by

The Painted Church of Dubina

Dubina bears the distinction of being the first Czech settlement in the Lone Star State. In 1856, a group of Czech settlers arrived in the area on a cold November day. A fierce norther and freezing rain forced these pioneers to seek shelter under a grove of large oak trees. Soaked with rain and at the mercy of the weather, the men built a huge fire under the protective branches of the trees. No one slept that night, but all survived.

The settlers remained in the area, built homes, and planted crops. They named their community Navidad after the nearby Navidad River. They later changed the name to Bohemian Navidad. The name was later changed again to Dubina in recognition of the oaks that had sheltered the first settlers. Dubina is the Czech word for oak grove.

Building a house of worship was a priority for these early Czech settlers who had a deep faith in God. They built their first church in 1877 on land donated by Joseph Peter. The steeple of this church was topped with an iron cross made by Tom Lee, a freed slave who worked for Peter as a blacksmith. Sadly, this church was destroyed by a hurricane in 1909. The iron cross fashioned by Lee was salvaged from the debris.
Dubina Church SideviewAfter their first church was destroyed, the community raised funds to build a new church. They hired the German architect Leo Dielmann to design the new structure. By 1911, Dubina had a new place of worship and Tom Lee’s cross once again stood atop the steeple. The interior was painted with beautiful frescos and motifs of vines, oak leaves, and angels. Unfortunately, in the 1950s, the ornate interior was whitewashed.
Dubina Church InteriorIn 1983, Judge Ed Janeckas and Butch Koenig, led efforts to restore the church. Judge Janeckas had served as an altar boy at the church and recalled seeing faint traces of the original artwork beneath the whitewash. These original designs were uncovered during the renovation and restored using some of the original stencils.
Dubina Church Front ViewToday, Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church of Dubina stands as an enduring reminder of the early settlers strong faith in God and their determination to begin new lives in the Lone Star State. You can see the church standing proud against the Texas sky as you approach Dubina.
Dubina Church CrossThe front doors of the church are open during the week but entrance to the main sanctuary is blocked by an iron gate. Guests can see the interior through the gate but can have access to the interior on Sunday and through the painted churches tour offered by the Schulenberg Chamber of Commerce.

by

Sparkle’s Hamburger Spot

A friend recently encouraged me to eat at Sparkle’s Hamburger Spot — a tiny burger joint with a big reputation for serving tasty burgers in Houston. Sparkle’s is located at the corner of Leeland and Dowling, just east of Houston’s historic Eastwood neighborhood. Housed in a small building flanked by picnic tables and a shade tree, Sparkle’s has a very reasonably priced breakfast and lunch menu.
Sparkle's Hamburger SpotI ordered the bacon cheeseburger with a side order of onion rings at the walk-up window. The young lady who took my order was friendly and helpful. Everything at Sparkle’s is made-to-order, so the service is not fast. They wait until you place your order to start cooking. Once I placed my order, I joined the dozen other folks sitting around the picnic tables, patiently waiting to hear their number called. Those who had phoned in their orders did not have as long to wait.
Sparkle's Walk-Up WindowI have to confess that waiting was the hardest part because I was so hungry. When the gal at the window finally called out Number 74, she handed me my burger in a white styrofoam box. I settled into a comfortable seat at the picnic tables and opened the box. Inside I found a healthy burger swaddled in paper along with a generous portion of onion rings.
Sparkle's BurgerThe burger was big — at least a half-pound and inch-thick crumbly patty cooked to perfection and topped with a generous portion of cheese and bacon. The mustard and mayo slathered buns created the perfect embrace for the meat. When it comes to burgers, it generally doesn’t take more than one bite to conclude whether it’s good, bad, or downright nasty. One bite of this burger made every minute of the wait worth it all. Delicious, hearty, and flavor filled!
Sparkle's MenuIf you are looking for fancy, look elsewhere because there is nothing fancy about Sparkle’s. This place is about the food. They do burgers and they do them right! The folks on the other side of the walk-up window know what they are doing and they do it well. Sparkle’s has definitely earned its reputation as one of the best burger joints in their own neighborhood and beyond. And they have earned a spot on my own list of the best places to eat a burger in the Lone Star State.

