I first crossed the Brazos in Waco in February 1959. At the age of five, my mom had remarried a man from Waco. So she packed my sister and I up in her 1955 Chevrolet and moved us to Waco, Texas.
Growing up in Waco, I learned a lot about the history of Waco and all about the different landmarks throughout this city. It was only about six years ago that Waco was finally being recognized as a nice town to raise a family. Most people remember Waco from the Branch Davidians incident in 1993.
The year 2013 changed Waco with the HGTV program "Fixer Upper". This was an American reality television series about home design and renovation starring Chip and Joanna Gaines. This show aired from May 2013 to November 2017. The personalities of Chip and Joanna made the show. Since the TV program, the Gaines have created Magnolia Market at the Silos, the Silos Bakery, the restaurant "Magnolia Table" and so much more. Because of their popularity, it has given other individuals opportunities to create their own businesses within Waco. Two of the main characters on "Fixer Upper" that assisted Chip and Joanna with the renovations were Clint Harp(popular craftsman) and Jimmy Don Holme(metal designs). These two men have opened up shops in the Waco area.
People have traveled throughout the world to tour Magnolia Market and to find out about the city of Waco.
What some people don't realize that there is so much more to discover within Waco than Magnolia Market. I would like to take you on a tour.
Let me share some history of Waco. It was founded in 1849 on the site of a Waco(Hueco) Indian village near a Texas Ranger fort(1837) in a farming and plantation area. After the American Civil War, Waco became a river-bridge crossing on cattle trails. Later its economy was based almost exclusively on cotton and the coming of the railroad(1881). WWII brought two large air-force installations(now closed) and the beginning of industrialization. A violent tornado devastated Waco on May 11, 1953, killing 114 people.
Waco has three universities:
1. Baylor University, which was founded in 1845. It is the oldest continuously operating university in Texas. The enrollment is approximately 17,217. My sister attended this beautiful campus with huge trees and unique architecture buildings from 1975 to 1978 and received her Business Degree.
2. McLennan Community College(MCC), founded in 1965. Enrollment is approximately about 9,000. I went to MCC from 1972 to 1974 and obtained my Associate Arts Degree.
3. Texas State Technical College, founded in 1965, with enrollment at 4,100.
First Baptist Church is across the street from Magnolia Market. This spectacular church(built in 1907) with the dome architect and beautiful stained glass windows was where I attended church. I thought all churches had large stained glass windows.
There is the Dr Pepper Museum which is down the street from Magnolia Market. This has history and memorabilla of soft drinks in the 1906 bottling plant. It is the oldest major manufacturer of soft drinks concentrates and syrup in the United States. Dr Pepper is America's unique flavor and was created, manufactured and sold beginning in 1885 in Waco. In 1904, Dr Pepper was introduced to almost 20 million people attending the 1904 World's Fair Exposition in St. Louis.
The Suspension Bridge which crosses the Brazos at Waco was completed in 1870. It was the only suspension bridge west of the Mississippi. Waco, Texas was the proud owner of a bridge that would be the forerunner to the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, both to be designed by John A. Roebling. Magnolia Markets hosts the Silo District Marathon each year. The Suspension Bridge is part of the route for the 5k.
A few blocks from the Suspension Bridge is the Alico Building, which was built in 1910. In 1909, an insurance company was formed that embarked on a mission of which changed the face and skyline of Waco, Texas. The Alico Building was a pioneer in the quest of the latest up-to-date technology in building construction to be taken to the outer edges of Western civilization that would withstand the test of time. When it was built, it was the tallest building West of the Mississippi and South of the Mason-Dixie Line until 1929. It withstood the tornado that devastated Waco in 1953. Today at 282 feet tall(22-story office), it is currently the tallest building located in Waco.
On the banks of the Brazos River is the Texas Rangers Museum. There are artifacts, artwork and archives relating to the Texas Rangers(a legendary symbol of Texas and the American West). The rangers were founded in 1823 to protect the settlers. It is the oldest law enforcement agency in North America.
A few blocks away from Baylor Campus is the Baylor Mayborn Museum, a Natural History Museum.
