HERITAGE ASSOCIATION OF SAN MARCOS
From bicentennial beginnings to a half-century legacy of preservation, culture and community, the Heritage Association of San Marcos proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, marking five decades of preserving the city’s rich history, restoring beloved landmarks and fostering community spirit.
Founded in 1975, HASM grew out of the city’s Bicentennial Commission — formed in 1972 in anticipation of the United States’ 200th anniversary. Inspired by this national celebration, a group of visionary citizens transformed local pride into long-term preservation efforts that continue to shape San Marcos today. At the forefront of this movement was Tula Townsend Wyatt (1895–1990), a dedicated local historian married to a descendant of the Moon family, one of San Marcos’s earliest settlers. From placing Texas Centennial markers in the 1930s to leading the Hays County Historical Commission, Ms. Wyatt’s work laid the foundation for HASM and the city’s modern preservation movement.
A GRASSROOTS EFFORT WITH LASTING IMPACT
The original Bicentennial Commission, which included Ms. Wyatt, Mrs. Edward Buckner and Mrs. Edward Cape, soon expanded into a steering committee of 15 passionate volunteers: Mrs. Florine Othman, Mrs. George Martindale, Mrs. Eleanor Crook, Mrs. Bonnie Longcope, Mrs. Malcolm Sherrill, Gene Phillips, Mrs. William S. Moore, Mrs. Irvin Rylander, Mrs. George Gilbert, Ellis Thomas, Jeff Kester, Mrs. Herbert Yarbrough, Frances Stovall, Mrs. H.S. Thompson, and Mrs. Jim Cauthorn.
This dedicated team launched several key projects that helped San Marcos earn the designation of an official National Bicentennial City. Projects include the development of the San Marcos Riverwalk which united city parks with scenic trails; the restoration of the Charles S. Cock House, a historic 1867 home; the inauguration of the annual Heritage Home Tour, first held in 1975; the creation of the Music Along the River Festival in 1973 and early advocacy for river cleanup and environmental protection. By 1973, the Cock House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It became the centerpiece for Bicentennial celebrations and gave birth to a cherished local tradition, Cottage Kitchen Luncheons, which continues to this day.
FROM THE BICENTENNIAL BELLES TO THE HERITAGE GUILD
The restoration of the Cock House was made possible by the “Bicentennial Belles,” a group of women whose dedication and fundraising efforts earned state and national grants. By 1977, they evolved into the Heritage Guild under the leadership of Ann Cauthorn. Guild members, often dressed in period clothing, began serving homemade Friday lunches at the Cock House, creating a space for community connection and fundraising. Culinary talent like Frances Stovall, who studied at Le Cordon Bleu, contributed to the success of the Cottage Kitchen Cookbooks, beginning with the 1976 San Marcos Bicentennial Cookbook. The luncheons continue today, bringing people together for food, conversation, and a taste of local history on the first Thursday of most months.
A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
The success and longevity of HASM is due in no small part to the dedication of its presidents over the past five decades. We honor each of them for their commitment to our mission:
• Mrs. Don Green* (1975–76)
• Carl W. Anderson* (1976–77)
• Dr. Jack Byrom* (1977–78)
• Bob Kercheville* (1978–79)
• Dr. Emmie Craddock* (1979–81)
• Mrs. Carl W.Anderson* (1981–83)
• Mrs. M. E. Walker* (1983–85)
• Dr. Gwen K. Smith* (1985–87)
• Kenneth Pitzer (1987–89)
• Jeffrey H. Kester* (1989–90)
• James M. Pape* (1990–91)
• Dr. W. C. Daniels* (1991–92)
• Bob J. Sappington* (1992–93)
• Joe Davis (1993–May 1994)
• Capt. Bettye Nagy* (May–October 1994)
• Dr. Kermit Welch (1994–95)
• Curtis Parkerson* (1995–96)
• Dr. Jimmy Cobb (1996–97)
• Dr. William C. Booth (1997–98)
• C. Hill Rylander* (1998–99)
• Robert Cotner (1999–2000)
• Rodney van Oudekerke (2000–01)
• Mrs. Ed Cable (2001–02)
• Dr. Carmen Imel (2002–03)
• Bill Pennington (2003–04)
• Kevin Gilley (2004–05)
• Cathy Dillon (2005–06)
• Sue Cohen (2007)
• Wayne Kraemer (2008)
• Marianne Moore* (2009)
• Dr. Ann DuPont (2010–2011)
• Jane Hughson (2012)
• Shelley Henry (2013)
• Robert Mooney (2014)
• Lee Festervan (2015)
• Brita Northcutt (2016)
• Gary Germer (2017,2019)
• Linda Jalufka (2018)
• Linda Coker (2020)
• Debbie Austin (2021–2023)
• Renee Graham (2024–Present) *Deceased
50 YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG Today, HASM remains an all-volunteer organization affiliated with state and national preservation groups. It continues to foster appreciation for San Marcos’ cultural and architectural heritage. What started with a Bicentennial celebration became a lifelong commitment to preserving the charm, stories, and soul of San Marcos. The Heritage Association has not just saved buildings— it has built community.
The Heritage Association of San Marcos is a nonprofit organization founded and chartered in 1975 to support the preservation of historic buildings, as well as to celebrate the culture and perpetuate the traditions that beautify and enrich the community life of San Marcos, Texas. Membership is open to all who are interested in joining us as we carry out our mission and serve the beautiful city of San Marcos. Join online at heritagsanmarcos. org.
