Visit & Newcomer Guide 2022 - Wharton, Texas - Wharton Chamber of Commerce
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R O
E ne!
E
2022
Visitors &
Newcomers
Guide
Wharton, Texas
whartonchamber.com
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2 
MEHOP WHARTON
FAMILY MEDICINE
OB/GYN
PEDIATRICS
GASTROENTEROLOGY
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Providers Clinic Locations
Family Medicine Family Medicine OB/gyn, Pediatrics,
Farhana Ambreen, MD
Behavioral Health Gastroenterology
Dana Foster, PA
Kayla Lezak, PA
Back side of 2112 Regional Medical Dr.
OB/GYN OakBend Hospital Wharton, TX 77488
Olubukola Ayeni, MD US 59 Hwy, Ste. A,
Wharton TX 77488
Pediatrics
Henri-Ann Nortman, MD
Tayab Pasha, DO
Susan Winchell, MD
Gastroenterology
Robin Ferguson, MD
Behavioral Health
Blake Benson, LPC
Nilesh Patel, Psychiatrist
979-245-2008 | WWW.MEHOP.ORG
3
Table of Contents
Welcome to Wharton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Wharton County Courthouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
A Day Trip to Wharton, Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
The Wharton County Farmers Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Monterey Square Legends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Hometown Playwright Horton Foote/Dan Rather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Brahman Cattle in Wharton/The Plaza Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Monterey Square Wine & Arts Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Our Downtown Christmas Parade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
The Annual Juneteenth Celebration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Historic Homes of Wharton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Antique & Junkin' Trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
A Haunted Tour of Wharton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
The Wharton Stockyards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Downtown Area Touring Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25
Wharton Parks & Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
The Wharton Civic Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
City, County and School Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Wharton Regional Airport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Snow on the Square . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Cops n' Rodders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Pecans – Our Tallest Cash Crop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
2022 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Utility Information for New Residents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
NO WAIT
EMERGENCY ROOM
IMAGING
ENDOSCOPY
DAY SURGERY
INPATIENTS
4 
Welcome to Wharton!
You’re very special. We love having you here, and Wharton wants to make
you feel welcome.
Whether you’re spending a few hours, a few days or a lifetime, Wharton is
excited you’re here.
We are a community-oriented town where no one is a stranger. It’s a great
place, and a safe place, in which to live, work, visit, learn and do business.
We’re known far and wide for our famous barbecue, for our native sons like
Horton Foote and Dan Rather, for the thousands who have attended our Wharton
County Junior College, and for our medical facilities. We’ve restored our
courthouse and charming Monterey Square, our downtown.
You’ll be delighted by what you find in our shops, restaurants
and attractions. If you’ve never been here before, let us show you
around. Our little guide will help you. We feel sure the people you
meet will make you feel right at home.
Ron Sanders
Executive Director
Wharton Chamber of Commerce
Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2022
Contributors
Wharton Chamber of Wharton Chamber of
Commerce & Agriculture Commerce & Agriculture
Ron Sanders 225 N. Richmond Road
Linda King • Victoria Ritter Wharton, TX 77488
Phone: 979-532-1862
Wharton Journal-Spectator
Fax: 979-532-0102
Bill Wallace • Michelle Bridges
Email: admin@whartonchamber.com
Joe Southern
whartonchamber.com
Layout & Design: Al Dubé - Fireheart Studio
Wharton Journal-Spectator
Wharton Visitors & Newcomers Guide is an 115 W. Burleson St.
annual publication of the Wharton Chamber of Wharton, TX 77488
Commerce produced in conjunction with the Phone: 979-532-8840
Wharton Journal-Spectator. The guide Fax: 979-532-8845
includes information on what to see and do in Email: michelleb@journal-spectator.com
Wharton, Texas, along with a map,
journal-spectator.com
calendar of events and a business directory of
For information about advertising in next
Wharton Chamber of Commerce members.
year’s edition, contact the
For additional information contact the
Wharton Journal-Spectator at 979-532-8840.
Wharton Chamber of Commerce
at 979-532-1862.
5
Wharton County Courthouse
Another remodeling took place in the 1980s, and
courthouse history was researched by Wharton native
and architect David Bucek Jr.
After four years of planning, trips to Austin’s Tex-
as Historical Commission and fund raising, the task
of restoring the historic courthouse began — and it
would be restored to its original Victorian appear-
ance.
The courthouse was designed by Eugene T.
Heiner, who arrived in Houston from Dallas in 1878.
Between 1878 and his death in 1901, he designed 12
courthouses - only six survive.
By the 1950s, the Heiner-designed courthouse
looked nothing like it originally did.
In August 2005, Wharton residents gathered on
the courthouse square to watch as the massive clock
tower was lifted to the top of the building. The tower
is an exact replica of the original. The courthouse
bell, which had been saved by First Baptist Church,
was returned to the county and placed in the tower.
Today, with the restoration complete, the court-
house as it looked in its 1889 glory is the gem of
The Wharton County Courthouse does not re- Wharton’s downtown Monterey Square. It joins Hal-
semble what people remember from the 1950s. In the lettesville as the only two Heiner works that are as the
1930s and 1940s, the courthouse was remodeled to architect originally designed them.
gain needed space. Wings were added on each side. The courthouse is featured in the PBS television
The bell, clock tower and mansard roof had been re- documentary, The Golden Age of Texas Court-
moved. Its original red bricks covered in stucco and houses.
painted yellow. It was redesigned in an art deco look The Wharton County Courthouse is at 100 S. Fulton St.
of the time period. in downtown Wharton. Visit whartoncountycourthouse.com.
Veterans Memorial with eternal flame Memorial to Wharton County Sheriff
at Wharton County Courthouse. Hamilton B. Dickson.
6 2022 Wharton Visitors and Newcomers Guide
A Day Trip to Wharton, Texas
W harton is a lovely town, ripe for
a day visit during the weekend.
Make sure to bring along your camera
mian Rhapsody, and Blue Moon Antiques.
Afternoon:
When your tummy gets rumbling again, be sure to
check out some of Wharton’s famous Bar-B-Que. This
and friends, because you are sure to get Texas staple is done right at Hinze's Country Kitchen.
plenty of idyllic shots. For over 40 years the Hinze family has been serving the
finest barbecue in the county. Favorites here include the
Morning: BBQ loaded baked potato, meat by the pound, wonderful
Whether you are driving into town, or staying the deserts and some Tex-Mex specialties. Everything here is
night in one of our hotels to get an early start, be sure to hot and hearty and comes in generous portions.
pick up breakfast to start your day off right.
