The Blanco Historical Commission recently sent 196 letters to owners of structures over 50 years old within the city limits of Blanco. These letters were to inform owners their property could possibly qualify for the new Blanco Landmark Program. But the work on the survey which made this possible is still not complete and will be an ongoing project as structures reach 50 years of age, the structure will be added to this survey.

Around town right now, Commissioner Becky Greathouse, Joe Walsh and Alexandria Penshorn are taking black and white and digital pictures of the 196 homes to send to Texas Historical Commission to archive. We wanted the public to know so there would be no surprises or police calls about someone taking pictures of a house. This phase of the project should be finished by September 30, 2009. If you would like to see the houses in this project, visit the website at www.blancoguide.com. This site is not an official city site, but is currently the home of this survey.

I have received a phone call from Mrs. Rebecca Howerton. She had seen the article about the cemetery in the newspaper and wished to clarify some of the information. The group who worked in the cemetery was not the Boy Scouts. A visiting Christian youth group and the Trinity Lutheran youth group assisted in cleaning the cemetery. These young men and women also assisted the elderly in Blanco with mowing, washing windows and other chores. They had a wonderful time and enjoyed Blanco. Blanco wishes them well in their mission and a great big thank you for all they did.

Speaking about the cemetery, did you know about the man buried in the cemetery holding a white bean? His name is Benjamin Z. Boone. He was a member of the ill fated Mier Expedition that was captured by the Mexican army. Boone was one of the fortunate members who drew a white bean and was saved from execution. You can read about the Mier Expedition online at www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/ or read about it in books at the Blanco Library.

Before I finish this column, I want to give an acknowledgement to Mrs. Pearl Greebon. I had requested more information about the Morgan Building. Mrs. Greebon phoned to tell me the building had been used as a domino parlor and thought it once had a billiard table also. She went on to tell the story of Blanco’s first electrical plant. I’ve put her on the oral history interview list. And if you know an interesting story about Blanco, we would like to have a copy or perhaps we can put you on the oral history list too. Blanco’s History is worthy of preserving and the Blanco Historical Preservation Commission is dedicated to capturing as much of the history as we are able. Please join us!