tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91945749437285458052024-02-21T04:32:32.147-06:00 Doorway Into the PastBehind the door of every old building there's a story waiting to be revealed...Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-69984603005346949332021-08-31T17:57:00.000-05:002021-08-31T17:57:35.911-05:00The Onion Creek Post Office<p> <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFUpbsX2VTvHKgc-8-SXh2elpgIKvVTpsVmdojR_w-X9hpL_5RY1eGtAUoEC8x45Y8P3Cq3YX6IoZYKjgTmfUowZZbW50GcQuhPoGb9SpNs-FGrI2Vj-2Lxo5THRWX-sbNyjBD-GFRJY/s2048/IMG_4830.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFUpbsX2VTvHKgc-8-SXh2elpgIKvVTpsVmdojR_w-X9hpL_5RY1eGtAUoEC8x45Y8P3Cq3YX6IoZYKjgTmfUowZZbW50GcQuhPoGb9SpNs-FGrI2Vj-2Lxo5THRWX-sbNyjBD-GFRJY/w640-h480/IMG_4830.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Post Office's front door<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""&quot",serif" style="line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">In July 2020 I shared a brief history of </span><span face=""&quot", serif" style="line-height: 107%;">the </span><span face=""&quot", serif" style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://doorwayintothepast.blogspot.com/2020/07/onion-creek-post-office-and-stagecoach.html" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Onion Creek Stagecoach Park</span></a></span><span face=""&quot", serif" style="line-height: 107%;"> in Buda, TX. I recently returned to Buda and stopped by the park to explore this small, limestone block building behind the stagecoach stop house. From reading the National Register of Historic Places nomination form I knew that it had served for a few years as the Onion Creek post office. Truthfully, there isn't much to see, but there is some history here worth mentioning as the post office and the stage stop worked together to serve the community and connect it with other communities in Texas and beyond.</span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_l7oJqxj0qqPKfPy4LXei-neltKKvUzQYMo7pqOANfBwCioSSr2telclWiKIsmgz44X_bk0DCpyL_T_JsVcw0lcSPQKG-aV3yI99sKyzkOs0msaJdFbZaTyKG3Ywqx65P3wk6LdPVnE/s2048/IMG_4829.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_l7oJqxj0qqPKfPy4LXei-neltKKvUzQYMo7pqOANfBwCioSSr2telclWiKIsmgz44X_bk0DCpyL_T_JsVcw0lcSPQKG-aV3yI99sKyzkOs0msaJdFbZaTyKG3Ywqx65P3wk6LdPVnE/w640-h480/IMG_4829.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Carved lentin above the post office door, possibly commemorating the celebration of the Nation's centennial</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Austin to San Antonio stagecoach route found the Onion Creek area ideal for a stopping place to water horses or to change them out if needed. The route was considered to be a "Fast Line" in that it only took 13 hours to travel from Austin to San Antonio. Modern travelers often feel is still takes that long due to congested traffic!</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pBRkmK2eS45K1vN0CYapJgc5_ZWj0TTRnMkc5WWAxPtOLHsKzCSL2HaxYQXGlPWMGeckATtbC1sSyCWcj0hHEvL0gMrIsb57eNi8CCmp1Y_hNJ38Dp8Mtfd1kjgxKQv_7V_symfbAbM/s696/Hays+County+map.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="616" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pBRkmK2eS45K1vN0CYapJgc5_ZWj0TTRnMkc5WWAxPtOLHsKzCSL2HaxYQXGlPWMGeckATtbC1sSyCWcj0hHEvL0gMrIsb57eNi8CCmp1Y_hNJ38Dp8Mtfd1kjgxKQv_7V_symfbAbM/w354-h400/Hays+County+map.jpg" width="354" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hays County, Austin to the North with San Antonio to the South</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Quite possibly travelers along this route would have taken the stage operated by the team of Sawyer & Risher. The 4-horse stage left San Antonio every other day at 6 A.M. with stops in Selma, New Braunfels, San Marcos, and so on until reaching Austin. From Austin you could connect with the rest of Texas and beyond. <span>(source: Texas Transportation Archive)</span>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Onion Creek post office and stage stop were established in April 1875. Here, the mail would be delivered and picked up and the team would be watered with fresh water from nearby Onion Creek. If need be, horses could be changed out at the stop. Travelers rarely spent a night at this stop, it was the equivalent of a modern-day rest stop along the interstate.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-LWjg7UuJhIxscPF68LQjhTN9GR8T_3DO34ZjJKRK8znahnsUiixg7OWkjqhkJzlm1tNM-BnV-EHrUDrLk3YDryMkBAB-nRrW9r4FHIQ5_Iel5hC0udLOFDNmPKNvD5I4xOMCehofvc/s2048/IMG_4832.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-LWjg7UuJhIxscPF68LQjhTN9GR8T_3DO34ZjJKRK8znahnsUiixg7OWkjqhkJzlm1tNM-BnV-EHrUDrLk3YDryMkBAB-nRrW9r4FHIQ5_Iel5hC0udLOFDNmPKNvD5I4xOMCehofvc/w640-h480/IMG_4832.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Originally there was a small rectangular window under this carving on the side of the building.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The post office was a one-room limestone brick structure, constructed between 1875 and 1876. Facing the door of the structure was a two-room dog trot cabin that was home to the postmaster. The post ofice would only serve this area for a few years until the post-Civil War boom brought growth to the area as well as the International & Great Northern railroad; the stagecoach line was discontinued. The town of Buda (pronounced Bew-dah) was officially established and the post office relocated a short distance into town.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wMOondU-UQRaF8KIwE1wh9do1O7DpAFxY-j-OTxa0eJb5XJiMY4syciHDTQW4XVuUo4EUHx-nFwwrwo91_GgrC45IZH_uyPWt2-o4Q5PI0-adEDhReqjGQPwairYbd1VHppE2zeUki8/s2048/IMG_1469.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wMOondU-UQRaF8KIwE1wh9do1O7DpAFxY-j-OTxa0eJb5XJiMY4syciHDTQW4XVuUo4EUHx-nFwwrwo91_GgrC45IZH_uyPWt2-o4Q5PI0-adEDhReqjGQPwairYbd1VHppE2zeUki8/w640-h480/IMG_1469.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of the back of the post office. </i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: center;">On the left side of the building are the remains of a cistern and concrete water trough. The piece of equipment behind the building is the remant of a pump house that was attached after the stage stop closed.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> The little building was in a very delapidated state when restoration began. Happily, the post office building has withstood the test of time due to its outstanding craftmanship, considered very unusual for the time period of its construction.</span></span></span></p><p><span face=""&quot", serif" style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXWVeS0XCSyVuTWDqkBd540IluQAcqUrIGUYFj1tGD-A2gMLiYzrjC317PN90UZSmFRLa6buosRKDe4PCQXFzcSSbvTAaM3mIzaaP5zjjoGu4ZXFb6IlmKeTZ4HiClvBdrmNNarkJqEI/s2048/PO+picture+from+NRHP+nomination+form.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1474" data-original-width="2048" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXWVeS0XCSyVuTWDqkBd540IluQAcqUrIGUYFj1tGD-A2gMLiYzrjC317PN90UZSmFRLa6buosRKDe4PCQXFzcSSbvTAaM3mIzaaP5zjjoGu4ZXFb6IlmKeTZ4HiClvBdrmNNarkJqEI/w640-h460/PO+picture+from+NRHP+nomination+form.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Before restoration. Photo c. 2002, retrieved from NRHP nomination form 8.31.21</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span face=""&quot", serif" style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><span face=""&quot", serif" style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p><span face=""&quot",serif" style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></p>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-74374366794715528672021-08-05T17:58:00.004-05:002021-08-05T17:58:40.448-05:00Then & Now: Mission San Jose<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEM5r9m7UVyqX_z_GFe4tZA2cFb2y_ip7g3iEuBqRm8tl579S_DbOOP3GUdi-3ItmGhBnRQ7jayQSKAOgBjVq2fgHSyHOz7pSK4hlGVm-ZQSwG8UJn3sHt5jHL-yK3xmAbNgpkJk6in8/s2048/IMG_2446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEM5r9m7UVyqX_z_GFe4tZA2cFb2y_ip7g3iEuBqRm8tl579S_DbOOP3GUdi-3ItmGhBnRQ7jayQSKAOgBjVq2fgHSyHOz7pSK4hlGVm-ZQSwG8UJn3sHt5jHL-yK3xmAbNgpkJk6in8/w640-h480/IMG_2446.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I<span style="text-align: left;"> began this blog in early 2013 with three posts about </span><a href="https://doorwayintothepast.blogspot.com/2013/03/mission-san-jose-y-san-miguel-de-aguayo.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Mission San Jose</a><span style="text-align: left;"> and have visited the mission many times since then. The mission seems to be timeless and is always a very peaceful place to enjoy some quiet time of reflection. In addition, I have sweet memories of visits here with family. It is one of the places that I never tire of visiting.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On my main blog, <a href="http://smallsimplethingsoflife.com" target="_blank">Small Simple Things of Life</a>, I've been doing a feature titled Thursday: Then & Now with pictures of places "then" and "now" plus a little description of the sight. This week I featured San Jose and its preservation and am now sharing a little "then and now" here!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2Eso6CkaZ4KQMSQKPuKHE1CoFg_hAQ38-zS_cc04EeNz6JvBI3-bh387e5DcxQQ_BX2EEECU09jywMtlp7vNo1jXKmMgkyRkEfsEjH-tPdLu-1RCXSui2HoUqBhOJOoFEja1JVdJWVE/s700/1932+image+from+SA+Light+collection+UTSA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="700" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2Eso6CkaZ4KQMSQKPuKHE1CoFg_hAQ38-zS_cc04EeNz6JvBI3-bh387e5DcxQQ_BX2EEECU09jywMtlp7vNo1jXKmMgkyRkEfsEjH-tPdLu-1RCXSui2HoUqBhOJOoFEja1JVdJWVE/w640-h512/1932+image+from+SA+Light+collection+UTSA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444340; font-family: Karla, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic;">Mission San Jose, 1932, image from the San Antonio Light UTSA digital collection, restoration work had progressed well and only the dome was missing at the time of this photograph.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkeJgRhweyFIMndK9ytYysH12cF1nNVusPO1cXHFYTokCx-WU5vTNLMOIIOweYx5CZjhRbnZc8F3DV_Zd9aWUmv64bZ_hEq74TOKGNLYMF7L-awTKxSy1b9h16iQ8pcbKARFy83p5uec/s2048/IMG_4572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkeJgRhweyFIMndK9ytYysH12cF1nNVusPO1cXHFYTokCx-WU5vTNLMOIIOweYx5CZjhRbnZc8F3DV_Zd9aWUmv64bZ_hEq74TOKGNLYMF7L-awTKxSy1b9h16iQ8pcbKARFy83p5uec/w640-h480/IMG_4572.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444340; font-family: Karla, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; text-align: center;">Mission San Jose, photograph taken 29 July 2021</span></div></div><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #444340; font-family: Karla, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">Mission San Jose, established in 1720, moved to its present day location in 1758 after the first two locations proved to be unhealthy due to their location on lowlands. The Mission was secularized in 1824 and began a gradual decline.</span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: Karla, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">During the Christmas Eve 1874 service the church’s dome collapsed. Local citizens became aware of the need for preservation in 1902, but the deterioration would continue during the years of fighting for funding and support. Meanwhile, the bell tower stair turret would explode and the church’s north wall would collapse while souvenir hunters took off pieces of the statues surrounding the front doors, as well as the massive front doors. The church’s bell tower collapsed in 1928.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: Karla, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Preservations were able to purchase the pieces of the land, one at a time, surrounding the Mission as well as the crumbling remains of the old granary. A major highway that would cross the Mission’s former plaza was detoured. It was a hard fought battle with many ups and downs and many starts and stops. Depression era relief efforts made the restoration work possible. The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), the Civil Works Administration (CWA), and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) provided the laborers to rebuild the structures and the walls.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: Karla, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The completion of the plaza was celebrated in June 1936 with what would become the annual “Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA)” in later years. With the work of many people the Mission became a State Park in 1941 and was also named a National Historic site. It would take over 3 decades of work before Mission San Jose and its 3 sister missions became the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in 1978.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: Karla, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Needless to say, restoration is an ongoing process and on every visit to San Jose I see work being done to protect it and ensure that it will continue to tell its story for many generations.</p>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-21904525234972691192021-07-03T18:24:00.002-05:002021-07-03T18:24:43.693-05:00From the library to the museum<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDBAFaksCMiBuZ7riil8BFn1oXWYGk7FdqlUYtC9E6ckHh3JYR-0zKTewHPsoePs4Cb-k5s41dqMRO-c7wh-qEJoGXB8gGR_AzNW63zTSLdkhjRK10HqCvhd9ggSwmB7kVJtDDb2absU/s2048/IMG_1302+edit+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDBAFaksCMiBuZ7riil8BFn1oXWYGk7FdqlUYtC9E6ckHh3JYR-0zKTewHPsoePs4Cb-k5s41dqMRO-c7wh-qEJoGXB8gGR_AzNW63zTSLdkhjRK10HqCvhd9ggSwmB7kVJtDDb2absU/w640-h428/IMG_1302+edit+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i _msthash="1357759" _msttexthash="167388">30 October 2020</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div _msthash="431444" _msttexthash="109954793" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On December 7, 1975, the Bell County Museum hosted its official opening and this building at 201 N. Main Street in Belton, Texas, began a new phase of life, welcoming visitors inside to explore the County's history. Citizens were already very familiar with it as it had been serving the community since 1905 as Belton's Carnegie Library. A new library had been built nearby, so the Bell County Commissioners granted use of the building to the Bell County Historical Commission. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsw1VQA0bb2CCXTB6G34eQBNl9QljQWkUugFM8XDQlwIg4YxpdRxuhPuDoNGcYOo6v09PBHAjxvdOyP5FphHH_7VDMRSRPs9GJb-6v7tUKAEC2qdfCsaHwjBWnpcp3f_1RekdIIBMYvZE/s2048/IMG_1298.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsw1VQA0bb2CCXTB6G34eQBNl9QljQWkUugFM8XDQlwIg4YxpdRxuhPuDoNGcYOo6v09PBHAjxvdOyP5FphHH_7VDMRSRPs9GJb-6v7tUKAEC2qdfCsaHwjBWnpcp3f_1RekdIIBMYvZE/w640-h426/IMG_1298.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div _msthash="431847" _msttexthash="79692743" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The library traces its beginning to 1899, when the Women's Wednesday Club met for the first time in the parlor of a local hotel with the purpose of establishing a public library in the city of Belton. Each member donated a book, collecting 350 volumes to form the new library which opened its first location in a small room in the hotel. By the time the new Carnegie Library opened in 1905 the Club had collected over 1,500 books. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSjBpY1zLsd-TI7V2zllAYHcyr1fM6udHW091C6m7BluioIS-ETqbx6ghkpuEGjkRPnMk4X-VvGV9X8Ubo8ko7j3JZAkaY5aLaBeNI-U4BGJiiXcXWEw9RIwmM-vhKR56OLw5QtCWS2M/s2048/IMG_1300.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSjBpY1zLsd-TI7V2zllAYHcyr1fM6udHW091C6m7BluioIS-ETqbx6ghkpuEGjkRPnMk4X-VvGV9X8Ubo8ko7j3JZAkaY5aLaBeNI-U4BGJiiXcXWEw9RIwmM-vhKR56OLw5QtCWS2M/w640-h426/IMG_1300.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>No other building in Belton exhibits the rich details of the library building.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div _msthash="432250" _msttexthash="17518436" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Club began to seek funding from the Carnegie Foundation for a library building, sending letters in 1899, 1902, and 1903 asking for funds for a public library to be constructed in Belton. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><blockquote><div _msthash="1039857" _msttexthash="129460513" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the 1903 request, the group was notified that if the City of Belton agreed by resolution of council to maintain a free public library at a cost of not less than a thousand dollars a year, and provide a suitable site, then Mr. Carnegie would be pleased to furnish $10,000 to help erect a free library for the city. By proper resolution and public subscription, citizens were able to provide the lot and Mr. Carnegie forwarded his personal check. <i>(National Register of Historic Places nomination form)</i></div></blockquote><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ba15CzDhQYuzm1rJf8y2HnROEJWd9x-hx4e2k3Cya-y2zfQHwsryxUe7Dp_J744ZPVseACISDhDX15LNxVjX9_ICl588Wvyx-WjR2VKoiXcnb3hcsQDQwrjfIKuM3W-WfLM1hJZ-cQQ/s2048/IMG_1312.