background image
36
By Emily Barnby
When compared to 18th-century landmark buildings
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.
Joe and Donna Rychlik, on the board of the Caldwell
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."
The museum sits on the former location of the Vykukal
cotton gin, with a permanent display recounting the role
the cotton industry played in Caldwell's development.
When Melynda Giesenschlag joined the Burleson County
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."
The 40-year-old museum also includes items from Fort
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."
The Kraitchar House, a Victorian cottage-style building
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.
Lora Petty, secretary of the Burleson County Czech
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."
The museum, established in 1992 by Caldwell citizens,
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]."
Lora remarks on the cultural and societal changes that have
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."
To enjoy these Caldwell
museums, contact the Burleson
County Chamber of Commerce
at www.burlesoncountytx.com
or call 979.567.0000.