September 2012 Backroads Newsletter

Exploring Texas with the Rural Texas Tourism Center
September 2012    Volume 12


PDF September 2012 Newsletter

Howdy Partners!

“Come and Take It” the brave settlers of Gonzales cried to the soldiers of Lt. Castaneda as they tried to take the 6 pound cannon that had been given Gonzales as protection against the Indians. The first shot of the Texas Revolution against Mexico was fired that day and you can watch it happen in Gonzales this Sept-Oct.
History is all over with cotton picking and folk remedies at Washington-on-the-Brazos and the 144th Annual Washington County Fair, the oldest county fair in Texas. Enjoy the past today!

--See you on the trail
 
 
 
 
Come & Take it in GonzalesCelebrate “Come & Take It!” with us in Gonzales!


The dates for the Come & Take It Festival are Oct. 5, 6 & 7, 2012. The Come & Take It Festival celebrates the firing of the first shot of the Texas revolution on Oct. 2, 1835, which took place near Gonzales. Come & help us celebrate history with the firing of the first shot!

The town of Gonzales was established by Empresario Green DeWitt in 1825, two and one-half miles east of the confluence of the San Marcos and Guadalupe Rivers. It was the westernmost Anglo settlement until the close of the Texas Revolution and was named in honor of Don Rafael Gonzales, provisional governor of Coahuila, Mexico and Texas. The town was laid out in the shape of a cross, with seven squares. During the colonial period of 1825 to 1835, there were many problems with Comanche and Tonkawa Indians, but Gonzales flourished. It was a thriving capital of the De Witt colony by 1833.

In 1831 the Mexican government loaned the citizens of Gonzales a six-pound cannon as protection against the Indians. In September of 1835, as political unrest grew, Mexican officials at San Antonio de Bexar demanded the cannon be returned.

A corporal with five soldiers and an oxcart were first sent by Col. Ugartechea, Bexar military commander, to Gonzales. The corporal carried a request that the small reinforced cannon, a bronze six-pounder, be returned to the Mexican Army. Andrew Ponton refused to relinquish it, stalling for time, and the little cannon was buried in George W. Davis’ peach orchard, near the Guadalupe River.

Next came Lieutenant Castaneda and 150 mounted soldiers to “take” the cannon. When the soldiers appeared on the west bank of the Guadalupe River, there were only 18 men in Gonzales, but these ‘Old Eighteen’ stood at the river in defiance, denied the Mexicans a crossing by hiding the ferry and sent out a call for volunteers to assist them.

As the soldiers scouted the river for a place to cross, they moved upriver a short distance, near the present-day community of Cost and camped for the night. There, in the early-morning hours of Oct. 2, 1835, the colonists crossed the river with their cannon, surprising the troops and waving their hastily fashioned flag, which proclaimed “Come and Take It.” Almost immediately the cannon fired, killing one of Castenada’s men and scattering the rest, forcing them to retreat to San Antonio de Bexar. Thus was fired the shot that set off the struggle for Texas independence from Mexico. When the smoke cleared, the Mexican troops had taken off. The Texas Revolution had begun.

Gonzales became known as “The Lexington of Texas”, where the first shot was fired, and where the first Texas Army of Volunteers gathered. A few months after the first shot, men and boys from the region would gather in Gonzales, sending the only reinforcements ever received at the Alamo.

Each October, on the first full weekend of October, the citizens of Gonzales gather to celebrate their Texas heritage in a three-day festival called “Come & Take It.” For more information, call 888-672-1095



Texas Word Wrangler
Giddings Celebrates Texas Authors at Word Wrangler Festival

Giddings Public Library & Cultural Center and the Giddings Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 7th Annual Texas Word Wranglers Festival on Friday, September 14, 2012.  Word Wranglers use words to convey ideas, stories, portray people and places.  We want to honor our Word Wranglers for their hard work and dedication to their craft.  We also want to give our community an opportunity to meet these authors and learn about the writing craft.

The authors we invite to participate in our Festival have written books on children’s stories, the art of quilting, archaeology, poetry, Texas cookbooks, bird watching, fiction, history, historical fiction, mystery, romance, music, Texas Gardening, and anything related to Texas. We have a day-long festival at the Giddings Public Library & Cultural Center where authors sell their books and take questions. Some authors read or talk to groups of students that come in to the library.

A special treat, mystery authors Dee Pipes & Charles Yates (Dee Wilbur) are hosting a writing seminar Saturday, September 8th at the Giddings Public Library from 9am-4pm. Registrations can be made by calling the Giddings Public Library at 979-542-2716. The cost is $45 in advance and $55 at the door. Seating is limited so register now!

A Weekend of Events at Washington-on-the-Brazos in Washington, TX
 
At the Barrington Living History Farm:
 It’s Cotton Pickin’ Time!
 
