Hays County Historical Commission
Shannon Ranch
April 24, 2008

When Judge Shannon first laid eyes on the home Major Moore built in 1848 he knew he had to save it. It was love at first sight even though it had been a home for one man, seven dogs, a pet skunk and used to store cattle feed. There were those who wanted it torn down, but Judge Shannon hired a crew to move it in three large chunks. When they were delivered and set down on his property, looking at them he thought to himself, “I have lost my mind!” Undaunted, he reconstructed the home, adding the Rector house to his property from Manor as well other outbuildings. Stone from the ranch was used to construct the kitchen. Another addition to the large home was a log cabin on the back wing. With a discerning eye, he decorated the now beautiful, two-story home with antique furnishings and art objects for his family. Judge and Camile Shannon were on the front porch and graciously welcomed HCHC members into the two-story colonial home as they arrived.

With 28 members and guests present, Chairman Kate Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. She announced that on May 8 at 10 am in the Family Science Building at Texas State, an overview of the Dunbar history would be given as a precursor to making it a viable historic district. Max Michaelis has updated the ranch website and has a link to HCHC website. We need a link up from ours to it.

Linda Coker moved to accept the minutes of March 27, 2008. LaMarr Petersen seconded. Motion passed.

Mary Mattis presented the final El Camino Real design for the so named new elementary school in Neiderwald. The design of the state of Texas showing the trail of El Camino Real was placed in a 13X15 area in the foyer of the new school on the floor with stained concrete and sealed with polymer to “last forever.” Why the floor? “Kids are little and look down. You need the design to be on the floor where they will see it.” Lisa Hart, Director of Historic Resources at TXDot and Rod Walls, facilities and new construction for Hays CISD helped the project reach completion that was funded by the Burdine-Johnson Foundation. The school is scheduled to open fall 2008.

San Marcos de Neve (1804) was the last Spanish settlement on El Camino Real along the San Marcos River across from the property Bob Lyons is overseeing. Chairman Johnson announced he is offering his property for archeological workshops in field investigation and other workshops leading up to the actual field project to make HCHC members more verse in talking to landowners about historical sites and able to refer them to specific experts at the University of Texas or Texas State for more information.

Lila Knight wants members to let her know if anyone wants to work on a historical marker for their community.

Bonnie Eissler said Oral History committee member have two interviews scheduled next week and have ten to fifteen lined up that they want to do.

Shelly Henry reminded members attending the convention in Corpus Christi on May 3-4, 2008 to take photos. Wimberley July 4 parade might be the first chance to enter our wagon or surrey or buggy.

Lehman High School National Honor Society members finished the survey at Coronado Cemetery according to Jim Cullen. Members of the Cemetery Committee visited Mount Gainer Cemetery situated on 5 acres with 90 tombstones, some from the 1870’s. He said a Historic Texas Cemetery designation is “pretty easy to get if they (cemetery) have a guardian.” Mary Giberson brought up the Antioch in Buda. Seems relatives want it to be just a western family cemetery and don’t want eastern Buda families buried there. It is better to do a marker for the whole community so they will cooperate and work together. THC charges $100 to apply for a marker.

Richard Kidd announced the website will accept credit cards and is in the process of setting it up. 7500 visitors have logged in.

The famed California Trip is tentatively scheduled for November 12 through 20, 2008 taking the old southern route Jack Hays would have traveled. For those who have the time, travel can be by Amtrack or car to Pasadena. A daylong train ride from Pasadena takes members to Oakland for a ceremonial tribute and a trip to his grave. Members on a short time schedule can fly into Glendale airport to meet up in Pasadena for the train trip to Oakland or fly straight into Oakland and fly home. Others can take the more leisurely train ride to California and fly home. Chairman Johnson is working out the details with a travel agent.

Lila Knight announced the Hays County Commissioners are in possession of the deed to the Old County Jail. The county judge just has to sign it so that bidding on the work can begin. It is on the Commissioners Court Agenda.

Mary Giberson brought up the fact that HCHC members could act as historic places tour guides for bus tours circulating around Hays County on a regular basis or devise a tour on a bus we rented. LaMarr Petersen thought that was a great idea and proposed she be in charge of the committee to oversee the tours. Jim Cullen seconded. Mary didn’t say no.

Judge Shannon was waiting patiently to give us a tour of his home and his prized antiques. There wasn’t a person in the room who wanted him to wait any longer. Lila Knight moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 pm. With Mary Giberson seconding. We toured the large, two-story home and ranch-style home the Shannons currently occupy followed by dinner out on the large stone porch and in the magnificent dinning room with our gracious hosts.

Respectfully submitted,
Linda Keese
Recording Secretary