Hancock Springs

Hancock Springs has been a popular destination for swimming at least since the 1880′s. Back in the 19th Century people came here seeking the health benefits of the spring water. A sign in front of Hancock Park claims the bathing pools at Hancock Springs are the oldest in the state. The original bath house, built in 1883, has been preserved by the community and is right next to the modern pool, that was built in 1911. This newer pool has been maintained by the city and is still in use today.

The pool at Hancock Springs is what they call a free flowing pool. The water from the spring is channeled to one end of the pool. This spring water then flows across the pool and in turn flows out of the pool and is channeled to Sulphur Creek which is near by. So, this is not like a regular pool that has filters and chlorine to keep the water clear. It’s just the constant flow of water and the origin of the water that keeps the pool clean.

On first site you may think the pool is not clean. That was my own first impression. It has a sort of drab green tint to it that is deceptive. The water comes from underground sources. It’s loaded with minerals that give it a turquoise tint. A dip in this pool was all it took to confirm that it was quite clean and wonderful to swim in. The water coming out of the spring has a constant temperature of 69 degrees. A little cold but refreshing once you get in. On a hundred degree day, it’s simply wonderful to cool off here.

Some pools with spring sources have a sulphur odor, but I encountered none of that at Hancock Springs. The water is very good here. The pool is quite big, and was not at all busy the day I was there. The surroundings are nice: trees, grass, picnic tables, shade, all the important accommodations are present.

Hancock Springs pool is highly recommended for anyone looking for the “old school pool” experience. I’ve already said it was over 100 degrees the day I was there. Someone I spoke to that day told me about the new pool, across town, at the site of Hanna Springs. The city built a new pool there a few years ago. She told me that that new pool was really nice. Then in the same breath she said: “but that water is hot!” I love the history of this place, but setting that aside, the cool clean water of this pool make it a very good pick on a hot day.

I asked about the schedule for the rest of 2011, and I was told that the pool would be open regular hours, sees city web site, until August 20. School starts there on August 22 and after that the pool will be open on weekends until it gets too cold. I have checked on pool hours before and can tell you if you call the city’s central phone number, the operator will get you the information you need.

The Hostess House

The Hostess House is a two story building, right next to the Hancock Springs Pool. This building was originally constructed in the 1920′s, and it complimented the pool, providing changing rooms and a place for dances and public gatherings. In the 1940′s a golf course was added to Hancock Park and the Hostess House was improved. Through the years this public building had provided a place for locals to gather, dance, have proms, weddings, and so on. Today the property still is used for pretty much the same purpose. Weddings, a catering company operates out of the building and runs the Green Frog Tea Room. During the week you can stop to eat here and see the inside of the building.

 Town Square

On a cooler day I would have found a place to eat German food, but it was too hot on the day of my visit. The town square hasn’t changed much since my last visit. One thing new that I noticed is The Waters of Lampasas walk path. A display of murals related to the waters of the area, and located in an alley off the Square. Also new, an old sign uncovered on an old store front right next to the walk path. I’ll include photos of both of these new features below.

Wrap Up

I stopped at Storms for a burger. Lampasas is the location of the original Storms Drive-in. I will write a separate article about them since I have several pictures to share. I usually look for ethnic food when in Lampasas. Like I said, it was too hot for a heavy meal when I visited in July. I had read about a place called the Sweet Pickle Deli in the same area as Hancock Park. Sure enough, the place is just a couple tenths of a mile south of the park heading towards Burnet. The deli is tiny but charming. It’s not a full menu restaurant, more like a catering business with an open front door and daily specials. I don’t want to go on about this place, but just want to say it was a great experience for me. Check them out on the Web and find a map in Google maps: 512-556-8330.

Related to Lampasas

Lampasas Texas History and Trip Guide

Lampasas Texas County Courthouse

Storm’s Drive-in in Lampasas Texas

Map of Hancock Springs

Images

Glen Rose History

Around 1860 Charles and Juana Barnard built a three story stone gristmill along the Paluxy River. The town that eventually grew around the mill was called Barnard’s Mill. The town square, which is just a block form the original mill, was developed several years later.  The first courthouse on the square was completed around 1892 and burned down in 1893. Second courthouse on the square, the present day structure, was ordered built by the commissioners’ court in 1893 and completed late in the same year for a cost of $13,500.

