STAFF REPORTS

The years have taken their toll on this 1952 photo of Winnie and Minnie Harper, who were in their teens at the time. The twin sisters from Antioch Colony near Buda are the subject of the latest oral history by the Hays County Historical Commission, which will be screened June 4. (Courtesy photo)

Descended from one of the oldest families in Hays County, twin sisters Winnie Harper Moyer and Minnie Harper are the subjects of the latest oral history for the “Voices of Hays County” series, sponsored by the Hays County Historical Commission.

Winnie and Minnie grew up in the Antioch Colony, just outside Buda, where they continue to be active in the community. Antioch Colony was formed in 1870 as one of the first black communities in the county, with the help of early settler Joseph Rowley, who sold the land along Onion Creek at half-price to former slaves.

In their childhood days, the Harper twins worked with their brothers and sisters for their father, George Harper, as he farmed cotton, cane and vegetables throughout the state and across the west. They share memories of those days, as well as other reflections on growing up in Hays County, in the oral history.

This video documentary is number eight in the “Voices of Hays County” series, which is an ongoing project of the HCHC. Jim Cullen conducted the interview for the history, and Richard Kidd did the filming and editing. Bonnie Eissler was the sound technician for the project.

The video screening will be presented free of charge at 6 p.m. June 4 at the Driftwood Community Center. The Center is located at the intersection of FM 150 and CR 170 (Elder Hill Road), behind the Methodist Church.