Cottage Kitchen Luncheon on hiatus

The Cottage Kitchen luncheon at the Charles S. Cock House Museum is on a hiatus this month.

Charles S. Cock, a pioneer and former mayor of San Marcos, built the home, now located at 400 E. Hopkins St., in 1867 of pine, elm, cedar and native limestone. One hundred years later, it received a Texas Historical Marker medallion and in 1973 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. That same year, the San Marcos Bicentennial Commission initiated the restoration of the home, completing the project in 1976.

The Heritage Association — created to continue the work of the Bicentennial Commission — opened the house for tours, receptions and luncheons throughout 1976. And the Heritage Guild, a committee of the association, began offering the cottage kitchen luncheons in that same year, in what is now the oldest residential building in San Marcos. The luncheon has been a local tradition ever since. 

The weekly luncheons provide an opportunity for residents to gather at communal tables with their neighbors and enjoy a meal for just $8, while also raising funds for the Heritage Association. 

The tradition relies on sponsoring hosts and organizations to supply the food and service, and all proceeds benefit the Heritage Association of San Marcos in their effort to support the preservation of historic buildings and traditions that beautify and enrich the community.

The luncheons go on a planned hiatus every July and August, but according to Heritage Guild Chair Marianne Moore,  the guild committee has decided to also be closed in September due to a lack of sponsoring hosts. 

Moore said the guild committee plans to resume lunches in October and November, but are still looking for sponsoring organizations and businesses to host. For more information about becoming a luncheon sponsor, call 512-392-4295.