Small Town Research Project

Fayette County Courthouse, La Grange, Texas

Fayette County Courthouse - Originally built in 1891

Jamie Rapp	Fall, 2005
U.S. History 1302	R. Hines, Instructor

Colorado River as viewed from Monument Hill

The History of La Grange, Texas

La Grange is a small town located northeast of San Antonio. It is the county seat for Fayette County and is situated on the banks of the Colorado River. When driving from San Antonio, travel due east on I-10, take exit number 674 and turn left. Enjoy the rolling hillside, green fields, historic farm houses and beautiful scenery that pass with each mile. You are very close to your destination when you have reached "the bluff" and its descending "S" curves that will eventually have you crossing the Colorado River. Welcome! You are now offically in the town of La Grange, Texas.

The city of La Grange was founded by John H. Moore . He originally settled in Columbus,located southeast of La Grange, where he met and married Eliza Cummins. They relocated to La Grange in 1831. On May 17th of that year, Moore received a half league land grant. Moore built a twin blockhouse and named it Moore's Fort. It was used by early settlers who sought refuge from Indian attacks.

In 1837, Moore presented the city of La Grange the land upon which the town is built. La Grange was designated as the Fayette County seat in 1838, and the city was incorporated in 1850. The cities of Austin and La Grange were in competition to become the state capital, with Austin winning by just one vote!

Families originally settling in La Grange supported themselves by raising cattle or farming. La Grange was known as a "trade town" where farmers would gather to sell and/or buy goods. Historically the area was a trading center for Native Americans and a river crossing for several Spanish expeditions during the 17th and 18th centuries. The city experienced hard times on several occassions. Yellow fever claimed 204 lives in 1867, which was one fifth of the population in La Grange at that time. In 1869 and 1870, the Colorado River flooded, as well as in 1913.

The econony remains somewhat the same today. "We have small cattle operations mostly, there are a few large ones, but most are what you would call 'weekend ranchers'" (Carter 3.) The shops lining the town square are all busy, and La Grange is a very pleasant place to spend an afternoon.

The first Fayette County Courthouse was purchased in 1838 for $250. The builing was too small to conduct district court proceedings, so other buildings around the square were rented for that purpose. The fourth courthouse was built in 1891, and it is still in use today. The courthouse was recently refurbished with a grant from the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program. All reconstruction work was completed in June 2005. The Fayette County Courthouse is the oldest courthouse that exists in Texas that was designed J. Riley Gordon, who designed many other courthouses in the state of Texas.

The Colorado River has flooded the city of La Grange on numerous occasions. The portion of the Colorado River that flows through Fayette County, specifically through the city of La Grange, is in the lower basin of the river, also known as “Flash Flood Alley.” In 1913 a result of the flood was the merging of the mouths of the Colorado and adjacent Brazos Rivers, which formed a lake 65 miles wide until the flood waters subsided. One-half million acres were flooded, causing total devastation to the city. The courthouse has a marker showing the water line inside the courthouse from the flood of 1913.

Cira 1913 flood picture of La Grange

Pictures of court square in downtown La Grange during the flood of 1913

LANDMARKS: Historical Marker outside of Fayette Cty Courthouse Atrium inside of Courthouse Water line inside Fayette Courthouse, from 1913 Flood

Fayette County Courthouse The Fayette County courthouse is the fourth courthouse that was built in La Grange. This courthouse was originally built in 1891 and was recently refurbished in 2005. The courthouse has withstood many floods and other events. There is an atrium located in the center of the courthouse that was sealed in 1949. During recent renovations it was reopened. When you visit the courthouse, make sure to step down into the atrium and admire the splendor from 1890 that is once again a part of Fayette County. A bronze plaque is mounted on a wall in the courthouse it marks the water level inside the courthouse during the flood of 1913.

Moore's Blockhouse Moore's Blockhouse Plaque

Moore Blockhouse The Moore blockhouse has been relocated to Round Top, Texas. This is the original house built by La Grange founder John H. Moore.

Muster Oak Tree

Mustering Tree A single oak tree adjacent to the town square is where the men of Fayette County have met saying goodbye to their families and homes to answer the call of duty to serve in wares or military conflicts. This oak tree serves as a monument to those from Fayette County that have served our nation during times of war. The tree is located in front of “State Bank” on the square, Where there is a granite marker that explains its history.

