April Beautification Awards
The Columbus Garden Club April Yard of the Month was awarded to the home of Tom Vining and Dent Beall at 1100 Bowie St in Columbus. Community Beautification
Columbus State Bank
The Columbus Garden Club April Community Beautification Award was awarded to Columbus State Bank. When passing by the front of this historic bank, you may wonder why it is given this award. If so, explore its south side. The bank maintains a green oasis along the side and back of its building that is open to all residents and visitors. Driftwood roses beckon you to explore this little park. Trellised vines, crape myrtles, mounds of lush liriope, massive magnolia trees, and a green hedge that encloses the secret garden from the hustle and bustle create a sanctuary perfect for a noonday break, afternoon respite, or a destination for an evening stroll. A gently winding concrete path ensures this shady refuge is accessible by all. Picnic tables and benches invite you to stay a while to soak in nature...and you should!
The bank, founded in 1919, preserved original walls and structural parts of the Boedecker building, built in 1859 by Henry Boedecker to house the first bank when the town of 750 boasted 11 stores, six hotels, and a local weekly newspaper, The Colorado Citizen.
Today, the bank is reminiscent of the time it was built inside and out enhanced by a beautiful green shady park.
The garden club's Com- munity Beautification pro gram is a project of the National Garden Clubs and Texas Garden Club.
The exquisitely ornate Second Empire architecture of this Victorian-era home draws you in from the street; sometimes you don't even notice the manicured landscaping that complements the home's symmetrical appeal. But the aptly named knockout roses along the front fence of brick and ornate wrought iron demand your attention. But look beyond the roses to the rounded boxwood topiaries at the corners that juxtapose the sharp corners of the home, as do the circle motif of the railings on the generous front porch and upstairs lanai. The landscape feels very cohesive, yet the shady garden has a wide variety of plants, including euonymus, cast iron plants, Japanese holly, and ponga ferns, a carob tree, and numerous pecans.
Built in 1887 by Henry Ilse, a farmer, rancher, and saloon owner and purchased and restored in 1965 by notable Columbus past citizens, Laura Ann and Buddy Rau. A home worth strolling past and stop-April ping to smell the roses.
