2010 Fall Remembrances NewsletterSummer Heat Overcome by "Cool" Historic Events
Remembrances
Newsletter of the Schertz
Historical Preservation
Committee
Fall Edition
2010
July saw the development of the Old Schertz Community Network (families from the soon to be
designated "Heritage Neighborhood ") come together to celebrate July 4th with special historic gifts for their
friends and neighbors and the start of planning for other neighborhood activities. August saw the
Community Network and the Committee jointly sponsor a historic home "open house" event (see below)
and on October 5th the group sponsored a neighborhood night out event. A dedication ceremony at the old
Methodist church (circa 1904) was a part of the current congregation's service on August 22, 2010.
Schertz Voter Support Crucial to Historical Museum Development
Bond Proposition 95 on the November 2nd ballot provides Schertz voters the chance to bring a fine arts and
history center project to life here in Schertz. This is a $1.45 million proposal that will provide a state of the
art facility for the teaching and promotion of arts and heritage. It can be an anchor facility for revitalizing
the Old Downtown Schertz. VOTE YES FOR PROP #5.
Communities Making Historic Preservation Headway
A three acre walking village is under development in the old town district of Helotes, Texas. A focal point
for the village will be a Helotes museum surrounded by artisan shops, boutiques, restaurants and such.
Sequin is in the midst of its "Main Street" historical renovation project with an added feature of a "river
walk" attraction. San Antonio is moving forward with its "Mission Reach" initiative to re- engineer the flow
of the San Antonio River channel as it moves southward from downtown to the San Antonio mission areas.
The "Mission Reach" development is a $271.9 million dollar ecological restoration project that will bring
back the wild life, vegetation and recreational opportunities for the residents. The Witte Museum is a
history, culture and science venue that is about to begin a major expansion of it facilities that will, among
other things, provide for a 20,000 square -foot South Texas Heritage Center. San Antonio's Villa Finale
(former home of Walter Mathis) in the King William Historic District opened its doors as a museum on
September 25, 2010.
City Council Action Awaited for "Historic District ", "Heritage Neighborhood" and "Landmark
Property" Proposals
November 2, 2010, the Committee Chair will present to City Council the Committee's proposals for
designating areas of Schertz and buildings as historic.
Boettinger (Bettinger) Family Ancestry Trail Uncovered
An unexpected but welcome contact from a Boettinger family member resulted in the discovery of the
family genealogy charts from a time before the first settlers arrived here in America and for four
generations thereafter. The Boettingers were one of the first dozen settler families of Schertz back in the
mid to late 1800s.
Committee Donation Marks the Beginning of a New School Year
The Committee donated its book " Schertz, Texas — The Story of Great Ancestry, Legacy and
Development" to the middle school libraries of the Schertz, Cibolo, Universal City Independent School
District. We believe the school children at the middle school level should be exposed to local history
lessons. The junior highs and high schools were given copies of the book last year.
Museum Association Non - Profit Organization Operational
Following Internal Revenue Service (IRS) approval of the non - profit status of our museum association the
officers of the Association met to affirm the administrative and organizational details of its operation. The
Association begins its work by seeking to promote the passage of the upcoming bond package (Propostition
#5) that would provide for a history /fine arts museum in the City. PLEASE SUPPORT PROP #5.
Saint Joseph Chapel Undergoes Needed Restoration
The beautiful little chapel in our City's newest neighborhood (formerly Comal Settlement) is undergoing a
restoration of its interior. The 1905 constructed chapel was very much in need of repair from over 100
years of use. The interior ceiling and walls are being totally redone and new lighting is being installed.
When completed the chapel will be a beautiful sight to behold. The Committee has contacted the Comal
County Historical Commission to begin discussions about placing a historical marker on the property.
Pre - Christmas Schertz History Book Sale
The book celebrating the history of our wonderful city ( "Schertz, Texas — The Story of Great Ancestry,
Legacy and Development ") is going on sale so buyers can more affordably provide family and friends a
special stocking stuffer this Christmas season. The book regularly sells for $18 but will be sold for $15
from October through December. Place an order via telephone (210- 658 -0394) or e -mail
weirtz 1 @yahoo. com.
Oops! A Typing Error on E -Mail Address
Last issue's plea for readers to send their e -mail addresses to Dean Weirtz if they want to continue to
receive both this newsletter and the REMBERANCE Special Edition Articles contained an error in the
address provided. Please excuse the error and send your e -mail address to weirtzlAyahoo.com .
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