For those individuals that enjoy poetry, there is the Armstrong Browning Library on Baylor campus. This museum is dedicated to the study of the lives and works of Victorian poets Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning and houses the largest collection of Browning material and other fine collections of rare 19th century books, manuscripts and works of art.
For those who enjoy nature, there is Cameron Park. It is one of the largest municipal parks in Texas. More than 100 years ago, William Cameron donated the park to Waco. The park is an oasis with towering trees, two rivers(Brazos and Bosque Rivers), breathtaking cliffs and a National Recreation Trail System which consist of 20 miles for bicycling and hiking. The 400 acres park has always been used for parties, festival and sports. I have fond memories of having church picnics there, as well as high school reunions. The park offers "Jacob's Ladder and Rock Shelter". This was supposedly built in the early 1900's by a family living at the top of the bluff. The aged structure is still usable because of its periodic renovations and now includes nearly 100 zigzagging steps to the top.
Driving through the park, one of the beautiful cliffs to visit is Lovers Leap. One of the many legends of this cliff, is that a young Indian couple from different tribes wanted to get married. There family did not approve of the marriage. They wanted to be together forever so they jumped to their death from the top of the cliff.
Within Cameron Park is the Cameron Park Zoo. This is an award-winning natural habitat facility that is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Visitors can explore the Asian Forest, experience the African Savannah and its 50,000 gallon saltwater aquarium. When I am in town, I love taking my nephew and niece to the park to enjoy the tigers, lions, elephants, giraffes and so much more.
In elementary school some of the field trips that we would take would be to tour the Historic Homes. Earle-Napier-Kinnard House was built in 1868 with a Greek Revival Style. The McCullough Home, also with the Greek style, was built in 1866.
The East Terrace((Italianate style of architecture), which is located on the Brazos River, was built in 1874. With the East Terrace so close to the river, it flooded many times. Once the water rose as high as four feet in the residence's ground floor. The story is that the water rose so high and the family rescued one of their cows and had it in the boat with them.
The Fort House(Greek Revival style) was built in 1868. This house is located about 2 blocks from Magnolia Market. The Gaines have purchased this house. It will be interesting to see what they do with it.
Another spectacular site is that Lake Waco is a reservoir located within the city limits of Waco. The construction of this lake began in June 1958 and the impoundment of water began February 1965. What is so nice about Lake Waco is that the residents can be at the lake within five to 10 minutes. If you lived on the further side of Waco, it could take you 15 minutes. I have fond memories of the lake. In the spring of 1966, dad would take us fishing and the crappie fish were biting. We caught about fifty crappies within an hour. Dad would bait our hook and we would put the hook in the water and the fish would bite. Growing up, I thought all cities had a lake right in the middle of town.
In February 2019, the Gaines also purchased a gorgeous historic home called Cottonland Castle. The Castle was built in 1906. Just like the royalty in England, the Gaines now have their own Castle in Waco, Texas. I have such fond memories of the Castle. In 1970, some good friends of the family purchased the Castle and renovated the house. It was interesting to watch all the renovations that took place. Part of the renovation was adding a swimming pool and pool house. I went to many parties there at the Castle in the early 70s.
I could go on and on and on about the many interesting landmarks throughout Waco. Due to the popularity of the Gaines, there have been new landmarks such as the various murals throughout the city. At one of the well known restaurants, George's, there is a unique mural of famous Georges. The Georges are President George Washington, President George H. W. Bush, President George W. Bush, George Strait(country western singer), George Foreman(boxer) and the George Lopez(comedian/actor). On another building, there is the Van Gogh inspired "Starry Night" mural. At this time, there are about fourteen more throughout the city. Every time I visit Waco, I discover another mural.
I hope you have enjoyed this tour of Waco, Texas. It was a delight to share some of my growing up experiences with you.
Starry Night
George's Restaurant
Alico Building
Suspension Bridge
Silos in the early morning
First Baptist Church
2 comments:
I think I would be fascinated to see the Dr P museum, even if I can't stomach the stuff...
Great guide to Waco! So much to see and do there.
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