Dear Editor,

Back in October, I drove to Blanco for the Blanco Pantherette reunion. I have not been to Blanco much since graduating, but as I drove I found myself reminiscing on how it used to look and the changes that had happened since then.

As I passed the old Peach stand, I looked to the right side of road expecting to see the “Welcome to Blanco, Gem of the Hills Sign.”

You can understand my surprise when what welcomed me back to my home town was a sign “2 Guys and a Mower!”

Where has the Blanco pride gone? Blanco is a small town, but it has grown alot. Many new businesses have evolved to help develope the town.

There used to be a joke that you shouldn’t blink when driving to Blanco, because it was so small that you would miss it.

I think the town should at least have a sign for visitors to know what town they are entering.

I think a welcome sign represents pride in the community and respect for your town that you want others to notice.

I believe the slogan “Gem of the Hills” actually started out as a contest in the Elementary School. Children were asked to give Blanco a slogan and draw a poster with it on it.

The posters were judged and the winning poster was created into the Blanco Welcome Billboard Sign.

I think in this day people need to respect more. Children need to be proud of their town and this creative idea could help the town represent itself better.

It is bad enough that Blanco lost its voice with the passing of Ron Houston, it shouldn’t lose its sight without a sign!

Thank you,

Stacey Brown

New Braunfels,TX