by

Battleship Texas State Historic Site

There is a great line about history in Timeline, Michael Crichton’s science fiction novel about a group of history students who travel back in time to rescue their professor from 14th century France. One of the time-traveling students says, “Professor Johnston often said that if you didn’t know history, you didn’t know anything. You were a leaf that didn’t know it was part of a tree.”

I absolutely agree! Knowing history is important for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is to understand the context in which we live and how our lives fit into a larger narrative. When you think about it, our way of life is linked to the actions, good and bad, of those who came before us. History helps us to make sense of it all.
Battleship TexasTexas is indeed rich in history and blessed with historic sites throughout the state. These sites help preserve the fascinating history of the Lone Star State for our benefit and that of future generations. The Battleship Texas State Historic Site is one of my favorites. Battleship Texas, last of the world’s dreadnoughts, is permanently moored on Buffalo Bayou near the San Jacinto State Battleground Historic Site in La Porte.
Battleship Texas GunsBattleship Texas was commissioned on March 12, 1914. Once the most powerful weapon in the world, it is the only surviving battleship to have served in both world wars. Before the second world war, USS Texas became flagship of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. In World War 2, this big-gun battleship played a key role in bombing Nazi defenses in Normandy on D-Day. And, in all of her years of service through two world wars, the ship suffered only one combat fatality.
IMG_7473After her service, Battleship Texas was scheduled to be used as a bombing target. However, thanks to efforts on the part of some history-minded Texans, the ship was saved. The Navy towed the USS Texas from Hawkins Point, Baltimore to its present location along Houston’s ship channel to become the nation’s first permanent memorial battleship. She was officially transferred to the state in ceremonies at San Jacinto Battleground on April 21, 1948. That date is important because in 1836, Texans won the battle for Texas independence on April 21 at the Battle of San Jacinto.
Battleship Texas 3-Inch GunsToday, this historic site is maintained by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The site is open seven days a week from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Park personnel and volunteers are onboard the ship and available to answer questions or to guide you through the upper and lower decks. Believe me when I tell you that this is one fascinating tour.
Battleship Texas CrewAs you consider interesting things to do in the Lone Star State, make it a point to included a visit to Battleship Texas State Historic Site. You will definitely learn some new and interesting things. And you will walk away with a greater appreciation for those who served aboard this mighty ship that played a key role in helping to preserve our democratic way of life.

