1973: UT’s Winedale Collection Acquires Antique Bohemian Organ

Oct. 2, 1973

A hand crank organ, more than a century old, joined the collection of locally-used 19th century objects at the University of Texas outdoor museum at Winedale. On its gilded and carved case, the organ was identified as having been built by Josef Reimer & Son, Organ Builders, Kratzen, Bohemia. It was brought to Texas in the 1870s and used in the dance hall at Freyburg. The organ was familiar to many Round Top and Warrenton residents because retired teacher Herman Schulie of Warrenton owned and played it for a number of years.

The Clementis, who performed thrilling bicycle acts at the 1973 Fayette County Fair, held a warm place in their hearts for La Grange. Egon, Helmut and Eifie Clementis, whose U.S. headquarters were in Shawnee Mission, Kansas, wrote The Fayette County Record to thank the paper for sending copies of the issue that included the performers’ photo and said how much they enjoyed their stay in Fayette County.

The Hallettsville Brahmas turned three blocked punts into touchdowns and went on to defeat the La Grange Leopards, 28-15, in Hallettsville Friday night. The Brahmas held a slim 15-9 halftime lead, but Leopard miscues set up easy scores for the defense-minded Brahmas in the second half. Hallettsville scored on the first play it had the ball when tailback Clarence Williams sprinted 82 yards for the TD. James Pustka kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead. However, on the ensuing kickoff, Larry Hatfield raced 80 yards for a score, but Marcus Cook’s kick was wide and Hallettsville held on to a 7-6 margin. Late in the initial quarter, Kenny Hatfield’s punt was blocked and the Brahmas recovered on the Lep 16. Four plays later, quarterback Steve Chapman dived over from the one and Williams ran over the extra points for a 15-6 Brahma lead with 11:57 left in the period.

Halfback Myron Hardeman was back and full speed and the Schulenburg Shorthorns were back in Class A. The result was another of those last-minute heart-stoppers that had made the Shorthorns famous in their state championship season the prior year. The Horns overhauled the Lexington Eagles with a 23yard touchdown pass in the final two seconds, then pushed over a two-pointer after time had expired to defeat the Lexington Eagles 29-28. Hardeman carried 21 times for 167 yards during the contest, while Willis Adams got 104 yards in 13 carries, and quarterback Paul Porter completed nine of 16 passes, including two for touchdowns. It was the Shorthorns first win of the season after three straight losses to Class AA opponents.

Sixty-four people attended a social and retirement dinner party in honor of Walter P. Freytag of La Grange at the Frisch Auf! Valley Country Club. One hundred percent of the La Grange Post Office staff was in attendance, as well as several members of management from Austin. Mr. Freytag had recently retired as La Grange postmaster after holding that office for 24 years.

Funeral services were held for: Mrs. Florine Sulik, 45, of La Grange; Charlie Horelica, 53, of La Grange; and Edgar Frenzel, 80, a native of Fayette County.

Two Fayette County volunteers were honored at the annual meeting of the Fayette County chapter of the National Foundation – March of Dimes. Field representative Don Jones of Waco presented engraved plaques to Miss Clara Roitsch, who completed her 30th year as chapter chair, and Amos Pavlik for serving 25 years as chapter treasurer. Both honorees were from La Grange.

Building permits issued for La Grange for the third quarter of 1973 by Mrs. Margaret S. Mason, city secretary, totaled $161,895. That brought the year’s construction sum within the city to $621,740, compared to $1,007,037 for the same period in 1972. Among those receiving permits were: Roberta A. Winkler, Horton Street, reroof; Ritz Food Mart, E. Travis, installation of gasoline tanks; Kenneth Ullrich, N. Jefferson, additions to a commercial building; and Harley G. Krenek, N. Franklin, workshop.

City officials and employees turned out en masse at the La Grange Fire Station Friday night to honor retiring city manager Atlan Citzler, who was starting a new job as business manager with the La Grange schools. Mayor L.W. Stolz Jr. and Mayor Pro Tem K.A. (Moe) Moellenberndt lauded Mr. Citzler for his long tenure with the city – utilities manager since 1952 and city manager for 10 years. City staffers presented Mr. Citzler with a portable bar and employees gave him a portable barbecuing set. Royce Zbranek prepared a delectable meal for the event.

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