Train developer Jay Gould was riding the rails in style in this special train car he named “Atlanta.” It has four state rooms, a lounge, dining room, kitchen, butler’s pantry and even a ballroom. (Yes, really!)
Today the luxurious car sits across from the Excelsior Hotel on Austin Street in Jefferson, the town that rejected Gould’s bid to allow his railroad to pass through its town. Gould was so incensed by the refusal that when he checked out of the hotel, he wrote “The end of Jefferson” in the register, wishing the demise of the town.
It didn’t work, as Jefferson is still a charming town often visited for its beautiful architecture and nature spots. And ironically…even Gould’s own rail car.
The car is owned by the Excelsior Foundation. Call the hotel at 903-665-2513 for tour tickets and times.
Kathleen Maca’s application for Galveston’s Broadway Cemetery District to participate in Atlas Preservation’s 48 State Tour has been accepted!
This tour will include a free gravestone cleaning and repair demonstration by Atlas Preservation, which is open to the public.
This is knowledge you can take for use in your own family cemeteries, wherever they may be!
You may choose whether to observe or participate, as supplies allow.
Broadway Cemetery District
Broadway between 42nd and 40th Streets, Galveston
Tuesday, June 18th, 2024
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
ATLAS PRESERVATION
What to bring:
Yourself and a willingness to learn! Please wear closed toe fotweaar and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. A hat and sunscreen are recommended.
IF YOU HAVE YOUR OWN SUPPLIES, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO BRING THEM, AS SUPPLIES ARE QUITE LIMITED: WATER BUCKETS, SOFT BRISTLE BRUSHES, D2
**This is also a great opportunity to bring a trash bag and help pick up litter in the district – something younger attendees can do as well!
We recommend bringing some essentials to make the day comfortable: chair, cooler, water, snacks, etc.
There will be a brief pause during the day for lunch! Lunch is not provided.
Cleaning Demonstrations will include:
-Safe and effective removal of biological activity with approved stone cleaners is discussed, demonstrated, and performed. Gravestones can be fragile and easily damaged when cleaned with the wrong chemicals, aggressively brushed, and/or pressure washed. Safe cleaning techniques are explained with options outlined for product selection.
-Graffiti removal and graffiti prevention discussion (if time allows)
-Overview for rust and lime / calcium removal from irrigation staining (if time allows)
Repair Work:
Some of the most common repairs will be discussed and demonstrated. Participants are encouraged to join in & help!
-Join a fractured tablet
-Raise and/or level a badly leaning, sunken or fallen tablet stone
-Reset and join elements of a multiple piece monument
The city of Galveston/ Parks Department is generously supplying a water truck for supply to clean the markers, and a port-o-let for attendees (it will be the only available restroom).
Cost: Free
Note: No registration is required.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Additional information:
The Broadway Cemetery District is a historic cemetery in Galveston, Texas, located in the heart of the East End Historic District. It’s a significant cultural and historical site, with gravestones dating back to the 19th century.
Atlas Preservation, a monument building and restoration supply company from Connecticut, will be leading the free gravestone cleaning and repair demonstration. They will be using their expertise to teach participants how to properly clean and repair gravestones, taking into consideration the different types of stone and the historical significance of the markers.
UPDATES & INFORMATION WILL BE POSTED ON KATHLEEN’S FACEBOOK PAGE AT: LINK HERE
If you’re a Star Wars fan, you know that the actor who portrayed the popular character of Chewbacca in the films was Peter Mayhew. But did you know that he was a Texan?
The seven-foot-three-inch tall actor was British by birth, but after he married his Texan wife he became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 2005. He took that oath in Arlington Texas.
Boyd, Texas
The couple lived in the small town of Boyd, Texas.
Unfortunately, Mayhew passed away shortly before his 75th birthday. He is buried in Azleland Memorial Park in Reno, Texas.
Now there are actually two towns called Reno in the state, both one in Parker County and the other in Lamar County, and both are home to about 3,000 people. So there’s often some confusion between the two.
Azleland Memorial Park is in Parker County.
Mayhew’s beautiful granite marker pays tribute to the man who was often referred to as a “gentle giant,” portraying both his own portrait and that of the character he made famous.
A variety of small Chewbacca figurines have lovingly been placed at his gravesite by visitors as a tribute to his film legacy.
Mementoes left by visitors.
It’s an unexpected find for a small town, but one that has become a bucket list stop for his many fans.
The marker also includes the Isaac Newton quote, “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”
It didn’t work, as Jefferson is still a charming town often visited for its beautiful architecture and nature spots. And ironically…even Gould’s own rail car.
