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Beyond the boom of the brass band, the town's internationally heralded musical lineage centers around a destination devoted to the classical repertoire: the Round Top Festival Institute, which began as the dream of its founder, James Dick, in 1971. The first concerts were held in Round Top Town Hall, on the porches of historic homes in Henkel Square, and at other rented or borrowed facilities. Acquired with great perseverance, the Institute's campus today comprises more than 200 acres and 18 buildings, with lush grounds covered by gardens. But the Festival Concert Hall itself is the crowning jewel of James Dick's vision. Imagine a gigantic open space — a pasture — becoming a stunning performance hall. Built by local German and Czech carpenters and craftsmen, with no architectural drawings to convey the finished structure, the Festival Concert Hall is one of the most visually arresting performance venues anywhere and has In the early days, in the late afternoon, men gathered for beer and the latest news. At different times, there were up to seven beer joints in a town of less than a 150 people. The Koenig Saloon, on the courthouse square across from what is now the Round Top Real Estate offices, offered beer and gambling, and many men played the German card game skat. Everyone spoke German. As older family members passed away and television was brought into homes, the townspeople, especially children, began to embrace English. The Round Top roads were gravel until 1931, when Washington Street (Highway 237) became the first paved road in town. Bluebonnet Electric Company brought power to Round Top, Carmine, and Fayetteville in 1940. Until 1950, everyone had an outdoor privy, a water well, and a cistern on the roof to collect water. Many women cooked on a wood stove and heated water to fill the No. 3 washtub for family baths. Strike Up the Band Early on, German music filled the air. Music was simply a necessity, and a brass band provided the oompah so loved at celebrations. Today, this DNA lives on: The Round Top Brass Band entertains at public festivities and celebrated 50 years of spirited performances on July 4, 2020 — a fitting date, as its first performance was also on the Fourth of July. FROM TOP: PHOTO ENHANCED BY NEALE RABENSBURG, COURTESY OF FAYETTE HERITAGE MUSEUM & ARCHIVES, COURTESY OF ROUND TOP AREA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION, COURTESY OF THE COLLECTION OF ROUND TOP FESTIVAL INSTITUTE. PAGE 66, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: COURTESY OF FAYETTE HERITAGE MUSEUM & ARCHIVES, COURTESY OF ROUND TOP AREA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION, COURTESY OF THE COLLECTION OF ROUND TOP FESTIVAL INSTITUTE Farming family, circa turn of the century Alex Rosenberg Building, Round Top Round Top Jail, circa 1879 James Dick, circa 1970s (Continued on page 66) 64