story happened last summer while acting in a short movie for Step Into the Past Historic Tours. The role of Carl Glissmann was one he had played many times for Brenham school children. But for the film, Charlie needed to more closely resemble Glissmann.
“You’ve got to keep Downtown alive.
That ’s our passion.”He was asked to wear a wig to cover his shaved head, but the wig clashed with Charlie’s graying beard and mustache. He resigned himself to shaving the lip that “hadn’t seen sunlight since high school.”
Fast forward to that evening, when Charlie walked in the back door of his home. He was still in costume with a dark wig, glasses and no facial hair. Neither Traci nor the couple’s son, Jacob, recognized him. Jacob jumped up from the table, prepared to knock the “intruder’s” lights out, until Charlie convinced him of his true identity. Then they all had a good laugh.
“The bottom line,” Traci says, “is that volunteering lets you have a great time while also helping the community. The Downtown festivities not only draw visitors, but they help keep Brenham’s distinctive personality alive.”
“I’ve always thought that Downtown is the heart of a city,” Charlie says. “If Downtown dies, everything goes out to the bypass, and there’s no more identity. You can’t tell if you’re in Jersey Village or Cypress. You’ve got to keep Downtown alive. That’s our passion.” D
Photo by Scott Hill, Brenham Portrait Gallery
The Pyles helped kick-off the popular summer concert series, Hot Nights, Cool Tunes, over 12 years ago.
Photo by James Pharaon Creative
Charlie in the role of Carl Glissmann, a 1925 pharmacist.
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The Dawn of Washington County
Most Saturdays | 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm | $5 for adults • $3 for kids 12 and underThe Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre | Purchase tickets in the Washington County Visitor Center
HISTORIC TOURSEnjoy a Downtown Brenham walking tour with 5 fascinating venues.
Take a scenic drive to historic sites around Washington County.(All within 20 minutes of Brenham)
“Meet” colorful forefathers in brief movies at some sites.Get a free brochure with maps and tour info.
Washington County Visitor Center • 111 W. Main Street, Brenhamwww.visitbrenhamtexas.com • 979-836-3696
NOW SHOWING!
A 2 5 - M I N U T E M O V I E S TA R R I N G
Big Foot Wallace Honorable J. D. Giddings Dr. Richard Fox Brenham Mrs. R. E. Pennington Narrated by Steve Haley
Learn how Washington County began, from some of the earliest settlers and historians.
WE WERE PIG HUNTERS BEFORE PIG HUNTING WAS COOL.
Some friends and I, many years ago, recognized three important things about Texas’ “little problem” back then with wild hogs: They did lots of damage, that small issue was only going to get larger, and at 35-75 pounds or so, wild pigs are really, really tasty.
So we set out, along with a handful of others whose pastures were being ravaged and deer populations bullied by feral swine, to eradicate wild hogs in Texas.
We kept at it for years, too, accepting every invitation from every rancher and hunting buddy we knew. We shot pigs all over the state, mostly by day and sometimes at night. Our numbers didn’t match the tens of thousands of hogs whacked by state-hired sharpshooters, but we did our best.
And we didn’t make a dent. It seemed on many ranches, in fact, that shooting one pig only resulted in the appearance of three or four. There’s more than
WRITTEN BY DOUG PIKE
THIS L ITTLE
AND THAT ONE…AND THE ONES OVER THERE…AND THAT BIG BUNCHUP THAT WAY…
marksmanship required to knock back a population of animals in which every female can produce 10 or more offspring per year.
For reference, just in this state, a Texas A&M University study pegged the number of wild hogs killed statewide, in 2010, at more than three quarters of a million animals. Despite that heaping pile of bacon, however, I have yet to hear of any region statewide where you just can’t hardly find a pig anymore.
Since the first hog escaped off a sailing ship moored along the Gulf Coast after crossing from Europe, it’s quite likely that some reasonably smart men thought the beasts could be eradicated. Those guys a century and change decades ago, and along with them went their dreams of killing Texas’ last wild pig.
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Since then, 10 times as many smart people figured we at least could control wild hog populations. Most of them have passed, too, and anyone who still thinks as much is wrong.
Not to be undone by a bunch of pigs, we Texans – and the good people from the 35 or so states where the animals have established populations – decided to turn them into money.
Trappers take hogs away from places where they’re unwelcome – which is almost everywhere – and deliver them, still snorting and gnashing their teeth – to ranches on which sometimes significant fees are charge to hunt them.
Texas hogs are being exported also to high-end meat markets across western Europe. Apparently, somewhere between here and there, the meat from feral hogs becomes a delicacy. My guess, though, is that if you just crossed halfway to Europe with a pig carcass and brought it back here, it would still taste about the same and still be worth as little.
stand and, bow in hand, hopped the six or so feet to the ground. As my knees flexed to absorb the landing, my body buckled, and the nocks of arrows in my quiver tapped muddy ground.
I leaned against the tree and, with a little stick, began to flick the dirt from those nocks.
One arrow short of completing the task, I heard a grunt. Close. When I looked up from the chore, my eyes met those of an exceptionally large boar. It was 10, maybe 12 feet directly in front of me and seemed nearly as startled as I by the encounter.
Neither of us was exactly in full defensive or offensive position. There came an awkward pause between us, a few really weird seconds through which neither of us took or gave ground.
I stood slowly, silently. The pig stood its ground. I stared at the hog, and the hog stared at me.
And finally, we exchanged a telepathic agreement to walk this one off. I turned north, and the pig turned south.It probably went on to sire a thousand more of its kind. I have one son. The war between Texans and Texas hogs, it seems, may never be fair. D
Photos: ©iStock.com/jevtic, ©iStock.com/predrag1
MEANS
The state of Texas places few restrictions on how, when or where we can yank another wild hog from the population. You can shoot them day or night, and there is no restriction on how many you can stack in a session.
If you want to hunt them by day, by traditional methods, go ahead. Only know that within two or three sessions, after a couple of pigs are removed from the same herd, the rest of that herd will seem to vanish. The only way you’ll know they’re still on the property is by the damage they’ll continue to do when you’re not looking.
Night hunting is an exciting way to go after hogs, and not the least dangerous way if you do it on the ground. A good friend, Scott Null, isn’t scared of much. He uses a night-vision scope and walks quietly around his place down near the Gulf Coast. Usually, he hears the pigs long before he sees them or they see him.
Occasionally, however, one surprises the other. The “fun” part, as Null describes it, is in not knowing which team will do the surprising and which will be surprised. So far, the guy with the rifle has always won, but the pigs on his place don’t show much interest in quitting the game or leaving the field.
My closest call with a pig came on a bowhunt nearly 20 years ago. I tired if standing in a makeshift tree
realize you’re in a furniture store. Carefully selected furniture pieces are nestled amidst inviting displays of decorative items, artworks and housewares, all artfully arranged in charming vignettes.
Hermann Furniture dates back to 1876. John’s great-grandfather, Gottlieb Hermann, opened the current location in the heart of Downtown Brenham, which was then one of Texas’ most thriving cities. The store’s proximity to the railroad tracks made it easy to receive furniture shipments from distributors and to ship products to customers anywhere along the rail line.
The railroad also expedited the transport of other “cargo” to and from the store. Like many furniture stores of the time, Hermann Furniture doubled as a funeral home, providing fine “furniture” for the afterlife. The deceased would often be transported to the store via rail. The Hermanns still have an old casket in the back, and they still have the funeral records from that era.
F I V E G E N E R A T I O N S O F I N N O V A T I O NHermann Furniture
H ow does a 140-year-old business stay current with the modern world? It has to change with the times. That’s the lesson that the Hermann
family of Brenham has learned over the five generations it has owned Texas’ oldest furniture store, Hermann Furniture.
Current owner John Hermann took over the family business in 1974. “Every year from then on,” John says, “we’ve changed something.” Those changes have kept the store relevant while other independently owned stores have shut down, unable to compete with the big chain stores.
John’s daughter, Jennifer, came on board in 1996, and her inspirations have helped make Hermann Furniture into a destination shopping experience, drawing repeat customers from all over Texas, and even out of state.
Walk into the store today and you’re greeted with a feast for the eyes. If you’ve just wandered in off the street, lured, perhaps, by a luxurious window display, you might not even
HWRITTEN BY CHERYL ROSS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATALIE LANGE
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“God gave me these ideas to keep going, to keep everything alive,” John says. “And it worked.
