One-Time Hill Country Health Capital

One-Time Hill Country Health Capital. . , Promoted in an 1873 newspaper article, Boerne was as appealing 150 years ago as it is today, when an 1873 newspaper article described it by writing: “Noble hills impart a romantic Switzerland aspect to the general character of the country. The quiet Cibolo River casts a shimmering charm on the village just up the road.” Boerne’s unique irregular terrain, with unspoiled creeks and small ridges of hills, was the draw, especially when compared to the prairie land south of the Balcones Escarpment., Community Advertising , Boerne’s healthy properties were a competitive advantage that its citizens, community leaders, and guests never tired of promoting. The extra rise in Boerne’s elevation captured gentle, cooler breezes. These features, coupled with fresh “mountain” water from generously flowing springs and creeks and pure country air often described as “ozone” by the locals, encouraged summer vacation travelers., Natural Attractions , Our landscape’s attributes also attracted a unique subset of guests; visitors who desired to recuperate or heal, as Boerne came to be known as a health resort. Our waters were “certified” as special. John O’Grady, then postmaster, wrote in 1867, “There is a mineral spring within one mile of Boerne (iron and magnesia), said by Dr. Herff and other scientific men to be invaluable for consumptives.” Our air was featured in an 1875 San Antonio Express newspaper article: “Boerne is said to be a very healthy locality, especially for those afflicted with lung diseases. And it is reasonable that it should be, for a place so elevated that its inhabitants breathe only the pure, life-invigorating atmosphere cannot be anything else but healthy.”, Wellness Facilities , An informal cottage industry sprang up to serve the infirmed, alongside larger dedicated facilities. From an 1876 San Antonio Herald article: “Boerne... a resort for invalids from every portion of the continent, has... three hotels and many suburban cottages for the accommodation of sojourners and persons in search of health, nearly always crowded.” St. Mary’s Sanitarium, run by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, opened in 1896. The three-story building dominated the North Main Street skyline for three decades where Boerne’s City Hall now stands. Other health facilities included Lex Sanitarium, Wright Sanitarium, and the Winona Home., Captions: , Newspaper Articles , Boerne Lake , Walnut Spring , The Lex House - Pen and Ink Drawing by Col. Bettie Edmonds , Images: Dietert Historical Archives - Patrick Heath Public Library Sign Developed by Bryden Moon