Read more about the history of Glen Rose here.

Key Attractions

Dinosaur Valley State Park

Located just northwest of Glen Rose, Dinosaur Valley State Park is a 1500-acre scenic park. Although the key attraction at this park is the dinosaur tracks in the Paluxy River, there are many other ways to enjoy a day here. Other activities include camping, hiking, mountain biking, horse-back riding, river swimming and fishing.

The Promise

For 22 years, The Promise, a live performance depicting the life of Jesus Christ has been performed in the Texas Amphitheater in Glen Rose Texas. This artful, one of a kind, reenactment of the life and time of Jesus Christ is a key attraction of the Glen Rose area.

Barnard’s Mill and Historic Downtown

Early Texas gristmill, constructed in 1860 by Charles Barnard, a block off the historic town square. The first permanent structure in this area, the original mill was a three story building constructed of stone and built like a fort to withstand Indian attacks. For years, town social events were held on the third floor

Today, the three story mill building and cotton gin annex are open for tours. The hospital wing added in the 1940’s today houses the Barnard’s Mill Art Museum.

The Somervell County Courthouse was constructed in 1894. The courthouse, located just a block from Barnard’s Mill,  is a simple two story structure featuring elements of Romanesque Revival and General Grant architectural styles.

The Somervell County Historical Museum is also located on the square. This is a great place to go see a dinosaur track.

There are plenty of shops and restaurants on the square, if antique shopping is your thing. And, they have benches and pecan trees, if sitting is your thing. The Historical Commission has an office in the courthouse, so you can stop in for area information.

Other Attractions

Big Rocks Park in Glen Rose Texas

Big Rocks Park in Glen Rose Texas has been a popular hangout for a long time. As the name says, there are big rocks, result of some geologic event thousands of years ago that I completely don’t understand. What makes it interesting is that the Paluxy River flows by the rocks and the river bed is rock. The unusual rock forms and the river make for an interesting place to hang out for a little bit. Wading in the water is a popular pastime here in the early summer when there’s still water in the Paluxy.

A big plus for this place is that Oakdale Park is right across the street. For a few dollars you can swim in the pool at Oakdale Park and also hang out at Big Rocks.

Oakdale Park

Oakdale Park has a long history in Glen Rose Texas. Even before the park was built, the land and the water wells attracted people to stay here. The history of Oakdale is interesting. Everyone calls this place Oakdale Park, but the sign out front of the park tells a slightly different story. It says, Oakdale Park, Motor Inn, Camping. Oakdale Park is, among other things, a surviving 1930′s Motor Court.

They rent trailer spaces and cabins, but swimming is a popular reason to stop here. The swimming pool, built in 1925, is enormous, even by today’s standards. The pool and the abundant shade around the pool make it one of the best places to swim in Glen Rose.

Paluxy Heritage Park in Glen Rose Texas

Paluxy Heritage Park is across the river from the town square in Glen Rose. The park contains several historic dwellings from an earlier time in Somervell County. Here you will find a log home, an early stone home, an early school house, and several other historic structures. Paluxy Heritage Park is a great place to relax, or to freshen up. There’s a also a pavilion for picnicking and parties, and a playground for the kids.

This park is just up the path from Big Rocks Park which is just across the street from Oakdale Park. There’s a nice walkway that runs along the Paluxy River and there’s a dock and an overlook along the way. This walkway terminates at the dam just before Big Rocks Park. You can walk across the dam and be in Big Rocks in no time. This is probably about a quarter-mile walk.

These three parks make for a great low cost day in Glen Rose. Want to swim in a huge man-made pool filled with crystal clear well water: Oakdale Park. Wade in the Paluxy River, work on your tan, and hang out with friends: Big Rocks Park. Sit in the shade while your kids play in the playground, or walk the path to see some historic houses: Paluxy Heritage Park.

Hammonds and Loco Coyote

Two barbecue places that are as different as they are great. Hammond’s is right on the main drag (67) in town, between the Galvanized Palace and the pawn shop. Loco Coyote, on the other hand is way out there. Out of town, that is. This is definately not your typical city barbecue place. No, it’s more like a down-a-country-road barbecue place in rural Somervell County. From Glen Rose it’s 7.2 miles West on Highway 67. Turn right on County Road 1004.

