HISTORIC HOME TOUR
& HOLIDAY MARKET
GILLESPIE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
64th ANNUAL HOME TOUR
Welcome to A WALK THROUGH TIME showcasing the evolution of architecture in Fredericksburg. The first of five types of homes featured on the tour, the Pioneer homes, were preceded only by the log houses that the immigrants first built out of necessity in 1846. A decade or more later, the frugal settlers built sturdy rock or stone houses. In the vernacular speech of Fredericksburg, a house may be built of stone, but is still a “rock house” And is often associated with the pioneering period. The abundance of limestone quarried in the area was a natural choice for the walls of early homes which were one story, a story and a half or two stories. Many of these homes have survived and appeal once more to the recent homebuyers’ market, history buffs and visitors alike. In the last quarter of the 19th century the Germans embraced the Victorian style. The increasing availability of mill-sawn lumber and industrially made parts like doors, windows, tin roofs, nails, hinges and light fixtures and ease of transport of these items to the Hill Country from Austin and San Antonio affected the construction of these newer, grander homes. The Queen Anne style or the Arts and Crafts style, often referred to as bungalows, were built in the early 1900s. Characterized by deep porches, large fireplaces, and built-in cabinetry, this style rose in popularity in Fredericksburg as young people returned home after studying architecture in out of town colleges. Unfortunately, the enthusiasm also contributed to the demolition of older homes in favor of bungalows designed by these young architects. By the mid twentieth century, the enthusiasm for progress became the center of new construction. Thus, the development of modern architecture for Texas and Fredericksburg. As the town and county have grown the old and the new have tastefully intertwined. Gillespie County Historical Society was founded in 1934 for the key reason of preserving the heritage of Fredericksburg and Gillespie County. Historic preservation is now a community-wide goal and source of pride. The City of Fredericksburg and Gillespie County Historic Review Boards have assumed primary management of preserving the homes you see on the tour today and their history but work in close conjunction with the Society.
2023 HOLIDAY MARKET
The Gillespie County Historical Society (GCHS) welcomes you to the 2023 Holiday Market being held in this historical building, often referred to as the Sanctuary and Social Hall. The Historical Society bought the building and property, which adjoins the Pioneer Museum grounds, from the First Methodist congregation on March 1, 1978 (today known as the United Methodist Church in Fredericksburg).
HOLIDAY MARKET VENDORS
Amy Tucker Studio
From New York City to Fredericksburg Texas, here she comes. Amy specializes in mixed media, fiber arts, jewelry, and photography. She has a passion and appreciation for indigenous crafts, both ancient and modern and appreciates those artisans who brought these treasurers to life.
Blue Chelsea Treasures
This Wimberley mother-daughter team create gorgeous and versatile handmade pieces with a wearability factor of the classic and chic, yet fun and a bit outrageous. Enhance your personal style with an acquisition made from vintage rhinestones, pearls, rusted metal, horn, bone and other natural elements.
Bunny Bradley Designs
Travel beautifully with Bunny. She lives in the Hill Country and specializes in luxury cosmetic bags, made in small batches. You will enjoy her incredible travel bags for yourself and for gifts. The fabrics are fabulous and so colorful you will want more than one item! All things made with love in Texas!
Candance Cline
From Hurst, Candace designs and constructs clothing from upscale fabrics such as linen, velvet and vintage laces and trims. She also has a collection of unique pins and jewelry made from vintage pieces, silks and velvets that complement her clothing.
Cartwheel Coffee
Drew Crocker is “Cartwheel Coffee” and while we won’t have his darling mobile coffee cart on wheels at the Market, we will have his delicious coffee available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit Gillespie County Historical Society/Pioneer Museum.
Catherine Massaro
Catherine has traveled and lived all over but currently finds herself in Fredericksburg. Her art is inspired by her travels. Sometimes serious, sometimes whimsical. Beautiful art – always interesting and exciting. She is involved in the art of storytelling – artful storytelling. Any object that piques her interest can turn into a story that becomes a collage or an assemblage.
Chintz
Self-taught artist, Kathy Adams, from Bertram creates handcrafted jewelry from fused glass, vintage spoons, and whatever else she may find. Handmade felted accessories such as purses and whimsical Santa’s will also be available as well as home décor repurposed items.
Cotton Pickin’s Boutique & Market
Teresa Szostak is from Chappell Hill and brings to us fashionable and comfortable cotton and linen clothing as well as handcrafted Christmas trimmings. This is a great booth to search and find all kinds of items you “must have”.
Elegant Sheep Skins
Growing up on a ranch in West Texas was the beginning of Deb Hofmann’s love of everything to do with sheep, wool/leather and creating beautiful things. Today she utilizes not only sheepskin, but cowhide, linen, canvas etc. making one of a kind and made to order purses, tote bags and small leather goods. She resides in Fredericksburg.
