Our visit to Zapata took us to the new Zapata County Museum of History located on Highway 83 a block or so north of the Zapata County Courthouse and to The Seedeater Inn Bed & Breakfast. When Falcon Lake Dam and the 35-mile long lake behind it were created in 1954, several communities along both sides of the Rio Grande River were submerged including the original town site of Zapata.

Many of the buildings escaped destruction and were moved to the present day town site. The Seedeater Inn, originally the Volpe family home built in the late 19th century, was the last building to be moved out of old Zapata before it was flooded by the waters of Falcon Lake.

During our after-lunch educational programs, we learned more about the displacement of homes and families when the original town site was flooded and also about today’s tourism industry, Falcon Lake and the important role it plays

Zapata County Museum of History.

Zapata County History

The day began at the new, state-of-the-art Zapata County Museum of History, located at 805 Main Street/N US Highway 83. Museum Director and former Texas Tropical Trail board member Hildegardo Flores were on hand to greet us.

In 1746, Don Jose de Escandon, Count of Sierra Gorda, was commissioned by the Viceroy of New Spain to command the exploration and settlement of a large land area known as Nuevo Santander. Present day Zapata County was a small part of that province. Escandon requested a fellow explorer, Captain Miguel de la Garza Falcon, to accompany him on this mission.

To attract settlers to this area, tracts of land (porciones) were granted to men and their families in order to form colonies. After many name changes, in 1898 the name of the largest community was permanently changed to Zapata in honor of Colonel Antonio Zapata, a local rancher and military man who became one of the leaders of the federalist movement to found the Republic of the Rio Grande, which began in 1839. The first headquarters of this movement was in Zapata County. Two military posts, Camp Drum and Camp Harney, were located at Zapata in the early 1850s to combat border disturbances and Indian attacks.

Texas proudly relates its history of having been under six flags – France, Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederacy and the United States. Zapata County and the surrounding area can add a seventh flag – that of the Republic of the Rio Grande.

Zapata boasts of being the “Home of Falcon Lake”, the largest fresh water lake in Texas. Falcon Lake was voted the number one fishing spot in Texas by the Bass Fishing Clubs. Falcon Lake’s 87,300 acres along the Rio Grande River entice men and women around the country to take part in the year-round fishing of black bass, white bass, crappie, stripers and monster-size catfish.

Zapata County Museum of History.

Zapata County Museum of History.

Ceiling in the foyer of Zapata County Museum of History.

Hildegardo Flores, Museum Director, leads tour of Zapata County Museum of History.

Zapata County Museum of History.

Colonial dress display. Zapata County Museum of History.

Oil and gas history exhibit. Zapata County Museum of History.

Drill bits in the Oil Industry exhibit. Zapata County Museum of History.

Falcon Lake exhibit. Zapata County Museum of History.

History of Zapata exhibit. Zapata County Museum of History.

The Seedeater Inn Bed and Breakfast.

The Seedeater Inn

The Seedeater Inn is owned by Dr. Leticia M. Volpe and her husband John Williams of Weslaco. The Volpe family moved from Italy to the area around Mexico’s Guerrero Viejo in the late 1800s and became cattle ranchers. Eventually the family purchased additional lands across the Rio Grande and some of the family settled in Zapata County following the Mexican revolution of 1910.

The Seedeater Inn gets its name from a small, rare finch-like bird, the white-collared Seedeater that makes its home in and around Zapata County.

The home was originally built for Leticia’s grandmother near the end of the 19th century. With the creation of Falcon Lake in 1954, this historic family home was moved from the original town site to what is now modern Zapata. Today the completely renovated historic home is operated as a bed & breakfast. In keeping with the family’s continuing desire to create and preserve native habitat, the grounds have been planted with species indigenous to the area. Local birds and other native animals frequent the yard and use the various feeding stations.

The Seedeater Inn Bed and Breakfast.

The Seedeater Inn Bed and Breakfast.

Ceiling of wrap around porch. The Seedeater Inn Bed and Breakfast.

The Seedeater Inn Bed and Breakfast.

The Seedeater Inn Bed and Breakfast.

The Seedeater Inn Bed and Breakfast.

The Seedeater Inn Bed and Breakfast.

The Seedeater Inn Bed and Breakfast.

The Seedeater Inn Bed and Breakfast.

History of Zapata/Displacement of Residents when Falcon Lake was created – Belinda Bravo, local historian and community leader.

Steakhouse Restaurant. Zapata.

Tourism Update and Falcon Lake’s Impact on Zapata Tourism – Paco Mendoza, Zapata County Chamber of Commerce.

Sponsors and hosts: Zapata County Museum of History, the Seedeater Inn, the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce and the Steakhouse Restaurant.

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Partner Event/Board of Directors Meeting
Steakhouse Restaurant 111 S. US Highway 83 Zapata, Texas

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

10:00 – 10:15 am – Welcome & Refreshments/Tour of Museum Grounds– Zapata County Museum of History – 805 Main Street/N. US Hwy 83

10:15 – 11:00 am – Guided Tour – Zapata County Museum of History – Dr. Hildegardo Flores, Museum Director

11:00 – 11:15 am – Drive to The Seedeater Inn – corner of 14th and Kennedy Streets

11:15 – 11:45 am– Tour – The Seedeater Inn

11:45 – 12 noon – Drive to The Steakhouse Restaurant – 111 S. US Hwy 83

12 noon – 1:00 pm – Lunch – Private Dining Room – The Steakhouse Restaurant

Menu Choice:

Mexican Plate including enchiladas and tacos

Or

Chicken Fried Steak with French fries and gravy

Cost per person will be $13 (including tax and gratuity)

Introductions and Community Updates – 12:45 pm

1:00– 1:30 pm – Educational Program – History of Zapata/Displacement of Residents when Falcon Lake was created – Belinda Bravo, local historian and community leader – The Steakhouse Restaurant

1:30 – 2:00 pm – Educational Program – Tourism Update and Falcon Lake’s Impact on Zapata Tourism – Paco Mendoza, Zapata County Chamber of Commerce – The Steakhouse Restaurant