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ba15CzDhQYuzm1rJf8y2HnROEJWd9x-hx4e2k3Cya-y2zfQHwsryxUe7Dp_J744ZPVseACISDhDX15LNxVjX9_ICl588Wvyx-WjR2VKoiXcnb3hcsQDQwrjfIKuM3W-WfLM1hJZ-cQQ/w426-h640/IMG_1312.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i _msthash="1358617" _msttexthash="50377340">Inside the first floor main room. The display in the back contains one of Miriam "Ma" Ferguson's inaugural ball dresses and other artifacts from her life. She was a Bell County native who served two terms as Texas' governor (that's a long story for another day). She was not a fashionista as this display shows the viewer!</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div _msthash="659321" _msttexthash="58986356" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div _msthash="659321" _msttexthash="58986356" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Carnegie Library building is considered to be significant in both its architecture and its indication of the cultural and educational awareness of Belton citizens. Other buildings in Belton constructed in this time period were designed with classical elements, but the library's Beaux-Arts classicism is considered to be "exuberant" in its design and ornamentation. </div><div _msthash="659321" _msttexthash="58986356" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />The little known firm of Smith and Moore designed the library. The contractor, Ben Lee, was well know to Belton for the local buildings he had constructed, one of which was <a href="https://doorwayintothepast.blogspot.com/2021/02/bell-county-courthouse-looking-back.html" target="_blank">the Bell County Courthouse</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QmdrOpiJTIKNGRBB9-OOHh6UYhiotGyMXLA0mdK3Mmqu9EOeyrK1PlHPf5G8x0WQYxNG3ikfSjTS1ZvJyRJfjKM8c7tZmW_nmUW-UjzH5x6G54mpPvecHTGSU1H4NsAPuahvzbA80zg/s2048/IMG_1318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QmdrOpiJTIKNGRBB9-OOHh6UYhiotGyMXLA0mdK3Mmqu9EOeyrK1PlHPf5G8x0WQYxNG3ikfSjTS1ZvJyRJfjKM8c7tZmW_nmUW-UjzH5x6G54mpPvecHTGSU1H4NsAPuahvzbA80zg/w426-h640/IMG_1318.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8IB4PSUdIx7T1bfTQsA7vSsd4RIcLE8r2iGzneAbBfT-IUE84_0ZtNFQYDXKc1mGLZIA9In7PvmOQYdz7HVy2Sn2D8f6r_6jWlx8ZQejIkJdf1d4BemccySabyc6H9gjlcGsWU4CkXcc/s2048/IMG_1309.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8IB4PSUdIx7T1bfTQsA7vSsd4RIcLE8r2iGzneAbBfT-IUE84_0ZtNFQYDXKc1mGLZIA9In7PvmOQYdz7HVy2Sn2D8f6r_6jWlx8ZQejIkJdf1d4BemccySabyc6H9gjlcGsWU4CkXcc/w640-h426/IMG_1309.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div _msthash="46540" _msttexthash="359307" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The two-story library consisted of an open first-floor room separated into four spaces by Ionic columns supporting an entablature adorned with very detailed garland swags. Each time I visit I am torn between gazing at the room's features and looking at the exhibits, it is mesmerizing!</div><div _msthash="46540" _msttexthash="359307" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZC_iNBrY_0ICyM72XvJbe6kP7TZ8HNv-sEA5O8DZJFDNnLb3Di1emh_1o-fInKkLgyFHgz35SwPk5U3D38D9Wi7UAvhZh7Yp820oRS9DDKdJV85ApsVTTzR-FoPR7BDS8pZ5hae_ajI/s2048/IMG_1324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZC_iNBrY_0ICyM72XvJbe6kP7TZ8HNv-sEA5O8DZJFDNnLb3Di1emh_1o-fInKkLgyFHgz35SwPk5U3D38D9Wi7UAvhZh7Yp820oRS9DDKdJV85ApsVTTzR-FoPR7BDS8pZ5hae_ajI/w640-h426/IMG_1324.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Second floor auditorium/lecture hall stage</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div _msthash="46540" _msttexthash="359307" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The second floor was devoted to a large auditorium type room used for lectures and meetings. During the lean years of the Great Depression this room filled the need for a public meeting facility in Belton, hosting graduation ceremonies, plays, and USO shows among others. This room is still used for public meetings and other gatherings. The day I wandered in to make photographs they were either setting up or taking down an exhibit, so the pictures are a little cluttered.</div><div _msthash="46540" _msttexthash="359307" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzJLQfXKmvyr_-_B31t81w1AXTk4ANIytw353quwMjSccXzt6AFjJhv-KgOg2zUvINBe-AThRQEwL8q_tV9Y1kvIvNFvMQ723JvXeuYpL1EC4PRFttynA__bmGI-Igp-HIgCBQ0R67mo/s2048/IMG_1327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzJLQfXKmvyr_-_B31t81w1AXTk4ANIytw353quwMjSccXzt6AFjJhv-KgOg2zUvINBe-AThRQEwL8q_tV9Y1kvIvNFvMQ723JvXeuYpL1EC4PRFttynA__bmGI-Igp-HIgCBQ0R67mo/w640-h426/IMG_1327.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Second floor meeting room. Both floors of the building feature pressed-tin ceilings</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div _msthash="46540" _msttexthash="359307" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The preservation minded city of Belton began a comprehensive renovation program in 1988 that restored the interior to its 1905 floor plan by the removal of walls that had partitioned the rooms into smaller spaces. In 2003 the Museum began the 3-year process of connecting the library and the next-door Guffy Building with a two-story central walkway. Today the main entrance into the library is through this walkway and the two buildings flow together seamlessly.</div><div _msthash="46540" _msttexthash="359307" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYYBF7G1cAvPgdDagzPPKPtgnH__6IwaVyrR6n6yY9MD9wbBQ4eGirBb5shrZORwsxeqDzjl_17ql2J8inWFuuce6-60WPI54meNOznUzyEooMK17V96BPFIB7BBn5TBr58uTG2iguWs/s2048/IMG_1307+edit+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYYBF7G1cAvPgdDagzPPKPtgnH__6IwaVyrR6n6yY9MD9wbBQ4eGirBb5shrZORwsxeqDzjl_17ql2J8inWFuuce6-60WPI54meNOznUzyEooMK17V96BPFIB7BBn5TBr58uTG2iguWs/w266-h400/IMG_1307+edit+1.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Original front entrance<br /><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div _msthash="46540" _msttexthash="359307" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of the 32 libraries built in Texas with funding from the Carnegie Foundation 13 exist today. The Belton library retains most of its original features due to the fact that very little modifications took place over the years it served as a library. The renovation and careful addition of the connecting walkway have served to preserve the library's original integrity.</div><div _msthash="46540" _msttexthash="359307" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YFEZX6pZhmHqFE1Gs2VHEJu1rnNPtxcfh2HFVAfjErGHB9Rv6UVmJVU_n9YHhrDRLQ32sJIJrwOWh7qhIYRJnd1YJdB6TTcYcbQQBcKajrs5ktWucWfb8n_D2b1pc19sfY3JTmiXHF4/s707/Carnegie+Libarary+1985+from+NRHP+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="707" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YFEZX6pZhmHqFE1Gs2VHEJu1rnNPtxcfh2HFVAfjErGHB9Rv6UVmJVU_n9YHhrDRLQ32sJIJrwOWh7qhIYRJnd1YJdB6TTcYcbQQBcKajrs5ktWucWfb8n_D2b1pc19sfY3JTmiXHF4/w640-h422/Carnegie+Libarary+1985+from+NRHP+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photograph taken in 1985, copied from the NRHP Belton Commercial Historic District nomination form.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div _msthash="46540" _msttexthash="359307" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The property was listed on the National Register of Historic places on March 4, 1985.</div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div _msthash="432653" _msttexthash="4186">.</div><div><br /><br /><p></p></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-55352750744443137662021-02-12T18:47:00.001-06:002022-03-20T13:35:00.868-05:00Bell County Courthouse - Looking Back & Going InsideOver five years ago I wrote a post about the <a href="https://doorwayintothepast.blogspot.com/2015/12/bell-county-courthouse.html" target="_blank">Bell County Courthouse</a>. Since then I've visited Belton numerous times, some for dog shows with a little "wandering" afterward and on some "wandering" day trips. Each time I come away with more appreciation for this little Central Texas town and its rich heritage which is carefully preserved. In this post I want to share what I found inside the 1885 Renaissance Revival Courthouse on a recent weekday trip.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gkRpA4LIC65lSh0Np3w_iveA0kYrqpAcp4AgPgigBjzwFIf2NbtQ8aOBbK43sbudAowcOW9DTwJz1U5zPCjZ7W-5QwlVr3cF7Fp9EoEVPm-my0Cb0M4GYUOxNu5S92E_HjuNsKGSV70/s2048/IMG_9453+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gkRpA4LIC65lSh0Np3w_iveA0kYrqpAcp4AgPgigBjzwFIf2NbtQ8aOBbK43sbudAowcOW9DTwJz1U5zPCjZ7W-5QwlVr3cF7Fp9EoEVPm-my0Cb0M4GYUOxNu5S92E_HjuNsKGSV70/w266-h400/IMG_9453+%25282%2529.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Come with me and step inside</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The interior of the Courthouse is very much a modern office facility with the usual Courthouse offices. It is sparkling clean and very pleasant inside, but I saw no signs of original details except perhaps in the configuration of hallways and in the stairwell to the upper floors. On a future trip I hope to visit in person with one of the historians about the details of the Courthouse interior. What I was pleased to find was a large collection of photographs displayed on the first-floor walls that gave much insight into Belton and its history and that of the Courthouse. Truly, a picture is worth a thousand words!</div><div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUBp0Ijaqv_3jDOqOS3lInk8Cx0Qe58H3OTIrbpV6rT0DT3efoxe9jNcouLeoeZzNNrs3tVbNnA-AglvkejOPft_OIKvy1vPfGtuwjk3kue0G-EdpmvNgU4IPbLXrvrMmsYZ3VW22XYk/s2048/IMG_1277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="First floor hallway" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUBp0Ijaqv_3jDOqOS3lInk8Cx0Qe58H3OTIrbpV6rT0DT3efoxe9jNcouLeoeZzNNrs3tVbNnA-AglvkejOPft_OIKvy1vPfGtuwjk3kue0G-EdpmvNgU4IPbLXrvrMmsYZ3VW22XYk/w640-h426/IMG_1277.JPG" title="First floor hallway" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>First floor hallway, fanlight above door may be original</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2l6utPZLVm4VgrToz6lfQL6q4RDgsq3BQnnLUW3ILQ57EGUTjnceLwLJKhJY42MuegSw5u2tmQpOPuo5lbG-DdcMz2aEEQN1dbGYdhMHG0KafQ5l7fuihnfsLpnzcCAmnZ0HKkbEAsrE/s2048/IMG_1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2l6utPZLVm4VgrToz6lfQL6q4RDgsq3BQnnLUW3ILQ57EGUTjnceLwLJKhJY42MuegSw5u2tmQpOPuo5lbG-DdcMz2aEEQN1dbGYdhMHG0KafQ5l7fuihnfsLpnzcCAmnZ0HKkbEAsrE/w640-h426/IMG_1285.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Third floor hallway</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-Kc10Z1mzZr2FkXzDxcf1PCiwH7O9KT4JJJf2cYQhJNOuaMvrm505RO2Z0wsJxNHAG9ufavwcWOl06fP0pY7Ld1Yev55A98tWEF2h5ZbrlTXTxIEoCvlvj9z5LgYqRvNIwu-LSv_ohE/s2048/IMG_1273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-Kc10Z1mzZr2FkXzDxcf1PCiwH7O9KT4JJJf2cYQhJNOuaMvrm505RO2Z0wsJxNHAG9ufavwcWOl06fP0pY7Ld1Yev55A98tWEF2h5ZbrlTXTxIEoCvlvj9z5LgYqRvNIwu-LSv_ohE/w266-h400/IMG_1273.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>First floor stairwell</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div>Among the photographs on display was a picture of the tower-less Courthouse after an extensive remodeling in the 1950's that included removing the dome, clock tower, and goddess due to deterioration. I'm certain that the County Commissioners thought they were doing the right thing to modernize the Courthouse to mid-century modern standards, but today we recognize their mistake and have to accept that they were caught in the out-with-the-old and in-with-the new craze. The interior was also updated and modernized at that time. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGu3kr8E9WRfmrG_RIc6I0LX32zeSVgF1aP49wUFW_7JxO6a_aB7JqSobDVUpeJjGz9RUl5PrJ7UBWX8MvXUDaR8dyfY2GwJLjAYa50F-9PjbdRgzTH-LKX1Fo36P_kb13QsndsPwYmJU/s2048/IMG_1313+%25282%2529+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1283" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGu3kr8E9WRfmrG_RIc6I0LX32zeSVgF1aP49wUFW_7JxO6a_aB7JqSobDVUpeJjGz9RUl5PrJ7UBWX8MvXUDaR8dyfY2GwJLjAYa50F-9PjbdRgzTH-LKX1Fo36P_kb13QsndsPwYmJU/w640-h400/IMG_1313+%25282%2529+edit.jpg" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>1957 view of dome-less Courthouse, north and east side</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMGCVFmi744AmOEjmePu2hJN6YVorrvAdj7FEh3hGPwPHEggEB1IJi6ObCyvx1RjDNBUZ3T_p-mpmf8lvAEHqKzcx8XPFx6eDhhDUkwRj0DScqIe1cobmJnWpMll7YjummOc-uhfWdYc/s2048/IMG_1278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMGCVFmi744AmOEjmePu2hJN6YVorrvAdj7FEh3hGPwPHEggEB1IJi6ObCyvx1RjDNBUZ3T_p-mpmf8lvAEHqKzcx8XPFx6eDhhDUkwRj0DScqIe1cobmJnWpMll7YjummOc-uhfWdYc/w640-h426/IMG_1278.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bell County Courthouse 1895, north and west side</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBLScgtqjoUa6kOl_pcs72Dvgy34Zz1q-zuD9BN_8GQUaK8SLFg5PqyEh2yBxLuHGy3J4nfL_NftZ7ybWl5CEJzhsHLLuxES44cAorNX0o2B4LcydSHiDAxvt9XjuLH_tJcml6m7dmuY/s2048/IMG_1281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBLScgtqjoUa6kOl_pcs72Dvgy34Zz1q-zuD9BN_8GQUaK8SLFg5PqyEh2yBxLuHGy3J4nfL_NftZ7ybWl5CEJzhsHLLuxES44cAorNX0o2B4LcydSHiDAxvt9XjuLH_tJcml6m7dmuY/w640-h426/IMG_1281.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bell County Courthouse 1920<br /><br /></i><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs44_OfZk_AkyT07xkaawejk14j_Ft1JxqseVVpaQQl1Z_m6xMbUrYC9pQjCBFaADbG2wtzsOpXm5G1XHHVf7yqmMdvRaDBvSK9FhqxRWpeCdHV1uxq6YlVkj22RTws5IUJuUy1BSoD7E/s2048/IMG_2057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs44_OfZk_AkyT07xkaawejk14j_Ft1JxqseVVpaQQl1Z_m6xMbUrYC9pQjCBFaADbG2wtzsOpXm5G1XHHVf7yqmMdvRaDBvSK9FhqxRWpeCdHV1uxq6YlVkj22RTws5IUJuUy1BSoD7E/w640-h480/IMG_2057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bell County Courthouse 2020</i></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hSrUolRCIUGD2stkDXMLDPtEbxUcBetWm5GvezNHg43L_Ya8kVvbFoq0QatxUfF0kgW9ixjhXEIuwU1Pu80jUsMndNbnY5WG_zp6cJVcOGfK0v9p68ZWaRNyk8kQk0ZJ8JBQAnLDqxk/s2048/IMG_1280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hSrUolRCIUGD2stkDXMLDPtEbxUcBetWm5GvezNHg43L_Ya8kVvbFoq0QatxUfF0kgW9ixjhXEIuwU1Pu80jUsMndNbnY5WG_zp6cJVcOGfK0v9p68ZWaRNyk8kQk0ZJ8JBQAnLDqxk/w266-h400/IMG_1280.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dome and clock tower, unknown date</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrlbNt0BFzo_XQdkZJ9EfjBGBsv8aOeVnYq3KlnipnCFqk2hDLbe3guJTBtiF8ir8yc6D7EAoETBF1gPjUl_AhXG9mHAXQPIcgJnNoRvVlFeWzVPQOhMrBqpKvzKpIuj6NS93-qpcu20/s2048/IMG_9461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrlbNt0BFzo_XQdkZJ9EfjBGBsv8aOeVnYq3KlnipnCFqk2hDLbe3guJTBtiF8ir8yc6D7EAoETBF1gPjUl_AhXG9mHAXQPIcgJnNoRvVlFeWzVPQOhMrBqpKvzKpIuj6NS93-qpcu20/w640-h426/IMG_9461.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Restored tower detail, 2015</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fI88WAqlFo_9KyR4CvJ6ncJDS_1uRF1kTIM0-iuJkjYZrwLu4r3K8eKs9gmUequ9Pk9QeMB2s6_b2z4ljvH0pue7_kETdHoDgTJVkCKWsXXZa0I3ySvCSbZkOY7fzvSpi07SV5d0CNI/s2048/IMG_9470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fI88WAqlFo_9KyR4CvJ6ncJDS_1uRF1kTIM0-iuJkjYZrwLu4r3K8eKs9gmUequ9Pk9QeMB2s6_b2z4ljvH0pue7_kETdHoDgTJVkCKWsXXZa0I3ySvCSbZkOY7fzvSpi07SV5d0CNI/w640-h426/IMG_9470.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Restored dome, tower, and goddess, 2015</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><i>The photographs on display in the Courthouse and shown here are from the collection of the Bell County Museum.</i>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-49102616046030699332020-10-22T19:46:00.003-05:002020-10-22T19:46:48.165-05:00Mary Hardin-Baylor University, Luther Hall 1886-1929<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiat2UJaox9GybOpMtc1CnfNhzLRbDUMaHNGv5wo-nRdWCQjXDBAz8vGBitEfQNpzSNM__F9L5BvaD2vvEha_ohr2KN9yZ-e93TVBQHS9z1qo8wKM4agVf7RdH0IaSKfIbj9wzZ0OrkSA/s2048/IMG_2557.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiat2UJaox9GybOpMtc1CnfNhzLRbDUMaHNGv5wo-nRdWCQjXDBAz8vGBitEfQNpzSNM__F9L5BvaD2vvEha_ohr2KN9yZ-e93TVBQHS9z1qo8wKM4agVf7RdH0IaSKfIbj9wzZ0OrkSA/w640-h480/IMG_2557.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of one corner of Luther Hall, photo retrieved from plaque on UMHB campus, date unknown<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />When construction began on the first building of the new Baylor Female College campus in Belton, Texas the school was already established having been chartered in 1845 as the Female College of Baylor College in Independence, Texas. It was the earliest women's college west of the Mississippi River. In 1851 the school separated the men from the women and relocated the men to a location about a mile away. Both schools prospered until the 1880's when the railroad bypassed Independence and the community began to decline. The decision was made to permanently split the two schools. The male college was relocated to Waco and became what is now Baylor University; the women moved to Belton after a grant of $31,000 and a tract of land was offered to the College.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth493849/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="1500" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCpE-TregaFIbQvSvOrovQZ2zKXhaB2LWCuPbUQLpVCXb9DQhbGp5-c7U1LxOdEN7nfaY6pxoaywLK-mg4Ksd9DgAeWPLMhOTpV227Mj7Zhq2pJTywCNOxC7nozsuC3yp-giaqpS7XQ/w640-h440/Postcard+of+Luther+Hall+UNT+Portal+to+Texas+History.