Round Rock History: Historic Preservation Month Highlights
Round Rock Preservation Celebrates May’s Historic Preservation Month
May 2025 was a meaningful and memorable month for Round Rock Preservation (RRP) as we proudly participated in Historic Preservation Month, celebrating the city’s rich heritage and bringing our community together through engaging, family-friendly events. From the bustling excitement of Pioneer Day to the heartfelt connections at the Round Rock High School Multi-Class Reunion, our volunteers and supporters played a vital role in honoring the past while inspiring future generations to appreciate and preserve the stories that make Round Rock unique.
Pioneer Day – May 3rd
After a rainy week, the weather cleared up for one of the most successful Pioneer Days we’ve ever had.
The 19th Annual Pioneer Day, presented by The Williamson Museum, celebrated Texas heritage with live music, crafts, chuckwagons, and frontier fun for the whole family at the Old Settlers Association.
Over 1,500 participants enjoyed the beautiful day and visited the various tables set up with activities to educate them about frontier life. Families enjoyed crafts, demonstrations, live music, chuck wagons, games, and living history. Frank and Ann Darr, Judy and Jim Anderson, and Tina Steiner volunteered to represent Round Rock Preservation to the public.
Our children’s activity was to have them color train tickets that were then punched by Frank the Friendly Conductor. We spoke to parents and grandparents about the history of Round Rock. A few lived out of town and out of state. One young woman was moved to see school photographs of her grandfather in a Round Rock history book. She was visibly trembling! It’s encounters like this that make what we do so worthwhile. Meanwhile, Shirley Marquardt was busy photographing people and activities during the day. All in all, we had a successful and productive event! This is truly a spring family outing that everyone can enjoy.
On Thursday and Friday RRISD school buses arrived with 400 school children. The great weather allowed them to enjoy the Pioneer reenactments & authentic crafts. The baby goats and chickens in the farm area were especially popular with the kids.
From left: Randy Michna, OSA General Manager; Sharon Whitaker, Chairwoman, HPC; Shirley Marquardt, Founder RRP; Judy Anderson, President RRP; Danelle Houck, Director Williamson Museum.
From left to right: Tina Steiner, RRP; family enjoying Pioneer Day; Ann Darr, Secretary, RRP.
Musicians at Chuckwagon Dinner and Pioneer Day 2025. From left: “Wiley” Pat Gavin; Evelyn Billington and “Bronco” Brad Ottosen. Pat and Evelyn are The Yodeling Cowgirl and Pat and Brad are The Buckaroo Band.
Friday night OSA hosted the annual Chuckwagon dinner that was well attended, a good time was had by all at this fun and family dinner. Many said they looked forward to this Chuckwagon dinner event and they look forward to it every spring. The music was so much fun as well. Round Rock Old Settlers Association continues to improve on its past success and host a most enjoyable family event. Join us next May for another Pioneer Day experience.
Round Rock High School Multi-Class Reunion 2025
Round Rock Preservation also had the privilege of hosting a table at another annual event on Saturday, May 3, 2025, the Round Rock High School class reunion for graduates from 1952 through 1972. It was a heartwarming gathering filled with shared memories, laughter, and long-overdue reconnections. Held in the welcoming atmosphere of Palm Valley Lutheran Church, alumni gathered to reminisce about their high school days, reflect on the changes the community has undergone, and celebrate the enduring friendships that have withstood the test of time. The spirit of Round Rock’s past came alive in the room.
Round Rock High School had its multi class reunion May 3 at Palm Valley Lutheran Church Round Rock. Beverly Johnson-Gordon is the first former student on the left.
As representatives of RRP, Amy Petrovick and Audrey Simmons had the privilege of sharing information about the city’s ongoing efforts to preserve its rich heritage. Attendees stopped by the table to learn about preservation projects and contribute their own memories of Round Rock’s evolution over the decades. It was a meaningful opportunity to connect personal history with the broader story of our community, and to honor the legacy of those who helped shape Round Rock into the place it is today.
Round Rock Preservation Guest authors:
Frank Darr (Vice President) & Amy Petrovick (Board of Directors)
Copy and images provided by Round Rock Preservation
This Round the Rock series is brought to you by Round Rock Preservation, an IRS 501c3 Nonprofit Charity established for charitable & educational purposes. (EIN: 81-2339800).
The mission of Round Rock Preservation is to fulfill the need for a city-wide community advocacy program related to protecting, preserving, and supporting historic preservation within the City of Round Rock. Lectures and presentations are available.
For more info, contact Frank Darr, Vice President, at fdarr@austin.rr.com.
Click below to learn more about the history of our fantastic community!
