A Night That Changed Pflugerville: The 1971 Fire with Ron Moellenberg

Heritage House: Preserving Pflugerville's Roots and Frontier Spirit

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2390193/open_sms] What happens when three lifelong Pflugerville residents with over two centuries of combined local knowledge gather in a historic Sears kit home to share stories? Pure magic. In this special heritage edition of Pflugerville on Fire, I sit down with Vernagene Mott, Glenn Schiller, and David Gabert at the beautifully preserved Heritage House Museum. Together, they recall stories of Pflugerville's past, from the legendary 55-game football winning streak that put our small town on the national map to harrowing eyewitness accounts of the 1971 fire that nearly destroyed downtown. The conversation takes us deeper as my guests reveal what it was like growing up speaking German at home, learning English only upon entering school, and how World War II changed the cultural landscape of Pflugerville overnight. You'll hear about government authorities monitoring German-speaking residents, families butchering their own pork and using "every part of the pig except the squeal," and the cultural traditions that shaped our community's identity. The Heritage House itself tells an extraordinary story - built from a Sears catalog kit that arrived by train in 1912, assembled by community members, and now standing as a living museum filled with treasures. Each artifact holds personal meaning for my guests, from the pump organ that entertained generations of children to the morning gown that represented a family's status and to the Main Street bench where townspeople gathered every Saturday. Whether you're a history buff, a longtime resident, or new to Pflugerville, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the heart and soul of our community. Visit the Heritage House yourself on the first Sunday of each month, and consider supporting the Heritage House Partners in their mission to preserve these irreplaceable stories for future generations. After all, as Vernagene wisely notes, "We're leaving a heritage and we are also living legacies."

From beans to benevolence: Kati Coffee gives back.

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2390193/open_sms] We kick off season two with the exciting launch of the Pflugerville Firefighters Foundation, a nonprofit created to make our community safer, support firefighters during hardship, and fund scholarships for firefighters' children. • Partnering with Kati Coffee, a specialty roaster owned by scientists David McConville and Miriam Diop who donate 14% of sales from our custom blend • Surprise announcement of a $10,000 donation to kickstart the Foundation's mission • Behind-the-scenes look at the coffee tasting where firefighters selected the "Pfirehouse Blend" • Visit to Kati Coffee's roastery to learn about the science of coffee roasting and brewing techniques • First public CPR class already conducted with 14 community members participating • Season two preview featuring upcoming episodes about Pflugerville's heritage and community connections Check out the Pflugerville Firefighter's Foundation at pffirefoundation.org [https://pfirefoundation.org/] and order the Firehouse Blend at katicoffee.com [https://www.katicoffee.com%20/] to support our mission.

Season 2 Trailer: Still on Pfire!

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2390193/open_sms] Pflugerville is growing, changing and facing real challenges. In season 2 of Pflugerville on Fire, we go beyond the ballot box and out into the community. This season will be packed with insights into where we live. We will explore our history, common connection and what makes us strong.  This isn't just a podcast. It's a call to action.  Thanks for your support!

A Night That Changed Pflugerville: The 1971 Fire with Ron Moellenberg

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2390193/open_sms] On July 20, 1971, a devastating fire swept through downtown Pflugerville, forever changing the trajectory of the Pflugerville Volunteer Fire Department. Retired Chief Ron Moellenberg joins us to recount his firsthand experience of that historic night—how he jumped in to help before ever considering firefighting as a career. With an inadequate water supply and a single tanker, local crews struggled to contain the blaze until reinforcements arrived from surrounding areas. This pivotal event sparked a movement to improve fire protection, eventually leading to the creation of Travis County Emergency Services District No. 2. Join us as we explore the history, resilience, and evolution of fire services in Pflugerville.

The Victory Episode: The Pflugerville Fire Department DEFEATS ESD 2 Prop A

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2390193/open_sms] Imagine facing the possibility of losing vital community services, only to witness an extraordinary display of unity that turns the tide. That's exactly what happened in Pflugerville, where the community came together to defeat Proposition A and safeguard the future of their beloved fire department. Join us as we recount the incredible journey. This episode is a testament to the power of collective action and unwavering support, highlighting a campaign that went beyond mere funding—it was about preserving the heart and soul of a community. The dedication shown by volunteers, community members, and supporters filled the polls with an undeniable sense of purpose, even in the face of opposition. Leaders and community members share their stories. You'll hear the pride in the department and how the community's resilience and unity helped our fire department survive this challenging time. We express our deepest gratitude to everyone involved. Tune in to celebrate this remarkable victory and the profound impact of coming together for a common cause.