As part of our Real County Centennial Countdown, each month County Progress will check in with the Real County Centennial Steering Committee. January finds the committee readying for the Jan. 5 Prayer Breakfast in Alto Frio, as reported by Willis Springfield, committee chairman.
“One of our first decisions was to begin our year-long celebration with a Prayer Breakfast,” Springfield shared. “Now, with the kick-off event rapidly approaching, we give you a glimpse of our preparations.”
DRESSING THE SERVERS:
Mi Mi Hardwick stepped forward to make long calico skirts and white aprons for the girls and red bib aprons for the boys comprising the senior class who will be serving eager Centennial celebrants. Mi Mi was given the opportunity to use a beautiful antique Singer sewing machine on loan from Nell Hesson, wife of Leakey ISD Superintendent Jim Hesson. Mi Mi and Lindsay Merritt, wife of Real County Judge Garry Merritt, voluntarily work with students of all grades each day in the Challenge lab; both Mi Mi and Lindsay are accredited teachers. LISD seniors Richard Partida and Kayla Vincent served as models for the apron and bib apron designs.
DRESSING THE TABLES:
A wealth of ancient artifacts will be dusted off, polished, and artfully arranged on round tables for eight. Everything from coffee grinders to beaded bags from the Roaring 20s will be on display.
DRESSING THE HOT BISCUITS:
An old-fashioned menu including scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, baked apples, hot biscuits, and cream gravy will be placed before our guests. To add a touch of authenticity, homemade jams, jellies, and preserves will be placed on each table. Anita Shackelford’s late husband, Kenny, was a son of the first boy baby born in Real County and a Real County commissioner widely known for his agarita jelly. Anita has kept up Kenny’s 
tradition of supplying friends and relatives with this tart berry jelly from the native agarita bush. Nita and Kenny’s son, Bryan Shackelford, is a current Real County commissioner.
Photos by Julie Becker, owner and editor of the Hill Country Herald
To follow Centennial activities, go to http://www.realcounty1913.com/.