History
Melissa Hitchings’ wagon weaved between mesquite bushes, over hills, and splashed through the Medina River as she made her way toward her land on that dusty summer afternoon in 1856.
The City of San Antonio was just twenty years beyond the Battle of the Alamo and eleven years had passed since Texas had entered the United States. Iron-willed Melissa purchased the land herself and began a cattle ranching operation that has remained in our family for seven generations.
Melissa Hitching’s daughter, Melissa Wilebacher sported a top bun on her head.. Her love for her grand daugher, Patsy Melissa was immeasurable. Once, when Patsy was little, she cut every flower off of Melissa’s prized row of rose bushes. Tossing her head back laughing, Melissa placed the roses in vases and thanked little Patsy for being so thoughtful.
Melissa Weilbacher’s daughter, Minnie Melissa was something else. She was born in the little white house that was built to be a church but never hosted a pastor that still sits on another part of the ranch. Minnie and her siblings Charlie and Thekla piled onto their horse each morning to ride to school. Minnie married John and both worked the land raising crops and cattle.
It wasn’t all women who ran the ranch. John Schumann was so filled with humor and good will that the sight of his face made most smile. My favorite memory of John, Gabby as I called him, was one morning in 1976 when I was in the third grade. The two of us snuck off his pickup with no seat belts. I bounced along as he drove fast over the dark bumpy road of the ranch. The door slammed as he hopped out and poured us both a cup of coffee from his green thermos. As the sun began to rise in the east, Gabby stood on the bottom rail of the corral fence, raised his hands to heaven, and began to belt out Great is Thou Faithfulness in his incredible baritone voice.
John and Minnie’s daughter, Patsy Melissa is our beautiful Grammy. Although she protests when I say this, Patsy is the type of lady who can rope a calf in the morning and enjoy high tea in the afternoon. In her youth, Patsy’s hair would fly as she rode her horse through pecan bottoms, across what is now Highway 90, and onto Pue Road. She has dedicated her life to her family and helping others.
Patsy’s daughter Kimberly Melissa Glanowski is proud of her San Antonio heritage. Kim helps Patsy manage The Market at Melissa Ranch. She authors books that help children and adults process trauma. Kim’s secret: she raises goats. Yes, much to the chagrin of her cattle ranching family, Kim became a goat herder. Patsy frequently remarks that her father John is in heaven laughing at Kim and making fun of her quirky farming techniques.
Melissa Glanowski is Kim’s oldest daughter. Melissa is a published author, speaker, and is finishing her Master’s degree in counseling. Melissa’s books and journals are recognized resources for counselors and therapists. Melissa is the technical manager for The Market at Melissa Ranch.