Loading...
2010 Summer Remembrances NewsletterLocal Summertime Historical Travel Remembrances Newsletter of the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee Summer Edition 2010 Last issue we spoke about the wonderful historic and scenic opportunities along the road to and at Shiner, Texas. This issue our historic travel stops have been closer to home. The western Guadalupe County communities of Zuehl and Comal, Texas caught our attention for a couple of reasons. First, the Committee has undertaken an interest in recognizing the oldest neighborhood in Schertz (see Centennial Birthday Celebration below) and within that neighborhood is a street named " Zuehl Road ". In the interest of possibly discovering the origin of the name, a road trip to Zuehl, Texas was undertaken. Not more than 30 minutes from Schertz, Zuehl has a history that dates back to about the same timeframe as Schertz's history (1860s). Zuehl, like Schertz, was once a busy and productive cotton farming town. Little remains of the town today but some of the old Zuehl family homes still stand and ten pin bowling is still the game to play at the Germania Bowling Club. We did not discover how our " Zuehl Road" got its name but the road into Zuehl also bears the name " Zuehl Road ". If anyone knows something about the duplicate name mystery please let us know. Our other historic road trip this summer was to a location even closer to Schertz. In fact; a portion of this place is now within the city limits (annexed last month) of Schertz and all of its area falls within the extra territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of Schertz. This several hundred acre area was once known as Comal Settlement and sits along FM 482 at Old Nacadoches and Schwab Roads. This community has long been an agricultural settlement and remains such today. However, business interests may soon begin to encroach on the territory. Lacks Furniture Company has a large warehouse operation recently built adjacent to the community. Our trip revealed several historic sites still standing. There is Saint Joseph Catholic Chapel constructed in about 1905, the Saint Joseph Cemetery, remnants of the old blacksmith's shop and general store and remains of the community's cotton gin. Today, a newly opened (second year) Catholic high school (John Paul II) sets along FM 482 in the midst of this historic community. More about the history of this place may be the subject of a future article. If you have not been to these two historic communities both are short and pleasant trips. Be sure to stop at the dude ranch in Zuehl. Museum Development Planning The survey effort by the Schertz Blue Ribbon Committee is complete and the results have been calculated. There were four categories /groups of projects to consider for inclusion in a bond package ,the fourth one being a proposed Schertz History Museum. The citizen survey resulted in the museum project being rejected by a 17% margin. However, the Blue Ribbon Committee saw fit to include the project with a fine arts center project for submission to the City Council. On Tuesday, July 20, 2010, Schertz City Council agreed to present the various projects for voter approval as a part of the November elections. Centennial Birthday Celebration for Old Schertz Neighborhood The Committee sponsored a centennial birthday celebration for Schertz's oldest neighborhood on Saturday, June 19, 2010. The neighborhood is located on the south side of Highway 78 between Cibolo Creek and Mill Street (Sonic Drive -in). Some of the buildings and homes in the neighborhood are over 100 years old and represent the first settlement area of the Schertz community. The festivities were planned to recognize the area as a historic neighborhood and to educate its current residents as its historic significance. There were multiple historic exhibits, oral and slide presentation regarding the area's history, a slide presentation regarding historic properties of the area, presentation of a "Historic Heritage Certification" to the Vineyard Fellowship Church, many door prizes, and, lots of food, beverages and birthday cake. Nearly eighty persons, either residents of the neighborhood or persons with connections to the neighborhood, attended the event. The event spooned a neighborhood interest group now exploring other event offerings for the neighborhood. Schertz/Cibolo Valley Museum Association 501(c) (3) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) approval of the application for non - profit status for the museum association has been received. The organization is officially a non - profit entity and can function as such. Now we await the answer to the question as to whether there will be a history museum for the organization to operate. Placement of the issue on a bond election and a favorable vote by the Schertz voters would be needed. welcome Gift Honors Schertz's First Church (1904) Karen Shaw, a San Antonio artist of note and friend of our Committee, presented the Committee with a beautifully hand crafted embroidery piece (17 "x 11 ") that replicates the first church established in Schertz (Emanuel Methodist Church). The piece is framed in beautifully grained hard wood that further adds to its value and elegance. Karen is a native of Freiburg, Germany which is a neighboring city to Riedisheim, France where several Schertz settler families (Schertz/Rittimann/Mergele) immigrated from. Thanks Karen. Schertz History Book Still Available for Purchase Our book " Schertz, Texas — The Story of Great Ancestry, Legacy and Development" remains on sale and can be purchased either at the Schertz Public Library, the Schertz City Water Dept. or by calling 210 -651- 0394. Proceeds from the book sale go toward the expenses of the Committee. The books price is $18.00 Committee Member Openings There are currently open positions on our Committee. If you have an interest in being a member let us know. Plea for E -Mail Addresses Mailing this newsletter is an expensive undertaking. So, if you have an e-mail address please forward it to wiertzI@yahoo.com so future issues can be sent to you via e -mail. Thanks.