Site of Bunjes School
Historical marker location:On June 25, 1886, H.J. Strunk, a resident of Colorado County, Texas, sold five acres of land for use as a school and cemetery to the Shinerville School community, originally named for area landowner H.B. Shiner. Residents funded, built and staffed the new schoolhouse, shipping lumber in from Flatonia (20 mi. NW) and assisting in carpentry work. They soon renamed it Shiner School No. 2 to avoid confusion with the city school in nearby Shiner. A later name change honored trustee Ferdinand Bunjes, who had led a bucket brigade that saved the building when the roof caught fire.
The school initially offered classes up to grade six but added more grades over the years. Patrons built a teacherage for William Fertsch and his wife, and in 1895 the community added an acre of land, as well as a road that helped students access the school.
In the early years, attendance was irregular. In 1916, the State of Texas mandated a six-month school year, but absenteeism for agricultural work remained common among farm families. Otto Fisseler taught at the school from 1912 to 1919, when he was replaced by Charles Chovanetz, who taught with his wife, Martha, until 1951. During their tenure, in 1933, a fire destroyed the teacherage. The district recovered from the loss and also constructed a new schoolhouse in 1937.
The Great Depression, World War II, and educational reform eventually resulted in the consolidation of such rural school districts in Texas, and in 1951 Bunjes School District No. 20 merged with Shiner Independent School District. The schoolhouse later became a residence, but the history of Bunjes School remains a reflection of the community's early education efforts. (2005)
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.
In 1846, Lavaca County was officially established by the Texas state legislature and was named after the Lavaca River, which runs through the area. The county quickly developed as a center for agriculture, with cotton becoming the primary cash crop. Many plantations were established, and slavery played a significant role in the local economy, impacting the social and cultural dynamics of the region.
During the Civil War, Lavaca County supported the Confederacy, with many of its residents volunteering for military service. The county experienced the effects of the war firsthand, including economic hardships and infrastructure damage. In the post-war years, the cotton industry faced several challenges, including the boll weevil infestation and the Great Depression, which led to a decline in agricultural dominance.
In the 20th century, Lavaca County transitioned into a more diversified economy, with the growth of oil and gas exploration. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s brought prosperity to the region, attracting new residents and businesses. Today, Lavaca County continues to be primarily rural with a strong agricultural heritage, while also benefiting from the contributions of the energy industry. The county's deep-rooted history and ongoing development make it a unique and historically significant part of Texas.
Lavaca County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lavaca County, Texas.
- 1846 - Lavaca County is established by the Texas legislature, carved out of parts of neighboring counties.
- 1849 - The first county seat is established in Hallettsville.
- 1852 - The oldest known courthouse in Lavaca County is built in Hallettsville.
- 1856 - The county's first newspaper, the Lavaca Democrat, is founded.
- 1861-1865 - Lavaca County residents support the Confederacy during the Civil War.
- 1867 - St. Peter's Lutheran Church, the oldest continuously active Lutheran congregation in Texas, is established in Hallettsville.
- 1873 - The Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway extends its tracks into Lavaca County.
- 1881 - A new courthouse is constructed in Hallettsville to replace the original courthouse.
- 1922 - The area around Lavaca County experiences a significant oil boom, leading to increased economic activity.
- 1936 - The current Lavaca County Courthouse, a Classical Revival-style building, is completed in Hallettsville.
- 1942-1945 - Many Lavaca County residents serve in World War II.
- 1997 - The Lavaca County Courthouse is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 2010 - Lavaca County celebrates its 150th anniversary since its establishment.
- 2018 - Lavaca County continues to be a predominantly rural area with a strong agricultural industry.