2:00 – 3:30 pm –Business Meeting – Private Dining Room at the Steakhouse Restaurant (the public is welcome to attend)

Business Meeting

Board Development (Nancy Deviney, Chair)

Approve Minutes – December 20 Corpus Christi meeting

Review and Approve December 2011 Financial Reports

Update on Map Project – Valerie Bates

- Payment of invoice

Executive Director’s Report – Cynthia Martin

FY 12 Scope of Work Updates

Implementation of 2011/12 Partner Participation Program – Wanda Greenhill

- Partner Donations Update

Manage & Acknowledge Financial and In-Kind Resources – Toni Nagel

Advocate for Legislative Support – Bart Wales

Plan diverse and dynamic monthly meetings – Nancy Deviney

- February 21 – Mercedes

- March – possible joint Partner Event with Independence Trail Region & Texas Coastal Bend Regional Tourism Council – date & site tba

- Laredo- April 17

Provide Logistical Assistance for THC Workshops – Nancy Deviney

Promotions/Marketing – Valerie Bates

Quarterly Newsletter -

Website/Social Media Development – Valerie Bates

Maintain sustainable alliance with tourism marketing entities in our Region

Other Business

- TTTR Display at Texas Travel Information Center – Cynthia

- McAllen International Travel Show – January 4-5 – Cynthia

- 6th annual Coastal Bend Travel Fair – January 25 in Aransas Pass – sponsored by TCBRTC – Nancy

- Door Prizes needed for Coastal Bend Travel Fair – Nancy

- February 22 Jean Block Seminar

- Executive Director’s 90 day evaluation

- Other

3:30 pm – Adjourn

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TEXAS TROPICAL TRAIL REGION HERITAGE TOURISM PROGRAM

January 17, 2012 – Partner Event and Business Meeting – Zapata, Texas

You are cordially invited to attend Number Seventy-seven (77) in a series of monthly Partner Events, including Tours and Educational Presentations, celebrating the heritage of South Texas. This informative gathering of the Texas Tropical Trail Region Heritage Tourism Program will be held in Zapata, Zapata County, Texas on Tuesday, January 17, 2012. Please let me know if you will be joining us for lunch and your meal choice (see below).

Our visit to Zapata will take us to the new Zapata County Museum of History located on Highway 83 a block or so north of the Zapata County Courthouse and to The Seedeater Inn Bed & Breakfast. When Falcon Lake Dam and the 35-mile long lake behind it were created in 1954, several communities along both sides of the Rio Grande River were submerged including the original town site of Zapata.

Many of the buildings escaped destruction and were moved to the present day town site. The Seedeater Inn, originally the Volpe family home built in the late 19th century, was the last building to be moved out of old Zapata before it was flooded by the waters of Falcon Lake.

During our after-lunch educational programs, we will learn more about the displacement of homes and families when the original town site was flooded and also about today’s tourism industry, Falcon Lake and the important role it plays

Zapata County History

The day will begin at 10:00 am at the new, state-of-the-art Zapata County Museum of History, located at 805 Main Street/N US Highway 83. Museum Director and former Texas Tropical Trail board member Hildegardo Flores will be on hand to greet us.

In 1746, Don Jose de Escandon, Count of Sierra Gorda, was commissioned by the Viceroy of New Spain to command the exploration and settlement of a large land area known as Nuevo Santander. Present day Zapata County was a small part of that province. Escandon requested a fellow explorer, Captain Miguel de la Garza Falcon, to accompany him on this mission.

To attract settlers to this area, tracts of land (porciones) were granted to men and their families in order to form colonies. After many name changes, in 1898 the name of the largest community was permanently changed to Zapata in honor of Colonel Antonio Zapata, a local rancher and military man who became one of the leaders of the federalist movement to found the Republic of the Rio Grande, which began in 1839. The first headquarters of this movement was in Zapata County. Two military posts, Camp Drum and Camp Harney, were located at Zapata in the early 1850s to combat border disturbances and Indian attacks.

Texas proudly relates its history of having been under six flags – France, Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederacy and the United States. Zapata County and the surrounding area can add a seventh flag – that of the Republic of the Rio Grande.

Zapata boasts of being the “Home of Falcon Lake”, the largest fresh water lake in Texas. Falcon Lake was voted the number one fishing spot in Texas by the Bass Fishing Clubs. Falcon Lake’s 87,300 acres along the Rio Grande River entice men and women around the country to take part in the year-round fishing of black bass, white bass, crappie, stripers and monster-size catfish.

The Seedeater Inn

The Seedeater Inn is owned by Dr. Leticia M. Volpe and her husband John Williams of Weslaco. The Volpe family moved from Italy to the area around Mexico’s Guerrero Viejo in the late 1800s and became cattle ranchers. Eventually the family purchased additional lands across the Rio Grande and some of the family settled in Zapata County following the Mexican revolution of 1910.

The Seedeater Inn gets its name from a small, rare finch-like bird, the white-collared Seedeater that makes its home in and around Zapata County.

The home was originally built for Leticia’s grandmother near the end of the 19th century. With the creation of Falcon Lake in 1954, this historic family home was moved from the original town site to what is now modern Zapata. Today the completely renovated historic home is operated as a bed & breakfast. In keeping with the family’s continuing desire to create and preserve native habitat, the grounds have been planted with species indigenous to the area. Local birds and other native animals frequent the yard and use the various feeding stations.

Educational Programs

Our educational programs will be:

- History of Zapata/Displacement of Residents when Falcon Lake was created – Belinda Bravo, local historian and community leader

- Tourism Update and Falcon Lake’s Impact on Zapata Tourism – Paco Mendoza, Zapata County Chamber of Commerce

Our sponsors and hosts for this day will be the Zapata County Museum of History, the Seedeater Inn, the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce and the Steakhouse Restaurant.