Cotton Pickin TimeSeptember 15-16, 2012: Mark your calendars to join the folks at Barrington Living History Farm as they harvest the Barrington Farm cotton crop. They’ve planted, watered and weeded the cotton and now invite YOU to help pick, hand gin, card and weave the beautiful “Lone Star” antique variety of cotton! 
 
When Dr. Anson Jones and his family lived at Barrington Farm in the 1850s, cotton was the main cash crop. Even though the majority of the cotton crop would have been sent elsewhere for processing most families were familiar with the steps needed to process raw cotton into cloth. This special program gives you the hands-on opportunity to learn the process. 
 The program is free with general admission and reservations are not required. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and free for children 6 and under.
The Farm is open from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Portions of the activity take place in an 1850s setting and out of doors, so visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather. For additional details, contact Mark or Pam at 936-878-2214, ext. 246.
 
 
At Independence Hall, don’t miss these two events:
 Lock, Stock and Barrel
Lock Stock and BarrelSeptember 15, 2012: Set your sights on Washington for Lock, Stock and Barrel, an exciting look at firearms in the Republic of Texas! We’ll explore the myriad of styles and their uses here in Texas circa 1820-1850 through contemporary accounts as well as reproduction and original pieces.
For more information, contact Scott McMahon at 936-878-2214, ext. 224.
 
19th Century Folk Remedies
 September 16, 2012: Join us for a look at the folk remedies of the 19th century. Today’s modern medicines may not always taste the best, but they work and we have the science to prove how and why.
 
Folk RemediesIn the 1800s, medicine was a combination of new science and old traditions. Crooks and quacks hawked fake cures creating distrust of medicine. Many clung to the old folk healers’ potions and cures, and it is these folk cures that we are going to look at today. A world of plasters and talismans, serums and spells, some dangerous and some silly. While many have faded away, a few still linger in our society today; just think of the many ways to cure hiccups. For more information, contact Adam Arnold at 936-878-2214, ext. 228.
 
Presentations on both days will be given at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. These presentations are approximately 30-45 minutes in length. Visitors should meet at the Visitor Center 5-10 minutes ahead of time and dress appropriately for the season as the presentations will take place in a period setting. All visitors are welcome but small children must be accompanied by an adult. 
 Ticket prices are $5 for adults, $3 for students and free to children 6 and under and to Texas State Park annual pass holders. Accessible for the mobility impaired.


The Philadelphia Story at Unity Theatre in Brenham: Classic Play Opens 18th Season

Unity Theatre is proud to open its 2012-2013 season with Philip Barry’s wickedly witty comedy, The Philadelphia Story. Barry wrote more than 20 plays, but is best remembered for The Philadelphia Story, a comedy of manners set in Philadelphia high society during the late 1930s. Tracy Lord, the wealthy heroine of The Philadelphia Story, divorces her husband, C.K. Dexter Haven, and is about to marry a man named George Kittredge. However, their wedding preparations are interrupted by meddlesome reporters, her ex-husband and her estranged father; she is also disconcerted by the growing realization that she still has feelings for her ex-husband, Dexter.

The Philadelphia Story will enjoy a three-week run at Unity Theatre, previewing on Thursday, September 20, opening on Friday, September 21, and playing through Sunday, October 7, 2012. Performances are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m.
 
 Washington County Fair
The Oldest County Fair in Texas
The 144th Annual County Fair returns to Brenham in September

The first County Fair in Texas celebrates 144 years! Don’t miss the fun of the Washington County Fair, September 14-22 at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Brenham.
 
Get ready for the excitement and thrills of the rodeo, plus great musical entertainment including favorites like Josh Thompson, Turnpike Troubadours, Jeff Allen, Josh Abbott Band, Chris Knight, Aaron Watson, Bayou Roux, Wesley Westbrook and many more.
 
Don’t miss the Great American Duck Races, the Wizard of Wood, and the Kid’s Pedal Tractor Races, and the Greased Pig Scramble.
 
Enjoy the tantalizing aroma of turkey legs and corn dogs, the shrieks and squeals of laughter from spinning carnival rides, and the varied, exciting fair exhibits, livestock judging and more, all at this year’s county fair.
 
A family-filled fun time can also be found at the fair, with a Children’s Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Antique Farm Equipment, Livestock shows and, of course, the crowning of the Fair Queen. Grab your boots and cowboy hat and join us at the Washington County Fair, September 14-22.

Hummingbird Celebration
24th Annual HummerBird Celebration in Rockport

Celebrate the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and all fall migrants at the 24th Annual HummerBird Celebration in Rockport-Fulton, Texas Sept. 13-16.
 
Many opportunities exist to see and learn more about these delightful airborne creatures during bird banding, bus/boat and nature tours, lectures, workshops, and of course, Hummer Home tours. The event features over 80 vendors of bird and nature-related merchandise. Kevin Gaines will Keynote Friday, September 14 at 5:30 p.m. Also, Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to noon you can view Live Birds in flight ,children’s activities, butterfly exhibit, native plant sales, hummingbird facts and more! This year’s line up for Keynote Speakers are as follows:

Kevin Karlson is an accomplished birder, professional tour leader and wildlife photographer.
Karlson's Program will feature "Birds on the Wind: The Miracle of Migration". Breathtaking photos and several musical interludes add to the interesting nature of this presentation. This light-hearted program appeals to birders and non-birders alike.