by

Hermann Sons Steak House

The city of Hondo has one of the most unusual welcome signs in the Lone Star State, or anywhere for that matter. The Hondo Lions Club erected the sign at the city limits in 1930 with the intention of slowing down motorists barreling down Highway 90. The first sign read “This Is God’s Country, Don’t Drive Through It Like Hell.” Because some of the town folk did not like the harsh tone of the sign, the word “please” was added in the 1940s.
Hondo SignLocal law enforcement could probably speak to the effectiveness of Hondo’s sign. I have certainly learned to respect the slower speed limits as I drive through smaller Texas towns like Hondo on my backroads adventures. There is, however, another sign in Hondo that has unquestionably caused many travelers through town to slow down and pull off the road — and that is the Hermann Sons Steak House sign.
Hermann Sons SteakhouseThe roots of this well-known steak house reach all the way back to 1937 when a fellow named Alvin Britsch opened a restaurant called The Bobcat Grill. The menu in those early days featured hamburgers, homemade chili, and Britsch’s famous “pepper steak.” Britsch later added steaks to the menu, inaugurating the start of the Hermann Sons Steak House. Today, a third generation of Alvin Britsch’s family owns and operates the steak house.
Hermann Sons InteriorI learned about this popular Hondo eatery from my wife Cheryl. Her family would eat at Hermann Sons every time they traveled to the Hill Country along Highway 90. Her favorite meal — the trademark pepper steak. This dish is more than a meal to Cheryl. It is a nostalgic reminder of happy days of traveling with her family. On our recent visit, Cheryl ordered the pepper steak without even glancing at the menu.
Hermann Sons Burger WrappedAs for me, I ordered a burger — in particular, the Big Tex Burger. This big burger is served on a deliciously moist sourdough bun. I added cheese and bacon to my order and a side order of onion rings. My burger arrived swaddled in a white wrapper with deliciously inviting onion rings on the side. I unwrapped the behemoth and cut it in half to make it easier to eat.
Hermann Sons Big Tex BurgerThe burger was absolutely delicious. The uneven and crumbly patty was cooked to perfection. The sourdough bun held the contents together well without falling apart. And the onion rings were oh-my-soul amazing. All of this and a cold glass of iced tea made for a perfect meal. I should also mention that the wait staff was friendly and attentive. A good meal and a friendly wait staff certainly make for a memorable dining experience.
Hermann Sons Burger CutIf you find yourself headed west of San Antonio on Highway 90 any time soon, make it a point to time your trip so that you can stop for lunch in Hondo. And remember — don’t drive like hell through Hondo. Instead slow down and pull into Hermann Sons Steak House and enjoy a heavenly good meal!

by

Seabourne Creek Nature Park

John Muir, America’s most influential naturalist and conservationist, dedicated his life to the preservation of open spaces. Muir observed, “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike.” Muir was right. We need open and green spaces where we can escape — places where, even if for a brief time, we can breathe slowly, walk in the presence of trees, and bathe our souls in the natural beauty that God created.

As cities areas grow, its important that city councils and developers factor in the preservation of green spaces. Green spaces are good for everybody. I recently listened to a report on NPR that said there is now so much concrete in Houston that in years to come temperatures will steadily rise in the Bayou City. All the more reason for cities big and small to take more intentional steps toward creating green spaces that thrive from heat rather than just reflect it.
Seabourne SignThe Seabourne Creek Nature Park in Rosenberg is a good example of a beautiful and inviting green space in the midst of a rapidly growing community. Located on Highway 36, this 164-acre nature park features well-maintained walking, jogging, and biking trails. The Coastal Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists has contributed to the maintenance of the park and the development of wetlands and prairie restoration areas.
Seabourne Butterfly GardenMembers of the Coastal Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists have also created a beautiful butterfly garden, labeled native plant species throughout the park, developed a native grassland demonstration area, and oversee the four-acre lake stocked with bass, perch, and catfish. The work and long-range plans of the chapter will only make Seabourne better and better in years to come.
Seabourne DucksOne of the best things about the park is that it is family friendly. This is a great place to take your kids to teach them about the beautiful variety of native plants. On my visit, I enjoyed watching a dad and his young daughter feeding the ducks. There are benches at intervals around the lake where you and your kids can sit and enjoy the wildlife or one of our spectacular Texas sunsets.
Seabourne Trail SignThe crushed gravel trails are wide and open to hiking, jogging, and biking. No danger that you will get lost here. Everything is clearly marked. There is an adjacent sports area with a frisbee golf course and baseball and soccer fields. And, as an added bonus, there are actually  clean restrooms on site.
Seabourne Pollinator SignTake a note pad with you if you want ideas about what you will need in order to plant your own butterfly garden or other types of gardens that attract butterflies and birds. Every plant in these gardens is identified by a marker. The various information signs help to make a visit to the park educational.
Seabourne MapKudos to the City of Rosenberg and their partnership with Texas Master Naturalists to ensure that Seabourne Creek Nature Park remains a family friendly place that residents and guests can enjoy for years to come.