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth493849/" target="_blank">Postcard of Mary Hardin-Baylor College <br /><br /><br /></a></td></tr></tbody></table>A massive three-story building built of limestone was designed in the Renaissance Revival style by architect Matthew Dow and construction was completed in 1866. For many years this was the only building on campus until enrollment increased and other structures were added. The building remained the centerpiece of the growing campus. A fourth story was added and, in 1919, the building was named in honor of Dr. John Hill Luther who served as President from 1878-1891.<div><br /></div><div>In the early morning hours of January 26, 1929, fire broke out in the ceiling of the kitchen located in a ell of the building. Despite the efforts of several fire companies the entire building was quickly engulfed in flames and firefighters turned their efforts to saving the surround buildings that were being showered in embers and several small fires were already burning. </div><div><br /></div><div>The 200 young ladies living the building all escaped safely and the practice of frequent fire drills on the campus was credited with their swift and orderly evacuation. As the fire raged they were gathered into the parlors of nearby Burt Hall where there were several tense minutes as a roll call was taken. They were all in their nightgowns and slippers with a few wearing coats or robes. There was much rejoicing as the roll call ended and all were safely accounted for that morning. Donations of clothing were quickly offered by fellow students and the following day the community began an outpouring of assistance to the women and the school.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy30nqXmaDdubBFkbaJnlSNx1tUTq6GbyIBWirufMd9gCWc3pDjHgfH4z1WZFTYTiGpJ3J36UJP4rx00jJx7LWK1KzOMtX1yZop-6sm0KDteVwTBA3MJhZfTbp-yiNbwsylQcnqILKXg/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2007" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy30nqXmaDdubBFkbaJnlSNx1tUTq6GbyIBWirufMd9gCWc3pDjHgfH4z1WZFTYTiGpJ3J36UJP4rx00jJx7LWK1KzOMtX1yZop-6sm0KDteVwTBA3MJhZfTbp-yiNbwsylQcnqILKXg/w298-h400/image.png" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth845444/m1/1/?q=luther%20hall,%20belton" target="_blank">Belton Journal Thursday, January 31, 1929</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The rubble of the once grand building became a popular gathering spot for campus activities and served as a backdrop for many plays and other performances. In 1944 the Luther family contributed funds for a memorial and plans were developed. In 1954 the rubble was cleared and stones from the original building were re-assembled to replicate the arches of the building's façade. A bell tower and memorial wall completed the tribute to the campus' first building. Dedication of the memorial was in May 1955.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFI4Jt9-6EIooHOEp2u1Tjj0c8MAtiIiZ7FYa0fk2c24sDRN9SJa3ExWMfsUJEOvX4O7o9hsRvyVaqMe6KaZFLWAhezHukSXi0MoCiZ_P84syJuQSkSQzof5lmNL1Gu4-Mkt6DzE4ow/s2048/IMG_2535.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFI4Jt9-6EIooHOEp2u1Tjj0c8MAtiIiZ7FYa0fk2c24sDRN9SJa3ExWMfsUJEOvX4O7o9hsRvyVaqMe6KaZFLWAhezHukSXi0MoCiZ_P84syJuQSkSQzof5lmNL1Gu4-Mkt6DzE4ow/w640-h480/IMG_2535.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stones from Luther Hall replicate the arches of the building. <br /><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUmxteMru8z9U1BD-O6GW5kdOeDMBlZlw-lZe0Qc_HqkzQ2Fq7aTwyP4yIQMl6GpMPDFi-JbmC9npkZxK-unMC7zgSKLRkcjryS5mcLCDaoQvtc-B-562gByR-ViZ4WP3JUe54Hm-fA/s2048/IMG_2537.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUmxteMru8z9U1BD-O6GW5kdOeDMBlZlw-lZe0Qc_HqkzQ2Fq7aTwyP4yIQMl6GpMPDFi-JbmC9npkZxK-unMC7zgSKLRkcjryS5mcLCDaoQvtc-B-562gByR-ViZ4WP3JUe54Hm-fA/w640-h480/IMG_2537.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;">It appears that the memorial faces the circle driveway just as the original building did. I wished that I could walk through the arches and suddenly be transported inside this long gone building!<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzuBXLoXEhnRcVVryA9ybecCSK032ng6Ucfe92kO0adK1XYQ6wJw1OTAs_g_DidsK0c_UoJ9VOGyskMqQypNwMmtYlXYbCQJC8R9b7-_V2NQfjWO_oU5msACKmN4v_Vqq5hyphenhyphenzF-ab-Q/s2048/IMG_2539.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzuBXLoXEhnRcVVryA9ybecCSK032ng6Ucfe92kO0adK1XYQ6wJw1OTAs_g_DidsK0c_UoJ9VOGyskMqQypNwMmtYlXYbCQJC8R9b7-_V2NQfjWO_oU5msACKmN4v_Vqq5hyphenhyphenzF-ab-Q/w300-h400/IMG_2539.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /></blockquote></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>The Baylor Female College Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in December 1990.</div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-44054486945039377422020-07-28T19:22:00.000-05:002020-07-28T19:22:39.493-05:00Onion Creek Post Office and Stagecoach House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0X4dNF-Xq2qlFLAcAfXwp439QxX4kpPuPj4ayF-aDjOBDtI-orPCugktMnt-zob8nXR8lRW5UHKr6p18OJLh90GrHHHo_-A00WTtTQO6dNR0gzKwSlNKBJYTfIqXnCF56zNPN-cZtA0/s1600/IMG_1462+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1141" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0X4dNF-Xq2qlFLAcAfXwp439QxX4kpPuPj4ayF-aDjOBDtI-orPCugktMnt-zob8nXR8lRW5UHKr6p18OJLh90GrHHHo_-A00WTtTQO6dNR0gzKwSlNKBJYTfIqXnCF56zNPN-cZtA0/s640/IMG_1462+edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The high bluff overlooking nearby Onion Creek made it a convenient location for a post office and stagecoach stop along what is now known as the Old San Antonio Road running from Austin to San Antonio, Texas. Water from the creek provided refreshment for the stagecoach horses and the sight was conveniently located near the highway. Ground was broken for the small, limestone post office in 1875 along with a two room dog-trot style house.<br />
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The post office was finished in 1876 and served residents of the community and stagecoach passengers until 1880 when the Postmaster moved the post office to the nearby developing town of Du Pre, renamed Buda (pronounced BYOO-dah). in the late 1880's. The completion of the International & Great Northern Railroad lines to San Antonio and Laredo ended the necessity of a stagecoach stop.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Fa5V0J0vsPpAtZo2HXG_NZrT8qbGMQe5ERdpAv64s5pbneHtoxBPZ3w1ExMER6fEbvsaszfzoeDE4gP7L9IFaVhZW7GS3cxlIWVGLOG_nL8Z8FtkEW3R43cSocvLHvHnf6ok166apic/s1600/IMG_1464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Fa5V0J0vsPpAtZo2HXG_NZrT8qbGMQe5ERdpAv64s5pbneHtoxBPZ3w1ExMER6fEbvsaszfzoeDE4gP7L9IFaVhZW7GS3cxlIWVGLOG_nL8Z8FtkEW3R43cSocvLHvHnf6ok166apic/s640/IMG_1464.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>These very large oak trees to the side of the house probably saw the stagecoaches arrivals and departures.</i></td></tr>
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T.E. McElroy and his wife bought the house and surrounding 234 acres and developed a successful livestock and agricultural program while eventually adding over 1,000 acres to the ranch. In 1906 Ann and John Severn purchased the ranch from the McElroy estate and continued the ranching operations. Upon their deaths the house and property saw several owners and the eventual sale of individual tracts of land. In 1998 the current owners, brothers Victor and Joe Stanzel, donated the house, post office building, and remaining 51-acres to the City of Buda with the stipulation that the house be restored and used for community purposes.<br />
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Renovation on the house revealed answers to questions about its transformation from the 1875 two room dog-trot style cabin to its current appearance. Updates are traced to 1885, 1900, 1920, and 1950. The Severns were very influential citizens and are thought to be responsible for the 1920 renovation; the house has been restored to that time period with the exception of a mantle painted by artists that rented the house for a time in the 1970's.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOXkVNhiUjUZQAc3qaSUZsZrzJaA9-ITponq_iJbG6G7PPLsvSss7FM-9JDPhs4Hv2v6m8elHC_EvsolAAD4IU2ei4IIRwSIYoXZTxYKwFa4jnU5o-w4i9-edmcQb0FjyfqIOMHPv860/s1600/IMG_1461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOXkVNhiUjUZQAc3qaSUZsZrzJaA9-ITponq_iJbG6G7PPLsvSss7FM-9JDPhs4Hv2v6m8elHC_EvsolAAD4IU2ei4IIRwSIYoXZTxYKwFa4jnU5o-w4i9-edmcQb0FjyfqIOMHPv860/s640/IMG_1461.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Evidence found during the renovation process indicates that the house was originally oriented to face the tributary of the creek located to what is now the rear of the house. The two rooms on either side of the front door comprised the original two room dog-trot cabin.<br />
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Each renovation seemed to change the structure even more while making it useful and modern for the residents. As a result, it assumed some strange characteristics that added interest to the house.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7L-Rb6YPj3Gp5AOTtAMR8OzbktO0BUEDUc5P7-SejBqVhwQb6iEoSND-ZHUGmhIjiR8WPXM9IWo5DAC3KmcfhpjuUYYwnoFV_yF4WWzIyKpycvXp9c5rO-FviPyTwlgdv3ksfP6CmkX4/s1600/IMG_1465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7L-Rb6YPj3Gp5AOTtAMR8OzbktO0BUEDUc5P7-SejBqVhwQb6iEoSND-ZHUGmhIjiR8WPXM9IWo5DAC3KmcfhpjuUYYwnoFV_yF4WWzIyKpycvXp9c5rO-FviPyTwlgdv3ksfP6CmkX4/s400/IMG_1465.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I stumbled upon this property on a recent visit to Buda and had no idea of its historical significance until I returned home and began researching it. I did not make many pictures, so a return trip when the weather cools off is on my go-to list. The surrounding park features many amenities as well as walking trails through the former stagecoach stop and ranching property.<br />
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The house serves at the Buda Visitor Center, but is currently closed due to the COVID pandemic. However, from reading the nomination form for the National Register of Historic Places designation about the evolution of the cabin to modern home I am sure it will be worth exploring.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiARYHcuIXd5jTIjYcKtk-qgtpYGCXnfevnUOVzWQD7RR9I5VcQLbSFYwyyVUErdtUHOTg_ShMQjFS5pfkTEUrsTaTgotsYUvEA93TigJ0jLnbE5PywUg5Fh8R56sTR7KOCDADp1iA_LA/s1600/IMG_1474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiARYHcuIXd5jTIjYcKtk-qgtpYGCXnfevnUOVzWQD7RR9I5VcQLbSFYwyyVUErdtUHOTg_ShMQjFS5pfkTEUrsTaTgotsYUvEA93TigJ0jLnbE5PywUg5Fh8R56sTR7KOCDADp1iA_LA/s640/IMG_1474.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The remains of a watering trough are located a short distance from the house.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7f8Qxek_rYLbbmDVP5ifeNM6ITAKRC-PciKKqb0cnSunH2ZvkW483bkPl4Ug0dig902ZINenABoCGNNZwdHYt_bF36GzWLHmkn2TuGchHEW6WbNOD0EJvnDRmE20hlcgPBGMj9KoRs0/s1600/IMG_1473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7f8Qxek_rYLbbmDVP5ifeNM6ITAKRC-PciKKqb0cnSunH2ZvkW483bkPl4Ug0dig902ZINenABoCGNNZwdHYt_bF36GzWLHmkn2TuGchHEW6WbNOD0EJvnDRmE20hlcgPBGMj9KoRs0/s640/IMG_1473.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>This one room building tweaked my imagination as to its original purpose. There is a vent pipe visible on the back of the roof indicating that there was some type of wood burning stove inside. Possibly the ranch office, but I'll have to find out on the next visit.</i></span></td></tr>
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-44404015399889450922020-05-24T18:37:00.004-05:002021-11-04T07:34:10.346-05:00Now you see it - now you don't<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9F8rvfkI9l68Hqpx8UthzivsbP7iNQJbhU2hWUAA6vU1eMCyxzubiqMTtTkkQ0UAFiQlh-H9pyEhC9roTmpkVzOm3uYvwcb1w6aeHoz2YJnLbWKblhf7D2iavFFpN7MnrbTMzIgqninE/s1600/IMG_5997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9F8rvfkI9l68Hqpx8UthzivsbP7iNQJbhU2hWUAA6vU1eMCyxzubiqMTtTkkQ0UAFiQlh-H9pyEhC9roTmpkVzOm3uYvwcb1w6aeHoz2YJnLbWKblhf7D2iavFFpN7MnrbTMzIgqninE/s640/IMG_5997.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Alamo Plaza Bandstand, photographed May 1, 2018</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Earlier this month the bandstand on Alamo Plaza was relocated. This is part of the plan of the Texas General Land Office and the City of San Antonio to restore reverence to the 1836 battlefield. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQQ4nXYdGF0igMbQcCoqZvzYOh0V4us0DNPsfhKL3UoG0nQo7Hw14cFvvFmK5iMGg893YhS1bbg_zaEQjBe3rIXNwVY2djznoYaBamPZUhNZM1V-ttAbrfNZJZE0If2O8jM8N4nRNpR8/s1600/IMG_0937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQQ4nXYdGF0igMbQcCoqZvzYOh0V4us0DNPsfhKL3UoG0nQo7Hw14cFvvFmK5iMGg893YhS1bbg_zaEQjBe3rIXNwVY2djznoYaBamPZUhNZM1V-ttAbrfNZJZE0If2O8jM8N4nRNpR8/s640/IMG_0937.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: medium;">May 18, 2020,the brown brick base is all that remains</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Just over five years ago I had posted </span><a href="https://doorwayintothepast.blogspot.com/2015/03/alamo-hall-revisited-somewhat.html" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;" target="_blank">The Battle of the Alamo hasn't ended</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">. Since that time the powers that be have introduced and modified several plans for the area around Alamo Plaza, often referring to the area as "hallowed ground". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Public outcry has been vocal, but ignored. In fulfilling their idea of restoring the 1836 footprint they intend to destroy other footprints with no regard for the complete history of this area. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdG3qsfR0sbRXH7JHo15IxczTKhl22m7B43globClYhiea4paw9UY6Uwj2yZtpbGXMpf8Ui2C-XoJR_f1rg2OV55VjPC0g5b3UdWdlrD8-mF2jmyV4GCrNRyR0aGJSkiWgssNR3tpreDw/s1600/IMG_0939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdG3qsfR0sbRXH7JHo15IxczTKhl22m7B43globClYhiea4paw9UY6Uwj2yZtpbGXMpf8Ui2C-XoJR_f1rg2OV55VjPC0g5b3UdWdlrD8-mF2jmyV4GCrNRyR0aGJSkiWgssNR3tpreDw/s640/IMG_0939.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Alamo Plaza, former site of historic bandstand, photographed May 18, 2020</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Part of the plan calls for the relocation of the bandstand to another area of town. This icon of Alamo Plaza was constructed in 1976 as a replica of the original one that was built around 1890. The plan calls for the bandstand's removal because it “does not architecturally relate<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"> to the period of historical structures surrounding it."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">The nearby Cenotaph will be moved to the area where the bandstand was located. We are also in danger of losing the old Woolworth Building (directly across the street). The plan calls for it to either be gutted or completely replaced for the creation of a "world class museum". </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRPcWv6t6CaaMHPoqsG8jJ_7lqW84LK2FEC14secHgWaFBoZTpXMhtvqpZRCI_ufI2lTTWyx7l6lXEZqV4ZZml_lpsv5EXDLo2-bh_Q34iYSishmLbAI80bH51fQnQz6TVj7qbjWLMng/s1600/IMG_1077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRPcWv6t6CaaMHPoqsG8jJ_7lqW84LK2FEC14secHgWaFBoZTpXMhtvqpZRCI_ufI2lTTWyx7l6lXEZqV4ZZml_lpsv5EXDLo2-bh_Q34iYSishmLbAI80bH51fQnQz6TVj7qbjWLMng/s640/IMG_1077.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The Woolworth Building has been on Texas' list of Most Endangered Places since 2016. It is recognized as a significant contributor to the Civil Rights Movement in San Antonio. Photographed May 14, 2020</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'll share more in upcoming posts. The Battle hasn't ended.</span><br />
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-74829639959335580142020-04-06T14:32:00.001-05:002022-02-28T18:42:08.614-06:00Bandera County, Texas Courthouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpPjEGCmm0y6dKa33AvnuW2XjWTlkrIsglThgpGv21-zo__TEwdA2rnrG-cY_ASHar3oQLzqUHJbdXE5iLT58tmbmFVTfX-A2Fmqq9mobRceopJqipg9dwImyQkwSteyZ90vM4HjFRys/s1600/IMG_6967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpPjEGCmm0y6dKa33AvnuW2XjWTlkrIsglThgpGv21-zo__TEwdA2rnrG-cY_ASHar3oQLzqUHJbdXE5iLT58tmbmFVTfX-A2Fmqq9mobRceopJqipg9dwImyQkwSteyZ90vM4HjFRys/s640/IMG_6967.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The National Register of Historic
Places nomination form for the Bandera County, Texas Courthouse begins with the
statement</span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">The three-Story rusticated cut limestone courthouse built in
1890-91 with a central clock tower, is the focal point of the Bandera public
square, and the dominating architectural feature of the town</span></i></b></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJQHTloNCggbJzcQPC2kopzRqEB4eeCUG3UVJFQFQz9VubS3J71ZVG3S04Po6JiXAp1CNcb7wRv_rh-oHAjXqc_OT4tTgZM9eHdaJwjn36SbiPkPSFmUAA4x9xTN1sF7E2pBIWzbb8v8/s1600/IMG_0626_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1311" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJQHTloNCggbJzcQPC2kopzRqEB4eeCUG3UVJFQFQz9VubS3J71ZVG3S04Po6JiXAp1CNcb7wRv_rh-oHAjXqc_OT4tTgZM9eHdaJwjn36SbiPkPSFmUAA4x9xTN1sF7E2pBIWzbb8v8/s400/IMG_0626_edited-1.jpg" width="327" /></span></i></b></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And, indeed it is dominating.
