The Medina Community LibrarywelcomedBuddyand Jan Wilkinson on Friday, July 11, for a unique and engaging program on historic cypress shingle making, blending hands-on demonstration with Texas frontier history.
Dressed in period attire, the Wilkinsons brought the 19th century to life as Buddy portrayed early Texas settler Joshua Brown, who journeyed to the Hill Country in search of cypress trees.
Brown would eventually settle in the area now known as Kerrville, purchasing several sections of land and helping to establish the community.
Using a replicated shingle- making bench and authentic antique tools, Buddy demonstrated the traditional process of crafting cypress shingles, pausing throughout to share historical insight and craftsmanship tips.
Jan Wilkinson complemented the demonstration with additional background on the era, offering context on Brown’s legacy and the importance of cypress in Texas building traditions.
Throughout the presentation, the Wilkinsons answered audience questions and connected the historic practice to modern rural life, showcasing how ingenuity and natural resources shaped early Texas communities.
The program is part of the library’s ongoing “Rural America: Then and Now” series, highlighting the skills, stories, and heritage of the region.
Buddy Wilkinson demonstrates the traditional process of crafting cypress shingles at the Medina Community Library. COURTESY PHOTO
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