If coming in from the Greater Houston Area, near
the entrance of town driving past the TeePee Motel If you want a more “downhome country” option,
you will find the comfort of “home-style cooking” to Evelyn’s Soul Food was recently spotlighted by Localish
welcome you in. 9er's Grill will not only be packed with Food Houston. There you can find soul food classics such
locals enjoying its fares, but also a warm, inviting atmo- as oxtails, pig feet, beef tips and pork chops. Make sure to
sphere and huge amounts of food to fill you up. If you are top it off with a heaping serving of their peach cobbler!
coming in from the south, Junior’s Smokehouse will be Enjoying a serene afternoon at the park will be a great
sure to greet you with kolaches of every flavor you can way to spend the rest of a sleepy afternoon. Located at the
imagine. corner of Colorado Street and North Richmond Road,
If you manage to escape either of these places walk- you will find Dinosaur Park. The kids will love the life-
ing instead of rolling from all of the great food, a trip into sized brachiosaurus and recently updated playground,
the Historic Downtown Monterey Square is a must. and you will enjoy the quiet and shaded seating areas.
The Historic Downtown of Monterey Square still has Evening:
many of the original storefronts, and will be a tranquil ad- The Plaza Theatre, located at 120 South Houston
dition to your social media feeds. Make sure to park your Street, would be a perfect place to end your trip in Whar-
car at Wharton County’s historic courthouse and feel ton. With “Regional Appeal,” this award winning theatre
free to roam! The peaceful small town vibes will make the is sure to put on a great show. The glowing lights of the
walk a joy, almost as though you are in a period movie. Plaza all lit up are reminiscent of Broadway in our little
town, and the local talent will be breathtaking as they en-
tertain your evening hours.
After the show, be sure to check out Wharton’s
vast array of TexMex. Offering margaritas and cerveza,
Cuevas’ Mexican Restaurant is located within walking
distance of the Plaza Theatre, but is far from the only op-
tion. Los Cucos is sure to satisfy with tasty fajitas and na-
chos. You might also head to Hinze's Country Kitchen
for a full menu that will satisfy any family on a road trip.
Steaks, seafood, Tex-Mex favorites and fantastic desserts
are right around the corner.
Many unique and original pieces can be found
at Wharton’s “antique road.” Some of the stops along Enjoy your trip to Wharton.
your way should include JT’s This & That, Bohe- You won’t regret it!
7
Fresh and Local
The Wharton CountY Farmers Market
F
resh, local, and filled with love, the tainment. Some of the vendors are regulars
Wharton County Farmers Market at the market, and some return frequently but
brings together families and friends who not every weekend.
farm and craft in this great community. The market, which takes place for several
Folks gather from all over the county every months in the spring and summer and again
Saturday from the beginning of April thru July, in the fall, is the place to go for anyone who
and again at the end of September through is looking for fresh vegetables, home canned
the middle of December, sharing their wares
foods, and delightful craft items, like hand tow-
from their farms, small and home businesses.
els, jewelry, purses, wood crafts, locally written
Local beekeepers provide honey and bees-
books, home baked goods, fresh tamales, and
wax related items and many home cooks share
their delicious food - including strudels, muf- farm fresh eggs.
fins, breads and cakes, as well as treats for our The Wharton County Farmers Market
furry friends - our pets. often has over 30 vendors at their events and
Watch the Facebook page for the farmers weekend markets at Guffey Park which is at
market to find out when special events like 255 West Caney Street, just off Monterey
toy drives at Christmas, pet adoptions by local Square.
shelters and animal welfare specialists S.P.O.T.
(Wharton County Stray Pet Outreach Team.)
Any Saturday during the season you can
expect to find local treasures like: livestock,
chickens, quail, nursery plants, Brahman beef,
handmade jewelry and artwork, local bakers,
food trucks, face painting and musical enter-
8 
Homemade and home-grown foods are a favorite on the Pros, semi-pros, and veritable amateurs all have a place
weekends and the variety is just incredible. at the farmers market.
Low-cost space, and lots of it, make for a flourishing farmers market in the heart of Wharton.
Artists and artisans show everything from jewelry and A great place to meet the artisans and socialize with the
woodworking to smithing and painting, all have a place. locals, this farmers market rocks the weekend in Wharton.
The Wharton County Farmers Market begins in
April for the Spring and in September for the Fall
Featuring: Fresh Produce, Home Decor, Honey, Plants,
Baked Goods, Canned Goods, Art and Handicrafts,
Music and So Much More!
Scan the QR Code to visit the Facebook Page ☞
9
Monterey Square
LEGENDS
Bonnie and F. Lopez. As the sheriff approached a Mexican
Clyde restaurant at the comer of Burleson and Fulton
In 1932, a streets in downtown Wharton, Lopez emerged
sheriffs deputy from the restaurant. Both drew their pistols
stationed at the and fired at the same time. The bullet from Pit-
Colorado River man’s gun entered the cylinder of Lopez’s gun.
bridge encoun- Lopez’s gun jammed and saved both Lopez’s
tered the notori- and Pittman’s lives. Pittman sent Lopez’s gun to
ous bank robbers Ripley’s Believe It or Not. He won fourth place
Bonnie and in Ripley’s annual contest. The gun remains
Clyde, who had in Ripley’s possession and was last seen in their
been spotted in facility in downtown San Antonio.
Louise, south of Wharton, and were headed Ghost Story
toward Wharton. He fired several shots at Wharton County
their vehicle, but apparently missed. wanted to honor its
Dickson Confederate Army
Monument veterans, members
Sheriff Hamilton of Buchel Camp.
Dickson was shot In their memory
and killed in the a monument was
line of duty while placed on the north-
trying to capture west corner of the county courthouse lawn. To
an escapee from this day, a circular patch can be seen around
the county jail. the monument. It appeared shortly after the
His funeral was the largest ever held at the dedication and remains there. Legend has it
time in Wharton County. The statute on the that ghosts of the Confederate soldiers march
courthouse lawn was erected by his family. His around the statue every night guarding it and
descendents recently had it restored. creating a path that defies all explanation.
Sniper’s Nest Pecans vs.
In 1898 Hope Sycamores
Adams ran for sheriff One of
of Wharton County. Wharton
He ran on the inde- County’s
pendent ticket against greatest
the candidate running controversies
on the White Man’s was what
Union party. In those trees should
days a candidate needed the approval of the be planted
White Man’s Union in order to seek public around the
office. After filing for office, Adams crossed county courthouse. Sycamores were native
from the courthouse at the Milam and Fulton timber and thus were originally chosen
street intersection. A shot rang out. Adams fell for four sides of the county courthouse.
dead. Someone had fired the fatal shot from However, in 1922, the county agricultural
the original courthouse clock tower. It is said extension agent planted pecan trees between
that everyone knew who did it, but charges the sycamores to prove that pecans could
were never filed. be a viable cash crop for Wharton County.
