This month in Gonzales history - December

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1827:

  • fort built, where St. Louis Street meets Water Street (Block 3)
  • December, colonists return to Gonzales. They had deserted the settlement on Kerr Creek because of fear of attack by local tribesmen, but returned after the fort was built.

1829:

  • 11, first Anglo child born in Gonzales, James Columbus Burns, son of Arthur and Sarah Burns
  • December, population of DeWitt Colony approximately 186.

1837:

  • 14, legislature of Republic of Texas created Gonzales County (same area as DeWitt Colony). First County Court organized with B.D. McClure as Chief Justice.

1853:

  • 10, The Inquirer suggests that a sufficient number of seats be provided in future houses of worship because the previous Sunday there were about 250 people at the courthouse for services and some had to leave due to lack of seating.

1884:

  • December, Judge Lewis declared that whittling would no longer be tolerated in the courtroom.
  • 22, Judge Lewis declared that all entering the courtroom would be searched and all weapons confiscated. Three pistols were taken.

1885:

  • 5, the bricks made by Mr. Bergh for the construction of the jail have been rejected by Mr. Henry Kane, contractor, who says they are of inferior quality. Mr. Kane will manufacture the bricks himself and all of the inferior bricks, stacked on Courthouse Square, will be sold.

1889:

  • 12, The Inquirer states, “Send your children to school regularly. There is nothing so injurious to their progress as irregular attendance.”

1893:

  • 3, 6 a.m., the frame courthouse burned to the ground.

1910:

  • 10, the population of Texas is now at 3,896,542
  • 17, a new Pound Master has been appointed by the City Council as well as a new City Scavenger.
  • 28, report that the Daughters of the American Revolution, Thomas Shelton Chapter (DAR) organized (actually formed on the 26th.)

1912:

  • 5, the Hoskins Building is being remodeled to accommodate a moving picture show. Opened two nights later.
  • 12, Michelson Brothers Candy Company operating in the 600 block of St. Joseph Street. They bought the business from George Simo who was returning to his home in Macedonia to fight the invaders from Turkey.
  • 19, Gonzales selected as cleanest town in Texas by Holland Magazine, earning $300.
  • 21, a ladies’ club, the Gonzales Civic Club, completed landscaping of Texas Heroes (Block 18) and of Confederate Square (Block 24) including curbing, cement walks, grass, Ligustrum, palms, magnolias, and sixteen lamp posts.

1917:

  • 6, New Playhouse Theater became known as the Crystal Theatre

1918-1919:

  • Influenza Pandemic. 20-40 million people died worldwide. Most susceptible were 20-40-year olds. One fourth of the population of the U.S. was affected.

1924:

  • December, Mrs. W.H. Boothe sent one of her three pet alligators to the zoo in Sweetwater, Texas.

1934:

  • 18, first Municipal Christmas tree, lighted, erected on Confederate Square. CP&L furnished lighting and electricity; local electricians provided labor; ladies of the town decorated. George McVea donated tree, a large native cedar. Several public programs planned, including caroling.

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