Main Street Matters A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE TEXAS MAIN STREET PROGRAM

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 • COMMUNITY HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION • P. O. BOX 12276, AUSTIN, TX 78711 • 512.463.6092 WELCOME TO SAN MARVELOUS!

Main Street Training Held in San Marcos.

For the better part of a week twice a year, the Texas Main Street staff holds training and professional development for its local program managers and volunteers. Believing that a critical part of the learning experience is to see firsthand what others are doing to revitalize their downtowns, each one is held in a different Main Street community. In August, more than 60 managers and volunteers spent the week in San Marcos, a designated Main Street community for 29 years. This issue is a recap of that learning experience.

Sandwiched between San Antonio and Austin along the Interstate 35 corridor, San Marcos was named (Top image) New managers and THC Main Street staff enjoy the Art Project. (Bottom image) the the fastest-growing city in Managers and THC Main Street staff in “Kissing Alley.” the country for the third year in a row in May. Since 2010, the state’s demographer. “San Marcos (census) ranking is indicative of a city’s population has increased by also is home to the main campus trend that we see, where San Marcos 30 percent. “We’re seeing more of Texas State University, which and our surrounding communities and more people who live in and has more than 36,000 students; are becoming attractors of talent and around San Marcos working in San it’s near the Hill Country; and it’s good jobs, and that’s our goal.” Marcos. It’s not like a bedroom affordable,” said Adriana Cruz, community in the way it used to be president of the Greater San Marcos The San Marcos Main Street for Austin,” said Lloyd Potter, the Partnership. “We think that this district is established around the

TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Texas Main Street Program www.thc.state.tx.us historic Hays County Courthouse lighting, drainage and other The effective campaign featured square and abuts the Texas State infrastructure improvements, and several activities to engage the University campus. The thriving paving the roadways. community, such as contests and downtown includes restaurants, a cash mob. This campaign helped shops, historic sites, and other Local businesses are the heart of every build appreciation and support destinations, which certainly downtown, and the friendly faces for downtown businesses, as well contribute to the reason why of the shop owners and employees as encouraging business owners to so many people move here. In brighten the day of locals and promote their local roots. Building April, San Marcos celebrated the visitors alike. To give back to these awareness about the importance of completion of an $11 million ambassadors of downtown, the San shopping local was one of the main downtown project that lasted for Marcos Main Street Program created goals and is imperative for keeping over two years. a successful month-long shop local the downtown district relevant and campaign called LOVE Downtown thriving. The Capital Improvements that encouraged shoppers to “show project was part of the Downtown the love” to downtown retailers. The recent Texas Main Street Master Plan in an effort to The LOVE Downtown campaign gathering began with 14 mostly make downtown “perceived as a was started as a way to get local new Main Street stakeholders at distinctive place in its own right; a community members to appreciate the LBJ Museum adjacent to the singular and appealing destination the diverse offerings in their own Hays County Courthouse for new whose character and vitality backyard, especially while a much- manager training. Future President make it more than the sum of its needed downtown reconstruction of the United States, Lyndon B. individual parts.” This was the first project has caused obstacles and Johnson, attended what was then major overhaul of infrastructure traffic delays in the area. Though known as Southwest Texas State in Downtown San Marcos in San Marcos is known as a shopping Teachers College in San Marcos more than a century. The project destination because of the outlet from 1927 through graduation in made downtown a much more malls in the city, many small 1930. The LBJ Museum of San pedestrian friendly environment. businesses downtown are overlooked Marcos focuses on his formative Walkability was increased by by visitors. This campaign sought to years, how his early experiences as widening the sidewalks, improving change this, and to show support for a college student and schoolteacher the landscaping, adding pedestrian retailers at a time they need it most. impacted the community and the nation, and his visits back to Texas State University. President Johnson announced the War on Poverty and the creation of the Gary Job Corps Center in San Marcos during one public address in 1964, and he signed the Higher Education Act on the Texas State University campus in 1965 during his tenure as president. The museum represents a major effort to preserve and share the important artifacts and memories of the man known as “the Education President” with generations of Texas schoolchildren, as well as to enhance the already growing Shoppers sign-up to “show the love” to downtown retailers through the LOVE Downtown tourist industry by providing campaign. www.thc.state.tx.us 2 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Texas Main Street Program another educational offering for country successfully carry out also allows businesses and property out-of-town visitors. programs of preservation-based owners to make a return on their downtown revitalization through investment, leading to possible In 1998, Hays County a combination of public and future investors and businesses to commissioners gave their approval private support and volunteerism. see downtown’s potential. Under to an arrangement through which The simple formula can be used economic restructuring, strategies the LBJ Museum Board could to address complex and common are developed to increase economic lease an abandoned county- issues. As a step-by-step approach benefit and impact. Main Street owned movie theater on the and as an economic development managers are a principal resource courthouse square for 30 years for activity, this means that the effort for educating civic officials, a nominal annual fee. Under this of Main Street is never-ending. realtors, bankers, and developers agreement, the board raised funds There are peaks and valleys, time about the downtown marketplace. to renovate the building, which where you move forward and other Design encompasses the physical was in a state of serious neglect times when you fall back, and downtown and has a strong and disrepair but had considerable times when efforts (like a major planning component to develop potential as the museum site. After infrastructure project) require and achieve a vision. It ensures the arrangements to lease the building your full attention for a period of environment is safe and inviting from the county were complete, time. The Four Point Approach® for visitors. Sensitive building the museum board began its stimulates the creation of a rehabilitation preserves the renovation plans. Following more comprehensive downtown effort. historic character. There should be than nine years of dreaming, responsible property stewardship, planning, and hard work by a Organization brings the people and downtowns should strive to broad cross section of community and partners together to enhance aesthetically through volunteers, the Lyndon Baines work toward common goals. not only property rehabilitation, Johnson Museum of San Marcos Volunteerism is at the heart but landscaping and art projects opened its doors on December 6, of the program. Promotion is as well. For more information on 2006. selling and branding downtown the Four Point Approach®, see the and an experience – creating a Texas Main Street program website The new managers learned about positive image of Main Street. It is here or the National Main Street the Four Point Approach®— essential to endorse downtown, the Center website here. design, organization, promotion, marketplace, the environment, the and economic restructuring, histories, and the businesses. This Public art can take many forms, as and how it helps communities will cause the community to use evident at a yet to be named alley not only in Texas, but across the downtown and increase tourism. It that displays some incredible and