But the courthouse square was not big
Lucky enough for both of them. As the pecan trees
Shot grew, it become clear that there was not
In 1917 room enough both for the pecans and the
City Marshal sycamores. The problem was resolved one
W.W. Pitman night, after midnight, when an unknown
was given woodsman came to the courthouse square
an arrest and cut down all the sycamores. The pecan
warrant for trees continue to flourish there to this day.
10 Calling Wharton Home
Hometown Playwright
Horton Foote
documentary’s director Anne Prize for his stage play “The
Rappe said that this new film Young Man From Atlanta.”
captured a much more per- Known to work best dur-
sonal view of Foote’s life and ing the night, he wrote his
work. The connection be- plays with a pencil on note-
tween the success of Foote’s book paper to be transcribed
work and his hometown is later. The playwright left a leg-
also explored in the film, she acy and body of works which
added. may never be duplicated.
H
ometown hero Horton An Academy Award Born in 1916, Foote was
Foote, had his love for winner and Pulitzer Prize raised in a middle class, hard-
his birthplace splashed recipient, Foote immortal- working family.
across the big screen. Debuted ized Wharton and loved the His writing captures a
at the virtual Austin Film community his whole life. He unique era in the life of a small
Festival in October 2021, passed on March 7, 2009 and Texas town. His subject mat-
“Horton Foote: The Road is buried in city cemetery. ter is those in that era trying to
to Home” confirms the Foote is the dramatist who cope with everyday life and the
writer’s love of his hometown, won Oscars for “To Kill a twists and turns life brings.
Wharton, Texas. Mockingbird” and “Tender Horton Foote's home still
According to Playbill, the Mercies” as well as a Pulitzer stands at 505 N. Houston St.
Dan Rather
F
ormer news anchor County Historical Museum,
for the CBS Evening 3615 N. Richmond Road, and
News in the 1980s, Dan is available for tours.
Rather is another native son Rather began his career
of Wharton. in 1950 as an Associated Press
Daniel Irvin “Dan” Rath- reporter in Huntsville. In
er Jr. was born here on Oct. 1959, he entered television as
31, 1931 to Daniel Irvin Rath- a reporter for KTRK-TV in
er Sr. and his wife, the former Houston and was later pro-
Byrl Veda Page. His father moted to director for KHOU- spondent during the Rich-
worked here in “the oil patch” TV. ard Nixon presidency.
when he was born. Dan spent In September 1961, In January 2018, he began
the first six months of his life Rather reported live from hosting an online newscast
here and refers to Wharton the Galveston Seawall as called The News with Dan
as his hometown. The home Hurricane Carla threatened Rather on The Young Turks'
where Rather spent the first the Texas coastline. He was YouTube channel.
days of his life has been hired as a CBS News cor- For more about Dan Rath-
saved and restored. It sits on respondent in 1962. He er, visit the website danrather.
the grounds of the Wharton was the White House corre- com.
11Brahman Country
Brahman Cattle in Wharton CountY
C
attle raising replaced the plantation
system as Wharton County’s major in-
dustry after the Civil War and drew sig-
nificant numbers of Mexicans into the area to
serve as herdsmen. Herds were formed as resi-
dents bought cattle and rounded up strays that
had multiplied on the prairies when access to
markets was limited. Abel Head (Shanghai)
Pierce acquired vast acreage on the west side
of the Colorado River, with a cattle empire
that stretched over three counties, encompass-
ing a half-million acres, of which 30,000 were
in Wharton County. He saw the potential “The Machine”, +Mr. V8 380/6
impact that the Brahman cattle breed could picture courtesy of V8 Ranch.
have on the cattle industry in the south, but the Pierce Ranch herd and imported Brazilian
his death in December 1900 left his nephew,
A. P. Borden, to facilitate the first major im- bulls via Mexico. The J. D. Hudgins Ranch in
portation of Brahmans to the United States, Hungerford eventually established the largest
specifically Wharton County, in 1906. J. D. American Grey Brahman herd in the world.
Hudgins had purchased some Brahman cattle Wharton County became the second largest
prior to 1900 and later purchased some from cattle producing area in the state.
The History of
The Plaza Theatre
The Plaza began life in the air in July, 1933. Whar-
1904 as the Plaza Hotel, a ton was one of many cities
two-story brick structure on that participated in the World
Monterey Square across from Bridge Olympics in 1934,
the Wharton County Court- and the local tournament was Wharton, now known as the
house. Owned and operated conducted at the Plaza. Plaza Theatre, restored and
by R.B. Huston, and his wife The lot on which the ho- reopened as a regional per-
Lula Merriwether Huston, tel stood was sold in 1941 forming arts center.
the hotel had a large dining to Long-Griffith Theaters. According to its website,
room on the first floor and 20 The hotel was gutted and ex- The Plaza Theatre is a “re-
rooms to let upstairs. It was tended to create a Streamline gional, iconic performance
the site of many community Moderne Art Deco movie
activities, conventions, and theater that opened in March space as a home for live plays,
banquets. A third floor added 1942. One of three movie concerts, special events on
in 1929 expanded the num- theaters in Wharton, the Monterey Square in historic
ber of rooms and included Plaza Theater operated until downtown Wharton, TX.”
a small opera house that the 1980s, when it was closed The Plaza Theatre is lo-
housed Wharton’s first radio and abandoned. In 1995, cated on Monterey Square in
station, which first went on the Community Theatre of downtown Wharton .
12 It all happens on the square
Monterey Square WIne & Arts Fair
O
ctober in Wharton brings the Monterey In addition to the wine sampling, there is
Square Wine & Arts Fair to the streets. also beer, craft vendors, food vendors, grape
With the theme of "shop, sip and stroll," stomping and t-shirt imprinting, horse car-
the annual wine fair has something for every- riage rides around the square, balloon artist,
one. live music all evening, shopping, strolling, re-
The local shops and vendors participate of- laxing with friends, socializing and over all fun.
fering samples of Texas wines, food, and art Visit the Wine and Arts Fair website at
and crafts from local talent. montereysquarewineartsfair.com
The Wine & Arts Fair happens
in October and you can visit their
Facebook page here...
Food, drink and craft vendors
from all over
Wharton County
share their wares
and samples at this
A selection of photos from the 2021 Monterey Square Wine wonderful event!
& Arts Fair on the courthouse square and surrounding
shops and restaurants. Street vendors, artists, musicians Scan the QR Code to visit
and tourists fill the streets for an afternoon and evening of the Facebook Page ☞
fun and socializing.
13The Magic of Christmas in Texas
Our Downtown Christmas Parade
Join us on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving each year for this joyous event!
