Katy House Blog » Historic Small Texas Town

Real ‘Jane Roe’ in movie Doonby, filmed in Smithville, TX

katyhouse — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:47:53 +0000

Real ‘Jane Roe’ Makes Pro-Life Case in Upcoming Feature Film ‘Doonby’

Norma McCorvey, better known as the plaintiff at the heart of the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case, wasn’t seeking a big-screen film career.

She simply couldn’t pass up the chance to play a woman who tries convincing a pregnant woman to keep her baby.

McCorvey, who famously had a change of heart regarding abortion following the landmark ruling, has a small but pivotal role in the upcoming feature “Doonby.”

“Doonby” stars John Schneider, Robert Davi, Jennifer O’Neill, Joe Estevez and Ernie Hudson in the tale of a drifter who arrives in a small Texas town and creates a stir when his past is slowly revealed. The film will have several sneak screenings on Feb. 10 and 17 in Texas, Mississippi and Tennessee before opening in late spring/early summer.

By Sallie Blalock: this movie was filmed in our little Texas town- Smithville, Texas. Come visit our town and see sites that have been used in 18 movies over the the last 15 years. Our Katy House Bed and Breakfast is only one block from Main Street. Please visit our web site at www.katyhouse.com The Chamber site is www.smithvilletx.org

Playhouse Smithville, Melodrama in Smithville, TX

katyhouse — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 19:54:53 +0000

1st Annual
Smithville Melodrama
Curses!

Playhouse Smithville

Show Dates: Fridays & Saturdays June 3 – 18, 2011

Evil villains and dashing heroes play tug of war over the heroine. Audience members boo and toss popcorn when the villain appears, ooh and aah when the heroine glides across the stage and cheer when the hero arrives. Who will win the day? Will the heroine meet her dastardly fate tied to the train tracks (of course not!)? Will the hero fail to arrive in time (of course not!)? Will the villain succeed with his heinous plot (welllll….)?

Join us for a fun trip through a melodrama with saltwater taffy and sasparilla on tap for all! Show Dates are Fridays & Saturdays, June 3-18, 2011 at 7:30pm.

For more information on the Meloddrama go to http://www.texasplaywright.com/LSOH%20page.html

For info on lodging, visit our web site at http://www.katyhouse.com/ or call 512 237-4262

Smithville is a small town and a great place to visit. Visit the Chamber page.

“Sell Smithville”, May 7, 2010 – Buy Smithville, TX

katyhouse — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 22:29:03 +0000

You are invited to the largest Real Estate Event in Bastrop County history.

Sell Smithville

Visit the Smithville area for a preview of our available Real Estate, whether residential, commercial, farm or ranch.

Realtors and owners are holding the doors open so you can view property – From 10 AM to 4PM

Learn about Mortgages, Title Companies, Home Warrantee, Insurance, Home Inspections and MORE at the Smithville Recreation Center.

Free maps to all open locations are available at the Smithville Recreation Center, Hwy 95 at 1st Street on Saturday, May 7.

For more information or to hold an open house (RSVP by April 22, call 512 678-1131)

Realtors and owners are here to help you BUY SMITHVILLE!

Get a piece of your dream.

For more information on Smithville, visit the Chamber site.

GREAT COMMUNITY * GREAT SCHOOLS * HOSPITAL * RECREATION CENTER * PARKS * RIVER * FRIENDLY PEOPLE

Bed and Breakfast Award -Katy House in Smithville,TX

katyhouse — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 19:58:39 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 15, 2011

Sallie Blalock (512) 237-4262

Katy House Bed and Breakfast CHOSEN AS BEST OF THE SOUTHWEST IN THE BEST OF BEDANDBREAKFAST.COM AWARDS

Smithville, Texas – Katy House Bed and Breakfast in Smithville was selected as Best of the Southwest in the annual Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards, 2010-2011. The Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards are based upon a qualitative and quantitative review of the nearly 50,000 independent reviews submitted to BedandBreakfast.com, the leading online B&B directory and reservation network worldwide.

