Sophienburg Museum and Archives

New Braunfels had a poor farm

August 14, 2022

By Tara V. Kohlenberg — As a child, were you ever told that wanting a special toy or dress or bike would land the whole family on the poor farm? I’m not sure it was said specifically to me, but I have heard it said. I wondered where these farms

Yet another rip-roaring July 4th celebration

July 3, 2022

Around the Sophienburg, Sophienblog

By Myra Lee Adams Goff — Historically, the first July 4th celebration in New Braunfels goes back to 1846. The emigrants had arrived only three months earlier on March 21, 1845, when Texas was still the Republic of Texas. Now, in 1846 they could celebrate the national festival commemorating the

Weihnachtsmarkt supports Sophienburg

November 21, 2021

Around the Sophienburg, Sophienblog

By Myra Lee Adams Goff This week the Sophienburg Museum and Archives will present a great shopping experience to the public. It’s called Weihnachtsmarkt, or Christmas Market, at the Civic Center. It begins Friday, Nov. 19th through Sunday, the 21st. The market offers 60 plus unique booths, plus Breakfast with

Margarethe Schertz, pioneer woman

August 7, 2016

Around the Sophienburg, Sophienblog

By Myra Lee Adams Goff Margarethe Schertz was only 12 years old when she came to Texas with her parents in 1844. If she were alive today, she could tell us a story and a half about Texas, Comal County, and especially New Braunfels. It’s a unique story of an

Go downtown to celebrate the 4th of July

June 28, 2015

Around the Sophienburg, Sophienblog

By Myra Lee Adams Goff Come celebrate our Declaration of Independence once again with the Sophienburg’s July 4th celebration and parade. The parade will begin at 9:15 so be at the Plaza early. I have invited a ghost from the past to be there. John Torrey will surely be at

Settlement of New Braunfels prompted by Republic of Texas Constitution

February 22, 2015

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By Myra Lee Adams Goff The banner year in the history of Texas was 1836, the year that the Republic of Texas declared its independence from Mexico, drew up its first constitution and declared itself independent. This constitution with its generous land policy would be the driving force leading to

Lindheimer classified 38 new plants

December 15, 2013

Around the Sophienburg, Sophienblog

By Myra Lee Adams Goff Seldom do individuals have clubs or anything named after them. A person becomes famous because of something outstanding that they have done for the advancement of society. All you historians out there and those that have a passing interest in history know the name Ferdinand

Railroad transforms community

September 8, 2013

Around the Sophienburg, Sophienblog

By Myra Lee Adams Goff The next time you drive downtown, take a look at the old IGN train depot at the intersection of San Antonio Street and Hill Avenue. Although it’s now a museum, with just a little knowledge and imagination, you can transport yourself back to the olden

Church Hill School served Hortontown and Neighborsville

August 12, 2012

Around the Sophienburg, Sophienblog

By Myra Lee Adams Goff From Union St., turn onto Common and drive straight to the Guadalupe River. At the bridge and on the east side of the river, as far as you can see, look left and right. You are looking at Hortontown. Down river to the right of

New Braunfels from conquistadores to state of United States

January 10, 2012

Around the Sophienburg, Sophienblog

By Myra Lee Adams Goff Hermann Seele in his book Die Cypress summarizes the German immigration story to New Braunfels and the surrounding areas and how it relates to the history of the state of Texas. The detailed account by Seele was translated into English by the late historian Oscar