Texas Tropical Trail Region Heritage Tourism Program

The Texas Tropical Trail Region (TTTR) heritage tourism program is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation developed in conjunction with the Texas Historical Commission and organized in February 2005 with an eleven-member volunteer Board of Directors, a salaried Executive Director and over 700 partners in tourism throughout the 20 county South Texas area known as the Texas Tropical Trail Region. The first public “partner” meeting was held in March 2005 at the La Posada Hotel in Laredo, Texas.

This Region covers over 23,000 square miles and is home to over 1.7 million people. Four sub-regions or Byways (the Gulf Coast Byway, the Rio Grande Byway, the Wild Horse Desert Byway and the Brush Country Byway) are located within the Region.

Kingsville is the home of the Texas Tropical Trail Regional office located in the Kingsville Chamber of Commerce office building at 635 E. King Avenue, Suite 102.

It is the intent of the Texas Tropical Trail Region Board of Directors to showcase the heritage, natural beauty and diverse culture of South Texas for the benefit and enjoyment of Texans and travelers. To achieve this goal, the Board must first join hands with our tourism partners, community leaders, and state and local entities to identify, preserve and interpret our natural, historical and cultural resources.

These monthly meetings/educational presentations are the workshops to help make this goal a reality. These meetings are open to the public, and you are urged to encourage folks in your city and county to join us.

Schedule of Events.

10:00 – 10:15 am – Welcome & Refreshments/Tour of Museum Grounds– Zapata County Museum of History – 805 Main Street/N. US Hwy 83

10:15 – 11:00 am – Guided Tour – Zapata County Museum of History – Dr. Hildegardo Flores, Museum Director

11:00 – 11:15 am – Drive to The Seedeater Inn – corner of 14th and Kennedy Streets

11:15 – 11:45 am– Tour – The Seedeater Inn

11:45 – 12 noon – Drive to The Steakhouse Restaurant – 111 S. US Hwy 83

12 noon – 1:00 pm – Lunch – Private Dining Room – The Steakhouse Restaurant

Menu Choice:

Mexican Plate including enchiladas and tacos

Or

Chicken Fried Steak with French fries and gravy

Cost per person will be $13 (including tax and gratuity)

Introductions and Community Updates – 12:45 pm

1:00– 1:30 pm – Educational Program – History of Zapata/Displacement of Residents when Falcon Lake was created – Belinda Bravo, local historian and community leader – The Steakhouse Restaurant

1:30 – 2:00 pm – Educational Program – Tourism Update and Falcon Lake’s Impact on Zapata Tourism – Paco Mendoza, Zapata County Chamber of Commerce – The Steakhouse Restaurant

2:00 – 3:30 pm –Business Meeting – Private Dining Room at the Steakhouse Restaurant (the public is welcome to attend)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

An RSVP is necessary so that we can be adequately prepared with seating arrangements and lunch.

Please respond to Nancy Deviney at nancydeviney@yahoo.com as soon as possible but no later than Friday, January 13, 2012.

Directions are available to the various sites.

We hope you will join us for this educational and informative day. No fees or membership are required. There will be a $13 charge, per person, (including tax and gratuity) for lunch.

Please feel free to share this invitation with your friends and colleagues but remind them that an RSVP is necessary.

Thank you.
Nancy Deviney
Chairman, Board of Directors, Texas Tropical Trail Region (www.texastropicaltrail.com) and (www.thetropicaltraveler.com)

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Our visit to Corpus Christi took us to Heritage Park located in the city’s Museum District and site of 12 Victorian-era  homes – the oldest dating to 1851,  the Art Museum of South Texas -  the cultural center for fine arts located on Corpus Christi Bay and Old Bayview Cemetery – the oldest federal military cemetery in Texas. And, in keeping with the holiday spirit, we also enjoyed a visit to the annual Christmas Tree Forest at the Art Museum.

We learned about Daniel P. Whiting, 19^th century Army infantry officer who served under Brigadier General Zachary Taylor during the Mexican War and had the opportunity to experience a mini-version of the “Old Bayview Cemetery Walk” featuring historical reenactors in period costumes.

Heritage Park

The day began at 10:00 am at Heritage Park, located at 1581 N. Chaparral in the Museum District.  Twelve Victorian homes are located in Heritage Park, all moved there from their original locations.

Our welcome and refreshments at French-Galvan House included a brief history of Heritage Park and the homes therein provided by Anita Eisenhauer, president of the Nueces County Historical Commission.

Originally located at the corner of Waco and Comanche Streets, the French-Galvan House is a colonial revival home built in 1907-08 for the family of Asa Milton and Frances Garrett French.  Mr. French was a native of New Hampshire, surveyor and civil engineer.  He settled in Corpus Christi in 1882 after working on the construction of the Texas-Mexican Railroad and became an active civic leader.

The home was acquired by Rafael Galvan in 1942.  Galvan was a Corpus Christi policeman for 20 years and a founder and charter member of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).  A prominent businessman as well, he also opened a popular ballroom in Corpus Christi.  The home remained in the Galvan family for 40 years.

Old Bayview Cemetery/Voices of South Texas & the story of Daniel P. Whiting

From Galvan House and Heritage Park, we drove a short distance to Old Bayview Cemetery located at the corner of W. Broadway and W. Waco Streets. Bayview Cemetery is the oldest federal military cemetery in Texas.

Bayview Cemetery was laid out by US Army Engineers while Brigadier General Zachary Taylor was encamped in Corpus Christi on the eve of the Mexican War in 1846.  After Taylor’s army left, the cemetery became the community burial ground.  Here are graves of pioneer settlers and of veterans of the War of 1812, Texas War for Independence, Mexican War, Indian campaigns, Civil War and later conflicts.

While at the cemetery, we had the opportunity to experience a mini-version of the “living history” Cemetery Walk & Voices of South Texas historical reenactment by the South Texas Historians re-enactor group.  This Walk is a project of the Nueces County Historical Commission and is coordinated by Karen Howden, Commission member.

Ms. Howden also spoke to us in more detail later in the day about the history of the cemetery and the Cemetery Walk.

