HERITAGE ASSOCIATION OF SAN MARCOS
The Coronal Institute (Hutchinson and Moore Street) in San Marcos was founded by Orlando Newton Hollingsworth in 1868 as a private, coeducational school that offered military training for the boys. The school was sold to R. H. Belvin in 1871 and in 1875, the San Marcos school was purchased by the Methodist Church, and J. H. Bishop became the president.
One of the succeeding presidents was Sterling Fisher, who in 1903, constructed a boys’ dormitory apart from the main campus on Belvin Street, christened Fisher Hall, and a new main building with a girls’ dormitory.
The school continued to make changes to the campus to attract more students. However, these efforts were not sufficient to offset the steadily falling enrollment, and the school closed in 1917.
The buildings of the Institute went through a revolving door of uses. On the verge of entering World War I, the campus became barracks and students from the Southwest Texas Normal School’s army training corps trained on the grounds. After the conclusion of the war, the buildings saw use as the Coronal Military Academy, but that lasted only a few years.
In 1923, Fisher Hall was converted into a memorial hospital and remained such for the next few decades. Known as the Old Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines Hospital, it operated as the only hospital in Hays County. The building served briefly as a Baptist Academy dormitory, until it was bought by the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity in 1968. The structure became locally known as the “Pike House.” The building was sold in 1998 when the fraternity decided to purchase a more practical living space. It stood vacant until 2007, when a fire destroyed the historic structure.
The San Marcos Daily Record stated that the fire was reported by a passerby at 7:30 in the evening, and “within minutes the city landmark was engulfed in flames that shot as high as 100 feet.” Hundreds of San Marcos residents gathered to watch the fire, many with personal memories and stories about the history of the revered building.
Fisher Hall played an intriguing role in the history of San Marcos. From its inception as a part of the Coronal Institute to its life as a college fraternity house, the Hall has been steeped in tradition and mystery.
One story revolves around a hazing incident that resulted in the death of a pledge, and the rituals that took place to erase that memory from the house. Other stories recount sounds of footsteps along the secondstory balcony and residents of the house experiencing ghosts in the building, while other legends speak of the existence of secret passageways and rooms. All the lore of Fisher Hall, however, went up in flames when the building was burned.
Local historian Rodney van Oudekerke noted that “Fisher Hall represented the city’s continuing dedication to education and public service,” adding that “it’s history connected generations of residents and helped preserve the story of San Marcos.”
The property began a new chapter in its life when Kaare and Brenda Remme purchased the property within weeks after the fire. The site presented a few challenges, but the Remmes constructed their home where Fisher Hall once stood, nestled in the hill and set back from Belvin street, with the beautiful expansive lawn preserved.
While more modern in design than many of the Victorian and Craftsman style homes along Belvin Street, the graciously appointed home, with its utilization of stone and stucco, harmoniously blends in with the surrounding landscape. There was a natural boundary of trees around the footprint of Fisher Hall that was saved and became part of the inspiration for the home.
Designed and constructed from 20102011 by noted architect Ron Balderach, the three-bedroom house incorporates elements of the Prairie Style reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright. The interior is built to entertain with soaring ceilings, big open spaces, and custom woodwork. The owners built it as a gathering place for their extended families and friends. Brenda Remme said, “We like to think of it as an extra parish hall for our church, St. Mark’s Episcopal.”
The beautiful grounds and gardens were designed and are maintained by Lisa Prewitt, and the landscaping adds additional interest and beauty to the property. While the home does not include any features of Fisher Hall, there are various walls that have been included in the landscaping, including the old loading dock in front of the house and the walls surrounding the front field. Additionally, the bricks under the gate in front of the house on Belvin Street are from the old building and the Remmes hope to have them engraved with names of people who were born in the old hospital.
While the Remme House is the newest member of the Belvin Street fraternity it has already become a classic addition to the historic district.
Tickets are $30 in advance at HeritageSan-Marcos.org ($35 the day of the tour). Proceeds support the Heritage Association of San Marcos and its mission to preserve the historic structures and districts that make San Marcos one of Texas’ most treasured cities.
Founded in 1975, the Heritage Association of San Marcos (HASM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving historic buildings, celebrating local culture, and perpetuating the traditions that enrich the community life of San Marcos. Membership is open to anyone interested in supporting historic preservation and the ongoing stewardship of the city’s heritage.