(Left image) Frankenstein street art in a San Marcos alley; (Middle image) The Dude aka Jeff Bridges in “The Big Lebowski” outside the alley; (Right image) David Perez, owner of 78666 Customs, and Samantha Armbruster, San Marcos Main Street Manager.

www.thc.state.tx.us Texas Main Street Program TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 3 impressive street art. This was one to a collaborative process by which to start experiencing placemaking in of the learning stops during the we can shape our public realm in this manner. Texas Main Street training. The order to maximize shared value; fascinating art in and around the it also strengthens the connection On Wednesday night, we were alley was completed by people between people and the places treated to a neon sign tour led by from all over the world that come they share. In downtown San artists Jay and Darcy Gordon from to this place to demonstrate their Marcos, a pilot program is being Blackout Signs and Metalworks. talents. From gangsta Frankenstein considered that allows up to five Jay and Darcy designed and to the Dude, the talents of these parklets throughout the city and created many of the neon signs artists confirmed that this art establishes guidelines for unused seen downtown, but originally, the form is more than just tagging right-of-way or parking spaces sign codes were very restrictive. with a can of spray paint. David for sidewalk cafes. The currently Jay said, “It didn’t address 3-D Perez, owner of 78666 Customs, discussed ordinance addresses elements, different lighting sources, shared his story about bringing Americans with Disabilities Act or designing signs to complement this art form to San Marcos and requirements, making sure existing the architecture or environment.” overcoming the stereotype that sidewalks are not damaged and They worked with the City Council graffiti is not art. This graffiti separation between city and tenant to loosen up the code by showing project adds a new element of property remains. At a recent the value of artistic-driven signage. surprise to downtown. event downtown, Rhythm of the Where before, the form-based Streets, an “urban oasis,”cool- code only had height and width At a roundtable on Wednesday, down parklet featured snow cones constraints, it now has total square many of the new managers and yard games. The feedback footage regulations, and there is some expressed concern about vacant received from the community was allowance for 3-D signs to come properties and owners who are not very positive, showing that the off the face of the building. Jay and actively looking to fill them. There residents of San Marcos are eager Darcy told us about the amount of is a significant and re-occurring annual loss of tax revenue, rents, and salaries not paid by vacant downtown property owners. The cost to the community is not limited to the building owner but erodes the value of all surrounding real estate as far as 450 feet away. One solution provided was to build a real relationship with the property owners of the vacant buildings. By developing a positive association with them, the owners might be more easily convinced of the importance of occupying their buildings.

