Favorite "Surprises"

When our sons were involved in Scouting, our troop had a tradition of having our “Christmas campout” at a Boy Scout camp west of Fort Worth. As a volunteer leader, I was making my first trip to this particular campout and had never been on these roads and through the small towns along the way. As we entered a town called Mineral Wells, I noticed a large structure in this small and desolate city. As I drew closer, it appeared as though it had once been a hotel. Indeed it was. This is the Baker Hotel. This was once a destination spot for Hollywood elite and others who wanted to come bathe in mineral baths and drink the “Crazy Water” from this area. People like Spencer Tracey and July Garland, I later found out, frequented this place. As with so many other places and experiences, people found other places to go and things to do and this place closed and has been abandoned.

I love road trips for these kinds of discoveries or surprises. My first thought when I see them is “There has to be some good stories about this.” A little research will produce many stories about the Baker Hotel. One of the best stories that is unfolding right now is that this place is being renovated and will reopen within a few years. Downtown Mineral Wells appears to be regaining some life in expectation of the coming future for this building and community.

Favorite Architecture - Wrigley Building, Chicago, Illinois

In 2018 we were in Chicago for my father-in-law’s 90th birthday. I took a day with Sam and Stephen to go downtown and see things in the city. This building is the famous Wrigley building of chewing gum fame and the name of the home of the Chicago Cubs baseball field. There is a lot of wonderful architecture in Chicago. But, this is my favorite. It stands on the north side of the Chicago River and along the west side of Michigan Avenue which is the main strip through downtown Chicago.

Hillsboro Texas - Another county seat, courthouse, and town square

There are numerous counties in the state of Texas in which the counties in the late 1800s seemed to have had a competition for who could build the most awesome courthouse. Many of them are on a square with shops and restaurants surrounding the area. Of course, a century plus of time can take its toll on buildings. Fortunately, the state of Texas has grants they award every year for the restoration of these courthouses. This often brings a restoration to the town square and the economy. The courthouse in this photo is about a 45 minute drive south of my house. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve driven through the town on I-35, but have never stopped in downtown. Well, all this quarantine and shelter-in-place stuff can get a little old and I needed to go somewhere and so I took a few hours to go visit the Hill County courthouse in Hillsboro and a paleontology museum called Texas Through Time. The museum is not large. But, they have some fascinating acquisitions and models. It’s very kid accessible and it’s free admission. The town also has a museum called Roadside America which is near the town square. It looks interesting. But, I’m saving that one for a little road trip with Cindy when she can go.

My County Courthouse - Ellis County

One of my “faves” about Texas are the many beautiful courthouses. Texas has a program in place that makes money available for restoration of these old courthouses. This has led to economic renewal in many of these communities because coffee shops, restaurants, art stores, antique shops, and festivals have drawn tourists in the renewed old town centers. Here are just a few photos I took of the restored Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie, Texas, a few miles from my home. I love this building. NOTE: There are three images here in a “carousel” format.