HILL COUNTRY HARMONY: Harvest Moon Dinner & Dance helps with preservation

There are a lot of great things about the Lone Star State — particularly the Texas Hill Country — but throw in the community of Fischer, and its historic Fischer Hall, and you’ve got the makings for something special.

Such was the case recently as advocates of the Wimberley Institute of Cultures came together to host their annual Harvest Moon Dinner and Dance.

“The Harvest Moon Dance is once a year,” said Debra Billups, board member. “It's one of two fundraisers and we're having for the sole purpose of the care and upkeep of the Wimberley Valley Museum.”

Above, on Friday, Oct 8, a Music Jam, hosted by T&L Ranch, had music aficionados on the dance floor dancing to the tunes of Lee Wilson. Daily Record photo by Lance Winter

Known as the Winters-Wimberley House, now the Wimberley Valley Museum, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. The front room of the museum tells the story of past people and events that were important to Wimberley, from Jacob de Cordova — the original land speculator of the area — to William Carvin Winters to Pleasant Wimberley and beyond.

The museum also helps visitors get to know the individuals who shaped and grew the town that seemed to spring from the limestone terrain because a mill was built along Cypress Creek. In fact, grinding stones on display at the museum are from a mill on loan from Ozona Bank, which is close to where the original mill was located.

Billups said the Harvest Moon Dinner and Dance has been taking place off-and-on for 20-years, while the Institute of Cultures began in 1987 and shortly thereafter became a nonprofit.

Asked why she did it, it was simple for her. Preservation.

“Because the Wimberley Valley history can disappear just like anyplace else really quick,” she said. “We are proud to keep its history alive each spring by having all fourth-grade classes come through on a special tour and hear more of the history of Wimberley Valley.”

The purpose of the Wimberley Institute of Cultures is to foster interest in the historical, natural and cultural resources of the Wimberley Valley through educational and social programs involving both young and adult members of the community.

Currently, the Wimberley Valley Museum is open with docents on the first Saturday of each month and the Friday before that day.

The museum can also be accessed by reservation by sending an email to: wimberleyvalleymuseum@wimwic.org State the date and time you want to visit, one of the docents will respond and meet visitors. Visitors can also call John Poe at 832-545-5036 to set up an appointment.

The museum is open to the public and admission is free. However, donations are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.

IF YOU GO:

Location: 14068 RR 12, Wimberley, Texas 78676

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.