Things To Do

A Pine Island Star Reporter Exclusive

Pine Island Star Reporter


PAGE V

The Waller County Things To Do Page



Although Waller County Is a small county, over shadowed by Houston and it's major entertainment's, there are still many things to do besides watch TV.



  1. HISTORICAL LANDMARKS

  2. FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

  3. UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS

  4. DINNING OUT

  5. VISUAL ENTERTAINMENTS



HISTORICAL LANDMARKS



WALLER COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

The Waller County Historical Museum is located at 906 Cooper at Fifth St. in Brookshire. It is housed in the circa 1910 home built for Dr. Paul Donigan and his wife Rebeccah. Dr. Donigan was an Armenian-American physician.

The Waller County Commissioners Court bought the Donigan home from the Ollie Lorehns family on January 15, 1977. On June 20, 1977, the Waller County Historical Commission was appointed to oversee Restoration. In 1979, the museum opened with Mrs. Minnie Bains as director for 10 years. She was followed by Mrs. Myrtle Ritchey and later by Mrs. Judy Robinson.

Exhibit rooms include the parlor, bedroom, dining room, and kitchen with period furnishings. The museum also includes historical artifacts and documents, oral histories and transcriptions, interesting old photographs plus a series of historical wall hangings. It also maintains a research library with newspapers and clippings of pertinent historical facts of Waller County along with a Gift Shop.

Admission is free, but donations are welcomed.

The museum is open on Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. The Museum's mail address is P. O. Box 1548, Brookshire, TX 77423. Their phone number is (281) 934-2826.

WALLER COUNTY HISTORICAL

SOCIETY PUBLICATIONS FOR SALE

Please call or write Museum for Availability and Postage & Handling information.

  • Directory of Historical Markers $3.50
  • Cotton Gins of Waller County $5.00
  • Former Post Offices of Waller County $??.00
  • A Directory of Cemeteries in Waller County $8.00
  • Waller County Whatnot $10.00
  • Early Rural Texas Seen through a Knothole $10.00
  • Salad Cookbook "A World Of Salads" $7.50
  • A History of Waller County Texas $15.00 "Limited Number"




THE LIENDO PLANTATION



Liendo is listed in both the State and National Historic Registers

Liendo Plantation was built in 1853 by Leonard Waller Groce, the son of Jared Groce, who was one of the largest most respected land owners in Texas. Originally a Spanish land grant of 67,000 acres assigned to Justo Liendo, the plantation's name-sake, Liendo was one of Texas' earliest cotton plantations. It was considered the social center of Texas receiving and lavishly entertaining early Texas dignitaries and notoriety's. Liendo was considered a typical Southern plantation, having over 300 slaves and being itself built by slave labor. Sufficient in all its needs; it was a self contained community. Like most Southern plantations, however, Liendo fell on hard times after the Civil War and changed owners several times thereafter.

Liendo had always been recognized for its warm Southern hospitality, but few people know that this same tradition of generosity probably saved it from destruction. Among the more notable statesmen and historical figures that have spent time at Liendo was George A. Custer. At the end of the Civil War, he was stationed at Liendo. It is said that both Mr. Custer and his wife were so impressed with the plantation and the gracious hospitality shown them during their stay, that they made sure Liendo was not harmed in any way in appreciation.

Liendo was also occupied by world renowned sculptress Elisabet Ney and her husband Dr. Edmond Montgomery from 1873 to 1911. She and her husband had immigrated years before from Europe to the United States but had never found a new home until they found Liendo. It is reported that she, upon arriving at Liendo, walked out on the balcony, threw out her arms and said "This is where I will live and die:' She lived out her life at Liendo, commuting to her art studio in Austin. She and Dr. Montgomery are buried on the Plantation grounds. She sculpted many notable works, two of her most recognized pieces being the statues of Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston which now stand in the state capitol.

In 1960 Carl and Phyllis Detering purchased Liendo from Miss Willene Compton and began their 10 year job of restoring the plantation home. Traveling throughout the deep South and Europe, the Deterings acquired period furnishings and faithfully restored Liendo to its former glory. Liendo is recognized as a Texas historic landmark and is listed on the national register of historic places. Today, Will Detering owns and operates Liendo Plantation and continues the work of preserving and sharing this Texas landmark.

Liendo is open for public viewing the first Saturday of most months. An admission fee of $7.00 is charged (seniors, groups and students $5.00). Tours begin at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. Volunteer docents familiar with the rich history of Texas and Liendo lead guests through this historic landmark.

Special group tours are available with some requirements and advance notice. (Also available to a group tour is a selection of box lunches that can be enjoyed on the grounds or on the way to their next destination. Please ask for details.)

At the conclusion of tours, guests are invited to visit Liendo's restaurant and gift shop in downtown Hempstead to dine or to enjoy gift items unique to Texas.

Liendo is located approximately 1 hour from Houston one mile N.E. of US 290 off 1488 on Wyatt Chapel Rd.

Union Prisoner Of War Cemetery

Located at Austin Branch at Sorsby Road - A historical monument marks the site.

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FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

The Old South Festival

The Old South Festival is held annually the third weekend in April at the Liendo Plantation. Home tours, folk life demonstrations, and local entertainment are some of the weekend's attractions. Craft venders and children's activities make this an event for the whole family to enjoy.


4th Of July Celebration

Annual professional fireworks display held at the Hempstead City Park. For more information please call City Hall 979-826-2486.

