Explore 1890s Texas at the Gov. Bill and Vera Daniel Historic Village in Waco
Story and photos by JANNA ZEPP
If you’re looking to get away from the 21st century for a little while, there’s a patch of 1890s Texas that sits on the banks of the Brazos River less than 40 miles north of Temple. Located behind the Mayborn Museum Complex at Baylor University in Waco, it’s the perfect spot to wander in the shade of big trees, fragrant roses and lush greenery in the open air with your family while enjoying a rather immersive educational experience.
The Governor Bill and Vara Daniel Historic Village, named for the couple who owned and donated it to the museum, reflects the late 19th century in buildings relocated in 1986 from Liberty down near the Gulf Coast to the Baylor campus. The church, lawyer’s office, commissary, barn and smithy, carriage house, cook’s house, planter’s house, and schoolhouse have items and furniture in them that would have been used during the 19th and into the early 20th centuries.
Heirloom fruit and nut trees, as well as roses and other flowers and plants, bloom and grow on the site, which is thought to have been an orchard because each of the massive pecan trees are different varieties.
Holiday events coming up include two weekends of the Christmas Lights in the Village, Dec. 11-13 and Dec. 18-20. Village Wednesdays happen between 10 a.m. and noon and feature a hands-on historic experience that is included in the price of admission. Some special events include costumed reenactors to add to the flavor of the late 19th century Texas exhibit. Visit the museum website to find more events at https://www.baylor.edu/mayborn/.
IF YOU GO
The museum is open to the public. Facial coverings are required for all visitors age 2 and up. Gaiters, face shields, bandanas, scarves, and masks with valves are not suitable face coverings and not permitted in Baylor University buildings. No exceptions.
Address: 1300 S. University Parks Dr, Waco
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday,
1 to 5 p.m. Sunday
Phone: 254-710-1110
WHO WAS GOVERNOR DANIEL?
William Partlow “Bill” Daniel (Nov. 20, 1915 – June 20, 2006), was the fifth Appointed Governor of Guam, serving from 1961 to 1963, and Democratic member of the Texas House of Representatives. Born in Dayton, Texas, a graduate of Baylor University and a member of the Baylor University Chamber of Commerce, he spent the majority of his life working as a lawyer in Liberty County, Texas. He and his wife, Vara Faye Martin Daniel, had four children: Will, Ann, Susan and Dani.
Daniel appeared in the John Wayne film The Alamo playing Colonel Neill, and loaned 400 longhorns and hundreds of horses from his ranch to producers and directors for the film. Daniel’s most memorable scene from the film is suggesting a courier named Smitty, played by Frankie Avalon, dismount for food and rest, which Smitty refuses in order to return to help defend the Alamo.
