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ZEDLER
MILL : A Project Philosophy
The rural community cotton
gin served a multi-functional purpose in late 19th
Century and early 20th Century rural Texas, and the
Zedler Mill and Gin in Luling was no exception. It was a place
where area farmers shared the news of the day while waiting on
their crops to be processed. It was a place of true economic
importance, not only to the local growers and community, but to
the transportation systems that profited as well as the textile
mills of New England and Europe that were supplied with raw
materials. The local region profited not only from the cotton
industry, but from the lumber mill, the grain mill, the
blacksmith shop, the mule trains, as well as water and
electricity generated by the power of the San Marcos River. The
Zedler Mill and Gin was a true hub of early day life in Luling.
As much a story as the
impact of the mill on early Luling, is the tale of Fritz Zedler,
an early pioneer and entrepreneur who witnessed not only the
struggles of early Texas settlers and businessmen, but also the
harsh realities of a German immigrant living in a small American
community during times of war with Germany. The unique history
of the pioneer Zedler and his family is also a true cultural
jewel to be interpreted on this campus.
It is the mission and intent
of the City of Luling, working in conjunction with the Zedler
Mill Foundation, the Luling Economic Development Corporation and
many other local, state and national partners to restore the
Zedler Mill campus back to a place of both social and economic
prominence; to interpret the rich cultural heritage, history and
significance of this early landmark and the pioneers who built
it, while providing the citizens and visitors a relaxing
atmosphere to enjoy the beautiful setting and the amenities of
the San Marcos River; to educate this generation and future
generations as to the complexities of the turn of the century
lifestyle and the mechanical developments associated with the
industrial revolution; and to increase awareness of the
hardships of the early pioneers and illustrate the lifestyles of
Luling’s earliest citizens and their endeavors to process their
agricultural crops.
Luling is a true microcosm
of what makes Texas great: agriculture, railroad and oil. It is
our intention to interpret the story of the early Luling
pioneers and to educate those visiting this site on the
tremendous impact the Zedler Mill and Gin had on the development
of the area and community up until the discovery of oil in 1922.
At that time the focus of the community took a drastic change,
as the economy centered around the pursuit of black gold. This
story of Luling’s oil industry is interpreted through the
efforts of the Central Texas Oil Patch Museum at the historic
Walker Brothers Building in downtown Luling.
The plan is to develop the
campus of the historic Mill in such a way that visitors and
towns people alike will get the full impact of this beautiful
and tranquil park along the banks of the San Marcos River and
leave with a better understanding of the activities that once
took place there. Our plan is to develop the property in such a
way as to capitalize on the historical, recreational, social and
educational aspects of the property; to maximize the function of
this landmark in a way that attracts visitors and to interpret
the history to those that visit the facility.
Restoration of the Scale
House has already been implemented by local volunteers. This
building is the first structure you come to after crossing the
bridge into the park. Our goal is to create an information
center and office in this historic building that was once the
place where wagons were weighed and business was transacted.
This will be the initial focal point of those entering the park
from Laurel Street.
Also a priority in our
redevelopment efforts will be the construction of a covered
pavilion and community facility complete with kitchen, barbecue
pit, fireplace and restrooms. This facility will be used for
receptions, reunions and various other needs of the community.
It will have a 1900’s era design and use materials similar to
and from the existing site so as to blend with the original
buildings on the campus. Constructing this functional pavilion
will help increase patronage to the park and give the community
a much needed venue for these types of events.
To further develop the
functionality of the park, we plan to incorporate a terraced
grass and native rock amphitheater into the existing hill in the
pecan grove between the river and the pavilion and to construct
a combination stage and boat dock on the river’s edge. This will
create a venue for educational and cultural enhancement
programs. The river bottom will be further enhanced with picnic
tables and trash receptacles that can be used by the visiting
public.
Plans include restoring some
of the existing buildings on the west end of the property as
functional storage areas that can be utilized as the property is
further developed. Plans are to get the corn shucker on the east
end of the property back into working order as an educational
and interpretive exhibit.
The park will be landscaped
in such a way that the utilization of native plants is maximized
to reflect the early 1900’s image we are focusing on. Walking
paths and pocket gardens will be used to enhance the beauty of
the natural setting along the creek and a butterfly garden is
proposed as a focal point at the entry to the park. Throughout
the campus, interpretive signage will help tell the story of the
early mill functions and the importance of the San Marcos River.
Future plans include the
restoration of the mule barns into an artisan village, the
restoration of the actual mill physical plant, and the
development of restaurant and lodging facilities across the
street. We would like to restore many of the actual functions of
the original mill for demonstration and educational purposes. We
have already secured some working machinery from other mill
locations to help us demonstrate actual mill operations that
were performed at this site. Once these demonstrational and
educational exhibits are put into place we will solicit school
field trips, discovery tours and other interested groups.
With the redevelopment of
the Zedler Mill into a community park, we have a tremendous
opportunity to transform this historical and scenic property
back into a place of prominence in the area. Not only will it
serve to meet the demands for more park space, natural areas and
river access, but it will educate and preserve the unique and
important functions that were so important to the early
development of Luling. It will serve local citizens, as well as
visitors to the community, and will help preserve a way of life
that is all too unfamiliar with the lifestyle of today. With
thousands of vehicles a day passing within a mile on Interstate
10, we hope to become a tranquil place for travelers to stop and
experience the good life.
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