From anywhere in this charming Hill Country town that calls itself "The
Cowboy Capital of the World" the Courthouse's clock tower can be seen.
However, don't look up to see what time it is as the clock face is actually
painted on the tower. Time in Bandera is frozen at 10:10.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bandera County was created in 1856
and the town of Bandera was designated as the county seat. From 1877-1891
the county used a coursed rubble limestone building built in 1856 as its
makeshift courthouse. The completion of the current day courthouse in 1891
was a sign of Bandera's post-Civil War prosperity.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">B.F. Trester, Jr. of San Antonio,
Texas was chosen as the architect. In recent years an intriguing mystery about Trester and the design of the courthouse came to light in the discovery that an identical architectual twin existed in Boone County, KY. Today, the Boone County Courthouse is altered in appearance, but it's still easy to see the similarities. To read about this mystery and see comparison pictures <a href="https://www.banderacounty.org/historical/Separated.htm" target="_blank">click here</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">On Friday, July 11, 1890 County Commissioners
accepted the bid of William Braden and Sons to construct the Courthouse
according to Trester's plans for a sum of $19,914.00. Sometime between that
time and February, 1890, Trester passed away at the age of 40 years and County
Commissioners appointed A.B. Frankel as supervising architect. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Trester's death was just one of the delays that would plague Braden in completing the project. These trials, including the walking off the job by Braden are detailed in <a href="https://www.banderacounty.org/historical/HistorianFall1991.pdf" target="_blank">The Bandera County Historian, Fall 1991</a> issue that commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Courthouse's completion. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This article describes how Braden used itinerant Russian rock masons to cut the limestone blocks from a quarry across the Medina River. Sand for the mortar was dug from along Indian Creek and hauled to the construction site by two local men. The blocks were lifted in place "in four-man slings up staircase-like scaffolds"; as a result there were no lifting holes drilled into the stone blocks.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnp7Yb1PXa8_Uieo12gikAyWHKOjfajXSi_j8d3hkaxOjENoFRVQiLZAKZNCXkL2CguMTWTjAW2wvr4Nh7IIPVEQPcWflgJwsaufWdur5RNSSWTRzE-FQNlpqivrGB6nZq3puOfYduQ80/s1600/IMG_6983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnp7Yb1PXa8_Uieo12gikAyWHKOjfajXSi_j8d3hkaxOjENoFRVQiLZAKZNCXkL2CguMTWTjAW2wvr4Nh7IIPVEQPcWflgJwsaufWdur5RNSSWTRzE-FQNlpqivrGB6nZq3puOfYduQ80/s400/IMG_6983.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">During 1966-67 the interior underwent a remodeling, although I couldn't tell what might have been remodeled as it seemed to retain many of its original features. I did notice the wall-to-wall carpet in most areas of the building. At the same time a one-story addition to the east side of the building altered its façade. The windows were replace with modern aluminum frames.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNnYyh3n03xv0InI0aX37RCSaE48AAmNXZbcQBcD4OcUFKR1Lo8fOxX-AwEGlyttClXO0uqqyr0Qu7L3_7NfWPuwxYLYqU-7ZQhpQcsDOls2Aa3k8lZDqd2mWMhJ3cNtjgSSQYyyY8zQ/s1600/IMG_6984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNnYyh3n03xv0InI0aX37RCSaE48AAmNXZbcQBcD4OcUFKR1Lo8fOxX-AwEGlyttClXO0uqqyr0Qu7L3_7NfWPuwxYLYqU-7ZQhpQcsDOls2Aa3k8lZDqd2mWMhJ3cNtjgSSQYyyY8zQ/s400/IMG_6984.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Hallway of 1966-67 addition</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pGNJi1rhV4L8VC-tUmOb4jKcQ6TbWcFfvQQg_YPAMwHKeiQj4sPtzpbSHWjN6fzllPmmeAPkBpmYR94_iMVxBuAFzjjLZHeYL4hEnv70qgBJ0Gmt1c8BclgbmQpPydk5PGuRqRhM3kA/s1600/IMG_6975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pGNJi1rhV4L8VC-tUmOb4jKcQ6TbWcFfvQQg_YPAMwHKeiQj4sPtzpbSHWjN6fzllPmmeAPkBpmYR94_iMVxBuAFzjjLZHeYL4hEnv70qgBJ0Gmt1c8BclgbmQpPydk5PGuRqRhM3kA/s400/IMG_6975.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">I966-67 addition in foreground</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In 1998 work to stabilize and repair the clock tower/cupola was undertaken after receiving an emergency grant from the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation program. Temporary shoring was used to stabilize the ceiling above the judges' bench in the district courtroom. The tower and cupola were reinforced and the metal roof replaced. Work was completed in 2006. Just to note I could not find any reference as to when and why the tower had been painted silver. To see before and after pictures <a href="https://www.thc.texas.gov/preserve/projects-and-programs/texas-historic-courthouse-preservation/restored-courthouses/bandera" target="_blank">click here</a>.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJrdNC_qwmJapVc9jD69w8AjsPjnCLOpOG0y6LTVhw8ul0OTQxG50nSRPyYT40fKHK9EgHUylj3BiinuF0qCmWkzzrpDYzhkkX1vzMPX0CqEe5y0qMLiMU3Pr6RocBTM4adW5piGMi7I/s1600/IMG_6977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJrdNC_qwmJapVc9jD69w8AjsPjnCLOpOG0y6LTVhw8ul0OTQxG50nSRPyYT40fKHK9EgHUylj3BiinuF0qCmWkzzrpDYzhkkX1vzMPX0CqEe5y0qMLiMU3Pr6RocBTM4adW5piGMi7I/s400/IMG_6977.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">District Courtroom, August 2018</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A very kind bailiff or deputy sheriff took me into the courtroom and into several offices to see the original fireplaces. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b>The Courthouse was designated as a Texas Historic Landmark in 1972 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. </span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-size: large;"></span>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-50044567164543908082019-05-06T17:46:00.002-05:002021-02-19T14:43:19.288-06:00Texas & Pacific Railroad Hospital - revisitedTwo months after I started writing this blog in 2013 I posted about the <a href="https://doorwayintothepast.blogspot.com/2013/05/texas-pacific-hospital.html" target="_blank">Texas & Pacific Railroad Hospital</a> I had discovered on a visit to Marshall, Texas the previous summer in July, 2012. Over the years I've received comment notifications from time to time, but did not ealize until today it is the most viewed blog post I've ever written with 2,435 views. <i>Click on the <b>link</b> above to read that post.</i><br />
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While I'm surprised I'm also pleased that so many people have read this post about a building that has been left to decay. From the comments I'm sure it is a place filled with many memories for the people of the Marshall area who were so closely connected to the railroad.<br />
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I tried to pull up more current information and found pictures, but no news items or related stories. There were several pictures with comments that those who ventured into the building experienced paranormal type experiences and heard mysterious noises! Now I'm anxious to go back to Marshall and try to find some local sources that will tell me more about this intriguing building.<br />
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-61044767972601353942019-04-24T20:07:00.002-05:002022-02-28T18:41:48.809-06:00Liberty County Courthouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_Up-xsKXDr0rCh_Y6brPNq_t317iRgWJR5izLP7HGG7dQE3puJ5KtfUzc2V1FuXlzXgRoECktUdBVjf1KisvqJgAY5geGvw9M78lpJdKDOhqBLQ05KW8pgZjBMY7F52VtLbpIJsjpHU/s1600/IMG_8758_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_Up-xsKXDr0rCh_Y6brPNq_t317iRgWJR5izLP7HGG7dQE3puJ5KtfUzc2V1FuXlzXgRoECktUdBVjf1KisvqJgAY5geGvw9M78lpJdKDOhqBLQ05KW8pgZjBMY7F52VtLbpIJsjpHU/s640/IMG_8758_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>South entrance - the original doors and transoms have been replaced </i></span></td></tr>
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Each of the Texas Courthouses have an interesting story or two to share and I'm always excited to visit, explore and research each one! The Liberty County Courthouse is remarkable in that it has had very little change to the exterior since its completion in 1931 and its interior remains remarkably intact today. This courthouse is the seventh one to occupy the courthouse square laid out in 1831 and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. That's impressive, so come on, let's go exploring!<br />
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The discovery of oil in Texas created many boomtowns in southeast Texas and brought new prosperity to existing towns like Liberty at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1925 the Liberty County Commisioners, encouraged by the county's oil driven economic boom, requested Houston architect Corneil G. Curtis to prepare a comparison of repairing and updating the existing 1895 courthouse versus replacing it. His report thoroughly examined both scenarios, but he favored a new, modern courthouse of fireproof construction.<br />
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The progressive minded commissioners agreed and asked for the submission of bids. However, the bids were considered to be too high and no action was taken for three years; yes, government moves slowly. A second request for bids in September 1930 led to the awarding of the construction contract to M.H. Ryland of Uvalde in November. The new courthouse would be completed in December 1931 at an approximate cost of $250,000.<br />
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There had been considerable opposition to the demolition of the existing courthouse, but the "demands of progress" overcame the protests. The 1895 courthouse was vacated, demolished and replaced with a new, modern building demonstrating the County's progressive attitude of moving forward into the modern world.<br />
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Curtis' design incorporated the era's most current and progressive architectural trends and is now considered one of the earliest examples of Art Deco architecture in Texas. Interestingly it is also referred to as a "modernistic" (or Modern Classical) example of Art Deco in that the interior is relatively unchanged from the courthouse designs of the late 19th century while the exterior reflects the modern influence.<br />
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The two story courthouse is constructed of concrete and steel and finished with Texas Cordova Cream limestone. A low earth berm surrounds the windows of the raised basement to give visual height to the flatness of the site. A two story addition, built in 1956, covers most of the west side of the courthouse including the original west entrance, but overall does not detract from the original courthouse design.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabiS_CSv9tWUa_KJESsFujjQk4bLfvi84unoq_5oCy8z4W265KfjxbSO1ODVBvyS0G7vK32yGRtE6pBhFE-dJCGIL2JLpC0k8zB8kkdb3-rfz0qdGOV_x396mBSLUFTltXyDQT7PU_co/s1600/IMG_8765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabiS_CSv9tWUa_KJESsFujjQk4bLfvi84unoq_5oCy8z4W265KfjxbSO1ODVBvyS0G7vK32yGRtE6pBhFE-dJCGIL2JLpC0k8zB8kkdb3-rfz0qdGOV_x396mBSLUFTltXyDQT7PU_co/s400/IMG_8765.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Central first-floor corridor, looking west</i></span></td></tr>
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The interior is a traditional four entrance plan with corridors that divide each floor into four quadrants. Stairways at each end of the east-west corridor provide access to the upper and lower floors. The original exterior doors and transoms have been replaced, but the building retains most of its original integrity including beautiful mosaic floor tiles and marble wainscotting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNxlXBmCcPe783q_GMSZFzWKdWqw1pPNl7uahwTk-DdD6-zgYFmbHyFyk5Gij0lyklwlbxUaQpLHY0P9jy-if3vogOJl7isHSJdoH5_M8GNvCh3aLyXUuMhRx3MxZ6rDTlgWXUrIGUfg/s1600/IMG_8766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNxlXBmCcPe783q_GMSZFzWKdWqw1pPNl7uahwTk-DdD6-zgYFmbHyFyk5Gij0lyklwlbxUaQpLHY0P9jy-if3vogOJl7isHSJdoH5_M8GNvCh3aLyXUuMhRx3MxZ6rDTlgWXUrIGUfg/s400/IMG_8766.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Original mosaic tile flooring</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRtvf7e7ZdUO7yPw0hmhxiIsbrG10XhSLcTctoP0fzplU6VGzyadxe0blS3Z5Ag3FuB-hpldJ4t1qeRfyY352fv3k4zcW9jINfRZA-lKJFH7LvVpsdawwCBueRvnJta4gSZj0n4d_VRU/s1600/IMG_8772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRtvf7e7ZdUO7yPw0hmhxiIsbrG10XhSLcTctoP0fzplU6VGzyadxe0blS3Z5Ag3FuB-hpldJ4t1qeRfyY352fv3k4zcW9jINfRZA-lKJFH7LvVpsdawwCBueRvnJta4gSZj0n4d_VRU/s400/IMG_8772.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Marble wainscoting and original steam heat radiator in east stairwell</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1fgDWh7t0hFlG4_RWL9SI3viPhr0uXeuRI-5PfNeYEf876TpffnHT8Aw45btIvX7qXF7O8QStdWq8WudRz99HsKI8LQO3_xMXgzMyq4TJs1qy3p2F7vUL8_kGWpFwpN7h6JDbDXBCpY/s1600/IMG_8767_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1fgDWh7t0hFlG4_RWL9SI3viPhr0uXeuRI-5PfNeYEf876TpffnHT8Aw45btIvX7qXF7O8QStdWq8WudRz99HsKI8LQO3_xMXgzMyq4TJs1qy3p2F7vUL8_kGWpFwpN7h6JDbDXBCpY/s640/IMG_8767_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>District Courtroom</i></span></td></tr>
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The double-height District Courtroom retains all of its original furnishings, finishes, and light fixtures. The courtroom's walls mimic the exterior with flat pilasters and and an "egg-and-dart" band at the top. This room is considered to be an excellent example of Art Deco design.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-9lHqLiHwn_jJrbatgzLEJ3pcPuz6LeRCxfZC26PiIwmJDLvumQmPH363r4JPHShGUZWLjUGdZuNLQBQTtBU-Rb4W7Ax3ANwjEAdNwk5rW8aig3ziHvDHmebswwvcSvIJx73IhAUo5o/s1600/IMG_8768_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1239" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-9lHqLiHwn_jJrbatgzLEJ3pcPuz6LeRCxfZC26PiIwmJDLvumQmPH363r4JPHShGUZWLjUGdZuNLQBQTtBU-Rb4W7Ax3ANwjEAdNwk5rW8aig3ziHvDHmebswwvcSvIJx73IhAUo5o/s400/IMG_8768_edited-1.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>District Courtroom light fixture - bronze with faceted glass</i></span></td></tr>
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While the exterior follows the Art Deco concept of geometric massing, flat unornamented surfaces and stylized forms of ornamentation it also picks up on the Texas theme with low-relief sculptured panels featuring longhorns, covered wagons, water lilies pine trees, oil derricks and the Texas Lone Star. Some of these can be seen in the photo below.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Yewht5H50wxRE6Syy-4MWgmhANo4nJhUiHc2EABthjdXWOmBaNHNGdaDUK9Y-chdtJx7vmAlTcqRkZ4d-ff7wQj0Q2egMPm6lfmlJFlJ6_xsAgGD0dRhL_1HQNXuMGqd0WKfQVyNQ8I/s1600/IMG_8758_edited-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="908" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Yewht5H50wxRE6Syy-4MWgmhANo4nJhUiHc2EABthjdXWOmBaNHNGdaDUK9Y-chdtJx7vmAlTcqRkZ4d-ff7wQj0Q2egMPm6lfmlJFlJ6_xsAgGD0dRhL_1HQNXuMGqd0WKfQVyNQ8I/s640/IMG_8758_edited-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Lone Stars, covered wagons and longhorns are etched on pilaster tops. <br />Eagle over the door represents the building's Federal government function.<br />Liberty bells are embossed between first and second floor windows.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzICDy783tZttqjtB3G5-tFrRjEaBdLlwk-QcmoHBG95lBf1liCeeSe0AaAf9FaKRftdYfmZdqQDhhgpX-BbxsDisrQ5vjdna6Cjl3onchEfI_xuHxfsgDakn6woUfdm6vude2A2LnqA/s1600/IMG_8773_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1101" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzICDy783tZttqjtB3G5-tFrRjEaBdLlwk-QcmoHBG95lBf1liCeeSe0AaAf9FaKRftdYfmZdqQDhhgpX-BbxsDisrQ5vjdna6Cjl3onchEfI_xuHxfsgDakn6woUfdm6vude2A2LnqA/s640/IMG_8773_edited-1.jpg" width="440" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Northeast corner<br />The waves along the dado represent the nearby Gulf of Mexico. <br />The thin strips of stone set between the larger blocks of limestone give visual appeal.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4cCyJYH0_Ooe-sJqT85mP2XaW2kTrLrAGNQx7NtERteVhSd25W9ybR6gIbOZqEn-d7m1i2edAq4eLTJLUdI3yon__SxJLn2MN-xWtzkcRAkiywhkKEMTOOnDRNXb2PCkPZlKPKIaVY4/s1600/IMG_8761_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4cCyJYH0_Ooe-sJqT85mP2XaW2kTrLrAGNQx7NtERteVhSd25W9ybR6gIbOZqEn-d7m1i2edAq4eLTJLUdI3yon__SxJLn2MN-xWtzkcRAkiywhkKEMTOOnDRNXb2PCkPZlKPKIaVY4/s400/IMG_8761_edited-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>North entrance</i></span></td></tr>
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-49142154878729727902019-03-28T21:26:00.002-05:002021-11-04T07:34:33.175-05:00The Ott Hotel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Old buildings may seem boring and useless to some people, but those of us that love them know that while many buildings can be very interesting in their design and history others are just downright fun. Take for instance, the Ott Hotel in Liberty, Texas. Built in 1928 to attract travelers on the nearby Texas & New Orleans railroad and the Old Spanish Trail highway the hotel still serves travelers (and the curious) today. It is also home to several spirits that have garnered much attention over the years!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlOuRguoxufLshSFXh5Mk144H62gIzeOAeBew-SClr6gpGuq-SE4tl2eHS34C0X3dzSWnRPj5IAVBf41IQFm_wkZFka_dp2m9mOXCeHYz3twoC3C9MpgqbJVIOTt6M8lM0Ewx6ApRpkE/s1600/IMG_8788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlOuRguoxufLshSFXh5Mk144H62gIzeOAeBew-SClr6gpGuq-SE4tl2eHS34C0X3dzSWnRPj5IAVBf41IQFm_wkZFka_dp2m9mOXCeHYz3twoC3C9MpgqbJVIOTt6M8lM0Ewx6ApRpkE/s640/IMG_8788.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