Monument Hill Memorial

Monument Hill – The remains of 52 men from the Dawson Massacre and 16 men from the Mier Expedition are entombed at Monument Hill. In May 1847, Capt. John E. Dusenbury, a survivor of the Black Bean Episode , asked permission to retrieve the remains of his fallen comrades. Permission was not granted, but Lane did not let that stop him. Along with the remains of the men executed from the Mier Expedition they were re-interred in September 1848 in a cement vault on the bluff that overlooks the Colorado River. Several dignitaries were in attendance including Sam Houston. A granite vault was created that completely encloses the original vault, which was dedicated on September 18, 1933.

Survivors of Black Bean Drawing Date unknown..... Picture taken (date unknown) of ten (10) survivors of the Black Bean Drawing. Writing on the picture states "These men drew White Beans at Mier" They are as listed: Standing L to R: Unknown, Big Foot Wallace, Unknown, J.C. Armstrong Seated L to R: Caleb Sinclair, Unknown, Wm. K. Davis, Unknown, Creed Taylor, Richard Brown

The city of La Grange celebrates “Texas Heroes Day” each year on the weekend that is closest to September 18th. This day is spent honoring the men who fought for Texas independence. The event is held at Texas State Historic Site of Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery. Family descendents and guests are in attendance, with many dressing in costume of the period. The occasion is solemn, honoring the men that sacrificed their lives for Texas’ freedom, however it is also a happy event as their families mingle and share histories and anecdotes. Dale Martin, Manager of the Monument Hill Historic Site, states the mission and reason for this event, “The only patriotic and honorable thing to do is re-establish this gathering of old Texas, and continue to give these patriots the respect and recognition that they deserve.” (quote via email) Those requesting information about becoming a friend of MHKB can email Dale or visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife web site.

Cannon at Texas Heroes Day Cannon shot at re-enactment by black powder brigade Black Powder Brigade preparing cannons Texas Heroes Day Pictures

Kreische Home, located at Monument Hill State Park Kreische Brewery Detail Kreische Brewery Ruins,located at Monument Hill State Park

Kreische Home and Kreische Brewery These two landmarks share the location of Monument Hill on the bluff that overlooks the Colorado River. The Kreische family had a brewery on the banks of the Colorado. Heinrich Kreische sold most of his beer in the local taverns and stocked his beer hall that was located in downtown La Grange. Stories exist of Mr. Kreische using paddle boats during prohibition to transport the beer up the Colorado River, stopping to sell at various locations between La Grange and the city of Austin, Texas.

Fayette County Jail The Fayette County Jail was built in 1882. It is now occupied by the La Grange Chamber of Commerce, and a few ghosts according to the ladies that work there! One ghost in particular is the Widow Dach (see related story below*). As you enter the building the original steel door is still in place, where a marker is mounted stating that the jail was in use until 1985. A self guided tour is available, however, Rachel Bolfik, with the Chamber of Commerce, is very helpful and knowledgeable about the history of the jail. When you enter, there is a small hallway before entering the old cell area. Once inside, turn around and notice the “peep holes” that are still intact. These peep holes were used by jailkeeper so he could check any unusual noises and confirm if he needed to enter and break up any fights. The cells were very small and cramped. They often housed three inmates. There was only one bunk in each cell, so two inmates were left to sleep on the floor. Located on the jail house grounds are four cemented areas where the gallows were located. A rope is hanging inside the museum area of the jail, reminding you that hangings were carried out often in the state of Texas and in the city of La Grange.

Bumper Sticker Sign outside of Chicken Ranch October 1973 The Infamous Chicken Ranch A report on the city of La Grange would not be complete without the inclusion of the Chicken Ranch. It was a bordello that remained in operation until August 1, 1973, until an expose was published by Houston reporter Marvin Zindler. Speculation exists on the actual year that the brothel opened. Miss Jessie Williams, (born Faye Stewart) bought a small house on the outskirts of La Grange in 1905 and established the bordello commonly known as the Chicken Ranch. The name “Chicken Ranch” was given to the bordello during the Great Depression, when sexual favors were exchanged for chickens or other livestock. Miss Jessie supplemented the livelihood of the ranch by selling the surplus chickens and eggs. She maintained good relations with the local authorities, and the sheriff made nightly trips to the ranch exchanging gossip with her. (Handbook of Texas Inline 1). Miss Jessie was very benevolent, making sure that she shopped with all of the local businesses. “My grandfather and father sold a lot of meat to the chicken ranch, and we always would know how many girls were out there because of the number of steaks that they would order. And Miss Edna would come in pick the meat up and leave, but that was way before my time” (Prause interview). Edna Milton acquired the chicken ranch in 1952 and continued the good relationship with the new sheriff, T. J. Flournoy. Rather than make nightly visits to the ranch as his predecessor had, Sheriff Flournoy had a direct line installed at the ranch so he could stay abreast of any news that Miss Edna might have to share. Rooms were added on as needed in a haphazard way, which gave the building a rambling appearance. The main building was moved to Dallas. The movie “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” resulted from the expose Zindler published. Unlike the Hollywood version, the house was never two stories tall, and neither Miss Jessie nor Miss Edna favored Dolly Parton, according to Kathy Carter. Also, Sheriff Flournoy did not look like Burt Reynolds.