14 The celebration of our history
The Annual Juneteenth Celebration
J
uneteenth is the old-
est nationally celebrated
commemoration of the
ending of slavery, and the
Wharton County June-
teenth Festival, proudly
presented by James Sim-
mons Jr., elebrates in a big
way.
Every Juneteenth in Whar-
ton, the courthouse square
comes alive with music, food,
drink and entertainment of
all kinds.
The venue has brought
such entertainers as The
O'Jays, The Mighty Clouds
of Joy,Patric Green, Ron-
nie Evans, Lady Audrey,
Jim Nickalyn, The Superior
Band, and many, many more.
In the past Mr. Simmons
has provided shuttle buses
from remote parking lots, free
hot dogs, snow cones, funnel
cakes, lemonade and carnival
rides for children under 12
years-old.
This festival happens every
year, rain or shine, and the
celebration is set to run until
midnight. This is a festival not
to be missed.
15Preserving our history
Historic Homes of Wharton
EDITOR’S NOTE: The historic homes driving tour is designed to give those
staying in Wharton some views of early architecture around the city. The homes
have been grouped for ease of finding them on the map. Many of the homes are
private residences and not accessible for tours.
E. Clyde and Mary Elliott House, Nettie Elkins House,
707 N. Walnut St. 109 E. Alabama St.
E. Clyde and Mary Elliott acquired three The Elkins House was built for Nettie
lots in 1919 from W.B. Barbee in the Barbee Elkins after receiving the undivided land
subdivision. The Elliotts erected a one-story from the heirs of Mrs. D.A. Hobbs. The
bungalow home for $2,697. Mr. Elliott was a house was built in 1874. The Elkins House
farmer with land near the small community is significant as the best extant example of
of Glen Flora. The couple owned the house the pyramid roof house in its most basic
until 1960. The E. Clyde and Mary Elliott form in Wharton. A full-width open porch
House is a one-and one-half story frame bun- supported by three evenly-spaced columns
galow facing east. The Elliott house is one of dominates the principal façade.
the best examples of the bungalow form and
the only example of the “airplane” subtype in
Wharton.
Bolton-Outlar House,
517 N. Richmond Road
The Bolton-Outlar House, built in 1893,
is a two-story frame Pyramidal-roof dwelling
Queen Anne influence modified around 1910
with a classical Revival pediment portico and
porches. It is one of Wharton’s most impres-
sive late-19th and early-20th century residen-
tial dwellings. It was substantially remodeled
around 1910 and again recently by the current
owners.
H.J. Bolton acquired this property in 1893 1903. In 1919, Dr. L.B. Outlar purchased the
from A.H. Purviance for $300 and probably dwelling for $7,500. Dr. Outlar established a
built the house soon afterwards. Bolton was clinic in partnership with Dr. William Blair
a local merchant and first president of the called the Outlar-Blair Clinic. The Outlar
newly organized Wharton National Bank in family owned the house until 1973.
16 Preserving our history
Merrill–Roten House, John and Sophie Garrett House,
520 Avenue A 401 E. Alabama St.
James F. and Lena Merrill had this brick The John G. and Sophie Garrett House
veneer house built soon after their acquisition is a one-and-one-half story frame dwelling
of the property in 1930. In 1932, John L. Ro- facing south on East Alabama Street. Its
ten purchased the house. Roten was one of appearance is typical of the late 19th cen-
Wharton’s most successful businessmen dur- tury dwellings in a modified L-plan form. Jig
ing the mid-20th century. He began his career sawn balusters and brackets, and turned col-
in 1922 when he opened a dry goods store in umns and frieze indicate a strong Victorian
the community. The Tudor Revival style was Queen Anne influence.
popular among professionals in the commu-
nity during the late 1920s and 1930s. Its full
brick veneer exterior was rarely seen on local
dwellings.
Judge Edwin Hawes House,
309 N. Resident St.
Wiley J. Croom House, Rosa E. McCamly had this home built in
205 E Milam St. 1896. In 1897 she sold it to Edwin Hawes (b.
This is a two-story frame house designed by 1852), Wharton County judge in the 1870s
Eugene T. Heiner, who also designed the 1888 and 1880s. Hawes had returned to this area
jail and courthouse in Wharton. It was built in after a temporary residency in Kerrville where
typical Victorian Queen Anne style with heavy he was mayor. Here he was a large landowner
use of decorative embellishments. Wiley J. and a political leader. The double galleried
Croom came to Wharton in 1868 to practice home was purchased in 1944 by George Rust
law and sell real estate. He was elected county Hawes and his wife Emily Prasifka Hawes, the
judge in 1886 and met Heiner during the con- son and daughter-in-law of Edwin and Uzzie
struction of the courthouse which led him to Milburn Rust Hawes. This two-story frame
select the architect as designer of his new home. house is an example of center-passage, with
The house is a two-story frame dwelling Victorian and Classical Revival features.
facing south on East Milam Street. The house
retains a high degree of integrity and is the best
example in Wharton of the Queen Anne style.
17Preserving our history
O. Brooks-Foote House, Hamilton House,
505 N. Houston St. 325 N. Richmond Road
Located directly behind the Tom Brooks A native of Ohio, Joseph Andrew Ham-
home on Houston street is the Brooks-Foote ilton served in the Union army during the
home. Tom, son of P.C. and Daisy Speed Civil War. In 1866 he settled in Wharton
Brooks, built this house in 1917 and gave and held a variety of local political offices.
it to their daughter, Harriet and her hus- Hamilton purchased this property in 1885
band A.H. Foote. It is a good example of and moved his family into the existing one-
20th Century bungalow style, with two-bay story frame house. In 1907 the home was en-
L-shaped porch. The house is owned by larged by raising the original structure and
the children of the late Horton Foote, who building a new addition underneath. The
grew up in the house behind his grandpar- house features influences of the neoclassi-
ents’ home on Richmond Road. cal style of architecture. The new addition
is brick, and upper wooden floor is thought
to have been constructed circa 1875.
J.H. Speaker House,
414 E. Alabama St.
Susan Speaker purchased this lot and the T.M. Neal Home,
adjoining lot in 1893 for $550. This low cost 225 N. Richmond Road
indicates that the house was not present at Now the site housing the Wharton Cham-
that time. In 1907, J.H. Speaker acquired ber of Commerce and Agriculture, the
the western lot and is believed to have built home was built in 1912 by Dr. Thurman
the house. The property remained in the McCloud (T.M.) Neal and Mae Vineyard
Speaker family until 1976. J.H. Speaker Neal. A doctor, farmer and rancher and
was a local black educator who taught in civic leader and philanthropist, as a tribute
the segregated school in Wharton. At the to his wife, he donated the home when he
time of construction, this house was in died in 1962.
one of the two primary African-American
neighborhoods. The J.H. Speaker House is
a one-story frame L-plan dwelling.
