Sweet Mother of Pearl! In New Braunsfel, Texas there are three of the oldest establishments in Texas.
Famous Gruene Hall in the Gruene Historic District of New Braunsfel is the oldest continuously operating dancehall in Texas. In downtown New Braunsfel, Naegelin’s Bakery and Henne Hardware also claim to be the oldest bakery and hardware store in the Lone Star State.
Naegelin’s Bakery has been serving pastries, pies, cakes , and baked goods in downtown New Braunsfel since 1868 – if my math is correct that is 146 years of baking. Amazing!
Not only is this bakery old, the baked goods are fantastic. Going to Naegelin’s Bakery is an exercise in self discipline. I wanted one of everything.
I honestly believe the sweets in this bakery could rival any bakery in our fair city. The present owners bought Naegelin’s in the early 1980’s, and the bakery is family-run. Many of the recipes are recipes that have been handed down for generations.
It was so difficult to choose, but the nice lady behind the counter said the strawberry and cream cheese croissant was her favorite, so that is what we bought. Be still my heart. It was beyond delicious. I so wanted more, but… Next time I am going to get a strudel. The strudels were filled high with fruit and had a flaky crust. Croissant and strudels are not the only items worthy of praise. There was bread, kolaches, cupcakes, cookies, cakes, pies, Danishes, and more. If you are anywhere near New Braunsfel, this is a must stop.
Down the street is Henne Hardware which has been around since 1857 – that would be 157 years. This oldest hardware store in Texas has retained its antique charm while continuing to sell hardware that is necessary for today.
There is no telling what you might find in Henne Hardware. These were brooms, mops, and rakes for children. I love the barrel containers.
Walls were lined with antique cabinets full of all sorts of tools and hardware. Look at the old ladder used to help retrieve items from the top shelves. Ever-Lovin’ and I mentioned that we wished friend BB’s Sherman could have visited Henne Hardware. No one loved a hardware store more than Sherman. He would have been in hog heaven there.
If you need it, I bet you can find it at Henne Hardware. There is even a gourmet cooking area in the store that sells all sizes of Lodge cast iron pots, and other cooking essentials.
One of the most unusual items displayed in the store was the old pulley payment system. The money would be sent to the back of the store to the office. The pulley system is no longer used, but I like that they have retained that charm. Visit Hennee Hardware if you get a chance. You never know what you can discover in a store such as this.
Blessings to you and yours,