What was once a thriving bordello is now in ruins.

Chicken Ranch as it appeard in 1973 Ruins of the Chicken Ranch

The Widow Dach - The story about the Widow Dach is interesting and left chills on the back of my neck. Marie Dach was a German immigrant whose husband, Anton Dach, died of cancer in 1930. She was raising three young children and had hired Henry Stoever as a farm hand. Dick Stoever had contacted the sheriff’s department wanting them to locate his brother Henry after a mysterious letter had been received in February 1933 supposedly sent from Henry to his daughter. The investigation was led by Deputy Sheriff Jim Flournoy (he was later the sheriff of La Grange during the infamous Chicken Ranch investigation). Flournoy noticed a hen house that was built from old lumber but had fresh cuts on edges of the wood. After the sheriff received permission from Dach to search the former farmhands’ room, he searched the adjacent hen house. While searching the hen house, he found a freshly disturbed area, approximately 3’x6’, in the dirt floor. Stoever’s remains were found after digging only a few feet. Mrs. Dach was arrested, and later tried for murder in May of 1933 and consequently found guilty. She was sentenced to die in the electric chair. However, while being held in jail waiting for her appeal she starved herself to death. The Chamber of Commerce ladies, who work in the old jailhouse, related stories to me of papers flying off of desks, a typewriter appearing to be “shoved” from its stand, and many other incidences which convinced me to believe in ghosts!

Technological Change – Flooding of the Colorado River has plagued the city of La Grange for many years. Numerous times lives and homes have been lost. The area has flooded as recently as 1998. Other notable flood years were 1900, 1913 and 1938.

Wars – Fayette County has erected a Veterans Memorial located on the lawn in front of the courthouse. Plaques pay tribute to the Fayette County’s soldiers that lost their lives during World War I, World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War.

Immigration – A large percentage of the Fayette County and La Grange population emigrated from Germany. In the 1880’s, as much as 90 percent of the population was born in countries other than the United States. The La Grange population saw decreases in census counts immediately following WWI and WWII. Their numbers are once again in an up-swing with many people wanting to relocate to their wonderful small town.

My predictions for the city of La Grange include their continuing to grow. A "new addition" was recently completed with the opening of St. Mark's Medical Center, providing the La Grange area with a new local hospital that has the latest in state of the art medical devices. Upgrades to schools and hospitals most always bring families to a community. I hope that regardless of how much their community grows that they do not lose the hometown feeling that was very apparent on my visits. While driving in on Highway 77, the drivers of vehicles passing always waved. You do not find that kind of friendly driving in larger towns. Whenever I walked into a business, I was greeted with smiles and offers of assistance. Thank you La Grange for making me feel welcome and helping with my project!

INTERVIEWS - Transcripts from the three interviews that I had the oppourtunity to conduct. Mr. Harvey Dipple Mr. Gary Prause. Mrs. Kathy Carter

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

abclocal.go.com/ktrk/ontv/history/history_chicken_ranch_html (ABC13.com:The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas - printed version of Marvin Zindler's expose on the famed brothel) - This link was very informative (and is used as a link in my report) regarding the expose that Mr. Zindler did on the Chicken Ranch. I used the "closed" sign from their web page as a reference shot at the beginning of my paragraph about the chicken ranch. I also compared my recent photos to their historical photos of area making sure that the ruins pictures that I took were taken from approximately the same location.

Abolafia-Rosenzweig, Mark. Monument Hill State Historical Park:The Dawson and Mier Expeditions and Their Place in Texas History. April 1991. I purchased this copy while attending "Texas Heroes Day" in September 2005. This is an extremely informative booklet written about Monument Hill in La Grange and has great information regarding the conflicts that lead to the Mier and Dawson massacres.

Fayette County Courthouse, La Grange, Texas - I picked up a pamphlet from the foyer of the courthouse which contained interesting information regarding the renovation and grant that funded it.

