Preservation Rosebud Visits Milam County Museum
The last day of February offered beautiful spring-like weather for twelve members of Preservation Rosebud to visit the Milam County Museum. Immediately after their quarterly meeting at the Rosebud Museum, everyone carpooled to Cameron. President Les Heugatter’s passengers were Fran Heugatter, Caroline Akers Wright, lris Sharp, and Becky Meacham. The caravan also included Greg and Marla Wallace, James Prothro, Alfred Martinez, Ken Hensel, and Joe and Sharon Saunders.
Keri Harris, Resource Manager at the Milam County Museum, welcomed the group and guided them through the displays including the intricate circus tent model, military memorabilia, the Yoe High School case, and the quilt collection. Ms. Harris gave Les Heugatter information about funding, documentation, and storage. She showed him the museum’s scanner equipment and offered suggestions for Rosebud’s museum.
The Milam County Railroad Museum, located right next door, was fascinating to everyone. Who wouldn’t enjoy seeing a model train roaming around a miniature Cameron? The visitors were treated to the room being darkened to reveal the twinkling lights of the tiny town at night. Volunteer Jane Monroe was also there to answer questions and direct visitors.
After leaving the Milam County Museum, the group strolled around the block to Ginno’s Italian Restaurant on N. Central Ave. for lunch. Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken Scarpariella, Chicken Marsala, Shrimp Scampi, Stromboli, Calzone, and pizza were popular choices along with fresh bread and crisp cold salads. Thanks to the kind waitress who set up one long table to accommodate everyone.
The last stop was the 1895 Milam County Jail Museum on E. Main Street. This imposing red brick Romanesque Revival style fortress has 18” thick walls, iron barred windows, a three story cell block, and a hanging tower.
A.G. “Bud” Hajovsky guided the visitors through the jailor’s first floor living quarters, including a sitting room, kitchen, and bedrooms, all with period furnishings. A few brave souls, James Prothro, Caroline Akers Wright, Becky Meacham, Alfred Martinez, and Les Heugatter, ventured upstairs to the cells. Caroline Akers Wright and Les Heugatter were even photographed behind bars. Not for the faint of heart!
At the morning meeting, members voted unanimously to change the regular meeting day from Thursday evening to Saturday morning. It was agreed to open the building to the public on the day of the Golden Years Reunion reception. Becky Meacham was recognized for compiling a list of Lifetime Members. James Prothro announced Annette Engel as the newest Lifetime Member. Joe and Sharon Saunders were thanked for their generous donation of a large tent. Refreshments were provided by James Prothro and Alfred Martinez.
Last November, Preservation Rosebud participated in the 100 Garage Sales at the museum at 117 N. Second St. for the first time. Members agreed to continue using that central location. Previously, Greg and Marla Wallace’s pavilion on Main St. had been used for the sale.
Preservation Rosebud’s next event will be the Golden Years Reunion morning reception at the museum on Saturday, April 11. The building will also be open to the public that day.
Preservation Rosebud operates solely from grants, individual contributions, and volunteerism. New members, donations , and volunteers are always welcome. Life memberships are available for $200. Yearly memberships are $20. Those wishing to join in the mission of preserving Rosebud’s history may contact Treasurer Alfred Martinez at P.O. Box 792, Rosebud, TX 76570. For the latest events and updates please follow Preservation Rosebud on Facebook.