Dear Editor, I would like to express my gratitude to the Bulletin for its coverage of the opening of the Smithsonian exhibit in Bandera. However, I believe that the article could benefit from additional factual details, which I would like to provide. The Smithsonian traveling exhibit, titled Crossroads: Change in Rural America, was brought to Bandera through a collaborative effort involving The Texas Hill Country Trail, The Bandera Convention & Visitors Bureau, Director Patricia Moore, The Frontier Times Museum, Director Rebecca Norton and The Bandera County Historical Commission, Chairperson Kimberly Miles. Located within Bandera Middle School, this prominent exhibit is accompanied by eight local displays created by dedicated volunteers from the community. I would like to highlight those exhibits here.
The Stompede, showcases a vibrant period in Bandera’s history during which the entire town was engaged. This exhibit highlights the blue jean flag, the symbol of the old Stompede days, as seen in displays throughout the town today, and features a video presentation of long-time local residents sharing their memories of Bandera history. This initiative was made possible by Carita Jundt, with assistance from Roy Dugosh, Josie Evans, Micheal Haynes, Tim Flick, Troy Adamietz, Kimmy Williams and the Western Trail Gunfighters. Another remarkable display, 100 Years of Rodeo in Bandera, was developed by Linda James of the Bandera Pro Rodeo in collaboration with photographer Tessa Kolodny. This exhibit narrates the rich history of rodeo participants, stock providers, and rodeo queens, tracing the evolution from the inception of Mansfield Park to the contemporary rodeos that define our town. The exhibit titled Music History of Bandera, which was recently certified as a Music Friendly Town at the grand opening, features over 900 pieces of music on an old jukebox that has been expertly restored by Larry Haddad. Led by project coordinator Patricia Moore, the team, which includes Mary Schenk, Laura Davenport, Deana McCabe, and Sasha Sutton, has curated a musical journey that celebrates the remarkable talents originating from Bandera.
Additionally, Bandera Electric Cooperative showcased Old Number One at the grand opening along with presenting a compelling display that illustrates the growth and transformation of rural electrification over the years. It is fascinating to consider the changes that have occurred within our lifetimes. Dudes, Dances & Delights explores the evolution of tourism in Bandera, emphasizing its role in sustaining the local economy by attracting visitors from around the globe. This exhibit includes a digital catalog of Dude Wranglers magazines, which, as Diane Conoly stated, served as the “Facebook of its time.” The digitization of these historical materials was accomplished through the efforts of Diane Conoly and Kim Schott. The exhibit Living off the Land, presented by the Frontier Times Museum and Director Rebecca Norton, discusses Bandera’s transformation from an agricultural hub known for sheep and cattle to a tourist destination where visitors more frequently encounter exotic game. Brought to Bandera by Texas Tejano, the traveling display on pioneer Pollycarpio Rodriguez recounts the diverse and rich history of this prominent figure whose contributions are commemorated through sites such as Polly’s Chapel, Polly’s Cemetery, and Polly’s Schoolhouse. Furthermore, the exhibit One Room Schoolhouses to Today: How Education Has Changed Through the Years is brought to life by John Milner of the Frontier Times Museum. Through engaging artifacts and dialogue, this display illustrates the evolution of education from traditional chalkboards to modern online learning.
The main exhibit offers a wide array of experiences, complemented by various programs and displays throughout the community. I encourage all interested parties to visit the main site, obtain a map from the dedicated volunteers present each day, or access additional information online at www.frontiertimesmuseum. org then selecting the events option. This initiative would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Bandera Economic Development Corporation, Bandera Electric Cooperative, Texas Heritage Trail Program, Texas Salt Company, Hyo Silver, Bandera County, First National Ice Haus, and TJ’s at the Old Forge and let me not forget the generosity of the Bandera I.S.D. for opening up the middle school campus for us this summer.
Kimberly Miles Chairperson, Bandera County Historical Commission
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