Local businessman, author and historian Jim Moloney addressed our group with a book review of “A Soldier’s Life – Daniel P.Whiting” after lunch.  Corpus Christi Caller-Times columnist and author Murphy Givens was introduced to Whiting’s original diaries by Herb Canales, director of the Corpus Christi Public Libraries in 2002.

The Whiting project, so named by Mr. Givens, sat on the back burner for several years but has recently been edited and published by Mr. Givens and Mr. Moloney.

Daniel P.Whiting was a loyal officer in the US Army for three decades during the middle of the 19^th century. As an infantry officer, he seemed to be in the thick of every crisis ~ he was in Florida during the Seminole wars, he was in Indian Territory in today’s Oklahoma, he was in Corpus Christi when Texas became a state and in the bombardment of Fort Brown when the Mexican War began.  Whiting was with Zachary Taylor at Monterrey and Winfield Scott at Vera Cruz.  He was in Utah Territory during the Mormon troubles and was on garrison duty out West when the Civil War began.

In between all this, he managed to father seven children.  Whiting wrote his autobiography during the last years of  his service and retired during the Civil War.  You won’t want to miss this story of a true-life Forrest Gump!

View of the Corpus Christi Port Bridge from Old Bayview Cemetery.

Christmas Tree Forest at the Art Museum of South Texas

Our next and final stop was be the Art Museum of South Texas located at 1902 N. Shoreline Boulevard.

The Art Museum had its origins in 1945 when the City of Corpus Christi turned its Centennial Museum over to a group of local organizations.  By the 1960s, the Museum was outgrowing its space.  A group of civic leaders and philanthropists begin a private sector movement to fund a new art museum along the Corpus Christi Bayfront.  Completed in 1972, the Museum was designed by internationally renowned architect Philip Johnson.

For several years, it has been a tradition at the Art Museum to host the annual Christmas Tree Forest, a partnership between the Art Museum, HEB and the Junior League of Corpus Christi.  The 2011 theme is “Christmas Around the World” with each tree representing the holiday symbols and celebrations of a specific country.  This year 30 schools have decorated trees.

Educational Programs

-          History of Heritage Park – Anita Eisenhauer – President, Nueces County Historical Commission

-          Historical Reenactment at Old Bayview Cemetery – South Texas Historians

-          Book Review – “A Soldier’s Life – Daniel P. Whiting” – Jim Moloney- local businessman, author & historian

-          History of Old Bayview Cemetery/Voices of South Texas Cemetery Walk – Karen Howden – retired American History teacher & Nueces County Historical Commission member

Our sponsors and hosts for this day: City of Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department, Galvan House, Nueces County Historical Commission and the Art Museum of South Texas.

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Fall 2011 Newsletter: http://thetropicaltraveler.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/tttr-2011-fall-newslettersm.pdf

Get the rest of the story… http://thetropicaltraveler.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/tttr-2011-fall-newslettersm.pdf!

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Tuesday December 20, 2011 Corpus Christi, Texas

Art Museum of South Texas

Partner Event/Board of Directors Meeting 1902 N. Shoreline Boulevard

_______________________________________ ___________________________________________

10:00 – 10:30 am – Welcome & Refreshments– Galvan House – Heritage Park – 1581 N. Chaparral

10:30 – 10:45 am – Educational Program – History of Heritage Park – Anita Eisenhauer, President of the Nueces County Historical Commission – Galvan House

10:45 – 11:00 am – Drive to Old Bayview Cemetery – corner of West Broadway Street & West Waco Street

11:00 – 11:30 am– Educational Presentation – South Texas Historians Historical Reenactment Group

11:30 – 11:40 am – Drive to Art Museum of South Texas – 1902 N. Shoreline Boulevard

11:40 – 12 noon – Tour Christmas Tree Forest – Singer Gallery, Art Museum of South Texas

12 noon – Welcome by Joe Schenk, Director of Art Museum of South Texas – Bayview Room

12 noon – 1:00 pm – Lunch – Bayview Room – Art Museum of South Texas

Lunch will be served buffet style and will feature an assortment of quiches ~ Monterrey (Canadian bacon, green chilies, Monterrey Jack cheese and green onions), Café Classic (chicken, broccoli, onions, mushrooms and Swiss cheese) and Devonshire (spinach, Swiss & ricotta cheese topped with Roma tomatoes)

The menu will also include fruit salad, green salad, tea & water.

Cost per person will be $12 (including tax and gratuity)

Introductions and Community Updates – 12:45 pm

1:00– 1:30 pm – Educational Program – A review of the book “Daniel P. Whiting – A Soldier’s Life” – Jim Moloney, local businessman, historian & author – Bayview Room

1:30 – 2:00 pm – Educational Program – “History of Old Bayview Cemetery” & “Old Bayview Cemetery Walk/Voices of South Texas” – Karen Howden, retired American History teacher & Nueces County Historical Commission member – Bayview Room

2:00 – 3:30 pm –Business Meeting – Art Museum of South Texas Bayview Room (the public is welcome to attend)

Business Meeting

Board Development (Nancy Deviney, Chair)

Approve Minutes – November 15 Donna meeting

Review and Approve November 2011 Financial Reports

Update on Map Project – Valerie Bates

Executive Director’s Report – Cynthia Martin

- Questions/Discussion regarding December 12 ED Conference Call

FY 12 Scope of Work Updates

Implementation of 2011/12 Partner Participation Program – Wanda Greenhill

Manage & Acknowledge Financial and In-Kind Resources – Toni Nagel

Advocate for Legislative Support – Bart Wales

Plan diverse and dynamic monthly meetings – Nancy Deviney

- January 17 – tba

- February 21 – Mercedes (tentative)

- March – possible joint Partner Event with Independence Trail Region & Texas Coastal Bend Regional Tourism Council – date & site tba

- Laredo- April 17

Provide Logistical Assistance for THC Workshops – Nancy Deviney

Promotions/Marketing – Valerie Bates

Quarterly Newsletter -

Website/Social Media Development – Valerie Bates

Maintain sustainable alliance with tourism marketing entities in our Region

Other Business

- Resignation of Board Member – recruitment of new board members – Nancy

- Special Called Workshop Board Meeting – Thursday, January 12 – Raymondville – Bart/Wanda/Nancy

