2020 Fall Remembrances Newsletter1
Remembrances
Newsletter of the Schertz
Historical Preservation
Committee
Fall Edition
2020
New Committee members have jointed
us over the spring and summer months. We welcome the following persons to
our group Guy Scott, Howard Alperin, and Charles (“Chuck) Reynolds.
Congratulations to Committee member Paul Ringenbach (PhD) on his selection
for the “Hero’s Award” by the San Antonio Conservation Society at its annual
awards banquet October 7, 2020. The award was given based upon his
outstanding contributions to historic preservation on a national and local scale as
the researcher and writer of the document that justified the award of World
Heritage Site designation for the San Antonio missions by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The uncomfortable heat of the summer appears to be lessening as the City
welcomes the Fall weather. The coronavirus pandemic also appears to be
showing signs of weakening as America comes closer to developing a vaccine that
will hopefully provide relief for those potentially subject to the pandemic’s
affects.
A special project has been undertaken by the Committee over the past few
months that involves documenting the history of the response to the pandemic by
each level of government from federal to local (Guadalupe County/Schertz City).
The report of the Committee’s research has been divided into two parts. The first
avenue of inquiry was undertaken by Committee member Howard Alperin, the
results of which comprises Part I of the Remembrances Special Report 2020-5.
Howard’s research sought to uncover (via a random survey questionnaire}
answers as to what personal impacts the pandemic was having on the lives of a
small but representative group of Schertz citizens as of the first few months of the
event. Part II of Remembrances Special Report 2020-5 provides reporting on the
history of each government entity’s involvement in the struggle to curtail spread
and provide an effective cure for the disease. The reporting in Part II covers the
period from early 2020 when the pandemic struck the United States until
October 2020 when a noticeable downturn in infectious cases was underway in
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the nation. The publication of Remembrances Special Report 2020-5 will be
given limited distribution due to its length and perceived audience appeal. The
Schertz Public Library will be provided a copy of both parts of the article for
placement in the historical archive files to be available to future researchers
searching for a single source document that recounts the events of the pandemic
as undertaken by the various government jurisdictions. Copies of Part I and II
are furnished as attachments to this newsletter.
In addition to Remembrances Special Edition 2020-5, the Committee has
prepared Remembrances Special Edition 2020-6 featuring discussion and photo
review of the gallery display at the interior of the GH&SA Railroad Caboose. A
copy of the article is attached.
As reported in the Spring/Summer Newsletter, the Committee has been
supportive of and collaborated with the non-profit Cibolo Valley Community
Museum Association (CVCMA) in its effort to project local community history via
placement of local historic photo galleries in public/private establishments
throughout the Schertz area. Two such galleries were established this quarter
that deserve mention. First, is the gallery of the Galveston, Harrisburg & San
Antonio (GH&SA) Railroad caboose at 1052 FM 78. Second, is the gallery
featuring Randolph Air Base history in place within the party/banquet room of
Biff Busby’s Restaurant at the corner of IH 35 access road and Topperwine Road,
Lone Oak, Texas. The caboose venue will soon be video taped and made available
for public viewing at the City of Schertz Facebook Page. The Randolph Air Base
gallery can be viewed daily at the restaurant during operating hours.
Committee members participated in the recently held repair and clean-up effort
sponsored by “Love Thy Neighbor” in the Heritage Neighborhood of Aviation
Heights. Much good work was done through this event.
Committee representation at the September meeting of the City Council’s Main
Street Restoration Project Subcommittee disclosed that the Subcommittee has
contracted for (and work has begun) involving sidewalk repairs. Further plans
are underway for street improvements, lighting replacements, bench/trash
container placements, parking space enhancements, landscape improvements,
and historic sculpture placements.