Placemaking is an important element of community vitality, as managers learned from San Marcos planner Andrea Villalobos, who addressed the group about (Top left image) Jay and Darcy Gordon of Blackout Signs and Metalworks lead the Neon Moon enhancing local character through Tour; (Top right image) “Chances R” neon sign created by Blackout Signs and Metalworks; (Bottom placemaking. Placemaking refers left image) “Thairapy” neon sign created by Blackout Signs and Metalworks; (Bottom right image) “Classic Tattoos” neon sign created by Blackout Signs and Metalworks.

4 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Texas Main Street Program www.thc.state.tx.us discovery they do to capture the right leadership development. fundraising for history, and to spirit of the business through their keeping the Charles Cock House art form. They also talked about their Main Streeters also had the open to the public for this period strong responsibility to the client, the opportunity to dine at the of time. building architecture, and the town “Cottage Kitchen” located at itself to make visually appealing, the Charles S. Cock House At the roundtables on Friday, four effective signage and decor. The Museum. The Old Cock Home is THC specialists delved into Main amount of artistic integrity that goes a national, state, and local historic Street topics: County Historical into their work is much more than landmark, erected in 1867 by Commissions (CHC), historic tax expected if you are unfamiliar with Charles S. Cock, farmer and city credits, getting youth involved neon signs, and the results are pieces mayor (1881-1883). The property in Main Street, and Certified of artfully crafted neon works, which is the oldest surviving residential Local Governments (CLG). The add an element of retro-chic to the structure in San Marcos. For 20 THC created the CHC outreach area. years, different groups in San program in 2008. These volunteer Marcos have volunteered to make organizations, appointed by the For the past year, the National Main and serve lunch here each week, local county commissioners, Street Center has been undergoing a with 100% of the proceeds going can be an important partner to Four Point Refresh process to analyze to the Heritage Association of Main Street programs and other the national Main Street Four Point San Marcos. Diners sit among community organizations as Approach™ and to make adjustments authentic furnishings, and a they can be a fount of historical as needed. Norma Ramirez de Miess, collection of fine primitive knowledge. Senior Program Officer and Director antiques, housed in a vernacular of Leadership Development for Greek Revival structure of Tax credits have become a the National Main Street Center, native stone. The funds from the hot topic in Texas with the conducted a workshop on Thursday lunches are used for the upkeep introduction of the state historic morning and spent some time of the property and other historic tax credit. That, along with federal reviewing the Refresh process. The projects throughout the city. tax credits, can be an important process, which is still underway, has The community is dedicated to part of the economic development brought about a deeper realization keeping the Cottage Kitchen tool kit. For information about of the need for Main Street to have going through innovative these preservation incentives, see vision, transform, and be able to implement and measure results. Projects remain critically important, but as part of the process, not as the end result. Addressing perceptions about downtown requires conscious attention and strategic action, de Miess said. “Probably no other organization other than Main Street has the ability to bring so many sectors of the community together,” she added. Part of her message was also that success is defined not only by the image of downtown, but also by the image of the Main Street program and its ability to create change over time. “It may look like it is happening by magic, but it is not,” Maggie Gillespie, coordinator in San Marcos, with loyal volunteers Debbie Harvey and Sara she said. The workshop focused on Lee Underwood at Cottage Kitchen.

www.thc.state.tx.us Texas Main Street Program TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 5 the THC website here.

