Stroll through history at the Pioneer Museum in Fredericksburg, Texas

Donna Esposito and Clede Gorrell

Amazing stories of German relocation to this area in May 1846 are told at the Pioneer Museum. With photos, videos, refurbished homes, schools and farm equipment, we learned about the trials and tribulations of 120 German men, women and children who began the last segment of the long and dangerous journey to their new home in Texas. Hope of a freer, more prosperous future for themselves and children strengthened them to endure the miseries of the trip and the hardships yet to come.  It is a definite MUST SEE when you are in the Texas hill country.

 In Fredericksburg, traces of the past are all around you. A quick glance suggests the German heritage of the town - the limestone constructions of its buildings, the names of its commercial buildings, the celebrations and festivals.

Susan Dale at the Pioneer Museum entrance

Barb Ziehler, Susan Howard, Jan Murray

Donna Esposito, Jan Murray, Clede Gorrell

Susan Howard admires the limestone buildings

Flowers Everywhere at Wildseed Farms

Day 2 of the tour brought us to Wildseed Farms, located outside of Fredericksburg, Texas. The iconic Bluebonnets have bloomed and gone but the red Poppies are brilliant now. One of the largest producers of the Red Poppy Seed, Wildseed Farms brochure states, "We are honored to represent our wonderful veterans and we also realize that Freedom is not Free!"

In 1915 John McCrae, a Canadian doctor and teacher, wrote this verse which remains among the most memorable war poems ever written.  The poppy has stood as the official symbol of Canada's Remembrance Day since 1921. Many of us raised funds for veterans as children selling poppies in schools.

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row, 
That mark our place; and in the sky

Julie Moore, Donna Esposito

The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow.
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe;
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Artists come daily to paint, sketch, watercolor

Nancy Evans, Ruth McLeod, Julie Moore

Nancy Evans, Pam den Draak, Julie Moore

Somber Memorial at Fort Hood

Our tour guides, Linda Fritsch and Lindy Isacksen made sure we saw as much as possible in three days. Staying at the Shilo Inn in Killeen, TX we walked to the touching memorial dedicated to the 13 victims from the November 5, 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood.
It was a somber time to reflect and respect our military.
More information at
http://www.kwtx.com/content/news/-Dedication-set-for-memorial-to-victims-of-Fort-Hood-shooting-rampage-371799602.html

Magnolia Cupcakes from Jody and Cindy

Cupcake benefactors Cindy Tidwell-Shelton and Jody van Rijn

Mary Parker comments, "Thanks to Cindy & Jody for the delicious cupcakes they bought for everyone. That was so nice & delicious. And the line to the bakery was ridiculous. xoxo"

 

"And Jody and Cindy, thank you again for the delicious cupcakes. That was so very sweet of you to do that for the group. I enjoyed very much the trip and the camaraderie of our wonderful group. Can hardly wait for the next one! Hugs to y'all," Susie Brinegar

Magnolia Marketplace

Cindy Tidwell-Shelton and Jody van Rijn

One of 40 Historical League ladies to enjoy the trip, Jody van Rijn comments, "One of the highlights of our Texas adventure was the visit to Magnolia Market at the Silos in Waco. The collection of buildings we saw were the dream of Chip and Joanna Gains, stars of the HGTV reality show, Fixer Upper, in which they flip, remodel and fix up homes for families in Waco and the surrounding areas.
Watching Fixer Upper and in addition to seeing the process of renovating and designing homes you learn about their family, life on the farm and talented local artisans who help create unique and beautiful items for each home, many of which we saw in Magnolia Market. Chip and Joanna have a wonderful relationship filled with humor so it promises to be a relaxing and enjoyable hour of TV."

Terrific Tour Leaders Lindy Isacksen and Linda Fritsch

Norma Jean Coulter remarked, "All that fun and a learning experience.  And now I am educated in all things Magnolia!  But as always the camaraderie on a well planned trip=a great experience!
Great job in spite of your hair! ☺"

Happiness is a swing!

Happiness is also relaxing on a swing. Lee Rogers, Mary Parker, Karolee Hess

Lindy Isacksen, Pam den Draak, Linda Fritsch, Ruth McLeod

Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Browning at Baylor University

Donna Esposito, Mary McMahon, Zona Lorig, Julie Moore, Ruth McLeod, Cathy Shumard

We could have spent so much more time enjoying the architecture and poetry at the Armstrong Browning Library in Waco, TX. 

Love this quote from Robert Browning

"God's in his heaven - All's right in the world!"

Elizabeth Barrett Browning 1806-1861

Robert Browning 1812-1889

 In his first letter to Elizabeth, 1845, he stated, "I love your verses with all my heart." This letter initiated a romance, resulting in their secret marriage and departure to Italy in 1846.

Browning Collection at Baylor University on tour

Day One on the Texas tour:
The Armstrong Browning Library in Waco is graced with 62 stained glass windows celebrating the poetry of Robert Browning or Elizabeth Barrett Browning his wife. Amazing!

Built in 1924 this elegant, Italianate building is filled with rare 19th century fine and decorative art. We were taken in by the beauty, poetry, and boundless optimism of Browning. The Foyer of Meditation was inspirational and weddings are often held there. The library itself is reflective and calming. What a fabulous place for students to study.

As Robert Browning so eloquently wrote, "Grow old with me! The best is yet to be."