The DeWalt Heritage Center and Dew House (pictured on left) was an appropriate setting for our Installation of 2011-2012 officers that will serve during our 40th anniversary of community service.
The Quail Valley Garden Club brick we gave the Dew House had just arrived and greeted us just before we entered.
Jerre Anne and Penny's cheerful yellow/orange theme really complemented the Dew . . . and made for a festive mood. Add to that the clever centerpieces coordinated by Mary Chan, which were then donated to the Dew for their upcoming Butterfly Garden, as well as some horticulture exhibits.
On the beautiful antique burlwood piano, Andrea Wood played during our coffee hour. Andrea is pictured left with County Historian Diane Ware and incoming President Penny Johnson.
Mary Francis Ashmore's inspiration for the meeting was,
As gardeners, when we take time to touch the earth, we feel the closeness of God.
The quality of light in the Dew House and how the transom windows soften the light is one of the lovely features of the home. In the photo above Diane Peyton and Ann Caraway enjoy the living area. Built in the late 1890's the kitchen is extremely modern and has been faithfully replicated. Ernestine Barr and Jerre Ann Wagner show off this lovely kitchen's modern appliances bathed in beautiful light. When I think that my Grandmother and Grandfather during these same years were living in a dugout in Oklahoma, I marvel at this kitchen everytime I see it.
But what this day is really about is new officers and transitioning to next year. While I was proud as now Past President of the many accomplishments during the last year, the real accomplishment is how the ladies of this club work together to keep growing better community year after year.
Here are the ladies who will guide us on our 40th year. Mary Francis did a wonderful job of reminding us to execute our jobs to the benefit of the club and members. She used the symbolism of returning the Green Carnations we're each holding to the vase -- to serve and work together. And after the meeting the flowers were taken to Karen Meier who was recouperating from a hospital stay.
Pictured above left to right are Mary Francis, 2011-12 President Penny Johnson, First VP Programs Barbara Thompson, Second VP Membership Joann Mayhall, Secretary Bette Kraus, Treasurer Judy Belt, standing in for Corresponding Secretary Karen Meier is Mary Chan, and Past President, Parliamentarian Janice Scanlan.
Penny's theme for her Installation is "Greening and Reaching Out" and how she wants to continue "greening" our area and "reaching out" to the community and new members. She recognized Patsy Armbruster as one of our Founding Members as well as the contributions of many people through the years.
One of the most thoughtful touches was the wonderful book presented by Penny to me. John P. O'Neill's Great Texas Birds is a book I will cherish for years to come!Thank you all for making a great year! You "Go Girls."
One of our scholarship winners, Haley Leonard and her mother, were present, along with Debbie Cogan and Barbara Whitaker. Cindy Calender's presentation made the recipients "live" for us . . .read more about them here.
Following is the write up by incoming Secretary Bette Kraus in our minutes about the Dew House program presented by Diane Ware, Fort Bend County Historian and Project manager for the Dew House. She and volunteer Roger Beeler conducted a tour for the members after her talk. Diane is shown in white on the right.
“Dew House Preservation and Land Trust”
Diane Ware, Fort Bend County Historian, gave a wonderful talk about the history of Dew House. Hugh Saunders Dew built the house in 1899 and lived there with his family and four brothers. The house had been occupied by a Dew family member until the 1960’s. Nine plus family members lived in the house. They were in cattle, oil, sugar and cotton. In 1938, Frank Dew, underwrote the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Without his money, we wouldn’t have a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo today. The house was vacant for many years. In 2006, Missouri City bought the house for $1.00, cut the house in half and moved it to its current location. The cost of the move was $125,000.
The official meeting adjourned shortly after noon. Diane and museum volunteer Roger Beeler gave us an interesting tour of the home, both upstairs and downstairs. There are some antiques and pictures of the family scattered throughout the house.
Roger Beeler and another tour group.
After the tours, we had a luncheon buffet prepared by those who did not bring dishes to the Holiday Party.
It was a day of celebration, fellowship and learning.
Click here to view all photos of the Installation.
More about DeWalt Heritage Center
and Kitty Hollow Park
Kitty Hollow Park is one of the most family friendly parks in Fort Bend County and it and the DeWalt Heritage Center are funded and maintained by Fort Bend County, Fort Bend County Museum Association and County Commissioner Grady Prestage. With all sizes of pavillons, lots of playground equipment, trails, and fishing, it's a popular place for picnics and outdoor events. The ponds are spring fed so there's water during the drought. Environmentally responsible, the pavillons and lights are solar powered.
Home of the DeWalt Heritage Center and 1897 Dew House, the Museum is open 1-4 on Sunday. It provides a glimpse of how one of the families lived that shaped our area. It has become a popular place for weddings and community events. Drive to the back (west side) of the park.
Kitty Hollow Park is located east of Sienna Parkway on Highway 6 at 9555 Highway 6 South.
Heading east toward Arcola on Highway 6, turn left about 2 city blocks from Sienna Parkway. You'll see the American and Texas flags.
Comments