The Disciples Women of Central Christian Church visited the Ft. Worth Stockyards Tuesday for their annual spring outing. In spite of being a week day following spring and Easter breaks, the Ft. Worth landmark was bustling with visitors.
The group arrived in time to see the “The Old West” come to life when the beautiful and massive Texas Longhorns paraded down the street during the world's only Fort Worth Herd’s twice-daily cattle drive. Real Texas cowhands drive a herd of Texas Longhorns down Exchange Avenue daily at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Every detail of the cattle drive—from the saddles and chaps to the boots and hats – is authentic and historically true.
Following the cattle drive, several members of the group opted to visit The Stockyards Museum that showcases the rich history of the Fort Worth Stockyards and the north side of Fort Worth. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, photos and exhibits that document everything from our Native American connections, the Chisholm Trail, the livestock market/stockyards to the Swift and Armour Packing plants.
Others toured the historic Stockyards Hotel. The legendary Stockyards Hotel has been welcoming guests since first opening its doors over 100 years ago in 1907. The spacious lobby is beautifully appointed with comfortable furniture, antiques, and objects d’art that create an elegant Old West ambience.
Cowboys and cattle barons, kings and queens of country music (Willie stays in the Celebrity Suite when playing at Billy Bob’s) even an outlaw or two have found refuge and romance at the Stockyards Hotel. The gracious staff showed us a beautifully decorated room in Western style, over-looking Exchange Avenue, that would make a wonderful place to hang your hat for an overnight stay in Cowtown.
The women browsed boots, hats and the General Store before enjoying a delicious lunch at H3 Ranch. Nachos, fried catfish, pulled pork, burgers and Kit Carson’s wife’s famous soup were all sampled with unanimous approval by the group before heading back to Dallas.
Each woman received a custom-made pair of earrings from Mary Chris Gibbons’s jewelry company, Mi Beada.
The Disciples Women meet monthly from September through May. If you are interested in joining the group call the church at 214-526-7291 and ask for Shelia. You do not have to be a member of the church to participate in the charities, outreach and educational programs associated with the organization. With hearts as big as Texas, the women welcome all!