Hondo in Medina County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Fohn-Bless Store
Photographed by James Hulse
1. Fohn-Bless Store Marker
Store-residence built in D'Hanis about 1878 by John Fohn (1839-91), a native of Prussia. In addition to a general mercantile store, the structure was also the site of D'Hanis elections and a Justice of the Peace Court. In 1897, Rolf Frerichs (1833-1913) purchased the building from the Fohn Estate and moved it to this location. Frerichs' son-in-law, C.J. Bless (1864-1944), operated a store here until 1939. Medina Electric Cooperative occupied the building until 1963.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1974
Erected 1974 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1934.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.
Location. 29° 20.905′ N, 99° 8.429′ W. Marker is in Hondo, Texas, in Medina County. It is at the intersection of 18th Street and Avenue K, on the left when traveling west on 18th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1020 18th Street, Hondo TX 78861, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Hill Country and in the San Antonio Metropolitan Area. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Leinweber Building (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hondo (about 500 feet away); Hondo Methodist Church (about 700 feet away); Medina County Courthouse
this page online
Photographed by James Hulse, December 11, 2020
2. Fohn-Bless Store Marker - front view of the building
Photographed by James Hulse, December 11, 2020
3. Fohn-Bless Store Marker - side view of the building
Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 590 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 23, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on December 16, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