Farmyard Fibers
Artisan Lori Welch is “Farmyard Fibers”. This fiber artist specializes in making animals to scale with wire armatures which are posable. These works of art are critters of our world - from tiny creatures to some which are life size. Her creations are so realistic you will be giving them names and find yourself talking to them.
Lady Lavender’s Garden
A small apothecary business owned by Stephanie West who comes to us from the Llano area. It is said that she harnesses the healing power of herbs, flowers, and roots to create products which help us all feel better, specializing in pain relief. Testers are available for all her products. I think you are going to like Stephanie and her magic potions. Be sure you take time to say hello!
Mud Magic Art
Hand thrown pottery with a Texas Hill Country flair! From Bandera, Vicky Phillips began her journey in a high school art class and has never looked back. She built her own house and is a woman of many talents. Her Glazes are not only beautiful, but they are food, oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe. In other words; Functional Art! Plus, she mixes sculptured handles to her wheel thrown work for a unique look.
Mac’n Wag’n
A food truck with all things delicious! How can you go wrong with Mac&Cheese? Plan to have lunch or just snack all day on whatever you can imagine included with your favorite comfort food. They will be located outside the doors to the Social Hall on the Pioneer Museum Campus. Shop a bit and eat a bit, maybe try the “Machos” (nachos and mac with your pick of toppings. What more could you ask for on a Saturday in November?
No Boys Allowed
A curated selection of one-of-a-kind wearable art. Hats, skirts, and flannel shirts. All made by Kathy on her front porch. A longtime resident of the Texas Hill Country, she sources the world looking for fabrics, hats, and findings. Bringing them home to create unique and beautiful garments just for you. It's all about the entrance ladies!
Old Stone Market
Be sure to stop and shop at Karen Vaucher’s booth, Old Stone Market. She resides in the Harper area (by way of New York City) and specializes in Black Pepper from Madagascar – the best in the world! And of course, has other spices for you to choose from such as sea salts, Herbs de Provence and many different dry rubs and Quebec Steak Seasoning. Thinking about Christmas? How about hand-made Pepper and Salt mills from Greece? A gift for you and one for a friend!
Other Mother
Happy Gut. Happy You! That’s Lisa Bullion’s motto for her Other Mother live vinegar. Lisa and her husband David live here in Fredericksburg and together have created a feel good, tastes good business. There are four flavors of Other Mother to boost your microbiome, Beet, Ginger, Turmeric and Raspberry. Stop by her booth for a Shrub Shot! You’re going to love her product.
Plata del Carmen
Specializing in fine Mexican silver jewelry available in traditional, original Taxco designs from throughout Mexico. You are bound to find a treasure from Carmen you can’t live without!
Rocky Top Sauces
Michael Curry of Fredericksburg has been making hot sauce in his kitchen for 20+ years. Now it’s available to the public. He uses the finest organic and non-GMO ingredients. He also creates condiments, ‘Mi Carne’ and organic spice rubs and seasonings. Michael contributes part of his proceeds to the Central Texas Food Bank.
Ruby Lee’s Creations
Fredericksburg artist will showcase her charming Hill Country landscapes as well as her distinct hand-painted silk scarves. Do not miss Ruby Lee’s booth!
THC Woodturning & Piece Movement
Father/Daughter duo working in different mediums, using found materials to reimagine new forms. Stunning one of a kind wooden vessels and gifts crafted by Tom Canfield of Fredericksburg from mostly locally sourced materials. Hand turned originals to collect or use every day. And in addition, utterly unique quilts and soft objects assembled by Catherine Canfield Sherman to bring tidings of comfort and JOY.
Things In A Room
Delightful women’s and children’s clothing and accessories for the home. Fabrics for quilts and pillows, holiday trinkets and linens, plus creations of jewelry by a local artisan. All are the vision of this hometown German artist whose world is a winsome array of colors and fun.
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Is the Museum an indoor or outdoor experience?Much of the Pioneer Museum experience is outdoors. Sunscreen and bug spray recommended. Umbrellas and handfans are available for guests.
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What are your hours?Pioneer Museum / Vereins Kirche Museum Monday – Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Historic Jail 1st Saturday of Each Month 10 AM – 3 PM Schandua House Special events only. Occasions will be listed on Events page Marschall-Meusebach Cemetary Not open to the public.