by

Campfire Conversations

The humble campfire, associated with cowboys and cattle drives, can still play an important role in our lives. I learned the art of building a campfire in my days as a Boy Scout — a skill that has served me well through the years on many of my outdoor adventures. On a recent cold-weather solo camping trip to Palmetto State Park, I set up my tent and then turned my attention to the important business of preparing my campfire.
Campfire AStarting with tinder and twigs, I progressively added the bigger stuff and finally topped everything off with the split logs I had brought with me. Of course, no fuel other than a match and tinder to start my fire. That’s the rule. But, when conditions are dry and you follow a tried and true fire-starting method it’s not hard to get a fire started with a match or two.
Campfire BI started my campfire just before sunset. A couple of matches and the flames started to peek out from my tinder bundle deep inside my teepee of firewood. Within minutes the fire was blazing. There is just something really inviting and comforting about campfires, especially on cold nights.

As I sat and watched the flames dancing around the logs I thought about Chuck Noland, the character that Tom Hanks played in Castaway. When Chuck finally succeeded in building a fire he cried out, “Aha. Look what I’ve created. I have made fire.” Ok, I know it’s a cheesy movie line but everything changed for Chuck when he succeeded in building a campfire.

I watched the soft glow of another campfire in the distance and could hear the muffled tones of conversation. Four friends were camping out and stayed up most of the night talking around their campfire. Reflecting on all of this led me to conclude that campfires are important because they bring people together and inevitably open them up to share their own stories.

I recently read about a lady who spent several weeks with a remote tribe. She chronicled conversations during the day and then at night around the campfire. She concluded that it was the evening campfire conversations that were the most important because that’s when the people sang songs and shared defining stories about their culture in the hearing of their children.
Cowboy CampfireI think that we lost something important when the humble campfire was replaced by technology. Families and neighbors no longer gather around campfires in the evenings. Instead many families go their separate ways in the evenings, each to their respective televisions or computers or smart phones or whatever — substitutes for campfires, stuff that robs us of opportunities to have conversations and share the stories that shape the next generation.
Waddie Mitchell Cowboy PoetWe need more campfires — opportunities to experience the warmth and tranquility they foster. We should gather together more often to share our stories in the hearing of our children, stories that will make them smile and wonder and dream and ask questions. Perhaps it’s time to consider how to revive the humble campfire in our high-tech world. It may just be the very thing we need in order to do a better job of inspiring, shaping, and passing along our values to the next generation.

by

Founders Memorial Cemetery

Cemeteries, with few exceptions, do not rank high on lists of places to visit. But, perhaps they should. Cemeteries, after all, are the resting places of those who, to whatever degree, have influenced the course of our own lives. If we look back and connect the dots, then the dots in our respective stories will eventually lead us back to a cemetery — perhaps to the grave of a family member or a friend or some historical figure whose life had a far-reaching impact.
Founders Memorial CemeteryThe Founders Memorial Cemetery is the oldest burial ground in Houston and certainly one of the most interesting. Dedicated by the city as a memorial park in 1836, this tranquil two-acre cemetery is the final resting place of several figures important to the history of Houston and the Lone Star State. A marker at the cemetery notes: “This park is dedicated to the men and women — many of whom sleep here — who founded and defended the Republic of Texas.  May they rest in peace”
John Kirby Allen GraveThe land for the cemetery was donated by the Allen Brothers in 1836, the same year these brothers founded the city of Houston. In those years the cemetery was located at the outskirts of town. Today, it is surrounded by skyscrapers and adjacent to Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church in Houston’s Fourth Ward — once known as Freedman’s Town, a community originally settled by freed slaves.
Founders Cemetery Unknown MarkerNo one knows for sure how many people are buried in this old cemetery. The city did not maintain the best of burial records in its very early days. According to a conservative estimate, there may be as many as 850 graves at the site. During the yellow fever and cholera epidemics of the 1850s, many people died and were quickly interred, some in mass graves. What we do know is that there are approximately eighty headstones at the cemetery, many so weather-beaten that their epitaphs are indecipherable.
Founders Cemetery Grave MarkerThere are 28 Texas Centennial Monuments at the cemetery, more than in any other cemetery in Texas except the State Cemetery in Austin. These mark the graves of veterans of the Battle of San Jacinto, dignitaries who served the Republic of Texas, prominent pioneer families and Houston citizens, John Kirby Allen who co-founded Houston, the mother of Republic of Texas President Mirabeau B. Lamar, and a signer a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
Founders Cemetery Old Grave MarkersFounders Memorial Cemetery is located just west of downtown Houston at 1217 West Dallas. The entrance is located at the intersection of West Dallas and Valentine Street. The memorial park is maintained by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department and is open from dawn to dusk. If you are planning to visit the San Jacinto Monument or other historical sites in the greater Houston area, then add this cemetery to your list. Walk slowly and respectfully among the graves of those who helped shape the history of the Lone Star State.