Somervell County Picnic Area Number 50

This roadside park is west from Glen Rose Texas on US Highway 67. There’s really nothing there except the view and usually a cool breeze. It’s an odd thing to include, but it’s a popular place to stop. These parks dot the landscape all across Texas. Located eight or nine miles west of Glen Rose Texas on Highway 67.

Ruins and Buildings Constructed of Petrified Wood

Petrified wood, a form of fossilized wood, is used in older buildings throughout the Glen Rose area. The gazebo and star fountain on the town square incorporate this stone. A little further up Barnard street there’s an old building built from petrified wood that today houses an art gallery. As you travel the Glen Rose area, watch for this unusual building material in older buildings.

Glen Rose Texas Short Stays

A couple years back I wrote a guide to Glen Rose for people just passing through. Some of the information is already covered here, but if your just passing through, you might want to take a look at this drive by destination article for the Glen Rose area.

What’s Close By

The Windmill Farm in Tolar Texas is as uncomplicated as it could be. No entry fee, more than 40 windmills on 26 acres. They’re not really selling anything. It’s more like an open invitation to view a private collection of vintage windmills. They also have several cabins you can rent.

Rough Creek Lodge is near Glen Rose. If you want to stay at a world class resort while visiting the Glen Rose area, this may be what your looking for. Also a very classy place for a wedding, by the way.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is in reality another key attraction of the Glen Rose area. Certainly not for everybody. The place is an exotic wildlife ranch, lodge, summer camp, and a not-for-profit 501(c)3 entity specializing in captive breeding for indigenous and exotic endangered and threatened species. If your an outdoors kind of person, of if you want to know more about exotic animals, this is for you.

For some a vacation isn’t complete without a round or two of golf. Squaw Valley Golf Course is the golf course in Glen Rose.

If the trip isn’t complete unless you went fishing at least once then Squaw Creek Park may be for you.

Where

Glen Rose Texas

Aside

If your aware of attractions in the Glen Rose that should be included here or if you own an attraction and would like to be included in this guide, please contact us.

Gallery

At about 9:00 AM we found ourselves at the front doors of Mission Concepcion. The National Park Service ranger had assured us the building was unlocked so we opened the door and walked in. What we found was the church congregation preparing for Sunday worship service. A very kind woman assured us we were welcome to stay and look around for a few minutes before the church service began. All the San Antonio Missions are active churches.

We returned to San Antonio to spend two days dedicated to seeing the other missions. The images here are from that trip. I’m going to resist the temptation to tell you anything about the missions. The National Park Service Web site does a great job of that. I will tell you that I was impressed with the history of this holy place. These have to be the oldest active churches in the state. Don’t wait until the last day of your trip to visit them.

More Information

National Park Service – San Antonio Missions
http://www.nps.gov/saan/

County: Bexas

Copyright © 2009 by Sam Fenstermacher
All rights reserved

In a previous post I talked about several old town squares in the heart of Northwest Arkansas, and I concluded with the Rogers Historic District and Scenic Highway 12. That’s where I begin this post.

Scenic Highway 12 in Northwest Arkansas passes through Rogers Arkansas and then through some truly beautiful Ozark countryside. Just the scenery makes this road a good choice for those heading east to destinations like Eureka Springs and the Buffalo River. As you drive out of Rogers you pass through the beautiful country surrounding Beaver Lake. The views of the lake are at time dramatic. Beaver Lake is huge and if your a water sports person or have a boat or personal water craft, this is a lake worth researching.

As you push on a little further the road starts winding as it climbs through the Ozark Mountains. Again, the views are beautiful. For a while your passing through the Hobbs State Park Conservation Area. The area is so inviting that I stopped to walk the Historic Van Winkle Trail. Not much of a hike but plenty of fun and a great way to spend a little more time in the area.

The War Eagle Mill is just a bit out of the park on War Eagle Road. This is an interesting place, and well worth a stop to see. It’s a working water powered grist mill, the forth mill built at this location, on the War Eagle River.

The first mill was built in the 1830′s by Sylvanus Blackburn, but washed away in 1848. The second mill was burned by order of a Confederate general to prevent the Union Army’s capture and use of the mill. James A.C. Blackburn, son of Sylvanus, reconstructed a third mill in 1873. The current mill was built in 1973 by Jewell A. and Leta Medlin and Zoe Medlin Caywood on the original site and foundation and is intended to be an authentic reproduction of the 1873 mill.

