Bakery and 100-Year-Old Pear Tree Revive a Forgotten Texas Town

A Revival in Waring: A Town Reborn Through Art and Baking

In the quiet community of Waring, a small town nestled in the Hill Country, a new wave of life is unfolding. Once a bustling hub centered around a railroad depot, Waring has seen its share of changes over the years. But today, it’s experiencing a renaissance that brings together art, history, and local flavors.

The Waring Market, a historic three-building complex, has recently reopened in March 2025, transforming into a vibrant creative space that blends an art gallery with a pop-up bakery called Sweet Memories by Karla. This new venture not only revives the town's artistic scene but also serves as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

Just behind the market, an unexpected symbol of renewal is taking root—a 100-year-old pear tree that is now blooming with healthy green leaves and ripening pears. This natural revival has sparked interest among locals and visitors who remember the tree from its prime. The tree once stood in the backyard of Miss Jennie Rust, a beloved figure in Waring known for her kindness and famous pear cakes. Her daughter-in-law, Abbie Cotrell, now owns the Waring Market and curates its art gallery.

Karla Bohnert Gonzales, a certified cottage baker and retired teacher, runs the bakery. She bakes using recipes passed down from her German grandmother, or Oma. As a fifth-generation Waring resident, she recalls visiting Miss Jennie as a child, describing her as always kind and approachable.

Both Gonzales and Cotrell believe the tree’s return mirrors the town’s own renewal. They have been quietly tending to the old garden, breathing life back into the area with the opening of the new shop. Their efforts are helping to bring energy and connection to this small community.

Waring was founded in 1887 and served as an important stop on the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway system. The town’s population grew significantly between the late 19th century and 1914, reaching an estimated 300 people. During this time, American painter Georgia O'Keeffe briefly stayed at a boarding house across from what is now the bakery and art gallery before moving to a farm.

By 1950, only 80 people remained in Waring, and by 1970, the train service had ceased. Despite these challenges, the town continues to find ways to thrive.

The Waring Market building itself has a rich history. It originally opened in 1903 as Edward's Meat Market and later became a silent movie theater in the 1930s. In the mid-2000s, Cotrell transformed it into an art gallery called Guadalupe Crossing, which she closed in 2010 due to an injury. For over a decade, the space sat empty until Cotrell and Gonzales, both connected through their shared memories of Miss Jennie, decided to revive it as a gallery and bakery.

Soon after, the pear tree began to grow again, marking a symbolic turning point for the town.

Now, every Friday and Saturday morning, the market comes alive with neighbors and visitors who gather over free coffee and traditional German baked goods. It’s a place where friendships form and stories are shared.

“It’s the place where neighbors become friends,” Gonzales says. “People come for the baked goods, but they leave knowing more about Waring.”

The partners hope to one day use pears from the tree to recreate Miss Jennie’s famous cake, keeping her legacy alive.

The art gallery and museum are open from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays and Saturdays. Waring is located about 43 miles northwest of San Antonio near the Guadalupe River and is just a 10-minute drive southwest of Comfort, Texas.

Find it: 542 Waring Welfare Road, Waring, TX 78074