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Did You Know?IBy Cynthia Leal Masseyn the early 1900s, Helotes was known as a place to refresh before the half- day journey by horseback or carriageto San Antonio. The only buildings in town were the limestone Gugger homestead, the general store, a small saloon attached to the general store, and a blacksmith shop.After Arnold Gugger sold his 110 downtown acres to Bert Hileman in 1908, the new owner added a few new downtown buildings—a boarding house and Hileman’s dance hall across the street from the general store. Hileman’s dance hall, built in 1913, was a destination spot, especially on the weekends.Hileman expanded the saloon across the street from the dance hall, attaching anindoor/outdoor bar to the general store that offered cold beer, soda water, cold drinks, cigars, and tobacco for itinerate travelers. This establishment was also a popular stop along the route. Bert purchased a chain- driven truck, with benches in the bed and covered with a canopy, to transport people from outlying farms into town.When Emil Gottschalck purchased the downtown property from Hileman in 1916, he closed the dance hall and opened a mercantile but continued operating the bar across the street at the general store.After the US entered WWI in April 1917, Texas became a major basic training camp location. Just up the road in Leon Springs, Camp Stanley operated as an infantryNellie Hileman (left) and husband Bert, with their children, pose in front of the expanded Helotes Bar, a popular destination for Camp Stanley soldiers during WWI. Photo circa 1915.ear Residents,Mayor’s CornerPermits and Code Complianceeliminated unnecessary permits, certain permits are still required and have been for decades. In general, it is safe to assume that a permit is, and has always been, needed if you are hiring a contractor to perform any work outside of lawn maintenance. Major examples include installing swimming pools, decks and fences, or having HVAC, electrical, or plumbing work done, or contracting to have your trees trimmed. Additional permits apply to businesses such as obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy and sign permits.The decades old reason for permits andcantonment camp. In February 1918, the Texas legislature prohibited saloons within a ten-mile radius of military posts; soldiers looking for a cold beer stopped for refreshment in Helotes, 13 miles away. Lieutenant Dwight D. Eisenhower and his cavalry are reported to have spent some time in Helotes during this period.In November 1918, the war ended, and six months later, Prohibition came toinspections is to assure our citizens that work is completed up to code to ensure your safety and the safety of future owners. It’s part of what makes homes built inside of Helotes to be constructed to the highest standards. We simply do not allow unsafe construction or out of code work.A few residents have reached out to me because they contracted a company to do work that did not pull a permit and were upset that our code compliance officer informed them that they need to get a permit. Rest assured, every reputable contractor knows they need a permit, but sometimes they charge you for a permit and fail to obtain one. This is why we have a Code Compliance officer. Her job is to drive the streets of Helotes and informTexas. The Gottschalcks sold their Helotes property in 1919 and moved away.Cynthia Leal Masseyis the author of severalhistories on Helotes.Visit her website at https://cynthialealmassey.com.homeowner’s if a contractor is performing work at an address that has not pulled a permit. It is a hard and thankless job. Please be mindful of permit requirements and understand her job is to ensure your safety. If you are not sure if your project needs a permit for a job, please call City Hall and we will be happy to help you.Sincerely,Rich WhiteheadRich Whitehead MayorDFellow citizens, I hope you have been enjoying the great spring weather while celebrating the Resurrectionof our Lord and Savior with your family this past Easter! Keep your eyes open for an upcoming community event to celebrate all our mom’s on Mother’s Day.Most of our citizens continue to set the standard for abiding by our laws and ordinances, however there are a few of us that have been unaware of certain permits required for construction and renovation projects.While I have reduced fees andNew Historical Exhibit at Helotes City Hall Features “The History of Government Canyon,Looking For Moms & Dads To Recognize1850 to Present”HSH Historian Kathy Masters at the new historical exhibit at Helotes City Hall.By StaffHighlights Publications wants to recognize mothers and fathers of all ages. How many of you haveASubmitted By HSHnew exhibit featuring the historyof Government Canyon has beeninstalled in the exhibit case at Helotes City Hall. Included in the exhibit, which will be on display until the summer, are photographs and stories about the early ranching families—the Hoffmann’s,Kallison’s, and Lytle’s. Also included is the story of how a group of conservationists worked together to establish Government Canyon State Natural Area, which opened to the public in 2005.Please visit Helotes City Hall to view this interesting historical exhibit.ever wanted to let your parents know how much you appreciate them? Well, why not make it public and show them how much you care? We are giving you the perfect opportunity to do so.Highlights Publications is doing a special section to honor Moms in the May edition and a special section to honor Dads in the June edition. It will be a great keepsake for you and for them. They will be totally surprised and it will make a great gift from the heart. Tell us why your mom or dad is special to you and keep at 150 to 250 words max.Is it because of what they did and/or still doforyou? Orhowtheyhelpedyoubecome the person you are today? We will highlight as many submissions as possible. We will be selecting one mother and one father toreceive a $50. Please send your submissions with contact information and photo via email to contest@highlightspub.com. Deadline for Mother’s Day articles is April 12 and deadline for Father’s Day articles is May 10, 2024.4www.heloteshighlights.comApril 2024