Heritage Association History
2006-2011
Four major events and one major focus (membership, membership) marked the year 2006. Events included the sold-out inaugural Heritage Ball, where members came to honor our first seven debutantes; the spring Home Tour, with a beautiful wedding theme and antique dress display; the Guild’s successful renewal of their Christmas Tour tradition featuring four beautifully decorated homes with a Victorian Christmas theme; and the naming of the fountain at Veramendi Plaza in honor of Dr. Gwen K. Smith.
In 2007, the second Heritage Ball was held; it was another lovely evening with the Presentation of the Debutantes as the highlight. The 32nd Annual Heritage Home Tour was the “Treasures of Burleson Street” which included eight historic homes built between 1890 and 1960, spanning Queen Anne, Pioneer Craftsman, Greek Revival and other styles, with outstanding exterior and interior elements. Four of these homes had never before been open to the public. The Merriman Cabin was open on the last Friday of each month for tours. The Oral History committee made much progress, including transferring old and new recordings on CDs which are at the San Marcos Public Library.
“The Roses of San Antonio Street” was the 2008 tour theme with six historic homes built between 1887 and 1920, again featuring a variety of architectural styles. The Oral History Project introduced its Oral History Collection this year.
In 2009, the Cottage Kitchen luncheons continued with more than 30 groups hosting the popular Friday event for approximately 2000 patrons. Funds were used to renovate the front porch of the Cock House. The 34th Heritage Home Tour “Out and About in San Marcos” was a driving tour of six homes from Ranch Road 12 to Post Road.
The Riverwalk Park Committee began their long anticipated project of re-working the features of Veramendi Plaza. This year, sidewalks were replaced and new signage erected. The Historic At Risk Properties (HARP) program was conceived to identify, promote awareness, and provide information regarding restoration and revitalization options to property owners and prospective buyers.
“One Hundred Years in the Making” was the theme for the 2010 Tour. The Guild served well over 2,000 this year at the Cottage Kitchen. Thanks to author Rodney van Oudekerke and project chair Marianne Moore, the Heritage Association commissioned and began selling copies of Historic San Marcos: An Illustrated History. The book continues to bring in funds for the Association and provides a permanent, photo-packed archive of our city's early history.
In 2011, the Riverwalk Committee, using funds left to the Association by Dr. Gwen K. Smith, designed, commissioned, and celebrated a new fountain in Veramendi Plaza. “The Craftsman Homes of San Marcos” were a hit on the 2011 Tour of Homes, and the Guild continued to ensure our Friday Cottage Kitchen luncheons at the Cock House Museum.
In 2007, the second Heritage Ball was held; it was another lovely evening with the Presentation of the Debutantes as the highlight. The 32nd Annual Heritage Home Tour was the “Treasures of Burleson Street” which included eight historic homes built between 1890 and 1960, spanning Queen Anne, Pioneer Craftsman, Greek Revival and other styles, with outstanding exterior and interior elements. Four of these homes had never before been open to the public. The Merriman Cabin was open on the last Friday of each month for tours. The Oral History committee made much progress, including transferring old and new recordings on CDs which are at the San Marcos Public Library.
“The Roses of San Antonio Street” was the 2008 tour theme with six historic homes built between 1887 and 1920, again featuring a variety of architectural styles. The Oral History Project introduced its Oral History Collection this year.
In 2009, the Cottage Kitchen luncheons continued with more than 30 groups hosting the popular Friday event for approximately 2000 patrons. Funds were used to renovate the front porch of the Cock House. The 34th Heritage Home Tour “Out and About in San Marcos” was a driving tour of six homes from Ranch Road 12 to Post Road.
The Riverwalk Park Committee began their long anticipated project of re-working the features of Veramendi Plaza. This year, sidewalks were replaced and new signage erected. The Historic At Risk Properties (HARP) program was conceived to identify, promote awareness, and provide information regarding restoration and revitalization options to property owners and prospective buyers.
“One Hundred Years in the Making” was the theme for the 2010 Tour. The Guild served well over 2,000 this year at the Cottage Kitchen. Thanks to author Rodney van Oudekerke and project chair Marianne Moore, the Heritage Association commissioned and began selling copies of Historic San Marcos: An Illustrated History. The book continues to bring in funds for the Association and provides a permanent, photo-packed archive of our city's early history.
In 2011, the Riverwalk Committee, using funds left to the Association by Dr. Gwen K. Smith, designed, commissioned, and celebrated a new fountain in Veramendi Plaza. “The Craftsman Homes of San Marcos” were a hit on the 2011 Tour of Homes, and the Guild continued to ensure our Friday Cottage Kitchen luncheons at the Cock House Museum.
