While I enjoy major attractions during travels, I particularly like locating something unique about each town through which I travel. I would like to take the time to stay a couple of hours in each town but it would take practically forever to accomplish these highlights. So, I try to “look” for something unique in each town.
Take for instance the town of Bertram, Texas, which is located northwest of Austin. We decided to exit Interstate 10 while traveling east and detoured through the countryside. As we rode through Bertram I first noticed they have an annual oatmeal festival. That’s interesting. I continued driving and readily noticed the train depot.
It was an attractive, small depot and I wondered if it was original – as it looked so new. Here is the scoop.
When the Austin and Northwestern Railroad first laid rails through Bertram in 1882, the original Bertram depot was constructed on this site and served railroad passengers until the end of passenger service in 1937.
I can just imagine the passenger voices of the past remained constrained within the closed walls.
The depot was demolished in 1964, and the site remained vacant through the 1990s.
Voices of the past were locked away in the remnants of the wood.
The George Peters family of Sandia, Texas donated a vintage 1912 San Antionio & Aransas Pass depot from Orange Grove, Texas to the Austin Steam Train Association in 1997. (http://www.bertramtx.com/train-depot.html)
I’m glad we have renewal of the past – even the resemblance. Now the thoughts of the past voices are imagined.
Wouldn’t it be nice to preserve the past instead of demolishing it?
However, I get it. Things here on Earth don’t last forever; thus, we need to preserve the best we can and at least rebuild or place something to remind us of the past.
While we shouldn’t dwell on the past we should still appreciate it – while making improvements along the way.
May we always remember – and move forward!
Bertram is at the junction of Farm Roads 243 and 1174 and State Highway 29, ten miles east of Burnet in eastern Burnet County. The town was established in 1882, when the community of San Gabriel (near the San Gabriel River) in Burnet County was moved two miles northwest to the newly constructed Austin and Northwestern Railroad. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bertram,_Texas
Blessings!
Ron
It would be nice if the original had been preserved, but it’s nice to have an original depot in the place. I love those little stations.
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True. I enjoy these little depots as well.
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I am amused by the idea of an oatmeal festival. Here in the Cotswolds we have a plum festival which is always great fun.
Another fascinating blog post.
http://www.pershoreplumfestival.org.uk/
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I know, right? Who would figure an oatmeal festival? They must be full of their oats! I’ll check out the plum festival. Thanks. 🙂
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My mouth is watering for the plums now. I love them. They look “plum” delicious and inviting. I’m not aware of one around the southeast U.S. but I’ll need to research further. 🙂
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That’s lovely Ron 😊
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Thank you Kelly! 🙂
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I kind of love old train depots. You’re right, it’s really easy to imagine all the busy travelers moving through there and wonder about their lives. Also the oatmeal festival sounds delicious.
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Thanks. I agree. Yes, the festival wasn’t going on when we drove through but it should be a fun and tasty event.
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thanks for the memory, have a great day… I LOVE such discoveries
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This would be a good prop for a future Western movie.
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I agree. I can just see those trains there combined with wagons and horses. Thanks.
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Awesome post! I’m from San Antonio, I keep on saying I’m going to explore the little towns around here. So interesting the things we can dscover :).
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So true Jessy. We drove around San Antonio this time to discover these gems. I’ve certainly been to San Antonio many times with military and that’s a unique, beautiful place too. I plan to be there again in the next couple of years for pleasure. 🙂
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Yes, I love my city! I can do without the triple digits that haunt us constantly though ;). Thank you for your service!
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Beautiful post for a beautiful place! Love the depot. Thanks for allowing us to travel with you vicariously!
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Thank you Lynn. These places are like little gems. Glad you all travel along. It makes good company as we enjoy life together.
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What a lovely sentiment. I agree, may we always remember, and move forward. Thanks for sharing. 😉 JP
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Thank you so much!
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