Located in a gap of the Callahan Divide, Buffalo Gap was the ideal wintering spot for the major migrating southern buffalo herd. This oasis for the hundreds of thousands of buffalo was full of towering oak trees and plentiful fresh water from the Elm Fork and Brazos River, making it a perfect place for grazing during the lean winter months. The Comanche hunted in Buffalo Gap for more than a century, following the migrating buffalo. The best time of year for this annual harvest was at the peak of the full moon phase of late October or early November.
The buffalo also attracted white hunters interested in commercial gain. Arriving in ever-increasing numbers, these frontiersmen came to the area, eventually establishing the town of Buffalo Gap in 1876. Even so, these early settlers called October’s full moon the “Comanche Moon,” and knew it as a time to be ever alert for passing marauders.
Today, guests gather under the oak trees at the Perini Ranch every October to reenact the traditional frontier social that would have been common in this area. The Buffalo Gap Historic Village named this fundraiser “Comanche Moon Social” in honor of the region’s past. The event offers a unique glimpse into the history of this area as the food, ambience, and entertainment will carry patrons back to a different age when the Texas spirit was still fresh on the land.
Perini Ranch Steakhouse will be serving traditional dishes and recipes from the early days of Buffalo Gap for the 3rd Annual Comanche Moon Social. Owner Tom Perini is an active member of the Local Advisory Board for the Buffalo Gap Historic Village, as well as a member of the Texas Historical Commission.
Another aspect of the Social includes a silent auction consisting of everything from weekend get-a-ways to art work, and the winners of the Pre-Event Raffle will be announced. This year, the raffle will be a draw-down format. This year’s items are: a Henry Big Boy .45 Colt rifle, a Pendleton hand-knotted wool rug with buffalo print, and a bronze sculpture entitled Quanah, by artist Terry Gilbreth. The sculpture of the Comanche chief is accurate in detail and earned approval from the Comanche Nation.
The entertainment for the 2013 Comanche Moon Social is unique and original, created specifically for the Village’s signature event. Playwright Andy Wilkinson is crafting a piece focusing on Quanah Parker’s life. Inspired by photographs of Quanah during a photography session, Wilkinson is crafting a monologue disguised as a conversation between Quanah and the photographer (the audience). Wilkinson describes his vision:“The stage will be set as in the photos, which were taken in his bedroom in the Star House. Light will come in the window as in the photo. He’ll address the crowd as if they are the photographer.”
The Village secured actor Michael Horse for the part of Quanah Parker.
The 3rd Annual Comanche Moon Social will take place on October 5, 2013 and proceeds support the Buffalo Gap Historic Village. Email info@tfhcc.com to place your name on our mailing list for updates on this year’s event.
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