Getting youth involved in the Main Street program and their community history was another roundtable topic. One method is creating a youth council that meets to discuss the ways that they can impact their community. Training in civic participation is an excellent way for youth to feel empowered and capable of engaging in the projects they pursue. Another technique is interacting with area independent school districts (ISD). Managers can contact social studies (or other) curriculum coordinators Lisa Worley, THC Youth Education Specialist, leads a roundtable. at the area ISDs and the Education Service Centers. assistance and preservation grants. preservation-based downtown Managers may also apply to CLG grant amounts generally takes long-term vision, strategic the Texas Education Agency range from $2,000 to $30,000. activity, and a strong preservation here to provide teachers with The grants can fund a variety of ethic. Everyone walked away continuing professional education preservation projects, including knowing why the locals call it San credits. See their website for historic resource surveys, National Marvelous. more information. Managers Register nominations, preservation were excited to learn about the plans, design guidelines, ordinance GHOST MURALS Watson-Brown Foundation, revisions, regional trainings, which supports historic educational publications, and brick preservation in part through and mortar restorations. In order Article written by Sarah Blankenship, its Junior Board of Trustees, to become a CLG, a city must have Project Design Assistant, Texas Main a talented group of local high a strong preservation ordinance, Street Program school students whose exclusive a historic preservation officer, mission is to preserve local and a historic landmarks review Halloween is not too far off, so how history. Part historic preservation, commission with the authority part youth philanthropy, this about a new take on the ghost tour to review proposed alterations to by highlighting your local ghost educational initiative fosters landmarked properties. State and civic responsibility, heightens an murals? But wait, what is a ghost national historic designations do mural and does your city have appreciation for local history, and not usually offer much in the way introduces students to disciplined any? A ghost mural is a historic of protection for historic resources. sign painted on the side of the and thoughtful giving. See their Through the use of zoning and website for more information. building. Typically they advertised ordinances, local governments the business inside the building or a can successfully protect historic product sold inside the store. Coca- The Certified Local Government resources and encourage sensitive, (CLG) Program is a local, state, Cola is one of the most widely compatible development in historic known product murals. Over the and federal partnership for areas. historic preservation that supports years, the paint fades off and the the preservation goals of local letters can become faded, semi- The training in San Marcos drove transparent - ghostly looking. communities by offering technical home the message that an effective,

6 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Texas Main Street Program www.thc.state.tx.us (Left image) C.T Bass Drugs and Medicines ghost mural located in San Marcos. (Right image) Sanitary Bakery ghost mural located in Georgetown.

The newest Main Street managers over yumminess was the way to go. brand new again rather than a got a firsthand look of a ghost mural historical element. On the more in San Marcos during their walking Ghost murals are an important part technical level, many historic tour. Lettering can be seen along the of our history and there are different murals were painted on brick. The entire side of a building: C.T Bass ideas about what should be done about Texas Main Street Program does Drugs and Medicines is visible but their fading appearance. There are three not recommend painting on brick rest of the signage is very difficult to approaches to ghost murals: because it can interfere with how decipher. Investigating the history brick absorbs and repels water. of the business or product can lead 1. Leave them as is. Leaving them Water can get trapped behind the to a whole wealth of entertaining exactly the way they are is the authentic paint and cause deterioration of the education. Take for example the history, and they have a beauty of their brick. ghost sign of a Sanitary Bakery in own in this state. Do ensure that photos Georgetown. “Sanitary” seems an are taken or archived to document their 3. Lightly touch up the design and odd advertising word today for a history for future generations to learn lettering so it can be seen again. bakery, but take a trip back in time about even if they can no longer be seen This approach uses diluted paint to and picture yourself in the early in entirety. 1900s when infectious diseases were widely prevalent in the U.S. The 2. Repaint the mural with 100% 1918 flu pandemic hit an estimated coverage. This approach is the least 25 million Americans. Many schools favored since it makes the mural look and businesses closed and churches did not meet. Polio was on a rampage in the 1940s and thousands were paralyzed or died. No one really knew what caused it - rumors flew and germs were implicated. Public swimming pools were shut down, movie patrons were urged not to sit too close, many children were bathed nightly in Clorox. In these times, it was important to advertise that customers would not get germs from Some murals can look new again rather than a The approach of lightly touching up the let- their business, so touting cleanliness historical element. Image source. tering with diluted paint.

www.thc.state.tx.us Texas Main Street Program TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 7 still allow a faded appearance and WELCOME school for something I was always convey it is a historic mural. Often passionate about–public history. times this will require research into FROM THE NEW You are probably asking yourself historic city directories, yearbooks, ASSISTANT STATE what the heck public history means. newspapers, Sanborn maps, It is working with history outside museum files, and of course local COORDINATOR/ of academia – museums, archives, citizens for historical photographs SMALL BUSINESS historic preservation, historic and information. sites–you could call it applied SPECIALIST history. While I knew a continued Transitioning to new signage, two career in the business world would different approaches were seen in Article written by Sarah Marshall, be lucrative, I felt certain that San Marcos. Assistant State Coordinator, Texas connecting the public with their Main Street Program history would be much more 1. Painting the new business rewarding in the long run. Many signage in the same appearance Greetings, Main Street Managers. people do not consider some events as historic signage (or sometimes I happily joined the Main Street in the past as part of history because directly on top of historic signage). team July 1 as the new Assistant they are not directly related to the Note the “Established 2014” date State Coordinator/Small Business national or even state narrative. I on Stonewall Warehouse below. Specialist, and I have been soaking became determined to show people up the knowledge since then. I am that community history and family 2. Leaving the faded ghost mural excited to merge my varied business history are just as important–just and adding new panels signage for experience and studies into this because the masses won’t read about the current business. This works position and become a Main Street it in a classroom textbook does not really well in the photo below of resource to you all. make these past events less valuable. the Taproom and The Porch. It is Personal history is worthy and clear what the historic signage is After working in corporate important as well. and the new signage is. The new marketing for many years, I became signage can be removed at any time really burned out focusing on the After graduating with my Masters to reveal the historic signage again. bottom line and went back to in Public History in 2012, I started

