Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Hico, TX...continued from last blog...

After my stay in Hamilton, I adventured on about 30 more mins. to Hico, TX where I have heard of an antique show twice a year...I plan to attend the one in October...can't wait!  I found a musuem amongst other store's and wanted to share my findings.   I have some old documents and pictures from my family and plan to donate to the musuem as well!  Will keep you posted on that!  I am very excited about all this!!!  
Hay field...


Transporting round bails...


BBQ Cook off sign...I bet it was good!!!


Texas Catus...


Can you say drought...water please!!!

Upon arriving Hico, I could tell I was going to love this town...I saw old advertisements on the side of buildings...stumbled upon an old beautiful totally remodeled house which was an antique store.  The women who lived there told me that one of the first Doctor's in Hico had built the house...Dr. Hall I believe.  She lived in the house and every room was furnished and all for sale!  She said she had been in the business for 55 years!  Anyway I was greeted by a cat and then she answered the door, and let me browse around ...here are a few pics...



Sign on top reads...  WHOA...   ;0)





First Dr. Hall in Hico built this house!


Drew's antiques...


Greeted by the cat...





I loved this saying...
I left here and drove down to main street...where I found more antiques and finds...

The Wooden Indian was my first store to shop...Cute couple from the metroplex running it!  Clever idea with the horses around the top of store!




Next I went next door to the Wooden Indian and found the Billy the Kid Museum!  What a find!  I met the historian...Jane Klein!  What a wonderful woman!  She gave me a tour and told me of some history in Hico!  I absorbed it like a sponge!  I told her I had some old family documents and she said they would love to have copies and I could donate and they write who donates items in the museum!  I am so excited about this!



Jane told me it took 5 men to lift this on the counter as it is made of heavy brass metal...they were lucky to have it as most were melted for the money...it has 4 drawers on the front with initials of the tellers.  It was also one of the first to print out paper receipt!  What a find!!!  Beautiful!




Jane told me that this was a box of a shoe shiner.  Now Hico has adopted the saying!  Love it!!!
I then came across a picture in the museum of a little boy in knickers and cap drinking out of a fountain...Jane explained that this was a trough which a Horse from the top, a dog from the side down low and children from the back fountain drank from in the old towns...she told me they had restored it and was sitting at the end of the street with a historical marker!  Amazing...I had never seen one of these before......see...





Next I found a store that housed an antique mall...it was wonderful...


Old advertisement on side of building...


Jersey Lily's restuarant...


John Rankin Alford...first settler in Hico in 1860, he chose the name Hico from his childhood hometown in Kentucky.  He was the first postmaster in Hico, he remained in Hico his entire life and died in 1928 at his home.



This is located on the top floor of the Blue Star Bldg.

This post office while not the orginal...served many decades following the turn of 19th century...

HOMESTEAD Antiques...is where I plan to return to in October.  They set up tents to the side and back of this building and have a big fair!  People come from all over to attend!  The also have artist to display their art from what I understand!

The Blue Star bldg. houses a top floor of old historic photograps as well as the post office front from the day... a bank volt amongst other items...so historical !


Blue Star Bldg.  houses historical pics on top floor...






The bank volt safe...

Picture showing use of the safe
As you see and read, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and am so glad I had the chance to experience this historical town and take this little road trip to the Hill Country...  thanks for stopping by!


3 comments:

  1. Hi Brenda,
    Love your tour of Hico. I was in the mall today adding new things to my booth. I have missed seeing you. I have been at the estate sale and start another one tomorrow. Miss Lacee is growing like a little weed and getting meaner than ever. She does not like to mind. Hope to see you soon.
    Hugs, Pat

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  2. Brenda, Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I will have a space at the Hico Market in Oct. and I hope to see you there!! Did you know that I know LuAnn Curtis???? Did she direct you to my blog?? I almost fainted when I saw the pic of the both of you!! Would love to hear from you about this!! Jo Carol

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