Home Care In Pipe Creek, TX

New places to dance do not come often anymore. The former hubs of small communities throughout Texas are often closed down and forgotten. However, the Pipe Creek General Store and Dance Hall, located at 9878 Hwy 16 S, Pipe Creek Texas 78063, is an exception. This new old place is seeing life again!

Once Lipan Apache Country, this land was patented by William J. Hamilton on August 29, 1878, and he built a cotton gin and grist mill. E.B. and Carrie Keefe bought the one-acre store corner on March 3, 1911 for $150.00 and built the first store residence, selling to Felix and Harriet Newcomer. In the spring of 1924, Adolph and Loura (granddaughter of the Newcomers) Schott took over the store’s operation. In 1930, Adolph built the dance hall for the 100 families living in the area. Dancing, movies, and skating took place in the hall. In 1936, when the road to San Antonio was widened for the paving of Hwy. 16, the current store was built. The store was the first Pipe Creek building to receive electricity; it was connected December 24, 1940. In 1944, Adolph and Loura leased the store to The Cloptons, who built the café on the corner.

In September 1951, Ed and Ann Jennings took charge of the store, aiming for a convenience market and tourist attraction by posting novel items and signs around the store. Ed Jennings retired and closed the store in 1982, then sold it to Don and Ginger Lee in 1986. They opened the Pipe Creek Junction Café soon afterward, running it for over 25 years. Special thanks to local historian, the late Jay Edwards, and Bruce G. Martin for this info.

The property’s newest history came with its purchase in November 2014 by local resident Bruce G. Martin in order to preserve local history and continue its functionality as an active community gathering place. Bruce has worked to restore the buildings to their original 1930s appearance by keeping original woodwork, while stabilizing the foundations, upgrading the water systems, and installing air conditioning in the general store. Electrical and lighting were updated as well. Additionally, the restrooms are remodeled to meet ADA requirements. Future plans include a restaurant and farmers market.

The family-oriented dancehall is roughly 2,000 square feet. Restoration was recently completed, and the facility is currently utilizing the General Store. Dances featuring country western music will be planned on a periodic basis; beer and wine are planned to be sold onsite. Need more info? Call (210) 912-7663 or email at [email protected]. Best of luck to this renewed site in the Texas Hill Country!

New places to dance do not come often anymore. The former hubs of small communities throughout Texas are often closed down and forgotten. However, the Pipe Creek General Store and Dance Hall, located at 9878 Hwy 16 S, Pipe Creek Texas 78063, is an exception. This new old place is seeing life again!

Once Lipan Apache Country, this land was patented by William J. Hamilton on August 29, 1878, and he built a cotton gin and grist mill. E.B. and Carrie Keefe bought the one-acre store corner on March 3, 1911 for $150.00 and built the first store residence, selling to Felix and Harriet Newcomer. In the spring of 1924, Adolph and Loura (granddaughter of the Newcomers) Schott took over the store’s operation. In 1930, Adolph built the dance hall for the 100 families living in the area. Dancing, movies, and skating took place in the hall. In 1936, when the road to San Antonio was widened for the paving of Hwy. 16, the current store was built. The store was the first Pipe Creek building to receive electricity; it was connected December 24, 1940. In 1944, Adolph and Loura leased the store to The Cloptons, who built the café on the corner.

In September 1951, Ed and Ann Jennings took charge of the store, aiming for a convenience market and tourist attraction by posting novel items and signs around the store. Ed Jennings retired and closed the store in 1982, then sold it to Don and Ginger Lee in 1986. They opened the Pipe Creek Junction Café soon afterward, running it for over 25 years. Special thanks to local historian, the late Jay Edwards, and Bruce G. Martin for this info.

The property’s newest history came with its purchase in November 2014 by local resident Bruce G. Martin in order to preserve local history and continue its functionality as an active community gathering place. Bruce has worked to restore the buildings to their original 1930s appearance by keeping original woodwork, while stabilizing the foundations, upgrading the water systems, and installing air conditioning in the general store. Electrical and lighting were updated as well. Additionally, the restrooms are remodeled to meet ADA requirements. Future plans include a restaurant and farmers market.