(Left image) Signage painted and applied in the same appearance as historic signage. (Right image) New panels added on top of faded ghost murals.

8 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Texas Main Street Program www.thc.state.tx.us consulting for several small, program that means so much to If you would like to honor a special non-profit history organizations, me and you as well. I am eager to volunteer with a spotlight, please send and I realized that these small get the ball rolling. a short narrative and image to debra. businesses could often benefit [email protected]. from professional development assistance without even knowing Gerry Larabee, Nacogdoches Main they needed it. Even though Street Program community heritage was my passion, I knew that supporting Gerry Larabee opened her retail public history in ways other than shop, Heart of Texas, in downtown my graduate education trained Nacogdoches in 1994, and she me to do was more important. It has been an ally and volunteer for was finally time to use all of my downtown ever since. First with her professional business training and beloved Golden Retriever Anna, and experience for the greater public now with Gracie by her side, Gerry good. exemplifies what a true altruist can mean to a Main Street program. She When this position with the has seen downtown Nacogdoches TMSP came along, I could hardly New Main Street Assistant State Coordina- go from a lackluster look to a well- tor/Small Business Development Specialist believe it. It was as if someone Sarah Marshall (on the right) is already developed area with thought-out tailored it to my exact experience hitting the road. She took a recent trip to cohesiveness, and she has been on and interests. I have always been Carthage and met up with Main Street board every step of the way. Manager Cindy Deloney (on left). a fan of the Main Street program –the combination of downtown When Gerry first opened her store, economic revitalization with SPECIAL there was a Downtown Business community heritage and historic VOLUNTEERS Association (DBA) to provide preservation makes sense. The assistancebut those were the days addition of the Small Business before the Nacogdoches Convention We continue to spotlight in each Specialist portion of the job was and Visitor Bureau (CVB) and Main edition of Main Street Matters a great way for me to consider Street (MS). The DBA actually those volunteers whose contributions all of those years in the corporate worked well for Nacogdoches in and dedication are so important business world as training for this the early period of Heart of Texas; to the success of local programs. time, and I cannot wait to help your small businesses with all of the things I learned along the way.

I am especially excited that the small business part is new to this function because it means I get to be creative with my problem solving and the frontier is unknown. I hope your businesses are enthusiastic to utilize a free service that can help them increase their bottom line. I cannot wait to empower your retailers with the knowledge they need to be successful. I am happy to be a (Left image) Gerry Larabee and Gracie at Heart of Texas. (Right image) Interior of Heart of Texas Gift resource for a component of a Gallery in downtown Nacogdoches. www.thc.state.tx.us Texas Main Street Program TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 9 the meetings were well attended contributes to Main Street. She finds it fun, and even though there are some and most people downtown were frustrating times, the end product is worth it. Developing good friendships with involved. However, a need for the common goal of a successful downtown along the way is just the icing on the a visitors’ center and a focus on Main Street cake. Thank you to Gerry for her hard work! tourism arose, and the DBA, with Gerry’s help, established the CVB and opened the visitors’ center. VOLUNTEERISM Then, they researched and applied for the Main Street program– again with Gerry’s assistance–and The Henderson Main Nacogdoches joined the TMSP in Street program re- 1998. Since the inception, Gerry cently hosted a Main Street 101 training has served on the Advisory Board that also included and through example, promoted several board mem- the idea of volunteerism on Main bers from the Kilgore Main Street program. Street.

