Gallery

Julius Bremer and Rebecca Creek School Historical Marker

Enjoy these photos from the April 22, 2023 dedication of the Texas Historical Marker for the Julius Bremer Family and the Rebecca Creek School

Jim Rieker digs the hold for the new Texas Historical Marker at 973 Mystic Shores Blvd.
Marker co-sponsor Sally Blacksmith dives deep to clean out the hole for the marker.
Jim and Sally Blacksmith carefully prepare the marker for placement.

Members of the Canyon Lake High School Jr. ROTC raise the colors at the official marker dedication.

Publication of the new book,
“The Heritage Lands of the 711 Ranch”

On Monday, September, 26, 2022, printing began at LithoPress in San Antonio! Paula and her husband, Jim (photographer), signed off on the first pages:

After waiting 6 months for paper (COVID-related supply chain issues), Paula watches lovely cream paper as it waits to be loaded in the large Heidelberg press! The denim legs belong to the man changing out the press plates! Standing left is press man, Jimmy.
Out the other end of the Heidelberg comes eight book pages, all on one large sheet. After the printing, all go to Universal Book Binding in San Antonio for a fabulous hard bound leather-like cover. Get your coffee table ready!
In the early morning hours, Paula signs off of the print proof with JT Thomas, a skilled photographer who devoted himself to the history project and was instrumental in producing the new book.
Paula and Jim Rieker (right) celebrate completion of the new book with illustrator Pat Gilkey and wife Carol (left)
June 19, 2021 dedication of the
711 Ranch Texas Historical Marker
courtesy of JT Thomas of JT Photographics

Portrait of L. A. Nordan (1896 – 1969), 711 Ranch owner, and poster for upcoming book, “The Heritage Lands of the 711 Ranch”

Many attendees, representing settlers, ranch employees, Nordan descendants and neighbors

The Peninsula POA provided a location for the marker and tremendous support for the dedication event

Volunteer hostesses of The Peninsula POA Social Committee

Teresa Johnson, vice-chair of the Comal County Historical Commission, was the Master of Ceremonies for the event

Mike Haas of New Braunfels represented the Haas descendants, along with his cousin, Hermann. Shown here with Paula Rieker. The large Haas Ranch is the area known today as the portion of Mystic Shores north of FM 306.

Pepe Gutierrez (seated) left the King Ranch in 1960 to work at the 711 Ranch. He and his wife, Elva, raised their children on the ranch. He worked with the Santa Gertrudis show cattle here for 40 years until the ranch lands were sold. His extended family gathered for the special dedication event. Standing left of Pepe is his son, Adolfo (red shirt); daughter, Rosie; and grandson, Chris.


Nordan descendants gather with 711 Ranch employee, Pepe Gutierrez. From left: Philip Nordan Hudson III, Ellen Hudson, Pepe, Philip Nordan Hudson Jr. and Frances Grace Nordan Hudson. Philip Jr. is a great grandson of L. A. and Pearl Nordan; Philip III and Frances Grace are great, great grandchildren.