THE PIC WIC
PAPERS
Wimberley Institute of Cultures May 2008
$10 and will include refreshments. Reservations should be made
LECTURE SERIES for the Davis seminar by contacting Pat Hector at 847-3979 or
th
WIC is hosting a lecture series, spotlighting local experts. nphector@verizon.net before May 10 .
The First subject is Mary Martin – Broadway Legend. Dr. Ron Davis
of Wimberley – the man who literally "wrote the book" on Mary Martin
– will lead off our lecture series with a presentation based on his WEBSITE
biographic work: Mary Martin – Broadway Legend. The date is The WIC website has been remodeled and is just full of
Monday, May 12, 2008, 7:00 p.m., at the Winters-Wimberley useful information about our board, renting the W-W House,
House. Bylaws, upcoming events, and membership.
Professor Emeritus of History at SMU, Davis headed the So, visit our website WWW.WIMWIC.ORG and read more
De Golyer Institute for American Studies and founded the SMU Oral about it!
History Project (renamed the Ronald L. Davis History Collection upon
his retirement in 2001).
A life-long admirer of the arts, Davis turned fantasy into a
personal reality by interviewing nearly 500 performing artists for the
SMU collection. Among them were lengthy sessions with Gregory RIVER BLESSING:
Peck, Lucille Ball, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly and Helen Hays. Also
included were in-depth oral histories with directors, producers,
writers, musicians, designers and technicians.
FELLOWSHIP AND
His book The Glamour Factory was largely shaped by his
many Hollywood interviews which also led to his biographies of
FUN ON THE BLANCO
Linda Darnell, John Ford, John Wayne, Van Johnson, William S. The WIC River Blessing is scheduled for Saturday, June
Hart, Zachary Scott and, most recently, Mary Martin. 7, at 6:00 p.m. Bill and Kathleen Cline have again offered the
For Mary Martin, Broadway Legend, Davis interviewed lovely grounds of their home on the Blanco River. Dan and Carol
Martin at length for the SMU Williams are in charge of arrangements.
collection and spent 10 days with the star in San Miguel de Allende, This is a time to bring family and friends and prospective
Mexico in 1988. WIC members for a glorious outing. Kathleen says to come early
His challenge, Davis said, "was to write affectionately about (and bring a dish for all to share) and stay late. She says that
a personal favorite, but maintain the objective eye of a professional we’ll manage even if there is rain: There’s plenty of room for food
historian." He said it pleased him that one reviewer's comment on tables in the Cline garage. And there will be golf cart
the outcome was "not an air-brushed portrait", while another claimed transportation for those who don’t want to walk down the hill to the
the Martin biography has "all the energy and excitement of an river.
opening night on Broadway." To get to the Cline home, go two miles (from the traffic
Other seminars in the WIC series will include Pete light on RR12) on River Road and turn left on Lazy L Lane. The
Anderson's profile of "Buck Winn - Wimberley Artist, Inventor and Clines are at #133.
Educator" on July 14th. Anderson said he became a friend of Winn You’ll want to bring lawn chairs and any special
through their mutual interests. "Buck," he said, "was an artist with a beverages, as well as your covered dish with serving spoons.
hobby of flying and I was a pilot with a hobby of sculpture... so there Note: Betty Wright and Elizabeth Stillman will be at a
was common ground." table with copies of the new WIC directory. Here’s your chance to
On October 20th, landscape architect Nan Simpson, owner get one if you didn’t pick one up at the Pie Social. Come and
of Season by Season, will cover some 5000 years of landscaping have a wonderful time.
development in her presentation of "History of Garden Design from
Mesopotamia to Modernism."
Each seminar will be on a Monday evening, beginning at 7
p.m. in the historic Winters-Wimberley House, located at the entrance
PICNIC AT JACOB’S WELL
to the Community Center (River Rd at Ranch Rd. 12). Admission is
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Celebrate summer with WIC at Jacob’s Well Natural Area on Dody Spencer, Diane Savage, Betty McGuire, Linda Hudson,
Saturday July 12, 2008, 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., for swimming Barbara Reitz and served by Linda Reed – refreshment
and picnicking. coordinator.
The Wimberley Valley Watershed Association is hosting a The success of the WIC education project can be
walking tour and presentation of the hydro geology of the Cypress attributed to help given me in planning and preparation by Deb
Creek area. The event will begin at the Dancing Waters Retreat Bradshaw, Linda Mueller, and Joy Moden. And of course by
courtyard, 1405 Mt. Sharp Rd., with a site master plan orientation and experiences provided by our teachers, Deb Bradshaw, Sharon
history of Jacob’s Well, followed by a walking tour of the property. Graves, Annanette Harper, Jack Hollon, Linda Mueller, Barry
Additional afternoon activities will include a talk by Dee Ann Story Rhodes, Barbara Thibodeaux, Mike Thibodeaux, Susan Walker,
about the archeology of the area, swimming, bird watching and and Joy Moden. And we cannot forget Raymond Lankford, who
hiking. always sets the stage for the students’ experience for the day.
