Ask Billie

I suppose most of us have at least some of the "it's greener on the other side" syndrome. This has become more evident to me in the past year as our tour buses and drop-in visitors have increased. It is amazing what other people delight in that we either take for granted or never take the time to explore.

Joan Upton Hall has taught English for 28 years, speaks at writers conferences and is now a full-time freelance writer. One of her latest is a book Just Visitin' Old Texas Jails and while gathering materials she made a visit to Wharton's 20th Century Technology Museum and Art and Sharon Schulze. Let me share with you from the book. Wharton County Jails

"Other cities may demolish their old jails, but Wharton has recycled all seven: the latest (built in 1996: two dating 1854 and 1936) are residences: two small holding jails (dates unknown) are still standing: one former plantation jail (date unknown) is being restored; and the 1888 jail now houses the 20th Century Technology Museum. Talk about adaptive uses - Wharton, we salute you!"

The writer reminds us how much history we can learn about Wharton by just studying our jails. Prior to the Civil War there was a county jail, but apparently plantation owners built their own. The one found on the Schulze property was one of those and dates to the 1850s.

Other publications have visited

Technology is making it possible for other people to learn about Wharton, not only our rich heritage but the many facets of today's lifestyle. The Internet is making it possible through venues such as Houston Architecture Info Forum for persons to take a visual tour of our town. That in turn brings people here so they can see first hand the many tourist attractions we have to offer.

Once again the hospitality of Art and Sharon Schulze caught the attention of these visitors. Many of you know that Art formerly subcontracted engineering services for NASA, has numerous patents, and now designs electronic healthcare devices. Art grew up in Richmond where his father owned an appliance and electronics store. Starting out sweeping floors as a youngster and then helping with all aspects of the business, it is little wonder that technology has been a big part of his life. Receiving degrees in Bio-chemistry and engineering seemed to be perfect fits for the lessons he learned from the family business.

Sharon spent her years as an elementary school teacher and has added so much to the domestic side of the Museum. The one comment that we hear so often from visitors of all ages is the easy way technology is presented.

A recent out of town visitor is having a birthday and when her children ask what she would like for her big day she replied "I want to take my grandchildren to Wharton to visit the 20th Century Technology Museum so they will understand what my life was like growing up."

What a great idea and how blessed we are to have such a facility in Wharton that will not let us forget how important the 20th Century was to our world. Plus it is bringing the spotlight and visitors to our town.