The family-oriented dancehall is roughly 2,000 square feet. Restoration was recently completed, and the facility is currently utilizing the General Store. Dances featuring country western music will be planned on a periodic basis; beer and wine are planned to be sold onsite. Need more info? Call (210) 912-7663 or email at [email protected]. Best of luck to this renewed site in the Texas Hill Country!

A large group of the Pipe Creek community met at the Fire Station Hall to listen to information on the upcoming development of Elk Mountain Ranch, a new subdivision off State Hwy 16 and State Hwy 46.

Developers have purchased two ranches in that area and are planning a large development in several “phases.” This development will encompass 1700 acres. At least 500 tracts are planned, and 289 of those have already sold according to sources at the meeting. Phase 1 will consist of 108 lots.

The property is being advertised as 5-to-10-acre homesites close to Boerne. While Boerne is a short drive down State Hwy. 46, the subdivision will be in Bandera County.

Patti Smith moderated the meeting. Judge Richard Evans, Sheriff Dan Butts, Fire Marshall Jason Rutherford, Chief Appraiser Dustin Vernor, County Commissioner Jodi Rutherford, BCRAGD Board members Conrad Striegl, and Ernest Dewinne all attended and spoke for each of their organizations. A representative from TxDOT was not present.

The community members expressed concerns in several areas. The most serious concern dealt with water resource management. The subdivision will not have a water system. Owners will have to purchase and install their own wells and septic systems.

The stresses on current well owners in the area is hard to predict as each property owner in Elk Mountain Ranch would have a great deal of flexibility in the depth of water well they drill and the amount of water they pump.

Septic resource concerns were also voiced at the meeting by xcommunity members.

The Bandera County River and Groundwater District is currently conducting a study on the Trinity Aquifer and the viable size of lots to plat.

According to Striegl, 24 test wells have been sunk to test the flow of water from the aquifer in that area. At present, the subdivision minimum is five acres each but that could change depending on the outcome of the water study. The study is predicted to take 18 months to complete.

Sheriff Dan Butts spoke about county services like EMS and law enforcement. While the response time in that area of the county is quick, this subdivision will introduce a large population into the area that will certainly slow that down.

Butts reminded the audience 20 percent of his calls deal with animal issues. Domestic animals will come with the people as they occupy the home sites, he predicted.

Butts also spoke to the traffic situation that will be created by the entries of the subdivision on Hwy 46 and Hwy 16.

The crowd was disappointed TxDOT would not be putting a turn lane in on Hwy 46. Many predicted that a dangerous situation would develop as the entrance to Elk Mountain Ranch is on a sharp curve.

The developers predict that only 40 percent of the subdivision will enter and exit the subdivision on Hwy 46 and the other 60 percent will use Hwy 16 adding traffic to both roadways.

Chief County Appraiser Dustin Vernor spoke at length about property values and how they would be affected by this subdivision.

Many at the meeting reported that the subdivision was being touted as “Ag Exempt.” Vernor said the only exemption on a five-acre lot is for bees. The owners would have to establish extensive bee keeping to be able to qualify for that exemption.

County Fire Marshall Jason spoke briefly about the challenges facing the area by adding nearly 500 homes to the Pipe Creek Fire Department’s scope of responsibility.

County Commissioner Jodi Rutherford spoke to the group about his experiences with “explosive” development in Precinct 4. He expressed strong opinions on the merits of development and the stresses it puts on all county resources.

The final speaker of the evening was County Judge Richard Evans, who compared the city of Bandera and the County on their legal avenues to control explosive development.

Evans remarked the City could pass ordinances and other rules to control development. The county, however, has no legal ground or statute to protect it from sale of land for development.

Evans recommended that constituents contact their state Senator and Representative to address this issue in the next session. He said that this is a regional problem and not just a Bandera County problem.

Patti Smith reminded the audience this was a meeting to share information.She said that the next step will be to attend a BCRAGD meeting on July 14 to discuss issues pertaining to this development.

For more information or to get involved, contact Patti Smith at 210-508-3875.

The location that used to be Bob’s Burgers on 1283 has finally been resurrected, and burgers they are not!

On December 3, owners Marcus, his wife, Susan, and partner, Patrick opened up Whiskey Tango Foxtrot BBQ, a restaurant complete with genuine Texas BBQ eats and a colossal smoker.