“My greatest joy has been working with my daughter, Jennifer,” says John. “Although she was a fixture in the store during her childhood (her first job was to dust ‘everything low), she officially joined the company 20 years ago. It wasn’t long before she had made major improvements in our offerings.”
There’s always something new at the oldest furniture store in Texas.213 W. ALAMO STREET • BRENHAM • WWW.HERMANNFURNITURE.COM • (888) 836-7237
John & Jennifer Hermann.Photo by Scott Hill, Brenham Portrait Gallery
Hermann furniture first opened in thesame location they have today.
Gottlieb’s sons Ernest and Will took over the Brenham store, where they adopted an active approach to drumming up sales. For example, they might load a wagon full of furniture and drive it door-to-door until it was all sold. Later, they would haul washing machines out to the countryside to demonstrate in people’s homes.
A third son, John’s grandfather Arthur, opened a store in Yoakum, Texas. “He bought a three-story house,” John says, “and started a furniture business by selling all the furniture that was in the house.” Arthur also owned a bank and a candy kitchen.
John’s father, Alfred Jr., brought his family back to Brenham to take over the original location from his uncle Ernest, who had no children of his own to pass it on to. Much like his grandfather and uncles, Alfred Jr. had a knack for hands-on marketing. When TVs were first gaining popularity, for example, Alfred would open his bedroom window and turn the TV around to face outside.
“He’d put out lawn chairs,” John remembers, “and all the neighbors would come around to watch TV. That’s how he sold TVs.”
John found himself thrust unceremoniously into the store’s driver seat in 1974, when his father died unexpectedly. He faced a steep learning curve, despite the past generations of furniture business in his blood. One day he was laying linoleum and carpet, and the next he was running the whole store. He had to learn how to buy and price furniture – not just pieces he liked, but ones appealing to a wide range of tastes.
John did away with the flooring and appliances to focus on the core business – the furniture. Then during the oil crash of the mid-1980s, he opened the antiques and craft malls to keep customers coming in the door. They have proven immensely successful, and today each has a waiting list of vendors to rent space.
John had noticed customers browsing the antiques mall and exiting with a variety of small packages. He decided that the furniture store needed to start carrying “little stuff” to draw in browsers and window shoppers. He entrusted Jennifer with a 15x8 foot stair riser that she stocked with gourmet food items and gifts. It was in instant success.
Over the years, Jennifer’s “little stuff” has grown to account for 40 percent of the store’s sales. As she expanded into more and more of the store, her natural flair for design took over, and she created the store’s signature look, which includes a little bit of everything arranged in fetching and often unexpected ways. “The main thing is for me to spark your creativity,” Jennifer says. “Your house should tell your story.”
To that end, the Hermanns welcome window shoppers and custom orders. If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for in the showroom, they are happy to help find unique pieces and fabrics, and even to create personally inspired floral arrangements. You can bring your pictures and ideas, and Jennifer and her staff will lend design help.
“The object is to have people coming in all the time,” John says, “to help them keep refreshing their houses.”
And people do come, more than 150 on a typical day. They are drawn by the Hermann philosophy that has made the store popular for five generations: “There’s always something new at the oldest furniture store in Texas.” D
“Boy”THE MAN C A L L E D
WRITTEN BY SHARON BRASSALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE HASSKARL FAMILY
Everyone knew him as “Dr. Boy,” except his closest friends who simply used “Boy.” He was born Walter Frederick Hasskarl Jr. in 1917, but that name didn’t stick very long.
His father, also a local doctor, had a habit of calling his only son “Boy” in front of family, patients and friends. So that is the name Walter grew up with. Even after his death, he is fondly remembered as “Dr. Boy,” and many locals never knew his real name.
Dr. Boy spent most of his life helping others and advancing Washington County. He was actively involved in the community and his friendly, smiling face graced countless gatherings. People greeted him with respect and admiration, always gathering around him to catch his attention for a few minutes.
After retirement Dr. Boy dedicated himself to his writings, leaving behind a charming collection of histories and lore that is cherished by the community. In his 91 years, he lived through many eras, and his delightful stories gave others a glimpse of the community he knew while growing up.
OF ALL THE
NOTABLE CHARACTERS IN
WASHINGTON COUNTY,
DR. BOYHASSKARL
WAS PROBABLY THE
MOST BELOVEDOF THE PAST
GENERATION
CHILDHOODOF AN EARLIER ERA
Boy had flaming red hair and the outgoing personality to match. One of his biggest thrills as a Brenham youth was traveling to Houston -- this adventure was reserved for special occasions. “The only way to cross the Brazos River was on a small ferry that held three cars at a time. In those days, cars didn’t have good brakes and the Brazos banks were steep and scary, especially when the ground was wet. If it started raining while you were in Houston, you had to spend the night or dash back to the ferry, because it was dangerous to cross the Brazos after a rain.”
Another childhood memory that brought a smile was the Simon Theatre. “We’d go every Saturday. For 25¢ you could see a movie and a serial that would be continued the next week. Sometimes they had vaudeville shows that I wasn’t allowed to see, because they were too risqué. But a friend’s family had a business next door, and we sat outside the exit and watched the show girls come and go. I was mesmerized! I had never seen women wearing make-up before.”
From his earliest days, Boy was impressed with his father’s devotion to his patients and their care, and the loving
respect he received from them. “Dad would pick me up after school and we’d go on house calls -- it was the best way we could spend time together.
“Until cars came out, we’d get around the county’s muddy roads with horse and buggy. Then Dad got a Model T which allowed us to go much faster and see more folks. But we got stuck a lot. Dad always kept a six-shooter under the seat -- you never knew what you’d run into while traveling around the county.
“I’d assist Dad by opening gates, checking pulses and taking temperatures. One time I held a kerosene lantern over a man, who was stretched-out on the family dinner table, so Dad could see well enough to operate on him.
“But mostly I learned from Dad. He always said, ‘If you hold your horses and really listen to your patients, they’ll tell you what’s wrong.’
DOCTORS NOWADAYSDON’T HAVE TIME
TO LISTENTO THEIR PATIENTS.
But Dad always took time to listen and they loved him. From those early days, I knew that I would be a doctor like my father.”
Boy’s parents built the Brenham home that is today’s Far View Bed & Breakfast. His mother named it “Far View” because one could see all the way to Highway 290 from the back yard -- there was very little development in between.
Growing up at Far View, Boy became expert at tennis and their family tennis court was used for district meets. He was also on the Brenham High School football team for four years, but he was too small to play first string.
Boy and his father enjoyed golf together, and his father helped establish a golf course at the first Brenham Country Club, now known as the “Citadel.” “It was a great setting for dances and Maifest parties, but a pretty sorry golf course! Nevertheless, we played every chance we could get.”
I WILL BE A
DOCTOR!As Boy graduated from Brenham High School in 1935, his father arranged for his admission to the Naval Academy – he wanted to open doors for Boy to explore careers beyond medicine. But Boy would have no part of that plan. He took his pre-med classes at UT in Austin and received his medical degree from the UT Medical Branch in Galveston.
From there, he spent four years in surgical fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Most of his free time was still spent on the golf course. He told his family, “a perfect day at Mayo was finishing 17 operations, nine holes of golf, a scotch and a steak.”
While spending a short time in San Antonio finishing his internship, Dr. Boy met Carolyn Joan “Johnnie” Boyle who he quickly fell in love with. She had also graduated from UT where she was president of her sorority and editor of The Cactus. They were married in San Antonio at her parents’ home. Shortly after, during the Korean War, Dr. Boy served as a flight surgeon in the US Air Force where he managed a hospital unit in El Paso.
When he returned to Brenham, Dr. Boy established a medical office with his father and a family friend, Dr. Thomas Giddings. “Our office was downtown, on the second floor over the Citizens Drug Store. We used to invite the sisters at the hospital to come watch Maifest parades from our great vantage point.
“We often played croquet with the sisters, and those nuns were hard to beat! I never said this out loud, but I used to wonder if their long dresses gave them an advantage in positioning their croquet balls!”
