Heritage Association History
1975-1988
The Heritage Association of San Marcos, Inc. is a non-profit organization chartered in 1975 to support the preservation of buildings, historical sites and archives as well as to perpetuate traditions that beautify and enrich the community life of this city. The Association grew out of the San Marcos Bicentennial Commission, which was formed in 1972 to plan and coordinate the city’s celebration of the nation’s Bicentennial in 1976. San Marcos was one of the first seven cities in the nation to receive the National Bicentennial City designation.
To qualify for that designation, a city was required to do three things: initiate a project that would improve the environment, create an original civic project, and establish a heritage project that focused on the unique history of the town. The Commission met the first challenge by leading in the development of the San Marcos River Walk, a nature trail along the San Marcos River that unites three of the city’s parks. They accomplished the second challenge by planning a music festival along the San Marcos River. For the third task, the Commission organized a Tour of Homes in 1975. Six historic structures were opened to the public for the “San Marcos Bicentennial Commission Heritage Tour.” Since then, the Home Tour has been a Heritage event.
Another goal of the Bicentennial Commission was the restoration of the Charles S. Cock House. Initiated in 1973, the restoration project was completed by 1976, and the house was opened for tours and receptions. In April of 1976, through the leadership of the Heritage Guild, the Heritage Association began offering Cottage Kitchen luncheons on selected Fridays at the Cock House.
An historical legacy was created in 1983 with the sponsorship of the Belvin Street Historic District and other appropriate buildings to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. San Marcos’ push to become a Texas “Main Street” city came about through the initiative of the Heritage Association.
In 1986, a gift of $25,000 was made to the San Marcos River Foundation and $22,000 was contributed to repairs of the Charles S. Cock House Museum, a mutual project of the Association and City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department.
In 1987, the Heritage Association acknowledged the Bronzelite Company of San Marcos for the rebuilt fountain in Veramendi Plaza through a rededication ceremony and the installation of a handsome bronze plaque.
In 1988, a $10,000 preservation grant was made to the Hays County Historical Commission toward restoration of the facade of the Courthouse Annex. This resulted in San Marcos receiving the Texas Downtown Association's award for the Best Public-Private Venture in Texas for that year. A feasibility survey was commissioned with the Texas Historical Commission to study the structural integrity and cost of renovation of the former Baptist Academy's Carroll Hall (San Marcos Hall) on the West Campus of Southwest Texas State University. Funds were raised to mothball the vintage building and save it for future restoration. Unfortunately, the building was subsequently demolished.
To qualify for that designation, a city was required to do three things: initiate a project that would improve the environment, create an original civic project, and establish a heritage project that focused on the unique history of the town. The Commission met the first challenge by leading in the development of the San Marcos River Walk, a nature trail along the San Marcos River that unites three of the city’s parks. They accomplished the second challenge by planning a music festival along the San Marcos River. For the third task, the Commission organized a Tour of Homes in 1975. Six historic structures were opened to the public for the “San Marcos Bicentennial Commission Heritage Tour.” Since then, the Home Tour has been a Heritage event.
Another goal of the Bicentennial Commission was the restoration of the Charles S. Cock House. Initiated in 1973, the restoration project was completed by 1976, and the house was opened for tours and receptions. In April of 1976, through the leadership of the Heritage Guild, the Heritage Association began offering Cottage Kitchen luncheons on selected Fridays at the Cock House.
An historical legacy was created in 1983 with the sponsorship of the Belvin Street Historic District and other appropriate buildings to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. San Marcos’ push to become a Texas “Main Street” city came about through the initiative of the Heritage Association.
In 1986, a gift of $25,000 was made to the San Marcos River Foundation and $22,000 was contributed to repairs of the Charles S. Cock House Museum, a mutual project of the Association and City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department.
In 1987, the Heritage Association acknowledged the Bronzelite Company of San Marcos for the rebuilt fountain in Veramendi Plaza through a rededication ceremony and the installation of a handsome bronze plaque.
In 1988, a $10,000 preservation grant was made to the Hays County Historical Commission toward restoration of the facade of the Courthouse Annex. This resulted in San Marcos receiving the Texas Downtown Association's award for the Best Public-Private Venture in Texas for that year. A feasibility survey was commissioned with the Texas Historical Commission to study the structural integrity and cost of renovation of the former Baptist Academy's Carroll Hall (San Marcos Hall) on the West Campus of Southwest Texas State University. Funds were raised to mothball the vintage building and save it for future restoration. Unfortunately, the building was subsequently demolished.
