2013 Winter Remembrances Newsletter1
Remembrances
Newsletter of the Schertz
Historical Preservation
Committee
Winter Edition
2013
Congratulations to the Steel High School Football Team for once again making it to the
semi-finals for the State Championship. It was just a year ago we were sending our
congrats to them for the same reason. You’re building a legacy for the school and your
community.
New members joined us during the fall quarter to include: Stefine Warshaw and
Associate Member Mark de Kiewiet. Stefine has an advanced degree in Architecture with
minor study in preservation. She has worked with several historic boards in Atlanta,
Georgia. Mark is originally from South Africa and has a long-standing interest in
historical preservation.
Committee By-laws were updated for a number of reasons but most importantly to
reflect new definitions of what constitutes a “landmark property,” a “heritage
neighborhood” and a “historic district.”
Elections for 2013 Committee Officers were held at our January meeting. The elected
officers begin their term of office immediately upon election.
A proposal by the Committee for establishment of a Schertz Coat of Arms went before
the Schertz City Council at its January 15, 2013 meeting. The City Council approved the
proposal and adopted the suggested coat of arms designed by Committee member David
Roman. Its use within the city will be determined later by recommendations of city staff
to Council.
Several meetings were held with City Staff (Director of Development) regarding the
Committee’s request for inclusion of policy directives within the Unified Development
Code (UDC) regarding the historic preservation program. Progress is being made toward
that goal and it is hoped that a written document can be brought before City Council
soon.
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There is lots that can be done in the coming year and the Committee set forth its
Calendar Year 2013 Committee Objectives at our January meeting. These will be our
targets to pursue throughout the year and will deal with historic designation, research,
publication and celebrations/dedications. It should be an active and fun year.
Beginning to think how the Committee might join with the Schertz Bank and Trust in
celebration of the bank’s 100th anniversary that occurs in 2013.
Three Winter 2013 REMEMBRANCES Special Edition Articles were just published
and appear as attachments to this newsletter. This period’s articles discuss a historic
Schertz woman, musical history and the 100th anniversary of the Schertz Bank & Trust.
The Committee prepared its Annual Report to City Council that will be presented early
in February 2013. The report discusses all aspects of the Committee’s work during 2012
and offers the Council the opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the Committee in
meeting its goals.
The Committee has forwarded to the Texas Historical Commission (THC) an Application
for Department of the Interior (DOI) National Registry of Historic Places Listing for
Comal Settlement. This is the first step in a long application process that requires
extensive evaluation at THC before even being sent to DOI for consideration. This
would be a very prestigious recognition for our city (Comal is now a part of Schertz)
should Comal Settlement be selected for listing.
“Raisen Cain” Restaurant recently opened on FM 3009 (across FM 3009 from Wal-
Mart) and as a part of the décor they have placed a small collection of Schertz historic
photo exhibits on their walls. Stop by and have a look.
There is a road widening and resurfacing project occurring along FM 482 (Comal
Settlement area) that required replacement of culverts along a two mile stretch. These
were culverts put in place when the road was first constructed (circa 1915) and represent
the loss of a historic element of the community. One of the culvert’s date plates has been
saved for placement beside the community’s historic marker once that marker has been
put in place.
An excellent article on the history of early Schertz appears in the newly published
Schertz Chamber of Commerce Visitors Guide. Hope all will obtain a copy and read the
article.