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.

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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 and Moore's Store, a restaurant and live music venue that was once a general store. In the coming months, a guitar shop called Players will open and The Forge, a pizza and Texas wine & cheese bistro-cafe that was once a blacksmith's shop. It's set to open in June 2010.

History & Education

Within the next couple of months, the Gremmels' efforts to provide and maintain the town's historical integrity continue 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. The next step will be to rehabilitate the structure inside and out.  When complete, it will be home to the Van Zandt County Museum and Half-Pint Books, a children's library made possible by The Foundation and Half-Price Books.  Half Price Books graciously donated 1,200 library books and rolling carts to the library and have committed to donating more, once the library opens. Additionally, Jim Bundscho, was brought on board to manage a community garden with the goal of making it into a true production garden that also serves as a teaching and learning center.  

Civil Service

When Rese and Brooks came to Ben Wheeler, a Firehouse didn't exist to meet basic emergency needs in the town.  So, through the Foundation, they had a volunteer firehouse built downtown adjacent to the Festival Grounds. Aside from the fire department duties performed when called upon, the town is also fortunate to have these volunteers ready and willing to help provide basic safety duties during the town's festivals and larger events. 

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 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!