“BedandBreakfast.com surveys show that independent reviews are the most important factor when choosing a B&B. In fact, according to BedandBreakfast.com’s most recent survey, 96% of consumers consider reviews to be somewhere between important and essential when selecting a place to stay, and 12% will not make a reservation at a property without them. We’re delighted that inn-goers concur that Katy House is deserving of its accolades from travelers,” explained BedandBreakfast.com’s Sandy Soule, one of the most highly recognized authors and a spokeswoman for the B&B industry. “Clearly, Sallie and Bruce Blalock earned stellar reviews from inn-goers for its quality accommodations, breakfasts, amenities and wonderful hospitality and service,” commented Soule.

“It’s a true honor to be chosen for a Best of BedandBreakfast.com award, and we thank our guests for the positive reviews that resulted in this award, stated Sallie Blalock, Katy House innkeeper. “It is gratifying that our guests took the time to share their comments about our hospitality, accommodations, breakfasts and attention to the details which set Katy House apart,” commented Blalock. Here’s an excerpt from one of our reviews:” I have rarely felt as relaxed as I did at Katy House Bed and Breakfast. Sallie and Bruce are the perfect hosts and Smithville is a blast to explore.” 1/17/2011

About the Katy House: Opened in 1994, in the beautiful old railroad town of Smithville, Texas. This historic home is decorated in American antiques and railroad memorabilia. All guest rooms are on the second floor. Each room offers a queen-sized bed with private bathroom, cable TV and wireless internet. Included are the spacious Texas Special Suite with a private balcony, the Katy Limited and the charming Bluebonnet Room. The Katy’s most private accommodations are separate from the main house: The Katy Tower with rocking chairs and balcony is located in a small building in the back yard. The Conductors’ Quarters also offers a sofa-sleeper to accommodate families and extra guests. The outside rooms are “Pet Friendly.” A delicious full country breakfast is served in the main dining room every morning. For more information, please call 1-(512) 237-4262 or www.KatyHouse.com

For a complete list of all winners, including regional and international Best of BedandBreakfast.com Award winners, please visit www.BedandBreakfast.com and click Winners 2010-2011.

Founded in 1995, BedandBreakfast.com is highly recommended by The New York Times, Real Simple, Forbes, Travel & Leisure, USA TODAY and many others. To learn about more than 11,000 other perfect choices for your next B&B getaway, visit BedandBreakfast.com, the leading online bed and breakfast directory and reservation network worldwide. A variety of search functions and extensive maps enable inn-goers to find the perfect B&B. Travelers can make reservations online, purchase The Getaway Gift Card from BedandBreakfast.com, welcomed at over 4,000 B&Bs in the U.S. and Canada, read up-to-date trip reports on The BedandBreakfast.com Blog, read and write independent reviews, and post questions on expert-hosted message boards.

BedandBreakfast.com is owned and operated by HomeAway, Inc., the worldwide leader in online vacation rentals, representing more than 475,000 paid vacation rental home listings across 120 countries.

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High resolution photos available upon request (include this if you have high-res photos)

Sallie Blalock
Katy House Bed and Breakfast
201 Ramona Street, Smithville
512) 237-4262
www.Katyhouse.com

Katy House B and B sends Christmas Wishes

katyhouse — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 12:27:42 +0000

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Bruce and I love this time of year. The Katy House is decorated for Christmas, the weather is cooler and downtown Smithville is decked out for the season with trees and four-foot Gingerbread Men up and down Main Street. As guests come and go this season, we are reminded that the very best thing about owning a Bed and Breakfast is the wonderful and interesting people we get to know.

This is a perfect time of the year to give a gift certificate to the Katy House. You know someone that would love to come and visit Smithville. One night is $160 for two, including breakfast, all the trimming and the taxes. We’ll mail the gift certificate to you, or send it to the recipient. It will be a gift that will be remembered for years. Maybe it’s time for you to return to Smithville, so buy one for yourself!

The Annual Festival of Lights, December 4th, was a fun-filled Saturday, with a lighted night-time parade then a free live theater production called “Frosty vs. the Abominable Snowman,” by Smithville Playhouse. The movie, “Beneath the Darkness,” filmed part of the parade. As the Smithville High School Band marched and played, a man ran through the band, with a policeman chasing him down.