This veteran-owned business is location number two for the partners, their first being a food truck launched in July 2020 and currently co-located with the Stouthouse Pub in San Antonio. They bring 20+ years of Pitmaster experience to their brand.

Pitmaster, Devin, and Manager, Mady, are son and daughter to owners Marcus and Susan, and run the daily operations.

The Barn has been completely remodeled and offers a rustic, yet fresh atmosphere for doing some serious BBQ indulging. The name? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is a military term – one that they found to be a good fit for their business model with veteran ties.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot cooks up only prime cut meats, which they smoke over oak in a 1,000-gallon smoker all day.

They use their own proprietary rub on the meats and all of their sides, such as mac & cheese, potato salad, pinto beans, creamed corn, and banana pudding are homemade. Some of their traditional meats include brisket, ribs, pork and sausage.

The final result from the smoker renders moist, succulent, classic BBQ flavors that is simply delicious and satisfying.

Marcus emphasizes that their number one rule is consistency, which is preached to all staff.

“We are so excited to be out here. Our biggest joy is seeing people enjoy what we turn out and we plan on being here a long, long time,” he said.

What some customers are saying: “If you’re not trying this place out people then you are cheating yourself!!! Hands down, the Best BBQ in the hill country and beyond.” “Let me say it did not disappoint. If you are not a local it’s definitely worth the drive.”

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to whenever they sell out of BBQ.

They have been selling out between 4-6 p.m., depending on the day.

They are located at 4951 FM 1283, Pipe Creek. Their phone number is 830-850-0944.

In a few months, WTF will also be opening a saloon that adjoins to the restaurant, aptly named Eagles Nest.

Tasked with preserving the history of Bandera County, members and volunteers of the Bandera County Historical Commission (BCHC) are visiting key sites around the county to view how restoration efforts are helping to save and improve the county’s historic buildings.

Past meeting locations in the last year included the River Oaks Motor Court in Medina, Texas as well as the new addition of the Medina

Community Library that was designed by famed Texas architectural firm, Lake Flato. Members have also visited the County Clerk’s office in Bandera’s historic Courthouse and the county’s off-site archival holdings.

In May, the BCHC had the pleasure of touring the iconic Pipe Creek General Store and Dance Hall. Leading the tour was the owner, Bruce Martin.

Martin not only pointed out the extensive restoration work he has completed but also gave the history of the location.

Located at the corner of Highway 16 and County Road 1283, the land has been occupied since the late 1870s, when William Hamilton built a cotton gin and grist mill.

In 1911, Felix and Harriet Newcomer ran a general store on the corner. By 1924, Adolph Schott took over the store.

In 1930, Schott built the dance hall. The hall not only offered music and dancing but was also used to show movies and even host skating parties.

The original store building had to be replaced in 1936 when Highway 16 was widened and paved. This is the building that stands today next to the dance hall. It was the first store in Pipe Creek to receive electricity in 1940. The building would also house a café.

After the last café closed, Martin bought the entire property in 2014 in order to preserve this bit of local history and to continue the tradition of the dance hall and store building operating as a gathering place for the community.

Martin worked to restore the buildings by not only keeping much of the original woodwork, but adding period woodwork salvaged from other buildings built in the 1930s.

A covered deck was built between the store building and the dance hall that appears to be original to the structure because of Martin’s meticulous use of salvaged wood.

Updates to the complex included structural upgrades such as new air conditioning and plumbing as well as inte rior upgrades such as the addition of a large rock fireplace and sitting area in what was once a storage room, giving the appearance of a comfy living room in an old lodge.

The BCHC tour group were thrilled to see original shiplap exposed along the walls and ceilings.

The entire property consists of three acres and two other buildings – a small stone cottage and a carriage house along with a storage silo and the remains of the old cotton gin and fireplace from the 1800s. Martin also built an out

Martin also built an outdoor stage area and pavilion with a large outdoor dancefloor. Today, the property hosts market days and functions as an event venue for parties, galas, family functions, and weddings.

After the tour, Rebecca Norton, historical commission chairperson, remarked, “The property is a wonderful example of how reuse and restoration can save a historic property. We’re so fortunate that someone like Bruce purchased the property and had the passion and vision to not only save the dance hall and general store, but to create a new space from the old.”

The old Pipe Creek dance hall and store will continue to be a part of the county’s history just as it has been for the last 100 years.