Reproduction or not this is a very realistic example of an old grist mill. The power for the stone buhr grinders inside the War Eagle mill comes from an 18-foot undershot waterwheel driven by the waters of the War Eagle River. I’d been through mills like this before, but never had I seen one work before. When the belts are turning and the grinder is grinding and the flower is flowing into the bag, the experience comes alive. Forget your imagination, this place really works.

They sell flowers and meals ground on site along with other crafts and souvenirs. On the top floor of the mill there’s the Bean Palace Restaurant where they serve foods authentic to the region and time of the earlier mills.

The War Eagle Mill and its surroundings are interesting. The area is beautiful. There’s an old metal bridge across the War Eagle River in front of the mill. You can walk along the banks of the river for an alternative perspective and a better view of the undershot water wheel.

War Eagle is a ghost town and you may find other items of interest. I hope you enjoy the War Eagle Mill.

After seeing all the mill has to offer it’s back on Scenic Highway 12 heading east, and you needing to choose between several great destinations. Head north on Highway 23 and end up in Eureka Springs. Or, head off south on Highway 23, travel the back roads for more beautiful cruising time and end up in Lost Valley. Here you find yourself at the furthest western reaches of the Buffalo National River (U.S. Nation Park Service). As the name implies, the river is the attraction, but the rugged natural beauty of the area is equally spectacular. Anyway you go, it’s a great ride.

War Eagle Arkansas

County: Benton

Copyright © 2008 by Sam Fenstermacher
All rights reserved

History of Somervell County and Glen Rose

Around 1860 Charles and Juana Barnard built a three story stone gristmill along the Paluxy River. The town that eventually grew around the mill was called Barnard’s Mill. In 1871 T.C. Jordan, bought the mill and surrounding land from Charles Barnard. Mrs. T.C. Jordan called the area around Barnard’s Mill Rose Glen as a reminder of her native Scotland. Years later the town’s people voted to rename the town Glen Rose. The town of Glen Rose is the county seat for Somervell County. The county was formed in 1875 from about 200 square miles of land previously part of Hood County. The county name honors Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Somervell.

By 1876 the town population grew sufficiently that T.C. Jordan believed the time was ripe to build a town square. Jordan promised to build a county courthouse if some of the town’s citizens would buy property around the square.

Historic Courthouses

The first courthouse on the square was completed around 1892 and burned down in 1893. Second courthouse on the square, the present day structure, was ordered built by the commissioners’ court in 1893 and completed late in the same year for a cost of $13,500. This courthouse employed elements of the Romanesque Revival architectural style, and also featured a mansard roof treatment and ornamental iron crestings which are characteristic of the General Grant style. The courthouse was constructed of locally queried limestone.

In 1902 a tornado damaged this courthouse and many other buildings on the town square. The courthouse roof and clock tower were severely damaged. At that time, the small rural county didn’t have the financial resources to properly repair the roof or replace the clock tower. A modest roof repair was made by local craftsmen which omitted the clock and some of the ornate details of the original roof.

In 1986 the Somervell County Commissioners’ Court voted to restore the county courthouse. The work was completed by Ray J. Miller Construction Company of Meridian under the direction of architects Huckabee and Donham of Stephenville, Texas. Final cost of restoring the building was $601,111.20. Today, the courthouse building is occupied by the Somervell County Historical Commission and serves as an information center

Town Square

The courthouse square, much like the courthouse building, is modest in size. The two most notable buildings on the square are the First National Bank Building and the Campbell Building.

The square has been a popular gathering place for Somervell residents since the late 1880′s. Back before cars and grocery stores, farmers would bring stock animals and other goods to the square to sell. That tradition is still alive and well today. Local farmers continue to bring fresh fruits, vegetables, and other items to the town square for sale. They set up on the west side of the square where there are benches and plenty of shade provided by old pecan trees. Glen Rose town square is a good place to stop and stretch. There are shops and restaurants and plenty of things to see.

Also on the square is the First National Bank Building. A limestone structure built in 1896 by A. P. Humphreys, it first served as a saloon. Upstairs hall hosted dances, socials, and stage shows. Building’s second purpose was as the First National Bank building, est. 1902. In 1917 the bank was the scene of a robbery and the shooting of a bandit. Today this building houses the Somervell County Heritage Center.

