Share Wharton’s Charm
2015 Visitors & Newcomers Guide
Inside: Museums • City Landmarks • Calendar Events • Historic Homes • Local History & More! MEET YOUR MOST HOSPITABLE NEIGHBOR
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PulseMagAdOct12.indd 1 10/18/12 11:11 AM 2015 Visitors & Newcomers guide WELCOME
Welcome to Wharton! TableTable ofof ContentsContents You’re very special. We Antiquing ...... 23 love to have company visit, Calendar of Events ...... 7 and Wharton wants to make Chamber of Commerce Business Directory ...... 36 you feel welcome. County, city, school information ...... 34 Whether you’re spending Doc Blakely & the Java Jam Band...... 11 a few hours, a few days or a Foote, Horton...... 33 lifetime, Wharton is excited Historic Homes of Wharton ...... 28 you’re here. We’ve welcomed Map of Downtown Wharton ...... 24-25 visitors since before Texas was Monterey Square Wine & Arts Fair ...... 12 a Republic, much less a state. Morris Carriage House ...... 17 We’re known far and wide Museums...... 16 for our famous barbecue, for Tee Pee Motel ...... 13 our native sons, like Horton Plaza Theatre...... 14 Foote and Dan Rather, for the Rather, Dan ...... 32 thousands who have attended Utility information ...... 27 our Wharton County Junior Welcome column by Billie Jones ...... 6 College and for our regionally Wharton County Junior College...... 26 renowned medical facilities. Wharton area one-day trips ...... 20 We’ve restored our courthouse Wharton Civic Center ...... 22 and charming Downtown Wharton County Courthouse...... 19 Square. Wharton County Freedom Fest ...... 8 You’ll be delighted by Wharton County Juneteenth Festival ...... 10 what you ind in our shops, restaurants, museums and Cover photo by Connie’s Studio by Glenn. attractions. If you’ve never See advertisement on Page 9. been here before, let us show you around. Our little guide will help you enjoy your stay. We feel sure the people you meet will make you want to come back soon. Austin Ron Sanders Executive Director Houston Wharton Chamber of Wharton Commerce & Agriculture San Antonio Texas
Gulf of Mexico
4 Welcome | whartontexas.com WELCOME 2015 Visitors & Newcomers Guide
The Wharton County Courthouse on Monterey Square Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2015 Contributors Wharton Chamber of Commerce Wharton Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture & Agriculture Ron Sanders 225 N. Richmond Road Wharton, TX 77488 Kim Peikert • Makyla Monroe Phone: 979-532-1862 Wharton Journal-Spectator Fax: 979-532-0102 Bill Wallace • Keith Magee Email: [email protected] Burlon Parsons • Jessica Dunn whartonchamber.com Tifany Zapalac • Natalie Frels Wharton Journal-Spectator Wharton Visitors & Newcomers Guide is an 111 W. Burleson St. annual publication of the Wharton Chamber Wharton, TX 77488 of Commerce produced in conjunction with Phone: 979-532-8840 the Wharton Journal-Spectator. The guide Fax: 979-532-8845 includes information on what to see and do Email: [email protected] in Wharton, Texas, along with a map, cal- journal-spectator.com endar of events and a business directory of Wharton Chamber of Commerce members. For information about advertising in next For additional information, contact the year’s edition, contact the Wharton Journal- Wharton Chamber of Commerce at 979- Spectator at 979-532-8840. 532-1862.
whartontexas.com | Welcome 5 2015 Visitors & Newcomers guide WELCOME
The heart and spirit of Wharton By BILLIE JONES
Wharton is spirit. Like the wind, it cannot be seen but there is a refreshing spirit blowing for all. Visitors and newcomers are welcome, we love an opportunity to share small town life with you. I recently asked my daughter, who grew up here, to give me one word describing her hometown. She immediately said “heart.” It is with a warm spirit and friendly heart, we invite you to be part of this com- munity. The heart of an early community was the county courthouse. Today we share the beautifully restored Wharton County Courthouse sit- ting in the middle of historic Mon- terey Square. Stroll the streets and enjoy shops, antiques, churches, restaurants or a short rest at the Milam Street Coffee Shop. Yes, if Located less than an hour from it happens to be on certain Friday a famed medical center and large night, you just might find toe-tap- shopping malls, Wharton is the ping music. destination for safe neighbors, fine Don’t miss the Plaza Theatre schools, Wharton County Junior where live performances are pre- College, medical care and a smile as sented through the year. The Foot- we pass on the streets. liters, named for native son, Horton Yes, the spirit of Wharton is like Foote, present a large variety of the wind. It’s difficult to explain but Broadway shows, mostly musicals come, we will enjoy the warm heart which are fantastic. Yes, we have together. been host to world known Houston Billie Jones is a longtime Whar- Grand Opera. Yes, the Wharton ton resident who is one of our city’s spirit reaches far and wide as we unofficial ambassadors. She is love small town Texas living. a former executive director of the The Wharton spirit has extended Wharton Chamber of Commerce & to the international marketplace. Agriculture, and she writes a weekly We are home to Taiwan’s Nan Ya column in the Wharton Journal- Plastics and JM Eagle Pipe, Dorian Spectator on items of interest about Tool and Lamberti of Italy and the Wharton community. She can be numerous large international and reached at [email protected]. longtime family ranches. 6 Welcome | whartontexas.com EVENTS 2015 Visitors & Newcomers Guide
2015 calendar of events
• Jan. 17: MLK Freedom March, • Oct. 17 (tentative): Wharton Monterey Square to Just Do it Now Chamber Golf Tournament, Whar- • Jan. 17: Boling Fire Dept. Din- ton Country Club ner Banquet and Dance, Boling • Nov. 24: Wharton Chamber of Community Center Commerce Holiday Parade, down- • Jan. 28: Pilot Club Chili Supper, town Wharton KC Hall • Nov. 26: Wharton Feast of Shar- • Feb. 17: Wharton County Busi- ing, Holy Family Catholic Church’s ness Expo/Job Fair, El Campo Civic Family Life Center Center • Nov. 28: Small Business Satur- • Feb. 13-14: Build a Bouquet Val- day entine’s Day, Monterey Square • Dec. 4, 11, 18: Friday Night • March 5: Lions Club Annual Lights on Monterey Square Pancake Supper, Wharton Civic • Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Java Center Jam, Milam Street Coffee Shop • March 6-7: Knights of Colum- bus Annual Cookoff, KC Hall Other regular events: • March 19: Wharton Chamber of • First Friday Lunch at the Commerce Banquet, Wharton Civic Chamber (noon to 1 p.m. every first Center Friday) • March 26: 100 Club Cookoff, • Java Jam, Milam Street Coffee Crescent Fairgrounds Shop (live music, normally fourth • March 28: Chocolate Walk Eas- Friday of each month) ter Sale-$200 Shopping Spree, Mon- • Wharton County SPOT pet terey Square adoptions at WCJC front parking lot • April 17-18: Wharton County (normally second Saturday of each Youth Fair BBQ Cookoff month) • April 25-May 2: Wharton Coun- • Plaza Theatre productions (shows ty Youth Fair scheduled throughout the year) • May 9: Mother’s Day Sale, Mon- • Wharton County Junior College terey Square Visual and Performing Arts Dept. • May 16: Wharton County Free- (several theater productions, band dom Fest, downtown Wharton and choir concerts throughout the • May 30: Boys & Girls Club Golf year) Tournament, Wharton Country Club • Wharton County Farmers Mar- • June 13: Juneteenth Celebra- ket at WCJC front parking lot (Sat- tion, downtown Wharton urday mornings, late spring-early • June 13: 25th Annual Kolache- summer and late fall, dates TBA) Klobase Festival, East Bernard • June 19-20: Sixth Annual City- Note: All dates and events are wide Garage Sale subject to change. Other events are • August, TBA: Wharton County also planned that were not set or con- Football Coaches Luncheon firmed at the time of publication. To • Oct. 10: Sixth Annual Wine & keep up with the latest listing, see the Arts Fair, Monterey Square calendar on whartontexas.com. whartontexas.com | Events 7 2015 Visitors & Newcomers guide EVENTS
Wharton County Freedom Fest
The annual Freedom Fest is an “old- fashioned, family friendly good time.” The festival was previously held the weekend prior to the Fourth of July, but beginning last year, committee members decided to move the event to the spring to beat the heat. May was chosen for the new date since it’s a cooler time of the year and can coincide with Memorial Day. The 2015 festival has been set for Saturday, May 16. The one-day event in downtown Wharton features dozens of vendors, live music, a bocce ball tournament, a barbecue cookoff and, if you are willing to get your hands dirty, lots of boiled crawfish hosted by H-E-B. For the comfort of guests, new ad- ditions to the festival setup last year was an outdoor dining area, hands-free hand washing stations, not to mention restrooms trailers with air-condition- ing. Fulton Street hosts an area just for kids featuring bouncy houses provided by Moonwalks-N-More, a rock wall for climbing and more. Just a block from the action, the Open Car Show at Guffey Park fea- The Veterans’ Salute is a big part tures 34 categories and gives 55 of the Wharton County Freedom awards to the most impressive cars, Fest. This year’s event is set for trucks, motorcycles or practically any- Saturday, May 16 in downtown thing on wheels. Wharton. The focal point of the festival — the Veterans’ Salute — commences as Though Freedom Fest promises fun, veterans march into the square and it’s still for the same great cause. Every gather at the monument for a brief cer- year, proceeds from Freedom Fest go emony. to charitable organizations such as the The finale of last year’s festival fea- Disabled American Veterans Van Club tured the Patriotic Laser Show, a first in El Campo, a free transportation ser- for the city of Wharton. Presented by vice for area veterans. Laser Spectacles Inc., the show fea- “It’s just one day when we try to tured patriotic music with smoke ma- get the family to come out and enjoy chines and 16 lasers set up to project downtown Wharton and honor our vet- graphics on the courthouse and audi- erans,” Freese said. “Get to know your ence. neighbors and salute a veteran.” “We are just trying to do something For updated information, check out different and bring something new,” or- whartonfreedomfest.org. ganizer Susan Freese said. 8 whartontexas.com Aerials. Portraits.
Commercial.
Weddings. (979) 543-4211 By appointment only. 2015 Visitors & Newcomers guide EVENTS
Wharton County Juneteeth Festival
Music is a big part of the James Simmons Jr. Wharton County Juneteeth Festival.