- THTP Statewide Dec 1-2 San Angelo meeting Update – Nancy/Cynthia

- THTP Statewide June 2012 Meeting in Kingsville – Nancy

- TTTR Display at Texas Travel Information Center – Cynthia

- McAllen International Travel Show – January 4-5 – Nancy

- 6th annual Coastal Bend Travel Fair – January 25 in Aransas Pass – sponsored by TCBRTC – Nancy

- Door Prizes needed for Coastal Bend Travel Fair – Nancy

- 2012 Mountain Plains Museum Association Meeting – Corpus Christi – Rick

- Chisholm Trail designation as National Historic Trail – Rick

- Other

3:30 pm – Adjourn

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TEXAS TROPICAL TRAIL REGION HERITAGE TOURISM PROGRAM

 December 20, 2011 – Partner Event and Business Meeting – Corpus Christi, Texas

You are cordially invited to attend Number Seventy-six (76) in a series of monthly Partner Events, including Tours and Educational Presentations, celebrating the heritage of South Texas.  This informative gathering of the Texas Tropical Trail Region Heritage Tourism Program will be held in Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas on Tuesday, December 20, 2011.  Please let me know if you will be joining us for lunch.

Our visit to Corpus Christi will take us to Heritage Park located in the city’s Museum District and site of 12 Victorian-era  homes – the oldest dating to 1851,  the Art Museum of South Texas -  the cultural center for fine arts located on Corpus Christi Bay and Old Bayview Cemetery – the oldest federal military cemetery in Texas. And, in keeping with the holiday spirit, we will also enjoy a visit to the annual Christmas Tree Forest at the Art Museum.

We will learn about Daniel P. Whiting, 19^th century Army infantry officer who served under Brigadier General Zachary Taylor during the Mexican War and have the opportunity to experience a mini-version of the “Old Bayview Cemetery Walk” featuring historical re-enactors in period costumes.

 Heritage Park

The day will begin at 10:00 am at Heritage Park, located at 1581 N. Chaparral in the Museum District.  Twelve Victorian homes are located in Heritage Park, all moved there from their original locations.

Our welcome and refreshments at French-Galvan House will include a brief history of Heritage Park and the homes therein provided by Anita Eisenhauer, president of the Nueces County Historical Commission.

Originally located at the corner of Waco and Comanche Streets, the French-Galvan House is a colonial revival home built in 1907-08 for the family of Asa Milton and Frances Garrett French.  Mr. French was a native of New Hampshire, surveyor and civil engineer.  He settled in Corpus Christi in 1882 after working on the construction of the Texas-Mexican Railroad and became an active civic leader.

The home was acquired by Rafael Galvan in 1942.  Galvan was a Corpus Christi policeman for 20 years and a founder and charter member of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).  A prominent businessman as well, he also opened a popular ballroom in Corpus Christi.  The home remained in the Galvan family for 40 years.

Old Bayview Cemetery/Voices of South Texas & the story of Daniel P. Whiting

From Galvan House and Heritage Park, we will drive a short distance to Old Bayview Cemetery located at the corner of W. Broadway and W. Waco Streets. Bayview Cemetery is the oldest federal military cemetery in Texas.

Bayview Cemetery was laid out by US Army Engineers while Brigadier General Zachary Taylor was encamped in Corpus Christi on the eve of the Mexican War in 1846.  After Taylor’s army left, the cemetery became the community burial ground.  Here are graves of pioneer settlers and of veterans of the War of 1812, Texas War for Independence, Mexican War, Indian campaigns, Civil War and later conflicts.

While at the cemetery, we will have the opportunity to experience a mini-version of the “living history” Cemetery Walk & Voices of South Texas historical reenactment by the South Texas Historians re-enactor group.  This Walk is a project of the Nueces County Historical Commission and is coordinated by Karen Howden, Commission member.

Ms. Howden will also speak to us in more detail later in the day about the history of the cemetery and the Cemetery Walk.

Local businessman, author and historian Jim Moloney will address our group with a book review of “A Soldier’s Life – Daniel P.Whiting” after lunch.  Corpus Christi Caller-Times columnist and author Murphy Givens was introduced to Whiting’s original diaries by Herb Canales, director of the Corpus Christi Public Libraries in 2002.

The Whiting project, so named by Mr. Givens, sat on the back burner for several years but has recently been edited and published by Mr. Givens and Mr. Moloney.

Daniel P.Whiting was a loyal officer in the US Army for three decades during the middle of the 19^th century. As an infantry officer, he seemed to be in the thick of every crisis ~ he was in Florida during the Seminole wars, he was in Indian Territory in today’s Oklahoma, he was in Corpus Christi when Texas became a state and in the bombardment of Fort Brown when the Mexican War began.  Whiting was with Zachary Taylor at Monterrey and Winfield Scott at Vera Cruz.  He was in Utah Territory during the Mormon troubles and was on garrison duty out West when the Civil War began.

In between all this, he managed to father seven children.  Whiting wrote his autobiography during the last years of  his service and retired during the Civil War.  You won’t want to miss this story of a true-life Forrest Gump!

Christmas Tree Forest at the Art Museum of South Texas

Our next and final stop will be the Art Museum of South Texas located at 1902 N. Shoreline Boulevard.   The Art Museum had its origins in 1945 when the City of Corpus Christi turned its Centennial Museum over to a group of local organizations.  By the 1960s, the Museum was outgrowing its space.  A group of civic leaders and philanthropists begin a private sector movement to fund a new art museum along the Corpus Christi Bayfront.  Completed in 1972, the Museum was designed by internationally renowned architect Philip Johnson.

For several years, it has been a tradition at the Art Museum to host the annual Christmas Tree Forest, a partnership between the Art Museum, HEB and the Junior League of Corpus Christi.  The 2011 theme is “Christmas Around the World” with each tree representing the holiday symbols and celebrations of a specific country.  This year 30 schools have decorated trees.

