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Small town, big heart!
The Famous Welcome Sign
As you enter Hondo either from the east or from the west on Hwy 90, you will without a doubt, notice the Welcome sign. Erected in 1930 by the Hondo Lions Club, the sign originally read: This is God’s Country Don’t Drive Thru It Like Hell. During World War II when Hondo was home to the largest navigational training airfield in the world, some pilots got together and changed the “drive” to “fly” temporarily. As the years passed the spelling of “thru” was changed to “through”. The word “please” was later added as some folks felt the sign was a little harsh. Today the sign has been seen all over the world in ads, videos, books and films.
Raye Theater
Like a cinematic sentinel from another time, the Raye Theater in Hondo recalls an era of Hollywood's Golden Age, red carpets and ten-cent movie tickets! Inside and out, the theater has been lovingly restored to reflect its heyday, from its marquee to its torch-lit auditorium. Built in 1938, and designed in the Art Deco and Streamline Moderne architectural styles, this movie house stands as a reminder of the entertainment palaces in early 20th century America. Check their website for movies, live entertainment, and special events, and get yourself a ticket to this opulent, historic, and fun vintage-era showhouse!
Medina County Courthouse
The current Medina County courthouse dates from 1892, but has been significantly altered in its one hundred plus years. Designed by the prolific trio of Martin, Byrne & Johnson of Colorado City, Texas, the original clock tower was removed in 1941 and in 1942 additions were constructed on each end of the building, creating its present plan.
Veterans Memorial Square
Dedicated to the
Honor and Sacrifice
of the Men and Women
of Medina County
Who Served Our Country
in World Wars I and II
2nd side of marker
Korea
and
Vietnam
Honor and Sacrifice
of the Men and Women
of Medina County
Who Served Our Country
in World Wars I and II
2nd side of marker
Korea
and
Vietnam
The Old Armstrong Hotel
The Armstrong Hotel in Hondo, 1912. The building still stands. The hotel was once owned by the parents of the famous Hondo Crouch, who "invented" Luckenbach.
Hondo Parks & Recreation
Hondo is full of beautiful parks and plenty of activity for the family.
Beautification Projects
Mural by Que Linda
The Railroad
The first rail line reached this area in 1881 and town lots were sold that year for Hondo City. The line was built by the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway. It connected with the Southern Pacific System building east from California. The railroad was vital to the early growth of Hondo, but rail traffic began to decline in the 1940s. The last passenger train, pulled by engine No. 6, left the Hondo Station on June 8, 1958. The Southern Pacific Depot was moved to the present location in 1970 from the original site, seventeen blocks east.
Hondo Public Library
The mission of the Hondo Public Library is to provide and promote open access to reading, intellectual, and informational resources that will enrich and enlighten all segments of the community.
Members
Not a member?
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