Re-imagining The Heritage Association of San Marcos

Veramendi Plaza Park is a stunning gem that provides a tree-covered park on the river to be enjoyed by all visitors. Although the city owns the park, the Heritage Association members have been stewards of the property, structures and buildings for over four decades. To know the story of Veramendia Plaza Park is to understand the driving forces behind this nonprofit and the extent of their financial support endorsing preservation. Here are some pivotal dates to know: 1972 — Preservation efforts were dedicated to Veramendi Park when the Federal Urban Renewal Agency transferred this undeveloped area to the City Bicentennial Commission which soon became the Heritage Association. Thus began the drive to protect and preserve these three acres as the historic centerpiece of the town.

1986 — The Imperial Bronzelight Corporation completely rebuilt the fountain at a cost of $10,000 in observance of the Texas Sesquicentennial. In addition, Bronzelight and private donors provided the installation of long-delayed lights for greater security along the Riverwalk in 1993.

2006 — The fountain was named for Gwen K. Smith and in 2011 through a gift from the Smith estate, the fountain was rebuilt a second time. Improvements were made including new plumbing and electrical systems. A well-house nearby shelters the controls to the fountain’s motor which uses recycled water.

2012 — The iconic gazebo was restored to enhance the park for community events. HASM donated $30,000 to fund it with an additional pledge of $5,000. Over many years, the Heritage Riverwalk Committee has planted more than 50 trees with bronze plaques at their base dedicated to distinguished persons in the community. It is appropriately named the Riverwalk Memorial Grove in the southeast corner of the park.

2020 — HASM paid $7,000 to restore the walls of the historic Merriman cabin.

2024 — HASM will embark on the restoration of another historic landmark, the Charles S. Cock House Museum built in 1867. The restoration will be done in phases and the association members are currently reviewing the extensive scope of work with the city.

The Heritage Society is vigilant in its efforts; however, securing adequate, stable funding streams has always been a challenge for the vast majority of non-profit organizations. HASM is a small, community-based entity with meager resources. It has modest budgets, use only volunteer labor and operate locally. Like all nonprofits, it walks a tightrope suspended delicately between the public and private sectors. In the process of being creative, HASM has generated revenue by selling goods and services such as our vintage sales, home tours and Easter Egg Hunts. As times change, HASM is evolving.

Last February, HASM President Debbie Austin observed an opportunity that many had overlooked: coordinating the annual Heritage Home Tour with TXST University. The planning of this stellar event has merged the talents of so many it’s almost mind boggling but the rewards are boundless for both HASM and TXST. This 46th Annual Historic Tour highlights the art and architec-ture on the university campus with more activities you can do in one day. For details and tickets, please go to the HASM website: HeritageSanMarcos.org. This is once-in-a-lifetime moment. Don’t miss the chance to experience history in the making.

Another merger in the making is a bandstand project that would involve HASM, Hays County Commissioner’s Court, Hays County Historical Preservation Commission, the City’s Main Street Program, and the master plan for the proposed landscaping of the courthouse grounds. This initiative was proposed by Jeff Kester, architect and current HASM Riverwalk Committee Chair, who drew up architectural plans for Dr. Gwen Smith in 1993. Dr. Smith asked Kester to take a copy of an old photo of a long-gone octagonal bandstand that stood on the NE corner of the courthouse square and create plans to reconstruct the bandstand.

In 2024, the Heritage Association of San Marcos will embark on the restoration of the Charles S. Cock House Museum, built in 1867, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located in Veramendi Plaza Park.

The original bandstand was built in 1909, the same year the most recent courthouse was built. It was used for band concerts, political rallies, sermons and many public meetings by local citizens. It was demolished in 1938. Dr. Smith’s intent was to complete the plans, secure permissions to build the bandstand, and develop fundraising strategies. She had enlisted local contractor, T.P. Gilmore to construct the bandstand once funds were in hand. Ultimately, Dr. Smith decided not to pursue the project after the plans were completed and permissions granted, and the plans were then archived.

Dr. Smith was president of HASM from 1985 1987 and a past chair of the Riverwalk Park Committee. This project would fulfill an unfinished part of Dr. Smith’s legacy to the community of San Marcos and Hays County. The benefits are endless. It would provide a downtown venue for musical performances, the weekly Farmer’s Market, the monthly Art Squared event, and significant holiday events. It would provide a shady venue at the courthouse square for events, marches and public gatherings as well as a community venue for high school and TXST public outdoor performances. Additionally, it would strengthen the bridge between HASM and supporting organizations including Hays County, HCHC, HCHPC and Main Street.

Serving the twin masters of mission and market can be difficult as the visions grow to fulfill new goals. The organization looks to supporters and local businesses to develop fresh ideas in these entrepreneurial waters. Government subsidies have not proven to be a dependable source of funding. Competition among nonprofits for grants and charitable donations is intense. The Heritage Association is indeed re-imagining and recreating itself. HASM continues in its commitment to support preservation of buildings, historical sites and archives as well is to perpetuate traditions that beautify and enrich the community life of this city. Please visit the website at HeritageSan-Marcos.org and become a member today.