Saturday, February 27, 2010, was the official grand opening of the Blanco Pioneer Museum. It attracted a large crowd, who all enjoyed the exhibits, good food, good fellowship, and the entertainment. The lovely restored house at 418 Pecan Street was furnished as it would have been in the mid-1800s, with beautiful antique furniture and accessories, loaned by many for this exhibit. Older adults reminisced about the use of many of the items and could share that information with the youngsters who attended, so they could see what pioneer life was back then.

Jimmy Jacks, master of ceremonies, introduced the American Legion Post #352 Color Guard, who after the Presentation of Colors, read historical documents to be loaned to the museum and presented a 48-star flag to the museum for display. The Reverend Doctor Bobby Leggett, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, gave the invocation.

The welcoming address was given by Pioneer Museum president, Nell Krueger, the highlight of which was the mission statement of the museum, “the vision being the start of a major museum for Blanco and the surrounding area. With the changing exhibits and events, it will become not only a tourist attraction, but a place all of us can enjoy, to preserve our past so the youth of today can understand what life was like for their ancestors. The opportunity given us for the use of this building by Pat Ryan and the financial support from the community as well as the help from many volunteers to provide staffing will enable us to operate without having to charge admission.”

Following the tribute to Pat Ryan and recognition of the many sponsors, Penny Thomas, the executive director of the Blanco Chamber of Commerce, cut the ribbon and the fun began! Lots of entertainment went on across the street, with Maggie Goodman telling stories as only she can, there was knife and tomahawk throwing by Cole Brady, and music, music, and more music, with Lawrence and Patty Coffee, Nelson Broyal, Senior Moments Plus One, and the Dry River Gang. There was even a snake oil salesman and peddler, Mark Mabrito, selling his wares in the guise of Dr. Marcus Midas Wellbe, Doctor of Elixirs.

In the house itself, our own TD and Leona Smylie as well as Bernice West were available to chat with whoever came through the house. There were a couple gentlemen who added to my store of knowledge with helpful hints about kerosene vs flat irons. Thank you, Lawrence and Vic!

Kudos to all the people who gave of their time and energy to make the house look beautiful - and especially to Linda Howard for her vision and all her extremely hard work organizing and advertising and just general all-around stuff! It could not have been done without her, as well as Dennis Moore who furnished all the old vehicles, Pat Vallone and Charlene Pace, who put the exhibit together, and Rebecca Howerton, who was chairman of all the entertainment.

The weather was beautiful, the food was great, the fellowship and camaraderie were wonderful, and “a good time was had by all!”