Boerne Crusaders Club

Boerne Crusaders Club. . , Organization Establishment , Even as it gentrifies, the Flats continues to be a vibrant part of the Boerne community. A few of the original family names can still be found living here. In 1969, five men met at Johnny Sotello’s Store on O’Grady Street and discussed the idea of organizing a community club. Those original five, Johnny Sotello, Robert Salinas, Oscar Moreno, Tony Valenciano, and Lupe Rodriguez, held an organizational meeting of the Crusaders Club one month later. George Mitchell was named president, and Delfina Moreno and Anita Valenciano were also elected officers. In 1977, the club held the grand opening of their community center, which hosted dances, weddings, and Boerne social events for many years to come., The Boerne Crusaders Club stood as a symbol of friendship and goodwill and lived by their motto, “Because We Care.” Working to promote understanding for the betterment of the community, the club awarded scholarships, helped build sidewalks and gazebos at Main Plaza and City Park, and sponsored Project Adelante to mentor Boerne students through examples of successful civic and business life., Others instrumental in the organization included Baudelia Mitchell, Thomas and Eva Mitchell, Gloria Salinas, Rudy and Mary Ann Perez, Angie Rodriguez, Pete and Lupe Sotello, Rudy and Minnie Montez, Roy and Linda Garza, Johnny and Connie Guerrero, Alfred and Amelia Valdez, Butch and Annie Jane Mumma, and Johnny and Isabel Barron., Location , The Iron-Graham Addition, known colloquially as “the Flats,” was formed in 1887 and soon was populated primarily by Mexican-American families and, later, African-American families from the Freedom Colonies. Famed jazz musician Herb Hall lived here for a time with his wife, Annie., Endowment Fund , In 2019, the Boerne Crusaders Club dissolved and gifted an endowment fund to Sam’s Kids Student Foundation for scholarships to graduating seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, the ability to overcome financial hardship, involvement in extracurricular activities, and high potential for success in higher learning and life., Captions: , With Its Access to Meandering Cibolo and Frederick Creeks and Majestic Tree Stands, the Flats Has Long Been Considered One of the Prettiest Locations in Boerne. The Crusaders Hall Was Built in the Center of the Community and Served as Its Heart for Many Years., The Irons-Graham Addition, Called “the Flats,” Lots Were Sold to Assist in Raising Funds for Subscription Payment to Bring the Rail Line of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway Company Through Boerne., Predominantly a Mexican-American Neighborhood for Many Years, the Flats Is Still Home to Many of These Families Generations Later., Johnny Sotello, Crusaders Gathering from Left to Right: Joe Hernandez, Lupe Rodriguez, Fred Valdez, Sandy Lopez, Tony Valenciano, Pete Sotello, and Robert Salinas., Active Business and Community Leaders, George and Baudelia Mitchell Both Served as President of the Crusaders Club During Its Formative Years., Image Source: Dietert Historical Archives, Patrick Heath Public Library.