Barnard’s Mill

Early Texas gristmill, constructed in 1860 by Charles Barnard, is a block off the historic town square. The first permanent structure in this area, the original mill was a three story building constructed of stone and built like a fort to withstand Indian attacks. For years, town social events were held on the third floor. A cotton gin annex was added in 1895. In the 1940′s a one-story hospital wing was built and a second story added to the existing cotton gin annex. These buildings served as a hospital from 1943 to 1971. Today, the three story mill building and cotton gin annex are open for tours. The hospital wing added in the 1940′s today houses the Barnard’s Mill Art Museum. Ask for details at the courthouse. Admission free.

Glen Rose has several other attractions. The Promise, an epic Musical drama of the life of Christ. Dinosaur Valley State Park, one of the most popular parks in the state of Texas. The Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, The Creation Evidence Museum, and there are a few others.

Location

Corner Elm and Barnard Streets
Glen Rose Texas, 76043

County: Somervell
Map

Bibliographic note:
Leach, Dorothy, The Story of The Somervell County Courthouse. Somervell: Somervell Historical Commission, 1987.
Texas Historical Commission, Texas Historic Sites Atlas. http://atlas.thc.state.tx.us/

Copyright © 2008 by Sam Fenstermacher
All rights reserved

Tyler Texas Azalea Trail

Each Spring in Tyler Texas, beautiful landscaped yards and gardens abound with colorful blooming Azaleas. Azaleas were first introduced to Tyler in 1929, but it wasn’t until 1960 that the Tyler Chamber of Commerce organized the event and started marking trails. Today there are eight miles of marked Azalea Trails passing by beautiful residential gardens and historic home sites.

Two Trails, the Dobbs and Lindsey Trails, wind through beautiful old residential neighborhoods. The trails extend a few blocks east and west of South Broadway Avenue. Signs for the trails start to appear just a few blocks after the Smith County Courthouse, as you travel south on Broadway Avenue.

The trails are organized to minimize traffic congestion. Some parts of the trails are very walkable, and some homes and gardens are actually open for touring. Certain homes along the trails are attended by young ladies attired in Antebellum Period clothing.

Besides the Azalea Trails, consider a visit to the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden and the Rose Museum. As the name implies, it is a rose garden, but they also have a nice display of Azaleas.

Azaleas were introduced to Tyler in 1929 by Maurice Shamburger. Pleased with results of a test garden of Azaleas, Mr. Shamburger shipped the colorful plants to Tyler, by the boxcar load, from Georgia.

Maurice Shamburger then shared his enthusiasm for Azaleas with Mrs. Sara Butler of the Tyler Courier Times Telegraph. Mrs. Butler encouraged Shamburger to promote Azalea plantings in the city, and planted a number of Azalea bushes at her own home on Charnwood St.

That home site, along with several other gardens on Lindsey Lane, soon became springtime showplaces with their colorful Azalea blooms, and the people of Tyler began buying the plants by the thousands. Some of the thick, towering Azaleas at older homes on the Trail of today, date back to the 1930′s and 1940′s.

By 1960, the blooming Azaleas were attracting much attention, and the first marked Azalea Trail was established by the Chamber of Commerce. The first trail featured about 60 homes on a five-mile route.

The Azalea Trail in Tyler was an instant success. Within two years it had expanded to 75 homes and was attracting 15,000 visitors. In 1964, 25,000 people came to see the Azaleas. In 1986 the trail expanded to two miles and as of 2004 the Azalea Trail stretches eight miles and attracts over 100,000 visitors.

The homeowners in the neighborhoods along the Azalea Trail make this event the success it is. They spend countless hours making sure their yards are absolutely gorgeous, just in time for the annual Azalea Trail.

The Tyler Azalea Trail event has been featured in numerous newspapers and magazines, including Southern Living and Texas Highways.

Bibliographic note:
The information presented here was collected while visiting the town of Tyler Texas in the Spring of 2006. Information on the history of the event was extracted from the Visit Tyler Web site.

Contact

315 N. Broadway Avenue
Tyler, Texas 75701
(800) 235-5712

County: Smith
Map

Copyright © 2008 by Sam Fenstermacher
All rights reserved