Elvis will restore the builiding;
The King to help Somervell History Foundation restore Barnard's Mill

By Storie Sharp

The Somervell History Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 2000 at the request of the Somervell County Historical Commission, works to support the education and preservation of historic resources in Glen Rose and Texas. The SHF will be bringing history alive this weekend when they bring The King to the Texas Amphitheatre to raise funds to benefit the restoration of The Barnard’s Mill and Art Museum.

One of the first structures in Glen Rose, Barnard’s Mill was built in the 1860s. The museum features 12 rooms filled with over 200 original works of art including oils, paintings, etchings, artifacts, watercolors, and bronzes.

In September of 2007, Richard Moore graciously deeded the mill and museum to the SHF to be used as a historical monument and art museum. Since then, the SHF has worked to maintain and improve the facilities. A docent program was established to guide the public who visit on the weekends, several art shows have been held on the grounds and local school children have been introduced to the history of their hometown with scheduled tours.

One of the first goals of the SHF was to have nationally acclaimed bronze sculptor, and Glen Rose resident, Robert Summers create a bronze monument depicting the founding family of Glen Rose. With the unveiling of the Barnards of the Brazos on the Courthouse Lawn in September of 2007, the SHF met their first goal to recognize and honor the area’s background and proudly tell its story.

In keeping with their mission to provide a cultural, educational and historical facility that attracts visitors from near and far, the SHF has recently committed to a major restoration project for the facilities. Working with architects, the State of Texas and contractors, the SHF has developed a plan for repointing (renewing mortar joints in masonry construction) and securing the buildings. Monies obtained from the a private foundation grant from the Baird Foundation, and a matching grant that was recently applied for and obtained will be used for this initial stage of the overall restoration. A third grant is currently being sought from the Texas Historical Commission, which will also call for matching funds, to be applied toward securing all the windows and continued maintenance and providing personnel.

The SHF only obtains financing through patrons, Friends of the Foundation memberships, donations, memorials, and fund raisers such as the concert being held this weekend. Because of the generous sponsorship of Brookshire’s and Quicksilver, as well as numerous individual sponsors, all proceeds from Kraig Parker’s "The King Lives" concert on Saturday July 19, will go to the SHF.

Hailed as one of the best in the business, Parker has been attracting packed houses with his live performances of Elvis Presley night after night, around the world, for the last 13 years. In a performance that will set your heart on fire and leave you all shook up, the Somervell County History Foundation invites everyone to this high-energy, world renowned performance that will leave ‘em crying in the aisles and starving for more!

The gates at the Texas Amphitheatre will open at 7:00 p.m., and the concert will start at 8:00 p.m. Tickets, $36.00 Premium; $26.00 Reserved; and $16.00 General Admission, are available through the Expo at 254-897-4509 or on-line at www.glenroseexpo.org,