New Courthouse Cornerstone

In April, amidst much controversy, the commissioners finally laid the cornerstone for the new courthouse. Initially, the Masonic Lodge was approved to perform the ceremony, but a committee of the Gonzales Farmers Alliance was also invited to participate. In the end, the county judge made the decision that the commissioners would lay the stone. Also during this time, the J.B. Kennard House was completed on Block 39 at 621 St. Louis Street, designed by architect J. Riely Gordon. The W.B. Houston House was built on Block 37 at 621 St. George Street, also designed by Gordon. The Gonzales Telephone Company was established by L.P. David and J.C. Moore, who set up their office in Dr. J.C. Jones’ building. The Drag Net newspaper was in circulation, and Burchard built his two-story building on the south side of Block 23 at 411 St. George Street. Finally, on May 22, the sixth annual commencement exercises took place, with two women graduating.