Hidden gems: Heritage Association of San Marcos to host Treasure Sale August 28

One man’s junk is another man’s treasures, but none will find any junk in the Heritage Association of San Marcos treasure sale on Saturday, Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Every room in the Charles S. Cock House Museum, home of the Cottage Kitchen, is chock full of curated collections and high-end treasures.

In April of 1976, the Heritage Association began offering Cottage Kitchen luncheons on selected Fridays at the Cock House. The pandemic closed it for a year and a half but this sale commemorates 45 years of Heritage’s presence in the Cottage Kitchen.

The Heritage Association is a nonprofit organization chartered in 1975 to support the preservation of historical buildings and to perpetuate traditions that beautify the community. The Association was formed in 1972 to celebrate 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 Riverwalk, a nature trail along the San Marcos River that unites three of the city’s parks.

The second challenge was accomplished 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 Commission, the restoration of the Charles S. Cock House, was completed in 1976 and offered tours, receptions and later Friday lunches. In 1986, a gift of $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.

Come early to sale because bargain prices sell treasures like hot cakes. This event is free and open to the public. Become a HASM member for as little as $35 a year. Cottage Kitchen is located at 400 East Hopkins in scenic Veramendi Plaza in San Marcos. heritagesanmarcos.org