Comfort tour shines light on local history

COMFORT — After a two-years hiatus, the Comfort Heritage Foundation is bringing back the “Why Old Places Matter” history tour, set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 11.

The self-guided, at-yourown- pace excursion includes 10 historic homes and buildings across the town.

Each attendee receives a map to the properties, and every property will have a fact-filled book detailing its historical background.

The Comfort Heritage Foundation building will be the central hub for the “Why Old Places Matter” self-guided tours on Aprill 11.

Star photo by Jeff B. Flinn “One of the homes is the original Faltine home – or mansion,” said Myrna Shultz, a foundation member. “(August) Faltine is one of the founders (of Comfort). You can see it from the outside on (Texas) 27, but you never get to see inside. On this tour, you will.”

Another stop on “Why Old Places Matter” includes the Hygieostatic Bat Roost, which was one of 16 bat roosts built in the United States and Italy from 1907 to 1929.

An official historical landmark, the roost sits on private property, but the landowners will open the site for the tour.

“But I don’t want to announce all the stops,” Schultz said. “It will take away from the mystery and interest.”

The outing, which showcases the unincorporated town’s German influences, serves as the biggest fundraiser for the foundation, an organization with members who pride themselves on being “stewards of history.”

The proceeds support the upkeep of the archives building, the Treue Der Union Monument (the oldest Civil War memorial in Texas) and the Brownsboro Cemetery.

“We are a volunteer-based organization,” Schultz said. “The only money we get is through membership and events like this one.”

Partnering with the foundation for the event is Singing Water Vineyards, a local winery, so attendees can enjoy a glass of vino while learning about Comfort’s history.

To purchase a ticket, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ why-old-places-matter-tour-tickets- 1970563198573?aff=oddtdtcreator.

To learn more about the foundation, visit comfortheritagefoundation. com/.