As the three doctors grew their practice, they decided to move from their crowded office space. “We got the idea to start a new multi-specialty clinic because our county really needed one. Back then, a surgeon worked on every part of the body, and I even delivered babies. But I wanted to get specialists involved with some cases. All of us were sending patients to specialists in Houston. So we recruited more doctors to Brenham and sold stocks to build the Brenham Clinic.” Today, Brenham Clinic is an important regional health care center that draws patients from several surrounding counties.
SPREADING JOYIt is an understatement to say that Dr. Boy accomplished his childhood goal of becoming a doctor and listening friend to others.
“HE MADE EVERYONE FEEL SPECIAL,” SAYS HIS DAUGHTER, LEE EVANS.
“The beautiful thing was, they WERE special to him. His retirement was filled with daily rounds at the hospital and nursing homes, just to check on friends who couldn’t get out. More than a few times, his hand was slapped for going behind a desk to check names, just to see who might need a visit from him. He was more about the relationships than the rules.”
Ann Morgan, another of Dr. Boy’s daughters, shares a story that was typical of her dad. As a nurse practitioner, she oversaw Brenham Clinic patients in area nursing homes. “While making rounds one morning, I passed patient after happy patient, holding Dixie cups with flowers in them. I followed the trail of smiling faces to find my dad, handing out flowers and cheer to everyone in the ward.”
Until his death at 91 years old, Dr. Boy was vibrant and fun, still telling colorful stories of his beloved Washington County. He spent most of his leisure time on the golf course and writing his historical stories. He and his late wife, Johnnie, had four children -- Joan, Ann, Lee and John, all of whom are still in the area.
Because of Dr. Boy’s lifetime of service, the Washington County community has better health care, better infrastructure, better city management, and an ever-growing respect for our rich heritage. Those who knew him still honor his most precious attributes – his steadfast integrity, friendship, humor and passion for his home, Washington County. D
DR. BOY HASSKARL WAS HONORED • 1970 named Man of the Year by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce • 2006 named Distinguished Alumnus of Brenham High School • 2007 inductee to the Blinn College Ex-Students Association Hall of Honor
HE SERVED AS • Co-founder of Brenham Clinic • Mayor of Brenham for two terms • Washington County Health Officer for 20 years • President of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce • Member of the Board of Directors of the Brenham Industrial Foundation • Member of the University of Texas Medical Branch Development Board • Member of the Advisory Board for University of Texas Medical Branch Foundation • Member of the Blinn College Board of Trustees • Director of the Farmers National Bank (now Brenham National Bank) • Board member of Brenham National Bank • Founding board member and President of Heritage Society of Washington County • Chairman of Giddings-Stone Mansion Development Council • Member of American College of Surgeons • Member of Texas Surgical Society • Medical Director of Brenham Rest Home • Medical Director of Sweetbriar Nursing Home • Trinity Care Center Care Review Committee • Founder of Brenham’s Hospice of Brazos Valley office and its first medical director • Member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Council • Director and President of the Brenham Country Club • Member of Brenham Rotary Club • Board member of United Fund • President and board member of Washington County Youth Club • District Director of Boy Scouts • President of the Girl Scout Council
Dr. Boy practiced medicine in Brenham for fifty years. He performed surgeries at the two Brenham hospitals, and also traveled to surrounding communities for procedures that couldn’t be done by general practitioners. For much of his work, he received little or no pay -- it was just something that a small town doctor did. He found time to serve as a county health officer for 20 years, also with little pay.
MAYOR
HASSKARLDr. Boy was 50 years old in 1968 when he was elected Mayor of Brenham, succeeding the famous Reese Lockett. “It was a tough act to follow. After Reese had served for 28 years, I was surprised that he wasn’t going to run again, and that he endorsed me. My campaign manager was Milton Tate, who later became mayor. I agreed to the job only if I could hire a city manager -- and I did hire a good one, Charley Blum. Together, we got a lot done, but I was never thrilled with all the meetings.”
During his two terms as Mayor, Dr. Boy oversaw many street and traffic improvements, and housing projects for low income residents. Because of his interest in Blinn College, he opened opportunities for property acquisitions that enabled Blinn’s facilities to significantly grow.
When local water wells began to dry up, Dr. Boy went to Washington D.C. to get support for construction of the pipeline linking Brenham to Lake Somerville. “It took about eight months to build the pipeline, and everyone was happy that we finally had an abundant water supply. Right after that, a resident swore that a frog came out of her faucet.”
As mayor, Dr. Boy was an advocate for all that is good and noble, always urging his colleagues to make decisions based on the “right thing to do.”
One of Mayor Hasskarl’s passions was the revitalization of Brenham’s downtown area. When the post office moved from the corner of Market and Alamo Streets, he and other community leaders managed the renovation of the old building to establish the Brenham Heritage Museum.
Ever since that time, Dr. Boy was devoted to the preservation of the county’s rich heritage. As President of the Heritage Society of Washington County, he helped raise funds to restore the Giddings Stone Mansion and other historical properties.
It was during that period that Dr. Boy took up writing, as a way to preserve the community’s history. He researched and wrote a series of short stories that were published, one at a time, in The Brenham Banner-Press. He later compiled his collection of stories into a spiral-bound booklet, Remembering Brenham, and sold it locally to raise funds for Brenham Heritage Museum.
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IN WA SH INGTON COUNTY !
“We’ve been here several times, but the
GeoTour took us to places we didn’t know
existed!”
Do you like scavenger hunts? Do you like technology and gadgets? Do you enjoy being outside on a beautiful day? If you answered yes to any of those questions, geocaching just may be your next obsession!
Geocaching is a world-wide treasure hunt using a smartphone app or a handheld GPS device. Since its inception in 2000, there are more than 6 million people searching the world for hidden objects, and meeting with other geocachers for social and competitive events.
The greatest pleasure in geocaching isn’t necessarily locating a cache, though finding something hidden is
extremely rewarding. The most fun is the journey to find the cache. Geocaching takes you to places you never knew existed, all around the world.
GEOCACHINGGOWRITTEN BY JENNY MILLS • PHOTOS COURTESY OF Washington County Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau
Teachers use GeoTours as fun, educational field trips.
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Individuals have been hiding caches and submitting them for others to find on geocaching.com for years. Now organizations like parks & wildlife, chambers of commerce and national parks are getting involved.
Why? Because geocachers love to travel. Many tourist destinations offer organized GeoTours, to give cachers a comprehensive tour of their regions. Most give a reward for finding all their caches, an added bonus to the geocaching fun.
The Birthplace of Texas GeoTour is the first official GeoTour in Texas. It was created in 2012 by the Brenham/Washington County Chamber-Convention & Visitors Bureau. Since then, over 400 cachers have completed the tour, coming from 8 countries and 35 states.
This 35-cache tour takes geocachers to historical sites and popular attractions around Washington County including Brenham, Burton, Independence, Washington and Chappell Hill. You’ll enjoy many scenic landscapes along the way. D
Download a Passport and get started at VisitBrenhamTexas.com
Earn points by Geocaching, sleeping, eating and shopping in Washington County. Each cacher with at least 25 points receives a collectible GeoCoin.
Stories about one of Texas’ earliest railroads, a rough Boom Town and colorful characters who shaped history. Learn about the unique State Archeological Landmark under Brenham streets.
SOON TO BEA Feature FilmBEAUTIFULFull Color PagesHISTORICALMaps & Photos
Discover Washington County’s Colorful Pastby Sharon Brass
The Burning of Brenham
Purchase online at www.DowntownBrenham.com/burningbookPurchase in Brenham at Book Nook, Kwik Kopy Business Center or Washington County Visitor Center.
$30including sales tax
Proceeds go toMain Street Brenham
a non-profitorganization
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Washington County Gallery
JAMES PHARAON CREATIVE • www.jamespharaon.com
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RON WERCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY • www.facebook.com/ronwerchanphotography
PENNY BRYANT
LEA WIE PHOTOGRAPHY • www.leawiephotography.com
SCOTT HILL, BRENHAM PORTRAIT GALLERY • www.brenhamportraitgallery.com
SHARON BRASS • Editor
LEA WIE PHOTOGRAPHY • www.leawiephotography.com
KATHLYN DRAGNA PHOTOGRAPHY • www.dragnaphoto.comGiddings Stone Mansion • giddingsstonemansion.com
SCOTT HILL, BRENHAM PORTRAIT GALLERY • www.brenhamportraitgallery.com
According to scientific data collected over decades by really smart people, there aren’t a lot of mountain lions in Texas. According to folklore, only a couple
dozen Texans, half of whom arrived yesterday, have not yet seen a mountain lion.
