Texas Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony Forthcoming at WX Ranch
The cabin and grounds remain much as they did in the sixties when Mercury Astronauts came to relax. Their missions were uncharted territory that would lead to eventual trips to the moon by other men of such unparallel valor.
Christine and Frank Marsters lived among them, having built several of their homes.
Their children played with their offspring. They sat quietly with the wives during “lift off” and “splash downs.”
The Marsters knew the stress that accompanied these heroes’ vocations. It was then the nucleus of a relief plan was formed.
The couple built a cabin on land that had been in her family since the 1850s and dubbed it “The Astronaut’s Camphouse.”
The first Mercury visitors were Wally Schirra, Scott Carpenter, and Deke Slayton, along with their sons, in November 1962.
John Glenn, the first man to orbit the earth in 1962, came next in December 1962 with son, David.
This was after a whirlwind tour, orchestrated by President John F. Kennedy to celebrate the now National hero.
Excited residents of Fairfield, Texas would welcome the courageous men each time. Joe Kirgan, Jr. always proclaimed the events with pictures in his newspaper.
One such article read, “For the past two years, Fairfield and Freestone County have had the honor of being visited by members of the world famous original seven astronauts. This year John Glenn and Scott Carpenter were here to enjoy a weekend of deer hunting and relaxation at the WX Ranch as guests of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Marsters.”
Recently, The Texas Historical Society deemed the cabin and grounds to be of significant importance to the history of Texas, calling it “Mercury Astronaut Campsite and Hunting Grounds.”
A historical marker has been placed at the entrance of the property.
by Mary McDonald