The Art Museum will also be the site of our lunch, educational programs and business meeting.

Educational Programs

-          History of Heritage Park – Anita Eisenhauer – President, Nueces County Historical Commission

-          Historical Reenactment at Old Bayview Cemetery – South Texas Historians

-          Book Review – “A Soldier’s Life – Daniel P. Whiting” – Jim Moloney- local businessman, author & historian

-          History of Old Bayview Cemetery/Voices of South Texas Cemetery Walk – Karen Howden – retired American History teacher & Nueces County Historical Commission member

Our sponsors and hosts for this day will be the City of Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department, Galvan House, Nueces County Historical Commission and the Art Museum of South Texas.

Texas Tropical Trail Region Heritage Tourism Program

The Texas Tropical Trail Region (TTTR) heritage tourism program is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation developed in conjunction with the Texas Historical Commission and organized in February 2005 with an eleven-member volunteer Board of Directors, a salaried Executive Director and over 700 partners in tourism throughout the 20 county South Texas area known as the Texas Tropical Trail Region.  The first public “partner” meeting was held in March 2005 at the La Posada Hotel in Laredo, Texas.

This Region covers over 23,000 square miles and is home to over 1.7 million people.  Four sub-regions or Byways (the Gulf Coast Byway, the Rio Grande Byway, the Wild Horse Desert Byway and the Brush Country Byway) are located within the Region.

Kingsville is the home of the Texas Tropical Trail Regional office located in the Kingsville Chamber of Commerce office building at 635 E. King Avenue, Suite 102.

It is the intent of the Texas Tropical Trail Region Board of Directors to showcase the heritage, natural beauty and diverse culture of South Texas for the benefit and enjoyment of Texans and travelers. To achieve this goal, the Board must first join hands with our tourism partners, community leaders, and state and local entities to identify, preserve and interpret our natural, historical and cultural resources.

These monthly meetings/educational presentations are the workshops to help make this goal a reality.  These meetings are open to the public, and you are urged to encourage folks in your city and county to join us.

Schedule of Events.

10:00 – 10:30 am– Welcome & Refreshments– Galvan House – Heritage Park – 1581 N. Chaparral

10:30 – 10:45 am – Educational Program – History of Heritage Park – Anita Eisenhauer, President of the Nueces County Historical Commission – Galvan House

10:45 – 11:00 am – Drive to Old Bayview Cemetery – corner of West Broadway Street & West Waco Street

11:00 – 11:30 am– Educational Presentation – South Texas Historians Historical Reenactment Group

11:30 – 11:40 am– Drive to Art Museum of South Texas – 1902 N. Shoreline Boulevard

11:40 – 12 noon – Tour Christmas Tree Forest – Singer Gallery, Art Museum of South Texas

12 noon – Welcome by Joe Schenk, Director of Art Museum of South Texas – Bayview Room

12 noon – 1:00 pm – Lunch – Bayview Room – Art Museum of South Texas

Lunch will be served buffet style and will feature an assortment of quiches ~ Monterrey (Canadian bacon, green chilies, Monterrey Jack cheese and green onions), Café Classic (chicken, broccoli, onions, mushrooms and swiss cheese) and Devonshire (spinach, swiss & ricotta cheese topped with Roma tomatoes)

The menu will also include fruit salad, green salad, tea & water.

Cost per person will be $12 (including tax and gratuity)

Introductions and Community Updates – 12:45 pm

1:00– 1:30 pm – Educational Program – A review of  the book  “Daniel P. Whiting – A Soldier’s Life” – Jim Moloney, local businessman, historian & author – Bayview Room

1:30 – 2:00 pm – Educational Program – “History of Old Bayview Cemetery” & “Old Bayview Cemetery Walk/Voices of South Texas” – Karen Howden, retired American History teacher & Nueces County Historical Commission member – Bayview Room

2:00 – 3:30 pm–Business Meeting – Art Museum of South Texas Bayview Room (the public is welcome to attend)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

An RSVP is necessary so that we can be adequately prepared with seating arrangements and lunch.

Please respond to Nancy Deviney at nancydeviney@yahoo.com as soon as possible but no later than Friday, December 16, 2011.

Directions are available to the various sites.  Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

We hope you will join us for this educational and informative day.  No fees or membership are required.  There will be a $12 charge, per person (including tax and gratuity) for lunch.

Please feel free to share this invitation with your friends and colleagues but remind them that an RSVP is necessary. 

Thank you.

Nancy Deviney
Chairman, Board of Directors, Texas Tropical Trail Region (www.texastropicaltrail.com)

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Partner Event/Board of Directors Meeting

American Legion Hall 318 South Main

Tuesday November 15, 2011 Donna, Texas

__________________________________________________________________________________

10:00 – 10:30 am – Welcome & Refreshments– American Legion Donna Border Post No. 107 – 318 S. Main

10:30 – 10:45 am – Educational Program – History of the American Legion – Oscar Adame, Vice Commander, American Legion Donna Border Post No. 107

10:45 – 11:00 am – Drive to parking lot of Cedar House Bar & Grill – 114 S. 7th Street – Park & Walk

Walk to Donna Hooks Fletcher Museum – 129 S. 8th Street

11:00 – 11:30 am– Tour Donna Hooks Fletcher Museum – Elvira Tovar – and meet & visit with members of Museum Board

11:30 – 11:50 am – Walk across the street to Donna Plaza & view historical plaques (including the original Chisholm Trail plaque) and historical buildings – Fernando Flores, City of Donna Planning Director

11:50 – 12 noon – Walk to Cedar House Bar & Grill – 114 S. 7th Street

12 noon – 12:45 pm – Lunch

BBQ brisket & sausage, beans, rice, potato salad, drink & dessert

Introductions and Community Updates – 12:30 pm

Lunch will be $12 per person (including tax and gratuity)

12:45 – 1:00 pm – Drive back to American Legion Donna Border Post No. 107 – 318 S. Main

