Roberto Rodriguez |
Robert Hines |
| Intro | Origins | Founders | Landmarks | Interview | Economy | Events | Community | Prospects | Links & Bibliography |
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Introduction: Grey Forest, a small secluded town, served as a refuge from the bustling metropolitan area of San Antonio, Texas. Located near Helotes, Grey Forest spans across Scenic Loop Road, only one mile long and 3/4's of a mile wide, is the site of the Scenic Loop Playground Club, a community involved in preserving the town for what it is. Before it was a getaway, now it is a home to 400+ residents and is slowly and steadily growing. A closeknit society, Grey Forest's hospitality is highly revered among the affluent and artistic alike.
Origins: The eventful history of the scenic loop road dates before the founding of the Scenic Loop Playground. The area in Grey Forest was the site for Native American conflicts involving land and property. Stagecoaches and transit traveled through Scenic Loop Road from San Antonio. Settlers often encountered hostile Native American inhabitants in the area. It was until the 1920's when the Scenic Loop Playground came to fruition; the Playground was a getaway for the wealthy citizens of San Antonio who arrived to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city into a quiet rural area. When the depression hit, the development slowed down and in turn transformed the area from recreational to permanent living. Property began to sell more after the depression until 1962 when the Scenic Loop Playground was incorporated into the city now known as Grey Forest.
Founders: Although the area was previously inhabited, The Scenic Loop Playground was established in 1929 when San Antonians sought to retreat to a secluded rural area. Businessman E.N Requa developed the area which is today Grey Forest and Scenic Loop Playground as a recreational area for the affluent class of San Antonio. The area was rich with open space, lakes and small natural pools where many cooled off. The area was divided into two sections: 1 Section would be for sale to the public who built on the land for rural purposes such as livestock. A Second section was built for visitors which allowed them to set up camp and blow off steam.The depression forced Requa to sign over the land to the Scenic Loop Playground Club, the residents who now lived on the land. During the sale of land, customers could choose their lots from a brochure.See Brochure Map
Landmarks: Many of the homes from the 1930's are still intact and inhabited. The stone architecture of the houses is reminiscent of the depression era. Most homes were built with rock since lumber at the time was very expensive and difficult to obtain. One example of the rock architecture is the Grey Moss Inn. The Grey Moss Inn is one of the oldest surviving business established around the same time as the Scenic Loop Playground. Many of the stone cabins are used for tourists and visitors, while descendants of the original inhabitants live or use them as a getaway. Other landmarks include an old locomotive since railroads ran near Scenic Loop Road.
Economy: The owners of the Grey Moss Inn made their living attending to the visitors who came to the Scenic Loop Playground. Those who established homes in the city were often ranchers and farmers who made a living off livestock. Today, the people of Grey Forest have jobs outside of town since there is no major business within the city. City Hall occupies a few paid positions which include the police and the secretary.
Events and Community: Since Grey Forest is home to many artists that seek the isolation from the city, many auction off their work and hold an open house to tourists and occasional visitors in the summer. During the summer, the 20+ artists living in Grey Forest hold an open house to tourists, local residents and visitors to showcase their art. Work ranging fron knicknacks to paintings, many auction their work for profit. The City's community is a close knit society dedicated to preserving the sancticty of Grey Forest. Any resident is eligible to become a member of the Scenic Loop Playground Club. Membership guarantees a voice of opinion about local issues concerning the enviorment, wildlife, and natural resources. The Scenic Loop Playground Clubhouse is the meeting place for members but is also used for anyone who reserves the location.
Prospects: Grey Forest is still secluded from metropolitan San Antonio, with little real business outside of the Grey Moss Inn and the local spa, major business most likely won't arrive in the town. As far as population, Grey Forest remains landlocked; there is not much buildable land considering the area originally mapped in the 1920's. Grey Forest is maxed out on residents today, the population at the 2000 census was 418.
Stories: Before the establishment of the Scenic Loop Playground, many Native Americans disputed over land and often resolved their issues near the "Treaty Tree". The Tree was said to possess peaceful energy where the natives came to a netural ground to settle their disputes; It was called the Treaty Tree because many alliances and treaties were said to be negotiated on that site. Years Later, a Polish Mercenary named Juan Menchaca established a settlement on the Scenic Loop Road with some of his Mercenaries. Some of the mercenaries and bandits stopped stagecoaches commuting to the larger towns to steal the belongings of the passengers; The rumor is that some of the treasure is buried in the cliff walls within and outside the city of Grey Forest. Robert E. Lee was said to be a frequent visitor to the area and even has an established ranch bearing the Lee Name.