The real deal, of course, a bona fide mountain lion, is hard to mistake for something else – for anything else.
North America’s largest wild cats grow to roughly three feet in body length, maybe a little longer, and that’s before you tack on nearly as much tail. They stand roughly two feet tall, as well, which separates them by significant margin from the continents other cats.
Casual mention of mountain lions in May, on my radio show (weekend mornings on SportsTalk790 in Houston), generated several calls from listeners who all were certain, beyond doubt, that they’d seen mountain lions here or there across southeastern Texas.
In fact, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, with over 20 years of data collection, has reports of mountain lion sightings in each and all of the state’s 254 counties – and in the same paragraph qualifies that sightings are not the same thing as confirmed sightings.
Mountain lions are elusive, solitary animals that, on the whole, do their absolute best to avoid human contact. They’re not always successful.
In California this past year, an adult mountain lion wandered into a fairly large city and had to be removed (the hard way, at least on the cat). There and elsewhere, whenever big cats stray too close to human populations, wildlife officers have only two choices.
The best-case outcome is a tranquilized cat that’s relocated far, far off the beaten path. Otherwise, to protect human life, the cat must be killed before it even has the chance to shred someone.
Law enforcement, rightfully, tends to err on the side of caution where mountain lions and people cross paths. Even if struck squarely with a tranquilizing dart, an adult male mountain lion could still be strong enough to do some damage before the sedative kicks in.
To reiterate, however, legitimate sightings are quite rare, even in Texas. Most game wardens, police officers and county sheriffs never will be called upon to deal with a cougar. Despite what people think they’ve seen, it’s usually something else.
The only way to absolutely confirm where the tawny cats have been in Texas is to mark where there has been valid mountain lion mortality. From the 254 counties in which they have been sighted, only 67 have this type of confirmation.
I’m not opposed to the hunting of mountain lions where it is lawful, either for sport or as a means of protecting livestock, but I have no desire to hunt them myself. There’s something about these animals that evokes in me a special level of respect and acknowledgement of their position in the wild food chain.
That, and they’re just really cool animals.
An adult male can weigh 150 pounds and live longer than a decade. Either sex, if necessary, can leap from a standing start high enough to settle onto a second-floor balcony.
Cougars are the continent’s most capable and formidable predators south of grizzly country. They eat most anything they can catch, including everything from rodents to elk.
They can exist, even thrive, as well in extreme cold as in extreme heat. Their hunting territories are expansive, and they’re respectful of each other’s territories except during breeding periods that seldom last a full week.
WRITTEN BY DOUG PIKE
MOUNTAIN LIONSNOW YOU SEE THEM. NO, YOU DON’T.
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Attacks on people, despite our spending millions of hours traipsing through lion country, are nearly as rare as credible sightings. Through 110 years of record keeping on the subject, there have been fewer than 100 documented attacks, and only 17 of those resulted in fatality. For comparison, since the 1960s, there have been 40-something unprovoked shark attacks along the U.S. coastline annually.
There are many things on this continent that can kill you and even more that can scratch you up pretty good, but a mountain lion is highly unlikely to be what ultimately does either. And that’s almost equally true whether you hike remote areas daily or spend the better part of your time on a couch.
Across southeast Texas specifically and the entire state generally, my single hunting buddies are more likely to encounter two-legged cougars than four-legged ones. Mountain lion sightings make great stories, but next time someone shares such a tale, ask to see the pictures.
Running or turning your back is what rabbits and deer do, and we know what happens to them. Don’t do either.
AND IF THE COUGAR DOES ATTACK, FIGHT BACK WITH EVERYTHING YOU’VE GOT.
Find the eyes or throat if you can navigate past the teeth and claws; make the situation more unpleasant for the cat than even for yourself. That’s your best chance, and it’s a good one. The alternative is unthinkable. D
Photo:©iStock.com/gatito33
PUT UP YOUR DUKESIn the unlikely event that you find yourself whiskers-to-beard with an ears-back, growling mountain lion, says the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, keep cool. (Easier said than done, I’ll admit.)
Make yourself large, raising your arms or waving a stick, and maintain eye contact. Speak calmly, and scoop up the kids to keep them from moving suddenly and possibly sparking an attack.
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107 W Alamo St • Brenham, TX • (979) 830-8536w w w . M u s t B e H e a v e n . c o m
Monday - Saturday 8am - 5pm • Sunday 11am - 3pm
Yesterday, Today & Always
Serving Quality with a Smile
WASHINGTON ON THE BRAZOS STATE HISTORIC SITE
Washington On The Brazos holds a special affinity for
me. I grew up less than two miles from this incredible state park. I often played in the park at many family, church and community functions. Those happy childhood memories are forever significant to my life.
I did not really understand the importance of the place back then. But as an
I am always inspired when I remember the many important men who walked this land – this land that was my childhood playground. Many of our most celebrated forefathers lived here or came through here. I hope you and every Texan can walk in their footsteps and create your own special memories.
Any day is a great day to visit Washington On The Brazos Historic Site. You’ll enjoy 293 acres of lush parkland, fascinating historical attractions, and ever-changing programs to entertain and keep history alive. The next pages are full of fun ideas for your whole family, including a schedule of upcoming events. Admission to the park grounds and parking are always free, making Washington On The Brazos Historic Site an inexpensive, educational and fun way to entertain your family and guests.
So come stand in the very spot Where Texas Became Texas! You’ll long remember your unique experience on some of Texas’s most historically sacred ground.
A PROUD TEXAN,
- PRESIDENT
WASHINGTON ON THE BRAZOS STATE PARK ASSOCIATIONwww.wheretexasbecametexas.org
Photo by RW Photography
adult, I honor the heroism of the 59 men who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence here in 1836. That brave act created a new nation – the Republic of Texas – and forever set us apart from other states in the union.
Washington On The Brazos is Where Texas Became Texas in even more ways. Texas’s first settlers from the U.S. established one of the earliest and most prominent cities here. This was Texas’s first inland seaport and an important transportation hub for the frontier.
Special MemoriesMAKE YOUR OWN
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The quote to the left says it all, from a recent visitor to Washington On The Brazos State Historic Site. Whether you are a native Texan or a Texan wanna-
be, Washington On The Brazos (WOB) will enrich your Texas soul.
This is one of Texas’ most significant historic sites, where you can stand on the same ground walked by the heroic forefathers who shaped our state. Their stories are told at four entertaining attractions within the 293-acre park.
I N D E P E N D E N C E H A L LStand on the very spot Where Texas Became Texas in 1836. It was here that 59 men, including Sam Houston, met to determine the fate of Texas.
Elected from across the settlements, these delegates risked their lives to gather in an unfinished frame building – the only structure in Washington large enough for the group.
While the Alamo was under siege by General Santa Anna, the delegates labored for 17 days and declared Texas independent from Mexico, penned a new constitution and organized an interim government, giving birth to a new nation -- the Republic of Texas!
TEXAN
WRITTEN BY JEANNE ALBRECHT
“I came aV I S I T O Rand left a TEXAN.”
WASHINGTON ON THE BRAZOS STATE HISTORIC SITE
Celebrate the Within You
Photo courtesy of Washington On The Brazos State Historic Site
Photos by Kathlyn Dragna Photography
BARRINGTON LIVING HISTORY FARM Many places claim to “bring history to life” but here you can literally experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the 1850’s. Barrington Farm was the family home of Dr. Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas.
You’ll see clothing of the past on park rangers who demonstrate 19th century methods and tools for planting, cultivating and harvesting the fields. You’ll see the same breeds of animals that were used in the 1850s, and learn how they were worked and cared for.
You can also tour two slave cabins, a kitchen building, smokehouse, cotton house and barn that made this farm self-sufficient.
If you’d like to completely immerse yourself in the past, you are invited to participate in farm chores!STAR OF THE REPUBLIC MUSEUM
The Republic of Texas proudly but precariously existed as an independent nation for ten years, from 1836 to 1846. The Star of the Republic Museum tells these unique stories of Texas through exhibits, tours, programs, videos and web activities. You’ll enjoy learning of the first Texans (Native Americans), the European explorers, and the American settlers and soldiers who fought for Texas independence.
