Good morning!
I’m helping my friends at the Palo Pinto County Historical Commission spread the word about the 2019 Palo Pinto County Historical & Wildflower Tour to be held Saturday, April 27th.
Several of these stops are in and/or around Strawn and you’re probably familiar with several of them.
Attached is this year’s poster. Would you please help us by posting to the Texas Tabernacle blog page? To follow are a few highlights we’re requesting be posted along with the poster;
First Christian Church (Palo Pinto) – Built in 1882, this is the oldest church building in Palo Pinto County with Addison & Randolph Clark (founders of TCU) being two of its early pastors.
Old Jail Museum (Palo Pinto) – This county treasure contains a wide array of historical artifacts and numerous restored Log-cabins from Palo Pinto County’s frontier days. If you have never seen this great collection, you’re in for a treat.
Rocker-B Ranch (n. of Palo Pinto) – built on former Dalton & McMurray Ranches, Rocker B has been transformed into a phenomenal Events Center that includes baseball facilities, driving range, pool, lake, tennis and basketball courts and top-notch accommodations.
Johnson League Ranch, Homestead & Mausoleum (n. of Gordon) – W.W. Johnson was responsible for the discovery of coal in southwest Palo Pinto County, first in Thurber and then in Strawn. This not only led to personal wealth for him and the area but the subsequent coal boom and ultimately, the Ranger oil boom and further oil discoveries across west Texas. Sadly, Mr. & Mrs. Johnson not only experienced life changing wealth but were marred by personal tragedies that make for a fascinating story… Learn all about them and their family when you visit the beautifully restored Johnson League Ranch.
St. Boniface Catholic Church (n. of Strawn) – When German & Czech immigrants migrated from South Texas in the early 1900’s, they settled on Dodson Prairie and built this beautiful testament to their faith. The church includes stained glass windows that were donated by a church in Weatherford, the original pump organ that is still in working condition and hanging in the belfry is the bell salvaged from the Weimar Catholic church that was destroyed by the 1900 hurricane that devastated Galveston, TX. This is a hidden gem that many people spot from Hwy 16 but have never seen up close. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Robinson Schoolhouse (n. of Strawn) – one of the last remaining, one-room brick schoolhouses left in Texas. Robinson Schoolhouse has been restored to look exactly as it did when it opened its doors in 1937. A great way to experience yesteryear when the three R’s ruled the day (Readin, Ritin & Rithmetic)!
Strawn House (Strawn) – Early pioneer and Strawn’s founder, Stephen Bethel Strawn, built this "East Texas Plantation" inspired home in 1874. Situated on a bluff above Palo Pinto Creek, it was positioned so as to easily spot Indians that would sweep down from the wilds of West Texas and the Indian Territory. Restored in 2017 to its original grandeur, you’ll be impressed not only by the home but by the beautifully landscaped grounds surrounding the house.
Watson House (Strawn) – Happy 100th Anniversary! The magnificent Watson House celebrates its 100thyear in 2019, the same year the nearby Bankhead Hwy was born. Built on the fortunes made from Strawn’s early coal and oil booms, Mr. & Mrs. Watson drew inspiration for their home from a historic, North Carolina plantation mansion and didn’t spare a dime in its construction. For 40+ years, this building was used as Edwards Funeral Home but in 2016, it was purchased and returned to its former magnificence and is now a Bed & Breakfast and Event site. Stop by mid-afternoon and enjoy Tea and a 1920’s era Big Band.
Historic Strawn T&P Depot (Strawn) – although not officially on the tour program, the recently restored Strawn T&P Depot will be open to tour and is a short 3-minute drive from the Strawn and Watson Houses.
Bumper Crop of Wildflowers (Palo Pinto County) – as an added bonus this year, Mother Nature has provided a bumper crop of wildflowers (bluebonnets et al) especially thick south of Strawn (in and around Mt. Marion Cemetery) and east between Strawn and Thurber (Davidson Cemetery Road) and Strawn and Gordon (along Hwy 108).
Tickets can be pre-purchased at the Possum Kingdom and Mineral Wells Chamber’s of Commerce or ON-SITE at any of the tour locations on Saturday, April 27th.
The weather forecast for the 27th is 80 degrees & sunny. We hope you can join us.
