Blanco is home to a hand full of historic homes, buildings, icons and landmarks, but some residents may be concerned that some of these pieces of history are slowly disappearing. Could that ever happen here, as is many places nationwide?
Some of the buildings in the town’s square area have been quietly deteriorating and may be facing demolition. Is this really true? Take a walk, take a hard look; you decide.
Time, simple neglect, and natural decay doom some. Stones, mortar, windmills, and boards can be replaced; but it’s all the memories that go with it, that can also go away. Well, if you let them.
Small farm houses inside the city limits, barns, windmills and other ordinary items provide important insight into the everyday lives of settlers struggling to survive on the unforgiving landscape deep inside of Texas.
Remember the TV program ‘If Walls Could Talk’ (HGTV series). This was an award-winning series profiles homeowners from across the country who renovated their historic homes and uncovered unusual stories and valuable objects along the way. From century-old diaries, to rare coins, even an unopened bank vault. These unexpected discoveries are a lesson in history for thrilled homeowners.
A local example is a German inscription on the floor joists above the Old Blanco Courthouse Office 102, found during the restoration in winter of 2012. Translated to english it reads, “Go to the Galrasieu Lumber Co, Austin, The Best Lumber for the Least Money.
Here are some Web sites to keep you in touch: www.blancoguide.com, www.blancochamber.com, www.cityofblanco.com.
The Historic Preservation Commission meets on the last Monday of the month at the Byars House. The Design Guidelines draft is online: blancoguide.com/design/.
Rudy Nino, is a builder-member of the Blanco’s Historic Preservation Commission and a central Texas remodeler.
1 photo attached to this article.
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