| |
 |
History
in a Pecan ShellTransmigrating
German immigrants arrived here in the mid 1850s to avoid the overflowing towns
of New Braunfels and Fredericksburg.
Indians made life difficult for the settlers and staple supplies required a trip
to Fredericksburg.
Originally named
Beaver Creek, the name Hilda was submitted when a post office was applied
for. Hilde Schulze, a relative to the postmistress was the community’s namesake.
In 1865 a Methodist church / school building was constructed. In the early 1890s
a separate school was constructed. The original church was razed in 1902 and a
new building built from the original stone.
Growth was between slow and
nonexistent. The post office closed in 1919 and although no exact population figures
are available, it was estimated that 35 families occupied the immediate countryside
surrounding the stone church, most of them engaged in sheep and cattle raising.
Bethel
M. E. ChurchHistorical
Marker:
Built 1862.
Second church of any faith in Mason County. Housed first school in the county.
Recorded
Texas Historic Landmark - 1965 |
 |
Bethel
M.E. Church
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Photo courtesy Will
Beauchamp, 2011 |
Bethel M.E. Church historical marker
Photo courtesy Will
Beauchamp, 2011 |
Photographer's Note:
The little cottages were called ESSHAUS'S. These ESSHAUS'S were used by church
members who would drive their wagons or buggies from far out in the country. Sometimes
staying 2 nights and returning home after church or the following day. They have
2 of these restored. There were about 8 people around doing yard work & maintenance
and had a great time visiting with all the friendly folks!!!!
This Church
may be small & off the beaten path but it's very much active. - Will
Beauchamp, March 2011 |
Brandenberger
Ranch in Hilda
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, October 2003 |
Brandenberger
Ranch House
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, February 2004 |
| Residents
in Hilda
TE Photo , 2001 |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories, and vintage/historic
photos of their town, please contact
us. | |
| Save on Hotels
- Expedia
Affiliate Network | |
