The Zapalac Sawmill, dating back to 1895, is a testament to the industrious spirit and entrepreneurial drive of Czech Texans. Owned and operated by the Vinc B. Zapalac family from the Ellinger area on the Colorado River in Fayette County, the sawmill was vital for processing timber used in building homes, barns, and community structures.

The sawmill is powered by a Fairbanks-Morse engine, and its machinery is a fascinating example of period technology. Carefully restored and relocated to the Heritage Center, the sawmill operates during festivals and tours, providing dynamic, hands-on demonstrations that bring early industrial life to life for members.

The restoration, completed in 2015 with support from the Dickson-Allen Foundation and many volunteers, preserves the legacy of the Zapalac family and the broader Czech community’s contributions to Texas industry and infrastructure. The sawmill is maintained by the South Texas Wheel Spinners & Crank Twisters Antique Farm Equipment Club and remains a highlight of the Heritage Center’s industrial exhibits.