18 2022 Wharton Visitors and Newcomers GuidePreserving our history
when W.J.E. Heard purchased 2,200 acres from
John C. Clark for $111 in gold coins. Heard con-
structed a double pen, a log home for his family,
slave housing, sugar cane, corn and cotton mills.
Sitting on the crossroad of commerce by
river and road, the Northington family crossed
the Heards’ trails often. After becoming good
family friends, the families merged in marriage
as Heards’ eldest daughter, Elizabeth married
Mentor Northington. Producers of sugar cane,
corn, cotton and pecans, the Heard-Northington
plantation kept up with the market and even ven-
Egypt Plantation, tured into both the cattle and horse businesses. In
11914 FM 102, Egypt a constantly changing world, the Egypt Planta-
tion has been preserved under the management
An eight generation long legacy of Scottish and ownership of Bud and Mary Margaret
and English ancestory can be felt at the Egypt Northington. The couple maintains the facility
Plantation in Egypt, Texas. established in 1830, for tours and events.
Tom N. Brooks Home,
516 N. Richmond Road
This eclectic dwelling with five-bay porch
was constructed circa 1915 by Tom Brooks,
dry goods merchant. The house faces Rich-
mond Road which carried traffic between
Houston and Victoria through Wharton.
The home, its residents and the daily events
inspired the writings of Brooks’ grandson,
Horton Foote. The house sold in 1948 to the
Brandl family. In 1998, Charles E. and Pau-
lette Brandl-Roades restored the home to its
former grandeur.
Since 1985
139 S Dill Street
East Bernard, TX Derek Macha
Phone: 979-335-7921 Phone: (979) 532-1781
1-800-844-MEAT 804 N Fulton St,
(6328) Wharton, TX 77488
19Texas Gulf Coast
Antique & Junkin' Trail
Bohemian Rhapsody II Bohemian Rhapsody II
134 W. Milam St. • Wharton, TX 77488 Shoppe on the Corner
832-434-8374 146 W. Milam St. • Wharton, TX 77488
Over 32 vendors! Everything from rustic, metal décor, 832-434-8374
painted furniture to chalk paints and knobs for your next
project. Vintage & upcycled! Candles, jewelry and more. JT’s This & That
Open 10 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. 232 W. Milam St. • Wharton, TX 77488
Mon.-Sat., 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sun.
979-532-0977
Vintage salt/pepper shakers, doors and windows,
furniture, knik-knaks and more! Open 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tues.-Sat., by chance on Mon.
Joshua owens Montgomery Gallery and Frame
Executive Director 110 S. Houston St. • Wharton, TX 77488
execdirector@whartonedc.com 979-532-3929
montgomerygalleryandframe.net
mogie@sbcglobal.net
979-532-0999 Vintage look, ready made, and custom made frames.
Oil paintings restoration. Photo restoration. Frame
1944 N. Fulton St. restoration. Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Wharton, TX 77488 Sat., closed on Sun.
www.whartonedc.com
20 Collector’s Alley Glen Flora Emporium
210 N. Houston St. • Wharton, TX 77488 103 S. Bridge Ave. • Glen Flora, TX 77488
979-531-3180 979-677-3249
collectorsalley.net Email: emporium@glenflora.com.
Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon-Sat. • 1 p.m.- 5 p.m Sun. Dealers who rent space to sell their merchandise
Pedal Cars, Coins, Chimes, Collectibles, Antiques, Candles, and consignments. On Facebook as “The Glen Flora
and More! Emporium.” Open 10 a.m-5:30 p.m.
Wed.-Sat., 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Sun.
Burr Trading Company
411 CR 123 • Wharton, TX 77488
979-453-0860
Buying, selling and repurposing old things. We are
in Wharton’s Bohemian Rhapsody II, the Glen Flora
Emporium, Bar W Field and Warrenton. Personal picks by
appointment! Find us on Facebook as Burr Trading Co.
We offer FLEXIBILITY to
FIT YOUR SCHEDULE
Choose from courses that are online, in-person, or a mix of both to fit your
schedule and your learning style!*
• Discounted tuition and fees for students taking more than 13 hours
of academic transfer courses per semester
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• A huge cost savings over four-year universities
• 40 plus programs of study online including courses that transfer
*mode of the delivery of instruction is subject to change
Plan. Achieve. Transfer or Work.
wcjc.edu | 1.800.561.WCJC
WHARTON | SUGAR LAND | RICHMOND | BAY CITY
whartonchamber.com 21
WCJC_WhartonVisitorsAdART.indd 1 12/9/20 3:44 PMGhost Tours
A haunted tour of Wharton
Explore the Haunted there, a spokesperson or someone knowledg-
able of the location retell stories and facts about
Hear the Stories the area and the 6th Realm investigators break
Learn of the Mysteries out the equipment and try to sum up just what
is going on with the strange forces of that place.
or the past two years, every October in The storytellers, like Pat Blair from the
F historic downtown Wharton, a gathering
of ghost hunters and paranormal investi-
gators hold the Haunted Tour. It's an
Wharton County Historical Commission,
intrigue guests with tales of the actual history of
places like the historic home of Josh Owens,
experience like no other. the director of the Wharton Economic De-
In 2020, 6th Realm Paranormal Inves- velopment Corp.
tigators of Victoria, Texas, began a tradition The official investigators use equipment and
that local haunting aficionados hope will con- devices sensitive to paranormal disruptions and
tinue each year: and, so far, it has. traces of the energy of the past to explore and
In late October, close to All Hallow's Eve, the explain some of the mysterious sights and expe-
husband and wife team of Jason and Crystal riences of the locals.
Martinez bring out their equipment and take Join us this October for the next Haunted
visitors on a tour of some historic sites and no- Tour and see if you have what it takes to inves-
table places in the downtown Wharton area of tigate the supernatural.
Monterey Square. The Wharton Chamber of Commerce
The group of investigators, visitors, local website and Facebook page have information
storytellers and historians gather on the square regarding the next event dates and times - there
and make their way to places of note like the are even a kid-friendly evening and an adult
Paramount Theater, the oldest county jail, or (18+) evening planned. "We look forward to
some of the historic homes in the area. Once seeing you there."
2021 Haunted Tour
Hay Ride
308 W. Milam • Wharton, TX 77488.
brandedblissboutique.com
22 Cow Country
The Wharton Stockyards
C
attlemen, ranchers and their
families, from across Whar-
ton County, all wind up at the
Wharton Livestock Auction for the
weekly buying and selling of cattle
and goats.