The James Simmons Jr. Whar- tion signed on Jan. 1, 1863. ton County Juneteeth Festival be- Celebrated in Texas on or near came the largest festival in Wharton June 19, each year afterward, the County when it was born five years celebration began to wane in the ago. 1950s here. Last year’s festival attracted Now the James Simmons Jr. an estimated 15,000 people at the Wharton County Juneteeth Festi- event, and festival-goers keep won- val will be the place to be on Satur- dering how the event will be topped day, June 13 on Monterey Square in the next year. downtown Wharton. With the drive of Paul Kearney The event opens at 9 a.m. and and the support of James Simmons runs until midnight. Admission is Jr., the event is coordinated by Ke- free. arney and supported by Simmons’ The festival features plenty of Total Premier Service and J. Sim- activities for children, including mons Group Inc. carnival rides. And as always, there The event was the reconnecting is plenty of live music, as well as a of lifelong friends for the revival Hometown Heroes Program that observances, celebrating June 19, honors local citizens for their accom- 1865 when the former slaves of plishments. Texas found they had been declared free through President Abraham For more information about the Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclama- Juneteenth Festival, call 532-1468. 10 Events | whartontexas.com EVENTS 2015 Visitors & Newcomers Guide
Doc Blakely & the Java Jam Band
The Java Jam, one of Wharton’s fourth Friday of each month, but most unique entertainment events, sometimes the date may vary. has been growing in popularity since For example, the January show the first show in September 2010. will be on the third Friday of the Headed up by popular Wharton month, while the November show musician and may be moved to avoid the Thanks- professional giving holiday. speaker, Doc Acts lined up so far for 2015 are: Blakely, and • Jan 16: The Austin Colony Band, the Java Jam 5 piece, Bluegrass Band, the • Feb 27: Todd Janik, solo, from monthly show The Washers also features • March 27: Duke Davis and The a guest art- Pep Steppers, trio, western and jazz ist, along with • April 24: Mike Gallo, solo, light food and drink rock at the Milam Doc Blakely • May 22: Dave Roland Duo, West- Street Coffee ern & Fiddle Tunes Shop on Monterey Square in down- • June 26: Pat Gavin & The Buck- town Wharton. aroos, 5 piece, Old West Each month, the guest performers • July 24, Aug. 28, Sept. 25, Oct. will play the first set at 6 p.m., and af- 23, Nov. 27: to be announced ter a break at 7 p.m. for the buffet, the There usually isn’t a regular show guest artists will join the Java Jam planned in December, but the Java Band at 8 p.m. for an hour-long jam Jam Band normally has a New Year’s session. Eve show at 7 p.m. Dec. 31. Members of the Java Jam Band are as varied as their talents. They in- For more information, call the Mi- clude: Doc Blakely, fiddle, professional lam Street Coffee Shop at 282-9771 or speaker; Bill Havins, guitar, retired visit milamstcoffee.com. from Santa Fe Railroad; Ron Sanders, drums, executive director, Wharton Chamber of Commerce; Rick Quijas, bass guitar, a state employee; and Hinze's Mickey Reynolds, guitar/vocals, pastor Bar-B-Que of Caney Creek Church. Several other local musicians sit in with the band Pecan Smoked Bar-B-Que whenever the spirit moves them. Chicken•Ribs•Beef•Sausage Those who attend the event are and Save Room For Dessert! asked to bring a covered dish to share for the buffet, along with a $15 cover 1917 N. RICHMOND RD charge to help pay for the guest musi- WHARTON, TX cians. Java Jam is normally held on the 979-532-2710
whartontexas.com | Events 11 2015 Visitors & Newcomers guide EVENTS
Monterey Square Wine & Arts Fair
There’s a lot of art on display, as well as wine and beer sampling and live music.
Culture is on every corner of The art doesn’t just sit on an ea- downtown Wharton at the Mon- sel, though — it drives down the terey Square Wine and Arts Fair, streets. held each year on the second Satur- Members of the Houston Art Car day of October. The event is a fan- Klub set up their unusual vehicles tastic night of sipping, strolling and on Fulton Street, near the Whar- shopping. ton County District Court Building. Begun in 2009, the event is spon- Cars have included one with a fight- sored by the downtown merchants, er jet on the roof and one decorated Wharton Chamber of Commerce & with hundreds of glass bottles. Agriculture and Plaza’s Monterey No festival is complete without Square Committee and is a wonder- music, and there’s a full venue to ful way to highlight stores while of- check out at the fair. Musicians set fering some unique opportunities to up shop in front of several business- the public. es, playing acoustic favorites, while Each year, different Texas win- the local favorite, the Java Jam eries provide the samples, in both Band, takes its familiar stage inside whites and reds. Wine is also for Milam Street Coffee. sale by the glass or bottle. Partici- There is no charge to attend the pating merchants offer the various fair, though anyone wishing to par- vintages. ticipate in the wine sampling must Art is another feature of the festi- pay a minimal admission fee. val. Local artists display their work in several sites, with the Parsons For more information, visit Art Group usually exhibiting dozens montereysquarewinefair.com. of paintings and sketches.
12 Events | whartontexas.com COMMUNITY 2015 Visitors & Newcomers Guide
The Tee Pee Motel One of Wharton’s most eye-catching stay in one of the rooms but never had historic locations is not only designed to the opportunity. When Bryon pointed be looked at, but it is also designed to be out it was closed, Barbara reportedly lived in. pointed out that it was for sale. The Tee Pee Motel, one of Wharton’s “She told me she wanted to stay famous landmarks, is a throwback to there,” Woods said in an earlier inter- the 1940s and ‘50s before interstate view. He saw it as a bad investment but highways, when family car trips were being able to “afford” to keep peace in an adventure and part of the appeal was the family, he relented and took on the visiting new communities and finding a project, purchasing the motel in 2004 unique place to stay. Among the more and reopening it on Oct. 30, 2006. eye-catching of those were motels where Woods has been able to capitalize on the units were built not as square boxes that investment. In addition to the na- but in the shape of a Native American tional attention the project has brought, dwelling, the teepee. Today, there is only Woods installed about 50 recreational one in Texas and only four in the U.S. vehicle pads as well as a laundry area. The motel rooms were originally de- “We’ve also had people call up and signed in 1942 by George and Toppie book the rooms and grounds for family Belcher but construction was delayed reunions,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of until 1947 due to World War II. space and people enjoy the added fea- Once a destination location for trav- ture of being able to stay in a unique elers, the motel began a slow slide as location.” the highway system routed traffic away And while the location and original from the Tee Pee’s location. It closed in construction date back to the 1940s, the 1980s and remained that way until the rooms have been modernized and it was purchased by Bryon Woods, who include a number of the amenities the refurbished and reopened the hotel. modern guest would expect, including A lottery winner, Woods bought the high speed Internet and cable television. hotel at the urging of his wife Barbara, a Wharton County native. She said that Call 979-282-8474 or visit tee- as a little girl, she’d always wanted to peemotel.net.
The Tee Pee Motel, located on Business 59/Texas 60, is one of Wharton’s unique landmarks.
whartontexas.com | Community 13 2015 Visitors & Newcomers guide COMMUNITY The Plaza Theatre
Debbie Cenko, left, and Russell Kacer act out a scene during A Tuna Christmas, the first production of the 2014-15 season at the Plaza Theatre.
The Plaza Theatre on Monterey • Picnic (April 24 to May 3): The Square in downtown Wharton will kick play takes place on Labor Day weekend in off the 2015 calendar year with I Love You, the backyards of two middle-aged widows. You’re Perfect, Now Change, a musical One house belongs to Flo Owens, who comedy. It’s the second of five productions lives there with her daughters, Madge from the 2014-15 season. and Millie, and a boarder who is a spinster The 2015-16 season, which will kick schoolteacher. The other belongs to Helen off in the fall, will be announced later this Potts, who lives with her elderly, inval- year. Performances are normally at 7:30 id mother. Into this female atmosphere p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. comes a young man named Hal Carter, Sundays. whose animal vitality seriously upsets Here’s synopses of the productions: the entire group. Hal, a child of parents • I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now who ignored him, is self-conscious about Change (Feb. 13 to Feb. 22): This cel- his failings. Flo is wary of temptations for ebration of the mating game takes on the her daughters. Madge, bored with being truths and myths behind that contempo- only a beauty, sacrifices her chances for rary conundrum known as “the relation- a wealthy marriage for the excitement ship.” Act I explores the journey from Hal promises. Teenaged Millie finds her dating and waiting to love and marriage, balance for the first time through the while Act II reveals the agonies and tri- stranger’s brief attention. And the spinster umphs of in-laws and newborns, trips in is stirred to make changes in the dangling the family car and pick-up techniques of courtship that has brightened her life. the geriatric set. This hilarious revue pays • Litefooter Summer Youth tribute to those who have loved and lost, to Production (June 25 to June 28): those who have fallen on their faces at the Every summer, basic stagecraft and the- portal of romance, and to those who have atre discipline is taught to youngsters dared to ask, “Say, what are you doing age 5 through 16 during the Litefooter Saturday night?” Summer Youth Workshop. The work- 14 Community | whartontexas.com COMMUNITY 2015 Visitors & Newcomers Guide shop culminates in a major production torched the wood frame buildings, burning on the Plaza’s main stage during the last them to the ground. weekend in June. Performance dates vary Learning the dangers of building with from the usual schedule and are at 7:30 wood, the west side of the square was re- p.m. Thursday and Friday and 2:30 p.m. built in brick and included the Plaza Hotel. Saturday and Sunday. A section of the building was sold in 1941 • Annie Get Your Gun (July 31 to to the Long-Griffith Theaters. After being Aug. 16): Annie Oakley is the best shot gutted and converted into a movie theater, around, and she manages to support her it reopened in March of 1942 and contin- little brother and sisters by selling the ued to operate until the 1970s, when the game she hunts. When she’s discovered by doors were closed for good. Or so many Col. Buffalo Bill Cody, he persuades this thought. novel sharpshooter to join his Wild West The then Community Theatre group Show. It only takes one glance for her to bought the building in 1991 and what fall head over heels for the show’s headlin- followed has been a remarkable effort of er, dashing shooting ace Frank Butler. She the heart and shining example of volun- soon eclipses Butler as the main attraction teerism. which, while good for business, is bad for “Because the floor of the theater is be- romance. Butler hightails it off to join a low ground level, there was a tremendous rival show, his bruised male ego leading amount of seepage and there were leaks in the way, but is ultimately pitted against the roof and other problems and it was just Annie in a final shoot-out. a sad thing to see,” Board President Can- n dyce Byrne said. The theater is owned and operated by However, through fundraisers, grants Plaza Theatre Inc., a non-profit organiza- and donations, the group was able to re- tion dedicated to the renovation and resto- store the first floor to the point it could ration of the building, as well as fostering stand up to performance. They were even the performing arts. Originally founded as able to reproduce a portion of the original The Community Theatre of Wharton, its mural decorating the walls of the audi- performers are dubbed the “Footeliters” torium through the work of artist Dana in recognition of famed theater and film Steinheimer. writer Horton Foote, a native Whartonian. But the present only offers a glimpse of The mainstay entertainment at the the future. The group has purchased an Plaza is live theater, with the Footeliters adjacent building and last year opened putting on several live productions each much-needed additional restrooms. Plans season. In addition, the group’s youth or- also include adding an elevator to meet ganization, The Litefooters, annually puts ADA guidelines, as the group is literally on a production during the last weekend renovating from the ground up. in June. The future includes converting the sec- The