Smithville continues to be a “film friendly” community. “Tree of Life,” starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn will be in theaters May 27.th In the last year there have been several films made here. We’ve had the pleasure of visiting with John Schneider, Jenn Gotzen, Ernie Hudson, Robert Davi, Will Wallace, Joe Estevez and Erin Way. They were here in the spring filming “Doonby.” Watch for these movies to open in 2011: “Tree of Life,” “Five Time Champion,” “Natural Selection,” “Doonby,” “Bernie” and “Beneath the Darkness” as all or part were filmed here. Dennis Quaid’s trailer is parked across the street right now.

We’ve had a fun and busy year at the Bed and Breakfast with lots of wonderful guests that are now friends. Bruce has now retired from the Union Pacific Railroad. He still runs trains as a volunteer engineer for the Austin Steam Train. He has also been restoring the caboose and it will eventually be a guest cottage.

The Katy House Baked Egg recipe is perfect for a special breakfast for visitors.
Just email us and we will send you the recipe.

We hope you have a blessed Christmas Season and hope to see you in Happy New 2011!

Sallie and Bruce Blalock
And Corgis Buddy and Carter
stay@katyhouse.com
www.KatyHouse.com
(512) 237-4262
Smithville, Texas 78957

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Playhouse Smithville adds Children’s Theatre

katyhouse — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 15:03:34 +0000

We are excited that Playhouse Smithville is having Saturday Morning Children’s Theatre. The Theatre is one block from our B and B, on our historic Main Street, here in Smithville, Texas. See the announcement:

Auditions for Young Actors: Cereal Thrillers, Playhouse Smithville, September 18

Snap, Crackle and Pop (TM Kellogg’s Cereals)

(www.playhousesmithville.com)

PlayhouseSmithville.com announces auditions for

Cereal Thrillers

Saturday Morning Children’s Theatre

Playhouse Smithville is putting out a call to young actors of any age over six. Cereal Thrillers, written and directed by the Playhouse Artistic Director john daniels, jr. (sic), needs Snap, Crackle, Pop, Count Chocula, Frankenberry, Boo Berry, Sugar Bear, Trix and Silly Rabbit, L. C. Leprechaun, Crunch Berry Beast, SeaDog, Jean LaFoote and of course the Cap’n.

Come be in a silly, serial-cereal play, a “who or what done it.” Adults, children and families welcome to audition. Cereal Thrillers begins Playhouse Smithville’s Saturday Morning Children’s Theatre. The show will play Friday evenings October 15 and 22, Saturday mornings October 16, 23, and 30 and one special Sunday October 31 matinee which will include a costume contest before audience and cast members go out trick-or-treating.

Cereal Thrillers auditions Saturday, September 18 at 2:00 PM. Come dressed to play and have fun. Playhouse Smithville, 110 Main Street. For more information or to purchase pre-sale tickets visit www.playhousesmithville.com or call 512 360-7397.

Doonby filming in Smithville, TX

katyhouse — Sat, 29 May 2010 20:53:12 +0000

Movie Filming Takes over Downtown

Updated: Thursday, 27 May 2010, 10:27 PM CDT
Published : Thursday, 27 May 2010, 10:27 PM CDT

This story was on Fox TV, by James Irby, in Austin, Texas:

9th street, between Brazos and Congress is looking a whole lot like Memphis in the 1900′s. The makeover is for True Grit, an adaptation of the 1968 novel, which was also made into a movie in 1969, the latest 2010 version stars Jeff Bridges Josh Brolin and Matt Damon.

An hour east in Smithville there was lots of action to be filmed as John Schneider and newcomer Jenn Gotzon star in Doonby, the story of a mysterious stranger who rolls into town, changing it for the better helping a woman recovering from alcoholism. He even foils a robbery.

Then he suddenly disappears, much of the good he’s done, falling apart with his exit. Schneider says no one can quite figure out where his character, Sam Doonby is from or what his intentions are.

“Like a good painting, this movie evokes different emotions from everybody who’s involved. Everybody who reads it everybody who’s in it and hopefully everybody who sees it.”

Taken by its small town charm, Schneider says Smithville has the kind of authenticity you just can’t get on a hollywood set.

Doonby’s producer, Mike Mackenzie, adding that Smithville is the ideal small town to create movie magic.