Enjoy a box lunch from Linda Allen Catering ($11.00 each) Thanks to all for a great opportunity for Wimberley
or bring your own picnic lunch. Bring the family for a fun day of students to connect with their hometown history.
swimming and experiencing the ―jewel of the Texas Hill Country.‖
Please make your make reservations by July 7, 2008 by emailing
Barbara Thibodeaux, barbarathibodeaux@verizon.net or calling her at LET’S PROMOTE THE
847-7721.
Checks for the box lunch should be made payable to WIC
and mailed to Barbara Thibodeaux, 1201 Skyline Vista, Wimberley,
ENDOWMENT FUND
Few of us have heard about WIC’S Endowment Fund, but
Texas 78676.
the time has come for us not only to be aware of it, but also to
To learn more about WVWA and the Jacob’s Well Natural
support it. The fund began with the $500 left after expenses to
Area visit www.jacobswellspring.org.
underwrite a 1986 gala, the Bluebonnet Ball. This event, held at
the VFW Hall, was part of a number of Sesquicentennial
celebrations in Wimberley. The gala committee, meeting to
WIMBERLEY STUDENTS consider what should be done with this profit, decided to use it as
seed money to gather a group dedicated to eventually build a
community cultural center and historical museum. (This mission
CONNECT WITH is taken directly from WIC’s scrapbook, ―Beginning History.‖) The
group met at the home of Alice and Sam Johnson, parents of Julie
HOMETOWN HISTORY Harrison, who was one of the most influential members. Others of
that group still active in WIC are Susan Holt, Sally DeMasters, and
By: Charlotte Carter
th
The week of March 24 brought 125 students, eight teachers Betsy Markland.
and 22 parents to the Winters-Wimberley House for the 11 annual
th During many months of meetings in 1987, ―the purpose
WIC education program. This community outreach of WIC provided and structure of the organization were researched, proposed,
fourth grade students, from Bowen Intermediate and St. Stephens debated and refined.‖ The purpose finally agreed on would qualify
School, with a variety of activities that focused on people and events the organization for a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3), status. The group’s
that shaped the history of Wimberley and Texas. main focus became educational: to research the history,
After arriving at the W-W House, a teacher welcomed the prehistory and natural history of the Wimberley valley, to be
visitors and gave them a brief history of the house and its restoration. presented through exhibits, historic sites tours, and other
They proceeded to the front porch where ―William Winters‖ portrayed community outreach programs. But the vision for a community
by Raymond Lankford greeted them. In character, Mr. Winters cultural center and museum took a much different turn when
shared his travels from Tennessee to Texas, his experiences at the Wimberley’s most historic home and five acres (then owned by the
Battle of San Jacinto, his life as a miller in ―Glendale‖ (later to Keith family) became available in 1996. The Senior Citizens and
become Winters’ Mill, then Cude’s Mill, and Wimberley’s Mill) now the Wimberley Institute of Cultures (called the Now or Never
Wimberley. The students had many questions of Mr. Winters, which Committee) partnered to raise the funds to purchase this Keith
he answered with detail and humor. property. The Seniors would own the property with the
The experience for the students continued after they crossed understanding that WIC would undertake the funding and
RR12 to the site of the mill now Ozona Bank. They saw old restoration of the historic house, using it for educational and social
millstones, and learned the many purposes of the mill – from grain to events. (Located on that same acreage now are the Community
cotton to lumber. A teacher also provided them hands-on Center and the Patsy Glenn Refuge Center.)
experience grinding corn. Using graphics, the teacher also In 1997 the Wimberley Cultural Center Permanent
explained how the mill was powered by water from Cypress Creek. Endowment Trust Fund was formed with the help of attorney Lyon
They proceeded to Mill Race Lane to hear about the millrace and how Brinsmade and the WIC Board of Trustees. The first deposit was
the water was brought to the mill from a dam at the creek to a pond that $500 from the 1986 Bluebonnet Ball. Now WIC has
located at the mill site. undertaken maintaining and insuring two buildings: the c1856-57
On the way back from the millrace, the students stopped by Winters-Wimberley House and the Archive Building, a major
the still-standing c1877 Zach Wimberley House. They were told addition whose purpose is the museum-quality care of our growing
about Zach and how he met his young wife and the home he built for collection of historic photographs, exhibit materials, historical
her and his family. Architectural details were described and pointed research and administrative documents. WIC dues and our one
out to the students. fund-raiser, the Pie Social, cookbook sales, and special donations
They returned to the Winters House to learn about the other have paid our bills and funded our programs. However, because
millers – Cude, Wimberley and Pyland – and their lives from WIC’s scope continues to grow, the Endowment Board encourages
1864-1925. They heard about the families, especially what life was members to consider making contributions to this fund in honor of
like as a child. They also heard about the families’ major concerns or in memory of someone (or just because you appreciate WIC
for food, shelter, and clothing. One thing that brought a big response and believe in its work).