In the early 1900's the railroad line cutting through Liberty boosted the community into a center for trade, timber and agriculture. The discovery of oil in nearby fields further prompted construction of buildings for restaurants, stores and hotels, including the Ott Hotel built by John and Sallie Ott. The hotel's location adjacent to the railroad tracks and close to the Liberty depot made it popular with rail passengers. Automobile tourists found it a convenient place to spend the night as well as those with business to conduct at the nearby Liberty County Courthouse.<br />
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The Ott family owned the hotel until 2002 when it was sold to Kelly and Susan McCain who restored the hotel to its original 1928 appearance. Although, truthfully, from what I saw I can't be certain it is authentic; however, it is fun and delightfully quirky. Today it is still in use as as a hotel and residence and their Facebook page indicated there are weddings held here from time to time. The hotel doesn't have a website and there is very little other information available except for numerous reports of its supernatural activities. In 2005 the Ott Hotel was designated a Texas Historic Landmark.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXQlcBvr5MRYBGeJTnfP_HrzSOGqs2aCJ_v6OvXI0kqyEzoYbCDlbVEzgBJ7G7QDhgBF4BapFQviP6Jhfw3wvCx5shxARhl9Lq7K2MhUmZaIDuQ3mmiCFBED0grdO4L0atGbqpKSPmhU/s1600/IMG_8794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXQlcBvr5MRYBGeJTnfP_HrzSOGqs2aCJ_v6OvXI0kqyEzoYbCDlbVEzgBJ7G7QDhgBF4BapFQviP6Jhfw3wvCx5shxARhl9Lq7K2MhUmZaIDuQ3mmiCFBED0grdO4L0atGbqpKSPmhU/s640/IMG_8794.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>First floor hallway</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Hotel lobby</i></span></td></tr>
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Many famous people have stayed here including John Wayne, Dale and Roy Evans, and Dan Rather. At least 20 people are said to have died in the hotel with some of their spirits still residing here. The property is a certified "haunted property" having had over 50 paranormal investigations conducted. The day I visited I didn't feel a chill or anything creepy, perhaps the spirits just didn't want to deal with me! </div>
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The hotel lobby features an original front desk and other antique memorabilia. Pictures of Liberty through the years line the first floor hallway. From time to time the hotel offers tours and I'm hoping to catch one, but for now it was a fun find!</div>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-69948773246302507742019-03-06T11:34:00.001-06:002019-03-06T11:34:27.314-06:00The Alamo 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On this day in 1836 a pre-dawn attack by Santa Anna's forces breached the walls of the old mission compound and the defenders inside were all killed. Four days earlier on March 2, 1836, Texas had declared its independence from Mexico while what has come to be known as the Battle of the Alamo had been raging since February 23rd. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXP0M7gSoC-qGR9fhyphenhyphenkmdSg-s_WKPShI8lrDvVkDxyqDkLy_13cJpwZ3dMK2uFRDFXFCByUJrJurDnSla9i3zAtdyEE9cOsrUdtAHJpP08RzHB_ni0K-LEoDLcs5xxucQpv3EAwHYtV4/s1600/IMG_2341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXP0M7gSoC-qGR9fhyphenhyphenkmdSg-s_WKPShI8lrDvVkDxyqDkLy_13cJpwZ3dMK2uFRDFXFCByUJrJurDnSla9i3zAtdyEE9cOsrUdtAHJpP08RzHB_ni0K-LEoDLcs5xxucQpv3EAwHYtV4/s640/IMG_2341.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Approximately 200 men lost their lives when the Alamo was captured; their remains are now interred at nearby San Fernando Cathedral. </i></span></td></tr>
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A few weeks later the Texan forces under the leadership of Sam Houston would surprise Santa Anna and with the rallying battle cry of "Remember the Alamo" claim victory after an 18 minute battle. The Mexican forces would surrender on May 14th, but would maintain their stance that Texas was not independent and skirmishes would result from time to time. Texas would join the Union in 1845.<br />
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To read a chronology of the history of the Alamo <a href="http://www.thealamo.org/remember/history/chronology/index.html" target="_blank">click here</a> to visit the Alamo's website.<br />
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Just to note I've kept this post short to focus on the commemoration of the fall of the Alamo, but am now planning to do some more posts relating to the Alamo. It has played a vital part in San Antonio's history and while often regarded as a "tourist must visit" site deserves recognition of its entire history. A previous post discussed the history of <a href="https://doorwayintothepast.blogspot.com/2015/02/drt-meeting-hall.html" target="_blank">The DRT Meeting Hall (Alamo Hall)</a> located on the Alamo grounds.<br />
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-13511971568061090282019-02-07T20:06:00.000-06:002019-02-07T20:06:53.036-06:00The Wedgwood<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Iy4uGirpcLfukb6Dhk6CUwFGAyf2cgdBY8RlV9AqPkDPkme8XKuZ2XOhAcOgCquj3_2pFvlnDJHrWZMxiHsE3CMyhU7B3nuP2uHmun7ziAK9fvlBJ43UAe1LXatILQjRNp2a6KKn0Ac/s1600/IMG_7730+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Iy4uGirpcLfukb6Dhk6CUwFGAyf2cgdBY8RlV9AqPkDPkme8XKuZ2XOhAcOgCquj3_2pFvlnDJHrWZMxiHsE3CMyhU7B3nuP2uHmun7ziAK9fvlBJ43UAe1LXatILQjRNp2a6KKn0Ac/s640/IMG_7730+edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span><i style="font-size: medium;">Northside of building on left, with partial west side visible on right. Note the two balconies of the large apartment (looking northwest) created in the 1990's remodeling of the 11th floor. </i><i style="font-size: medium;">photo made October 2018</i></td></tr>
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For many years The Wedgwood apartment building was known as a moderate priced, fashionable residence for senior citizens. The blue, brown, and beige "Y" shaped building located in the City of Castle Hills was a familiar landmark on the northside of San Antonio. I never went in the building, but knew people that lived there and they considered it to be very pleasant.<br />
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In December 2014 fire broke out on the third floor and five seniors lost their lives; a sixth would die later of natural causes. The other 250 or so residents were displaced due to major smoke damage; the building was closed after substantional internal demolition took place. The cause of the fire was never determined; however, the building had been completed prior to current fire codes and the only fire sprinklers were in the basement.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDeYA5jXBBAYlkb_SUfnVDuQeBkcBy3co6bufa4UP0r1tP8b1bIpzaGb-SNW1wASTDln4lUcocaildiR9fDzM1jiP-0Kr-rDQg0QlgWqOlfX3HhD9Np3T2D_rm5RzdWK4Ghx1GRVu74o/s1600/IMG_7528_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDeYA5jXBBAYlkb_SUfnVDuQeBkcBy3co6bufa4UP0r1tP8b1bIpzaGb-SNW1wASTDln4lUcocaildiR9fDzM1jiP-0Kr-rDQg0QlgWqOlfX3HhD9Np3T2D_rm5RzdWK4Ghx1GRVu74o/s640/IMG_7528_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Second and third floor windows boarded up after the fire. East side of building. September 2018. </i></span></td></tr>
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Dallas architect Walter W. Ahlschlager designed both the San Antonio Wedgwood and its Dallas twin, also named The Wedgwood, with plans that never materialized for a third building in Houston. The almost identical buildings were designed in what is described as "midcentury interpretation of the International Style". The Dallas Wedgwood is now known as The View at Kessler Park and has been renovated. Contruction of the Castle Hills Wedgwood began in early 1964 with T.C. Bateson as general contractor and a projected cost of $4.5 million; it would open to residents in October 1965.<br />
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Described as a “city within a city,” the Wedgwood was a new concept in apartment living. It featured a restaurant, grocery, drugstore, insurance office, clinic, beauty salon and barber shop, dry cleaners, dress shop, and stockbroker’s office. The Wedgwood was a<br />
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“complete residential apartment building that puts the dweller above the skyline and provides him with wonderful scenic views, in luxurious comfort and convenience.” <i>San Antonio Light, October 2, 1965, special section. </i></blockquote>
The complex also featured a 49,000 gallon swimming pool, gardens, a lighted waterfall and a putting green. A spacious parking lot surrounded the complex.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Early stages of renovation. <br />Note smoke damage on left of building.<br />September 2018</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Renovation in progress with gutting of building. <br />February 2019</i></span></td></tr>
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It is interesting to note that the building's almost 8 acres of land was originally part of a 320-acre tract awarded to Jethro R. Bancroft for his service during the Texas Revolution. The land was divided and sold many times over the years. Post World War II saw the movement of Baby Boomers northward and the area was rapidly developing. Concerned citizens incorporated their community and formed the City of Castle Hills in 1951. Continued development of the city's highway infrastructure encouraged the construction of homes and businesses in this area in addition to newly fashionable high-rise apartment homes such as The Wedgwood.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmZB6a1A5yW_fOc-UYC8jdaL368sndZLDaBVH-uUaWao6ZcqYHh3WHTkC1Oc3QzrQ0luWbV5lCV5QUX5VjQlGWdI5KzCY7O-_MXKFBFRAFsriilFkRkF57U3-M9K16vbrlRj4kdKdUH8/s1600/IMG_8441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmZB6a1A5yW_fOc-UYC8jdaL368sndZLDaBVH-uUaWao6ZcqYHh3WHTkC1Oc3QzrQ0luWbV5lCV5QUX5VjQlGWdI5KzCY7O-_MXKFBFRAFsriilFkRkF57U3-M9K16vbrlRj4kdKdUH8/s640/IMG_8441.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>East side of building. Note the lettering imprint on the left of building <br />and rock garden entryway visible lower right. <br />February 2019</i></span></td></tr>
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In 2016 the property was sold and the new owner, Pat Bernaki, is currently renovating the building using State and Federal tax credits made possible after the Wedgwood was accepted into the National Register of Historic Places in early 2017. An article in the San Antonio Express News on August 23, 2018 states that he intends to offer moderately priced senior housing at prices similar to those before the fire. <br />
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After the tragic fire the <span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Lora Regular";">State Legislature passed a law that requires Bexar County high-rise buildings with elderly or disabled people comprising a majority of residents to be retrofitted with sprinklers by 2027. In addition to retrofitting the building with the required sprinker system Bernaki is also working with City officials to determine what went wrong at the Wedgwood and additional ways to add safety to the building. </span>Expected re-opening is late 2019.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>A glimpse of the remains of the garden/walking path area visible from a nearby parking lot.</i></span></td></tr>
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-67600376083674093852018-08-11T20:23:00.001-05:002022-02-28T18:39:37.047-06:00Caldwell County Courthouse, Lockhart Texas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Caldwell County Courthouse clock tower stands high above the surrounding buildings signalling to approaching visitors that they are near the Historic District. The ornate tower is the first hint of the eyecatching details of this 1894 Courthouse designed by Henry E.M. Guidon who eventually became a partner of San Antonio architect Alfred Giles. Contractor was Martin, Brynes and Johnston with an approximate cost of just over $54,000. The plans would be used again for the construction of the Goliad County Courthouse.</div>
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The clock tower houses the original 4-sided Seth Thomas clock and 900 pound bell. The clock has been restored after being removed from the tower in 1994 due to poor maintenance and theft of parts. It rested on the dirt floor basement of the County Clerk's building until it was removed in 2008 and restored. It's chime is beautiful!</div>
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Designed in the poplar Second Empire style with the Mansard roof and imposing clock tower, the Courthouse has towers that flank the north and south entrances and porticos on the east and west entrances. The porticos were added after the contract was awarded at an additional cost of $600. The walls are sandstone blocks and the trim is "red muldoon stone" as specified in the construction contract.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Towers flanking the entrance</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Portico</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjSUGgmycskiJuVY5a1p8y6YbvnQOw7Ahnadkywv6jnPtahcqN98oQZPYGSV028aoIokh21v1xTuwL7qzwa-Z-4r9RjQWmJAmhxAQjZGTMsNK-5MEzdhBvYWpEDkVngGCA2sqHBp6qWY/s1600/IMG_0022_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjSUGgmycskiJuVY5a1p8y6YbvnQOw7Ahnadkywv6jnPtahcqN98oQZPYGSV028aoIokh21v1xTuwL7qzwa-Z-4r9RjQWmJAmhxAQjZGTMsNK-5MEzdhBvYWpEDkVngGCA2sqHBp6qWY/s400/IMG_0022_edited-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Entry portico</i></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qXF9LG3mmCSt-PxK3u0clbmBblZ3rhyN7WlNUXk3yIUvOcE0An7_y4qID3WEDviaUzqynB-bNCFDHXMSZn1vNNKxa2QpqZ391MhQtO_VQSDvRV18Yp4zWMJbtWwBuuALoJ-drW9BOtc/s1600/IMG_0034_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qXF9LG3mmCSt-PxK3u0clbmBblZ3rhyN7WlNUXk3yIUvOcE0An7_y4qID3WEDviaUzqynB-bNCFDHXMSZn1vNNKxa2QpqZ391MhQtO_VQSDvRV18Yp4zWMJbtWwBuuALoJ-drW9BOtc/s640/IMG_0034_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The building was built with electricity; water lines would be added later. A remodeling sometime prior to 1978 reconfigured much of the interior and covered original features with drop ceilings and plastic panelling; however, a $1.6 million renovation project between 1991 and 2000 restored the Courthouse interior to much of its original appearance and added HVAC, data/telecommunication capabilities and updated fire alarm and sprinkler systems. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAg5vy3pDmGgYiX4XmJTl6a9PkaRwltiVVKVA4ubBsrS8qALFnVcMPg68k3G4D0W_ksk9vOTtaesrO6qWryTC9OQWth2uBvj3v7L62sRGwsYnkSxTj39dpEWppe8I4afhBeKaogCeidMs/s1600/IMG_6646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAg5vy3pDmGgYiX4XmJTl6a9PkaRwltiVVKVA4ubBsrS8qALFnVcMPg68k3G4D0W_ksk9vOTtaesrO6qWryTC9OQWth2uBvj3v7L62sRGwsYnkSxTj39dpEWppe8I4afhBeKaogCeidMs/s320/IMG_6646.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjKC9ezwuKAWSyHKCQPbWqrgLONdHVHH8-yw0JEFo2jVZKO8jbUXA_vcqN39sO660Kh51qq584jPUxo8ZZqQy1N6p-Dk_aLO_x8pN7Y139sbrcoreeF6Zsb0QVLSbbjduYXTezPVJNxs/s1600/IMG_9996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjKC9ezwuKAWSyHKCQPbWqrgLONdHVHH8-yw0JEFo2jVZKO8jbUXA_vcqN39sO660Kh51qq584jPUxo8ZZqQy1N6p-Dk_aLO_x8pN7Y139sbrcoreeF6Zsb0QVLSbbjduYXTezPVJNxs/s320/IMG_9996.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L-fvDNouyBtD4-QBNtxeATFmi7JSVachNZ9QKBnD8mmDv8ci1BIi7Dj1IFPA8AuOYbKWVD-OqGTzrHYxX5xzPuTkloSZUtIaOn73yOexeQl8SybjprtTr7CRLVy88GBPecVpJkPqLBs/s1600/IMG_9998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L-fvDNouyBtD4-QBNtxeATFmi7JSVachNZ9QKBnD8mmDv8ci1BIi7Dj1IFPA8AuOYbKWVD-OqGTzrHYxX5xzPuTkloSZUtIaOn73yOexeQl8SybjprtTr7CRLVy88GBPecVpJkPqLBs/s320/IMG_9998.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMHGnKj_kUa4fUFtxkgI0PX9BZnUNQHyKfaLH1LAPXzj6PvkyBqmjBX8N8WfVtUTz86IWP4bZ-uuYT_dsH4xWKLmrF1mtXI7qCDhVnJImBIKa6mMky1shcTW6rKs_G5jg2UsNGwvzgig/s1600/IMG_9999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMHGnKj_kUa4fUFtxkgI0PX9BZnUNQHyKfaLH1LAPXzj6PvkyBqmjBX8N8WfVtUTz86IWP4bZ-uuYT_dsH4xWKLmrF1mtXI7qCDhVnJImBIKa6mMky1shcTW6rKs_G5jg2UsNGwvzgig/s640/IMG_9999.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONJmLEf3JvXTvBN9gLi6ZbAItJC8FbGQyHE0hwWzTBN8kTC3q-7wlxAFm-R8JoqoQ4XyVusezBHCrzuqzSzF3D-MdwOv1dVdZGz7jpQobCSB7XhJELS49TQdfPMY6m-sDmAxoO1OvZCY/s1600/IMG_6642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONJmLEf3JvXTvBN9gLi6ZbAItJC8FbGQyHE0hwWzTBN8kTC3q-7wlxAFm-R8JoqoQ4XyVusezBHCrzuqzSzF3D-MdwOv1dVdZGz7jpQobCSB7XhJELS49TQdfPMY6m-sDmAxoO1OvZCY/s640/IMG_6642.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Second floor courtroom that was converted into offices during the 1970's</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjli9ZJC-pmarAljIGwleNXcDGhoXUxuqFesTS_AB2ZfK9yEDTiBgHr5UfjIDN7T6FFYk_HOIgxOIDlNuOizJSNojaZ6qS-rfOJtL7GBAUTp05kUM9-_82w78adojMnFCk5tvLbz7tTiPQ/s1600/IMG_6643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjli9ZJC-pmarAljIGwleNXcDGhoXUxuqFesTS_AB2ZfK9yEDTiBgHr5UfjIDN7T6FFYk_HOIgxOIDlNuOizJSNojaZ6qS-rfOJtL7GBAUTp05kUM9-_82w78adojMnFCk5tvLbz7tTiPQ/s640/IMG_6643.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Second floor courtroom, beautifully restored</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTx1T9Lhms938Fkon0qoeBiAXn_j_PApdkm6JZM862icmzAP7Nc2sjKq0q9auryXAd_E5WiWg08xHRAkQdYfHRnL7KMsj76isu4ru1fUM4p8FqTjKH2cLQH8NR49UAQQAV8xlwJdxTWT8/s1600/IMG_6644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTx1T9Lhms938Fkon0qoeBiAXn_j_PApdkm6JZM862icmzAP7Nc2sjKq0q9auryXAd_E5WiWg08xHRAkQdYfHRnL7KMsj76isu4ru1fUM4p8FqTjKH2cLQH8NR49UAQQAV8xlwJdxTWT8/s640/IMG_6644.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Second floor courtroom - I believe these benches were from the original courtroom, note the tile floor that is throughout the Courthouse. Balcony is accessible from the third floor.</i></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuZeRhO9ubg3wOvOFqtiIfl8WjVkNKWjN6_mYCyxgNIz_M5RFk64LWI5wz4EZuRDlqXrxojf_S0LbApe-UbAakltsrUxJQ6JIvOnzXjRAhyphenhyphennlp5lCXBKHRgxOQ7QoGeAAV2TG0mbAeWo/s1600/IMG_6860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuZeRhO9ubg3wOvOFqtiIfl8WjVkNKWjN6_mYCyxgNIz_M5RFk64LWI5wz4EZuRDlqXrxojf_S0LbApe-UbAakltsrUxJQ6JIvOnzXjRAhyphenhyphennlp5lCXBKHRgxOQ7QoGeAAV2TG0mbAeWo/s640/IMG_6860.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Courthouse was recorded as a Texas Historic Landmark in 1976. The Caldwell County Courthouse Historic District, which includes the Courthouse and 84 surrounding buildings on 25 acres of land, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. </div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-4459027576953823172018-07-30T19:31:00.000-05:002018-07-30T19:31:33.862-05:00Gaslight-Baker Theater, Lockhart Texas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQTL3T8vbnTjIw9ozkbd3oQq9KMFGVsnTwA-lGZTpDCF5nFEnIH1j8HtcLG34LMwNp7cbX6ISOSouMY0ghn2jPQRlC-Yqj21aXAdkPggVKgHRJT2JPQxN1spwOHE0ffsFqm1D0uobt7Y/s1600/IMG_6872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQTL3T8vbnTjIw9ozkbd3oQq9KMFGVsnTwA-lGZTpDCF5nFEnIH1j8HtcLG34LMwNp7cbX6ISOSouMY0ghn2jPQRlC-Yqj21aXAdkPggVKgHRJT2JPQxN1spwOHE0ffsFqm1D0uobt7Y/s640/IMG_6872.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My first trip to Lockhart was with the intent of exploring the Caldwell County Courthouse. I had parked on the square and was crossing the street to the Courthouse and glanced to my right for oncoming traffic when I saw this building; I knew immediately that it had been a movie theater at one time and immediately left the square to explore! </div>
