Grapevine Off The Beaten Path

Oft used for pedestrian purposes and tucked to one side of Main Street, you'll find the Fountain Sculpture. It is located in a cluster of trees and attracts folks who might want to find respite from the sun or socialize with fellow neighbors.

This sculpture, depicting a pioneer family, stands in honor of General Sam Houston's visit in 1843. But perhaps not his visit, as much as the purpose of his visitation. Houston came to the area in August of that year, camping nearby at Grapevine Springs, in order to forge a Treaty of Peace and Friendship with the Indian Nation.

Not all of the Indian leaders arrived at the same time. Some came after Houston departed, so the treaty was later signed at Bird's Fort on September 29, 1843. Those tribes participating in the Treaty with the Republic of Texas were the Biloxi, Caddo, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Delaware, Ez-e-nye, Keechye, 'Nardarka, Tahwahkarro and Waco.

COMING HOME is a touching tribute to soldiers everywhere. It is the Grapevine Veterans Memorial created by artist, Michael Pavlovsky and dedicated on Memorial Day, 2000. It sits outside the Grapevine Vintage Railroad station on Main street.

The bronze sculpture depicts a soldier returning from war to the waiting arms of his beloved wife. It captures a realistic moment in the life of a war-weary man who literally jumps down the steps of the train to be welcomed with a hug and a kiss by his loved one. I really find this sculpture enthralling!

This piece honors Grapevine veterans from Grapevine who participated in the war. A companion piece titled MILITARY ARCH was dedicated in the same year.

Pavlovsky was born in Dover, Delaware and currently resides in Ft. Worth, Texas.

This sculpture entitled, SUNDAY SKATERS, was created by Archie St. Clair, Grapevine's artist-in-residence. The playful skaters can be found along main street outside Weinberger's Deli. If you happen to be near Grapevine, visit this sculpture representing happier, carefree times. It was dedicated in 2006.

Anyone who has pulled on a pair of skates can identify with the frolicsome spirit this sculpture evokes. A poem is included in the memorial plaque:

"Church and Sunday dinner at last are done,
now its time to have some fun!
Mary Virginia, J.E., Dorothy Beth and Muttin,
Skate nearly to Main, then around they spin.
To the 1920s & 30s, Oh! let's go back!
There were no worries then, just the sidewalk cracks!
Whether then or now, Grapevine's still the same place,
Here children play freely, because they are safe."

by Sallie Andrews