First Automobiles Scare Horses

The Guadalupe River flooded on March 13, with a crest of 40.53 feet. Around this time, several houses were built, including the C.B. Patton House at 927 St. Lawrence, the W.C. Kleine House at 604 N. College Street, the Dr. W.T. Dawe House at 724 N. College Street, the M.J. Koch House at 605 St. George Street (Block 37), the J.F. Remschel House at 524 St. Peter Street (Block 38), the Jacob Stahl House at 206 St. Francis Street (Block 9), and the Hyman Friedman House at 213 St. James Street (Block 13), which were all completed. Also, the first automobile appeared in Gonzales, owned by Luther Autry, but caused problems with run-away horse teams. Despite the backlash, other citizens such as Dr. McCaleb, J.S. Lewis, F.B. Meisenhelder, L.L. Ollre, and Erskin Ince soon owned automobiles as well. Additionally, T.J. Knight started his mercantile business in the 600 block of St. Joseph Street and later moved it to the 400 block of St. George Street (Block 23) in 1932, where it remained for many years. In terms of businesses, the Shuler Grocery Company, later known as the Shuler’s Grain Company, opened in the 600 block of St. Paul Street (Block 34) and then moved to 503 St. Andrew Street in 1920. Meanwhile, a Jewish Cemetery was established on Water Street. Several floods occurred throughout the year, with the Guadalupe River cresting at 29.1 feet on May 31, at 40.25 feet on July 22, and at 31 feet on November 22. The Nettie Willett School opened for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students at around 1206 St. Joseph Street. However, due to overcrowding, the 3rd grade was later sent to Central Ward School, and the Nettie Willett School was later renamed North Ward before closing around 1919. Finally, in the county, one hundred railroad cars of pecans were shipped.