The doors were officially opened for The Iron Horse Hall in downtown Teague, Texas on Thursday evening, February 16, 2023.
“All we lack are some handrails, and they are arriving tomorrow,” said owner Julie Atchley.
Built in 1913, the building originally housed the First State Bank and offices for the Brazos Valley Investment Co. The upstairs was utilized as an office for Drs. Emmet and Emory V. Headlee.
Julie Atchley has been a hairstylist for almost 33 years. In 1998, she opened the Iron Horse Salon in this same location on Main Street.
When storms damaged the roof of the 110-year-old building this past October, she made the decision to retire from the hairstyling business.
Yet, Atchley promised the community she would fix the historic building, “so it can house more businesses for the City of Teague for another 100 years.”
By the end of December, social media followers were introduced to The Iron Horse Hall, an intimate venue for parties, showers, reunions and small weddings. And within weeks, Atchley reported logging in several bookings for the coming year.
This beautiful venue includes a gorgeous portico, high ceilings and windows that let in natural lighting, exposed brick walls, and a long staircase suitable for picture taking (upstairs is closed for now).
It includes restroom facilities, a dressing room, a full kitchen, and handicap entrance.
The Iron Horse Hall has an estimated capacity for up to 80 people.
The open house event was catered by Demori Ethridge, a.k.a., SugaMamma. Cookies were designed and baked by Beth Smith of G’s Cookies.
Emma Johnston and Kylie Spafford represented Bubbly like Champagne & the Boozie Babe mobile bars by bartending out of the venue’s new bar.
Special recognition is given to their contractor, Dan Ansley, who completed the roof, construction, and remodel.
According to Atchley, during the process Ansley was given a diagnosis for thyroid cancer and had to undergo treatment. Even through that, “he made sure we were taken care of,” she said.
A barbeque fundraiser is being held on Saturday, February 25th at Davis Feed Store in Buffalo to raise funds for the Ansley family. Pulled pork sandwiches, chips, dessert & water will be sold for 10$ per person.
Bubbly, Like Champagne mobile bar will be selling sodas, and G’s Homemade Jellies & James will be set up to sell goods. All proceeds will go toward Melissa and Dan Ansley to help with medical and other expenses.
For more information about Teague’s new venue, contact Julie Atchley via email to theironhorse98@gmail.com or message her on Facebook.
The Iron Horse Hall is located at 501 Main Street in Teague.
Pictured at top: JOINING OWNER JULIE ATCHLEY FOR THE OFFICIAL RIBBON CUTTING during last week’s Open House event at The Iron Horse Hall are (left-right): Roy Vasquez, Denise Cooper, Emma Johnston, Stewart Rogers, Kylie Spafford, Carly Rogers, Bridget Gauntt, Tina Sessions (holding Dalliegh), Atchley (holding scissors with her grandchildren Maisyn and Camryn), Carla O’Connell, Tammy Jones, Lovie Whyte, and Vickie Jones. (Photos by Karen Leidy)