Plaza is part of the continuing his- ond floor into a 1940s-style lounge that tory of the west side of Monterey Square, can be used for small individual, group or being the city’s entertainment focus, al- business gatherings, as well as opened up though some of that history is less than to provide balcony seating for live produc- savory. tions. The third floor will be converted into Like most cities in Texas and the rest of a “Black Box” theater for productions of the west, the early settlers built churches, original material created by the group’s dry goods stores and homes. They also members or productions for small groups. built saloons and bawdy houses, and “Complete renovation requires a lot of Wharton was no different. While three structural work, in addition to adding an sides of the square were mainly composed elevator,” Byrne said. “That’s the expen- of professional and retail businesses, the sive part.” west side was made up of saloons and oth- er unsavory businesses. In 1890, the good For more information, call 282-2226 or ladies of Wharton had had enough and visit whartonplazatheatre.org. whartontexas.com | Community 15 2015 Visitors & Newcomers guide COMMUNITY Wharton County museums What do a Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, a Medal of Honor recipient and a one-of-a-kind airplane all have in common? They can be found right here in Wharton — under the same roof. The Wharton County Historical Mu- seum and the 20th Century Technology Museum merged recently to offer a host of fascinating exhibits for the benefit of The VariEze airplane sign was relo- the public. Both museums are housed at cated to the museum in 2014. a facility on North Richmond Road, on the edge of town near the Tee Pee Motel. seasonal displays. The historical museum traces the One of the most popular areas is the careers and lives of such local notables trophy game room, which displays an im- as Horton Foote, a Wharton native who pressive collection of giraffes, tigers, bears would win a Pulitzer Prize and a pair of and other trophies obtained by Marshall Academy Awards for his plays; and Roy P. Johnson during his lifespan. The building Benavidez, an El Campo native who was at one time was inhabited by Johnson and awarded the nation’s highest honor for he- his wife, Lillie, and was donated to the roic deeds performed during his tour with museum in 1990. the Green Berets in Vietnam. Outside the building is an exquisite Other interesting individuals featured cactus garden and the house where Dan at the museum include world-renowned Rather was born. journalist and Wharton native Dan Rath- In October 2012, an addition was built er and polka disc jockey Bobby Jones, to accommodate the 20th Century Tech- who, several years ago, mysteriously dis- nology Museum. Founded and operated appeared from Wharton County and has by Wharton residents Art and Sharon never been heard from since. Schulze, the technology museum contains The museum further contains exhibits artifacts that trace technological advance- on the area’s rich law enforcement history, ment through the last century. agriculture, medicine, churches, the Texas There are currently more than 1,000 Gulf Sulphur company and other area pieces on display. These include antique veterans. There are also rotating exhibits radios, phones, kitchen appliances, ar- featuring artwork from area students and cade games, toys, computers and many other items of interest. Some of the more notable include original aircraft built by aviation pioneers. One of these — the Or- Wharton Funeral Home nithopter — is suspended by cables from the museum’s roof. Both museums are free of charge and Our Family Serving Yours are open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and Digniied. Personalized. Service from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sun- days. The location is 3615 N. Richmond 515 Boling Hwy. Road. Wharton, Texas 77488 For more information, call 979-532- (979) 532-3410 2600 or visit the websites: whartoncoun- tyhistoricalmuseum.com or 20thcentury- tech.com 16 whartontexas.com COMMUNITY 2015 Visitors & Newcomers Guide The Morris Carriage House It’s only been a few generations back that horse-drawn carriages were in vogue and traveled in and around the area. While the use of carriages declined with the advent of the automobile, memories of their importance is kept alive by collectors. A local family has devoted a lifetime to collecting and restoring the transportation of another century alive. The love of a more gentle time and quiet means of transporta- Restored carriages are displayed in tion is the passion of carriage collectors Stew- the Stewart Ranch Carriage House. art Morris Sr. and his son Stewart Morris Jr. clude the carriage used by Vivien Leigh in Numerous carriages in their large col- the movie Gone With the Wind. lection are gathered together in the Morris The 1939 film adapted from Margaret Carriage House just east of Wharton on CR Mitchell’s 1936 novel of the same name won 117. 10 Academy Awards. It has been named the Want to see the carriage that carried fourth in the top 100 American films of the Vivien Leigh in the movie Gone With the 20th Century. The cast also included Clark Wind? How about the carriage known as Gable, Leslie Howard and Olivia De Havil- “The Traveling Government of Mexico?” It land. was used by then popular Mexican Presi- To get to the Morris Ranch & Carriage dent Benito Juarez. House, head east for about four miles on FM Carriages in the facility span several 1301 toward Boling. Turn left on CR 117 hundred years of history and include car- and travel two miles. The carriage house is riages from around the world as well as on the right just before crossing the bridge from the U.S. Each carriage and wagon is on the West Bernard River. collected and shown for its historical signifi- It is a perfect setting for not only tours, cance and the craftsmanship of those who but weddings, proms and other special occa- built them. sions. The carriage house is available to visit But what is in the carriage house is only by appointment only. a small portion of those collected by the fa- ther and son over the years. For more information, contact Tally Ho In their restored, pristine condition they Enterprises LLC, 2110 CR 117, Wharton TX look like and could go from the showroom to 77488; call 979-532-0101, email smjranch@ roadway at any time, which some of them stewart.com or visit tallyhollc.com. sometimes do. But it takes horses for this means of transportation, so there are trained carriage horses stabled at the facility. The carriage horses are cared for at the site and all the tack needed is there also. Carriage horses are worked with and groomed daily and all tack is hung with fit- tings polished and leather oiled ready for use. When being taken out for special occa- sions, the drivers and passengers often don period costumes which go along with the years the vehicles were in use. Interesting pieces in the collection in- whartontexas.com | Community 17 East Wharton County ddin Wherever youW go,e we gs Progressdeliver the local news & views Merging Money Tips for newlyweds about how to consolidate their f inances on all your smart media • PAGE 11 • The Perks of Planners Why you need a Find us wedding planner • PAGE 4 •
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Boling ISD ton County Callhar to speak with ourEast Bernard ISD W uth Fair Yo Wharton ISD 2014 Preview Faith Christian Academy Advertising Manager2014 Wharton County Junior College
Wednesday, April 23, 2014 Thursday, April 24, 2014 August 20, 2014 August 21, 2014 COMMUNITY 2015 Visitors & Newcomers Guide Wharton County Courthouse
The Wharton County Court- house does not resemble what peo- ple remember from the 1950s. In the 1930s and 1940s, the courthouse was remodeled to gain needed space. Wings were added on each side. The bell, bell tower and mansard roof had been removed. Its original red bricks covered in stucco and painted yellow. It was redesigned in an art deco look of the time period. Famous playwright Horton Foote, who was a Wharton native, was upset the with the changes and he referred to it as “the Sulphur The courthouse during the holidays. Block” because it was painted yellow. By the 1980s the added wings Wharton countryside and the Colorado were pulling on the center structure and River. Its design was a combination of two causing major engineering concerns. popular Victorian styles of the 1880s — the The question was, “Do we raze it or save Second Empire style and the Italianate it through restoration?” style. It was a three-story masonry build- That question was asked of Wharton ing with limestone trimmings topped with County voters in the late 1990s. For a while a mansard roof and a central clock tower. Its it looked like the 1889 Wharton County bricks were made from clay gleaned from Courthouse would be no more. Structural the Colorado River. issues became the focal points of the emo- By the 1950s, the Heiner-designed court- tional issue. house looked nothing like it originally did. Restoration of the Wharton County But cost and time to restore the struc- Courthouse caused divisions among resi- ture were underestimated. The Wharton dents of the county. County Courthouse had an original esti- Preservationists said save it at all cost, mate of $2.9 million but ended up costing others were for replacing with a more mod- $7.4 million. The restoration began in July ern structure a third group thought it could of 2003 and was supposed to be completed not be restored. Local preservationists quick- in December of 2005, but was actually com- ly organized and looked for ways to save the pleted in July 2007. building. They considered the courthouse to Finally, in August of 2005, Wharton resi- be “the heart and soul of Wharton County.” dents gathered on the courthouse square to The preservationists won, and court- watch as the massive clock tower was lifted house history was researched by Wharton to the top of the building. The tower is an native and architect David Bucek Jr. exact replica of the original. The courthouse After four years of planning, trips to bell, which had been saved by First Baptist Austin’s Texas Historical Commission and Church, was returned to the county and fundraising, the task of restoring the his- placed in the tower. toric courthouse began — and it would be Today, with the restoration complete, the restored to its Victorian style. Wharton County Courthouse as it looked in The Wharton County Courthouse was its 1889 glory is the gem of Wharton’s down- designed by Eugene T. Heiner, who arrived town Monterey Square. It joins Hallettes- in Houston from Dallas in 1878. Between ville as the only two Heiner works that are 1878 and his death in 1901, he designed 12 as the architect originally designed them. courthouses of which only six survive. The Wharton County Courthouse is fea- Wharton’s courthouse was built in a tured in the PBS television documentary, classic Victorian design and overlooked the The Golden Age of Texas Courthouses. whartontexas.com | Community 19 2015 Visitors & Newcomers guide COMMUNITY
Wharton area one-day trips
There’s plenty of ways to spend a day specialty frappe or an iced tea at Milam right here in Wharton. Here are three dif- Street Coffee (the kids might enjoy a scoop ferent day trips, each designed to highlight of Blue Bell Ice Cream). There’s plenty of the area’s sites in a matter of hours. benches around Monterey Square to enjoy the scenery; or, if the weather is uncoop- TRIP A erative, stay inside at the coffee house and 9:30 a.m. - Downtown Wharton visit with friends and strangers alike while Visit Monterey Square, with its an- enjoying their flat screen TV or using their tique shops, coffee house, gift stores and WiFi to get online. the exquisite, historically-restored Whar- ton County Courthouse. Built in 1889, the TRIP B courthouse was designed by noted architect 9:30 a.m. - Southern Pacific Railroad Eugene Heiner and was brought back to its Depot original glory in 2007 at a cost of $7.4 mil- Located at Sunset and Milam streets, lion. the depot was recently restored at a cost The east side of the square is called the of more than $1 million. Originally built in Burger Block, and includes the Burger and 1912, it served as a social and transporta- Robertson Building, constructed in 1909, tion center for Wharton. The depot sits on and the W. Roberts Building, constructed the “Macaroni Line,” named in honor of the in 1919. 1,200 Italians who helped build the track Don’t miss the murals. There’s 9 of them for the New York, Texas & Mexican Rail- gracing the sides of many downtown build- road in 1882. ings. Completed by Texas artist Dayton While in the area, check out Moses Gin Wodrich, they detail the county’s rich agri- and a mural entitled “Cotton - From Pickin cultural, religious and medicinal history. to Ginnin.” To arrange a tour of the still op- Noon - Lunch Time erational gin, call 979-532-3522. There’s a host of restaurants in the city, Noon - Lunch Time including some in the downtown area. For Take your pick. If you’re in the mood for those craving some Tex-Mex, try Cuevos Texas barbecue, try Hinze’s on Richmond Mexican Restaurant, Los Cucos Mexican Road or Taste Woods off FM 102, near Restaurant or Larry’s Mexican Restaurant, the hospital. For seafood, there’s Wharton all in the downtown area or nearby. Seafood on Richmond Road. For a little of 1:30 p.m. - Morris Ranch Carriage everything (including delicious homestyle House Museum hamburgers), visit 9er’s Restaurant at Among the meticulously restored and the corner of Boling Highway and Fulton maintained Street. carriages 1:30 p.m. - Wharton County Historical is the one Museum/20th Century Technology that car- Museum ried Vivien Recently com- Leigh in the bined, these two movie, Gone museums display With the a treasure trove Wind. Call of artifacts detail- ahead to ing not only the make an ap- county’s history but pointment: 979-532-0101. The museum is the development of located at 2110 CR 117, east of the city. technology over the 3 p.m. - Back to town last century. At the For a late afternoon pick-me-up, try a historical museum,