Don’t miss the Museum’s new Pioneer Playroom! The simulated Texas frontier homestead helps visitors understand the role of pioneers through role-playing and interactive experiences.
V I S I T O R C E N T E R In the Gallery of the Republic you’ll find more intriguing displays and artifacts of Washington’s role in Texas history. The delightful Washington Emporium Gift Shop in this building offers a wide variety of everything Texan, along with snacks and cold drinks. D
WASHINGTON ON THE BRAZOSSTATE HISTORIC SITE
23400 Park Road 12, Washington, TX, 77880, about halfway between Brenham and Navasota. From State Highway 105,
follow either FM 912 or FM 1155 to Park Road 12.
www.wheretexasbecametexas.org(936) 878-2214
BARRINGTON LIVING HISTORY FARM (above)
STAR OF THE REPUBLIC MUSEUM (above) - VISITOR CENTER (below)
Photos courtesy of Washington On The Brazos State Historic Site
Photo by Kathlyn Dragna Photography
Photo by Kathlyn Dragna Photography Photo courtesy of Star of the Republic Museum
Photo by Kathlyn Dragna Photography
Photo by Kathlyn Dragna PhotographyPhoto by Kathlyn Dragna Photography
Where Texas Became
TEXASW a s h i n g t o n O n T h e B r a z o s
What was once one of Texas’s most important cities is now a tiny dot on the map – one that you won’t want to miss.
WRITTEN BY SHARON BRASS
The dot representing Washington, Texas, on the west side of the Brazos River, is so small on today’s maps that GPS devices have a hard time locating it.
It’s difficult to imagine that Washington was a booming business center in early history. On 19th-century maps the “Washington” dot was one of the largest in Texas.
Washington began forming in 1821 when Texas was still a Province of Mexico. It was to this part of Texas that Stephen F. Austin brought the first 300 American settlers, known as the “Old 300.”
A group of these settlers traveled up the Brazos River from the Gulf of Mexico and landed on the west bank, where the river intersects La Bahia Road. The centuries-old La Bahia trail had previously been used only by Indians and early explorers from France and Spain. Now it was the primary route being used by the Old 300.
The American settlers threw-up tents on this strategic site and named their encampment “La Bahia.” Andrew Robinson, one of the first residents, quickly established a ferry to help La Bahia travelers cross the Brazos. Within three years he had built lodging accommodations including a place of “entertainment” at the ferry landing.
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Robinson’s son-in-law, John W. Hall, was also among the Old 300. The Halls joined Robinson in operating the ferry and other businesses, and they quickly recognized the commercial possibilities of La Bahia.
In June, 1835, Hall organized the first town association with four others. One of the partners was Asa Hoxey from Washington, Georgia, and he suggested renaming the town for his home town. “La Bahia” became “Washington” and some settlers added “on the Brazos” to differentiate it from the “Washingtons” back in the States.
The Washington Town Association arranged for land, along the Brazos, to be surveyed into a town site. The lots sold quickly and by 1835 Washington was filling with saloons, merchants, doctors, lawyers, black smiths and carpenters.
The business men in Washington were ambitious and, in the fall of 1835, they offered the Texas Constitutional
Texas in early 1836,a Province of Mexico.
In 1836 the cities of
Washingtonand
san Felipede Austin
were the only population centersin Austin’s Colony,
a large part of Texas.
Convention a free meeting place in their city. The Convention had met earlier at San Felipe de Austin, the Texas Capital further south on the Brazos. They planned their fight for freedom against Mexico’s oppressive rule and recent attacks. They also debated the security of their position in San Felipe, with Santa Anna’s troops in the area.
The offer of a safer meeting place, with access to the Brazos as an escape route, was too good to refuse. In December of 1835 Washington was chosen as the site for The Convention’s March meeting. The delegates were elected in February of 1836 and they met on the first day of March in Washington, making it the Texas capital by default.
The accommodations were no comparison to those enjoyed by the men who had declared independence from England just a few decades earlier. At Washington-on-the Brazos the meeting place was an unfinished building without doors or windows. The window
openings had been covered with cloth, but that was no protection from the 33º temperature.
Living accommodations for the delegates were a little better, but not much. The youthful town then contained only one house large enough to accommodate this body of distinguished men. William Fairfax Gray, an observer at the Convention, noted in his diary that he stayed at a house in which “the host’s wife and children and about thirty lodgers all slept in the same apartment, some in beds, some on cots, but the greatest part on the floor.”
The food was equally primitive. Gray wrote, “Supper consisted of fried pork and coarse cornbread, and miserable coffee.” He concluded that “Washington is a rare place to hold a national convention in. They will have to leave it promptly to avoid starvation.”
That was life in the capital city of Texas. However, that was life in most of Texas at the time. The delegates wasted no time crafting the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico and the Texas Constitution, giving birth to a new nation, The Republic of Texas.
After Sam Houston defeated Santa Anna at San Jacinto a few weeks later, peace was quickly restored in the colonies. Washington continued to grow and thrive. One of the major growth stimulants was river boat traffic which brought many settlers and supplies, and enabled local products to be sold downriver at the Gulf of Mexico and beyond.
The market for the burgeoning cotton crop in Washington County was the cloth-weaving industry on the U.S. east coast and Europe. Ocean-going vessels were the easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to feed that market.? Did you know?
W A S H I N G T O N W A S :
• One of Texas’ first Anglo settlements.• One of Texas’ first important economic centers.• One of Texas’ first transportation hubs.• Texas’ first inland sea port.• A two-time capital of Texas.• The inauguration site of the first and last presidents of the Texas Republic.• The place where Texans risked their lives to write the Declaration of Independence from Mexico and the Texas Constitution, giving birth to a new nation – the Republic of Texas.
“Washington is a rare place to hold a national convention in. They will have to leave it promptly to avoid starvation.” - W i l l i a m F a i r f a x G r a y -
March 1836 diary entry while at the Constitutional Convention
At times, one could see as many as three river boats docked at the Washington landing. In 1842, the arrival of the Mustang marked a milestone for local cotton growers. The flat-bottomed steamer was the vanguard of river boats with capacity for 300 bales of cotton.
The year 1842 was fateful for Washington in another way. In March of that year, Mexican troops again entered Texas and occupied San Antonio for a short time. Austin, then the Texas capital, was on the edge of the frontier and its primitive log cabins were vulnerable to Mexican attacks. The government was relocated to Houston for a short time, causing a dispute among Texas citizens. Under pressure, President Sam Houston moved the Texas capital back to Washington.
Accommodations for the government in Washington were little better than those described in Gray’s diary six years earlier. The Senate met in the attic above a saloon until the government was moved back to Austin in 1844.
By 1845 Washington was a bustling, growing commercial center. In addition to Brazos and La Bahia Road traffic, there were several popular stage coach lines to
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Brenham, Independence, Chappell Hill and Austin. The city was home to three newspapers and a Masonic Lodge.
During the next decade the town’s population grew to 750 residents, the height of its heyday. This population supported four churches, the Washington Female Academy, two hotels, and two Odd Fellows chapters. By this time there was a commercial section of Washington with brick buildings of two and three stories.
The robust river trade prompted the creation of the Brazos Steamship Association in 1848. Although the Association’s prime purpose was to improve navigation on the Brazos, it also bought two steamboats, the Washington and the Brazos.
However, the flourishing river commerce, the life-blood of Washington, proved in the end to also become its death knell. The community had centered its economy around the Brazos, and was heavily invested in the ferry and river boat operations.
W h e n o f f e r e d a n
opportunity
t o p a r t i c i p a t e i n
r a i l r o a d s , c i t y
f a t h e r s l a c k e d t h e
foresightt o s a f e g u a r d t h e i r
future.
In 1858 the Houston and Texas Central Railroad Company (H&TC) offered to include Washington in their plan for new tracks, to connect to the main line from Galveston and Houston. Washington officials refused to pay $11,000 for this rail branch, not realizing that it would be a fatal decision for the city.
As a result, Washington was bypassed by the railroad and Brenham became the H&TC western terminus. Texas’ economy shifted, and Brenham quickly became the most important center in the state for transportation, communications and commerce.