1:00– 1:30 pm – Educational Program – “PBS Documentary program – History Detectives (2006 episode) – Donna & the Chisholm Trail” – Laura Lincoln, former Donna Hooks Fletcher Museum employee – American Legion Hall – 318 S. Main

1:30 – 1:45 pm – Educational Program – “Current THC Historical Marker for the Chisholm Trail in Donna” – Fran Isbell, Hidalgo County Historical Commission member – American Legion Hall – 318 S. Main

1:45– 2:00 pm –Educational Program – “History of Donna” – Mrs. Hilda R. Adame, former Donna mayor – American Legion Hall – 318 S. Main

2:00 – 3:30 pm –Business Meeting – American Legion Hall (the public is welcome to attend) – 318 S. Main
BUSINESS MEETING

Board Development (Nancy Deviney, Chair)

Introduction of new TTTR Executive Director – Cynthia Martin

Approve Minutes – October 18 Rockport meeting

Review and Approve October 2011 Financial Reports

Update on Map Project – Valerie Bates

FY 12 Scope of Work Updates

Implementation of 2011/12 Partner Participation Program – Wanda Greenhill

Manage & Acknowledge Financial and In-Kind Resources – Toni Nagel

Advocate for Legislative Support – Bart Wales

Plan diverse and dynamic monthly meetings – Nancy Deviney

- December 20 Partner Event/Meeting will be held in Corpus Christi

Provide Logistical Assistance for THC Workshops – Nancy Deviney

Participate in THC Partnership Grants Program – Nancy Deviney

Promotions/Marketing – Valerie Bates

Monthly Press Release/Travel Article – Eileen Mattei

Quarterly Newsletter – Mike Carlisle

Contributor Updates –

Website/Social Media Development – Valerie Bates

Maintain sustainable alliance with tourism marketing entities in our Region

Other Business

- Update – Jean Block nonprofit sustainability options seminar – November 2 – Bart Wales

- Future Jean Block seminars – February 22 and April 20

- Update – Umbrella Organization Task Force Report – Bart Wales

- FY 10-11 Annual Report (including In-Kind & Partnership Donations totals) due November 30

- December 1-2 THC Statewide Quarterly Meeting – San Angelo

- McAllen International Travel Show – January 4-5

- 6th annual Coastal Bend Travel Fair – January 25 in Aransas Pass – sponsored by TCBRTC

- 1st Quarter (FY 12) TTTR Newsletter (4th Quarter FY 11 published 9-19-11)

- Other

3:30 pm – Adjourn

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KING RANCH   *   HIGHWAY 141   *   KINGSVILLE, TEXAS
(20111119_ranch-hand-breakfast)
SATURDAY   *   NOVEMBER 19, 2011 from 7:00 A.M.  TO  11:00 A.M.

TICKETS:  $6.00 PER PERSON  *  AGES 3 AND UNDER FREE

Come enjoy an authentic, hearty, cowboy breakfast, cooked and served outdoors on historic King Ranch. Local volunteers will be serving up heaping plates of eggs, refried beans, biscuits n’ gravy, sausage, tortillas, coffee and juice.

Team roping, horseshoeing, and old-time cow camp cooking demonstrations will be part of the morning’s activities, along with cowboy poetry, storytelling, and musical entertainment.

Come join us for a taste of cowboy life.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at: Kingsville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, King Ranch Visitor’s Center, King Ranch Saddle Shop or at the breakfast.

For more information call: 1-800-333-5032 or 361-221-0116

“Breakfast the cowboy way on legendary King Ranch”

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TEXAS TROPICAL TRAIL REGION HERITAGE TOURISM PROGRAM

November 15, 2011 – Partner Event and Business Meeting – Donna, Texas

You are cordially invited to attend Number Seventy-five (75) in a series of monthly Partner Events, including Tours and Educational Presentations, celebrating the heritage of South Texas. This informative gathering of the Texas Tropical Trail Region Heritage Tourism Program will be held in Donna, Hidalgo County, Texas on Tuesday, November 15, 2011. Please let us know if you will be joining us for lunch.

Our visit to Donna, named for attractive divorcee Donna Hooks Fletcher, will take us to the first ever American Legion Hall built in the world and to the museum named for Donna Hooks Fletcher and also will give us the opportunity to learn more about one of history’s mysteries ~ the origin of the old West’s Chisholm Trail. You won’t want to miss this day in Hidalgo County!

American Legion Donna Border Post No. 107

The day will begin at 10:00 am with a welcome and refreshments at the very first American Legion Hall, built in 1920, located at 318 S. Main Street in Donna. American Legion Donna Border Post No. 107 Vice Commander Oscar Adame will be on hand to welcome us.

The American Legion is a mutual-aid organization of veterans of the United States armed forces chartered by the US Congress. It was founded in 1919 to benefit those veterans who served during a wartime period as defined by Congress. The organization is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and also has offices in Washington DC. The group has nearly 3 million members in over 14,000 Posts worldwide.

The first American Legion Hall in the world was built in Donna in 1920 by Border Post No. 107. It was dedicated in 1920 and was recorded as a Texas Historic Landmark in 1969.

Donna Hooks Fletcher Museum

From the American Legion Hall, we will drive a few blocks to tour the Donna Hooks Fletcher Museum, the Donna Plaza and to have lunch at the Cedar House Bar & Grill.

Situated along the Chisholm Trail, this area was a gathering point for 19th century cattle drives headed north. In 1903 Thomas J. Hooks moved his family to the area because of the farming potential. He secured a stop on the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railroad where the Lott Town and Improvement Company founded Donna in 1903.

Railroad entrepreneur Uriah Lott named the town after Hooks’ daughter. When Donna Hooks Fletcher divorced in 1908, she received land from her father that she turned into a prosperous produce and dairy operation. Local history is honored at her namesake facility – Donna Hooks Fletcher Museum.

Museum artifacts include the town’s first telephone, a bar supposedly used in the 1914 Blue Goose Saloon and household appliances including an ice box, clothes wringer wash tub and butter churn. Prominently displayed is the Bible that Donna Hooks Fletcher held in one hand while the other hand held a pistol during the tense 1910s when Mexican revolutionaries raided across the nearby Rio Grande River.