20 Community | whartontexas.com COMMUNITY 2015 Visitors & Newcomers Guide check out exhibits on Pulitzer Prize win- parts by taking a drive on Texas 60 north ning playwright Horton Foote, newsman of Hungerford, or FM 1161 east of Hunger- Dan Rather, and Medal of Honor recipient ford. The trip on Texas 60 will bring you to and El Campo native Roy Benavidez. Don’t East Bernard, which has shops and sites of forget to check out the trophy game room, its own. which displays a dazzling array of mounted 11 a.m. - Glen Flora animals from across the globe, and an elab- Visit the antique shops on the main orate doll display. drag, off FM 102, north of Wharton. A few At the technology museum check out more miles down FM 102 brings you to the aviation displays as well as exhibits Egypt, home of the Northington Plantation. on radios, computers, toys, cameras and a Noon - Lunch Time host of other items. The museum is the cre- Take U.S. 59 and drive 20 minutes ation of Wharton residents Art and Sharon south to El Campo. Lots of restaurants Schulze. there and plenty of new sites to see. 3 p.m. - Rest Stop 1:30 p.m. - El Campo museums While at the museum, venture outdoors There’s the El Campo Museum of Natu- for a relaxing stroll around the facility’s ral History (located in the El Campo Civic grounds, including a look at the cactus gar- Center, 2350 N. Mechanic) and the Dane- den. vang Cultural Center, Texas 71 at CR 426. 3 p.m. - Rest Period TRIP C There are several parks in El Campo 9:30 a.m. - Cattle Country in which to kick up your feet, sit back and Check out the countryside and the watch the clouds pass by overhead. unique Brahman cattle that graze in these We Mean Business
n Networking n Referrals n Continuing Education n Governmental Affairs n Traveler Services n Convention Services 225 N. Richmond Road n Business Promotion Wharton, Texas 77488 n Tourism Marketing Tel. 979-532-1862 Fax 979-532-0102 www.whartontexas.com
whartontexas.com | Community 21 2015 Visitors & Newcomers guide COMMUNITY Wharton Civic Center
Need to plan a big event like a wedding same. reception, anniversary bash or a corporate The effort to convert the facility from retreat and training session but unwilling hospital building to a regional convention to fight the traffic or pay the high prices center was undertaken during the admin- found in bigger cities? Then check out the istration of then Mayor Garland Novosad. Wharton Civic Center, the perfect location “I went to bed each night with the blue- for your event, large or small. prints in my arms,” Novosad said. “We The center is conveniently located had this empty building and through the away from heavily-traveled main roads incredible vision of many people, we built but still easy to find at 1924 N. Fulton St. something special the community can be It offers a main hall with a seating capac- proud of and the public can enjoy.” ity of 800 when arranged for auditorium The redesign of the building was style seating handled by the Austin-based architec- or 700 for ban- tural firm of Holt and Fetter, which also quet style. It designed the current City of Austin Police also includes Department building. the O’Quinn room seat- For information or to book an event, ing 100, the contact the city of Wharton at 979-532- Duncan Audi- 2491, Ext. 600, visit cityofwharton.com or torium, with e-mail [email protected]. seating for 60, Meeting Rooms A and B, 30 each, Country singer John- and a pre- ny Lee performed at function area the 2014 Rotary Gala with seating at the Civic Center. for 150. Other features include a caterer’s kitchen, ice machines, tables and chairs, a sound sys- tem, stage lighting and other necessities for your chosen function. The center started out as the original 1825 Foote St. • Wharton, TX home of Gulf Coast Medical Center. The hospital gave the facility to the city of 979-559-6027 Wharton in 1992, and it was renovated into the building that exists today. Other portions of the hospital were converted Concrete Edging • Pergolas into the Wharton County Library and the Wharton EMS Department. The initial Patios • Outdoors Kitchens renovation costs totaled $1.2 million. Jo Knesek, who has been the civic cen- Fencing • Sidewalk ter’s director for 23 years, said the build- General Construction ing has hosted all kinds of events — even one that included George W. Bush when Driveways • Metallic Flooring he was governor — to such celebrities as Frank Sinatra Jr. and Nancy Sinatra. But Stained or Stamped Concrete Knesek said all events are treated the
22 Community | whartontexas.com COMMUNITY 2015 Visitors & Newcomers Guide Antique stores & resale shops
Nostalgia has bolstered the collecting of items from yesteryear. Antiquing has also become big business in small towns. Wharton is no exception with a handful of antique, resale and flea mar- ket businesses here. And lots of collectibles can be found in abundance in Wharton’s antique stores at Wharton’s downtown Mon- terey Square, and just off the square. A unique green glass set of door Wharton’s downtown area features knobs is just one of the many an- shops with antiques from museum qual- tiques which can be uncovered in ity to everyday items in six stores all shopping downtown Wharton. within walking distance of each other. That makes the area an antique visit Bohemian Rhapsody. hunter’s delight. A turn south on Houston Street will All of the stores are filled wall-to-wall lead to Blue Moon Antiques at 138 S. with antiques, which can meet the taste Houston. and pocketbooks of antique collectors. Head back to Milam Street, turn left Local dealers have a networking sys- and stroll down to 232 W. Milam to J.T.’s tem which allows them to help shoppers This and That or visit Judy’s Resale to find just what they are looking for — Shop across the street at 235 W. Milam. even though it might mean sending the Within driving distance of the square shopper to another business. are Lee’s Flea Market at 622 E. Milam Feel free to stop in any of the shops and Village Antique Retail & Resale around the square, browse or just visit Shop at 604 N. Fulton. with the owners. They are loaded with Plan to spend some time in each busi- antique information for their customers. ness because of the diversity and abun- Miss Hattie’s Place is located at 129 dance of items in each. Have a question S. Fulton Street on Monterey Square. or want information? Feel free to visit Walk over to 134 W. Milam Street and with each of the knowledgeable owners. Your Only Local FULL Plumbing Supply Source
New Construction • Repairs Water Heater Sales • Service • Installation
Your local supplier of MARC Chemicals Drain Line Opener • Fiberglass Cleaner Tile & Grout Cleaner • Septic Tank Treatment Residential • Commercial • Industrial Root Control • Power Off 216 N. Richmond Rd. • Wharton, TX Multi-Purpose Bathroom Cleaner (979) 532-0223 Ring-B-Gone • Tuff-Stuff • Microzyme II A. J. Rath, owner LIC.# M5188 www.rathplumbingwharton.com whartontexas.com | Community 23 Walters Ln Walters Rd 59 Old Bo lton Pl 60 This map is proudly sponsored by
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3863 South State Highway 60 Wharton, TX 77488 W Joan St Wilke Rd www.exeloncorp.com E Joan St
Cr-235 Heyne Ln
W Co lumbu s D W Mulberry Ave
W Emily Ave
W Wayside Ave
W Belle Ave
S N Rusk St 9 5 - W Dahlgren Ave s 59 U 183 E Dahlgren 60 Boatwright Ln Reed Ave W Ahldag Ave N Fulton St Barclay Ave Vela Ln Us-59 N Roten Ln Mcelroy Ave 14 Regional Medical Dr Evans St N Newton St M4
Us-59 S 1 Harmanson St
Us-59 N Wilke Rd Mays St 8 University Ave Foote St B Harrison Ln e 9 2 rn ste in D 102 r W Boling Hwy N Fulton St 7 Regional Medical Dr Sunset Carter St Valhalla Dr Ln E Boling Hwy
Old Boling Rd Cr-231
Hendon St
Milburn St Moore St S Caney Dr Wi lson St Lazy Ln N Rusk St Mattie St
102 N Fulton St B ob-o Connie St College St Armstrong St M - Branch St N Wells St o lin n Historic Murals ckin k L Sp gb Kelly St ird L Wilkes St n a M1 Brahman & Cotton Go nis od e S h t C Wharton Country a M m k artin Lu Pecan St r p W 3rd St a N Sunset St t he Allen St P r Ki R ng Blv d M2 Cotton - From d W S N Outlar St anta F E 3rd St WellsSorrell St St e St Pickin’ to Ginnin’ 15 Bailey St Rugeley Ln
Nelson Ln 59 E 2nd St M3 Law & Order Harrison Ln 60 W 1st St E Santa Fe St Harris St N FultonE St 1st St M4 Good Grub, Even N Outlar St Linn St Oak St t W Spanish Camp Rd 183 S
Milam Pecan St W s Bolton St Avenue A Better Stories e S e H4 H9 v t W h M2 H10 A t g u S a H3 i t l H N Rusk St l e H5 Outlar St W Caney St s e S M5 Early Wharton n Sims Ln t H2 t r Pecan St m D t Olive St Azalea S Su S S a d l N n l
C r t o e
N Houston St
S t History l Fo b
i H6 Avenue C N Kaiser Ln Col N d A u m m N Sheppard St Center St bin W Milam St u e o a H1 A N Walnut St ve t l C H S M6 Agriculture in M7 N Resident St S Outlar St rd N Hawes St o 5 H7 F N Polk St E Alabama St Wharton 6 W Caney St H11 W Burleson St
M10 N Speed St t W Milam St H8 S M7 Medicine in Wharton Kearny St t D e N Fulton St avis s M6 St n Polk St t u M9 P4 S S t M1 M8 Future in Wharton 3 is S W Burleson St S n H12 n Wharton City ud D1 e E Caney St o D l N East Ave S Ford St D2 4 Cemetery M9 C N Wharton County W Colorado St W Burleson St S M8 S Polk St P3 Black History S Sheppard St Bell St M5 M3 60 60 P2 W E lm S Fulton St M10 The Churches of St S Rusk St P1 E Elm St Wharton Jeff e erso n Av t S rd Black St E Elm St o F Wharton Parks S P1 Riverfront Park Historic Downtown 1299 Maple St Collins St P2 Dinosaur Park D1 Plaza Theatre Pumping Plant Rd P3 Lincoln Ave Pleasure Park D2 Wharton County Moutray Ave David St Correll Ave Murphy St Washington Ave P4 Gufey Park Courthouse S East Ave Carolyn St Cr-44 8 1299
59 Walters Ln Walters Rd
60 Historic Homes Moers Rd r e k Tour e E Brooks Rd d 183 e o B n L H1 T.M. Neal Home
Junior College Blvd s r
e
o
M H2 Hamilton House E Brooks Rd H3 Tom N. Brooks
N Fulton St Home Moers Ln H4 Bolton-Outlar House Gail Ave W Joan St H5 Brooks-Foote House E Joan St H6 Nettie Elkins House H7 John & Sophie Heyne Ln Garrett House N Fulton St H8 W J.H. Speaker House Columbu s Dr H9 E. Clyde & Mary W Mulberry Ave Lees Ln Freedom Rd Elliot House W Emily Ave H10 Merrill-Roten
E Mulberry Ave W Wayside Ave House H11 E Emily Ave Judge Edwin Hawes W Belle Ave E Wayside Ave House N Rusk St W Dahlgren Ave H12 Wiley J. Croom 183 N Speed St Lees Ln E Dahlgren Ave E Belle Ave N Texas St House
Freedom Rd
N Fulton St Montgomery Rd ve Vela Ln Roten Ln N Walnut St ve E Ahldag Ave Abell St N d v 13 l 14 e B g
le l N Newton St o E Alabama Rd
ior C Important Places n Everett St u Grayson St J
Frankie St 1 Gulf Coast Medical Center 8 University Ave Tennie Ave Horton Foote Dr 9 Pioneer Ave 2 South Texas Medical Clinic E A Barfield Rd la 3 Whartonba City Hall ma Rd Carter St Helms Ave 4 E Boling Hwy Wharton County Oices N Alabama Rd
Old Boling Rd r 5 Chamber of Commerce D re ho e S t ak 6 Restored SP Depot S L x 1301 Moore St o Bo Milburn St n l G in K g
r G e 7 Wharton County Library n
h 11 e r n o n J 12 b Lazy Ln r i Stadium Rd a
r 8 Wharton Civic Center
D
r B E Alabama Rd ob Montgomery Rd -o-li n y Ln 9 Wharton Economic nk L Sunn ird 1301 Ln Park Ln Development Corporation
n L Meadow Ln k 10 Wharton Country Club Pecan St r a M Oriole Ln P e La Delle St rr (Private) y L n Bre ezy Ln 11 Tiger Stadium (Football)
E Santa Fe St Crestmont Dr
K 12 Tiger Field (Baseball) el ving W ay 13 City Swimming Pool Avenue A H9 H10 Glen Haven Dr N Alabama Rd 14 Boys & Girls Club of Koehl St L S B t i Olive St n ria Kelving Wy Ct S n Cargill St w L k l r e l oo L s Wharton e e d n e r b g D d C A r o Center St e H l rt
u
e 15 Just Do It Now
T v
A
Willow Bend Dr n Texas St
o Sh t Avenue C irley Ave s
e N Speed St n Chapel Hts W L Hodges Linwood Dr
Wharton City N East Ave Cemetery Dr e ric Grove St P Caney St Price Dr
MahanAve KincaidAve Lily Ln D Cutbirth Rd e lm Jeff e HollisAve a Pa ers Av s rk d o n Oliver St D R D r y r Garr ne C e a Schley St tt roo R C d ld r O m D
D le r West S irc S Alabama Rd t C Wharton Country Club Maple St 10
ve Cutbirth Rd Dr b Cline Rd Old Lane City Rd lu C Fairway Dr y tr d n R Moutray Ave y Correll Ave ou ne 3012 C Old Ca
Carolyn St Nelga Rd
1299 Kingston Dr ve A in Westgate Dr nkl Fra 60 Stavena Rd
Sara Anne St 2015 Visitors & Newcomers guide COMMUNITY
Wharton County Junior College
Wharton County Junior College’s main campus is on Boling Highway in Wharton.