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Located on a side street off the square, the <a href="http://www.mygbt.org/" target="_blank">Gaslight-Baker Theater</a> has been providing citizens with entertainment since its opening night on October 29, 1920. According to the theater's website there were two showings of "Old Kentucky" starring Anita Stewart and an estimated crowd of 1,500-2,000 people attended. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1ugV-dXaRoKHx9r7ifCw0adFedBOO7ukJpC3FQ8NZbiBeyFEhF6qmRXBQQILtHBLB-LpoLPOLIbNSqxYA2loVIiOIhMs6xew45xjg0ybUy0o2mWhkMeE2luKmHlWCDNoHIBBdo1fCUE/s1600/IMG_6856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1ugV-dXaRoKHx9r7ifCw0adFedBOO7ukJpC3FQ8NZbiBeyFEhF6qmRXBQQILtHBLB-LpoLPOLIbNSqxYA2loVIiOIhMs6xew45xjg0ybUy0o2mWhkMeE2luKmHlWCDNoHIBBdo1fCUE/s400/IMG_6856.JPG" width="300" /></a>At the time of its 1920 opening the theater was proclaimed by many to be more opulent and modern than many others in the state. Sadly, the theater underwent a remodeling in the 1930's and then another more extensive remodeling in the 1950's that give the theater much of its present day appearance. The pinkish ceramic tile was added to the lower exterior, as well as the angled front wall and enlarged marquee. The enclosure of the lobby probably dates to this remodeling. The Gaslight-Baker also owns the building next door (barely visible to the right of the theater in the first picture) where there offices and box office are now located.</div>
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Mr. A.D. (Colonel) Baker had built this theater after his first theater burned; he would continue to own and operate it until his death in 1936. The Baker Show Company owned and operated the facility until 1959 when it was purchased by the Valentine family. The theater remained in operation until March 1984 and sat vacant until 1997 when the Lockhart Community Theater acquired the building and converted it to accomodate live theater productions. Their first production,"Steel Magnolias", opened in October 1998. Ten years later LCT Baker Theater merged with Lockhart's Gaslight Theater to form today's Gaslight-Baker Theater and continues to offer year-round productions. The theater is part of the Caldwell Courthouse Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig09GmlS8X9cPLwPDv9HxB03l-nW-TBltXuwC2CzjgD6YmHjLKlNlqiXE05oPNlsQHVqkqz1rEbjRzznOjKLDPLyGMWNNbqISZSUwv9WbQPmmWQ9Nm_9Ot7343jowN8CMmEdMbjAjDS4s/s1600/IMG_6858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig09GmlS8X9cPLwPDv9HxB03l-nW-TBltXuwC2CzjgD6YmHjLKlNlqiXE05oPNlsQHVqkqz1rEbjRzznOjKLDPLyGMWNNbqISZSUwv9WbQPmmWQ9Nm_9Ot7343jowN8CMmEdMbjAjDS4s/s640/IMG_6858.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Close up of Proscenium Arch visible above stage set</i></span></td></tr>
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A plaque on the theater exterior indicates that </div>
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<i>The original vaudeville stage, portions of the 1920s interior, 1935 Grande Drape and Proscenium Arch remain intact.</i></blockquote>
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When the two theater groups merged the exterior of the building was refurbished, the lobby updated, and the balcony eventually was re-opened as a seating area. Interestingly, Mrs. Valentine had taken out all the seats and put in shag rugs for theater goers to sit on sometime in the 1970's.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOK3e0rF1h4t760xOBPeYfhNIDbZ7gnfI7E0Tnv78KCgyQcA1RQg4pHuHDYhmH0zOS0EgUjc737SWnYLlN7HURvXedv__BJu15ujQwfJutDP9Bw3H8Vsep5jJQzs8HQl0qW8-hN8nk78/s1600/IMG_6857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOK3e0rF1h4t760xOBPeYfhNIDbZ7gnfI7E0Tnv78KCgyQcA1RQg4pHuHDYhmH0zOS0EgUjc737SWnYLlN7HURvXedv__BJu15ujQwfJutDP9Bw3H8Vsep5jJQzs8HQl0qW8-hN8nk78/s640/IMG_6857.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I returned to Lockhart recently to see the current production, <i>The Lion in Winter,</i> which did not disappoint. The staging and acting was outstanding and the theater warm and welcoming.</div>
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-71893070839017224112018-06-22T20:41:00.004-05:002022-03-21T07:46:19.725-05:00Villa Finale part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkEXNE5F_tum0KxGxa_ASoHo7rgoVcU2iEpUOCzdvWscXTIxPxTtXOtHehbfp6Rji7iTxfzU3P3Q6VT-KBp9p6P24DkaEIXUJCmufVwCArZp_49wm1Qh6BBM51RFgDOPtZ-8LB62IFrY/s1600/IMG_6214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkEXNE5F_tum0KxGxa_ASoHo7rgoVcU2iEpUOCzdvWscXTIxPxTtXOtHehbfp6Rji7iTxfzU3P3Q6VT-KBp9p6P24DkaEIXUJCmufVwCArZp_49wm1Qh6BBM51RFgDOPtZ-8LB62IFrY/s400/IMG_6214.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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The evening tour group gathered on the front porch to begin with a brief history of this 1876 Italianate home located in the King William neighborhood. As our guide unlocked the front door she told us that we would feel like we were stepping back into the 1800's, but really we were stepping into the 1970's. And indeed, as a child of the '70's I did see the truthfulness of the statement especially in the kitchen with the brown appliances and the elegant draperies with ball fringe trim!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOYTwzHEFUF_zP457PR3PGH_2DLne6nK2ijdcruMl4xC8LWatKwudyqPryVHkZOPhQH-GR_RCjqs7iXcWeu98GRpH7pfgCsiqcIEjP3r5bU2v9L8eXAbZFzeOyF4PwlgcTiXM7pHlKw0/s1600/IMG_9887_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOYTwzHEFUF_zP457PR3PGH_2DLne6nK2ijdcruMl4xC8LWatKwudyqPryVHkZOPhQH-GR_RCjqs7iXcWeu98GRpH7pfgCsiqcIEjP3r5bU2v9L8eXAbZFzeOyF4PwlgcTiXM7pHlKw0/s640/IMG_9887_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This home's history really does begin in 1967 when Walter Nold Mathis purchased the derelict property. Hard times had come to the King William neighborhood following the disastrous flood of the San Antonio River in 1921. The elegant homes built by mostly German immigrants in the late 1880's were flooded and many owners moved northward leaving the homes to be neglected or divided into apartments. The neighborhood declined until a core group from the original families were successful in obtaining protective zoning. Shortly after Mathis bought the home the King William Association formed and soon the neighborhood was listed in the National Register of Historic Places, making it the first listed historic district in Texas. To read more about history of the King William area <a href="https://www.sanantonio.gov/Mission-Trails/Mission-Trails-Historic-Sites/Historic-Districts-Neighborhoods/King-William-Historic-District/King-William-Historic-District-Expanded" target="_blank">click here</a> . The home is also listed in the Historic American Buildings Survey (<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Survey number: HABS TX-3225).</span></div>
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Hardware merchant Russel C. Norton and his wife hired architect Francis Crider to design a one-story four room limestone house in 1876 and added an identical second story to the home before selling it in 1881. During the 1880's Edwin Polk added a Victorian style two-story brick wing and wooden gallery to the house as well as several outbuildings (no longer extant).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuHmLMpPF_2hJS23zHLQhNHwxGxcgex_mtDbaHa_775i2W9mH34dGXe9zqeCsJPBYbwqXKURB9KYIq3pPl6XRV59Q3K27rENG93LpyitLVzDqZcDPmf7U0_xdKbtRoaLtlE7HUbqyssw/s1600/IMG_6266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuHmLMpPF_2hJS23zHLQhNHwxGxcgex_mtDbaHa_775i2W9mH34dGXe9zqeCsJPBYbwqXKURB9KYIq3pPl6XRV59Q3K27rENG93LpyitLVzDqZcDPmf7U0_xdKbtRoaLtlE7HUbqyssw/s400/IMG_6266.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two-story addition and galleries </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCuTsiW42_9n1LMUZZJhCg8hWfkZMsU9_zOkF9UGZkk34G1bzDAoN6ajiT6O7ZpRGF8dPR1NuTZiLCNB-n90pVmUYXA6quD3MVB8d4hdLhOLCJwAus-3jr1EAmOlt7fiN0DQ-Yn8Vt-4/s1600/IMG_6212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCuTsiW42_9n1LMUZZJhCg8hWfkZMsU9_zOkF9UGZkk34G1bzDAoN6ajiT6O7ZpRGF8dPR1NuTZiLCNB-n90pVmUYXA6quD3MVB8d4hdLhOLCJwAus-3jr1EAmOlt7fiN0DQ-Yn8Vt-4/s640/IMG_6212.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double front porches</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-s_vZoLCR3hUZ19Dz3T3D7H9WQoRQRVTiKOaw4uaND6Pzg5Zx-vlX-cP_WtdAR2wv0ZfjG1km1nPdV_PiV58gmxRc2I4mNqopRpzmZfse_GBfNBBfTi4zU3r8E6OgmaLmrEGQAkn0-qs/s1600/IMG_9890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-s_vZoLCR3hUZ19Dz3T3D7H9WQoRQRVTiKOaw4uaND6Pzg5Zx-vlX-cP_WtdAR2wv0ZfjG1km1nPdV_PiV58gmxRc2I4mNqopRpzmZfse_GBfNBBfTi4zU3r8E6OgmaLmrEGQAkn0-qs/s640/IMG_9890.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_g0NMLzPa4jGU45UweIW_oOBSIGmFeibk9IojByljgHXEhRlXg4Agslo6RxCScX43LSH_EjVuKrhBDw0B_vgesU4_RHZGqrTnsFXLNmf8i3N-rPA9ycH4lrPydR75uVebWDR2tD7Ovgo/s1600/IMG_6231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_g0NMLzPa4jGU45UweIW_oOBSIGmFeibk9IojByljgHXEhRlXg4Agslo6RxCScX43LSH_EjVuKrhBDw0B_vgesU4_RHZGqrTnsFXLNmf8i3N-rPA9ycH4lrPydR75uVebWDR2tD7Ovgo/s400/IMG_6231.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
An exhibit inside the home credits Colonel Isaac Pryor and his wife, Myra, with the addition of the double front porches and Italianate style tower during their ownership from 1896-1901. However, HABS<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span>indicates that these were added by the Polks.<br />
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The tower is accessible from the front second-story room via a spiral staircase. In addition to giving the home a decorative touch on the exterior it is possible the tower was used to pull out the hot air from the lower floors.<br />
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From the 1920's until Walter Mathis bought the home it was divided into apartments and the rear porches converted into a kitchen and bathroom. Like many of the once grand homes the property suffered from general neglect. Mathis was a devoted preservationist who, interestingly, had been displaced from his existing home due to the impending construction of a new freeway. He bought the derelict home in 1967 and restored it to the original floor plan using modern construction materials and some of the salvaged architectual details. A year later the King William Street Historic District would be approved and the neighborhood would revive.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlkSFcGS8k3MIg9FEwVtE64hX3HBYIo2Yie6HGBZyci7jwIPkYTqRl_35lH2qkaPBhm1zN4-VRU5yElY-dO0xY45kmMySN63bF209Bzp99Jr3K31ffUTsxPKhsB8WjM7upz6ZmWAqmQ8/s1600/IMG_6269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlkSFcGS8k3MIg9FEwVtE64hX3HBYIo2Yie6HGBZyci7jwIPkYTqRl_35lH2qkaPBhm1zN4-VRU5yElY-dO0xY45kmMySN63bF209Bzp99Jr3K31ffUTsxPKhsB8WjM7upz6ZmWAqmQ8/s640/IMG_6269.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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He named the house Villa Finale as he knew this would be his final home. During the forty years he lived here he filled would fill it with art and decorative pieces from his international travels and his extensive collections. After spending two years on the renovation of his home Mathis purchased and partially restored many surrounding homes and sold them to preservation minded individuals. He was a major influence on the renaisance of the King William Neighborhood. Villa Finale is now owned and administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Kin9OUWVIdADtAeLek51U6EayvRa5bgJ5v7YTZvg9PRLykcXrtUlebCrz67WzeT1p1_gHNj68YQx3P51-Gw42iqissYeQazchC7sTLHsPn7rQI0QH1wVxRv-vs7q1_BZZotd5uX2NRU/s1600/IMG_6313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Kin9OUWVIdADtAeLek51U6EayvRa5bgJ5v7YTZvg9PRLykcXrtUlebCrz67WzeT1p1_gHNj68YQx3P51-Gw42iqissYeQazchC7sTLHsPn7rQI0QH1wVxRv-vs7q1_BZZotd5uX2NRU/s400/IMG_6313.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front porches</td></tr>
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Located at 401 King William St., San Antonio Texas. Call before visiting to make a tour reservation. For more visitor information visit <a href="http://villafinale.org/" target="_blank">Villa Finale</a>. Part 2 will feature the incredible interior and grounds.</div>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-50877599154675081512018-04-29T18:42:00.001-05:002018-04-29T18:42:46.068-05:00The Tower of the Americas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMRsdczKd9XUc_ZiTbcYiZOaIp23hKiMn91hhbcDnSzDvsUAI1x5yA1Barec1WJOC7pQYWkDVUGRwlLWFcKHnMGqogQJkIfwivKQnhgnQtczv1MX9wr231OgJLAlIoNr7QzZeDBcjlfQ/s1600/IMG_5898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMRsdczKd9XUc_ZiTbcYiZOaIp23hKiMn91hhbcDnSzDvsUAI1x5yA1Barec1WJOC7pQYWkDVUGRwlLWFcKHnMGqogQJkIfwivKQnhgnQtczv1MX9wr231OgJLAlIoNr7QzZeDBcjlfQ/s640/IMG_5898.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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For the last 50 years the Tower of the Americas has been a distinguishing landmark of the downtown San Antonio skyline. Built as a part of the 1968 HemisFair it has remained an integral part of the community; most of HemisFair is long gone and soon new construction will bring further changes to this area now known as HemisFair Park.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwMBvv_2CDQHDSTAxDSn_wU1MSQzKgaaOdwwmogFXf4ZrGg9VNndjpJLL6nkY42ZcFX_yifj1f_G8WBb_FdCPfxA85N3uMWHyEVMqQHoMVFfcMMsc5hJFUIGF_5WchcrPeZg9LIxSTBE/s1600/IMG_9023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwMBvv_2CDQHDSTAxDSn_wU1MSQzKgaaOdwwmogFXf4ZrGg9VNndjpJLL6nkY42ZcFX_yifj1f_G8WBb_FdCPfxA85N3uMWHyEVMqQHoMVFfcMMsc5hJFUIGF_5WchcrPeZg9LIxSTBE/s640/IMG_9023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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From the base to the top of the radio tower the Tower measures 750 feet. An elevator makes continual runs to the restaurant, bar, and observation deck, but if you feel challenged you can take the stairs - all 952! The views from the elevator are spectacular and the ride is about 2 minutes. The restaurant revolves and gives a panoramic view of the city, sunset is an time excellent to dine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIczruyRFJ0cfHqQGQuacXa6Lv_MWllk5kF8H0_aZZlan-HcRFryj5cojZ_L-Vpp2oz9OMzEsAvRwhwnX3IXCDQ0B7JUqPY9qG_fNU8tX_mncgfS1MLjOZYPvavFJs4GAdk73v14nOurQ/s1600/IMG_9027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIczruyRFJ0cfHqQGQuacXa6Lv_MWllk5kF8H0_aZZlan-HcRFryj5cojZ_L-Vpp2oz9OMzEsAvRwhwnX3IXCDQ0B7JUqPY9qG_fNU8tX_mncgfS1MLjOZYPvavFJs4GAdk73v14nOurQ/s640/IMG_9027.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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HemisFair '68 was financed with a combination of public funds and private underwriting; however, it was not without controversy. Developing the 92.6-acre site required the demolishment of an entire neighborhood that generated much opposition. HemisFair architect O'Neill Ford would be relieved of his duties as primary architect because his plan was to save 120 of the historic homes, churches, and businesses that comprised this neighborhood. Fair planners were not pleased with his intentions, but Federal funding was released only after an amendment was passed that required them to save as many structures as possible; only twenty would be preserved. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">According to the <a href="https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/gas01"><b><span style="color: #0049c2;">San Antonio Conservation Society</span></b></a>, the
development project displaced a total of 2,239 residences and 686 businesses.