The Chisholm Trail – Yesterday & Today

(The following is the prelude to the 2006 PBS television documentary “History Detectives”.)

In the decades following the Civil War, more than six million cattle were herded from Texas to the railhead in Kansas in one of the greatest known migrations of animals in the United States.

These 19th century cattle drives along the Chisholm Trail only lasted twenty years but had tremendous impact across the country. It lifted Texas out of post-Civil war poverty, provided much-needed affordable beef to the Northeast and gave birth to the classic American cowboy legend.

In the small town of Donna, Texas, near the Mexican border, a marker declares that the famous trail ran through this area yet many dispute the idea that the trail ever made it this far south. Is the marker another bit of famed Texas bravado or misguided history? Local historian Laura Lincoln wants to set the record straight.

History Detectives heads deep into the heart of Texas to help solve this local mystery and shed light on this lively chapter in American history.

Laura Lincoln, formerly of the Donna Hooks Fletcher Museum, was the local historian who asked this question of the History Detectives back in 2006. She will be with us to tell the answers uncovered by the History Detectives.

Following Laura’s presentation, Fran Isbell of the Hidalgo County Historical Commission will tell us about the recently-designated Texas Historical Commission’s official Texas Historical Marker for the Donna Chisholm Trail. City of Donna Planning Director Fernando Flores will also be with us to show us the official marker.

Educational Programs

Our educational programs will be:

- History of the American Legion – Vice Commander Oscar Adame – American Legion Donna Border Post No. 107

- “PBS Documentary program – History Detectives (2006 episode) – Donna & the Chisholm Trail” – Laura Lincoln – former Donna Hooks Fletcher Museum employee

- “Current THC Historical Marker for the Chisholm Trail in Donna” – Fran Isbell – Hidalgo County Historical Commission member

- History of Donna

Our sponsors and hosts for this day will be American Legion Donna Border Post No. 107, City of Donna, Donna Fletcher Hooks Museum and Cedar House Bar & Grill.

Texas Tropical Trail Region Heritage Tourism Program

The Texas Tropical Trail Region (TTTR) heritage tourism program is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation developed in conjunction with the Texas Historical Commission and organized in February 2005 with an eleven-member volunteer Board of Directors, a salaried Executive Director and over 500 partners in tourism throughout the 20 county South Texas area known as the Texas Tropical Trail Region. The first public “partner” meeting was held in March 2005 at the La Posada Hotel in Laredo, Texas.

This Region covers over 23,000 square miles and is home to over 1.7 million people. Four sub-regions or Byways (the Gulf Coast Byway, the Rio Grande Byway, the Wild Horse Desert Byway and the Brush Country Byway) are located within the Region.

Kingsville is the home of the Texas Tropical Trail Regional office located in the Kingsville Chamber of Commerce office building at 635 E. King Avenue, Suite 102.

It is the intent of the Texas Tropical Trail Region Board of Directors to showcase the heritage, natural beauty and diverse culture of South Texas for the benefit and enjoyment of Texans and travelers. To achieve this goal, the Board must first join hands with our tourism partners, community leaders, and state and local entities to identify, preserve and interpret our natural, historical and cultural resources.

These monthly meetings/educational presentations are the workshops to help make this goal a reality. These meetings are open to the public, and you are urged to encourage folks in your city and county to join us.

Schedule of Events.

10:00 – 10:30 am – Welcome & Refreshments– American Legion Donna Border Post No. 107 – 318 S. Main

10:30 – 10:45 am – Educational Program – History of the American Legion – Oscar Adame, Vice Commander, American Legion Donna Border Post No. 107

10:45 – 11:00 am – Drive to parking lot of Cedar House Bar & Grill – 114 S. 7th Street – Park & Walk

Walk to Donna Hooks Fletcher Museum – 129 S. 8th Street

11:00 – 11:30 am– Tour Donna Hooks Fletcher Museum – Elvira Tovar – and meet & visit with members of Museum Board

11:30 – 11:50 am – Walk across the street to Donna Plaza & view historical plaques (including the original Chisholm Trail plaque) and historical buildings – Fernando Flores, City of Donna Planning Director

11:50 – 12 noon – Walk to Cedar House Bar & Grill – 114 S. 7th Street

12 noon – 12:45 pm – Lunch

BBQ brisket & sausage, beans, rice, potato salad, drink & dessert

Introductions and Community Updates – 12:30 pm

Lunch will be $12 per person (including tax and gratuity)

12:45 – 1:00 pm – Drive back to American Legion Donna Border Post No. 107 – 318 S. Main

1:00– 1:30 pm – Educational Program – “PBS Documentary program – History Detectives (2006 episode) – Donna & the Chisholm Trail” – Laura Lincoln, former Donna Hooks Fletcher Museum employee – American Legion Hall – 318 S. Main

1:30 – 1:45 pm – Educational Program – “Current THC Historical Marker for the Chisholm Trail in Donna” – Fran Isbell, Hidalgo County Historical Commission member – American Legion Hall – 318 S. Main

1:45– 2:00 pm –Educational Program – “History of Donna” – American Legion Hall – 318 S. Main

2:00 – 3:30 pm –Business Meeting – American Legion Hall (the public is welcome to attend) – 318 S. Main

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

An RSVP is necessary so that we can be adequately prepared with seating arrangements and lunch.

Please respond to Nancy Deviney at nancydeviney@yahoo.com as soon as possible but no later than Friday, November 11, 2011.

Directions are available to the various sites. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

We hope you will join us for this educational and informative day. No fees or membership are required. There will be a $12 charge, per person (including tax and gratuity) for lunch.

Please feel free to share this invitation with your friends and colleagues but remind them that an RSVP is necessary.

Thank you.

Nancy Deviney
Chairman, Board of Directors, Texas Tropical Trail Region (www.texastropicaltrail.com)

Nancy Deviney
nancydeviney@yahoo.com
361 547-8033 – home
361 701-0555 – cell
361 394-5672 – fax

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