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Somewhere in the wilds of Texas there exists a resort that has been run by the same Czech/Tex family since the 1940's. The resort consists of run-down cottages built around a gravel drive, a swimming pool that looks like it hasn't been cleaned since the Eisenhower administration, and a game room that was the scene of a smoke bomb/water balloon fight by some Christian youth group kids who were staying at the resort. In short, my kinda place.
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But what really seals the deal is what's up the hill behind the resort...Pioneer Town (Do not throw rocks).
According to the current generation of owners, Pioneer Town was built in the 1960's by their grandparents as a way to "preserve history". I think the grandparents must have forgotten they built it because what remains of Pioneer Town is some rundown false storefronts, in which are living the saddest, most bug-and-cobweb covered mannequins I have ever seen. Very creepy. It was hard to get good pics because the sun was going down and he was shooting through glass, but S. managed to get a couple of nice shots.
Seems this poor fellow has just been shot by the barber. Tough break.
The village smithy appears to have been made from a seventies-era Sears underwear mannequin. He was falling over and some wasps had built a large nest on his back.
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As we were wandering around, we lost sight of my niece and I half-expected to find her in one of the false-front windows, having been lured there by the lonely mannequins ala some Twilight Zone episode. We also came upon a Christian rock band setting up for a show in the only building that was open, the Opera Hall. They invited us to stay. We declined.
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Not pictured is the decrepit Pioneer Town Chapel, which features shag carpeting on the altar and that old stained-glass Contac paper in the windows. Are we considering moving the wedding to Pioneer Town? Why yes, yes we are.
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When we got home, I did a little research and discovered that the resort and Pioneer Town are for sale. Oh yes, Pioneer Town, you will be mine.
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(Click back one entry for tales of Luling.)