County Seat – Karnes City
Built – 1894
Architect – John cormack
Style – Romanesque Revival
Photos taken – 3/13/05
see the Karnes County Courthouse – retired (Helena)
Hats off to Judge Robert Thonhoff – former Karnes County Judge. Judge Thonhoff is an historian extraordinaire. I attended a Canary Island Descendants affair last night (the 280th anniversary of the founding of the first civil government in Texas) and Judge Thonhoff provided a wonderful discussion of the contributions made by Spain and New Spain (read – Texas) to the American Revolution. Something I’ve never heard discussed before.
Judge Thonhoff mentioned that this courthouse is lining up for the state Preservation program – and none too soon. It is a treasure, but is showing its wear.
Keeping track of history in the County and State of Texas where I grew up is very interesting. If possible, I want to get in touch with Retired Judge Robert Thonhoff, who is an outstanding Historian, he knows everything about the country and surroundings of Karnes County. Corresponding with Judge Thonhoff about the farming community of Green, where I lived, with grandparents Samuel Abel and LauraAnn Dickinsonapicked cotton, milked cows, walked two miles to the three room country school. We made the trip to Church riding in a wagon drawn by a team of horses on Sunday mornings. Farm families remained after services to share a picnic styled meal, children played games, adults visited. Happy memories of times long ago.
On September 5th, 2013 we will be in Kenedy for a “Day down Memory Lane”, especially for me, now 92 years of age, I expect to see many changes since my last visit for the 50th KHS Reunion in 1988. My Aunt Rhoda Mae LIster wrote a story for the Kenedy Advance about Peoples Supply, Blocky Alexanders’ Drug Store, Barths’ Cafe and many main street business that were special during the years. Times will have changed the City and the landscape from those days of my childhood.
My request: Please inform me how I can locate Retired Judge Thonhoff. Either by letter, telephone or via Email. Thank You!
Ella Faye (Flenniken) Johnson 6720 Century Ave, Middleton, WI. 53562 Phone (608) 824 0888 Once a Texan, always a Texan.
Ella – I truly apologize for not responding. I had seen your comment and fully intended on getting you the info – but this year has not gone well – timewise. Regardless – hope your visit went well and hope you were able to contact Judge Thonhof. If not, please let me know. I’m fairly certain I can get his contact info through the Canary Islander Descendents organization. And really Karnes City’s not too far from where I live.