Monday, September 30, 2013

FRONTIER NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHT and FALL HAPPENINGS


YOU ARE INVITED TO HELP RESTORE
THE BRUSH ARBOR SOON

Richard Fadal with TexasScapes has donated new cedar posts to replace old ones and all we need now is FRIENDS to help take down the old and put up the new. 

 BECOME a FRIEND OF THE HOMESTEAD

Send me your name, address, email and phone number so I can contact you with the date and time to "RAISE THE ARBOR and information about other fun events at the Homestead .  




LOOKING BETTER,  HOMESTEAD:  As you stroll around the Homestead grounds, you might observe new window wood and a new addition to the back siding.  The newly installed grayish board and window frame replaced rotten boards when a misguided stream of water from the sprinkling system kept them soggy.  At the same time, the back portion of the metal roof was repaired by Dennis Galleria; no more leaks, alleluia!  Rain is good, but not inside the Homestead. 

Not shown here, but the Bee Barn, which houses artifacts found onsite before the Homestead was restored, also has deteriorating boards.  A new board will be installed before the Girl Scout tour on Sunday, October 6th.  Old stuff teaches many lessons.

Did you know kids love to press sorghum or river cane in the cane press?  The wedge shown above was cracked and is now replaced and ready for the energetic ones to do the job. 


 Recent rains rushed by the Homestead near the above steps, exposing tree roots. A few well placed rocks and additional dirt, makes for a smoother walking path now.

Did you ever see such Okra?  The Homestead summer garden still has some Eagle Pass blossoms that promise good eats.  The fall garden has been planted before the rains came with lettuce, cabbage, cilantro, dill, fennel and more.  As soon as sprouts show themselves, I will paint new plant markers.  Have you seen the painted rock markers for the summer garden?    What do you think of them?

 NEIGHBORHOOD FRONTIER NIGHT -  and HOMESTEAD OPEN HOUSE
 Wednesday, October 23rd 6:30 -8:30 PM
 Community Center 
    
THE TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE presents  Buck Cole  with answers about what was here before Wells Branch with unique maps as prizes.  The Homestead will host an OPEN HOUSE beforehand at 6:30 PM for a walk-thru.  If you want to help greet people at the OPEN HOUSE and own a period costume to wear, please contact me, Virginia Almon at 512-993-7559.  Also, if you have any original documents or pictures of the Homestead restoration or about the beginnings of Wells Branch, consider bringing them too.  I hope to compile and scan them and return them to you as soon as possible.