Dripping Springs history « Around Dripping Springs

Week of Online Giving 2015
April 19-26

The 2014 Givin’ Where I’m Livin’ (GWIL) campaign provides support and publicity for local non-profit charitable organizations competing for GWIL matching funds during the campaign’s Week of Online Giving, April 20-25th.

Around Dripping Springs is pleased to feature this series of GWIL non-profit profiles to help publicize their unique missions to the community. We invite you to get to know these wonderful organizers and learn more about the important work they are each doing to enrich our community. Please share their stories, and be sure to donate to your favorite during the Week of Online Giving! Learn more at:http://www.GivinWhereImLivin.org

NOW MEET THE FRIENDS OF THE POUND HOUSE FOUNDATION:

WHEN, HOW, AND WHY WAS YOUR ORGANIZATION FOUNDED?

The Friends of the Pound House Foundation is operated by a board of 14 volunteers established in 1990 to preserve and restore the historic Pound home and other buildings on the farmstead and to serve as an educational resource for current and future generations.

WHAT IS YOUR PRIMARY MISSION?

Our mission is to protect, preserve and develop the Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead Museum for the use, education, enjoyment and benefit of present and future generations. Our intent is to serve the entire populace of Hays County and surrounding areas.

The population served within the community includes school children with tours of all second graders conducted annually and adults of all ages.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR EFFORTS?

The “light that goes on” in children’s eyes when they experience the lives of one of Dripping Springs’ first families by being inside the actual log cabin built in 1854, and seeing the toys, medical instruments, kitchen stove, beds and other personal heirlooms on display that Dr. and Mrs. Pound and the children really used.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS IN 2015?

Our goal in 2015 include the education of children and others in the community regarding pioneer life in Central Texas. We seek to: Preserve the farmstead and the collection of artifacts; stabilize the temperature, humidity and light inside the homestead; clean, inventory and transfer textiles to appropriate archival storage; expand the plantings on the grounds; and replace deteriorating boards and storage unit. More…

Looking for an herbal or local “cure” for what ails ‘ya? The Dripping Springs Heritage Circle may have just the ticket. For the price of that ticket (just $10), guests can enjoy an entertaining, informative party and program about old-fashioned remedies and tonics at the fashionable Wilson Appliance showroom. Heritage Circle membership director, Cammy Jones, explains:

WHAT IS THE “TEAS & TONICS” EVENT ABOUT?

We will have an expert describe historical uses of herbs and other ingredients for living in old Texas. Snacks and wine will be served and everyone will take home a party favor. The event will be held on Thursday, February 27 at 7:00p.m, at Wilson Appliance center on 290, which has hosted several “foodie” type events in their beautiful showroom. Tickets are $10 at the door or, our guests can join Heritage Circle, and enjoy free admission!

WHERE DID THE IDEA COME FROM FOR A “TEAS & TONICS” PROGRAM?

I would like to think we are amazingly clever, but we have been looking at what other history-minded groups in the country are doing and we found this — we are tweeking it a bit for Dripping Springs! So we are in the flow of a nationwide trend to restore understanding of our roots – both in history and in the ground – but we are also relating the information specifically with the unique area in which we live.

ARE THESE HISTORICAL USES OF HERBS AND OTHER LOCAL INGREDIENTS STILL ABLE TO BE APPLIED AS REMEDIES TODAY?

Yes, some of the many historical uses of herbs relate well to our modern times. Of course, this is not medical advice and no one will make any claims of restoring health, youth, or beauty! We do hope to show some humorous ways that people used to use herbs as well.

SO, OUR HERITAGE HAS COME FULL CIRCLE AND WE’RE LEARNING WHAT THE FOLKS OF DRIPPING SPRINGS KNEW OVER A HUNDRED YEARS AGO?

I think society is becoming more and more interested in what we can take from nature to improve our lives rather than relying on chemicals and other things that in the end might be harmful to ourselves and our environment. Besides — herbs smell good and usually taste delicious — what could be better?

WHAT ELSE WILL HAPPEN OR BE OFFERED AT THIS EVENT?

We will have a short presentation on old-fashioned remedies and then our guests will be treated to wonderful, homemade sweet and savory bites, along with wine and sparkling water. Everyone who attends the event will also take home a party favor. It will be interesting, entertaining, and delicious!

WHAT OTHER EVENTS DOES THE HERITAGE CIRCLE HAVE PLANNED FOR 2014?

Heritage Circle will continue its visits to area cemeteries this year with a visit to our historical Phillips Cemetery on April 5th. Costumed actors will portray noted Dripping Springs area residents who are buried in Phillips, and some even re-enact those former citizens’ talents! We will also be involved with the upcoming, upscale annual Pound House Heritage Gala, on April 12, and of course, one of our biggest annual events is Fall Fest Pioneer Day at the Pound House. We are also talking about possibly developing another Diggin’ Drippin’ presentation this year, which gives kids and adults a hands-on opportunity to learn from archeologists and artifacts experts, how to uncover authentic pioneer and native american artifacts on their own property around the Dripping Springs area!

CAN ANYONE JOIN HERITAGE CIRCLE?

We welcome everyone – men and women across the Dripping Springs area – to join Heritage Circle! For as little as $25 a year, members and their families can learn more about the history of Dripping Springs, and participate in all the wonderful, local activities that revolve around preserving and promoting our fantastic pioneering heritage. There are lots of opportunities to volunteer, to network, to make new friends – even to welcome visitors as a costumed docent to the very heart of Dripping Springs history at the “Pound House.” Of course, we also have business and corporate level Heritage Circle sponsorships that are a great way for organizations to get involved, too. All memberships and donations are fully tax-deductible. Visit our website for more information: http://www.HeritageCircle.org

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?

Yes! Pick up one of our 2014 “Around Dripping Springs” Historical Images calendars! They are on sale at Walgreens, Thyme & Dough, DanTay’s Gifts & Floral, RBFCU, Mazama Coffee Shop, and Lone Star Gifts. Proceeds benefit Heritage Circle and the Pound House.

VISIT WILSON APPLIANCE ONLINE:

http://www.wilsonappliance.com/