The Wharton County Junior College Students can then begin taking the Adult Education and Literacy program regularly scheduled GED and ESL class- has made its new year’s resolution for es. The program is offered at no cost to the 2015: enroll more than 1,200 students in student. its GED and ESL classes. “We work on their strengths and up- If that sounds like a lofty goal, con- grade their weaknesses,” Johnson said. sider this: This past year, nearly 900 stu- “All they need to bring is an open mind dents from four southeast Texas counties and a willingness to learn.” — Wharton, Fort Bend, Colorado and In addition to Johnson, the AEL staff Matagorda — were enrolled in the pro- includes Tara Zekavat, instructional gram. In 2015, two additional counties – supervisor; Holly Eisel, testing techni- Waller and Austin – will be added to the cian; Maria Guevera, secretary; Maria program’s service area. Alvarado, data technician; Jackie Fields, Dr. Cyrus Johnson, director of WCJC’s distance learning; and Roweena Britton, AEL program, couldn’t be happier about evening receptionist. the expanded service area. He is a firm be- Registration is required prior to at- liever in the benefits of education — for all. tending an orientation session. Registra- “We believe everyone is capable of tion forms can be found by visiting the learning,” Johnson said. “We want to pro- AEL program tab on the college’s website, vide them with the option to come back www.wcjc.edu. For more information, call into the learning process in order to be 979-532-6301 or email [email protected]. successful.” The AEL program will begin offering Wharton County Junior College is a orientation classes in January of 2015, Texas public, two-year, comprehensive with sessions held in Sugar Land, Whar- community college offering a wide range ton, El Campo, Richmond and Bay City of postsecondary educational programs as well as in the two newest service areas, and services including associate degrees, Waller and Austin counties. certificates, continuing education courses, The orientations offer an overview of cultural affairs and leisure-time activi- WCJC’s General Educational Develop- ties for the benefit of the community and ment (GED) and English as a Second Lan- a population of students that varies in age, guage (ESL) classes and provide “locator” background and ability. WCJC operates testing aimed at determining where each campuses in Wharton, Sugar Land, Rich- student stands as far as language acquisi- mond and Bay City. For more informa- tion and basic learning skills. tion, visit www.wcjc.edu. 26 Community | whartontexas.com COMMUNITY 2015 Visitors & Newcomers Guide
Utility information If you’re a newcomer here, welcome to Wharton! If you’re moving into a new home or apartment and need to get your utlities hooked up, the following information will be helpful to you. New water customers within the Wharton city limits must provide a copy of a lease agree- ment or proof of ownership for the property, a valid identifica- Centerpoint Energy is the area’s tion and a deposit in the amount of $100. natural gas provider. Applications can After filling out an application at City be filled out online at www.centerpoin- Hall, 120 E. Caney St., water is usu- tenergy.com or by calling 713-659-2111. ally turned on within 20 minutes. This Texas electricity customers can visit service also includes waste pickup. For Power to Choose, the official and unbi- more information, call 979-532-2491. ased electric choice website of the Public For residential customers outside of Utility Commission of Texas. Compare the Wharton city limits, contact a well offers and choose the electric plan at water drilling provider. www.powertochoose.org. Banking . . . . Only better!
Wharton County’s Credit Union
2101 N. Fulton St. 1313 West Loop Wharton, TX 77488 El Campo, TX 77488 (979) 282-2300 (979) 578-9000
www.texasgulffcu.org (800) 647-8428
FEDERALLY INSURED BY NCUA
whartontexas.com | Community 27 2015 Visitors & Newcomers guide HOME TOUR
Historic Homes of Wharton
Editor’s note: The historic homes driving tour is designed to give those staying in Wharton some views of early architecture around the city. The homes have been grouped for ease of inding them on the map. Many of the homes are private residences and not accessible Bolton-Outlar House, for tours. 517 N. Richmond Road The Bolton-Outlar House, built in 1893, is a two-story frame Pyramidal-roof dwell- ing Queen Anne inluence modiied around 1910 with a classical Revival pediment por- tico and porches. It rests on brick piers and is covered by an asphalt shingle tripped roof with lower cross gable on the principal and side elevations. An exterior brick chim- ney with a corbeled cap rises from the top E. Clyde and Mary Elliott House, ridge of the hipped roof. 707 N. Walnut Street It is one of Wharton’s most impressive late-19th and early-20th century residential E. Clyde and Mary Elliott acquired three dwellings. It was substantially remodeled lots in 1919 from W.B. Barbee in the Barbee around 1910. subdivision. The Elliotts erected a one-story H.J. Bolton acquired this property in bungalow home for $2,697. Mr. Elliott was a 1893 from A.H. Purviance for $300 and farmer with land near the small community probably built the house soon afterwards. of Glen Flora. The couple owned the house Bolton was a local merchant and irst presi- until 1960. The E. Clyde and May Elliott - House is a one-and one-half story frame bun- dent of the newly organized Wharton Na tional Bank in 1903. In 1919, Dr. L.B. Out- galow facing east. The Elliott house is one of lar purchased the dwelling for $7,500. Dr. the best examples of the bungalow form and Outlar established a clinic in partnership the only example of the “airplane” subtype with Dr. William Blair called the Outlar- in Wharton. Blair Clinic. The Outlar family owned the Nettie Elkins House, house until 1973. 109 E. Alabama Street The Elkins House was built for Nettie Elkins after receiving the undivided land from the heirs of Mrs. D.A. Hobbs. The house was built in 1874. The Elkins House is signiicant as the best extant example of the pyramid roof house in its most basic form in Wharton. A full-width open porch supported by three evenly-spaced columns dominates the principal façade.
28 Home Tour | whartontexas.com HOME TOUR 2015 Visitors & Newcomers Guide
Wiley J. Croom House, 205 E Milam Street This is a two-story frame house designed by Eugene T Heiner, who also designed the 1888 jail and courthouse in Wharton. It was built in typical Victorian Queen Anne style with heavy use of decorative embellishments. Wiley J. Croom came to Wharton in 1868 to practice law and sell real estate. He was elected Merrill–Roten House, county judge in 1886 and met Heiner during 520 Avenue A the construction of the courthouse which led him to select the architect as designer of his James F. and Lena Merrill had this brick new home. veneer house built soon after their acquisi- The house is a two-story frame dwelling tion of the property in 1930. In 1932, John facing south on East Milam Street. The house L. Roten purchased the house. Roten was one retains a high degree of integrity and is the best of Wharton’s most successful businessmen example in Wharton of the Queen Anne style. during the mid-20th century. He began his career in 1922 when he opened a dry goods store in the community. The Tudor Revival style was popular among professionals in the community during the late 1920s and 1930s. Its full brick veneer exterior is rarely seen on local dwellings.
John and Sophie Garrett House, 401 E. Alabama Street The John G. and Sophie Garrett House is a one-and-one-half story frame dwelling facing south on East Alabama Street. Its appearance is typical of the late 19th cen- tury dwellings in a modiied L-plan form. Jig sawn balusters and brackets, and turned columns and frieze indicate a strong Victo- rian Queen Anne inluence.
whartontexas.com | Home Tour 29 2015 Visitors & Newcomers guide HOME TOUR
J.H. Speaker House, 414 E. Alabama Street Susan Speaker purchased this lot and the adjoining lot in 1893 for $550. This low cost indicates that the house was not present at that time. In 1907, J.H. Speaker acquired the western lot and is believed to have built the house. The property remained in the Speaker family until 1976. J.H. Speaker was a local black educator who taught in the segregated school in Wharton. At the Judge Edwin Hawes House, time of construction, this house was in 309 N. Resident Street one of the two primary African-American Rosa E. McCamly had this home built in neighborhoods. The J.H. Speaker House is 1896. In 1897 she sold it to Edwin Hawes (b. a one-story frame L-plan dwelling. 1852), Wharton County judge in the 1870s and 1880s. Hawes had returned to this area after temporarily residency in Kerrville where he was mayor. Here he was a large landowner and a political leader. The double galleried home was purchased in 1944 by George Rust Hawes and his wife Emily Prasifka Hawes, the son and daughter-in-law of Edwin and Uzzie Milburn Rust Hawes. This two-story frame house is an example of center-passage, with Victorian and Classical Revival features. Hamilton House, 325 N. Richmond Road A native of Ohio, Joseph Andrew Ham- ilton served in the Union army during the Civil War. In 1866 he settled in Wharton and held a variety of local political oices. Hamilton purchased this property in 1885 and moved his family into the existing one- story frame house. In 1907 the home was enlarged by raising the original structure and building a new addition underneath. The house features inluences of the neo- classical style of architecture. The new O. Brooks-Foote house, 505 N. Houston Street addition is brick, and upper wooden loor is thought to have been constructed circa Located directly behind the Tom Brooks 1875. home on Houston street is the Brooks-Foote home. Tom, son of P.C. and Daisy Speed Brooks, built this house in 1917 and gave it to their daughter, Harriet and her husband A.H. Foote. It is a good example of 20th Century bungalow style, two-bay L-shaped porch. The house is owned by the children of the late Horton Foote, who grew up in the house behind his grandparents’ home on Richmond Road. 30 Home Tour | whartontexas.com HOME TOUR 2015 Visitors & Newcomers Guide
Tom N. Brooks home, 516 N. Richmond Road This eclectic dwelling with ive-bay porch was constructed circa 1915 by Tom Brooks, dry goods merchant. The house faces Rich- mond Road which carried traic between Houston and Victoria through Wharton. The home, its residents and the daily events inspirated the writings of Brooks’ grand- son, Horton Foote. The house sold in 1948 T.M. Neal home, to Brandl family. In 1998, Charles E. and 225 N. Richmond Road Paulette Brandl-Roades restored the home Now the site housing the Wharton to its former grandeur. Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, the home was built in 1912 by Dr. Thur- man McCloud (T.M.) Neal and Mae Vine- yard Neal. A doctor, farmer and rancher and civic leader and philanthropist, as a tribute to his wife, he donated the home to the chamber when he died in 1962.
Let Select Imports help you furnish and decorate your home! 423 E. BOLING HWY • (979) 532-8230 www.tectronicsystems.com/selectimports
Wharton Economic Development Corporation David L. Schroeder Executive Director 1944 North Fulton Street Office: 979-532-0999 Wharton, Texas 77488 Toll Free: 866-532-0999 [email protected] www.whartonedc.com Fax: 979-532-5257
whartontexas.comCity of Wharton | Home Tour 31 Domingo Montalvo, Jr., Mayor 2015 Visitors & Newcomers guide COMMUNITY
Dan Rather In early September of Another native son of Wharton is Dan 1961, Rath- Rather, the former news anchor for the CBS er reported Evening News. He is now managing editor and live from the anchor of the television news magazine Dan Galveston Sea- Rather Reports on the cable channel AXS TV. wall as Hur- Daniel Irvin “Dan” Rather, Jr. was born ricane Carla here on Oct. 31, 1931 to Daniel Irvin Rather threatened the Sr. and his wife, the former Byrl Veda Page. His Texas coastline. dad was working here in “the oil patch” when This action, which has been imitated by- count he was born. He spent the irst six months of less other reporters, impressed the network- ex his life here and refers to Wharton as his home. ecutives at CBS, and they hired him as a CBS The home where Rather spent those irst News correspondent in 1962. days of his life has been saved and restored. After serving as a foreign correspondent, he It sits on the grounds of the Wharton County served as primary anchor for BSthe SundayC Historical Museum, 3615 North Richmond Night News while serving as White House cor- Road, and is available for tours. respondent during the Richard Nixon presi- Rather began his career in 1950 as an As- dency. sociated Press reporter in Huntsville. Later, he After Nixon’s resignation, Rather took the was a reporter for United Press International assignment of chief correspondent for CBS from 1950-52, several Texas radio stations, and News Special Reports. He later became a cor- the Houston Chronicle from 1954 to 1955. respondent of the long-running Sunday night In 1959, he entered television as a reporter news show 60 Minutes. for KTRK-TV in Houston and was later pro- There is also an exhibit set at the museum moted to director for KHOU-TV. which recounts events in Rather’s life.
