Friendship Force Georgetown Visit to Salado

Eight members of Georgetown Friendship Force traveled to Salado on May 24. Our first stop was the Salado Glassworks where we marveled at the beautiful display of objects they had created. We learned they were a group of artist drawn together to produce their crafts; each has their specialty but all are involved in the glassworks. We were amazed as we watched the technique used to produce a bowl. Heat a blob of glass on the end of a rod in a 2,300 degrees oven. Blow a bubble of air into it, dip the blob into colored shards of glass and heat again. Then dip it into clear molten glass in another oven. Roll on a surface and shape into a ball, at this time there is an option to put it into a mold for a few minutes before removing it. Twirl and then swing the rod back and forth for shaping. Cut the product from the rod and place in a 900 degree oven to cool. At the end of the day this oven is unplugged and allowed to cool to room temperature overnight.

We followed this with lunch at the Ambrosia Tea Room. It is a 1950s home turned into an eatery with a couple of tiny shops tucked about. Everyone enjoyed the atmosphere and agreed the food was delicious.

After lunch we stopped at the Salado Museum. The Curator shared some history about the founding of the Village of Salado and their Scottish heritage. Then we walked up the hill to the Salado College site. Their largest enrollment was about 100 and students paid $4 to take classes (about $110 today). She said cowboys came in the evening to learn to read. And ranchers sent their older children to board in town and go to the school. It was not connected with any religion, which was unusual at that time. And it was progressive in that it allowed boy and girls to attend classes together.

Then we visited the Wells Studio. Ronnie Wells is a most respected wildlife artist and has won numerous awards for his work. He began as a painter who then tried his hand at sculpting. Now he considers himself a sculptor who does a little painting. He explained the Lost Wax Technique used in his artwork. On display were breath-taking pieces of beauty. Every year he does a piece for Ducks Unlimited and one of his larger pieces is showcased in their headquarters building. And yes, you can count the feathers to see if they are correct in number and placement. We were surprised to see a life-size hog in the front window. It was another commission for an Oklahoma hog farmer and details for that breed were all accurate. We were very impressed with his talent and the wonderful pieces he creates.

Our final stop was at Mud Pie Pottery to see hand thrown pieces. And also to sample several different flavors of hand-made fudge. Some of us couldn't resist and brought a little bit of Salado home with us. We left after a delightful day with a greater appreciation for our neighbors to the north. And we look forward to visiting again soon as the Stage Coach Inn on the old Chisholm Trail is undergoing renovation and the target date for re-opening is June 15 (but they will have to work fast!).

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