Fayette Heritage Museum & Archives, 855 S. Jefferson, La Grange, TX 78945 The staff at the museum were very helpful and knowledgable about their towns history. Donna & Sherie always offered any additional information that they knew. The files that they have on events, people, landmarks and events that have occurred is amazing.

Flournoy, Jim (as told to B. Mattingly) Famous Detective Cases. June 1935. Volume I No. 4 "The Fansatic Tale of Widow Dach" An amazing article written before Sheriff Jim became famous in Fayette County. The article was extremely informative regarding the investigation and eventual prosecution of Mrs. Dach. Thank you Rachel for telling me about this one!

Foster, William C. Spanish Expeditions Into Texas 1689 - 1768. University of Texas Press. Austin

Friedman, Saul "The Chicken Ranch" The Texas Observer. June 21, 1968. - I read the article, however did not find a lot of information that I could use for my report.

Handbook of Tecas Online"Monument Hill=Kreische Brewery State Historic Site" I have linked this particular site in my project (At Kreische Brewery/Home paragraph) The report was very informative and interesting.

La Grange Journal Volume 54. August 31, 10933. Things in General". Remarks by the Editor. This article was informative about the Dach trial and her death.

Leffler, John"La Grange Texas" Handbook of Texas Online.

Lotto,F. Fayette County, Her History and Her People Schulenburg. 1902

McSpadden, Wyatt "The Best Texas Barbecue". Vista USA - Exxon Travel Club Magazine. Fall 1999 Issue. This article referenced the Prause family's barbecue and the 3rd generation of Prause men are pictured it the article. I scanned the picture and used it as a reference on the transcript of Gary Prause's interview. The original copy of the magazine was loaned to me by Gary Prause since I could not locate a copy from Exxon to use.

Meiners, Carolyn and E VonRosenbert. "History of La Grange, The County Seat". Fayette County,Texas. Heritage Volumes I & II. 1996 Version. - I utilized both of these books locating information about the county, the ancestors and historical events.

Mueller, Barbara Frenzel. "Biography of Col. John H. Moore" Volume II Fayette County History.

Pilcher, Walter F"Chicken Ranch" Handbook of Texas Online

Reinert, Al "Closing Down La Grange" Texas Monthly. October 1973. Pgs 46-53. - This article was very informative. Great information regarding the expose by Houston Reporter Marvin Zindler and the eventual closing of the chicken ranch.

Personal Interview - Mr. Harvey Dipple Thursday, September 8, 2005. La Grange, Texas

Personal Interview - Mr. Gary Lee Prause Friday, September 9, 2005. La Grange, Texas

Personal Interview - Mrs. Kathy Carter Friday, September 9, 2005. La Grange, Texas

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE FOR WITHOUT THEIR HELP AND PATIENCE THIS REPORT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE:

Mr. Harvey Dipple Thank you for allowing me my first interview. After speaking with you I felt as if I was welcome in La Grange and became a part of your wonderful community.

Gary and the entire Prause Family Thank you for your help and for the wonderful stories and pictures you shared with me about your family and your home town.

Kathy, Donna and Sherie @ Fayette Heritage Museum Thnaks you for your patience and helpfulness on my MANY trips to acquire the information that Was somehow forgotton on previous trips!

Rachel Bolfik & Liz Dujka - La Grange Chamber of Commerce Thank you both for always being available to help me, for never treating me like my questions were a hindrance to your day. Your assistance with my research, and your availability was above and beyond - I sincerely appreciate you both!

Mr. Dale Martin - Texas Parks & Wildlife - Monument Hill Thank you for helping me with additional information regarding Texas Heroes Day and the significance of the yearly gatherings. Thank you for the Mier survivors picture and for all of your prompt replies on those last frantic days I was finishing my report.

Alex (Rapp) Carter Thank you for all of your help with my html questions!

To my cousin Cathy Roye, thank you for going with me on our "road trips" and for standing guard at the fence!

Mr. Robert Hines Thank you for this assignment. And more importantly, thank you for helping to remind me that I had a passion for History in high school and I will not let it die this time.

And finally, to my life's partner and husband, Deane Rapp, thank you for your support and belief in me. Thank you for making my life long dream, to be a college student, finally become a reality. Thank you for always being ready to drive to wherever I needed to go, to get "the best shot". Thank you for all the trips that we made to La Grange together and for helping to make a good point better. I love you and will always cherish our friendship and awe-inspiring relationship.

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