Gerry believes enthusiastically and completely in the Main Street program. From doing research, to going to conventions, New Palestine Main Street Manager Greg to serving as president/vice Laudadio and his Main president/secretary on the Street board at a Main board, Gerry’s experience with Street 101 training in July. volunteerism has been varied. Volunteerism is important to Gerry for two reasons–from the business side, it makes good sense to support the Main Street The Advisory Board program. Gerry has a lot of pride and several downtown in her community, so on another stakeholders got together recently for level, volunteering is good for a Year One mid-year the town. The sense of history review. Rosenberg is in Nacogdoches is very strong a 2015 Main Street and contributes to her affection program. for the town, so working toward preserving that history while running her business successfully drives Gerry to volunteer in all aspects of Nacogdoches Main The Advisory Board Street. of the San Augustine Main Street program recently got together To make change in a community, for discussions about Gerry believes you have to be activities and projects they want to take on willing to volunteer and be as they move beyond involved. She served on the their initial three-year CVB for a long period and phase in Main Street, which is just ending. works on the Millard’s Crossing Board along with her time she

10 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Texas Main Street Program www.thc.state.tx.us diverse merchandise, eclectic decor, information, visit their website. MAIN STREET artwork by local artists, and live EVENTS music in many of the venues. HILLSBORO Wildcat Homecoming Parade and CANTON Cotton Pickin’ Fair Pep Rally September 25-26, 2015 Free Outdoor Movies Wednesday, September 16, 2015 6:00 pm “The Blind Side” Activities will kick off September Friday, September 4, 2015 25th, in front of the stage on the Show your spirit and cheer on our courthouse square with a street dance, Wildcat team as they prepare for Canton Main Street will be food vendors, and new this year will Elgin’s Homecoming. The parade hosting free outdoor movies be bull riding, mutton busting, and will begin at the water tower on 2nd across from the Plaza Theater in a carnival. Saturday, September 26, Street and conclude at Veterans’ Downtown Canton. Concessions the fun begins at 10 a.m. with food Memorial Park at Main St. and fund the Canton Texas Main vendor booths, arts and craft vendors, Depot St. Go Cats! Street Program. and the carnival for children. For more information call 254-582-5499 Music in the Park DENTON or email [email protected]. Friday September 25, 2015 Chase the Ace Bike Criterion Farmers Market The Damn Torpedoes, Tom Petty September 6-7, 2015 May-October 2015 cover band will be preforming 8 a.m.–1 p.m. in Historic Downtown Elgin in Bring your lawn chairs and Veterans’ Memorial Park. Bring blankets to sit under the shaded Come enjoy the picturesque beverages, snacks, blanket, or a trees of the courthouse as you courthouse square as you shop our lawn chair and enjoy this free event. cheer on your favorite racers. See local vendors for the best produce and Concessions are available. website for more information. handmade items in Central Texas. All items sold are produced and grown Arts, Antiques and Autos GLADEWATER right here in Texas. Come support our September 12, 2015 local farmers! 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Arts & Crafts Festival September 19-20, 2015 LA GRANGE Oaktopia Music Fest 10 a.m.–5 p.m. September 26-27,2015 Patriot Day Ceremony Join us as local artists display their Saturday, September 12, 2015 handcrafted items. Some of the best Visit our website for more 9 a.m. information. Limited number East Texas food will also be available throughout the day. See website for of tickets available at: www. The ceremony will take place on more information. oaktopiafest.com the square on the Fayette County Courthouse lawn and the program ELGIN GRAPEVINE includes a 21-Gun Salute, bagpiper, and presentation of the 9/11 29th Annual GrapeFest® Sip Shop and Stroll Commemorative Flag. Arrive a little September 17-20, 2015 September 10, 2015 early and see the emergency vehicles up close and personal, as they will be A wine experience presented by Sip a little wine and shop as you on display beginning at 8:30 a.m. Bank of the West in beautiful stroll through the stores in historic historic downtown Grapevine. For downtown Elgin. You will find up to the minute schedule and event www.thc.state.tx.us Texas Main Street Program TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 11 LAREDO produce, specialty items, flowers and SEGUIN artisan crafts and gifts. See website Farmer’s Market for more details. 15th Annual Pontiac Club Classic Every Third Saturday of the Car Show month RIO GRANDE CITY September 26, 2015 9 a.m.–1 p.m. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Viva Mexico Central Park, Downtown Seguin Shop for local produce at the Saturday, September 12, 2015 historic downtown “Jarvis Plaza”. One of the biggest displays of Celebrating our Hispanic Culture; collectible, antique, and classic cars Streets of Laredo Astisan Bazaar free concert at the Kiosk on in south central Texas! There will be September 4, 2015 Main Street. There will be live live DJ music, goodie bags, and door 5 p.m.–9 p.m. performances, costume contest, El prizes for all show participants. Entry Grito contest, authentic Mexican fee will be $20 per vehicle before the Regional Artists showcase and food, and much more. For more entry deadline and $25 the day of sell their unique artistic creations information go to our website or the show. For more info call 210- at downtown “San Agustin Facebook page. 695-1504 or visit their website. Plaza”. See wesbsite for more information. ROCKWALL UVALDE