“It’s a very film friendly town. We’re the third production coming through and we understand there are two that are following us. Everything is five minutes walk away which is hugely beneficial to us shooting.”

Not all about acting, Schneider, star of the late 70′s, early 80′s television series The Dukes of Hazzard and more recently Smallville had time to help start the Children’s Miracle Network in 1982.
Schneider says they’ve raised close to 4 billion for children’s hospitals throughout the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

“All the money that’s raised through the Children’s Miracle Network stays in the area where it was raised. You don’t have to wonder when you call up and make a donation where it’s going to go.”

Doonby is set for release at the end of the year or the beginning of 2011. “True Grit” has a release date of Christmas Day.

For questions or comments about this story, email james.irby@foxtv.com

Wildflowers Seeds in Smithville, TX

katyhouse — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:27:49 +0000

“Go Wild in Smithville!” The Smithville Business Association is sponsoring its Second Annual Wildflower Event. The merchants in Historic Downtown Smithville will be giving away FREE packets of wildflower seeds (while supplies last). Each of the 18 locations will have a different variety. Start out on Main Street for your first free packet and a map of the participating locations. The “GO Wild in Smithville” celebration is being held on Saturday, May 1st from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The Katy House Bed and Breakfast is one of the participating merchants. We are not on Smithville, Texas’ Historic Main Street, where all the antique shops are located, but one block away on Ramona and Second Street.

Smithville, TX off the beaten path

katyhouse — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 20:09:29 +0000

This is from a cute couple that just stayed with us. This is Dave’s blog:

An Occasion To Remember

Many men fall victim to their own memory when it comes to anniversaries. Fortunately, my anniversary falls in the same ten-day period as Valentine’s Day and my wife’s birthday. While making this easy to remember, it does have its issues, but nothing I can’t handle.

On our wedding day, we drove to Smithville Texas, the site of the movie “Hope Floats” featuring Sandra Bullock (yes, it is a chick-flick, but it is a good one) and stayed at a bed and breakfast called The Katy House. Now, for those who read this blog (yes, I am talking to you) you may remember that Michelle and I love to tour small towns off the beaten path. Well, Smithville—with a whopping population of 3,900—certainly qualifies as small and it does sit just off of state highway 71, which is a beaten path.

This town has a quaint old style main street with buildings built around the turn of the century (not the recent one, mind you) and a train depot (which is not really a functioning depot anymore, but it serves as the chamber of commerce and a railway museum). Most of the buildings that are occupied house antique stores or craft boutiques, while many sit empty. The other streets are filled with old houses dating back to the late 1800’s when this town was built by the MKT railroad. The Katy House is one such home.

Built in 1909, it was originally named the Chancellor Residence after its first occupant. Many others have lived in it since, but it is now a very comfortable B&B run by Sallie and Bruce Blalock. They made our wedding night stay quite pleasant, setting us up with a bottle of bubbly and getting us reservations at the town’s pre-eminent restaurant, The Back Door Café (make the trip if for no other reason than to eat here, it is that good). Because the stay was so memorable, we come back every year to celebrate our anniversary with them….

Minimax-usa Classes in Smithville, TX

katyhouse — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 02:50:33 +0000

The European Woodworker (Combo/Bandsaw Seminar): April 24-25, 2010 – & November 13-14, 2010

Here is a description of classes coming this Spring, here in Smithville, TX. Sam’s shop is one block from our Bed and Breakfast, the Katy House. Come to the class, but spend time in Smithville, it’s a great Texas small town, with lots of antique shops on Main Street.

Sam wrote: I took a leap of faith years ago, sold my table saw, jointer, planer, little bandsaw and hollow chisel mortiser, and purchased a European Combination machine along with a bigger bandsaw (CU300 Smart and MM16) – and now I’m working with the company. That might tell you something about the way I feel for this concept. I’m in a much larger shop now than I was then, but the basic combination still works for me. If you are a one or two man operation or just looking to maximize space in your small shop this would be a good class for you to get the feel of how well this could work for you. Or, you have already taken the plunge and would like to get to know the combo concept and your particular machine better this very well could be an essential class for you.

Visit http://www.samantics2.com/ for details or email Sam at sblasco@minimax-usa.com . Sam Blasco

Here is a link for the machine: http://www.minimax-usa.com/