by

Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse

I love the old tall tale about the lighthouse and the naval ship. As the story goes, a naval ship navigating its way through the fog saw a light in the distance. Fearing that they were on a direct collision course with the approaching vessel, the naval ship radioed and requested that the other vessel change course. The other vessel replied that the naval ship should do the same. The naval ship reiterated their request, boasting that it was the largest ship in the fleet. The other “vessel” promptly replied, “I’m a lighthouse. Your call.”
Texas LighthousesOf the sixteen lighthouses originally constructed along the Texas coast, seven lighthouses remain. These guiding beacons are situated along the Gulf Coast from the southernmost tip of Texas to the mouth of the Sabine River along the Texas-Louisiana border. Some have been decommissioned and stand as silent sentinels along the Texas coast. Others still send their piercing light into the Gulf night.
Halfmoon Reef FrontThe Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse is the Lone Star State’s oldest surviving wooden lighthouse. Built in 1858, the hexagonal-shaped lighthouse played a key role in guiding ships into Matagorda Bay. For years, the Matagorda Island Lighthouse, built in 1852, guided ships safely into the bay. However, many large ships often ran aground on Halfmoon Reef, a shoal on the eastern side of the bay. So, the Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse was constructed and strategically situated on the southern tip of Halfmoon Reef to warn ships to avoid the jagged rocks hiding beneath the surface of the water.
Halfmoon Historical PicSurrounded by water, the Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse was an island unto itself. Twice in its history, a husband and wife shared the responsibility of manning the lighthouse. Stephen Hill, one of the lighthouse keepers, had a daughter named Sadie who was prone to sleepwalking. After her parents found her sleepwalking dangerously close to the edge of the lighthouse platform, they decided to take action to protect their daughter. The solution? They tied one end of a string to Sadie’s big toe at bedtime and other end to her sister’s big toe. Problem solved!
Port Lavaca BoatsThe Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse survived the hurricanes of 1854, 1875, and 1886. However, the lighthouse was damaged by the hurricane of 1942 and was consequently decommissioned. The structure was moved from its watery perch to land owned by the late W.H. Bauer in Point Comfort. In 1978, Bauer donated the lighthouse to Calhoun County Historical Commission.
Halfmoon Reef LighthouseIn the mid-1980s, the lighthouse was moved to its present location in Port Lavaca. Today, the Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse is regarded as the city’s most important landmark, welcoming travelers entering the city from the East on Highway 35. If you find yourself traveling down Highway 35, slow down and take a few minutes to visit the lighthouse and enjoy this little slice of Texas history.

by

Woman Hollering Creek

The Lone Star State has no shortage of places with interesting names. Perhaps one of the most curious is Woman Hollering Creek. This creek with the odd name runs under Interstate 10 between San Antonio and Sequin near Exit 591.
Woman Hollering Creek SignThere are a number of tales about how the creek got its name but none of them are definitive. Nevertheless, each of these tales share a chilling common denominator — a hollering or crying woman. The various stories about this distressed woman have endured for generations.

