In 1836 when the Alamo fell, the ensuing Runaway Scrape set all to fleeing eastward in advance of Santa Ana's wrath. But once the battle for independence was won, it was only two years before 33 enterprising settlers established a new town site between Gonzales and San Antonio - the present-day Seguin. One of those men was Texas Ranger Jeremiah Roberts who, in 1838, built a log cabin later named Hard Scrabble.

This year Hard Scrabble, a Registered Texas Landmark, will be open to the public during the Seguin Conservation Society's Heritage Home Tour on Saturday Dec. 5 and Sunday Dec. 6 from 2 pm to 5 pm both days. The historic log/limecrete cabin has been occupied continuously ever since.

Seguin's rich history will be evident on the annual tour with visits to some of the earliest homesteads and most distinctive vintage homes. Other stops will be:

• Elm Grove, built in 1852-3, a remarkable two-story Greek Revival mansion of solid rock and walnut lumber. It traces its roots from the German ships at Indianola, Civil War politics and the building of the Governors Mansion in Austin.
• The F. C. Weinert House, a 3-story Queen Anne built in 1895. F.C. Weinert was elected State Representative three times between 1892 and 1910, and again in 1930-34. The house features a parlor with elaborate fretwork over the entrance, a music room, dining room, six fireplaces and four beautifully appointed guest rooms.
• The Bergfeld House, built between 1900-1910, a Victorian Classic Revival home with 15 Corinthian columns. Prominently featured in the historical novel Will's War by Janice Woods Windle, the elegance of this house was featured in 2008 in San Antonio at Home magazine.
• 1955 American Cottage with artful 1930's Art Deco and fine art collection.
• Heritage Museum, built in 1898, with a new Paleo-Indian exhibit of recent discoveries of artifacts unearthed at a new archeological site in Seguin along the Guadalupe River. Ancient tools and weapons made of flint, chert and obsidian are on exhibit.

Homes can be visited in any order, but be sure to visit the reception and refreshments at our Heritage Village at 213 E. Live Oak Street in The First Church. Our other Seguin Conservation Society properties in the Heritage Village, Los Nogales Museum, Dietz Doll House and the Campbell-Hoermann Log Cabin, will also be open during the Heritage Home Tour.

Tickets for the Heritage Home Tour are $8.00 in advance and are available for sale locally at Gift & Gourmet, Keepers, Cascades, the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce and First Commercial Bank. On the day of the Tour, tickets and maps are available at each home for $10.00. Don't miss this opportunity step back in time and learn more about the remarkable history of the men and women who built Seguin.

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The Seguin Conservation Society, a 501(c)3 organization, is dedicated to preserving historic buildings, objects and places in Seguin and Guadalupe County. Founded in 1952, the Conservation Society acquires and renovates threatened buildings, celebrates historical events, and engages the community in remembering, understanding and advancing its shared heritage. The organization currently owns and manages six historic properties, and generates financial and community support through monthly luncheons, educational book tours, an annual celebration of the city's founding, and tours of heritage homes.