It also demolished 1,349 structures and either changed or erased two dozen
existing streets. (retrieved from Texas State Handbook online 4/20/2018)</span></blockquote>
Another controversy swirled when Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez questioned the bidding process for the Tower and withheld Federal funding until the bids were re-offered. Finally groundbreaking took place on August 6, 1966.<br />
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When the Tower opened to the public April 11, 1968 the fair had already been open for a few days. Construction materials and workers greeted visitors arrived at the top of the Tower. The concrete base was built from the ground up and the clubhouse built on the ground and then hoisted up to be secured in place. An interesting slide show of the construction can be found <a href="https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/slideshow/Building-the-Tower-of-the-Americas-59470.php" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOX96k6q9kFl0hlZNfisdwgJKG-r5HOlRuJ5ozxFJbn0LC5A70jgBX3rgRr7Wy8qlt0mZ1WZsgZiGpu4uvqX5W1yr3yj0bBYvdbvSx9qOMiQTkIFTXBrHUYGGwSxU9axprjSoeBdZ5vA4/s1600/IMG_9368_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOX96k6q9kFl0hlZNfisdwgJKG-r5HOlRuJ5ozxFJbn0LC5A70jgBX3rgRr7Wy8qlt0mZ1WZsgZiGpu4uvqX5W1yr3yj0bBYvdbvSx9qOMiQTkIFTXBrHUYGGwSxU9axprjSoeBdZ5vA4/s640/IMG_9368_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Need a dime? Not so easy as there is plexi-glass between you and it. The round building in the upper picture was the Confluence Theater during HemisFair and is now the John H. Wood Federal Courthouse.</td></tr>
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The observation level has both an inside area and one outside. Originally the outside area had only steel bars, but safety and weather concerns prompted the addition of high plexi-glass panels. Still, the wind can be fierce up there!<br />
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After many years of enchanting visitors the Tower closed and underwent a major remodeling, re-opening in 2006. The current restaurant contract holder, Landry's, also added a gift shop and small cafe at ground level. Today's Tower of the Americas is very different in some ways, but still offers the same thrilling elevator ride and 360 degree view of a growing city.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-3095598581412035572018-04-03T12:32:00.001-05:002018-04-03T17:58:58.161-05:00Kerr County Courthouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivwmh9nPhR2NAqiem_OOFeugwlvyITLaVsK7uzuVqFE71TJMqjWB0WVup6iIZdF-HbMBFBtIGyfJAQvamWlANoQegPtsz0MwFr91g3-Ajfvxt-VcPpLSDkTs-mOZ8-fnhWSJZW1MzC6M/s1600/IMG_5158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivwmh9nPhR2NAqiem_OOFeugwlvyITLaVsK7uzuVqFE71TJMqjWB0WVup6iIZdF-HbMBFBtIGyfJAQvamWlANoQegPtsz0MwFr91g3-Ajfvxt-VcPpLSDkTs-mOZ8-fnhWSJZW1MzC6M/s400/IMG_5158.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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The exterior of the Kerr County Courthouse (Kerrville, Texas) may not appear as ornate as other Texas Courthouses and it is not on the National Register of Historic Places, but it does have an interesting history and architectural features that are worthy of exploration. </div>
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Designed in the Classical Revival style the building also has influences of the Italian Renaissance Revival style that are easily discernable. Notice the broken pediment above the front door and the columns on either side? That's a very common feature of the Classical Revival style favored from 1895 to 1950. The round arch entrance is typical of the Italian Renaissance Revival style favored between 1890 and 1930.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhHBSuf4YEkTYrNZqvpHoqewFotMgz2RsXdSEDjrY78y_CPJSBNdfzSrjwMw8WfzSIISeFd1j89SLNPUkS7oUvQMoy-zAZrDmR9o3J9YHEFUyAUQDFp23PlEDWPoRwwAsEKjW6Vski34/s1600/IMG_5169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhHBSuf4YEkTYrNZqvpHoqewFotMgz2RsXdSEDjrY78y_CPJSBNdfzSrjwMw8WfzSIISeFd1j89SLNPUkS7oUvQMoy-zAZrDmR9o3J9YHEFUyAUQDFp23PlEDWPoRwwAsEKjW6Vski34/s640/IMG_5169.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The 1926 Courthouse in active use today was constructed to replace the 1886 courthouse designed by noted architect Alfred Giles. Local legend attributes the need for a new courthouse to a fire in 1925; however, newspaper sources explain that the 1886 courthouse needed major repairs as well as a fire proof vault. Sources indicate that materials from the old courthouse were re-purposed in various locations around Kerrville. This is Kerr County's fifth courthouse since its creation in 1856.</div>
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Adams & Adams of San Antonio, Texas was awarded the contract to design the new courthouse; W.C.Thrailkill would serve as contractor.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJLVLlgXwTPHDwNKfb5DjSY2gvZ_Dc77fEW4g68QbbFEwyuAevumW6XYAv3iUwq7F4ZsUjXNh2HVsc_5SWMXh7KQtiuuG0uxNZEbEPOWg54c_gkb8mPOfNgqJbFX7eWljso0mXPxycn8/s1600/IMG_0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJLVLlgXwTPHDwNKfb5DjSY2gvZ_Dc77fEW4g68QbbFEwyuAevumW6XYAv3iUwq7F4ZsUjXNh2HVsc_5SWMXh7KQtiuuG0uxNZEbEPOWg54c_gkb8mPOfNgqJbFX7eWljso0mXPxycn8/s400/IMG_0283.JPG" width="266" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Details of the front entry showing the Classical Revival style </span></i></td></tr>
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The third floor barely visible in the picture served as the County's original jail. A kind deputy was happy to give a friend and me a behind the scenes tour and led us up the narrow stairs into this area. The original cells and still working door mechanism are still in place. On a funny note it is where the Courthouse's Christmas decorations are now stored. Contrary to local legend he assured us that no one was ever hanged inside this Courthouse and that none of the Al Capone stories are true!</div>
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The roofline balustrade is an example of both architectural styles while the dentiled cornice is a Classical Revival influence. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZO9xVK3gONmva-gqytjmJVDvGrcaOdrGke6TCwSeKWkJXjwz5tL1D9rfOkBAc27DLpFCpsv8Tqrqs348Sc9_qVvvaT_rE6yUz98yjrfAKQwNmCWsuc1hUBPo68L01iu2aSA9VUrqVf0/s1600/IMG_0274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZO9xVK3gONmva-gqytjmJVDvGrcaOdrGke6TCwSeKWkJXjwz5tL1D9rfOkBAc27DLpFCpsv8Tqrqs348Sc9_qVvvaT_rE6yUz98yjrfAKQwNmCWsuc1hUBPo68L01iu2aSA9VUrqVf0/s640/IMG_0274.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The rusticated type stone at the ground level is an Italian Renaissance Revival influence.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Original Courthouse and attached 1977 Annex</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">1977 Annex </span></i> </td></tr>
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By the mid-1970's Kerr County had grown significantly and there was a need for more jail space. An annex designed by A.B. Swank and Lester B. Whitton and built by Waco Construction, Inc. was completed in 1977. However, it was quickly outgrown and a new, separate jail was constructed. The annex was converted into modern court roooms. Many thanks to the very friendly deputy who let us see this room!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Original doorknob on office in basement</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Basement office door</i></span></td></tr>
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<i>Detail of benches in hallway between Courthouse and Annex</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Tile flooring in main entry</i></span></td></tr>
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The stately Kerry County Courthouse is a perfect example of the blending of architectural styles as well as an old building continuing to serve the people of the county in a very modern way.<br />
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-32988679892995643152018-01-16T20:12:00.000-06:002018-01-16T20:12:23.884-06:00Concho County Courthouse, Paint Rock Texas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEBW70PYvH_m-JIPmwHqOeMwkLb7CyS8GdOeJRG0ZYvEPUkGtlIgzf1fUmZjQWMGkPfFN1mAPsuHt1tNfco7EtY2jKPUE2wV09obz1CweWpiKBSG4UsK4p5SthWYKDma05rDqb4BFQj8/s1600/IMG_0116_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEBW70PYvH_m-JIPmwHqOeMwkLb7CyS8GdOeJRG0ZYvEPUkGtlIgzf1fUmZjQWMGkPfFN1mAPsuHt1tNfco7EtY2jKPUE2wV09obz1CweWpiKBSG4UsK4p5SthWYKDma05rDqb4BFQj8/s640/IMG_0116_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>South elevation</i></span></td></tr>
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A mid-December trip to Lubbock to attend the Texas Tech graduation ceremony provided an added bonus of travelling roads I had never travelled before. My favorite find was the Concho County Courthouse, which I later found to be one of the Second Empire Ruffini <a href="http://doorwayintothepast.blogspot.com/2017/12/architectural-triplets.html" target="_blank">Architectual Triplets</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNBXdPtpsyTa8RqZTmv_0Z8Sg_xf7n1aD-cZRO8YuOk_r4N1JSlWWrIzt3cIkkIyuz6g5p9xPKd_Bz7WJ0ehfb77SUJ539hyCcXXmpcic3xgl7m7letXyGN0KBw8AOfjm6LEdC_t1HPM/s1600/IMG_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNBXdPtpsyTa8RqZTmv_0Z8Sg_xf7n1aD-cZRO8YuOk_r4N1JSlWWrIzt3cIkkIyuz6g5p9xPKd_Bz7WJ0ehfb77SUJ539hyCcXXmpcic3xgl7m7letXyGN0KBw8AOfjm6LEdC_t1HPM/s640/IMG_0125.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>North door, appears to no longer be in use</i></span></td></tr>
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The building had a familiarity to it, but I missed all the clues and had to wait until I returned home to find that it was designed and constructed using the same plans as the Sutton County Courthouse and the Old Blanco County Courthouse. All three are laid out on a cross axial plan featuring tall, narrow windows and two interior staircases; the Concho County building is considered the most elaborate in detail. Click on the link above to see pictures of each building.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMAaFRanLL4qz2W_HD9f__kVMYFfSkD1urTMVVeaWHhnLwd9NPztyj8SOQ-8iorRq3owMXIqrNhREhzYx1i7ppnkJPvrskn8C2H2osDwhNfX9JX8D2buLCLuthpYEOYPWltaQpqucx7Q/s1600/IMG_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMAaFRanLL4qz2W_HD9f__kVMYFfSkD1urTMVVeaWHhnLwd9NPztyj8SOQ-8iorRq3owMXIqrNhREhzYx1i7ppnkJPvrskn8C2H2osDwhNfX9JX8D2buLCLuthpYEOYPWltaQpqucx7Q/s640/IMG_0117.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Mansard roof south elevation</i></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;"> Built in the Second Empire style much favored for public buildings of the period, its dominant visual feature is its characteristic Mansard roof, treated with much greater elaboration than some of its contemporaries such as F.E. Ruffini’s Blanco County Courthouse. (quoted from the National Register of Historic Places nomination, added 1977)</span></blockquote>
The design is attributed to Frederick E. (Ernst) Ruffini, but in truth the plan is an adaptation of W.W. Larmour's design for the Tom Green County 1885 Courthouse in San Angelo, Texas. Ruffini's brother, Oscar, had established a practice in San Angelo and was serving as supervising architect for the courthouse construction. He sent the plans and a photograph of the building to Ernst who modified them for the <a href="http://doorwayintothepast.blogspot.com/2013/03/old-blanco-county-courthouse.html" target="_blank">Old Blanco County Courthouse</a> and for the Concho County Courthouse. Both brothers used the plans to design several other courthouses which have all been demolished except for the <a href="http://doorwayintothepast.blogspot.com/2014/01/for.html" target="_blank">Sutton County Courthouse</a>. When Ernst passed away in late 1885 Oscar oversaw the completion of the Concho County Courthouse.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkGi08sd4LqnWv-esGz1k2D0c4z-in4qjJP8sb-miwVXfQ81A6CXK56jB9xDYtaVkULpNgPXRKHLJABn6AadhlepzpFqDQNe4kjR6eu_I9cXYXzDSAp8VhyzzaQ7Nu_TWGIlZnoCp_LQ/s1600/IMG_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkGi08sd4LqnWv-esGz1k2D0c4z-in4qjJP8sb-miwVXfQ81A6CXK56jB9xDYtaVkULpNgPXRKHLJABn6AadhlepzpFqDQNe4kjR6eu_I9cXYXzDSAp8VhyzzaQ7Nu_TWGIlZnoCp_LQ/s640/IMG_0121.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">South elevation - when I looked through the door I could see a beautiful staircase decorated for Christmas! </span></i></td></tr>
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Bonds in the amount of $28,000 were issued at 8% interest to fund the project after Kane & Cormack Contractors and Builders were awarded the construction contract. Rusticated stone from a nearby quarry was used in the construction. As the project neared completion under Oscar Ruffini's supervision County Commissioners contracted with a Chicago firm to furnish the courthouse for a sum of $1,212.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGHsKm8iGKoDbPgv-yX60XGnjCHUcm8eyNpJMFFOpRlANnHlyz9WtkmlDoLhtVaIkoB19loHX9hsv016mBSeXzAMT7rtrWsDBODQIq-nwmZkyFIkWP7ndpiHS_Q4-RIN1J8o126169Dc/s1600/IMG_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGHsKm8iGKoDbPgv-yX60XGnjCHUcm8eyNpJMFFOpRlANnHlyz9WtkmlDoLhtVaIkoB19loHX9hsv016mBSeXzAMT7rtrWsDBODQIq-nwmZkyFIkWP7ndpiHS_Q4-RIN1J8o126169Dc/s640/IMG_0124.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">North elevation</span></i></td></tr>
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The building appears to be in excellent condition and very well preserved. The only significant modification to the structure is the addition of a vault on the east side of the building (see the south elevation picture). Truly an architectual gem!<br />
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<i>Just to note: I do plan to return when the building is open and see if I can make photographs and find pictures from the past on display.</i><br />
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-50716033688555259982017-12-27T19:57:00.000-06:002017-12-27T19:57:03.666-06:00Architectural Triplets<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Concho County Courthouse, the Old Blanco County Courthouse and the Sutton County Courthouse are architectual triplets. Not identical, but still close matches (pictures below). </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">All three are designed in the Second Empire style with the Concho courthouse being the most elaborate in detail. Each one is</span> laid out on a cross axial plan and features tall, narrow windows and 2 interior staircases.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This design</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.26px;"> has an interesting story of its own that's worth noting here. Oscar Ruffini was serving as the supervising architect for the Tom Green County Courthouse (San Angelo) that was designed by W.W. Larmour. He sent the plans and a photograph of the project to his well known brother, F.E. (Ernst) Ruffini, who took them and modified them for the Old Blanco courthouse</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.26px;"> and for the courthouses in Callahan and Concho Counties. Oscar took the plans and used them to design the Sutton and Mills County Courthouses. I have to note that several references referred to this sharing of the original plan as "borrowing" or "used without permission"!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Concho and the Old Blanco courthouses were completed in 1886; Ernst passed away during construction and Oscar was appointed to serve as the supervising architect to complete the Concho courthouse. Sutton was completed in 1891. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A post about the Concho County Courthouse will be up soon as well as updates to earlier posts on the Old Blanco County Courthouse and the Sutton County Courthouse. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL7ZHGCMJaSUrI1ImXDmCpLrD1uFjp6J1NMkraxLaCUD1NM765fRRCrwIPhF5mAeUwRXlsW3Obq0pgN5zl6UnjLOsevr0OVlmFyCyLoWqgU_20A1jci1sOlg6rhZ6HelmwDsPA0_p2dc/s1600/IMG_0116_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL7ZHGCMJaSUrI1ImXDmCpLrD1uFjp6J1NMkraxLaCUD1NM765fRRCrwIPhF5mAeUwRXlsW3Obq0pgN5zl6UnjLOsevr0OVlmFyCyLoWqgU_20A1jci1sOlg6rhZ6HelmwDsPA0_p2dc/s400/IMG_0116_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Concho County Courthouse</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHRzAILHaGwgepkuzJaFX4Cx_Wds6PZYcWLRWM4KoSRgPjx7MMEYmV91ahgb0kRXyHeq_lmf0mhT0EGvae9lO6C4nXOtFMg23U3Cw9oaL6WQgudq3GWkkKAjNvooEF5RQap4HaBsTChg/s1600/IMG_3770+%2528640x427%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHRzAILHaGwgepkuzJaFX4Cx_Wds6PZYcWLRWM4KoSRgPjx7MMEYmV91ahgb0kRXyHeq_lmf0mhT0EGvae9lO6C4nXOtFMg23U3Cw9oaL6WQgudq3GWkkKAjNvooEF5RQap4HaBsTChg/s400/IMG_3770+%2528640x427%2529.jpg" width="400" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Old Blanco County Courthouse</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Sutton County Courthouse</i></span></td></tr>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-42592588108380340162017-09-28T21:14:00.001-05:002022-03-20T13:35:54.165-05:00San Pedro Park Branch Library<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-gqpSNOk73bwLxZsettqfQPt9Kys_mE_zqREE-iOEItbSyAaDu94Q-LgH1YuF48JmwJ1DMsXrrKiPjTvWYPWcnCX97M_oDZNKzQJj69AfCvIv4RnGZk03fcxpqjolGtBywSlqjQLKf4/s1600/IMG_9397_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1600" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-gqpSNOk73bwLxZsettqfQPt9Kys_mE_zqREE-iOEItbSyAaDu94Q-LgH1YuF48JmwJ1DMsXrrKiPjTvWYPWcnCX97M_oDZNKzQJj69AfCvIv4RnGZk03fcxpqjolGtBywSlqjQLKf4/s640/IMG_9397_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The San Pedro Branch Library was the first branch library built by the San Antonio Public Library System. Construction began in 1929 and the library opened its doors to the public on August 5, 1930. </span> The small 26,000 volume branch is located on the east side of <a href="http://doorwayintothepast.blogspot.com/2014/05/san-pedro-springs.html" target="_blank">San Pedro Springs Park</a> and serves the surrounding community that includes San Antonio College.</div>
