NOVEMBER 2025
ChamberWorks
WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Chairman of the Board Shane Nelson Bluebonnet Abstract & Title Co. First Vice Chair Justin Colley TrailMasters Clearing & Mulching
October Leadership Washington County: History & Heritage Day
Second Vice Chair Joyce Dickschat Brenham National Bank Treasurer Shane Bentke Capital Farm Credit Secretary Harrison Wlliams Washington County Expo Immediate Past Chair Becky Ogg Mark Boeker Farmers Mutual Insurance of Washington County Justin Boone Corrosion Resistant Alloys, LLC Kathrine Briscoe City of Brenham Myron Dippel Blinn College District Gary Durrenberger Bank of Brenham Bart Frederick Moorman Tate, LLP Clay Gillentine Brenham Independent School District Cheri Janner Brenham Charcuterie Boards Katlyn Marburger Brenham Pregnancy Center Al Patel Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Formula Blue Lete Phillips Phillips Painting Company Chris Ann Stroech Washington County Landscapes Stephanie Wehring Sterling Estate Solutions
BRENHAM, TEXAS
The October 2025 session of Leadership Washington County gave participants a meaningful look into the people, places, and stories that shaped Washington County. The day began at The Barnhill Center at the Historic Simon Theater in Downtown Brenham, where Barry Brass (LWC Class of 2008) led an informative presentation and tour. Participants viewed Step Into the Past, a film exploring Brenham’s origins and highlighting the individuals who influenced the community’s early development. Mr. Brass also discussed the 1925 Vaudeville Theatre and shared insights about Toubin Park, a State Archaeological Landmark featuring historic cisterns used to store rainwater for firefighting.
From the Barnhill Center, the class traveled to the Texas Cotton Gin Museum in Burton. Museum Director Steph Jarvis guided participants through the story of cotton in Washington County and demonstrated how the cotton gin transformed the industry. The group learned about the museum’s exhibit Cotton: From Wagon to Finished Bale and enjoyed seeing “Lady B,” the largest operating internal combustion engine of its kind. Many attendees commented that the museum was a favorite stop and appreciated discovering more about the area’s agricultural roots. After returning to Brenham for lunch at The Cannery Kitchen, the afternoon began with a presentation from the Brenham ISD Bond Committee, which provided an overview of current and future projects within the school district. County Clerk Beth Rothermel followed with an engaging presentation on Washington County’s historical records. She shared how marriage, birth, land, and probate documents preserve the stories of local families and contribute to a deeper understanding of the county’s development. The next stop was the Giddings Stone Mansion, where participants were guided through the historic home built by J. D. Giddings after the yellow fever epidemic of 1870. The class enjoyed the mansion’s
rich architectural details and appreciated hearing the stories behind the Giddings family and their influence on Brenham. The session concluded with tours of the Fireman’s Museum and the Brenham Heritage Museum. At the Fireman’s Museum, participants viewed “Samanthe,” a rare 1923 fire engine, and learned about the long history of the Brenham Fire Department. The Brenham Heritage Museum provided additional context for the day by showcasing exhibits that highlight important moments and artifacts from Washington County’s past. Leadership Washington County extends its gratitude to The Barnhill Center, the Texas Cotton Gin Museum, The Cannery Kitchen, Brenham ISD, County Clerk Beth Rothermel, the Giddings Stone Mansion, the Fireman’s Museum, and the Brenham Heritage Museum. The October session offered participants a valuable opportunity to connect with local history and gain a deeper appreciation for the community they serve.