Ask Billie

A few weeks ago a visitor to Wharton observed that during our history we have had a large number of "characters" that added so much color. Then he asked if we thought we were as colorful now or would be in the future? I do not know that answer but I like "characters."

Take a look at our murals and a lot of those people who heard the beat of a different drum are larger than life. Think about "Buckshot Lane," Shanghai Pierce, Nan Outlar, Sheriff Flournoy and many others.

In late 1991 another real character moved to Wharton, Dana Steinheimer. Do you remember? Riverfront Park, a joint venture with LCRA, the City of Wharton and the Wharton Chamber, had just been completed. For the first time in many years the Colorado River could be seen from someplace other than the bridge.

Now it was time to explore activities for the river and the park. Outside movies attracted home folks and the park was used by families enjoying the beauty of the river. We heard about a man in Wimberly who was a marina operator, had built a castle on the river and had a talking bird for children's programs.

Dana did move to Wharton and indeed he was a character, but certainly a talented one. Earlier he had been Chairman of the Art Department at Stephen F. Austin University. He had also done all of the exterior and interior art for Magic Island in Houston - a real accomplishment.

Well, the swiftness of the Colorado and then another flood meant the castle would not be a visitor attraction, but Dinosaur Park became a reality because of Dana.

It was during these same years that we were working to restore the downtown. If you remember, many of those buildings were empty and others in disrepair. Dana did all the drawings, and as all the other work, there was no cost to us.

Also, the many hundreds of visitors to the Plaza Theatre have not missed Dana's wonderful talent because he painted the beautiful artwork on the walls. This was his contribution to the project.

Now Dana has been in a tragic accident in Thailand, where he has a restaurant, and he needs our concern. He was on a motorcycle, the best way to travel in that country. A car was parked in an illegal space and the driver opened the door in front of Dana.

Dana suffered severe cuts to his thigh and abdomen. That seems to be healing but one eye is totally blurred since the accident. The doctors have diagnosed the eye as "traumatic cataract," making the entire eye milky. They give him little hope of using the eye again unless surgery is done quickly. The loss of an eye is always tragic, especially to an artist.

Dana has stayed in contact with many in Wharton and friends are doing what friends always do, finding a way to help. A fund has been set up at First State Bank to accept monetary gifts. If you would like to make a donation, make checks payable to First State Bank and designate Dana's fund. Or mail a check made out to Jeffrey Blair at 1406 Kelving Way. Jeffrey has the ability to transfer the funds.

Yes, Dana hears the beat of a different drum, he is a real "character" but he is a friend who now needs our help. You are always generous.