Castroville Conservation Society

06/08/2026

Y’all be careful! There’s a construction sign blown into the road coming into Castroville (right as you come into Castroville) from San Antonio and people are swerving to miss it. I already notified the city and they are heading to remove it. I just don’t want anyone to have an accident 🙏🏻

06/07/2026

Valentine Vollmer Haus – Then & Now

Proudly standing since the 1870s at 501 Florence Street! This classic limestone pioneer home was originally deeded to Louis Huth. He is sometimes referred to as Castroville’s “unsung hero” who led the struggling colony through its earliest, most critical years.

Huth served as Justice of the Peace (elected 1844), Tax Assessor Collector, County Treasurer, County Clerk (1849–58), and Chief Justice (1860–62).

He later sold the property, which was purchased for $200 in 1870 by Valentine Vollmer, who immigrated from Pfalz (Bavarian Palatinate), Germany.

Descendants include Ferdinand Joseph Vollmer (1886–1955, son of Valentine and Mary Wentz), and related family members like Johann Vollmer (1836–1900, buried in St. Louis Cemetery).

Another historic home, the John (Johann) Vollmer Hüs (Valentine’s father), at 615 Lafayette (ca. 1863) highlights the family’s prominence in early building and settlement.

The Vollmer family helped build Castroville’s enduring character through their hard work and resilience as pioneers.
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Russell & Dolores Guinn: Stewards of Heritage & Community Service

Russell & Dolores Guinn have been the dedicated owners and stewards of the Valentine Vollmer Haus for many years, preserving its historic integrity while it remains a private residence on the Castroville Historic Walking Tour. 

• Community Service via Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home: The family-owned business (second family to own it) traces roots to 1919. Russell (second-generation funeral director/President) and Dolores (funeral director), have managed it since 1980. They provide compassionate, personalized service to Medina County families. Their daughter Ashley Guinn Cooper is a third-generation funeral director. 

• Historic Preservation: Their careful maintenance of the Vollmer House helps keep Castroville’s pioneer legacy alive. The home has thick limestone walls, original character, and charm intact for future generations. As longtime community members, they embody the spirit of stewardship that defines Castroville.

This home stands as a testament to the vision of Henri Castro, the leadership of Louis Huth, the resilience of the Vollmer family, and the ongoing dedication of the Guinns.

Today, the home remains a cherished stop on our Historic Walking Tour, beautifully preserved.

Pick up a walking tour brochure at the Steinbach Haus Visitors Center!

Historiic photo: THC Portal

06/07/2026

Medina County’s Timeless Treasures

Over 110 years ago, one of America’s most beloved symbols of freedom rolled right into Hondo, Texas.

On November 17, 1915, the Liberty Bell made a special whistle stop visit during its grand cross country tour.

The Hondo Anvil Herald (Saturday, November 20, 1915) captured the excitement perfectly. A large crowd of citizens, men, women, and children of all ages, gathered at the depot as the special train arrived around noon.

The bell, illuminated and proudly displayed on its flatcar, drew folks who boarded to see it up close. Many were even allowed to touch this treasured relic of the American Revolution! The paper called it a “very lively occasion” that stirred hearts and filled everyone with gratitude.

The Bell’s 1915 journey was a rare treat. It was one of only a handful of major tours the Liberty Bell ever made.

The Anvil Herald article shared the full inspiring history of the Bell, from its casting in 1752, its role in proclaiming independence, to its journey home from the San Francisco Exposition.

A big thank you to a follower who shared this wonderful historic photo and asked me to tell the story. Additional context comes from the Texas State Historical Association and public domain historical archives.

Today, you can still feel that historic spirit at the Medina County Museum (housed in the restored old Southern Pacific Depot at 2202 18th Street in Hondo). The very place where locals once cheered the Liberty Bell now preserves our county’s rich heritage, a perfect spot for a family visit.

What a beautiful reminder that patriotism runs deep in Medina County!
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Credit: Hondo Anvil, TSHA
Photo has no credited name of the photographer

06/03/2026

Hello everyone! A follower reached out and asked us to put this out to the group:

They’re seeking reputable contractors who specialize in historical home restoration, specifically for a roof project, in the Castroville area or nearby.

We already know a couple of great ones, but they’re fully booked. So we’re hoping to find more!

If you’ve had excellent results with a contractor who understands historical architecture, works well with historic district guidelines, and delivers high-quality, reliable work, please reply with their name and any details.

Only recommendations from people experienced with historic homes, please! Any leads are greatly appreciated.

Our historic homes are treasures in Castroville❤️

06/03/2026

Listening to the rain….

06/02/2026

It’s that time of year! FREE MOVIES at our Rainbow Theater!

FREE SUMMER KID MOVIE SERIES IS BAAAAACK!

☀️Summer is right around the corner! Beat the heat this summer at Rainbow Theater's 3rd annual FREE Summer Kid Movie Series! 🎥🍿

Each Wednesday & Thursday throughout the summer, starting on June 3rd, we will show a FREE kid-friendly movie. No ticket needed - just bring the kids and enjoy a 10:30 AM movie.

Please remember that we are a small, local business trying to make this an event that we can all enjoy and continue. You can support us by purchasing snacks, treats, and drinks from our concession stand. NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINKS.

LOCAL BUSINESSES- Interested in sponsoring popcorn for any of these FREE movies for the community? Contact us today at [email protected].

06/01/2026

Wow! This is very cool!

Did you know a piece of the Alamo is built into one of Chicago’s most famous skyscrapers?

When the historic Tribune Tower was completed in 1931, its exterior was decorated with stones and fragments collected from significant sites around the world. Among the 150 pieces incorporated into the building was a stone from the legendary The Alamo, donated by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

Visitors walking past the tower today can find a genuine fragment of the Alamo embedded in its façade alongside pieces from world-famous landmarks spanning centuries of history.

More than 1,200 miles from San Antonio, a small piece of Texas history remains permanently displayed on a Chicago street corner—a reminder that the story of the Alamo reaches far beyond the Lone Star State. 🤠🏛️