2011 Summer RemembrancesCGm
Dedication ceremonies for Schertz "Landmark Properties" mark a busy May 2011
Applications were accepted, reviewed, and approved for four separate properties that were
selected for award of the "landmark property" designation given by the Schertz Historical
Preservation Committee and the Schertz City Council. The residential properties selected all
come from the heritage neighborhood that was honored last quarter with its own dedication
ceremony. The properties are those located at 212 Lee Street, 216 Lee Street and 401 First Street.
Each residence has a unique history and will make a proud addition to the City's historic home
inventory. The forth structure dedicated on May 25, 2011 was Saint Joseph's Catholic Chapel
situated on Highway 482, a short distance from where Schwab Road intersects Highway 482.
The May 25t" date for the celebration was significant as that is the date the Chapel was originally
dedicated in 1905. There was an excellent article in Schertz Magazine (July issue) and another in
the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung Newspaper (July 12, 2011) covering the St. Joseph's Chapel
landmark property dedication ceremony.
Research work continues on historic designation projects within the Comal Settlement area
for the community overall and the Catholic cemeteries in particular
County record reviews, more interviews, and application for road signage have been the focus of
attention in the effort to document the many historic elements of the Comal Settlement
community. The activities have led to new insights regarding settlement of the community and
has produced a newly installed road sign that designates the road leading into the Wenzel/St.
Joseph's Cemetery (off Hwy. 482) as "Wenzel Lane". The State of Texas historic Wenzel
Cemetery marker application was developed and guided through the system by Clarence Scheel,
an ancestor to many of those who rest in peace on those grounds. The State of Texas Historical
Commission has approved the cemetery as a historic cemetery. The Schwab Cemetery in Comal
area has also captured some attention as an inspection reveals early founding settlers buried there.
The hope is that the Schwab Cemetery can also one day be declared as a historic state cemetery.
The application has been sent to the Texas Historical Commission for eventual use in justifying
issuance of a State Subject Marker for the Comal community area. Funding for the marker is
being solicited from interested citizens.
Applications for Landmark Property designation approved by the Schertz Historical
Preservation Committee and Schertz City Council
News of historic importance concerning two Schertz highways and identity of a Schertz
author who focuses on World War I themes are all reported in this quarter's
RFMEMBRANCES Special Edition Articles
Aistoric railroad bridge model and bridge date plate soon to be positioned on the grounds
of the Kramer House (Schertz Visitor's Center)
A six foot long and two feet high model of the original railroad bridge that spanned Cibolo Creek
in Schertz from the late 1890s until the 1980s will soon be placed on the grounds of the Schertz
Visitors Center for all to admire. Also included in the outdoor exhibit will be the original date
plate (1899) taken from the bridge when it was demolished. There will be a historic plaque that
will sit beside the model that will tell the story of the bridge's historic beginnings and service to
the railroad over the years. The model was donated to the City of Schertz by Malford Brehm a
railroad enthusiast and Cibolo resident and the date plate was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Homer
Dean another Cibolo resident. Inside the Kramer House is a railroad historical exhibit that
outlines the history of Schertz railroad development.
Welcome aboard new Schertz City Manager
John Kessel became Schertz's new City Manager following the retirement of Don Taylor. Mr.
Kessel is no stranger to historical preservation matters as he worked closely on such projects in
both Arlington and McKinney, Texas during previous career assignments. We look forward to
working with Mr. Kessel as the opportunities arise to promote the city's historic heritage.
Many thanks to Diana Webb for joining in the Committee's outreach efforts by offering her
photography skills to capture the highlights of our historic landmark dedication ceremonies. Her
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photos of the events were instrumental in landing the event's coverage in several media outlets
this past quarter.