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Rarely-seen photos and
household items from Fredericksburg's past were on display to the
public during this year's Founders Fest, a ceremony and social to honor
hill country settlers, on Saturday, May 10, 2008.
According to Natasha Adkins,
curator of the Gillespie County Historical Society, this was the
first time for many newcomers to the area to view these items that give
a glimpse into the daily lives of local pioneers.
"We have interesting old
farm tools, a collection of gorgeous ladies' hats, and a 365-year-old
Bible that is absolutely stunning," Adkins said. "Local residents may
have seen these items, but it has been a while since they were
displayed. Newcomers have never seen them."
She also selected samples
from the collection of 200,000 photos archived at the museum, including
views showing how Main Street has changed over the years.
The event met at 3 p.m. on
Saturday in front of the Vereins Kirche on Markplatz in downtown
Fredericksburg. The program included speeches, a reenactment, and the
laying of a wreath at the bust of John O. Meusebach, founder of
Fredericksburg.
Following the ceremony, the
public was invited to gather up the street at the Pioneer Museum for a
social from 4 to 6 p.m. Guests enjoyed beer, wine, snacks, and live
accordion music. The public was free to enter the Pioneer Museum’s
3.5-acre site and tour the nine buildings, including one of the first
stores in Fredericksburg, a smokehouse, blacksmith shop, and an original
Sunday House.
The Gillespie County
Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is
to preserve historic sites and objects in Gillespie County, while
promoting interest in Texas history. More information is available by
calling (830) 997-2835.
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Natasha Adkins, curator, shows some of the items
she placed on display for visitors at Founders Fest, the second
Saturday of May. |
