Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic District Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation, was created by Brooks and Rese Gremmels to serve as the vehicle for reconstructing, not only the physical aspects of Ben Wheeler, Texas but perhaps, more importantly, returning a sense of community and to the town by providing it with various outlets through music, art, history, education, entrepreneurship, basic civil service and philanthropy.

Art, Music & Entrepreneurship

What has transpired out of their original goals is a downtown resurrected through some of the key aspects they wanted to weave into it, since the onset of their vision. Today, you can stroll through downtown and have a place to eat, shop and play through the doors of revitalized and rehabilitated buildings from the old downtown and surrounding areas. These old-but-new buildings are now home to:County Line Magazine, Flying Fish Gallery, Harrison & Son Knifesmith, Antiques & Texas Heritage, WhimZee, The Rave Art Gallery featuring Edom Art Ranch & Studio Metal, Blue Moose, Wagon Wheel Forge & Gallery, Secret Garden Embroidered Art & Gifts and Moore's Store, a restaurant and live music venue that was once a general store. 

History & Education

The Gremmels' efforts to provide and maintain the town's historical integrity continued with the arrival of the old, Elwood Schoolhouse. Moving it in sections, the old schoolhouse began making its way to town at the end of March 2010. Since opening its doors, The Foundation has been able to host multiple events and perhaps most exciting -- it's been able to establish a children's library for the community. The doors of the library opened in mid-November 2011.

As the home to The Children's Library of Ben Wheeler and with the help of Half Price Books through their book donation program, Half-Pint Books, which donated more than 1,200 library books and several rolling carts -- children, young and old, now have a place to utilize for their studies on Thursdays and Saturdays and are encouraged to select two books of their choosing to keep upon each visit. Library hours are Saturdays,10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursdays 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Community Contributions - Philanthropy & Stewardship

Last year, The Foundation provided more than $10,000 in scholarships to area college-bound students to help offset some of the costs of tuition and books. Additionally, The Foundation sponsors Boy Scout Troop 363. Other community contributions like mowing lawns for any resident who needs the service and providing other sponsorships to various local youth activities throughout the year, are also a top priority.

Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic District Foundation is proud that 100 percent of its monies are devoted to The Foundation. None of the funds go to administration or management fees.

For more information about Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic District Foundation or if you're interested in offering a grant or endowment to help support the efforts of The Foundation, please call 903.833.1070.

Come See What We've Done!