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The building underwent a total renovation in 2007 that restored it to much of its original appearance. The San Antonio Conservation Society presented it with one of their coveted awards for the preservation efforts with this property.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJuCJ06xjkZmki6oEQWJuVSzn1_gdCd3Veg8S6w-nC6Um0rh1yLLM5TZ8BPzfZz30WIMPtMrus_GCitB9Md7yHjDRDstgkHphKZA1rxuuf1xCq5g8WXhqcGW1Imq-IzwViL2Y8LJulTg/s1600/IMG_9370_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1241" data-original-width="1600" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJuCJ06xjkZmki6oEQWJuVSzn1_gdCd3Veg8S6w-nC6Um0rh1yLLM5TZ8BPzfZz30WIMPtMrus_GCitB9Md7yHjDRDstgkHphKZA1rxuuf1xCq5g8WXhqcGW1Imq-IzwViL2Y8LJulTg/s320/IMG_9370_edited-2.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaw5q6Slo31lQn8xMUDXfCEevaHNNuBYng72iyhFhc1LhLHKf9b0M7UqvBAyoHzx7HZNsNGJF-YBh4qQW9pXR5uE95rlI1-0ARQfSyz06OPoZ7P0AsL48AS26iupQDX50NjRqoHTNM_Y/s1600/IMG_9382_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaw5q6Slo31lQn8xMUDXfCEevaHNNuBYng72iyhFhc1LhLHKf9b0M7UqvBAyoHzx7HZNsNGJF-YBh4qQW9pXR5uE95rlI1-0ARQfSyz06OPoZ7P0AsL48AS26iupQDX50NjRqoHTNM_Y/s400/IMG_9382_edited-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Double archways over the entry lead into two separate wings that house the adult and juvenile collections. Architectural design was done by the prominent firm of Atlee & Robert Ayers who designed many homes and buildings in San Antonio. </div>
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Two small rooms across the back were created when screened porches were enclosed. One serves as a cozy childrens space and the other houses the public access computers. The windows in this space give views of the large oak trees and the park. I was captivated by the older chairs for both children and adults in this area!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVQU3CIPDt_xvdO6ClSZAcN3fKwxv8krCTaYhong7LZHYHPjVgzVkL-FpO4nyRovQdTddffsYHjD_COQpofvPMlh3yx828odGIDbz_WrUMgRa-wKltZz98y0y0UdoSrX6D-fAvrMctsA/s1600/IMG_9398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVQU3CIPDt_xvdO6ClSZAcN3fKwxv8krCTaYhong7LZHYHPjVgzVkL-FpO4nyRovQdTddffsYHjD_COQpofvPMlh3yx828odGIDbz_WrUMgRa-wKltZz98y0y0UdoSrX6D-fAvrMctsA/s400/IMG_9398.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes, there are boot scrapers on either side of the door! This is Texas!</span></td></tr>
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-31111802575464312422017-08-13T16:53:00.000-05:002017-08-13T16:53:37.171-05:00Petunia, Betty & the mini dachshund<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kJNNYh9xyF3eGkEBBRbMHnib6-Teya7KTxvVCL-55V1-bHJmGsNckfRlMF_PtM6_nJ1QGrtHym4WUrfh3_g40yj0I0GpEU5w0uqT19EiXmcs6_XPlANRWiJ-FJdl6nnj2vA-nGwYelc/s1600/IMG_2633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kJNNYh9xyF3eGkEBBRbMHnib6-Teya7KTxvVCL-55V1-bHJmGsNckfRlMF_PtM6_nJ1QGrtHym4WUrfh3_g40yj0I0GpEU5w0uqT19EiXmcs6_XPlANRWiJ-FJdl6nnj2vA-nGwYelc/s640/IMG_2633.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I've ridden the <a href="http://mata.org/" target="_blank">McKinney Avenue Transit Authority</a> trollies twice and will do it again when I'm in Dallas! They are a delight to ride and their history is even more intriguing. Since they don't fit into my criteria for this blog, but are still very historic, I wanted to let you know I have post up on my Small Simple Things of Life blog. Click on the link below to find out about the trollies and see more pictures. <br />
<a href="https://smallsimplethingsoflife.com/2017/08/12/petunia-betty-the-mini-dachshund/" target="_blank">read more</a>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-25374972416409887922017-06-21T17:18:00.004-05:002017-06-21T17:18:50.325-05:00Japanese Tea Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There isn’t a door way to walk through for this post,
just this gate created by local artist Dionicio Rodriguez in his signature
faux-cement style sometime in the early 1940’s. What awaits beyond the gate is
an amazing transformation of an abandoned rock quarry into a lush garden with a
60-foot waterfall, Koi ponds, and delightful foot paths. A future post will discuss the rock quarry.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwZTMyDa4vBieoSTekEjoyWuOm2LYPlIgUstb1TJxa801rlBW9jexPTLkJ4iYlewrbt-o_h7EANmY7N1dsvE4VihGKr3GdEIi2IFnYoz-7ipDht-4uHYgmK8y5MRHiaTurMyvW7sC4Hg/s1600/IMG_2484_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwZTMyDa4vBieoSTekEjoyWuOm2LYPlIgUstb1TJxa801rlBW9jexPTLkJ4iYlewrbt-o_h7EANmY7N1dsvE4VihGKr3GdEIi2IFnYoz-7ipDht-4uHYgmK8y5MRHiaTurMyvW7sC4Hg/s640/IMG_2484_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In 1917 City Parks Commissioner Ray
Lambert found himself facing a challenge of what to do with the city owned
abandoned rock quarry adjacent to the newly developed Brackenridge Park.
As with most of his projects there was very little funding available, but
he had the vision of creating a lily pond in this space and in the southern portion
of the quarry pit he would construct a garden (originally referred to as the
Texas Star Garden and now the Sunken Garden Theater).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Using the plans of his park engineer and
prison labor he was able to construct the new garden. Local residents donated
bulbs, plants came from the City nursery, and lighting provided by the local
power company. When the Japanese style garden opened in 1918 he had spent only
$7,000. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aKqqapnK7OQ0H0R3Cwk8BTHu2ij0cvqVIBKIwuyW9j44wnGHJg1Y_tM4Vgs7s-TRdHaCCouomTBNYWwxm5ODPjRdO7R6GLFsPMiQgYCeVxkYlLUmnchQpgdiinO5EfUfS3zP3qzja2Q/s1600/IMG_2483_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aKqqapnK7OQ0H0R3Cwk8BTHu2ij0cvqVIBKIwuyW9j44wnGHJg1Y_tM4Vgs7s-TRdHaCCouomTBNYWwxm5ODPjRdO7R6GLFsPMiQgYCeVxkYlLUmnchQpgdiinO5EfUfS3zP3qzja2Q/s640/IMG_2483_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In 1926 a
local Japanese-American artist, Kimi Eizo Jungu, was hired by the City to open
a small restaurant serving light lunches and tea. When he died in 1930
his family continued to live here and operate the restaurant known as the Jingu
House. They would be evicted in 1942 due to anti-Japanese sentiment
during World War II. The garden was re-named as the Chinese Tea Garden
and a Chinese-American was hired to continue to run the facility until the
early 1960's. In 1984 the garden was returned to its original name of the
Japanese Tea Garden with a ceremony attended by the Jingu family and
representatives of the Japanese government.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Following years of decline the Garden
underwent a major renovation and was re-dedicated on March 8, 2008 with
descendants of Ray Lambert and one of the Jingu children who had been born in
the house attending the grand celebration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.jinguhousesa.com/jinguhouse.htm" target="_blank">Jingu House<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></a>still offers light
lunches and teas and is available for private events. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwKbGgda4pj-n7hABV36waJQ2U_swL2i5yN1Vroh1k2ch_A-Y1jUFfNoDSGiRhwJT2IPPA0s-ie9nU2dVddL5o2oZexqYtGmt9-oTs7QYRGOfnpu8yxWOf3bLQaQJ4_LeBrrhoib4_E4/s1600/IMG_2506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwKbGgda4pj-n7hABV36waJQ2U_swL2i5yN1Vroh1k2ch_A-Y1jUFfNoDSGiRhwJT2IPPA0s-ie9nU2dVddL5o2oZexqYtGmt9-oTs7QYRGOfnpu8yxWOf3bLQaQJ4_LeBrrhoib4_E4/s640/IMG_2506.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Some tips for visiting:</span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Garden is open dawn to dusk 365 days a year</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Garden is only handicap accessible as far as the
Jingu House restaurant and pavillion area.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for steep steps in
places<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Visit early in the day as the "pit" gets very
hot. Take water!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-79395893348988940392017-05-31T18:37:00.002-05:002017-06-14T17:41:39.905-05:00John B. Ragland Mercantile Building<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYliRs9jqKCp2xObSYIWlFSetuVd84h472ut-7qnC1CBUqXFebYTNU-528rTFvLr3wUmL9meKYxJA8RACiVUV7e7g_TnKU5UgJfKisHH0r0XpOmQDMrmq4l_zbIO5xA9dO5NEqT1h9Fg/s1600/IMG_8815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYliRs9jqKCp2xObSYIWlFSetuVd84h472ut-7qnC1CBUqXFebYTNU-528rTFvLr3wUmL9meKYxJA8RACiVUV7e7g_TnKU5UgJfKisHH0r0XpOmQDMrmq4l_zbIO5xA9dO5NEqT1h9Fg/s640/IMG_8815.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>201 E Kleberg Avenue, Kingsville Texas</i></span></td></tr>
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From 1950 until 1989 this corner door and tiled entry was covered over in the name of modernization. During that period what is described as "the preeminent department store south of San Antonio" operated in this location. Today this beautifully restored building, owned by King Ranch, Inc., is home to the <a href="http://www.krsaddleshop.com/" target="_blank">King Ranch Saddle Shop</a> and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.<br />
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Kingsville had been created in 1903 in anticipation of the coming of the St. Louis, Brownsville, and Mexico railroad. John B. Ragland secured lots in the new town and opened his mercantile at this corner in October 1904. <br />
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Shortly before his death in 1908 he sold the lots and store to the newly created John B. Mercantile Company. This entity commissioned Victoria architect Jules Carl Leffland to design this 2-story building that opened in 1909. Mainly Italianate in style it also reflects Gothic Revival and Mission Revival influences. The structure is considered to be transitional as it features both late 19th century and early 20th century architectural elements. <br />
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This small building (architect and builder is unknown) of similar style was added in 1910 and operated as a grocery store until the 1920's when it was converted into the men's section of the store and internal access was created.<br />
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Raglands, as it was known, became the leading mercantile in Kingsville and opened another store in McAllen. The first floor operated as a store selling dry goods, millinery, clothing, and shoes while the second floors contained office space and community rooms. In 1950 ownership was transferred to King Ranch, Inc. and an extensive modernization transformed the building inside and out. Much of the original facade was obscured and the interior completely gutted.<br />
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Raglands would continue to prosper until the late 1970's when the downtown district suffered from economic decline caused by new malls and franchises operating elsewhere in town. An extensive restoration began in 1989 and today the store closely resembles its original exterior appearance. Due to the unavailability of certain materials and structural changes that prevented restoration slight changes were necessary, but the building retains its original character.<br />
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The King Ranch Saddle shop calls this lovely building home today. It's a fun place to browse and to sometimes watch craftsmen working on saddles (yes, they do repairs here!). Not an old time mercantile, but its charm and coziness make you want to linger here!<br />
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9194574943728545805.post-63857561816080937782017-04-16T20:55:00.000-05:002017-04-16T20:55:19.639-05:00Texas State Capitol<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh865v-PwyzCF8odlKuTjB6gaR_9g6Tznyp-J06si5P-Dq1Q7mkIOEgx0sbSkdjO2RdaLSXO-eYEYkZqN7RhE14JJtmMpoInbNYTNlbuUFkYGtekLCKeubqK3EF6e03Ft2CqHI9iNHvKok/s1600/IMG_2110_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh865v-PwyzCF8odlKuTjB6gaR_9g6Tznyp-J06si5P-Dq1Q7mkIOEgx0sbSkdjO2RdaLSXO-eYEYkZqN7RhE14JJtmMpoInbNYTNlbuUFkYGtekLCKeubqK3EF6e03Ft2CqHI9iNHvKok/s640/IMG_2110_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">South entrance of Texas State Capitol as seen from the former Texas General Land Office building</span></td></tr>
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The story of the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas is far too lengthy to tell in one blog post. Its history is as big as the State of Texas!<br />
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Elijah E. Myers of Detroit was already working on plans for a new State Capitol in 1881 when the 1853 Capitol burned to the ground. A new building was constructed nearby to serve as a temporary Capitol. When the new Capitol was dedicated in May 1888 the steps from the burned Capitol were still on the Capitol lawn.<br />
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Original plans called for the Capitol to be constructed from native limestone hauled in from Oatmanville on a railroad constructed specifically for transporting the 25 ton blocks. However, in March 1884, just a month after the railroad was completed, it was determined that the limestone was unsuitable for building with after the first load arrived in Austin. After much negotiating and political wrangling and modification to the original plans it was agreed that red granite from Granite Mountain in Burnet County would be used to construct the Capitol. The date was July 21, 1885. Government moved slowly even then! It would take 6 years and 10 months to complete the Capitol.<br />
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<li>The 1990-1995 Texas Capitol Preservation and Extension Project returned the building to its 1888-1915 appearance and modernized mechanical and safety features. </li>
<li>A 2010 project painted and refurbished the dome and cupolas. </li>
<li>A 2-year project completed in 2016 repaired and stabilized more than 700 wooden window frames and their plate glass; many are original to the building (note the scaffolding in some of these pictures made in 2016). In addition, the entire exterior was cleaned, inspected and repaired as needed. </li>
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The Texas State Preservation Board oversees the preservation and maintenance of the Capitol and other buildings, including the Governor's Mansion.<br />
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At the dedication ceremony in May 1888 Senator Temple Houston, youngest son of Sam Houston, delivered an eloquent address that praised the "noble edifice" and further proclaimed, <i>"The architecture of a civilization is its most enduring feature, and by this structure shall Texas transmit herself to posterity, for here science has done her utmost..."</i><br />
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To be continued.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157081169613826974noreply@blogger.com0