William S. “Bill” Davis

William S “Bill” Davis has been described as an entrepreneur and philanthropist with a passion for Fort Worth history.  Davis' family roots in Texas date back to 1876, ironically the same year as the railroad. After graduating from Texas A & M, Bill began working in the family oil company and had his hand in many of the families other businesses. In addition to an interest in history and preservation, Bill and his wife Mitzi have made a great impact on culture in Fort Worth with their generous support of the Arts.   

With an enthusiasm for trains, he founded Fort Worth & Western Railroad.  According to the book “Tarantula Project” by Sondra Nations and Tim Madigan, the Story of FWWR is a story like no other!  For Bill Davis, the railroad was more than a business, it was a chance to create and give back to the city he loved an important piece of Fort Worth History.

He and Mitzi oversaw an extensive and expensive restoration of a Vintage steam engine and elaborately decorated antique passenger cars.   With an original plan to link the cultural district with downtown and the Fort Worth Stockyards, he recreated the Tarantula Railroad to give families and visitors the excitement of riding in a piece of history and leave something for future generations.  

The project became a reality in 1990 when Holt Hickman and Lyda Hill began restoration of the Hog and Sheep Pens in the Fort Worth Stockyards and created Stockyards Station.  With great difficulty, Bill and his team at FWWR installed tracks and a vintage turntable in the Stockyards.  Bill and Holt shared a vision to preserve the Western Heritage of their beloved Fort Worth.  This collaboration has been successful for more than 30 years.

The Davis’ daughters Megan, Wendy and Erin represent the next generation of Fort Worth.  Wendy and Erin breed and show world class jumping horses at their October Hill Farm in Weatherford.

Bill has been honored with a Star in the Texas Trail of Fame in the Fort Worth Stockyards and the Davis Bridge on the Iron Horse Trail on the Trinity River.  

Brenda Kostohryz

Brenda Hickman Kostohryz began working for the Hickman family real estate business in 1983.  A Fort Worth Native and graduate of TCU, Brenda has carried on the tradition that her parents Holt and Jo Hickman championed by investing in the development and growth of our City.   Brenda has worked hand in hand with her parents, brother Brad and partners in the Stockyards Heritage project spearheading the restoration and renovation of the Fort Worth Stockyards. 

Brenda has volunteered her time and knowledge serving on various boards including the Fort Worth Mayor’s Promotional and Development Board, Stockyards Business Association, The Fort Worth Herd, Visit Fort Worth, and the Camp Bowie District Board. She enjoys giving back to the community through her involvement with social organizations Canwick, Junior League, Calypso, Jewel Charity, and many others.  

As acting president of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Brenda has helped guide the purchase of the historic building in the Stockyards that is the new home to the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and accommodates other tenants.  She has been involved weekly in the planning, renovation and remodeling of the museum.

Brenda’s work ethic, commitment, and drive are key factors to the success of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.  Her husband George, sons Trey, Holt and Kelly along with daughter Keely are also supporters of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame as well as her many philanthropic commitments.