Sky Kings Falconry – Kevin Gaines Kevin has been working with raptors for almost 10 years.  He has worked with birds as small as Kestrels and Conures to ones as large as Bald Eagles and Andean Condors. He has recently started using his skills in the bird abatement field, and founded "Sky Kings Falconry Service" in order to spread the message of wildlife conservation and offer an environmentally friendly alternative to bird problems.   He will be presenting “Raptors Revealed” See Birds in Flight.
 
Kelly Bryan from Fort Davis will be talking about the interesting Western U.S. hummers (different from eastern ones we usually see here) he has banded at various sites between Terlinqua & Mount Livermore. His presentation: “Jewels of the Mountains and Desert”. 
 
Bob Sargent, our official Master Hummingbird Bander, who hails from Alabama will be hummer banding at our Official Hummer Banding site. A Master Bander is a licensed technician that records data and banding birds. The times are as follow:
(Open to the public)
Thursday 2-5 p.m.
            Friday 7:30-11:30 a.m. and 3-5 p.m.
            Saturday 7:30-11:30 a.m. and 3-5 p.m.
 
Rockport Center for the Arts join expert wildlife photographers: John Martell for a discussion of tips and tricks on “Photographing hummingbirds and Other Small Birds”, and Bruce Sherman as she covers the subject of “Photographing Birds of Texas”.
Children (18 & under) are admitted to talks without charge when accompanied by an adult.




Tales N Trails Shebang
Tales 'n' Trails Shebang
in Nocona

 


Tales ‘n’ Trails Museum will hold their annual fund raising event on September 15, 2012 at the Veranda Inn Events Center! Fun starts in the morning for all you creative culinary artists! It’s the Shebang Showdown with Chef Connie and Chef Stacy!
Schedule is as follows:

10 AM – Shebang Showdown with Chef Connie and Chef Stacy!! Bring in your celebration/decorated cake or a fruit or custard pie and have it judged by two professional chefs and students from the Cordon Bleu Culinary School of Dallas! Youth ($10) and Adult($15) Divisions. First and second place as well as an overall award will be given. Winners will be announced at Shebang that evening.
10:30 AM – Demonstrations by Chef Connie and Chef Stacy – Creating with Fondant and The Perfect Pie Crust! No charge for entrants, non-entrants $20
1 PM – Judging of entries
5:30 pm -6:30 pm Special Viewing of the Native American Hall, the new permanent exhibit at Tales ‘n’ Trails Museum
6:30 pm – Shebang at Veranda Inn Events Center, Live music by Alis and Paw Paw, a great steak dinner followed by silent, bucket, and live auction action with Mark Murphey.
9 PM – Drawing for Alaskan Inland Passage Royal Carribean Cruise for 2 (Tickets $50 each and only 400 selling!)
Corporate sponsors include Texas New Mexico Power Company and Nocona Hills Country Club who has generously donated a set of Warrior Golf Clubs valued at over $1000 to the live auction. Other items include things for the pet owners, cooks, mechanics, art lovers, people who eat, sports fans, hunters, fishermen, golfers, etc, etc. Something for everyone!
Tickets for Shebang are $50 per plate, Table for 8 $350. For more information please call the museum at 940-825-5330!

Burton Cotton Gin



New Exhibit at Texas Cotton Gin Museum in Burton


The Texas Cotton Gin Museum announces their newest exhibit, “Under the Hot Sun,” is opening Saturday, September 8. The exhibit portrays a cotton farming family of the 1920s era. In the midst of a cotton patch, visitors will see typical apparel worn by cotton pickers - complete with “pick” sacks, straw hats, bonnets and knee pads. The exhibit backdrop, courtesy of Harold Wood, features a 1908 Oklahoma cotton farming family.
 
“Under the Hot Sun” supports the mission statement of the Texas Cotton Gin Museum ... to keep the legacy of cotton alive for all generations. Visitors of all ages will get a “real life” experience as they view the lifelike family in the cotton patch setting. This exhibit adds another chapter to the story of cotton at the Official Cotton Gin Museum of Texas. 
 
“Under the Hot Sun” is made possible through a 2012 Rural Sub-Granting Program sponsored by the Texas Commission on the Arts and awarded by the Arts Council of Brazos Valley.
 
The crown jewel of the Texas Cotton Gin Museum is the 1914 Burton Farmers Gin.  Tours through the historic gin are Tuesday-Saturday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students. Admission to the Museum is free. The Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Burton is located on Hwy. 290 – 10 miles west of Brenham. For more information, call 979-289-3378.

  
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