505 E Boling Hwy, Wharton, TX www.fsblouise.com (979) 532-0404
32 Community | whartontexas.com COMMUNITY 2015 Visitors & Newcomers Guide Horton Foote An Academy Award winner and Pulitzer Prize recipient, Foote immortalized Wharton and loved the community until the day he died on March 7, 2009 at age 92. He is buried in Wharton City Cemetery. Known to work best during the night, he wrote his plays with a pencil on notebook pa- per to be transcribed later. The playwright left a legacy and body of works which may never be duplicated. Foote was reared in a middle class, hard working family. He was born here on March 14, 1916, the son of Wharton haberdasher friend, then gave him his best advice: “Write Albert Horton Foote and the former Hallie what you know about.” Brooks. The budding playwright went home and Wharton Dance that His writing captures a unique era in the lifewrote a one-act play called of a small Texas town. His subject matter isnight. It was about the Friday-night dances in those in that era trying to cope with everydayhis hometown. He wrote himself into the lead. - life and the twists and turns life brings. The company performed the play in an eve Writers, it is said, are supposed to writening of one-acts. Foote appeared in other plays about what they know. Foote drew upon every- he wrote and pursued his acting career. day occurrences he heard as a child listening to During a visit home, he wrote another play. his parents and grandparents talk. This time it was a three-act play, a drama set Texas When asked about his writing style, Foote isin a small-town drugstore. It was called To w n quoted to have said, “But I don’t really write . The American Actors Company staged to honor the past. I write to investigate, to tryit in 1941. Foote again played the lead. The New York to igure out what happened and why it -hap Brooks Atkinson, a critic for Times - pened, knowing I’ll never really know. I think , came to see it. He called it an “engross all the writers that I admire have this same- deing portrait of small-town life.” His The Trip to Bountiful starred his friend sire, the desire to bring order out of chaos.” Foote left Wharton by train headed for -DalLillian Gish in live theater. In 1985, the movie las at age 16 to pursue an acting career, but washe made and Geraldine Page received an carried with him the memories of his home.Academy Award for best actress and Foote was Wharton, with its pecan trees, its Victoriannominated for the screenplay. Baby, the Rain Must homes and the character of its residents, would Another ilm success was Fall The become part of his plays and ilms. (1965), a reworking of Foote’s play Traveling Lady He spent two years studying acting at Pasa- . The ilm starred Steve McQueen - dena Playhouse in California. Then he headedand much of it was shot in and around Whar to New York City “to make a name for himselfton. as a Broadway star.” He continued his studies Foote wrote more than 60 plays, most of there with Tamara Daykarhanova and joined which are set in the ictional Texas town called Mary Hunter’s American Actors Company. Harrison. It’s a place where everybody knows One of his assignments was to perform aeverybody else’s name and business — just as - one-act improvisational play based on the - ac they did when Foote was growing up in Whar tor’s hometown. After performing his, Agnes ton. His career spanned six decades. He wrote The Young Man From Atlanta in the DeMille, a choreographer, asked if he had ever written anything. 1950s. It won him the Pulitzer Prize in 1995. His response was “No, what on earth would His home in Wharton still stands at 505 N. I write about?” Houston Street. It is part of the driving home DeMille, who would become a lifelong tour ofered in Wharton. whartontexas.com | Community 33 2015 Visitors & Newcomers guide COMMUNITY County, city, school information
(all area codes 979 unless otherwise indicated) 1311 • Constables EMERGENCY NUMBERS Precinct 1: Michael Hubenak, 532-3941 All emergencies: Dial 9-1-1 Precinct 2: John Szymanski, 335-6210 Wharton County Sherif’s Dept.: 532-1550 Precinct 3: Shannon Srubar, 648-2022 Wharton Police Dept.: 532-3131 Precinct 4: Shawn Ferguson, 543-1147 Wharton Fire Dept.: 532-4811, Ext. 400 • Justices of the Peace Wharton EMS: 532-4811, Ext. 700 Precinct 1: Jeanette Krenek, 532-3941 Department of Public Safety (Pierce): 532-1700 Precinct 2: Cynthia Kubicek, 335-6210 Precinct 3: Dennis Korenek, 648-2363 • Other helpful numbers Precinct 4: Timmy Drapela, 543-4322 The Crisis Center: 531-1300 329th District Court Judge: Randy Clapp, 532- Family and Protective Services: 532-5310 1514 Share: 282-2021 23rd District Court Judge: Ben Hardin, 864- Salvation Army: 532-1550 1205 Red Cross: 531-1128 CITY OF WHARTON WHARTON COUNTY cityofwharton.com co.wharton.tx.us City Hall Wharton County Annex 120 E. Caney St. 309 E. Milam St. Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, Texas 77488 Phone: 532-2491 Phone: 532-4612 Fax: 532-0181
• Wharton County commissioners court • City oicials County Judge: Philip Spenrath, 532-4612 City Manager: Andres Garza Jr. Commissioners City Finance Director: Joan Andel Precinct 1: Leroy E. Dettling, 532-1991 City Secretary: Paula Favors Precinct 2: Chris King, 335-7541 Director of Facilities Maintenance: Bob Baker Precinct 3: Steven Goetsch, 543-0091 Public Works Director: Kyle Marchant Precinct 4: Doug Mathews, 543-3561 Police Chief: Terry David Lynch Fire Chief: Anthony Abbott • Other county oicials EMS Director: John Kowalik Sherif: Jess Howell, 532-1550 District Attorney: Ross Kurtz, 532-8051 • Other city departments County Attorney: Trey Mafett, 532-2591 Wharton Economic Development Corp. Di- County Clerk: Sandy Sanders, 532-2381 rector: David Schroeder, 532-0999 District Clerk: Kendra Charbula, 532-5542 Wharton Civic Center Director: Jo Knesek, County Treasurer: Donna Thornton, 532- 532-4811, Ext. 603 2971 Municipal Court: 532-4811, Ext. 304 County Tax Assessor-Collector: Patrick Kub- ala, 532-3312 • Wharton City Council County Auditor: Sharon Howard Boedeker, Mayor: Domingo Montalvo Jr. 532-2640 District 1: Al Bryant Interim elections administrator: Rebecca Her- District 2: Steven Schneider nandez, 532-0193 District 3: Tim Barker Emergency management coordinator: Andy District 4: Donald Mueller (mayor pro tem) Kirkland, 532-1123 District 5 at-large: Russell Machann Veteran Services Oicer: Don Montoya, 532- District 6 at-large: Jefery Gubbels
34 Community | whartontexas.com COMMUNITY 2015 Visitors & Newcomers Guide
WHARTON COUNTY No. 1 Tiger Ave. JUNIOR COLLEGE Wharton, TX 77488 wcjc.edu Phone: 532-6800 • Wharton campus Principal: Mark Anglin 911 Boling Highway Associate principal: Mollie Bodungen Wharton, TX 77488 Assistant principal: Alan Black Phone: 532-4560 President: Betty McCrohan • Wharton Junior High School Vice President of Administrative Services: (Grades 6-8) Bryce Kocian 1120 N. Rusk St. Vice President of Technology and Institutional Wharton, TX 77488 Research: Pam Youngblood Phone: 532-6840 Vice President of Student Services: David Principal: Marcia Brown Leenhouts Assistant Principal: Dan Garza Dean of Financial and Business Services: Gus Wessels Jr. • Wharton Elementary School Vice President of Instruction: Leigh Ann Collins (Grades 2-5) Academic Dean: G.G. Hunt 2030 E. Boling Hwy. Wharton, TX 77488 • WCJC Board of Trustees Phone: 532-6882 Chair: Danny Gertson, Position 7 Principal: Keith Brooks Vice-chair: Gary Trochta, Position 2 Assistant principal: Monica Rath Secretary: Jack Moses, Position 9 Assistant principal: Kim Moses Position 1: Lloyd Nelson Position 3: Ann Hundl • Sivells Elementary School Position 4: Amy Rod (Grades PreK-1) Position 5: Merle Hudgins 1605 Alabama Road Position 6: Monty Mericka Wharton, TX 77488 Position 8: Oliver Kunkel Jr. Phone: 532-6866 Principal: Jeannie Young WHARTON ISD Assistant principal: Jim Smith whartonisd.net Education Support Center • Wharton School Board (Administration Building) President: Rachel Rust (Place 4) 2100 N. Fulton St. Vice president: Christine Stransky (Place 3) Wharton, TX 77488 Secretary: Hazel Hurd (Place 7) Phone: 532-3612 Place 1: Michael Grissom Superintendent: King R. Davis Place 2: Garland Mann Deputy superintendent: Sharon Young Place 5: Sherrell Speer Assistant Superintendent of Finance: Randy Hill Place 6: Wayne Taylor Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction: Tina Herrington FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Director of Operations: Steve Wernecke wharton-fca.org Technology director: Sheri Ganske (infants to Grade 12) Special programs director: Kim Somer Faith Christian Academy of Wharton State/federal programs director: Danette Thornton 5227 FM 1301 Police chief: Landy Williams Wharton, TX 77488 Athletic director: Tim Finn Phone: 531-1000 Email: [email protected] • Wharton High School Administrator: Sandra Allen (Grades 9-12) Assistant Administrator: Reeci Ellington
whartontexas.com | Community 35 2015 Visitors & Newcomers guide CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Business Directory
Accountants-Certiied-Public Aircraft Charter-Rental & Tax Service & Leasing Dobbins & Sheek, CPAs, LLC Silver Star Helicopters LLC 300 W. Burleson St. 1201 Chapel Lane Wharton, TX 77488 El Campo, TX 77437 (979) 532-4852 (979) 541-9823 P.W. Stephenson & Company PC Antiques 1609 N. Richmond Road Wharton, TX 77488 Bohemian Rhapsody II (979) 532-5964 134 W. Milam St. Wharton, TX 77488 Agriculture (979) 532-5577 Bagley Pecan House Burr Trading Company 5935 CR 156 411 CR 123 Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 282-2791 (979) 453-0860 Caney Valley Cotton Company Apartments 2203 N. Richmond Road Wharton, TX 77488 Morning Star Apartments (979) 532-5210 1520 Barield Road Central Turf Wharton, TX 77488 1238 County Road 107 (979) 532-4007 Wharton, TX 77488 River Bend Apartments (979) 657-1122 2500 Junior College Blvd. Coastal Warehouse Wharton, TX 77488 602 N. Sunset (979) 532-5453 Wharton, TX 77488 Sweetwater Apartments (979) 532-8550 200 McElroy Avenue #8 Maxim Production Company, Inc. Wharton, TX 77488 580 Maxim Drive (979) 532-2001 Boling, TX 77420 University Place Apts./Pecan Village (979) 657-2891 310 University St. Moses Gin Inc. Wharton, TX 77488 Drawer 789 (979) 532-0241 Wharton, TX 77488 Art Galleries & Graphic Arts (979) 532-3522 Montgomery Gallery & Frame Northington Ranch Corp. 110 S. Houston 135 Egypt Cemetary Wharton, TX 77488 Egypt, TX 77436 (979) 532-3929 (979) 532-3883 Pierce Ranch Attorneys 354 Barrio Rd. Howard H. Singleton, P.C. Pierce, TX 77467 109 E. Milam (979) 532-4250 Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton Tractor Company (979) 532-9800 1007 N. Richmond Rd. John Roades, Attorney at Law Wharton, TX 77488 1201 N. Alabama (979) 532-3172 Wharton, TX 77488 Wittig Grass Sales, LLC (979) 532-5320 P.O. Box 489 Law Oice of James Perez Boling, TX 77420 105 W. Burleson (979) 657-4496 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-5500
36 Chamber of Commerce | whartontexas.com CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2015 Visitors & Newcomers Guide
