Today a full bus of Winter Ranchers took off on a Mystery Bus Tour. Jack drove us to Harlingen where a couple of Chamber people met us and we went on a tour of downtown Harlingen. Since it was so cold, Jack did a bit more driving taking us as close as we could get to whatever our Tour Guide was taking us to see. Then we'd get out and do places that were close. Then it was back on the bus again to the next spot where we could see some more places. It was really a fun trip and we got a real taste for Harlingen.
FIRST STOP - CENTENNIAL PARK
At Centennial Park there is a wonderful set of murals entitled "The History of Mexico and Mankind". This spectacular, 905-piece ceramic tile mural was created by Raúl Esparza
Sanchez of Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico. It was purchased from museum in Los Angeles in 2000 and is now located at Jackson Street
and the Rail Tracks in Harlingen, Texas.
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| The History of Mexico and Mankind Mural |
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| Our Tour Guide Talking About The Mural |
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| Teri Thurston checking out a mural |
SECOND STOP - SURPLUS SUPPLY COMPANY
Our next stop was the Surplus Supply Company which has been in business since June, 1946. Leonard Leonard and his wife opened the Army
Surplus Supply Company which provided military surplus goods to the Rio Grande
Valley. In 1953, the store was moved to 306 W. Jackson,
which has been its permanent location ever since. Still going strong, this
store prides itself as the “Store for American Heroes,” catering to military
personnel and civilian needs.
In
June 1946, at its original location on West Harrison Avenue, Leonard
Leonard and his wife opened the Army Surplus Supply Company, which
provided military surplus goods to the Rio Grande Valley. In 1953, the
store was moved to 306 W. Jackson, which has been its permanent location
ever since. Still going strong, this store prides itself as the “Store
for American Heroes,” catering to military personnel and civilian needs.
- See more at:
http://www.thc.state.tx.us/blog/lucky-seven#sthash.TsIxqFiQ.dpuf
In
June 1946, at its original location on West Harrison Avenue, Leonard
Leonard and his wife opened the Army Surplus Supply Company, which
provided military surplus goods to the Rio Grande Valley. In 1953, the
store was moved to 306 W. Jackson, which has been its permanent location
ever since. Still going strong, this store prides itself as the “Store
for American Heroes,” catering to military personnel and civilian needs.
- See more at:
http://www.thc.state.tx.us/blog/lucky-seven#sthash.TsIxqFiQ.dpuf
In
June 1946, at its original location on West Harrison Avenue, Leonard
Leonard and his wife opened the Army Surplus Supply Company, which
provided military surplus goods to the Rio Grande Valley. In 1953, the
store was moved to 306 W. Jackson, which has been its permanent location
ever since. Still going strong, this store prides itself as the “Store
for American Heroes,” catering to military personnel and civilian needs.
- See more at:
http://www.thc.state.tx.us/blog/lucky-seven#sthash.TsIxqFiQ.dpuf
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| Gary and Faye Campbell |
We didn't have much time in the store but it was a fun place to visit.
NEXT STOP - COOLEY'S CLASSIC CARS
We took a trip down memory lane at Cooley's Classic Cars. Cooleys has more than 20 GM vehicles from the 1920's through the 1990's including Corvettes, Bel Airs, and Impalas, Everyone spent time checking out their favorites.
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| Lee Benfield next to a 1955 Chevrolet |
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| Jerry Ritchie next to a 1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS |
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| Jack Hulsey next to a 1929 Chevrolet |
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| Bob Babler and a 1971 Cheyenne Super Fleetside Pickup |
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| Richard Beall and a 1978 Corvette Pacecar |
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| Some of our group wandering around |
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| Faye Campbell next to her dream car - a 1961 Corvette Convertible |
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| Bob Babler and Dale Colburn checking out a 1966 Chevrolet Suburban Carryall 4x4 |
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| Dave Langfield and a 1961 Chevrolet Impala Hardtop Coupe |
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| The Thurstons like the convertible too! |
JACKSON STREET ANTIQUES
The next stop was Jackson Street Antiques. We really didn't have enough time in here, but I heard the guys saying the same thing about Cooley's! On top of a lot of great antiques they have a parrot in house that loves to chat with customers.
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| Jackson Street Antiques |
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| Checking out the antique store |
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| Now there is a good looking guy! |
GRIMSELL'S SEED COMPANY
Grimsell’s Seed Company was started in 1916 by Frank
Grimsell, who was originally from Chicago.
Daughter Frances and her husband E.F. Griffen continued the family ownership
passing management on to son Don in 1972. Today, Don’s sister Carol Mayfield oversees
the business that continues to supply seed and feed to farmers in South
Texas’ "Magic Valley"
while adding nursery stock for the residential gardener.
This place was really great and I, for one, plan to go back when I am plant-hunting next season!
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| Mural of Bill Haley |
This mural was done by John Aretakis is on the south wall of 202 West Monroe Street across the street from the Seed Company. Bill Haley was a resident of Harlingen for many years.
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| Checking out the Seed Store and Nursery |
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| Donna Jenkins likes the cabbages |
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| Bablers and Colburns |
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| We're heading back to the bus! |
BEYOND ARTS GALLERY
The Beyond Arts Gallery is a new contemporary gallery in Harlingen. It opened on September 12th, 2013.
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| Heading In |
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| This exhibit was on display |
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| Airing Dirty Laundry |
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| Closeup of the centerpiece |
"Through art he (Sergio Garcia) tries to explain how, directly or indirectly, we
become part of the problem instead of just viewers; that way we are
responsible for what is happening in the world rather than being
victims. After taking responsibility it is easier to acknowledge that
the only way to make a change is to change ourselves. García believes
that the key is within us and we decide if we want to use it or not. His
proposal includes realizing that it is our job, and only ours, to
generate peace within ourselves even if we live in a world in war.
In order to communicate his ideas García creates unique characters
which include: bowl headed creatures that feed from the sacred energy of
the universe, hairless people that materialize their desires on their
heads, soul mates that are happy of reencountering each other, and
alchemists that instead of working with metal are working with their own
personality, among other beings full of symbolism." Quote from http://www.beyondartsgallery.com/events/sergio-garcia-airing-dirty-laundry/
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| Lee made me stand here. Patience is my major character flaw!! |
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| Tropical Rio Grand Valley Mural |
This mural is by Benjamin P. Varela and Celeste DeLuna. It is on the East wall surrounding the courtyard at 213 West Monroe. This is the back wall of Grimsell's.
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| Back to the bus! |
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| The Golden Age of Hollywood and Mexican Cinema in Harlingen Mural at 101 East Jackson Street |
After the art gallery we were let loose around town to shop and have lunch. We all went our separate ways as their were several nice eating places and lots of shopping to do. Some of the group visited the New York Deli, The Pumpernickel Tearoom, the City Coffee Shop, El Sombrero, or The Twins Mexican Restaurant. Since we love Italian food, we headed to Colletti's so that is what I have pictures of.
COLLETTI'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Colettis is a part of The Reese Development in Harlingen. It is now a unique multi-use residential and commercial real estate development. Colletti’s has now been open for over a year and offers a gourmet menu of
Italian food options for lunch and dinner service. The restaurant has a
bar, table seating, an open pizza oven and one of the largest kitchens
in Harlingen.
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| Richard Beall and Donna Jenkins checking out the Menu |
We had a free coupon for a Gelato and we all took advantage of that.
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| Another group hit Coletti's |
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| The Tropical Playground of Texas |
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This mural is by John Aretakis on the east wall of 123 East Jackson Street.
It was a great mystery trip. One we should probably schedule again!
