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Texas Theater Project moving along
For more information about the Texas Theatre, visit http://www.thetexas.org.
Have you driven by and noticed? The temporary walkway has been removed and you can get a clear view of the exterior improvements to the Stephen and Mary Birch Texas Theatre along with the new entrance and lobby area.
"This is so exciting. Both the north and south wall exterior painting is complete along with painting in the new lobby and concession area. Crews inside the Texas Theatre have repaired most of the damaged plaster areas and painting is underway there," said Steve Tschoepe, Task Force Chairman.
He, along with other members of the Task Force have been working double duty to make decisions for the Texas as well as continue the fundraising effort. "We are a little less than $375,000 from having enough money to completely finish the project. As this draws nearer and nearer we really want to finish the project in its entirety," Tschoepe says, "but it is a possibility that we might be able to open minus a few things. Restrooms will be complete and all items related to health/safety codes will be finished."
What is also amazing is the number of individuals starting to inquire about possible rentals. "We do want to have this ready for the public to use," says Marty Keil, Seguin Conservation Society president. "We are so blessed to have this facility and I can't wait for people to see it." It is the vision of the Conservation Society to see the Texas used as "gather center" for the entire community to enjoy the arts and history.
The Koehler Company, as project manager, has really worked diligently to help get us a first class facility while consistently looking for opportunities to conserve funds.
Members of the Task Force recently attended the League of Historic American Theatres National gathering in San Antonio. While being very educational, it was also reassuring to the Task Force that they were doing many things right. Most of the attendees were representatives of operating theatres and the task force gathered a wealth of beneficial information to create and raise operating revenue.
The week after the conference, the Task Force hosted representatives from Beeville who are restoring the Rialto Theatre there. Again valuable information was exchanged and fundraising opportunities explored.
Naming opportunities are still available, especially in the area of seats. The Texas will feature a flexible seating arrangement. While a good number of seats have been sold. We still need to sell about another 75 to 100, Tschoepe says. "It is not wise for us to place the order for the seats until all have been committed to. Otherwise if we do it piecemeal, we do not get the preferred pricing that we based our costs on." Naming opportunities for seats are $1,000 and all donors will be appropriately recognized.
There are a limited number of family crests available along with lanterns, swags and a few other items. "We also have only one faux opera box left," says Keil. All the wall panels are sold and nearly all the stars. Only a few stars are left at $250 and $500 so if you want to do one of those you need to commit that quickly, Tschoepe and Keil added.
If you haven't donated yet or wish to send an additional contribution you may do so by mailing contributions to the Texas Theatre Project, Seguin Conservation Society, P.O. Box 245, Seguin, Texas, 78155. If you would like a tour of the facility or have questions you may contact Tschoepe at 401-1971 or Keil at 303-7333.
Message from the President
Dear Fellow Conservationists,
As the summer heats up we know that Seguin's Birthday is fast approaching. The actual day is August 12th, however, we will celebrate the 173rd birthday on Saturday, August 14th. Yes, we were founded in the hottest month of the year and we are grateful to our founding fathers for that stop made along the Guadalupe River. We will have barbque, a homemade ice cream contest, cobbler, music and our annual general membership meeting. This is an occasion to be together as a community sharing our greatest commonality – choosing this precious place to call home. Please plan to join us!
I'd like to take this opportunity to reflect on this past year. We want to thank all the wonderful sponsors of Moore House Luncheons for another successful season. We are so appreciative of those who sponsor and also, of those who serve. We adjusted the seatings once again this year to 11:30 and 1:00 still on the first Thursday September through December and February through June. No one is rushed at either seating and the menu receives loads of compliments. Thanks to All Occasions Catering for their great menu selections. We continue to work on preserving the Moore House and keeping it in good repair, accessible to all. This wonderfully, history rich, former home to the John Moore Family (1895) is available for rentals, as well as our monthly luncheons.
The Heritage Village has been giving lots of tours this year. We celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Dietz-Castilla Doll House with a renovation and fixup by our local Lions Club. Those who volunteer their services as docents for groups visiting the First Church, Campbell-Hoermann Log Cabin, Los Nogales Museum and Dietz-Castilla Doll House are terrific! We want to be available to visitors and we are dependent upon those willing to serve as docents during the week to share the history we have. New signage at S. River and Live Oak helps to label the Heritage Village. We thank the Seguin Shines grant for supporting this request. We are already planning for Pecan Fest with the properties open for visitation and tasty pecan goodies sold on site.
Keep the first weekend of December open to participate in the Heritage Home Tour. If you think your home should be on the tour, give us a call. You'll be contacted if you have offered to docent in the homes or bake cookies for the reception at the Texas Theatre.
This brings me to The Texas Theatre, our long term project, that is about to reach completion. The Stephen and Mary Birch Theatre is well on the way to its Grand Opening. If you missed the Open House on July 4th you can still call 303-7333 for a tour. We look forward to some "soft" opening events this fall but we still are in need of donations to finish up. We are very proud in having raised over 2.1 million dollars of our 2.5 million dollar goal. That says a lot for the generosity of the community of Seguin. As generations past enjoyed the theatre, now, generations to come will have this "mini-majestic” to use for a multitude of events, performances and occasions.
The Seguin Conservation Society has had a very successful year and strives to continue in its goal of preserving historic structures and enhancing the knowledge of all in our rich diversity and shared history.