MCKINNEY Community Movie Night Shop Late Till 8 “Dirty Dancing” September 10, 2015 Oktoberfest Saturday, September 12, 2015 September 25-27, 2015 5 p.m.–8 p.m. Downtown Rockwall - Historic WAXAHACHIE Beer, Brats & Kraut... That’s Square What It’s All About!! See website Ladies’ Night Out for full schedule and details. The retail shops on the square keep September 10, 2015 their doors open till8 pm. Many will 5 p.m.–8 p.m. NACOGDOCHES offer refreshments and door prize drawings. Held every 2nd Thursday of the Boots ’N Brew month. September 26, 2015 SAN AUGUSTINE 6 p.m.–10 p.m. 10 CRITERIA An American Main Street Live entertainment, vendors, and September 11, 2015 ANNUAL REPORT beer and wine samplings. Tickets 5 p.m.–9 p.m. go on sale September 1, 2015. See Don’t forget to mark your cal- website for more information. Event to include mixed media art endars. The 10-Criteria Annual contest, salute to first responders Report deadline is slowly ap- PARIS and law enforcement, concert, and proaching. Deadline is Monday, promote downtown. The ceremony November 2, 2015. Remem- Market Square Farmers Market begins at 5 p.m., so be sure to grab Saturdays the whole family and join your fellow ber, we only accept electronic 9 a.m.–1 p.m. patriots on the square in downtown submissions. The documents San Augustine. All is free to the are also uploaded to the Main Located in downtown Paris. 400 public! For full schedule and details, Street Online Resource Library. SW 1st Street. Great local grown visit their Facebook page.

12 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Texas Main Street Program www.thc.state.tx.us HAPPY TRAILS! Websites of Interest

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation: www.achp.gov

African American Heritage Preservation Foundation: www.aahpfdn.org

(The) Alliance for Historic Landscape Preservation: www.ahlp.org

(The ) American Institute of Architects: www.aia.org

American Planning Association: www.planning.org

American Society of Landscape Architects: www.asla.org

(The) Cultural Landscape Foundation: www.tclf.org

(The) Handbook of Texas Online: www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online

Keep Texas Beautiful: www.ktb.org

League of Historic American Theatres: www.lhat.org

National Main Street Center: www.preservationnation.org/main-street

National Park Service: www.nps.gov

National Trust for Historic Preservation: www.preservationnation.org

Partners for Sacred Places: www.sacredplaces.org

Preservation Easement Trust: www.preservationeasement.org

PreservationDirectory.com: www.preservationdirectory.com We wish Denise Miranda, Winnsboro Main Street Manager, a fond farewell! Denise retires Preservation Texas: www.preservationtexas.org on September 30. She began her relationship with Winnsboro Main Street by working on the Project for Public Spaces: www.pps.org application in 2002. With acceptance for 2003, Denise became the first Main Street manager Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: www.railstotrails.org there and served for 2 years. From 2007-2011 she served Winnsboro as a VISTA volunteer Scenic America: www.scenic.org through which she started and managed the Texas Department of Agriculture: www.TexasAgriculture.gov local Farmer’s Market. She came back to Main Street in 2011. She is shown here around her Texas Commission on the Arts: www.arts.state.tx.us beloved downtown with merchants (top) and City Manager Jeff Howell (bottom). Texas Downtown Association: www.texasdowntown.org

Texas Folklife Resources: www.texasfolklife.org

Texas Historical Commission: www.thc.state.tx.us

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: www.tpwd.state.tx.us

Texas Rural Leadership Program: www.trlp.org

Texas State Preservation Board: www.tspb.state.tx.us

Urban Land Institute: www.uli.org

Texas Historical Commission P.O. Box 12276 Austin, TX 78711-2276 512.463.6100 fax 512.475.4872 [email protected]