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San Marcos News

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Jeff Gessas, TXST Philosophy Department lecturer, lectures to a room full of people at the library.
Daily Record photos by Shannon West

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Jeff Gessas, TXST Philosophy Department lecturer, discussed the history of Spring Lake and the engaged ecology viewpoint for protection of the springs, which are currently flowing at their slowest rate, during the Philosophy Dialogues at the San Marcos Public Library.
Daily Record photos by Shannon West

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Jeff Gessas

Professor discusses history of Spring Lake and engaged ecology

Fri, 05/03/2024 - 12:00am

Spring Lake, Aquarena Springs and the San Marcos Springs are all names for a cherished asset in the community – the headwaters of the San Marcos River. It has been a theme park in the past and is now under special protections due to the endangered species located there. It is not open to the public to swim in at their leisure, but it can still be snorkeled in or paddled on in small numbers through tours operated by the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment. The springs have a rich history and are a central part of the cre- ation story and the home to the Coahuiltecan people for thousands of years. In the conclusion of the Philosophy Dialogue Lecture Series hosted at the San Marcos Public Library and spearheaded by Jo Ann Carson, a Texas State University Department of Philosophy senior lecturer, the final discussion involved Spring Lake. Jeff Gessas, TXST Department of Philosophy lecturer, explained the history, the need to protect this valuable resource and the engaged ecology and environmental justice implications associated with the springs.

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Enjoy a carriage ride as part of the Heritage Association of San Marcos Home Tour. The above photo is taken from a post card depending a carriage ride on Fort Street, now Hopkins Street, circa the 1890s.
Photo reproduced from the San Marcos-Hays County Collection at the San Marcos Public Library

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110 years ago, wagons were still part of daily life in San Marcos. To get around town, all you had was a horse, your feet, and if lucky a bicycle. The wealthier people had buggies and carriages, the working people had buckboards. Most everyone needed horses. Horses need care, and wheeled conveyances need building and repairing. It is estimated that in 1880, there were over 80,000 carriage manufacturers in the country. Every town had carriage makers, blacksmiths, and a livery stable. San Marcos had several of each.
Photo reproduced from the San Marcos-Hays County Collection at the San Marcos Public Library

Experience the history of San Marcos first hand with this weekend's Home Tour

Fri, 05/03/2024 - 12:00am

Perhaps the most noted early 1900s blacksmith in San Marcos was a man named Ulysses Cephas. His restored bungalow home will be a featured property on this year’s Heritage Home Tour on May 4 and 5. It is entirely possible that Cephas worked on the carriages (pictured above,) although there were other blacksmiths in town. But it is a reality that within the next few weeks, his home will be an anchor to the new Dunbar National Register Historic District. That is a very big deal, and the Heritage Association is honored to help celebrate. Tour visitors will see displays, hear cultural stories, get to sample favorite cultural desserts. For those taking the self guided tour, cross the street to the Calaboose Museum to learn all about blacksmithing and see the restoration in progress of the old San Marcos Colored School.

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Swimming has been suspended at this time for Jacob's Well, which has had significant issues with low spring flow since last summer. Before: Jacob’s Well on October 2019, at a normal water level. After: Jacob’s Well on April 30, 2024, below average water levels
Photo courtesy of Katherine Sturdivant, Hays County Parks Department.

Jacob's Well suspends swimming season due to continued low flow

Fri, 05/03/2024 - 12:00am

The Hays County Parks Department announced that Jacob’s Well Natural Area is suspending its 2024 summer swimming season until further notice. The summer swimming season, which typically extends from May 1 through Sept. 30 of each year, will be suspended due to below-average spring flow and water levels. Hays County officials plan to re-evaluate water conditions monthly to determine whether swimming might become possible at a later date.

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MENUDO ON QUATRO AND MANA’S ON CINCO

It’s Cinco de Mayo weekend and San Marcos is not low on festivities. The Menudo Throwdown will be taking over the lawn of the Historic Hays County Courthouse Saturday. The event starts at 9 a.m., tasting starts at 11 a.m and the winners are announced at 4:30 p.m. The winner takes home $1,200. This is a very fun event. You buy whatever amount of cups you want, then go tent to tent asking for menudo and borracho beans. Last year, there was also Micheladas. There is also a pageant for young girls, the Miss Chiquita pageant. The proceeds will benefit families dealing with cancer. Mana's Restaurant, 807 Alabama St, will be having a Cinco de Mayo party from 12:30 to 4 p.m. on Sunday with music, food and vendors. Get some Mexican food and shop your heart out. There’s sure to be plenty of festivities happening at the square as well, if you’d like to stop somewhere for a beer; I believe that is the official drink of Cinco de Mayo. I’m only kidding, sort of. Drink responsibly, my friends.

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HISTORY OR MARIACHIS, WHY NOT BOTH?

In case you haven't heard, the Heritage Association of San Marcos is hosting the annual Home Tour this week. If you're reading this newspaper, I'm sure you're familiar with the plans. If not, check out www. heritagesanmarcos.org.

Additionally, outside of the many Cinco de Mayo festivities going on around town, there is also a performance by the Latin Music Studies of Texas State's College of Fine Arts. It is the 27th annual Feria Del Mariachi Concert at the Patti Strickel Harrison Theatre at the Performing Arts Center on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

It is actually part of a Mariachi Festival that lasts all weekend including an ensemble competition of Texas Middle School and High School groups competition, workshops and the concert. All events are open to the public and held at the Patty Strickel Harrison Theatre.

For more information about the festival, visit latin.music.txst.edu/events.html. For tickets to the concert, visit txstatepresents. universitytickets.com.

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MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU ALONG CYPRESS CREEK

May the Fourth Be With You this Saturday, and with us all at Blue Hole Regional Park as Wimberley Parks and Recreation presents “Star Wars” at 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. on the swim lawn. I’m a lifelong “Star Wars” fan. I have vivid memories of seeing “Episode Four: A New Hope” in the theater when I was two years old, and that was a formative moment. From then on, I have always wanted to be the clever and capable Princess Leia Organa. I’ve seen every movie (even the prequels), I’ve read all the novels, I’ve watched all the Star Wars-related series on Disney Plus, and we’re currently watching the new season of “The Bad Batch,” but one thing I haven’t done before is watch “Star Wars” under the stars. Also, I’ve never been to Blue Hole, so this experience promises to be more fun than a barrel of Ewoks. Blue Hole is located at 100 Blue Hole Ln. in Wimberley.

WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?

Fri, 05/03/2024 - 12:00am

The San Marcos Daily Record staff gives recommendations on what to do in our community

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The Rattlers run through drills during Spring Practice. San Marcos is looking to bounce back from an 0-10 season and snap a 11-game losing streak come the fall season.
Daily Record photo by Gerald Castillo

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The defense breaks up a pass during the Rattlers spring practice.
Daily Record photo by Gerald Castillo

Rattlers continue through spring practice

Fri, 05/03/2024 - 12:00am

San Marcos wrapped up their second week of spring practice in preparation for the 2024 fall season.

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Hays County Crime Stoppers Executive Director Jeff Jordan spoke at the Town Hall.
Daily Record photo by Shannon West

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Kirsta Melton, a prosecutor who has tried human trafficking cases for a decade, told some stories of cases she has tried and gave red flags to look for.
Daily Record photo by Shannon West

Child and human trafficking town hall educates public

Thu, 05/02/2024 - 12:00am

Content Warning: This article contains true stories of child sexual assault and child trafficking.

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