Every Wednesday at noon the auc-
tion begins with livestock from neigh-
boring farms and ranches brought
into the holding pens an hour or so
before the auctioneer begins the bid-
ding.
You don't have to have livestock
to enjoy the show so stop on by and
watch the work.
EL CAMPO OFFICE
1807 N. Mechanic St.
El Campo, Texas 77437
(979) 543-3327
23Walter
59 Old Bolton P
l
60
This map is proudly sponsored by
d
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W Jo
Wilk
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1944 NORTH FULTON STREET t
WHARTON, TEXAS 77488
5
Cr-23
www.whartonedc.com
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W Em
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N Spanish Ca
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St
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59 Baile
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Harris
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ton S
60 W 1st
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N Ful
Harris
St W
St E 1st
St
N Out St
Linn
183
Oak
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Pecan
W Spa
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t
es S
Milam St amp Bolto H4 H9 H A
r St
W Rd n St 10
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N Rus
t
Ca mellia Av
St
Ln
Hugh
H3
S
St
Outla
St
H5
St
Pecan
uston
W Can
Sims
ser Ln
Olive
t
H2
se
ppard
P9 Azal e a Dr ey St P8 St
n
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St
Su
H am ilton St
N Ho
N Kai
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N
N She
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ou d S
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N Wal
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NF
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N Res
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S Out
St
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4
St
H7
N Pol
Haw
5 es S
rd
E Ala
t H11
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W Ca bama
t
W Bur ney S St
ton S
leson t
St WM H8
N Ful
ilam
St
t
Kearn
s et S
St Davis
Polk
y St St
2
st Ave
P4
Wharton Parks
un
t S
W Bur
rd St
St
SS
nnis
Wha
t
leson
ud S
D1 H12
ppard
k St
St
N Ea
E Can
3
S Fo
P1 Riverfront Park
N De
D2 ey St Ce
S Clo
S Pol
W Col W Bu
S She
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ive
t
n S7t
ton S
Bell S
P2 Dinosaur Park St
k St
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60 60
S Rus
S Ful
P2 W El
P3 Pleasure Park m St
P1 E Elm
P4 Guffey Park St Jeffer
so n A
P5 Croom Park #1
St
t
Black
S
E Elm
P6 Croom Park #2
ord
St
Historic Downtown
SF
P7 Gazebo D1 Plaza Theatre 1299 Maple
St
P8 Guadalupe Park D2 Wharton County
n Ave
Collin
Ave
s St
ay Ave
P9 Harris Park Courthouse
Lincol
gton
y St
Pum
st Ave
Moutr
pin
P10Sante Fe Trail
Murph
in
gP Davi
Wash
lan d St
S Ea
t Rd
Caro
Cr-44 lyn S
8 t
59
Rd
bama
183Juni
rs Rd
Walte
rs Ln
Historic Homes
Blvd
Mo
Tour
College
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sR
ker
E Bro d
e
H1 T.M. Neal Home
Boed
183 oks R
d
Junior
Ln
H2 Hamilton House
Moers
E Bro
oks R
H3 Tom N. Brooks
t
ton S
d
Home
N Ful
Moers Ln
H4 Bolton-Outlar
House
Gail A
ve H5 Brooks-Foote House
E Joan
St
H6 Nettie Elkins House
H7 John & Sophie
t
ton S
Heyn
e Ln Garrett House
N Ful
H8 J.H. Speaker House
olum
Rd
H9 E. Clyde & Mary
Ln
bus D
r
dom
Lees
Elliot House
Free
berry
Ave
Ave
H10 Merrill-Roten
E Mu
lberr
House
y Ave
Ave
E Em
H11 Judge Edwin Hawes
sk St
E Way
ily Ave
House
N Ru
t
side A
ed S
ve
H12 Wiley J. Croom
Ln
s St
N Spe
Lees
Rd
N Texa
dom
House
y Rd
E Dah E Bel
lgren le Ave
Free
omer
Ave
t
nut S
Ln
Ln
Montg
St N
Vela
N Wal
Roten
Abell
E Ah
Important Places
n St
ldag d
Blvd
Ave aR
Newto
am
lab
lege
EA 1 OakBend Medical
t
on S
r Col
Evere
Grays
J unio
tt St
2 Wharton City Hall
er Ave
Fran
kie S
t 3 Wharton County Offices
Pione
Tenn Horto
versity ie Ave n Foo
Ave te Dr
4 Chamber
EA
of Commerce
Barfie lab
r St
5 Restored SP Depot
Rd
ld Rd am
Carte
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bama
Helms d
Ave
6 Wharton County Library
N Ala
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Old B
ol ing Rd 7 Wharton Civic Center
Dr
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ak
1301 8 Wharton Economic
St
L
Bol
Knox
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Development Corporation
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10
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Greenbriar Dr
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11
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9 Wharton Country Club
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Ln
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(Private)
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Mo
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Sunn aR
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Park Ln
10 Eddie Joseph Memorial
1301
Stadium (Football)
Ln
n
Oriole
Park L
Me
11 Tiger Field (Baseball)
ad
La
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De
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Ln
St
Ln
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Cargi lvin
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Creek
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P6 gW
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Abel
es
od
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D
Ho
r St t
Turtle
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s St
t
Weston Ave
ed S
W
Texa
illo
Sh i r l w
N Spe
Aven e y Ave Be
u eC n Ch nd
Hod g es L ap Dr
el
Lin
Ht
s
wo
od
Dr
arton City
emetery
St
Dr
Grove
ice
Mahan Ave
Kincaid Ave
Dr
Pr
Cane ice
y St Pr
Rd
th
Lily Ln
Hollis Ave
tbir
Cu
De
Ave Park
lma
Olive Dr Rd
r St ey
s Dr
Garr
ett an
d
Schle
dC
ama R
y St R d Ol
Croom Dr
PP55
Dr
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West St C ir
9 Wharton Country Club
Rd
tbirth
r
Cu
bD Cli
ll Ave
Old Fa ne
Lane
Clu
City irw Rd
Corre
Rd ay
try
R d
Dr
un
n
ey
Old C a
Co
3012
Nelg
a Rd
1299 King
ston ve d
St
Dr R
na
Anne
li
nA
West nk e
g Fra av
ate D
r 60 St
Sara
Ln
Wiste
ria W
bury
ay
Salis
WStay and Play
Wharton Parks & Recreation
The City of Wharton continues to make
improvements at its park facilities to en-
City of Wharton Parks &
hance the quality of life for residents and Recreation Facilities
visitors.
