BURTON, Texas – A former assistant principal traded the classroom for the tavern 13 years ago, transforming a historic building in this small Texas community into a lively hub for music, food, and community gatherings. Allison Crowson, a Brenham resident, purchased the White Horse, a building with a century of diverse enterprises, and renamed it the White Horse Tavern and Café.
From Assistant Principal to Tavern Owner
Crowson, who spent 29 years as a schoolteacher, culminating as assistant principal at Brenham High School, discovered her passion for hospitality. She also honed her musical talents as a church organist and a Saturday night piano player at a local pub. When the White Horse building became available, her landlord encouraged her to buy it, and she’s been running it ever since.
What makes the White Horse Tavern and Café a unique spot in Burton? It’s a place where a former educator now entertains patrons with accordion polka music and serves up signature dishes like Cowboy Spaghetti.
- The White Horse Tavern and Café is located in Burton, Texas, a community of about 300 people.
- Owner Allison Crowson is a former assistant principal who plays polka music on an accordion.
- The building itself has a history dating back to 1823, serving as various businesses over the past 102 years.
- Crowson hosts tribute shows and an annual summer benefit for Burton Bridge, a local non-profit.
- The tavern is also rented out for various events, from pizza parties to wedding showers.
A Passion for Polka and People
Crowson’s outgoing personality shines as she entertains audiences, particularly those with Czech and German heritage, with her accordion polka music. “We have so much fun,” she said. “They sing along with me. I don’t speak either language, so sometimes I don’t know what I’m singing. But I love the music. It’s happy music and has a lot of humor in it. Polka is very popular in this part of the state.”
Her musical talents extend to tribute shows, where she emulates stars like Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, and Jeannie C. Riley. Notably, Jeannie C. Riley herself attended a show where Crowson performed her songs in Brenham.
Community Hub and Charitable Support
The White Horse Tavern and Café is more than just a place to eat and drink; it’s a community gathering spot. Crowson rents out the space for a variety of activities, including pizza parties, Bible studies, LEGO sessions for children, and wedding showers. “Anything to pay the bills,” she said.
She also hosts a significant summer show at the American Legion Hall, which benefits Burton Bridge, a non-profit ministry offering medical and nutritional assistance to seniors and others in need, alongside operating a food pantry. This annual event draws a large crowd, underscoring Crowson’s commitment to her community.
Crowson notes a surprising similarity between her roles: “I’ve found out that being a bartender is a lot like being an assistant high school principal.”
A Building with a Rich Past
The building that houses the White Horse Tavern and Café has a long and varied history. It began in 1823 as the Schwartz and Schwartz Mercantile. Over the past 102 years, it has transformed into numerous types of businesses, including stores, cafés, and beer joints. The longest-serving proprietor, Annie Boehnemann, eventually named it the White Horse Café and famously placed a white horse statue in front.
Crowson’s establishment serves lunch Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and is open for evenings Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. On special occasions, guests can enjoy her signature Cowboy Spaghetti, served with creamed corn and garlic bread. The tavern also provides a supportive atmosphere for a group of retired men who gather for drinks and conversation on Tuesdays, a group Crowson credits with helping her stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The venue offers a welcoming space for patrons to enjoy music, food, and company. It has even hosted performances, including a one-man show titled “OUTRAGEOUS TEXANS” a few months prior, where Crowson served her popular Cowboy Spaghetti.
