The grey and cloudy days seem to add mystery to all the waterways we pass as we travel the hill country backroads.
Gnarly trees add to the mystery of the cloudy day.
But there is no mystery in Comfort, TX, It's history is well documented.
Comfort was established in 1854 by German immigrants who were freethinkers and abolitionists. The original settlers called the area Gemultlichkeit. It is a German word that signifies feelings like social acceptance, a notion of belonging, friendliness, coziness and comfort. Perhaps realizing that the word might be unmanageable for future generations it was shortened to Comfort.
The downtown area is possibly one of the most well-preserved downtown areas in the state of Texas. They say there are well over 100 structures in the area dating back to the 19th century. Most of the population today is composed of descendants of those original pioneer families of the 1850s and the 1860s. Many of the buildings reflect the name Ingenhuett. Peter Ingenhuett came to Comfort in the 1850's and eventually opened various businesses such as a hotel, saloon, and livery stable. He also served as the Postmaster for 25 years.
Comfort today is known for its antique shopping, restaurants and bed and breakfasts. The antique stores were filled with treasures from days gone by.
My favorite was Miss Giddy's.
The shop is in a beautiful restored home with each room home to different themes. It is filled with unique and clever items for cooks, gardeners, kids, fashionistas, foodies and home decorators. Plus the porch is home to homemade pie and more. Walt had coconut creme pie while I shopped. They has a sign in the window that said they were hiring a sales clerk. I so wanted to apply and stay!
As we drive the backroads I ooh and ahh at the rock houses with the metal roofs. Each one is unique and look so homey.
A return trip to Harper, TX was in order. We had first been there in 1967 on our way to Florida.
On that trip we stopped in front of the Post Office and took a picture of its blue garbage can with white letters stating "Harper, Texas". It doesn't appear that Walt is related to George Franklin Harper, for whom the town was named. He established the Post Office there in 1883.