Longtime Wimberley resident Tom Buse shares his connection to the community, which began with a family vacation in 1965 and became permanent in 1992. He is known locally as an administrator of the Wimberley Community Forum, a member of the classic rock band The StratoCrackers, and a student of local history. In this interview, Buse reflects on generational family memories tied to specific Wimberley landmarks and highlights the giving legacy of Pleasant Wimberley, the mill owner for whom the town was named.
Wimberley is more than its beautiful creeks, scenic hills and familiar landmarks. What truly gives the town its character are the people who call it home. The people who preserve its stories, contribute to the community and continue the traditions that make the Wimberley Valley feel so special.
Through our new “5 Questions With…” series, we’re introducing Wimberley Buzz readers to some of our local residents, business owners, artists, musicians, volunteers, and community leaders who help make Wimberley the special community that it is.
For our first interview, we’re visiting with longtime Wimberley resident Tom Buse.
Tom’s connection to the Wimberley Valley stretches back more than 60 years. He first visited as a child in 1965 and has lived here permanently since the early 1990s. Today, many local residents know him as one of the administrators of the Wimberley Community Forum, which has grown to more than 20,000 members. He is also a member of the local classic rock band The StratoCrackers and an avid student of Wimberley history.
During our conversation, Tom shared the story of arriving in Wimberley with his parents and seven siblings packed into one station wagon, reflected on the places where several generations of his family have made memories and reminded us that Wimberley’s generous community spirit has roots that reach all the way back to the man for whom the town was named.
5 Questions with Tom Buse
What brought you to Wimberley, and how long have you called it home?
I first came to Wimberley with my parents and my seven brothers and sisters in the summer of 1965—in one station wagon! Safety wasn’t needed back then!
Fun Watch: Here is the 8mm film that they converted to video from their trip to Wimberley in 1965.
After that first trip, we vacationed here every year. My parents bought a home here in 1975 and retired here in 1981. I moved to Wimberley permanently in 1992 to help my mom after my dad passed away.
Many of my brothers and sisters eventually did the same. Six out of the eight of us ended up moving here.
I’ve shared an old 8mm film that we converted to video from our first trip to Wimberley in 1965. It can be found on the Wimberley Community Forum!”
What do you love most about living in Wimberley?
I love the deep, warm feeling of our town and its people.
Sure, things have changed, and sometimes it seems a little harder to find that feeling. But it is still here. It is still powerful, and it is still relevant.
I like being around people who can still see and feel it, too.
What is one of your favorite Wimberley memories?
The old Woodcreek Lodge—originally called Eagle Rock Ranch, then Woodcreek and now the Lodge at Cypress Falls—and Pioneer Town.
Memories waft across my mind every time I visit those places. My children made memories there, too, and now my grandchildren are doing the same.
What is something you think more people should know about Wimberley?
Pleasant Wimberley was known far and wide for his giving and sharing nature. It is documented that he practiced what he preached, even leaving food and supplies in the old mill for people who needed a helping hand but did not want to be seen as needy.
Every time we promote the giving nature of our town, we are standing on the shoulders of giants like Old Pleas.
We should do more of it.
For those unfamiliar with the name, Pleasant “Old Pleas” Wimberley was the mill owner for whom the town was named. The community existed before his arrival, first becoming known as Winters’ Mill and later Cude’s Mill. Pleasant purchased the mill in 1874, and the settlement eventually took his name. He also supported local schools and churches and became known for his generosity toward neighbors in need.
In your off-time, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy playing music and searching the internet for old documents about Wimberley’s history.
I also enjoy spending time in town and socializing with others who feel the same way about this blessing we call Wimberley.
I try to remind myself just how lucky we truly are.
Editor’s note
Tom’s memories offer a glimpse into a Wimberley that has grown and changed while still holding tightly to something deeper. His story reminds us that the spirit of a town is carried forward through families, shared places, old photographs, music, local stories and neighbors who continue to look out for one another.
We appreciate Tom taking the time to help us kick off this series and share his family’s connection to Wimberley. Perhaps the best lesson we can take from his answers is the importance of recognizing how fortunate we are to call this place home and doing our part to preserve the warmth, generosity and sense of community that have defined Wimberley for generations.
About “5 Questions With…”
Through this series, Wimberley Buzz will introduce you to local residents, business owners, artists, musicians, volunteers, community leaders and other interesting people who help make Wimberley such a special place.
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