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A View Of Columbus Through Rose-Colored Glasses
When we moved to Columbus 35 years ago, we immediately felt at home and welcome. If one’s past was nice, it’s great to remember. When we look back, we often feel that our move was one of the best. We particularly liked to recall those early days when we were still working and commuting to Houston and Katy from Columbus.
It was such a delight to come home. Those commutes made one’s time in Columbus rather limited, but golden. My recollections seemed to focus on the service and kindness extended to us by merchants, craftsmen, and friends.
The first person to show us thoughtfulness was Laura Ann Rau. She attended the auction at the West home when we bought the house. Gingerbread from the house had been removed and was put in the yard auction. She knew it had to stay with the house and so she purchased it and notified us that it was secure.
The second person of goodwill was from right across the street, Allen Reyer Sr. He stood behind us during the auction and said more than once that “he would help in any way that he could”. If you knew Allen, you know that his offer was good. His kindness and “good neighbor attitude” remained until he passed.
The third new friend was the “chattable” Miss Lois Bert. How does one really describe Lois? First, she kept up with every action that occurred during the renovation. She candidly monitored, reported, and followed every action on the house the same way that she listened to and followed every Astro game. It was on Lois’ front porch that we met most of the neighborhood folks: Rusty, Nat, Nina, Lillian Lois, and the Stein grandchildren. Across the street was another Mrs. Stein and Joann Moeller. The porch conversations were great for newcomers.
Another rather unusual occurrence happened during the renovation. We had driven out to Columbus from Houston to check on things. Sure enough, when we looked at the living room, it was Pepto Bismol pink rather than my chosen “terra cotta”! As if by magic, a car pulled up to the side of the house and who came in was the boss man of paints – Marvin Hilmer. Within 5 minutes, I was assured that the new paint would be delivered to the paint contractor before 8:00am the next day. We loved the terra cotta paint and it lasted for years.
Early in the move, Bob brought his Kubota tractor to its new home. There was something a little out of wack with the tractor. He contacted Gary Weaver, who picked up the tractor, did the repair, and brought the tractor back to its home. We found this indicative of the merchants’ spirit in Columbus.
During this time, our visits to City Cafe gave us a chance to talk “Long Horn” stuff. Mr McMann and the young man Venghaus wore UT regalia; since my son, Chad McMillan, was playing for the Long Horns, we felt right at home. The City Cafe’s cinnamon rolls became a family favorite.
Another helper in establishing the new home and our yard was Jack Gillespie. Jack sold plants from his yard on Travis Street. As I labored to add shrubs and flowers to adorn the house for “Homes Tour”, Jack very wisely said with a chuckle, “Why are you trying so hard. That house hasn’t had a yard in a hundred years”.
Without naming Buddy Rau, one would know that we met him pretty early on. Of course, we were invited to be on the Magnolia Homes Tour. We actually made the deadline with the exception of two bathrooms. We learned soon that Buddy Rau was a leader in promoting Columbus tourism.
Our first Christmas with 14foot ceilings required the help from neighbor Allen Reyer. We made lots of large decorations for the big tree and were delighted to have a new friend, Leah King, bring us a handmade decoration as a Christmas present.
There were many others who made living in our new home “home.”
You know who you are, and I hope to write another article one day that you will be included. Just remember that the people are the heart and soul of Columbus and that NO ACT OF KINDNESS, NO MATTER HOW SMALL, IS EVER WASTED.