Preserving Seguin Together,
Marty Keil, President
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Recent News
Conservation Identification
With our City's annual Birthday celebration approaching once again, you may wonder, "why does the Conservation Society host this event and what are these buildings doing here?" Over the years, the Seguin Conservation Society has acquired a "collection" of historic buildings that are extremely relevant to the history and development of our city. These include, Los Nogales, indigenous to the site, the Dietz-Castilla Doll House, the Campbell-Hoermann Log Cabin, and Seguin's First Church.
Not only does each of these buildings represent part of the culture that developed throughout history here in Seguin, but their conservation is vital to the industry of heritage tourism in Seguin as well. So in order for these buildings to be maintained for posterity, the Conservation Society recognizes how important it is for the local community to celebrate them as well. That is why the Conservation Society holds this exciting (and yes, a little warm) event every year at Heritage Village. It is also the reason the Conservation Society wants you, the community to visit and learn more about this place.
Noticing that heritage tourism was becoming such an important aspect of economic development in Seguin, a few years ago, a couple of Directors brought the idea to the Board to give this place a name. After much discussion, the name Heritage Village was decided upon. As our brand new sign says, Heritage Village is a collection of Historic Buildings preserved by the Seguin Conservation Society. A Help Seguin Shine grant provided the funding for this new sign. It is located at the corner of River and Live Oak Streets. Giving this little "village" identity seemed to fuel the desire to make it a centerpiece for our community.
Recently, with the help of Conservators Bobbie and Marvel Maddox, the Seguin Lions Clubs made the Dietz-Castilla Doll House a community service priority. Members of the Lions clubs donated time, materials, and in the end, lots of love, sweat and tears to its revitalization. The Castilla family is so passionate about this little building that the entire family got involved in the project by donating some of the funds and providing a beautiful new sign to identify it to the public. Al Castilla was honored for his conservatorship with an engraved brick in a new sidewalk. Kay and Bubba Martin of Tri County Ac and Heating pitched in and donated the new brick sidewalk leading to the front step of the house, and the Conservation Society had matching brick skirting installed around the foundation. The doll house is once again the jewel of the village, thanks to the efforts of these dedicated volunteers.
Another recent project involves the Moore House historic home on Johnson Street. Conservator Eric Aufderhaar saw the need for a level, safe sidewalk leading from the parking area to the rear door of the Moore House. A luncheon is held at the Moore House each month and proceeds from the luncheon help provide the necessary maintenance and upkeep of the home. The new sidewalk will make the Moore House more accessible as well as welcoming to guests. Thank you, Eric for your diligent work at this beautiful historic property.
As our city ages, grows, and changes, the Seguin Conservation Society is working hard to keep these reminders of our past alive and well for the future. It is the goal of the Society to bring new people to Seguin and share our rich history, but it is equally important to preserve and share these gifts with the peoople who benefit from them every day, which are the people of the community of Seguin.
Why is membership in the Conservation Society important to you?
 "To support a worthwhile organization in our community." Cristin Ledbetter, outgoing SCS president
 "Because I very much love older houses. Their great architecture gives you a sense of place." Dennis Martin
 "Unless we work hard together to preserve our history, it will not be here for future generations." Betty Ann Matthies, Mayor of Seguin
 "We are trying to preserve and maintain the historic buildings in Seguin that my family has enjoyed for 160 years." Frank Starcke
 "If you don't know where you came from, you don't know where you're going." Joe Gardner
 "We are 4th generation Seguin. We're especially proud that our Hoermann family property soon will become part of the Walnut Branch Park." Kendall Carter, Nelle Downs and Codi Downs
 "To be involved with preserving the history of Seguin." Stan and Lou Ann Jackel
Don't Leave Us! Read Your Label
If you received a newsletter by mail, please look at the membership year printed on your mailing label. Due to increased costs, the Conservation Society may need to reduce the size of the mailing list by dropping those who have not shown interest in renewing their membership or making a donation to The Texas Theatre or the General Fund. Please stay with us - Seguin needs you! Renew your membership or make a contribution today.
Moore House Luncheon Committee Needs You
Hosting a monthly luncheon in a historic home is not for the faint of heart. A dedicated group of volunteers works hard to make each Moore House luncheon a delightful experience for all who attend. Can you see yourself joining the Moore House committee to handle one of the many monthly tasks? Could you give an hour or so once a month - and take the summers off?
In the days before each luncheon, could you be the one who calls HEB to reserve flower bouquets? Makes the seating chart from the reservations made at Cascades Gift Shop? Compiles the hostess list? Shops for supplies? Picks up the welcoming poster from Lone Star Printing? Sets up for the luncheon by placing tables and chairs in the correct places? Sets the tables? Arranges the flowers? Takes coolers to Tri-County A/C to fill with donated ice? Cuts up lemons and limes for tea?
On the day of the luncheon, would you come to the Moore House at 9am to make coffee and tea? Sweep the porches? Arrange the welcoming poster on an easel? Set up ice chests in various rooms? Count out plates to be warmed in the oven? Put dishes on tables? Cut up desserts? Serve meals from 11:30am until 1:00pm?
After each luncheon, how would you like to enjoy lunch with that day's helpers and servers? Then clear the tables and clean the Moore House kitchen. Clean the floors, empty the ice chests, and gather equipment to be picked up by All Occasions Catering. Perhaps you'd be the one to collect all the towels and aprons and take them home to wash them for the next month's luncheon.
Moore House luncheons are an important fundraiser for the Seguin Conservation Society to provide the means to maintain one of Seguin's stateliest historic homes. If any of these volunteer jobs appeal to you, please call Mary McDonald at 401-4543 and join the Moore House team.
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