• Croom Park#1,
Park#1, FM 3012
The Facilities Maintenance Department
responsibilities include maintaining approxi- • Croom Park#2, North Alabama Street and Shirley
mately 100 acres of City Parks and 65 pieces Avenue
of park equipment dedicated to outdoor fun. • Dinosaur Park, West Colorado and Bell Street
In 2019 the city installed restroom facilities • Gazebo, West Burleson Street and South Fulton
along with new playground equipment at the Street
park locations that had been missing those ac- • Guadalupe Park, North Sheppard Street and West
commodations. Caney Street
“We have around 100 acres throughout • Guffey Park, Houston and Caney Streets
the city dedicated for outdoor fun,” said the • Harris Park, South Outlar Street and Harris Street
City of Wharton’s Director of Facility Main-
• Pleasure Park, North Walnut Street and East
tenance and Parks, Bob Baker.
“I’m really proud of how the city is repre- Mulberry Street
sented in our parks,” said Baker. He continued, • Railroad Depot, Sunset Street and West Milam
“We have some pretty neat, new playground Street
equipment and now almost all of our parks • Riverfront Park, Elm and Fulton
have restroom facilities.” • Santa Fe Trail, North Fulton Street and East Santa
“It just makes it so much more inviting to Fe Street
families and young adults to utilize them,” said • Wharton Municipal Pool, Junior College Boulevard
Baker. and East Belle Avenue
Other accommodations found at some of
the city’s parks include:
• Pavilions with electrical hookups
• Basketball courts & Soccer fields
• Baseball/Softball fields
• Volleyball sand courts
• Picnic benches & Shading trees
• Piers & Benches
If you wish to reserve the pavilions or have
a function at any of the parks, contact
Wharton City Hall at 979-532-2491.
979-532-2491.
For locations of the parks, see the map on Pages 24-25. Dinosaur Park
Guadalupe Park The Gazebo
26 For Business & Pleasure
Wharton Civic Center
The Wharton Civic Center is the hub for from 1-120 people each. All rooms are avail-
many of the community’s special moments — able to be rented 7 days a week while office
award banquets, seminars, training sessions, hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m.-
business meetings, wedding receptions, re- 5:00p.m. The Civic Center staff is ready to as-
hearsal dinners, baby showers, parties and cel- sist in any of your rental needs!
ebrations, philanthropic events, private classes, The Wharton Civic Center is located at 1924 North
job fairs and so much more. Fulton Street in Wharton. For additional information
Just 50 miles outside of Houston, the Civic and pictures please visit www.cityofwharton.com/page/
Center is the perfect location to host your event civic_center or call 979-532-2491 ext. 603.
without the traffic and high fees of the big city.
The Civic Center is an adaptable, dynamic
event space that was built on southern hospi-
tality. Whether you’re throwing a large event
or an intimate gathering, you will be in good
hands.
The Wharton Civic Center offers a newly
renovated Main Hall and Pre-Function area
that can hold up to 750 people and four meet-
ing rooms that can accommodate anywhere
MARSHALL’S CAR WASH CITY-WIDE STORAGE
Climate Controlled
808 N. Richmond Rd. Wharton, TX • 979-532-3823
Self-Serve DOG New Location on Third Street
WASH! GENERAL
SALES CO.
Eagle Carports Dealer
Shampoo • Conditioner Lyfe Tyme Pits
& Dryer Available
27Community Resources
City, County and School Information
EMERGENCY NUMBERS WHARTON HIGH SCHOOL
All emergencies: Dial 9-1-1 Grades 9-12
Wharton County Sheriff’s Dept.: 979-532-1550 No. 1 Tiger Ave.
Wharton, TX 77488
Wharton Police Dept.: 979-532-3131 Phone: 979-532-6800
Wharton Fire Dept.: 979-532-4811, Ext. 400 Principal: Richard Chandler
Wharton EMS: 979-532-4811, Ext. 700
WHARTON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Department of Public Safety (Pierce): Grades 7-8
979-532-1700 1120 N. Rusk St.
Wharton, TX 77488
OTHER HELPFUL NUMBERS Phone: 979-532-6840
The Crisis Center: 979-531-1300 Principal: Frank Brown
Family and Protective Services: 979-532-5310
WHARTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The Share Center: 979-282-2021 Grades 3-6
Salvation Army: 979-532-1550 2030 E. Boling Hwy.
Red Cross: 979-531-1128 Wharton, TX 77488
Wharton Chamber of Commerce: 979-532-1862 Phone: 979-532-6882
Principal: Kathy Noack
WHARTON COUNTY
co.wharton.tx.us SIVELLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Wharton County Annex Grades PreK-2
1605 Alabama Road
309 E. Milam St.
Wharton, TX 77488
Wharton, TX 77488 Phone: 979-532-6866
Phone: 979-532-4612 Principal: Dana Foyt
CITY OF WHARTON FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
cityofwharton.com wharton-fca.org
City Hall Infants to Grade 12
120 E. Caney St. Faith Christian Academy of Wharton
Wharton, TX 77488 5227 FM 1301
Phone: 979-532-2491 Wharton, TX 77488
Fax: 979-532-0181 Phone: 979-531-1000
Email: fcawharton@gmail.org
OTHER CITY DEPARTMENTS Administrator: Sandra Allen
Wharton Economic Development Corp. Director: Assistant Administrator: Diana Gajewsky
Josh Owens, 979-532-0999
WHARTON COUNTY JR. COLLEGE
Wharton Civic Center: 979-532-4811, Ext.
wcjc.edu
600 911 Boling Highway
Municipal Court: 979-532-4811, Ext. 532 Wharton, TX 77488
Dean of Vocational Instruction: Phone: 979-532-4560
Megan E. Costanza President: Betty McCrohan
Vice President of Administrative Services:
WHARTON ISD
Bryce Kocian
whartonisd.net Vice President of Technology and Institu-
Education Support Center tional Research: Pam Youngblood
(Administration Building) VP of Student Services: David Leenhouts
2100 N. Fulton St. Dean of Financial and Business Services:
Wharton, TX 77488 Gus Wessels Jr.
Phone: 979-532-3612 Vice President of Instruction: Leigh Ann
Superintendent: Dr. Michael J O’Guin Sr. Collins
28 2022 Wharton Visitors and Newcomers GuideCommunity Resources
Wharton Regional Airport
Nestled near Highway 59 on the out-
skirts of Wharton is the Wharton Re-
gional Airport, a fully functional airport
that few know aytbout.
Though it is not made for commercial
flights, it has two runways in operation
that will accommodate various aircraft.
Automated Weather Observation
tation, contact airport (979) 532-3210.
System (AWOS) is now available to Transport is available by request on a
serve meteorological and aviation ob- first come first serve basis. There is a
serving needs in the area. two hour maximum limit.
