The Pound House Historical Farmstead sits on a 5-acre lot next to the turned ground of a new housing community, a symbol of Dripping Springs’ pioneer roots contrasted against the city’s modern growth. The former home of city co-founders Dr. Joseph Pound and Sarah Pound, the Pound House is a museum of Dripping Springs’ earliest years.
The Pounds were one of three families who settled in what would become Dripping Springs in 1854. Their home became a gathering place as the settlement grew, hosting Dripping Springs’ first church and school.
“They really wanted to make this a thriving community,” said Jenny Pack, Pound House director of marketing and events.
The Pounds passed the farmstead from generation to generation, with descendants living on the property until 1983, when it was willed to the city. The family never altered the log pen home to accommodate running water, nor did they dispose of historic family items. Today, 90% of the items in the Pound House are original to the property.
“I don’t know of another museum where such a large portion of the collection is intact from the family,” Pack said.
After the property was willed to the city, the Friends of the Pound House Foundation formed to support the restoration of the property. By 2003, the farmstead opened as the museum it is today, where Wanda Mauldin, great-great-granddaughter of Joseph and Sarah Pound, still docents.
The museum offers a window into pioneer life, and according to Director of Museum Operations Liz Lubrani, presents unique educational opportunities, such as with its functioning windmill.
“We’re planning a STEM class to teach children how it works,” Lubrani said.
To the surprise of Lubrani and Pack, the name Pound began to circulate in Dripping Springs with renewed interest this March when two local men campaigned to rename the city Pound Town in honor of the founding family. Pack said the campaign had no connection to the Pound House. In fact, she said since Sarah Pound’s sister chose the name Dripping Springs, the town’s official moniker already honors the Pounds.
In addition to hosting regular museum visitors, various events are held on the property throughout the year. From June to August, families are invited to explore the grounds with a Sunday picnic free of cost, and the Pound House annually hosts Dripping Springs’ Pioneer Day, although it was cancelled due to weather this year. With quilt-making contests, Civil War re-enactments and live bluegrass under the property’s 500-year-old heritage oak, Pack said “the entire grounds [are] transformed into an 1800s experience.”
