December 2024

Ann PowersEditor PALO PINTO—The 18th Annual Frontier Christmas wowed the crowd at the Old Jail Museum Complex in Palo Pinto, Dec. 12. Sponsored by the Palo Pinto County Historical Association, Frontier Christmas is a vintage voyage exploring the area’s colorful past. “We’re trying to show off our museum and let people appreciate what we have in the county,” said PPC Historical Commission Treasurer Ann Reagan. “It keeps growing every year.” The festival highlighted the pioneer days of yesteryear offering live music, caroling, storytelling, hayrides, frontier food, ragdoll making and living history actors dressed in period costumes – like Alisa Reynolds. She attended the event in an elaborate dress typical for a woman living in the 1870s to wear while traveling by train and for other special occasions. “I walk around and explain to people what the time period is and where it comes from,” Reynolds said of the garment she spent approximately 70 hours sewing. “It takes about 40 minutes to get all of this on.” Of course, Santa Claus was on hand seating children on his lap and considering their wish lists for the big day. Logan Jade Wood, age 5 of Mineral Wells, said a Barbie Dream House is what she hopes to find under the tree this year. Santa said her prospects were better than average. “Ahhh, she’s been good,” the jolly old man in red confirmed with a wink. Local musicians performed outdoors near a campfire on the Old Jail Museum premises while Buttermilk Junction played old-fashioned holiday tunes at the First Christian Church nearby. It’s the oldest church building in Palo Pinto and has been in continuous use since its construction in 1883. Addison and Randolph Clark, founders of Texas Christian University, were early pastors, according to local historians. The Old Jail Museum Complex features […]