Musings of JEV: Town Water Tank

Vintage photo of the old cypress town water tank on stilts in Boerne, Texas

Uncle Willie’s property was at the far west end of San Antonio Street and now is a subdivision of homes. He had a wooden water tank, that perhaps might still there but probably not. It was rather large, made of cypress and served Willie and Mattie for many years. Willie had bought the tank from … Read more

Uncle Willie and Zodiac Farming

Farmer holding a hoe in a field at sunset, illustrating Uncle Willie's zodiac farming traditions

Willie enjoyed farming and was usually the first person to have his fields worked up each spring. He was a believer in the use of signs of the moon and zodiac in his farming and ranching. He planted, harvested, cultivated, everything by the signs. When he was dying I asked him if he would mind … Read more

Musings of JEV: Earl Wellborn

Historical photo of soldiers at Camp Hood Texas 1948, Musings of JEV Earl Wellborn Boerne

Earl Wellborn In July of 1948, the government offered a one-year term of enlistment to any 18-year-old who would enlist in the U.S. Army. At that time there was no draft, and very few people were going into the service. Most of the men and women who had served during WWII were getting out, and … Read more

Men of the Hill Country: Kendall County’s Legacy in America’s 250-Year Story

Historic Kendall County Texas Hill Country pioneer families Kuhlmann Fabra Herff Dienger Boerne

Men of the Hill Country: Kendall County’s Legacy in America’s 250-Year Story Featuring the Kuhlmann, Fabra, Herff, and Dienger Families As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, communities across the nation are pausing to reflect on the people who shaped their corner of the American story. Here in Kendall County — where limestone bluffs … Read more

Felipe and the Schwarz Field

Sepia-toned interior of a vintage Buick automobile with worn dashboard and steering wheel, evoking memories of early Boerne, Texas and small-town life in Kendall County.

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

THRIFTY GERMAN

Hands holding a collection of pennies, symbolizing thrift and careful saving in early Boerne, Texas.

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

Bob and Della Russell: Early Pioneers Who Helped Shape Boerne’s Business and Cultural Life

Historic photograph of early Boerne, Texas showing unpaved Main Street, storefronts, and horses in the late 19th century.

By the time Kendall County was beginning to find its modern footing, it was families like Bob and Della Russell who quietly but decisively helped turn a frontier community into a town with staying power. Their story is not one of flashy headlines or political power, but of steady work, civic responsibility, and an enduring … Read more

GOOD OL’ SANTA

Life-size Santa Claus decoration standing beside a decorated Christmas tree and wrapped presents in a cozy living room.

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

MIKEY THE DONKEY

Vintage black-and-white photo of John Eddie Vogt as a child riding a donkey cart, captioned “Me and Mikey harvesting corn. I’m the one wearing the hat.”

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

THE PLAZA

An elderly John Eddie Vogt in a red plaid shirt standing outdoors with a gentle smile, embodying wisdom and nostalgia.

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