Attorneys Continued Banks & Banking Asso. Cont. Paul Webb, Attorney at Law New First National 221 N Houston 101 E. Milam St. Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-5331 (979) 532-1650 Wadler, Perches, Hundl & Kerlick, Prosperity Bank - Wharton Attorneys at Law 143 W. Burleson 101 West Burleson Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 282-2000 (979) 532-3871 Texasgulf Federal Credit Union Automobile Dealers 2101 N. Fulton Rd. Wharton, TX 77488 Don Davis Motor Company, Inc. (979) 282-2300 2011 N. Mechanic The First State Bank El Campo, TX 77437 505 E. Boling Highway (979) 543-3291 Wharton, TX 77488 Don Elliott Autoworld (979) 532-0404 1225 N. Richmond Woodforest National Bank Wharton, TX 77488 1255 U.S. 59 Loop (979) 532-2150 Wharton, TX 77488 Von-Wil Ford (979) 531-8680 316 N. Richmond Road Wharton, TX 77488 Beauty Salons (979) 532-4360 Healthy Touch Knead to Relax Automobile Parts, 110 S. Resident Wharton, TX 77488 Repairs & Service (979) 282-8881 Big G Auto Unique Hair Salon 2313 N. Richmond Road 1327 N. Alabama Road, Ste. A Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-2080 (979) 531-8849 Caney Auto Service 607 FM 102 Boutiques & Specialty Shops Wharton, TX 77488 Denise’s Alterations & Things (979) 532-4160 223 W. Milam St. Pekar’s Body Shop Wharton, TX 77488 2720 N. Richmond Road (979) 532-0816 Wharton, TX 77488 K&D Design (979) 532-5805 206 W. Milam St. Star Parts Wharton, TX 77488 1119 E. Milam (979) 532-3250 Wharton, TX 77488 Selections on the Square (979) 532-1500 104 S. Houston St. Wharton Auto & Truck Parts (Napa) Wharton, TX 77488 1739 N. Richmond Road (979) 532-0877 Wharton, TX 77488 The Screen Stop (979) 532-4510 109 W. Jackson El Campo, TX 77437 Banks & Banking Associations (979) 578-0465 Capital One TNT Western Wear Inc. 323 E. Boling Highway 3030 N. Richmond Road Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-8961 (979) 531-8623 Community Bank of Texas Unico 1610 N. Alabama Road 117 N. Fulton St. Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 282-2555 (979) 224-5020
whartontexas.com | Chamber of Commerce 37 2015 Visitors & Newcomers Guide CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Carpet Cleaning Churches Cont. Duraclean Peace Tabernacle UPC of Wharton 17108 County Road 278 1416 N. Alabama Road East Bernard, TX 77435 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 335-4375 (409) 599-7501 Caterers St. John’s Lutheran Church 614 Pecan St. Hinze’s Bar-B-Que Wharton, TX 77488 1917 N. Richmond Road (979) 532-2336 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-2710 St. Paul Lutheran Church 325 N. East Avenue Great Western Dining Wharton, TX 77488 911 Boling Highway (979) 532-2315 Wharton, TX, 77488 (903) 327-5189 St. Thomas Episcopal Church 1717 Pioneer Ave. Mrs. T’s Kitchen Wharton, TX 77488 608 CR 243 (979) 532-1723 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-5798 Cleaners Child Development & Day Care Lone Star Cleaners 1309 N. Alabama Child Development Center Wharton, TX 77488 507 N. Fulton (979) 532-8500 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-1462 Clinics & Medical Groups Small Blessings Child Care Center AccessHealth 1717 Pioneer Ave. 1720 B F Terry Blvd. Ste. H Wharton, TX 77488 Rosenberg, TX 77471 (979) 532-1100 (281) 238-2303 Churches Memorial Hermann Medical Group 2100 Regional Medical Drive Caney Creek Church Wharton, TX 77488 128 W. Milam (979) 532-1700 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-2533 Stephen J. Ringle, M.D., P.A. 2022 Regional Medical Drive, Ste. 1319 First Baptist Church Wharton, TX 77488 507 N. Fulton (979) 282-2786 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-4295 Clubs-Country & Tennis First Presbyterian Church Wharton Country Club 1602 John Knox Street 126 Country Club Drive Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-3375 (979) 532-5940 First United Methodist Church 1717 Pioneer Cofee Shops Wharton, TX 77488 Glory Bean Cofee Company (979) 532-1100 637 Main St. Grace Community Fellowship East Bernard, TX 77435 1900 E. Boling Hwy. (979) 335-4477 Wharton, TX 77488 Wall2Wall Words/Milam Street Cofee (979) 532-3999 200 W. Milam St. Holy Family Catholic Church Wharton, TX 77488 2011 Briar Lane (979) 282-9771 Wharton, TX 77488 Collection Agencies (979) 532-3593 Iago Federated Church McCreary, Veselka, Bragg & Allen, P.C. 135 FM 1096 P.O. Box 469 Boling, TX 77420 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 657-2466 (979) 282-8089
38 Chamber of Commerce | whartontexas.com CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2015 Visitors & Newcomers Guide
Communications, Consultants Counseling Cont. Telecommunications Therapy Solutions 4U, PLLC Computer Center & Radio Shack 1114 N. Fulton St. 119 North Mechanic Wharton, TX 77488 El Campo, TX 77437 (979) 282-8100 (979) 543-1949 Victory in Jesus Recovery Center Tec-Tronic Systems 218 N. Houston St. 423 E. Boling Highway Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-2319 (979) 532-0011 Dentists, Dental Care & Labs Computer Products Boehm Dental, PLLC Jeramy’s Gadgets 808 North Fulton Street 200 McElroy Ave., Apt. 15 Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-4400 (979) 257-6288 David Tripulas, DDS 1016 Sunny Lane Concrete Wharton, TX 77488 Alamo Concrete (979) 532-4663 193 CR 216 Dental Clinic Bay City, TX 77404 1506-E N. Alabama Road (979) 532-1962 Wharton, TX 77488 Construction Companies, (979) 532-8110 General Contractors J.R. Kieler, Jr., DDS 1016 Sunny Lane Brothers Custom Works Wharton, TX 77488 PO Box 249 (979) 532-3636 Hungerford, TX 77448 (979) 532-2250 Department Stores/Grocery Stores Dreammaker Construction 523 Charlene St. Wal Mart Super Center El Campo, TX 77437 1255 Hwy. 59 Loop (979) 543-6800 Wharton, TX 77488 Sabrsula Construction (979) 532-3986 3711 CR 154 Directories Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 533-0218 Yellowbook 6803 N. Navarro St., Apt. 168 Convenience Stores Victoria, TX 77904 Cracker Barrel Partnership (832) 423-7141 16107 Kensington Dr. Ste. 105 Drug Store, Pharmacy Sugar Land, TX 77479 (979) 282-2773 Savon Drugs 123 Leveridge Road Counseling East Bernard, TX 77435 Crisis Center (979) 335-4810 116 E. Burleson St. Electrical Equipment Wharton, TX 77488 & Supplies (979) 245-9109 Great Oaks Recovery Center Barbee Services 11210 FM 102 401 E. Caney St. Egypt, TX 77436 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 677-1000 (979) 532-4570 Straightway Employment Agencies FM 1161 W. Hungerford, TX 77448 Workforce Solutions 1506 N. Alabama (979) 532-5613 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 531-0730
whartontexas.com | Chamber of Commerce 39 2015 Visitors & Newcomers guide CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Engineers-Civil, Mechanical, Foundations Environmental & Consulting Mary Louise Dobson Foundation Half & Associates 622 Lakeshore Drive 4707 FM 3012 Rd. Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 282-7000 (979) 533-8683 Funeral Homes Jones & Carter, Inc. 6335 Gulfton Ste. 100 Gooden Hatton Funeral Home Houston, TX 77081 110 N. East Avenue (713) 777-5337 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-3602 Terracon 11555 Clay Road Wharton Funeral Home Houston, TX 77043 515 E. Boling Highway (713) 690-8989 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-3410 Events Furniture James Simmons Jr. Juneteenth Com- mittee Franklin Furniture Company 1709 Forrest Dr. 7397 US 59 Hwy. Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 282-1070 (979) 532-2631 Mattress Discounters of Texas Farms & Ranches, Commercial 228 W. Milam St. & Residential Wharton, TX 77488 Central Turf (210) 326-3177 1238 County Road 107 Grocery Stores Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 657-1122 H.E.B. Food Store Wharton Ranch 1616 N. Alabama Road 6250 County Road 156 Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 282-2773 (512) 658-6788 Wharton Walmart Supercenter 10388 U.S. 59 Feed Store Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton Feed & Supply (979) 532-3986 1105 N. Fulton St. Gym & Fitness Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-8533 Anytime Fitness 2407 N. Richmond Road Financial & Financial Advisors Wharton, TX 77488 Edward Jones Investments (979) 282-9000 128 S. Houston RJ Fitness Wharton, TX 77488 F.M. 1161 County Road 218 (979) 532-1282 Hungerford, TX 77488 Fire Departments (979) 559-6150 Hungerford Vol. Fire Dept. Hall Rental P.O. Box 416 Egypt Plantation Enterprises, LLC Hungerford, TX 77448 P.O. Box 219 (979) 532-0539 Egypt, TX 77448 Wharton Volunteer Fire Dept. (979) 533-0096 319 N. Fulton Simply Divine Event Center Wharton, TX 77488 314 W. Milam St. (979) 532-4811 Wharton, TX 77488 Florist (832) 279-5850 The Orchard at Caney Creek Flower Shoppe 923 County Road 235 420 N. Alabama Road Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-5856 (979) 532-8620
40 Chamber of Commerce | whartontexas.com CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2015 Visitors & Newcomers Guide
Health & Wellness Hospitals Medina Farm Gulf Coast Medical Center 241 W. Milam St. 10141 U.S. 59 Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 282-9955 (979) 282-6100 Health Centers & Equipment Hotels & Motels Active Body Health Mind Nutrition Country Hearth Inn Fitness 1808 FM 102 246 W. Milam St. Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-1152 (979) 220-7827 Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Girling Health Care, Inc./Wharton 10247 Highway 59 1614 N. Alabama Rd. Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 282-8300 (979) 282-8822 Tee Pee Motel & RV Park TEXANA MHMR Center 4098 E. Business Highway 59 4910 Airport Ave. Bldg. D Wharton, TX 77488 Rosenberg, TX 77471-5759 (979) 282-8474 (281) 342-9387 Travelers Inn & Suites Heating & Air Conditioning 1527 N. Richmond Wharton, TX 77488 Distributors, Eqpt. & Repairs (979) 532-0740 Eldridge Air Conditioning & Heating 1929 E. Boling Hwy. Humane Society Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton County S.P.O.T. (979) 532-8150 PO Box 584 Faust Air Conditioning & Heating Wharton, TX 77488 212 N. Richmond (979) 332-1853 Wharton, TX 77488 Insurance (979) 532-2511 Bremser Insurance Agency Hunter’s Air & Heat 211 W. Milam Drawer 628 Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-1586 (979) 532-1707 Charles Chambers Insurance Roberson Air Conditioning & Refrig- 415 E. Boling Hwy. eration Wharton, TX 77488 200 E. Milam (979) 532-4572 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-5101 Doug Light, LUTCF, FSS, CLU Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Home Health 120 N. Houston Angels Care Home Health Wharton, TX 77488 315 N. Alabama Road Ste. A (979) 532-2852 Wharton, TX 77488 Hank Hall State Farm (979) 282-2629 727 N. Alabama Road Texas Home Health Wharton, TX 77488 10358 U.S. 59, Ste. B (979) 532-5151 Wharton, TX 77488 InsuranceNet, Inc. (979) 532-8584 101 W. Caney Home Improvement/Generator Wharton, TX 77488 Installation (979) 532-1011 Kerlick’s Farmers Insurance Starbrite Generator & Control Services, 1317 N. Alabama Rd. LLC Wharton, TX 77488 1150 Kloecher Road Sealy, TX 77474 (979) 532-2820 (979) 885-6232 Pronto Insurance 1616 N. Alabama Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-3100