Almost simultaneously with the 1861 arrival of the railroad in Brenham, Texas joined the Confederate States of America. The ensuing Union blockade in the Gulf of Mexico put an end to cotton traffic on the Brazos, and Washington further faded as a commercial center.
Then came Emancipation on June 19, 1865, when slaves in the Southern states were freed. Many slaves lived on cotton plantations surrounding Washington, and their freedom brought failed crops and economic devastation for local plantation owners.
By 1875, a mere decade after Emancipation, Washington’s population was estimated to be only 175 people. Buildings were abandoned and weeds grew in the streets. A 1912 fire destroyed most of the remaining structures.
T o d a y , i t i s
d i f f i c u l t t o f i n d
any traceo f t h e o r i g i n a l c i t y o f
Washington, Texas.
However, there are plenty of artifacts, exhibits and 19th-century adventures to be found at Washington On The Brazos State Historic Site. Visitors can see how our hardy forefathers lived, and learn how they risked their lives for our freedoms.
So set your GPS and see if you can find that “Washington” dot. When you get there, you will relish the heroic stories, and you’ll be even more proud or your Texas heritage. D
Special thanks to Washington On The Brazos State Historic Site for their help with this story.
Photo courtesy of Washington On The Brazos State Historic Site
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WRITTEN BY JOE DOGGETT
DOVESDawn
The South zone of dove season peaks during the golden days of early fall, which is reason enough for the hunter to spend an afternoon or two in the field. Despite recent troubled times, the silent sunset over a ripe furrow and green brush re-affirms that all is right outdoors.
An abundance of doves represent rich natural bounty. This abundance provides many opportunities for the bird hunter during the 12-bird South Zone daily limit. Both mourners and whitewings prove challenging to the shotgun, but they are a treat on the table. And, the dove
of either feather is one of the outstanding game birds available to the Texas hunter. Both are also easy to lose.
Their small size and drab coloration combined with their fast flight challenge the best hunters. Too often the dove folds cleaning amid a puff of feathers, slanting to the ground and vanishing. This common occurrence can be a cause of great frustration. Additionally, the substantial ground cover often swallows up the few prize falls, even within close range. While these and other opportunities are forfeited, the exasperated hunter pokes and prods and sweats and mutters.
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for recoveries, even if it means forfeiting shots under a defined but brushclogged flight line.
Standing under a hot flight and knocking one dove down after another serves little purpose if most of the falls slant across a water-filled levee or into an impenetrable wall of brush. These are game birds, not clay targets; shooting averages mean nothing if unacceptable numbers of doves are lost.
What is acceptable loss? The idealist, of course, would say zero, but a perfect score on recoveries can be hard to meet in the real world. Based on more than 40 years of dove hunting, I believe a score of one or two losses per each 12-bird limit is acceptable for the hunter working alone. Anything more than that on clean falls within 40 or 50 yards means too much ground cover or too little concentration or both.
The oft-preached key is to lock eyes on the hit, follow the bird down, and walk directly to the mark. We all know that, but tunnel vision can be difficult to master. You turn to acknowledge a buddy, or you look up to see another crossing dove, or you bend to reload or recover the spent shell. Regardless of reason, the moment of distraction can unravel the precision necessary to pace straight to the mark. D
“Over you! Over you!” is the recurring chant that any hunter with an MIA dove can relate. At best, valuable minutes under a hot flight are sacrificed; at worst, a worthy resource is lost and no conscientious sportsman is comfortable with the “wanton waste” of failing to recover downed game. A trained dog is a strong ally in recovering game.
This is a no-brainer. But a good dog is not always available. Even a semi-good nose may not muster for a casual afternoon trip. Also worth note, a dog cannot be everywhere at once especially during the heat of an early-season South Zone hunt.
The wagging tail and chuffing snout might be on the far end of the levee or regrouping with a bowl of water when your smooth swing connects. Dog or no dog, the serious dove hunter learns to be self-sufficient in the business of retrieving birds. This requires discipline and concentration but once the focus is achieved few birds will be wasted.
The first step in minimizing lost falls is to select a shooting station that puts close birds over open ground. This may not always be possible, but at least you can reduce the angles of thick cover. If no reasonably open area is available then relocate to a more favorable position
Old IndependenceV isit the year 1854. The place is Independence,
Texas, a rural community in gentle rolling hills cut by creeks running toward the Brazos River.
Independence is known as “Athens of Texas” because it is a nucleus of educational, religious and cultural activity.
Pretty girls in buoyant dresses emerge from the fields of bluebonnets surrounding Old Baylor University on Academy Hill.
V I S I T T H E 1 8 0 0 ’ S
WRITTEN BY NANCY SHOUP Across the road Sam Houston, in his top hat, mounts a horse by his home. He waves to the students on Academy Hill.
Faint sounds of organ music are heard through the open doors of the Old Independence Baptist Church.
The Reverend Hugh Wilson emerges from his cabin with his Bible in hand.
It’s easy for today’s visitors to imagine these scenes that were common to Texas’ first settlers. Independence looks much like it did when Sam Houston walked the scenic roads.
JOHN P. COLES HOUSESee how the most affluent people lived in Texas’ earliest Anglo settlements. The home John P. Coles, built in 1827, is the oldest standing Anglo-built house in Texas.
When Texas was still a Mexican province, John P. Coles arrived in one of Stephen F. Austin’s first groups of American settlers, known as the “Old 300.” Coles built Texas’ first grist mill and saw mill on the banks of Cataract Creek, starting this community of plantations.
Get a glimpse of the lifestyle experienced by Texas’ first settlers.
? Did you know? I N D E P E N D E N C E I S :• A 15-minute drive from Brenham.• The site of Texas’ oldest standing houses.• Home of the original Baylor University campus.• Former home of Sam Houston, where he was baptized.• The site of Texas’ first schools.• Texas’ first plantation community.
Photo by RW Photography
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The fragrance of roses draws you to the magnificent old rose gardens . . .
Photo by RB Film ProductionsPhoto by RW Photography
Photo by RB Film Productions Photo by RW Photography
DOG TROT LOG CABINNext door to the Coles House is a typical home of 1839. Completely furnished with period accessories, you’ll get a good idea how many people lived in that era.
ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSEThe nearby one-room school takes visitors back to that simpler time, showing a stark contrast to schools today.
TEXAS BAPTIST HISTORICAL MUSEUM You can sit on the pew that Sam Houston often occupied, and run your fingers over the initials he carved. This is Texas’ oldest continuously-operating Baptist church with fascinating historical exhibits, including artifacts from the Houston family.
COLUMNS OF OLD BAYLOR UNIVERSITYRuins of the original coed college, that later moved to Waco, proudly crown Academy Hill. Each year, thousands of tourists are drawn to this site.
ANTIQUE ROSE EMPORIUM The fragrance of roses draws you to the magnificent old rose gardens of the Antique Rose Emporium, across the road from Windmill Hill Park of Old Baylor University. D
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Independence Visitor Center
979-251-922710270 T. S. Saul Road
You can sit on the pew that Sam Houston often occupied . . .
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Photo by Penny Bryant
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Photo Courtesy of Texas Baptist Historical Museum
Y E A R S I N I N D E P E N D E N C EWRITTEN BY NANCY SHOUP
One of Texas’ most celebrated forefathers, Sam Houston loved a beautiful Baptist woman
and a Washington County community.
Sam Houston’s
Sam Houston was most famous for leading Texas to victory in the Battle of San Jacinto, thus winning independence from Mexico. By 1839 he had also completed a term as the first President of the
Republic of Texas. He was 49 years old and still deeply immersed in Texas politics, serving in the Republic of Texas House of Representatives.
It was during this time that Sam traveled to Mobile, Alabama, to “seek capital for Texas enterprises and to buy some blooded horses for myself”. There he visited the stately country home of Martin Lea. A garden party was being held for Martin’s sister, Margaret, and his mother, Nancy Lea, who were visiting from Marion.
In spite of his condition after San Jacinto, Sam had made a rousing speech to the crowd that had gathered to see him. Among the spectators was young Margaret Lea, who later admitted she had a premonition about meeting him in the future.