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Where can I purchase tickets? Admission price?Pioneer Museum / Vereins Kirche Museum Admission $12.00 – Adult $5.00 – Students (Under 5 Free) $7.00 – Senior and Military Day Pass may be purchased same day as visit at the Pioneer Museum Store, located at 325 W Main Street, Fredericksburg, and includes entrance to the Pioneer Museum, Vereins Kirche Museum, and Historic Jail when open for programs. Historic Jail Admission $5 – General Admission (Ages 6 & Up) Free – Ages 5 & Under Day Pass may be purchased same day as visit at the Pioneer Museum Store and includes entrance to the Pioneer Museum, Vereins Kirche Museum, and Historic Jail when open for programs. Purchased separately with cash at the jail or online. Click here to purchase Schandua House Special events only. Occasions will be listed on Events page Marschall-Meusebach Cemetary Not open to the public.
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Can I leave and come back later that day with a Day Pass ticket?Absolutely! Once you have purchased a Day Pass ticket, your ticket is valid all day at Pioneer Museum, Vereins Kirche Museum and Historic Jail (Jail open 1st Saturday of each month).
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Where do I park?There are no designated Museum parking lots. Public parking is free and available at each museum location.
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Are food and drinks allowed in the Museum?No outside food and drinks are allowed on the grounds. Water in closed containers is allowed.
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Can I purchase tickets for a later date?Day Pass may be purchased same day as visit at the Pioneer Museum Store, located at 325 W Main Street, Fredericksburg, and includes entrance to the Pioneer Museum, Vereins Kirche Museum, and Historic Jail when open for programs. All tickets are sold day of visit except for programs and special events which are sold online.
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Is there a place to store coats, bags or luggage?No. The Museum does not have a coat check or storage area for personal belongings. As you prepare for your visit, keep in mind you will be responsible for keeping/carrying all personal items. Luggage and larger bags are not allowed in the Museum.
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Is there a lost and found?Yes, there is a lost and found. However, it is not directly accessible to the public. If you believe you have left an item here, please contact 830-990-8441 or notify another staff member.
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Are animals allowed in the Museum?No pets. ADA Service animals welcome.
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Are firearms, or weapons of any kind, allowed in the Pioneer Museum?No. The Pioneer Museum is a weapon-free facility. As an educational institution with numerous school and educational groups and activities on Museum property, weapons are prohibited from the property pursuant to Section 46.03 of the Texas Penal Code. Additionally, pursuant to Texas Penal Code Sections 30.06 and 30.07, we have posted legal signage notifying the public that we do not permit concealed or openly carried handguns in our facility. This applies to all employees, volunteers, guests and vendors. Licensed peace officers, upon providing for inspection an identification card issued by the law enforcement agency or other governmental entity that appoints or employs the peace officer, may carry their duty firearms when visiting the Pioneer Museum.
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Do you have a guest code of conduct?We’re so glad you asked! We want each visit to be as fun (and safe) as possible. To ensure that all guests have a safe, enjoyable and fun experience at the Pioneer Museum, please cooperate with these guidelines: Treat exhibits with respect to keep them in pristine condition for your future visits and the enjoyment of others. The Museum is a non-smoking facility. Smoking of any kind, including electronic cigarettes, is prohibited on Museum grounds. This is a family-friendly environment. Proper attire, including shirts, pants and shoes, are required at all times. Group Tours: We have found that children below the age of 5 do not do well with our interpretation/exhibits on a Group Tour, so we request that you consider 5 to be the minimum age as part of any Group Tour. Obviously, babes-in-arms are always welcome.
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Do you have an ATM?There is no ATM on Museum grounds. ATMs are located near the Museums in the downtown MarktPlazt and area banks.
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Do you have a restaurant?We do not have a restaurant on premises. The Museum store sells bottled water.
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Do you have a retail store?Yes! Be sure to stop by to take home a special reminder of your visit. The Pioneer Museum store offers a unique and varied selection of historical books by authors from the Texas Hill Country and beyond. It also features a variety of local-made sauces, jams, candles and more, as well as Texas-themed home decor, aprons, hand towels, pillows, signs, toys, and logo memorabilia.
SPECIAL THANKS
James Fox has been our Home Tour home photographer for more than 20 years. He has taken the photos of the homes that have appeared in our Home Tour booklets, Fredericksburg Standard and currently, in our online booklet. He and his wife Crystal are leaving the Fredericksburg area, end of 2023, to be closer to family. They opened their own new home for the Tour in 1997. As it turned out, the home and decor were not quite finished by the Tour that Saturday. Jim, along with a good friend, finished the fireplace that Friday evening. The master bedroom mattress lay on the floor as the bed frame had not yet arrived. We will miss them both for their talents, time and contributions to our community.
Pat Sreenan produces pen and ink drawings of each home that are gifted to the homeowners each year. This is a wonderful keepsake from the Gillespie County Historical Society to the homeowners for opening their homes for the tour. Visit www.patsreenan.com to see his architectural drawings and watercolors.