If you are against turning free roadways, ones we have already paid for with our taxes, into toll roads, it is imperative that you let them know.  We can’t keep Hwy 281, Loop 1604, Bandera Road, I-10, and I-35 from becoming toll roads unless they are removed from the plans.

If you are not in favor of toll roads, now is the time to once again tell the MPO that they should fix our freeways and keep them toll free.  We don’t want to pay to drive on highways we have already paid for.

Rancho Diana

The tour was enjoyed by all who attended

On July 10, 2009, the Grey Forest Historical Society (GFHS) took a tour of Rancho Diana (to read more about Rancho Diana, see the post on this site entitled Grey Forest Historical Society Meeting under the “Meetings” heading).  GFHS President, Freda Hoffman, reports that 20 people attended the tour, which was enjoyed by all.  At their next meeting which will be in October, they are planning a tour to another historic homestead.  When those plans are finalized, the information will be posted on this site.  Stay tuned.

The Society has been given approval to take a tour of the property.  The early outing has been planned due to the extreme heat.  The tour should take an hour or so, and afterwards they will return to the clubhouse for a short meeting.

Rancho Diana is a 1,106-acre City of San Antonio Natural Area in Northwest Bexar County.  Purchased in 2001 as a Proposition 3 Edwards Aquifer protection property, the land is a beautiful segment of the Texas Hill Country and is home to a large population of endangered Black-capped Vireos.  Rancho Diana is not open to the public at this time.  After baseline biological and other environmental studies are complete, the future use of the property will be determined.

The original European owner is “understood” to be a Captain Menchaca who at one time was the commander of the Spanish garrison at San Antonio de Bexar.  The land was granted to him by the King of Spain (in the 1800′s).  In 1932, Frank Granger Huntress purchased the property and is responsible for most of the improvements on the land.  It is rumored that the Tudor-style, stone house was built first, and the stucco, Spanish-style house was build a few years later for Huntress’ son.

In 1955, John and Mazie F. Wagner purchased the property.  In 1969, they sold the vacant acreage to Terry Thrift, Jr., and in 1977, when Mr. Wagner died, Mrs. Wagner sold the stone house to Mr. Edward M. Horne.

Around 1980 or 1981, Mr. Horne apparently fell on hard times and set fire to the stone house to collect the insurance.  He was convicted of arson and sent to jail.  Mr. Thrift then purchased the  houses and compound area.

It has been reported that some “Indian pottery,” now at the Witte Museum, was found when they were building the bridges in the pool area.  Several families with the Menchaca surname still live in the immediate vicinity of Rancho Diana.

As stated above, in 2001 Rancho Diana was acquired by the City of San Antonio to protect the quality and quantity of water entering the Edwards Aquifer.

Grey Forest resident Freda Hoffman, President of the Grey Forest Historical Society, has extended an invitation to all those interested to join the tour and stay for their meeting.  If you have any questions, you can contact Freda at email address fghoffman@yahoo.com or fghoffman@satx.rr.com.