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Did You Know?Germany to join him in a voyage to the Texas frontier to seek a fresh start in a new country. They experienced many hardships and loss of lives on the journey across the ocean. And once landing off the coast of Texas, there were many delays in getting to their destinations. Prince Solms-Braunfels established this first Texas settlement and served as Commissioner-General of the Adelsverein (Society of Nobility).The Sophienburg (Sophie’s castle), named after Prince Solms-Braunfels’ wife Princess Sophie, was constructed at the Prince’s request in 1845. The original building was a log cabin on a hilltop in what became New Braunfels. The fortress served as the headquarters of the Adelsvereinuntil the campaign’s bankruptcy in 1853. The original cabin was destroyed in a storm in 1886, leaving what was left of the Sophienburg abandoned until 1926, when New Braunfels’ residents purchased the site of the original fortress. Later, in 1933, they established a museum chartered by the State of Texas and the Emilie Seele Faust Memorial Library, the city’s first library. A new library, the Dittlinger Memorial Library, was built on the site and opened in 1967, and was later moved to the current library location on Common Street in 1999. The current museum and archives now occupies the former Dittlinger Memorial Library.I suggest visiting this memorial museum to learn more about Texas history and enjoying other historic sites in our neighboring town of New Braunfels. The museum is located at 401 W. Coll Street andBAs a native Texan, I love researching Texas history. For my monthly column featuring Bulverde, Spring Branch and Comal County history I discover interesting facts about the towns, the landscapes and the people. One of my many sources is the website and documents from the Sophienburg Museum and Archives in New Braunfels. The museum contains an extensive collection of artifacts which reflect the history and rich German-Texan heritage of our area.Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels was a German prince who recruited hundreds of brave souls from his native country ofy Connie McFall ClarkISubmitted By Alexis R. Gallardon an inspiring show of neighbor-to- neighbor compassion, volunteers from the Bulverde, New Braunfels Evening,and Canyon Lake Noon Lions Clubs teamed up to transform the overgrown property of a Spring Branch-area family facing multiple health crises.What was once a simple yard had grownclearing weeds, pruning tangled shrubs, and bringing the unruly trees back under control—instantly restoring safety and dignity to the family’s home. The before- and-after photos tell the story best—what was once an impassable thicket is now a clean, open yard.The household’s challenges are steep: the mother is undergoing cancer treatment, their son lives with Down Syndrome, and the father was recently debilitated by a stroke— leaving the family physically unable to maintain their property. A sprawling mass of brush had overtaken the yard, drawing code-enforcement pressure and cutting off access to the front door.“This is what Lions do,” said Alexis Gallardo, President of the Bulverde Lions Club. “We saw a need, we showed up, and we worked together. We couldn’t stand by and watch one of our own neighborsstruggle. Rolling up our sleeves—and our mowers—was the only option.”“Service like this reminds us that we’re stronger together,” said Graham Duhamel, Vice President of the Canyon Lake Noon Lions.“You never know when your neighbor might be the one in need.”Looking AheadWhile the clubs can’t maintain weekly or monthly service visits, leaders agreed to reassess the family’s needs every six months and schedule another multi-club workday if circumstances warrant.“Our motto is ‘We Serve,’ and yesterday we lived it,” said Barry Waldie, Vice President of the New Braunfels Evening Lions. “This joint project has sparked momentum for more cooperative service between clubs—and reminded us all that kindness is contagious.”Country life is heavenly.You can’t beat that atmosphere. I love to walk down the road.I see cows, horses, and deerMost days I stroll by pastures. Animals happily graze.I tend to stop at one ranch. A bull would capture my gaze.One day he trotted toward me. He began to kick up his heels. He was having a good day. Life is truly grand he feels.This bull trotted to the fence.He seemed to want some friendship. I rubbed his forehead for a while. He then licked his upper lip.I walk past the ranch these days. The bull sees and runs toward me. As always, kicks up his heels. His forehead gets rubbed gently.He doesn’t come to get treats. He just wants to visit me. We’re opposite sides of the fence. He’s as gentle as can be.His owner told me his name. Bone Crusher they do call him. It’s unusual but fits.He’s full of vigor and vim.Bone Crusher’s now my buddy. Although he is not alone.A cow and calf graze with him. They have a fine life, I’m shown.is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The archives may be visited by appointment only. Check out the website for pertinent information before your visit: https://sophienburg.com/Connie McFall Clarkspotlights historical and human interest stories from the area. www.conniecanwrite.comLions Clubs Unite To Restore Local Family’s Home—Proving “Where There’s A Need, There’s A Lioninto an overwhelming jungle. Grass had reached waist height. Trees and weeds towered more than 10 feet tall. The task of clearing it was simply too large for the family to manage—and too dangerous to ignore. So, the Lions came.In a focused two-hour service sprint, Lion volunteers tackled the overgrowth byCOUNTRY BUDDYTrish Jennings$125 OFFCleaning Is A BIG Deal To Us.TMTry MaidPro today and sweep up this$25 OFF YOUR 2ND, 4TH, AND 6THCLEANINGS Reference Stone Oak Highlights and also receive a FREE Fridgeor oven Clean! $50 value.Use Code: BSBHL125Kim Folden -OwnerCall 210-664-4884 or visit maidpro.com/stone-oak4www.bsbhighlights.comAugust 2025