Historical Marker

Paul Kallinger

Historical marker location:
Sacred Heart Cemetery, Del Rio, Texas
( The marker is to be placed at Paul Kallinger's gravesite in Sacred Heart Cemetery at the west end of Second Street in Del Rio.)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 18" x 28"

(December 4, 1922 – May 29, 2001)

FASCINATED WITH THE VERBAL ABILITIES OF AUCTIONEERS AND RADIO HOSTS, PAUL KALLINGER ENTERED FREDERICK H. SPHERE RADIO ANNOUNCING SCHOOL IN HOLLYWOOD AFTER SERVING IN WWII WITH THE U.S. COAST GUARD. AFTER A SHORT JOB IN DEL RIO WITH KDLK, KALLINGER AND HIS FAMILY MOVED TO LOUISIANA BEFORE RETURNING TO DEL RIO IN 1948 FOR A DISC JOCKEY POSITION WITH XERF. KALLINGER PLAYED HILLBILLY AND BLUEGRASS MUSIC AND PROMOTED VARIOUS PRODUCTS ON AIR. HE RECEIVED SEVERAL AWARDS INCLUDING INDUCTION INTO THE TEXAS COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND THE COUNTRY MUSIC DISC JOCKEY HALL OF FAME. KALLINGER IS REMEMBERED AS A NATIONALLY-FAMOUS DISC JOCKEY AND “YOUR GOOD NEIGHBOR ALONG THE WAY.”

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

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The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
Texas random facts
Val Verde County, located in southwestern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Coahuiltecans and Lipan Apaches. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area, and by the 18th century, Spanish missions were established to convert the native populations to Christianity.

In the early 19th century, Val Verde County became a part of Texas after the Mexican War of Independence. The region saw conflict during the Texas Revolution, with the infamous Battle of Val Verde taking place near the county's namesake river in 1862. The battle, part of the American Civil War, resulted in a Confederate victory.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Val Verde County experienced significant economic growth. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s stimulated agriculture and ranching industries. The county also became a hub for mining, particularly silver, lead, and zinc. The city of Del Rio, the county seat, emerged as an important trading center and transportation hub.

Val Verde County continued to evolve throughout the 20th century. The construction of Amistad Dam in the 1960s brought about the formation of Lake Amistad, which became a popular recreational area. The county's economy shifted to include tourism and outdoor activities, drawing visitors to its natural beauty and historical sites.

Today, Val Verde County remains an important part of Texas history and a vibrant community. Its rich past is celebrated through museums and heritage sites, while the region's diverse cultural and natural resources contribute to its appeal as a tourist destination.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Val Verde County, Texas.

  • 1885 - Val Verde County is officially established.
  • 1800s - Indigenous people, including Comanche and Lipan Apache tribes, inhabit the area.
  • 1880 - Southern Pacific Railroad extends through Val Verde County.
  • 1882 - City of Del Rio is founded as the county seat.
  • 1912 - Devil's River State Recreational Area is established.
  • 1942-1946 - Laughlin Army Air Field (now Laughlin Air Force Base) is constructed and operated during World War II.
  • 1952 - Amistad Dam is completed, creating Amistad Reservoir.
  • 1980 - Seminole Canyon State Historical Park and the nearby Fate Bell Shelter are dedicated.
  • 1998 - Val Verde Winery, Texas' oldest continuously operated winery, celebrates its 125th anniversary.