Experience El Campo

Experience El Campo Cover

02/01/2007

El Campo grows as the 'Pearl of the Prairie'

02/01/2007

El Campo's founding fathers gathered together a century ago to incorporate a town from the dusty, windswept railhead known as Prairie Switch. The city's come a long way yet much remains the same, more than a century later. Agriculture is still the backbone of the economy, and business continues to grow based on what grows in area fields.

History / Murals City's murals capture community's pride in past

By SHANNON CRABTREE — 02/01/2007

El Campo's tall tales cling firmly to the same bricks, mortar and steel which have stiffened backs and callused hands in the not-quite cowtown community since the early 1900s. So it's not surprising that the Pearl of the Prairie's almost 20 murals call a World War II veteran Mom.

Taking Aim

By TOMI ALA-POIKELA — 02/01/2007

We were sitting and swinging on the porch at Paradise Hunting Club in El Campo and saw for the first time a bunch of snow geese flying straight at us. Almost 100 snow geese flew slowly over us and while we were taking pictures there was a loud bang behind our bags. One goose dropped between the cabins and the cars. An American neighbor had noticed the same bunch arriving.

Make a Splash with the Kids

By CHRIS BARBEE — 02/01/2007

Rodeo roots go deep in El Campo community

02/01/2007

Sights abound just a short drive from El Campo

By DAVID LOWE — 02/01/2007

Visitors to El Campo have a number of attractions available throughout Wharton County and surrounding areas. And a pair of Wharton County museums offer insights into the county's unique history and culture. Danevang's Danish Heritage Museum is located in "The Danish Capital of Texas," about 11 miles south of El Campo off Hwy. 71.

Military Activities plentiful for family enjoyment

By QUALA MATOCHA — 02/01/2007

With a population of almost 11,000, there's plenty of things to do in El Campo, from movies, bowling, visiting one of the city's seven parks, golfing and swimming, just to name a few.

City parks offer outdoor fun

02/01/2007

Tourists and residents alike can enjoy one of the many city parks El Campo has to offer. Whether visiting El Campo or living here, everyone can find plenty to do at one of the city's several parks. Friendship Park - located on North Wharton Street, covers more than 26 acres.

Calls to service still echo in community

By SHANNON CRABTREE — 02/01/2007

Wharton County residents have never been hesitant to answer the call to service, with honors earned on virtually every one of the nation's battlefields. Johnnie David Hutchins, a Lissie sharecropper, was the first Wharton County resident awarded the Medal of Honor. The 21-year-old sailor died Sept. 4, 1943.

City restaurants offer taste variety

02/01/2007

Whether you're on-the-go, require a quiet evening out or celebrating a momentous occasion, eateries in El Campo can satisfy just about any taste bud on any occasion. From barbecue, pizza, specialty sandwiches, burgers and fries, fresh seafood, steaks, crawfish, Chinese and Mexican cuisine and more, El Campo restaurants offer a great variety.

Looking For A Room?

02/01/2007

Visitors to the city of El Campo can choose between seven hotels, several bed and breakfast or hunting style lodgings as well as an RV park within the immediate vicinity.

Volunteers make city great place to live

By QUALA MATOCHA — 02/01/2007

Get involved. That's the motto behind several organizations that make El Campo such a great place to live. Organizations like the Rotary Club, Lions Club, Pilot Club, El Campo Woman's Club and Beautify El Campo Extension (BEEs) have made numerous contributions to enhance the city over the years.

El Campo Branch of the Wharton County Library

02/01/2007

The El Campo Branch of the Wharton County Library, located at 200 W. Church, is a legacy to the involvement of local clubs and the community. Built at the site of a former El Campo school campus, it is just one part of a square-block development dedicated to the community and created by grants and donations. A senior citizens center, the Boys & Girls Club and a job training center as well as the Northside Education Center are located within the block. The Northside Center of fers everything from basic computer training to college courses through Wharton County Junior College and the University of Houston at Victoria.

City, schools help ensure quality of life

02/01/2007

The city of El Campo is a quiet place where children still can ride a bike safely and go to schools that provide a good, solid education. With a population of about 11,000, crime remains low among the 3,931 households within the city limits.

FESTIVAL CALENDAR

02/01/2007

Please call the El Campo Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture at 979-543-2713, for the most current information on these and other activities. January Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest KC Council #2490 hosts annual contest.

Festivals / Calendar Town's Pride

02/01/2007

District, state and world championships in various sports are taken for granted by El Campo fans. El Campo's 2006 Junior League Boys All-Star Baseball Team made a mark with a World Series championship this past summer. The 13- and 14-year-olds, led by Manager Mark Van Gorp, finished the post season with a 22-2 record, including a 7-0 record in championship games.

Rice farming couple turns family land into nationwide organic business venture

By CHRIS BARBEE — 02/01/2007

Agriculture is a family business. Always has been, always will be. So it was not really to anyone's surprise when the 2006 Wharton County Youth Fair "Ag Man of the Year" award went to a couple - Lowell G. Raun Jr. and his wife Linda. After all, they are a team.

Community partners with industry for growth

By CHRIS BARBEE — 02/01/2007

El Campo, strategically located at the crossroads of U.S. 59 and State 71, is an ideal location for business and industrial ventures.

'There Because They Care'

By SHANNON CRABTREE — 02/01/2007

Not all of El Campo's emergency responders get paid for protecting the community and its highway travelers, but they still rate among the best in the state. "We're There Because We Care" is the motto of the El Campo Emergency Medical Services Department, but it's a philosophy which has been adopted by police officers as well as volunteer firefighters.

Local health care finds citizen support

By SHANNON CRABTREE — 02/01/2007

Bartering may have stopped decades ago, but El Campo health care still has the personal touch of a time when doctors made house calls and a basket of eggs covered co-pay expectations.