scattered throughout New England, Texas may seem to lack the rich architecture, history, and culture of its colonial siblings. But a trip to Caldwell may put you in a different frame of mind. Amid its wealth of museums, the early settlers of Texas are given a chance to speak. Visitors Center Museum, remember City Administrator Billy Broaddus articulating, "[I don't] want a `barbed wire' museum, but one that [encompasses] the rich heritage that is Caldwell." Through donated items from individuals and businesses in the city, including artifacts from immigrants, the displays showcase the "rich Czech heritage of the community." A favorite artifact is the Kallus family's immigrant trunk, "a reminder of how little a family could bring with them," regardless of the family's size. "The museum certainly reflects the heroism and courage of Texans," comments the Rychliks, as exhibits "show the tenacity and hard work the first settlers did to establish Caldwell." cotton gin, with a permanent display recounting the role the cotton industry played in Caldwell's development. Historical Commission, she accepted the charge "to preserve artifacts of the past to educate [people]...of the foundation laid for them; a never-ending mission." A walk through the 2-room Burleson County Historical Museum includes exhibits with home and school items, arrowheads, ranching equipment, and "items purchased in general stores as well as some early medical tools." A unique display is of barn tools, which "leads to stories about which animals wore which size bells so the owner could find them." Tenoxtitlan. "[It's] one of the three forts Mexico built to curb immigration," informs Melynda. "The artifacts and written display allow you to take yourself back to a time before Texas was a state. The settlers set up homes on this frontier and endured what others did to establish Texas as their home." built in 1891, is another site commissioned by the Burleson County Historical Society. Originally owned by Caldwell resident Thomas J. Kraitchar, the house has been established as a Texas Historical Site and restored to showcase its period-architecture. Heritage Museum, had no idea what a "dulcimer" was until she saw the musical instrument on a tour. Now, the old, restored instrument is her favorite artifact. "Dulcimers have a unique sound found on many of the Czech dance tunes known as polkas and waltzes." resides in the Polasek House, an 1863 Czech home. The museum "displays kitchen, baby, and household furnishings of the Texas Czech settlers used during the late 1800's, donated by families in and around [Caldwell]." eradicated the items used by Caldwell's Czech ancestors. "We want to display and preserve as many of these items for viewing and education; not only for the descendants of our local community, but also for visitors coming to our small town." |