Preservation Rosebud welcomes Rosebud-Lott 50+ Alumni to the museum
The Rosebud -Lott 50+ Reunion reception at the museum had everything: high school sweethearts, a visitor just returning from France, a dee-jay who announced the reunion on his radio program, 70’s music, a live restoration workshop on the second floor, a local artist, and a couple who retired from teaching and became antiques dealers.
Returning alumni from the Rosebud-Lott classes of ‘73 and ‘74 visited the museum for the first time and were amazed at the transformation of the Old City Hall/Fire Station. Friends toured the museum and shared stories and laughter.
High school sweethearts Judy Michalewicz Smith and husband Owen Smith of Rosebud, both RLHS Class of ‘74, were among the first to arrive. Owen became Preservation Rosebud’s newest Lifetime Member, and his name has been added to the sign with over 50 others who have joined.
Another Lifetime Member, Jo-Carol Parks Fabianke, brought granddaughter Margita Fabianke, who just returned to the U.S. after spending five years in France. With them was Kathy Parks Clayton, Class of ‘73. It’s always a fun time at the museum when “The Parks Girls” arrive.
Patti Moseley Fant, Class of ‘73, brought husband Roger “Billy Ray” Fant from Copperas Cove to see the museum. “Billy Ray,” a local disk jockey, gave the Preservation Rosebud reception a plug on his morning radio program.
Seventies music could be heard upstairs where a live restoration workshop was going on. James Prothro and Alfred Martinez spent ten hours stripping paint off the old red BEN FRANKLIN enamel steel letters. After the letters are buffed and shined, they will be hung in the museum.
Local artist Sharon Saunders added beauty to the reception with an arrangement of flowers from her home in Travis. Sunflowers, vitex, rock roses, witch grass, and snow on the mountain were placed in a blue antique vase. Rosebud Feed and Grain also donated two lovely bouquets.
Mark and Kenna Ball Kirkscey traveled from East Bernard to join classmates from the Honor Class of 1974. Follow them on Facebook at “Kirkscey’s Collectibles.”
Paul, Class of ‘74, and Mary Meier of Rosebud visited the downstairs display room and went to the second floor for the paint demonstration. Lifetime Member Ken Hensel stopped by the reception to offer his help.
Marla Wallace’s signature buttermilk pound cake is a mainstay for Preservation Rosebud events. Despite having her left arm in a cast, she was able to bake the cake, with assistance from Greg Wallace. Thanks to Tiffani Murray of The Fabric Barn. She and granddaughter Khloe Murray brought cookies and Khloe helped with the buffet table and photography. Lemon blueberry loaf, S’mores cookies, and chocolate chip cookies were provided by Alfred Martinez and James Prothro. Coffee, iced tea, and orange juice were supplied by Les and Fran Heugatter. Special thanks to James Prothro who spent an entire workday preparing the building for guests.
These Preservation Rosebud Board Members opened the museum to the guests: Les Heugatter, Fran Heugatter, James Prothro, Alfred Martinez, Marla Wallace, Greg Wallace, Sharon Saunders, and Joe Saunders. Afterwards, the group went to Highway 77 for a late lunch at their favorite restaurant.
Those wishing to donate to Preservation Rosebud may contact Treasurer Alfred Martinez at P.O. Box 792, Rosebud, TX 76570. Lifetime memberships are available for $200 and yearly memberships are $20. New members, donations, and volunteers are always welcome. Join “Preservation Rosebud” on Facebook for updates of future events.
In 2014, Marla Zipperlen Wallace, Rosebud-Lott Class of ‘73, had a vision for a reception at the museum hosted by Preservation Rosebud to provide a place for returning alumni to gather before the Golden Years Reunion. Those traveling distances could come to town, enjoy refreshments, and mingle with friends. This event has continued through the years and now that Rosebud-Lott graduates have marked their 50th year, Preservation Rosebud will make this an annual event. A 21 gun salute to Marla Wallace for beginning a legacy of hospitality at the Rosebud Museum.