Margaret played the piano at the party. Sam was immediately attracted to her, a talented, slender girl with violet eyes and black wavy hair. Although Sam was 28 years her senior, Margaret was attracted to him as well. She had first seen him years before, in Galveston, when he was carried from a boat on a stretcher, with a shattered ankle after the battle in San Jacinto.
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When Sam and Margaret were married in 1840,
Margaret’s family strongly opposed the marriage despite
his fame and importance. He was twice divorced, over twice her age, and had a reputation as a drinker and a rake. His friends thought the marriage would be short-lived due to Margaret’s youth and religious nature, but it was quite successful.
Shortly after their marriage, Sam was elected in 1841 to his second term as President of the Republic of Texas. His next role was U.S Senator in 1845, for the newly annexed State of Texas. During his long frequent absences from home, Margaret wrote, often in verse, of her longing for his return. She pleaded with him to abstain from liquor and become more faithful to her Baptist convictions.
In 1853 Houston was reelected as U.S. Senator and moved his growing family to Independence. He was drawn to this center of education to take advantage of the learning opportunities for his four boys and four girls. The Houstons moved into a home across the road from Academy Hill where Baylor University had recently established its first campus.
Margaret and her mother, Nancy Lea, persuaded Sam in 1854 to join the newly built Independence Baptist Church. For years he had procrastinated, but eventually presented himself as a candidate for baptism.
The ceremony was planned for the nearest creek, and it was the talk of the county during the days leading up to the event. The night before, some mischievous school boys filled the baptism pool with rocks and tree branches.
What better joke than to sabotage the county’s biggest
social gathering, and scandalize all the church
ladies to boot?Many spectators from neighboring communities came to Independence to witness the event. Undaunted by the pranksters, Reverend Burleson proceeded to another creek 2 miles away, with Sam Houston and his audience following.
As Sam rose from the water, Reverend Burleson announced that his sins had been washed down the river. Sam retorted, “Well, if that’s the case, I pity the poor fish downstream!”
Like many church-goers, Sam had a favorite place to sit in Sunday church services. Visitors today can sit in the very spot he often occupied, and see the initials that he carved into the back of the pew directly in front of his.
Margaret was frequently ill, and she was pregnant or nursing a child for much of their marriage – the Houstons
Houston’s baptism. Painting by Erwin Hearne is displayed at the Texas Baptist Historical Museum in Independence.
Photo by Washington County Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau
Margaret Lea Houston as a bride.Courtesy of Frank Rogers Collection
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? Did you know? S A M H O U S T O N W A S :• Adopted by a Cherokee tribe at age 16• Attorney General of Tennessee• Colonel in the Tennessee State Militia• Tennessee Delegate to U.S. House of
Representatives• Governor of Tennessee• Commander in Chief of all Texan Armies• Governor of the State of Texas• U.S. Senator for the State of Texas• Two-time President of the Republic of Texas• The only American to be governor of two states
had eight children. Though she often wanted to accompany Sam to Austin or Washington D.C. during his terms of office, she found it easier to stay at home with her mother and slaves.
In 1858 Sam and Margaret moved to Austin, as Sam was serving as Governor of the State of Texas. The Governor’s Mansion was built only two years earlier and it was mostly unfurnished. Margaret and the children moved into the private living quarters on the second floor while their twelve slaves lived on the first floor. A governess was hired to look after the children.
Never comfortable with her role as wife of an important politician, Margaret often worried that some detail might not be correct for Houston and his guests. As hostess, she heavily depended on her slave and companion, Eliza, who operated the kitchen and cooked the meals.
1861 brought talks of secession from the Union and Sam was against placing Texas in a Civil War. As a result, the Texas Secession Convention removed him from office as they joined the Confederacy.
Sam and Margaret retired to Huntsville. His health deteriorated in 1863 and, in mid-July, he died of pneumonia with Margaret by his side. They had remained devoted to each other through the years, as shown by the voluminous correspondence between them.
After Sam’s death Margaret moved back to their Independence farmhouse, to be near her mother and to educate her children at Baylor University. Her friend, Eber Cave, helped her trade the farmhouse for the John Bancroft Root house in 1864.
A few weeks after the family settled in their new home, Margaret’s mother, Nancy Lea became ill and died with yellow fever.
Nancy was buried in a vault near Independence Baptist Church, to be within earshot of the bell she had donated in
honor of Sam’s death. Depressed by her losses and increased responsibilities, Margaret sought escape in her writing. At age 48, she died during another yellow fever epidemic. She was buried next to her mother near Independence Baptist Church. Daughter Maggie Houston Williams lived in the house until 1898 with her husband and children.
Margaret’s house in Independence remained in the Williams’ family until 1983 and is now being restored by the present owners. “The Mrs. Sam Houston House” is constructed of hand-hewn cedar with a rock foundation, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The site on Little Rocky Creek, where Sam Houston was baptized, was marked by the Texas Historical Commission. Visitors can see the plaque in Independence, on FM 50 at Sam Houston Road. D
When Houston died, his mother-in-law Nancy Lea gave this unique bell for the tower at Independence Baptist
Church. Visitors can see it today at the museum.Photo by Washington County Chamber of Commerce
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Margaret Houston’s house in Independence.Photo by Penny Bryant
Houston attended Independence Baptist Church, which now includes a museum with many Houston artifacts.
Photo by Scott Hill, Brenham Portrait Gallery
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Chappell Hill? Did you know? C H A P P E L L H I L L I S :• A one-hour drive from downtown Houston.• Ten minutes from Brenham.• A historic cotton plantation region, important
to Texas’ economy in the mid-1800’s.• The location of early boarding schools,
drawing students from across Texas and other southern states.
A Charming
WRITTEN BY JOEL ROMO, PHOTOS COURTESY OF WASHINGTON CHAMBER CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
You may know Chappell Hill for its bluebonnet fields and the official State of Texas Bluebonnet
Festival every April. It’s one of Texas’ most picturesque areas, especially during the height of the annual wildflower season.
Country Getaway
But that’s not all Chappell Hill has to offer. Thousands of visitors throng to the annual Chappell Hill Lavender & Wine Fest in August, the October Scarecrow Festival, and the popular July 4th Independence Day Parade, featuring the “world famous Marching Kazoo Band.” It’s also a pleasure to explore the quaint streets of Chappell Hill with its shops, eateries, restored homes and historical sites. Many are found on Main Street, which has been designated a National Register Historic District. Local businesses are always open and welcoming to tourists, any time of year.
Chappell HillLavender & Wine Fest
August 13, 2016 This countryside festival is hosted by Chappell Hill Lavender Farm and Windy Winery. Pick your own lavender. Enjoy wine tastings, lavender cuisine, crafts, vendors, music, demonstrations and more. Free admission. www.chappellhilllavender.com
Chappell HillScarecrow Festival
October 8-9, 2016Enjoy the magical land of scarecrows and a pumpkin patch. Over 250 juried vendors, delicious food, live music, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, barrel train and tours of the historic community.
History buffs are fascinated with the Chappell Hill Historical Museum, housed in a 1927 rural school house building. Exhibits and artifacts tell the rich story of the town’s past, from its beginnings in 1847. Arrange a walking tour of the 1869 Rock Store, the 1898 Circulating Library, and the 1873 Providence Baptist Church.
From Houston, Chappell Hill is the gateway into “The Birthplace of Texas” as Washington County is known. With so many attractions in the area, Chappell Hill is the perfect home base for touring, especially for bed & breakfast enthusiasts who want a relaxing retreat. D
www.ChappellHillTx.comwww.ChappellHillHistoricalSociety.com
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WRITTEN BY LINDA RUSSELL &STEPHANIE SCHULENBERG JARVIS
Nestled on the western edge of Washington County is the small town of Burton, a fascinating destination.
Built in 1870 as a “whistle-stop,” Burton was part of Texas’ early railroad expansion. The town was also home to an important cotton gin that served the region. Because of the railroad and the cotton industry, Burton was an economic center in early Texas.
? Did you know? B U R T O N I S :• A 15-minute drive from Brenham• On the scenic, historic La Bahia Road with
beautiful vistas• Home of the oldest operating cotton gin in
America • The final resting place of Captain Leander
McNelly, early Texas Ranger• Mentioned in the book, Taming the Nueces
Strip, by George Durham
A Gin and a
Whistle Stop
COTTON GINThe original Burton Farmers Gin is part of the
Texas Cotton Gin Museum.Photo courtesy of Texas Cotton Gin Museum
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Today tourists delight in the restored 1898 Burton Railroad Depot, which has been kept in its authentic condition by the Burton Heritage Society. Stepping inside, one gets a sense of early travel when whistle-stops were common every 15 – 20 miles along the tracks. See the old depot’s segregated entrances and waiting rooms, wood stoves, caged ticket counter, original signage and many artifacts.
