School Days, School Days

Vintage mid-century school portrait of students dressed formally for a school photograph.

Published in 2011, the late John Eddie Vogt’s book, Witches, Bitches, and Other Small Town Folks, brings to life the quirky, unforgettable, and entertaining tales of growing up and living in Kendall County from the 1930s through the 1960s. Thanks to the gracious permission of his family, The Kendall Gentleman is honored to share excerpts … Read more

Being Present Is the Present for Your Family

Father holding his son airplane-style while playing in a field, showing joy, connection, and the importance of being present with family

There’s a challenge most dads don’t talk about enough – the difference between being physically present and being actively present. You can be in the room, sitting on the couch, at the dinner table, even on a family outing – and still be somewhere else entirely. Your body is there, but your mind is on … Read more

Stone in the Road

Large stone resting in the middle of a road symbolizing life’s obstacles, faith, and perseverance

By.  Stan Leech “What’s this world coming to? A stone in the road.” Delivered in the flattest, most monotone voice imaginable–by a tall second grader in a construction paper costume–those words made Carla and I look at each other and do everything in our power not to laugh out loud. Her college roommate and our … Read more

Mashbills – The Agricultural Recipe for Whiskey

Close-up of raw whiskey grains including barley and rye used in mashbill recipes

Our whiskey grain choices reflect our agricultural history. Whiskey preferences are closely tied to the grains used in production. Mashbills show the mix and amounts of different grains in the whiskey. The location helps identify various styles within whiskey categories, but mashbills are what truly define whiskey. **Barley** is fundamental to many Scotch, Irish, American … Read more

Danny Phillips: Set In Family

Danny Phillips standing outdoors in Kendall County with oak trees behind him, reflecting on faith, family roots, and vocation

Outside the window behind him, an enormous oak tree fills the frame, its branches stretching wide across the front yard, older than the conversation taking place beneath it. He gives thanks for the opportunity “to reflect and remember all of your goodness and beauty that takes place in this place, in this city.” He prays … Read more

Rooted in Boerne, Committed to Serve

Officer Jacob De Anda of the Boerne Police Department standing in uniform on a residential street in Boerne, Texas

For Officer Jacob De Anda, law enforcement was never a backup plan. It was something he feltcalled to from an early age, shaped by growing up in Boerne and seeing firsthand the trustbetween the community and its officers.“My family has been in the Hill Country for over 30 years,” De Anda said. “Growing up here,the … Read more

Hermann Lange (1844–1862): A Hill Country Unionist Remembered A Young Life Lost in the Struggle for Principle

Black and white image of cypress tree roots along the Guadalupe River in Comfort, Texas, reflecting Hill Country history and heritage

In the Hill Country town of Comfort, where the cypress trees lean over the Guadalupe River and thelimestone hills glow gold in the lateday sun, history is never far from view. It lingers in the old stonebuildings, in the German street names, and in the quiet dignity of the Treue der Union Monument.Among the names … Read more