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WAXAHACHIE

Altitude 585

General

CHAUTAUQUA AUDITORIUM

ELLIS COUNTY COURTHOUSE

ELLIS COUNTY MUSEUM

NICHOLAS P. SIMS LIBRARY

SCARBOROUGH FAIRE

Attractions

• CHAUTAUQUA AUDITORIUM - Built in 1904, a rare survivor of the Chautauqua circuit that brought live talent for religious and cultural events to rural towns around the turn of the century. With advent of radio, Chautauqua waned and ended in 2930s. Today site of city events, restored structure is on the National Register of Historic Places. situated in 55 acre Getzendaner Park on south Grand Ave off West Main.
• ELLIS COUNTY COURTHOUSE - Elaborate structure of red sandstone and granite, built in 1895 for then-lavish cost of $150,000. Italian artisans were imported for exterior stone carving. (Recurring face said to be Mabel Frame, railroad telegraph operator with whom one sculptor became enamored.) Clock uses windup mechanism weighing 250 pounds; bell-striker weight exceeds 800 pounds.
• ELLIS COUNTY MUSEUM - Historical artifacts, photos, household furnishings and toys depict history of this Central Texas region. In restored 19th Century building on courthouse square. Open Tues. - Sat 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun. 1 to 5 p.m. closed Monday.
• NICHOLAS P. SIMS LIBRARY - Original structure built 1904, is classic example of Roman doric architecture. Gold leaf and Carrara marble used in interior; exterior features enameled brick, copper comices and cared replica of the Greek torch of knowledge. Contains over 33,000 volumes. 515 West Main.
• SCARBOROUGH FAIRE - Springtime Renaissance fair features arts, crafts, foods, and medieval entertainment - wizards, jugglers, jesters, and puppet shows. Costumes of royalty and rascals, poets and peasants. In rural setting eight weekends mid-April through early June on F.M. 66, 1.6 miles west of I-35 East. Admission is charged.