Luckenbach, Texas
Back to the basics...
by Deborah Dousay
Eight miles east of Fredricksburg. Take U.S.290
to Stonewall, then FM 1376 for just under 5 miles.
Don't look for any signs...There aren't any. People
steal them far too regularly for taxpayers to keep
up with. But anyone in the area can, and will be
happy to, direct you.
”Past the tishard, on the turnrow, watch for the
turnbuckle; hang a left.” That is exactly what the
old man gave me as directions, asserting,”Luckenbach
really is a place, you know?”
Dual scenery on Ranch Road 1376 takes you back to
a community started by several German-speaking
families, including brothers, Jacob and August
Luckenbach. It’s a picturesque setting, virtually
painted by a blend of hills and bottomlands on Grape
Creek, and a tiny tributary of the Pedernales River.
Mrs. Albert Luckenbach(Minnie Engel) established
a store, saloon, post office,and the dance hall
which all operate today while a cotton gin, taken by
a flood in 2002 and remnants of a blacksmith shop
that washed down the creek are vivid reminders of
the once flourishing commerce that bustled here.
In 1971, Texas humorist and writer John
Russell(Hondo) Crouch, bought the 10 acre settlement
from Benno Engel, grinning smartly as he announced
it was because “Dallas wasn't for sale.”
Kathy Morgan and Guich Koock soon partnered with
Crouch to style a full- fledged town. Hondo called
himself the “mayor” and “Clown Prince” of Luckenbach,
and proclaimed it “a free state... of mind.” He
successfully put the small community on the map.
Festivals and gatherings are tradition in this
Texas town. Mud Dauber's Day, Hill Country
Musician’s Jam, and The Cowboy Christmas Ball are
just a sampling of festivities that take place here.
Luckenbach is also a favorite hangout for motorcycle
enthusists year-round. Probably the most recognized
party of all-time is the original Willie Nelson 4th
of July Picnic, which has literally brought in
thousands each year from all over the world and all
walks of life to celebrate a Texas-American
tradition.
Country music fans may know of this little town
from Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson's hit tune, “Luckenbach,Texas”,
but make no mistake; it truly is a place that gets
you “back to the basics” in a flash.
Whether it’s the wild west atmosphere, the bell
that rings every time a Lone Star beer is sold, the
nostalgic flavor of Texas, as only Texans can
explain adequately, or the massive, historic oak
trees that cover the grounds, you’ll find something
that gets your attention. And once it does, there's
a lot to keep you there and even more to bring you
back.
A previous trip there allowed me the privilege to
meet the late Sheriff Marge, who was known to
reprimand the biggest of hulks when their “mouth
overloaded their senses”, or stop you in your tracks
when “right is right“ is the rule of the day. Her
deep echoing voice could scare you to silence, or
calm you with security. She is no longer there
serving drinks, and corraling the rowdy crowds, but
I believe her spirit lingers, and keeps the town
alive – and in order. She still makes you feel like
somebody...and,“Everybody IS Somebody in Luckenbach,
Texas, which truly is so much more than just a song!
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