whartontexas.com | Chamber of Commerce 41 2015 Visitors & Newcomers guide CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Insurance Cont. Manufacturing-Manufacturers Schulz Insurance Agency Representatives 1316 N. Alabama Dorian Tool International, Inc. Wharton, TX 77488 615 CR 219 (979) 532-0021 East Bernard, TX 77435 Siska Life & Health Insurance (979) 282-2861 1423 N. Rusk St. Drawworks, L.P. Wharton, TX 77488 10555 FM 1301 (979) 282-1350 Boling, TX 77420 Wharton County Farm Bureau (979) 657-1216 120 N. Houston J-M Manufacturing Wharton, TX 77488 10807 U.S. 59 (979) 532-2852 Wharton, TX 77488 Woodmen of The World (979) 532-5640 10335 F.M. 102 Lamberti USA, Inc. Wharton, TX 77488 140 CR 212 Investment Counselors Hungerford, TX 77448 (979) 532-8453 K-Mana, Inc. PO Box 588 Prime Eco Group, Inc. Wharton, TX 77488 2933 Hwy. 60 (979) 282-7000 Wharton, TX 77488 Jewelers (979) 531-1100 Tyler’s Jewelry & Pawn Motorcycle Dealers 2310 N. Richmond Road El Campo Cycle Center Wharton, TX 77488 28268 US Highway 59 (979) 532-0971 El Campo, TX 77437 Landscape Architects (979) 543-8442 Total Outdoor Solutions, LLC Moving & Storage 1825 Foote St. Mund Moving Wharton, TX 77488 3920 CR 135 (979) 559-6027 Wharton, TX 77488 Lawn & Garden Services (979) 532-8810 El Campo Spraying Inc. Museums 2601 N. Mechanic St. 20th Century Technology Museum El Campo, TX 77437 3615 N. Richmond Road (979) 543-7811 Wharton, TX 77488 Texas Quality Lawn Equipment, LLC (979) 282-8810 707 E. Milam Egypt Plantation Enterprises, LLC Wharton, TX 77488 P.O. Box 219 (979) 532-1350 Egypt, TX 77448 Liquor Stores (979) 533-0096 Wharton County Historical Museum Louie’s Package Store 3615 N. Richmond Rd. 2005 Highway 60 South Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-2600 (979) 532-2378 Newspapers Lumber Wharton Journal-Spectator Zarsky Lumber Company, Inc. 115 W. Burleson 1106 N. Richmond Rd. Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-8840 (979) 532-2574 Nurseries Machine Shops DSG Nursery Koenig Welding Service, Inc. 1201 S. Mechanic 2305 N. Richmond Road El Campo, TX 77437 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 543-7333 (979) 532-4161
42 Chamber of Commerce | whartontexas.com CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2015 Visitors & Newcomers Guide
Nursing Homes Organizations Cont. Avalon Place Team Wharton, Inc. 1405 Valhalla Drive P.O. Box 588 Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-1244 (979) 282-7000 Elmcroft Wharton County Alumni Association 1930 Briar Lane 911 Boling Hwy. Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-5800 (979) 532-6322 Wharton Nursing & Rehabilitation Wharton County Freedom Fest, Inc. 1220 Sunny Lane 1225 N. Alabama Road Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-5020 (979) 532-0927 Oil Distributors Wharton County Interfaith Coalition 229 W. Milam St. South Texas Oil & Distributing Wharton, TX 77488 409 W. Loop St. (979) 282-2021 El Campo, TX 77437 Wharton County Panthers (979) 543-1791 423 Wilkes St. Optical, Optometrists, Wharton, TX 77488 Opticians & Optical Labs (281) 690-2640 Wharton County Youth Fair Berkeley Eye Center-Wharton 6036 FM 960 Rd. 1120 N. Fulton Glen Flora, TX 77443 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 677-3350 (979) 532-0805 Wharton Knights of Columbus Organizations 2820 N. Fulton American Cancer Society Wharton, TX 77488 4401 Lilac Lane (979) 532-2218 Victoria, TX 77901 Wharton Little League (361) 578-2840 P.O. Box 1106 Beyond The Fences Wharton, TX 77488 PO Box 1148 (979) 943-8605 Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton Training High School & (979) 533-9324 Ex-Students Association PO Box 1131 Boys & Girls Club of Wharton Wharton, TX 77488 2220 N. Newton St. (979) 532-0916 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 282-9660 Party Fraternal Order of Eagles #4507 Moonwalks-N-More, LLC PO Box 386 1610 Stadium Dr. Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 533-2835 (979) 488-4784 Habitat for Humanity East Wharton County Pest Control Services 613 Boling Green Bricker Pest Control Wharton, TX 77488 1400 Elm St. (979) 532-4850 Bay City, TX 77414 Hospice Support, Inc. (979) 244-5811 PO Box 1417 BUGABUG El Campo, TX 77437 1117 Tobola (979) 578-0314 Rosenberg, TX 77471 Just Do It Now, Inc. (281) 344-8266 1619 Martin Luther King Blvd. Wharton, TX 77488 Photography (979) 531-1975 KGibson Photography Pilot Club of Wharton 7415 F.M. 1301 P.O. Box 963 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 533-1409 Wharton, TX 77488
whartontexas.com | Chamber of Commerce 43 2015 Visitors & Newcomers guide CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Photography Cont. Real Estate Cont. Sharon Joines Photographs Hudgins Groover Real Estate 822 Caney Trail Drive 120 N. Richmond Road Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-2636 (979) 532-0007 Wied Realty Plastic Molding 102 S. Houston Nan Ya Plastics Corporation.USA Wharton, TX 77488 2081 FM 102 Rd. (979) 543-2266 Wharton, TX 77488 (281) 727-7300 Real Estate Appraisers Coldwell Banker Plumbing & Portable Toilets 2618 N. Richmond Road ALLStar Wharton, TX 77488 4828 S. U.S. 71 (979) 532-1013 El Campo, TX 77437 Gary Ward Appraisal Services (979) 543-1500 P.O. Box 1276 MD Plumbing Wharton, TX 77488 213 N. Richmond (979) 531-8190 Wharton, TX 77488 R.C. Harrison, Jr., Realtors (979) 282-8080 108 Santa Fe Rath Plumbing Wharton, TX 77488 216 N. Richmond Rd. (979) 532-8000 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-0223 Real Estate Developers & Investors Printers, Publishers, Typesetters & Graphics Carlson Development Company P.O. Box 886 J & M Printing Wharton, TX 77488 813 E. Alabama (979) 532-8787 Wharton, TX 77488 LL & C Properties, Inc. (979) 532-5240 2211 Norfolk Ste. 1030 Lawton Publications Houston, TX 77098 4111 East Mission Avenue (713) 881-7777 Spokane, WA 99202 (214) 717-0471 W.A. Harrison Rentals 1122 FM 102 Radio Stations Wharton, TX 77488 Globe.com Media/96 Country (979) 532-1012 201 E. Jackson Wakeield Development, LLC El Campo, TX 77437 3360 CR 154 (979) 543-8282 Wharton, TX 77488 KULP Radio (979) 532-8650 515 E. Jackson Wharton Industrial Foundation El Campo, TX 77437 1610 North Alabama (979) 543-3303 Wharton, TX 77488 TLC Media/Happy Radio (979) 532-2631 1713 7th St. Recreation Bay City, TX 77414 (979) 323-9771 El Campo Bowling Center Wolf Pak Radio 806 West Loop 2418 Old Lane City Road El Campo, TX 77437 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 543-9999 (979) 533-6170 Moonwalks-N-More Real Estate 1810 Stadium Drive Wharton, TX 77488 C.E. Muegge Real Estate (979) 488-4908 213 N. Richmond Natural Horisun Family Nudist Park Wharton, TX 77488 11715 FM 442 Road (979) 532-5252 Boling, TX 77420 (979) 657-3061
44 Chamber of Commerce | whartontexas.com CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2015 Visitors & Newcomers Guide
Recreation Cont. Restaurants Cont. Plaza Theatre Reyna’s Cafe 120 S. Houston St. 7902 Hwy. 59 Wharton, TX 77488 Hungerford, TX 77448 (979) 532-1084 (979) 531-0880 Showplace 3 Cinema Sonic Drive In-Wharton 1004 W. Loop St. 120 W. Boling HWY El Campo, TX 77437 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 543-8182 (979) 532-1611 Restaurants Taste Woods Bar B-Q 1925 Regional Medical Dr. 9ers Grill Wharton, TX 77488 112 W. Boling Hwy Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 282-8833 (979) 532-2025 The Dragonly Cafe Denny’s #8588 119 1/2 S. Fulton 10367 Hwy. 59 Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 332-8118 (979) 532-3200 Vincek’s Smokehouse Dominos Pizza 139 S. Dill 309 E. Boling Hwy. East Bernard, TX 77435 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 335-7921 (979) 532-9600 Whataburger Grand Bufet 1120 Hwy 59 N. 125 E. Boling Highway Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-1208 (979) 531-1998 Rooing Hinze’s Bar-B-Que First Call Rooing Systems 1917 N. Richmond Road 606 N. Richmond Road Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-2710 (979) 532-2625 Jr.’s Texas Best Smokehouse Priority Rooing and Construction 164 CR 467 802 Clubside Dr. Wharton, TX 77488 East Bernard, TX 77435 (979) 531-0888 (979) 559-7281 La Casona Mexican Restaurant Weather Guard Rooing 10292 U.S. 59 708 E. Milam St. Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 282-2755 (979) 532-0928 Little Caesar’s RV Sales & Service 1422 A N. Richmond Road Wharton, TX 77488 Fun Town RV (979) 531-3038 6767 U.S. 59 Los Cucos Mexican Restaurant Wharton, TX 77488 211 W. Elm (979) 271-3400 Wharton, TX 77488 UNICO (979) 531-1961 3515 Cline Road McDonald’s Wharton, TX 77488 1404 Richmond Road (979) 224-5020 Wharton, TX 77488 Sales (979) 532-8884 Crust Chemicals Pizza Hut 2104 N. Richmond Road 302 N. Richmond Rd Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 282-2150 (979) 532-1692 Sanitation Prasek’s Hillje Smokehouse, Inc. 29714 US 59 Hwy WCA Management Company, LP El Campo, TX 77437 8515 U.S. 6 S. Houston, TX 77083 (979) 543-8312 (281) 210-6185
whartontexas.com | Chamber of Commerce 45 2015 Visitors & Newcomers guide CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Schools, Colleges & Education Title Companies Faith Christian Academy of Wharton Coastal Title Company 5227 FM 1301 104-A West Main Street Wharton, TX 77488 Edna, TX 77957 (979) 531-1000 (979) 532-9900 Taps & Mats Dance Studio Mid-Coast Title Company 1109 N. Fulton 111 N. Fulton St. Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-0602 (979) 532-1512 Wharton County Junior College Stewart Title 911 E. Boling Hwy. 148 S. Houston St. Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-4560 (979) 532-8883 Signs, Trophies, Plaques Toys & Retail Custom Creations Dale Pinson Farm Toy Store 202 N. Houston 1406 Alabama Road Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 531-0000 (979) 358-0783 Storage Facilities - Rentals Utilities General Sales Company CenterPoint Energy Houston 808 N. Richmond Road 13300 W. Bellfort Wharton, TX 77488 Houston, TX 77099 (979) 532-3823 (281) 341-4920 My Storehouse Mini Storage Exelon Colorado Bend Power Plant 1727 Stadium Dr. 3863 S. U.S. 60 Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-4422 (979) 398-1415 Surveyors Fox Smolen & Associates 1701 Nueces Street K M Surveying, LLC Austin, TX 78701 3902A Reese Road (512) 322-9090 Rosenberg, TX 77471 Wharton County Electric Cooperative (713) 806-1814 1818 E. Jackson Robert Kolacny & Associates, LLC El Campo, TX 77437 140 S. Houston (979) 543-6271 Wharton, TX 77488 Wharton County Generation - New (979) 532-8056 Gulf Power Plant Television-Cable 206 Vat Rd. Boling, TX 77420 NewWave Communications (979) 657-0343 1302 Wisteria Way El Campo, TX 77437 Veterinarians (979) 532-3920 Alamont Veterinary Clinic Theaters 1907 E. Boling Hwy. Wharton, TX 77488 Showplace 3 Cinema, Inc. (979) 532-5569 820 West Loop El Campo, TX 77437 Wharton Veterinary Clinic 1518 Highway 60 South (979) 543-8152 Wharton, TX 77488 Tire Dealers (979) 532-1431 Gensco Kross Wholesale Tire Co., Inc. Web Design 102 Hawes Rd. Wharton, TX 77488 WebUnlimited 19091 Highway 6 South (979) 532-4800 College Station, TX 77845 Strouhal Tire Recapping Plant (979) 696-2500 Hwy. 59 Wolf Run Internet Marketing Hungerford, TX 77448 6552 Wolf Run Dr. (979) 532-1579 Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-2060 46 Chamber of Commerce | whartontexas.com Wharton County’s leading Real Estate Service in sales & listings for 4 consecutive years!
Becky Wied Realtor • Broker • Owner 979-637-6371 Debbie Folks Michelle Alejo Realtor Realtor 979-533-1302 979-257-6829
Wharton Oice 401 Lucky Lane • Wharton, TX 979•532•0334 El Campo Oice Coastal Oice 609 N Mechanic St • El Campo 1631 Spur 159 • Port Lavaca 979•543•2266 361•482•0061 48 whartontexas.com