The Texas Cotton Gin Museum keeps alive the legacy and heritage of cotton. Built in 1914, the museum is home to the oldest operating cotton gin in America. Visitors enjoy exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and a gift shop. During the annual Burton Cotton Gin Festival each April, the 1925 Bessemer engine is fired-up and cotton is baled to the delight of thousands of guests.
Burton is the final resting place of Captain Leander McNelly – a famous Texas Ranger credited for cleaning-up the bandit-plagued area between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande in the years after the Civil War. Visit his grave and learn his story at the Mt. Zion Cemetery, a State Historic Cemetery just north of Burton.
Come experience Burton’s shopping adventures, local eateries, markets and taverns. After a day of touring, you can relax at one of the charming local bed & breakfasts for a night or a weekend. D
WWW.BURTONTEXAS.ORG
WWW.BURTONHERITAGESOCIETY.ORG
WWW.COTTONGINMUSEUM.ORG
BESSEMER ENGINETexas Cotton Gin Museum 1925 Bessemer Engine,
the largest internal combustion engine still operating in America.
Photo courtesy of Texas Cotton Gin Museum
DEPOTThe 1898 Burton Railroad Depot takesvisitors back to a past era of travel.
Photo courtesy of Burton Heritage Society
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season
A juvenile cottonmouth,
raises its head to look at its surroundings.
Photo: @iStock.com/KristianBell
More good news for local readers: Diamondbacks are not native to the Houston area. The eastern range extends along the upper Gulf Coast to Galveston County and extreme southern Harris County, but that’s a long gallop from, say, Fulshear.
The most common poisonous snake in the Houston area is the southern copperhead, and if you’re going to get nipped by a pit viper this is the one you want. The copperhead is small, average about two feet, and the venom is weak. The envenomation might be unpleasant and may cause lingering issues but the snake poses no mortal danger to a healthy human.
According to the Houston Zoo, about 100 poisonous snake bites occur each year in the Houston area, and almost all are from copperheads. Not only are copperheads relatively common, they can thrive in urban environs such as overgrown lots, wooded parks and bayou/creek banks.
But, in defense, the copperhead is a retiring creature and you really have to press close to draw a strike. The inadvertent step or reach that violates its space will suffice _ but this is not the snake’s fault.
The western cot tonmouth (water moccasin) is the second-most common v e n o m o u s snake in thisarea. It d o e s favor
Texas is the “snakiest” state in the country, and spring is the peak season for coiling, hissing, writhing encounters. The cold-blooded reptiles are most active during the daylight
hours of April and May. Summers are too hot and winters can be too cold.
At least 72 species of snakes (110, counting sub-species) have been documented in the Lone Star State (Texas Snakes, John Werler and James Dixon). I suppose that’s a good news/bad news situation, depending on whether you are horrified by them or fascinated by them.
Regardless of which side of the nearest snake you might stand, a definite positive is the statistical fact that the likelihood of a venomous bite is slim. The great majority of snake species are harmless, and even the venomous ones typically avoid contact. Despite dramatic lore and legend, snakes prefer to hide or retreat rather than confront.
Each year, approximately 7,000 poisonous snake bites are documented in the United States, and of that total approximately 1,000 occur in Texas.
The numbers actually aren’t bad when you consider the staggering number of man hours spent recreating or working outdoors during the warm-weather months.
More good news: The fatality rate among snake bites in Texas is only one to two per year. I don’t mean to downplay the misery of a twin-fanged double dose but you’ve got to like those chances.
Most fatalities over the decades are from the western diamond-backed rattlesnakes common in South Texas and along the middle and lower coast. These are large pit vipers with powerful hemotoxic venom.
Incidentally, a pit viper is defined as a snake with heat-seeking pits on either side of the snout, elliptical eyes, keeled scales, a bulbous head (large venom sacks), and retractable fangs in the roof of the mouth. The diamondback tops the Texas roster.
cottonmouth
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You really don’t want any part of this full-blown pit viper
The dark-patterned cottonmouth is thick and swarthy, averaging about three feet in length, although specimens pushing five feet have been documented. The venom causes extensive tissue damage, excruciating pain, and lingering symptoms _ but fatalities are rare. We do, you know, have world-class medical facilities here.
Cottonmouths tend to stand their ground when approached, often coiled with mouth open, showing the distinctive white jaws.
The Texas coral snake also lives here. It is a small, slim snake averaging about two feet. The bright bands are distinctive and every Boy Scout or Girl Scout should be able to recite the old mantra: “Red touching yellow kill a fellow, red touching black nice to Jack.”
The coral snake is seldom seen, as it prefers to hide, burrowing into soft loam and rotting logs. The tiny head and short fangs make a solid bite difficult; in short, you really have to be screwing around with one to get nailed.
And this is just as well. The coral snake is of the elapid family which includes the old world cobras. The powerful venom is neurotoxic and can, in fact, kill you. Just a thought in the event you spy a small bright necklace of a shiny snake weaving through your azalea hedge.
To make matters worse, a vial of antivenin for a rare coral snake bite is not always a “gimme” at the nearest emergency room. Pit viper serum _ no problem in Texas; neurotoxic serum _ Oops, better get on the Internet.
Two other rattlesnakes are worth mentioning, although neither is a significant threat. The canebrake rattler of wooded East Texas has been documented locally but the odds of stepping on one probably are surpassed by being hit by a meteor.
The canebrake is on the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s “Protected” list. It is a dramatically handsome snake, with a velvety pattern, and can reach five feet in length. Most average three to four. I wouldn’t know; in more than 50 years I’ve never seen one in the wild.
The western pigmy rattler occurs occasionally in wooded or swampy areas in Harris and nearby counties. Again, this is no big deal. The piddly pigmy was accurately named, as it averages about 15 to 20 inches in length. It packs a pop but it is a non-lethal threat.
Regardless of species, you would have to be most unlucky to get bitten by a poisonous snake _ assuming you exercise basic caution when stepping or reaching amid ground cover, and don’t foolishly jack around with a snake of unknown pedigree.
Statistically, the next snake you see will be harmless. But, worth note, several species can resemble the Bad Boys. These “Counterfeit Copperheads” and “Mistake Moccasins” include hog-nosed snakes and the various species of water snakes. Who knows how many of these innocent reptiles are the unfortunate recipients of shovels, hoes and 7 1/2 field loads each year.
Among the common water snakes are the diamond-backed, broad-banded, yellow-bellied, and Mississippi green. Most are thick and rough, two to three feet in length. To the uninitiated, all water snakes look as if they could kill you within 30 seconds. But none is capable of more than a scratch-type bite.
The Texas rat snake, or “chicken snake,” is the common big snake in the local area, most impressive, often taping five feet and occasionally exceeding six. It is harmless to anything this side of an XXL rat. Other standout non-venomous species in our various zip codes include the speckled king snake and the prairie king snake. The smooth-scaled king snakes are famous for eating other snakes, including poisonous ones. But mainly they feed on rodents.
At the lower end of the local Snake Scale are ribbon snakes, garter snakes, ground snakes _ B-Teamers of that ilk.
Many snakes appear similar, as do many vehicles. For example, the average Texan can, at a glance, distinguish between a white Chevrolet Tahoe and a white Ford Expedition. But, to the newcomer from New York City, all SUV’s tend to look identical.
Same thing with snakes. If you recognize the small differences, identification becomes easy. Studying images helps but the real training comes from observing live ones. And, if any question exists, the answer is simple:
Just leave it alone and go around!
The non-venomous Texas rat snake is the most common snake in the local area
Speckled king snakes are famous for eating other snakes
Harmless hog-nosed snake can resemble a copperhead or cottonmouth
coral
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hog-nosed
speckled king
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An Eastern Coral SnakePhoto: @iStock.com/JasonOndreicka
Southern Copperhead Ready to Strike Photo: @iStock.com/Snowleopard1
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