from the students was learning about Miss Susie’s squirrel dumplings The current Board of Trustees held their first meeting
and green grape pie. March 27, 2008, and elected the following officers: Chairman,
Before returning to school the students enjoyed lemonade Pete Anderson, Vice Chairman, Bernice Brown, Treasurer, Bill
and home-made cookies provided by WIC members Sue Ann Isles, Cline and Secretary, Betsy Markland. Present also was WIC
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President Tinka Eoff, who gave each Trustee a copy of the Trust (―Goin’ Nuts‖ is what she calls her pecan pie), with Dody Spencer
Agreement in order that they could review its purpose. The fund and Jan and Paul Prasek as second and third prize winners.
contained $2,053.84 as of December 31, 2007. It really needs to The Chocolate Pie winner was Billy Clyburn; John Meyer
grow. Maybe you could consider it in your estate planning and will and Randy Haire came in second and third. Liz Sumter stood
bequests: donations of money, stocks, bonds and real estate. alone in the Fruit Pie category with her ―Rustic Pear Pie.‖ In the
Please give it some thought. To make a donation, send your check Sugar Free category, Pat Haggerton and Nancy Emerson won first
payable to the WIC Endowment Fund, PO Box 167, Wimberley TX with their Pistachio Almond Fudge Swirl Pie, and Ann Clark and
78676. Mary Nall also placed.
In the Kids’ category, Gillian Guynes took first place (and
a grand prize) with her Peanut Butter and Chocolate Silk Cream
A BEAUTIFUL PIE SOCIAL Pie, and Butch Ahl (Bug Pie) and Carter Anderson also placed.
The weather was near-perfect — bright, just cool enough,
and breezy; the grounds looked cheerful and festive with aprons
draping the cedar fence in front of the house; the ladies’ costumes WHAT IS HISTORIC
with sunbonnet and prairie dresses were charming; the setting and
the scene, in short, were a delight. It was another winner in the NOTE 13?
series of WIC Pie Socials that have been a highlight in the Wimberley By Dee Ann Story
calendar since 1990. Since 1992, WIC has put together eight tours/treks –
Credit for its success goes to a number of people, most some by walking, others by bus – highlighting historic sites in
notably Tinka Eoff, the WIC president, who nobly took on the Wimberley and nearby areas. Regardless of how they were
chairmanship. But many contributed their talents. Ann Lindsay and reached, all site visits were enhanced by docents, and some also
Anne Winn acted as pie servers chairmen. Gary Brim and Kathy by exhibit boards or written handouts. A number of the resulting
Gamel, with the help of Camilla and Weldon Hawthorne, turned out handouts are useful, or potentially useful, for advancing WIC’s
delicious hot dogs. Mac McClure was a first-class MC, and Jim educational goals. Probably the best example is the walking tour
MorGanti’s auctioneer skills paid off for WIC. M.J. and Frank brochure developed for the 1992 tour, then much expanded for the
Puckett took care of ticket sales with co-chairs Wally and Ed Ziegler. 1993 tour, thanks to a grant from the Hays County Historical
Sue and Mike Iles were in charge of pie slicers and receivers while Commission. The latter, an 11 x 17 inch brochure entitled
Vickie Bateman, Patty Crosby and Linda Jennett did the actual ―Modest Beginnings,‖ has been reissued twice and has been
receiving. mostly distributed by the Wimberley Chamber of Commerce.
Pete Anderson arranged for setting up of chairs and tables Even more in-depth historic contexts were provided for
(thanks to Jim’s Rent-All for donating them again this year), Katie the 1996, 2002 and 2005 tours. A 31-page illustrated Guidebook
Riddle organized the pie contest itself, Maggie Bains donated award written by Claire (Smullen) Billingsley, Bill Johnson, Dee Ann Story,
ribbons and Temple Wynne of River House donated the grand prize. and Lila (Ethridge) Knight detailed the history of the 18 sites visited
Betty Wright and Elizabeth Stillman manned the membership table in 1996, while a single page with an appropriate photograph and
and also distributed the directories to all members attending. (One text was prepared for each site on the 2002 and 2005 tours. For
man gave $1,000 for his membership! Obviously, he succumbed to convenience in referencing these single page handouts, each was
Betty and Stilly’s winning ways.) given a Historic Notes designation.
