GORDON — On the south corner of Interstate 20 and State Highway 108 sits the western-looking Longhorn Hotel and Country Store. John and Nan Brandt, the owners, recently found a large house located in the Metroplex advertised on Craig’s List. It advertised to be trade for commercial property in Dallas County.
The Brandts contacted the owners, Gus and Chae Raymond, and told them about their property that they wished to trade for the Raymond’s house. Even though the motel and store were not in Dallas County, the Raymond’s thought, “Why not just look?” So they drove from the Metroplex to Palo Pinto County and visited with the Brandts.
After a few weeks, a deal was made for the trade. Now, Gus is busy working on their new project. For the past 30 years, he has been in the home improvement business. He is using that experience to “spruce up” his new acquisition. The motel has 20 rooms, sixteen non-smoking. Single rooms are $55. and doubles are $65. Gus is a native Texan and advertises the motel as: “American Owned.”
The good news is what he has planned for the country store. He is expanding the store to include fresh products like milk, eggs, bread, cheese, ice cream and many basic items sold at reasonable prices. He will also carry lots of frozen items, like pizza. This is wonderful news to those of us who live in and around Gordon, because we now have to travel 25 miles to buy any of these items. Of course there are all kinds of snacks and drinks. They have gifts and some items like one would find at Sam Moon’s.
They advertise that they have clean restrooms – and they are! When staying at the motel, one is given a 10 percent discount on any item in the store. Video rentals will soon be available. They carry cat and dog food, Dublin Dr Peppers, some locally made items, metal stars, all kinds of nicknacks, music CD’s, Morenci candles (made in Gordon), fried pies from Backroads Bakery (also a Gordon product) and Ancient Art Soaps, made in Strawn.
Gus is so pleased with the employees who have been there for some time. He is amazed at how the public responds favorably to their warm reception. He has a good, loyal group of employees, which he depends on to help “build up” the business.
Next door to the motel is a two-story home where the Brandts lived. At one time, the downstairs held a restaurant and the upstairs a club. John is very talented at remodeling. He redid the downstairs for their living quarters. It has a rustic, western atmosphere. Now that Gus has the property, he is trying to decide exactly what he can do with the “house.” The Raymonds don’t plan to live there because Chae has a business and (strangely) they like living in the Metroplex! He is “toying” with the idea of making a hunting lodge or reopening the upstairs club with Karaoke, pool tables, pizza, beer and wine or a sports bar. The downstairs has the possibilities of making it available for family reunions, receptions, parties, etc.
Whatever Gus plans to do, he will do it well and provide something that will enhance southern Palo Pinto County.
Gordon News
Longhorn hotel changes hands
- Gordon News
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A look back at Thorp Springs Christian College
GORDON – Thorp Springs Christian College was chartered in 1910 by members of the Church of Christ. Thorp Springs has been the site of several educational institutions.
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Thurber High School, circa 1923
GORDON – The Gordon Library and Museum received an email from Avalon Bruce of Imperial, Texas. She is moving and found an annual that belonged to her mother, Faye Davis Bruce. She wondered if we would like to have it and I immediately responded that we would LOVE to have this bit of history.
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Rhonda Patterson named ‘Citizen of the Month’
The Gordon City Council recently selected Rhonda Patterson its “Citizen of the Month.” We normally put this information out on the marquee by the bank, but she wanted no part in that.
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Despite technology advances, car batteries relatively unchanged
We have so many interesting, talented people in and near Gordon!
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News from the new Gordon Community Center
Gordon is so proud of its new Community Center. The only thing lacking were new tables and chairs to grace the lovely interior!
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Gordon Gala ushers in new year
A Gordon Gala was celebrated Dec. 30 at the New York Hill Restaurant. This was an attempt to recognize Gordonites that have contributed to the betterment of Gordon.
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Public invited to Gordon Library's Appreciation Tea
The Gordon Community Library is having an Appreciation Tea 2-4 p.m. this Saturday at the library.
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Backroads Bakery celebrating grand opening in new location
The latest addition to Gordon's Main Street is the Backroads Bakery. They are having a grand opening on Thursday, Nov. 18, beginning at 6 p.m. Their bakery is located at Main and State Highway 193.
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Gordon's new community center nears completion
Back around 1948, the American Legion No. 544 of Gordon acquired an Army mess hall from Brownwood. (They were unable to get one from Fort Wolters because of difficulty crossing bridges).
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New community center going up fast
The new Gordon Community Center, under the auspices of the Gordon Development Corporation and the City Council, is being built at a rapid pace.
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