Writer Sandra Cisneros offers one explanation in her book “Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories.” Cisneros links the name of the creek to the legend of La Llorona. The term “llorona” (yo ro na) is the Spanish word for a weeping or wailing woman.

The woman in Cisneros’ story allegedly drowned her own children in a creek. According to this legend, this woman is often heard weeping at night for the children she lost. La Llorona evolved into a Hispanic version of the boogeyman. Hispanic mothers have long told their kids to stay clear of rivers and streams at night or La Llorona might get them.

Other explanations for the name of the creek are a variation on this theme. One story suggests that a distraught mother drowned her children after her husband was brutally killed by Indians. Fearing her children might suffer a similar fate, she drowned them instead. Some believe that her spirit wanders along the creek, sobbing and crying for her lost children.

While the various stories about how the creek got its name are interesting, the real story is forever lost. We’ll never know for sure why this particular creek was named Woman Hollering. We can only speculate and err on the side of heeding the advice of those Hispanic moms who warned their kids to steer clear of La Llorona’s riparian domain.
Woman Hollering CreekWhen I visited the creek, in broad daylight, I parked along the road and then walked down to the water. I bushwhacked my way a short distance along the banks of the creek. Perhaps it’s because of the name of the murky-water creek or because of my overactive imagination, but I found the place to be kind of creepy. The dark water only added to the discomforting feeling.

While I didn’t hear any distant wailing, I do understand how the name of a place can mess with your mind. That’s why I prefer Texas creeks with less creepy names — like Catfish, Big Pine, Beaver, Mulberry, or Sweetwater. So, as for me, you won’t find me anywhere near Woman Hollering Creek at night or any other time. I have no desire to meet La Llorona!

by

First Day Hikes

The First Day Hikes program is a cooperative initiative among the nation’s state parks to get more people outside. Last year, an estimated 41,000 people across the United States logged more than 72,000 miles on park trails. Today, more than 75 state parks are offering guided hikes and other outdoor events.
First Day HikesThis past year was a wet one in the Lone Star State, making it a challenge to hike and bike the trails at many of our state parks. Even so, I managed to get plenty of use out of my Texas State Parks annual pass. When it comes to hiking, I tend to agree with the philosophy of renowned explorer Sir Rannulph Fiennes: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”
Red Buckeye TrailThis morning, my wife Cheryl and I laced up our hiking boots and headed to Brazos Bend State Park for our First Day Hike. The cold weather and light drizzle did not dampen our spirits. We just donned our Frogg Toggs rain gear and took a leisurely stroll down one of my favorite trails at the park. Meanwhile, park rangers led other groups of hikers at Brazos Bend on their First Day Hike.
Buckeye Trail VinesToday marks the fifth year that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has offered First Day Hikes. After the untold numbers of holiday calories consumed by the average Texan, the First Day Hikes initiative is the perfect way to get folks to burn off some of those calories by moving in the direction of a healthier and more active lifestyle. Hopefully, many who participate in First Day Hikes will be inspired to savor the beauty of our outdoor spaces throughout the coming year.
Buckeye Trail SignCheryl and I certainly enjoyed our slow walk through the woods on this first day of the new year. Hiking with Cheryl made the hike far more interesting for me. As a Texas Master Naturalist, she pointed out a lot of interesting stuff about flora and fauna along the trail. Our walk reminded me of something David Henry Thoreau said: “An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day” — and indeed it was.
Buckeye Trail OmarIf you did not hike today, that’s ok. But, don’t wait until next year for your First Day Hike. Make any day of the new year the day of your first day hike. Hopefully your hike will inspire you to spend more time outdoors this year. Our Texas State Parks offer access to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. So, find a park near you, lace up your boots, and hit the trail. In the words of Thoreau, you will find the experience to be a blessing.