Special attractions inside the historic house were displays of Despite their value as brief local histories, these materials
vintage aprons, sunbonnets, quilts and Kelly Bateman’s l960s Texas were not circulated beyond the tour for which they were written.
Rangers medals. A major attraction for visitors was Dee Ann’s The enclosed Historic Note No. 13 on the W-W House, by Claire
power point, a pictorial history of the village square from the late Billingsley (and updated from the statement that appeared in the
l800s. Outside, a basket-maker and jewelry-maker demonstrated 1996 Guidebook) is an exception we hope will become the rule.
their art, and on a trailer stage provided by Lewis Smith a number of In addition to periodically including a Historic Note in the PIC WIC
singing groups performed: the ―Skyliners‖ (Lori Wright and Dave Papers mailings, we are considering the possibility of putting some
Badal), Lee Colee Atnip’s ―Little Divas Too,‖ Linda Sriro and the online via the WIC website, and maybe even publishing a
―Gypsy Moon‖ and the ―Destinations,‖ the sound system being set up Wimberley history booklet or DVD.
by WIC’s premier handyman, Herman Leyh.
For 18 years, the Pie Social has been WIC’s major
fundraiser to underwrite our growing educational programs, manage
the insurance and utilities for the grounds, storage building, W -W
KUDOS TO . . .
House, and the Archive Building. This year income from the ticket Tinka Eoff, our President, for chairing the Pie Social and
sales and auction, minus the expenses, netted $2,814. That total for her innovative ideas, such as the upcoming Lecture Series.
does not include new memberships. Lewis Smith for his amazing coverage of our events,
One unhappy note: more pies were needed! This year especially the Pie Social and our fourth grade teaching program,
marked the least number of pies brought (baked) by the membership, and for his writing skills.
which accounts in part for our reduced income, not to mention Maggie Bains for being a good friend to WIC, several
disappointed attendees. (Yes, an earlier run was made to purchase times donating the pie winners’ ribbons and
more pies.) We ran out about one hour and a half before closing helping to acknowledge the contest winners.
time. Next year we’ll be sure to have enough. Dee Ann Story for WIC’s excellent 2008 Membership
Directory distributed at the Pie Social. (Be sure to examine the
headings: Committees, Programs, and her photo selections.)
―AND THE WINNERS ARE...‖ Charlotte Carter for managing so skillfully the addition of
the St. Stephens School fourth graders into our teaching program.
The Grand Prize in this year’s pie contest went to Cheri
Smith for her Coconut Cream Pie, described by the judges as ―fluffy,
with great crust, layered flavor, and great texture – really good.‖
Well, I can imagine. Other winners in the Cream Pie category were
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Tracy Sheffield and Liz Sumter, with Dody Spencer and Matt Young Glenn & Cassie Abel
also placing. Rita Anderson took top place in the Nut Pie category Monica Brown
Robert Caney
Mary Davis-Stamy
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Jim & Kathy Gillock
Max LeBlanc & John Meyer
Rupert & Evelyn Neve
Paul & Jan Prasek
Frank & Mary Jane Puckett
Richard & Kathleen Salvatore
Shelton & Sunny Smith
R. M. Stevens
Frank & Pamela Sullivan
IN MEMORIAM 2007-2008
Our condolences to the families of:
LEE ALLEN
Husband of Beverly Allen
LEONARD DEMASTERS
Husband of WIC Founder Sally DeMasters
CHUCK HUEBINGER
Husband of Betty Huebinger
2000 WIC Board Member
HOMER SWARTZ
Husband of Carolyn Swartz
1997 WIC Board Member
Wimberley Institute of Cultures
PO Box 167
Wimberley TX 78676
PRE-SORTED STD
US POSTAGE PAID
WIMBERLEY TX 78676
PERMIT # 17
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2008-2009
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
May 12, 2008 Lecture Series, Dr. Ron Davis, at W-W House
June 7, 2008 River Blessing, at Bill & Kathleen Cline’s home
Dan & Carol Williams, Co-Chairs
July 12, 2008 Picnic at Jacob’s Well
July 14, 2008 Lecture Series, Pete Anderson, at W-W House
rd
September 8, 2008 3 Quarter Dinner Meeting, at Community Center
October Galveston Road Trip, DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED
October 10, 2008 4th Quarter Dinner Meeting and Potluck Supper, at Dee Ann Story’s Ranch
Dee Ann Story and Linda Young, Co-Chairs
October 20, 2008 Lecture Series, Nan Simpson, at W-W House
December 5, 2008 Christmas Party, at W-W House
Linda Hudson, Chair
January 19, 2009 Annual General Membership Dinner Meeting, at Community Center
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