If requiring airplane propellant, The Wharton Regional Airport is ac-
JET A; 100LL fuel is available with cessible 24 hours a day, with attendants
24-hour Fueling capability for anyone working Monday through Friday from 8
with a credit card. A JET A Fuel Truck a.m. to 5 p.m.
is available after hours and weekends. For more information, call Joan An-
For those needing courtesy transpor- del at 979-532-2491 ext. 223.
Eldridge
Air Conditioning & Heating
W E S E L L T H E B E ST
& F I X T H E R E ST
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
Serving Wharton & Surrounding Counties
979-532-8150 • 979-543-5301
www.eldridgeservices.com
1929 E. Boling Hwy • Wharton
TACLA67568E
whartonchamber.com 29Celebrate the Winter
Snow on the Square
Snow is not a usual occurrence in this
part of Texas, but the Wharton Chamber of
Commerce ensures that the Wharton County
Courthouse lawn will see the powdery white
snow again this year.
Snow on the Square is an event full of fun
with snow, food trucks, vendors and a DJ.
The big man in red, Santa Claus, himself,
will be making an appearance again this year,
much to the delight of visitors.
Along with literal tons of snow, characters
Elsa, Anna and Olaf will join in on the frozen
fun.
e from Mayor Tim Barker: Throughout the evening you will hear
Christmas caroling by locals merchants, smell
Gateway to the Texas Gulf Coast, Wharton thehas many
hot cocoa andthriving businesses
see the community of and indust
ax base. Founded
Wharton FRIDAY, in 1846,
joining in DEC. the City
fellowship... 21 and of Wharton is located along the I-69 corridor ju
a few snowball fights.
The5 to Wharton
8 pm Wharton Chamber of Commerce
County Courthouse Lawn invites you to join in. Through the generosity
ston. As aofbusiness
local businesses,
Snow! Food owner
Trucks! this
Photos myself,
withevent is FREE
Santa! Face I believe
Painting! that Wharton is the perfect place to grow
to the public!
Mark your And calendars. The reports are in and there will be snow falling in Wharton on
Anna, Elsa & Olaf!
ur family. Friday,
I invite you to16, see2022! just what Wharton has to offer.
RobersonDecember
Air Conditioning, Sponsor
For more information contact the Wharton Chamber of Commerce office at 979-532-1862 or track
the snow by following them on Facebook.
A Wharton Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture event
120 East Caney Street
Wharton, Texas 77488
Phone: (979) 532-2491
www.cityofwharton.com
30 This Spring the Wharton Chief the day of event starting at 8 a.m.
of Police Terry David Lynch, and Judging begins at Noon, with win-
the Wharton Police Department will ners announced at 2 p.m.
host its 4th Annual Cops n’ Rodders The event is sponsored in part
Car Show. This will take place in the by Pekar’s Body Shop, The Trailer
front parking area of the Wharton Place, and Relentless Defender Ap-
Civic Center, 1924 N. Fulton St, parel. Car Show T-Shirts will be sold
Wharton TX 77488. at event.
This is an open car show and com- The tentative category list in-
munity event, free to all spectators. cludes close to 30 awards, some of
Categories for awards are to be which include: Mayor’s Choice, Best
announced but there will be nearly Of Show, People’s Choice, Chief of
30 awards. Bring your Oldies, Clas- Police’s Choice and Relentless De-
sics, Muscle, Rat-Rods or Trucks fender Choice.
and enjoy the day with us. The show happens April 30, 2022.
An entry fee will be charged for For more information look for the Cops ‘n Rod-
entries. ders event on Facebook or contact the
Registration will be available on Wharton PD at 979-532-3131.
Participants can pre-register at the following locations:
Wharton Police Department Pekar’s Body Shop
1407 N. Richmond Rd 2720 N. Richmond Rd
Wharton TX 77488 Wharton TX 77488
(979) 532-3131 (979) 532-5805
31Agriculture
Pecans – Our Tallest Cash Crop
T
he pecan is the only commercially grown
nut in Texas and is native to most of the
state’s river valleys. The tree, one of the
most widely distributed trees in the state, is
native to 152 counties and is grown commer-
cially in some thirty additional counties. It is
also widely used as a dual-purpose yard tree.
The size and quality of pecans are influenced
by the number of leaves per nut. More leaves
are needed for large nuts.
Peccan is Algonquian for “hard-shelled
nut.” The first recorded description of pe-
cans is from 1533. As every Texas schoolchild throughout the city’s parks and pastures. Pe-
learns, the Spaniard Cabeza de Vaca was can trees can even be found surrounding the
shipwrecked near Galveston in 1528, was Wharton County Courthouse.
captured by Karankawas, and wandered with Pecan picking can be profitable commer-
them in Texas for seven years. In his diary, he cially, as well as added household income for
writes about tribes congregating every other families and a whole lot of fun too!
winter along certain river valleys to subsist on From the months of October through
flavorful nuts. He called them, simply, nueces February, Wharton residents can sell their pe-
(nuts), or nogales, meaning walnuts. In the Tex- can loot to pecan houses. Two of which are
as/Mexican borderlands even today, nueces Bagley Pecan House and Atkinson Pecans.
remains the most common term for pecans. Even though the individual participation
In 1984 Texas ranked second nationally of pecan picking has dropped over the last 15
in pecan production; 25,000,000 pounds were years, Whartonians have been known to sell
produced that year, valued at $22,500,000. 2,500 to 3,000 pounds of pecans each day.
Leading Texas counties in production in 1984 Native pecans are the most popular and fetch
were Hood, El Paso, Pecos, San Saba, Mills, the bigger payout with about 65 to 75 cents
Comanche, Wharton, and Gonzales. By the per pound.
early 1990s a Texas Pecan Producers Board The recreation that pays also saves.
existed, and a Texas Pecan Growers Asso- Not only can individuals and families profit
ciation, organized in 1921, ran annual pecan from pecan picking, but the abundance of
meetings at the state level. pecans can also save a pretty penny. Aver-
In Wharton, Texas pecan trees can be age retail price for shelled pecans in 2019
found all along the Colorado River and was $9 per pound.
32 Wharton Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture
2022 Calendar of Events
Winter Lunch and Learn
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
103 Annual Banquet
rd
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Spring Lunch and Learn
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
13th Annual Citywide Garage Sale
Friday & Saturday, June 3-4, 2022
15 Annual Golf Tournament
th
Friday, June 24, 2022
Summer Lunch and Learn
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
Fall Lunch and Learn
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
5th Annual Party Under the Bridge
Thursday, October 20, 2022
3 Annual Haunted Tour
rd
Friday & Saturday, October 28-29, 2022
42 Annual Christmas Parade
nd
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
4th Annual Snow on the Square
Friday, December 16, 2022
All events subject to change.
Call for updates 979-532-1862
or check whartonchamber.com
whartonchamber.com 33You can also read
