Prohibition Passes by Narrow Vote

On January 31st, citizens first saw and heard Edison’s new invention, the phonograph, in Kleine Hall.  In January & February, the river banks at the upper and lower “wash” places graded down to permit easier access to the river.  These were at the north and south ends of Block 2 on Water Street in inner town. Every few days, herds of cattle or horses were driven through town, causing lots of damage. In March, a “stylish picket fence” was built around both the Baptist and Methodist Churches (west side of Block 32).  City Council named College Street and declared Hamilton Street be named in honor of  Joel Hamilton, deceased. Texas suffered a severe drought. A new bridge was built over the San Marcos River, purchased by the county. In May, a petition containing fifty-two signatures was presented asking for a vote on the prohibition law. June 14, prohibition law passed in Gonzales by four votes. A citizen requested that a “hog law” be passed to keep hogs from sleeping on the  sidewalks. A cistern was added to then-existing courthouse, in the center. In October, Baptists planned to build a one-story frame parsonage East of the church. On November 2nd, B.N. Peck and William Fly Company opened their store.