Reading of Declaration of Independence spotlighted
The significance of Independence Day has not been lost on organizers of “An American Tradition,” the Fourth of July celebration at George Ranch Historical Park in Richmond.
The event will feature historytinged activities including a parade of vintage vehicles and traditional games and food-related events such as a hot-dog feast and cobbler-eating contest.
But the centerpiece will be the 11:30 a.m. reading of the Declaration of Independence from the porch of the 1890s Davis Victorian Mansion.
“The power of the words really sings in a way they don’t when you’re reading it (silently),” said Krystal Willeby, the park’s director of programs. “It just takes you back in time. It’s a very unique and special moment.”
The park, normally closed on Mondays, will stay open to celebrate the nation’s birthday from
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, July 4.
“I personally enjoy the day, because it’s fun and interactive,” Willeby said. “It’s a laid-back event — but there’s a meaning and a purpose.”
New this year is a scavenger hunt throughout the park that will point participants to little-known historic facts, museum spokeswoman Jennifer Farrell said. Details on how to participate will be offered at the visitors’ center.
A parade of vintage wheels starts at 11 a.m.
“It’s anything from antique bicycles to tractors, and we have a Model T,” Farrell said. Gobbling cobbler
Guests may make reservations for the hot-dog feast at 12:30 p.m. The menu includes Hebrew National Dogs, Oscar Meyer Wieners, Johnsonville Bratts, venison sausages, stadium-style buns, grilled peppers, grilled onions, chili, cheese, sauerkraut, potato salad, pasta salad, beans, cobbler and ice cream.
The cost for the meal, not included with general admission, is $15 for adults and children ages 13 and older. Seniors adults age 62 and older can participate for $14 and children ages 5-12 eat for $12. Children age 4 and under can eat for $4.
At 1:30 p.m. the annual cobbler-eating contest begins.
“People get really into it,” Willeby said. “They’re very competitive. People come back year after year to see if they’ll come back on top.”
Throughout the day, guests are invited to play a variety of traditional games including blindman’s bluff, a watermelonseed spitting contest, sack races, tug-of-war, croquet, baseball and marbles. Tour Texas history
The park is a living history museum that showcases Texas history from the 1830s through the 1930s.
George Ranch is anchored by four home sites: the 1830s Jones Stock Farm, 1860s Ryon Prairie Home, 1890s Davis Victorian Mansion and 1930s George Ranch Cattle Complex.
Guests should allow three to four hours to visit historic homes, Farrell said.
Regular activities include historic home tours, living history demonstrations, hands-on activities and cattle-working demonstrations.
“We’re always looking for ways to bring history alive instead of just reading about it,” Farrell said.
At the 1830s Jones Stock Farm, guests will get a glimpse into the life of the first Texas pioneers, exploring the homestead of Nancy and Henry Jones, including the gardens, farm, livestock and outdoor kitchen.
Ryon Prairie Home showcases post-Civil War Texas history with a visit to the home of Polly Ryon and her husband, William.
“Polly Ryon was a very astute businesswoman,” Farrell said. “She built up the ranching operations.”
The site also has outbuildings, including a chicken coop, pig pen, sugar cane press and chuck wagon camp.
The Davis House also has a blacksmith shop, greenhouse, the original family cemetery and a sharecropper’s farm.
The 1930s George Ranch home belonged to Mary Elizabeth “Mamie” and Albert P. George.
Together, the homes offer an overview of the lives of Texans during the 19th and 20th century.
The park offers a number of events throughout the year, including a Labor Day barbecue planned for 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 3 and 5.
The annual Texian Market Days Festival is the biggest event on the list, with a variety of hands-on demonstrations, battle re-enactments, games, vendors and live entertainment. The event is slated for 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22.