Watermelon Festival

Third Saturday in July. Parade begins at 10:00 a.m., Opening Ceremonies at 11:00 am. Activities include antique car show, daytime entertainment, craft booths, watermelon seed spitting contest, food booths watermelon eating contest, watermelon auction and street dances. For more information please call Chamber of Commerce 979-826-8217.

Waller County Fair

First week-end in October. Livestock judging, rodeo, dances and carnival are some of the exciting attractions awaiting visitors to the fair. For more information please call Waller Co. Fair Association 979-826-2825.

Festival of Lights

Second Saturday in December. Features a parade and seasonal entertainment. For more information please call Chamber of Commerce 979-826-8217

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VISUAL ENTERTAINMENTS

Movie Theaters

  • Hempstead Theater - 740 12th St. - Hempstead
  • Westwood Cinema III - 2100 Hwy. 290 W. - Brenham

    Video Rental

  • Harlan's Supermarket - 31315 FM 2920 - Waller
  • Showtime Video and Pizza - Waller Village Center (FM 2920) - Waller
  • Vido Presents - 915 12th St. - Hempstead

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  • DINNING OUT IN WALLER COUNTY

    HEMPSTEAD

    Fast Food

  • Dairy Queen
  • Hartz Chicken Buffet - 460 Business Hwy. 290
  • Lewis Deli - Business Hwy. 290 North
  • McDonalds - 1005 Austin
  • Pizza Hut - 637 Business Hwy. 290
  • Sonic - 225 Austin (Business Hwy. 290)
  • Simple Simon Pizzas - 646 10th (Business Hwy. 290)
  • Subway - Hwy 290 E. (Next to Brookshire Bros. Grocery)
  • Zach's Deli - 805 Factory Outlet Mall

    Restaurants

  • Eckermann's Bar-B-Que - 204 Austin (Business Hwy. 290)
  • Guadalajara - 204 Austin (Business Hwy. 290)
  • Guana Juato Mexican Restaurant - 601 10th St.
  • Julio's - 425 FM 1488
  • Liendo's Plantation Tea Room - 308 10 th St.
  • Snowflake Douts & Seafood Restaurant - 735 10th Street
  • Tai-Yan Chinese Restaurant - 735 10th Street

    WALLER

    Fast Food

  • Jack In The Box - Hwy 290 and FM 2920
  • Ranchito Taqueria - 31317 FM 2920
  • Sonic - 40100 Austin (Business Hwy. 290)

    Restaurants

  • The Hill Bar and Grill - 33111 Haley (Off FM 362)
  • Black Canyon Express - Business Hwy. 290
  • Stockman's Restaurant - 2014 Business Hwy. 290

    BROOKSHIRE

  • The Old Gin -

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    UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS

    Bluebonnets - The gently rolling country side blooms with native wildflowers in season. Call the Chamber for more information 979-826-8217.

    Bomber Field - FM 1887 12 miles southeast of Hempstead.
    Radio-controlled model aircraft flying site.

    Lawrence Marshall Family Recreation Center -Business Hwy. 290 West
    The Marshall family invites your family to one of the nicest family recreation centers in Texas. A new facility built for family fun. No alcoholic beverages allowed. Activities available are: Golf; Tennis, Swimming, Basketball, Volleyball, Fishing, and Picnic Areas. Reception rooms available. For more information 979-8264001.

    Waller County Library - 233111th Street.
    This modern library provides information on Hempstead and surrounding communities. 979-826-8335

    Ultralite � Highway 290 west of Hempstead
    Ultralight Training Center, Single Seat Rentals, New and Used Consignment Sales and Classes 979-921-0001

    Hempstead City Park - Blasingame Road
    Features baseball fields, playgrounds, covered pavilion, soccer fields, and volleyball. For more information please call Hempstead City Hall 979-826-2486.

    Dilorio Farms & Roadside Market. � Business 290 East.
    This colorful farmers market features a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables year-round. Also visit Dilorio Flower and Gift Shop. 979-826-2688 or 1-800-460-2688.

    Fraziers Ornamental & Architectural Concrete - Business 290 East.
    A visit to Frazier's is sure to stimulate the imagination. Water gardens, ancient sundials, gothic gargoyles, and exotic statuary abound. 979-826-6760

    Factory Outlet Stores of America - Business 290 West.
    This factory outlet mall offers everything from jeans to lingerie, to shoes and everything in between at discount prices. 979-826-8277

    Gurrola's Produce - Business 290 North.
    Hempstead is the place to find farm fresh produce. Gurrola's open air market offers a succulent election of locally grown favorites. 979-826-8377

    Machac Fish Farm � Hwy 290 West to US 6 North.
    15 acres of Bass lake fishing (catch & release) & and a 10 � acre lake of catfish (catch & release or keep). For admission information please call 979-826-4128.

    Peckerwood Gardens � 1 3/4 miles South of Hwy. 290 FM 359
    19 acre garden is a lush wonderland of trees, shrubs, vines and many rare and endangered species. 979-826-3232

    Yucca Do Nursery � 2 miles South of Hwy. 290 on FM 359 at FM 3346
    Commercial, mail-order nursery. Many of the plants collected in Mexico and grown in Peckerwood Garden are offered through the nursery. 979-8264580

    Lawrence Marshall Antique Cars � Hwy. 290 1 mile West of Hempstead
    A museum of antique cars. offers any vintage of cars/trucks for sale. 290W 979-826-2277



  • "PINE ISLAND, TEXAS"
    Copyright � 1993 by John W. Daut.

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