“Interesting name for my county, Kendall. Rare is the county that is named for a living, incumbent resident. What is even rarer was George Wilkins Kendall’s path to fame. He was not from a founding family of Texas. He was not a politician, a Texas Ranger, a lawyer nor a war hero. His career enterprise was located in Louisiana and New Hampshire was his birth state.”
–Historian Bryden Moon
So why Boerne? Why Kendall County? Along with the Kendall County Historical Commission, we’re hosting a special program, “Kendall of Kendall,” on Saturday, March 5, at 10 a.m. at the library to answer that question as we tell you his story and bring to life one of the more intriguing characters from 19th century Texas.
Born in 1809 in New Hampshire, George Wilkins Kendall was by turns a printer, a writer, a prisoner of war, a renowned author in his time and a sheep farmer. He was considered the nation’s first war correspondent and spent time in company of other historical figures of the time. He apprenticed with Horace Greely, hosted a dinner for Frederick Law Olmstead and engaged with Mexican President Santa Anna. He married Adeline del Valcourt later in life after meeting in Paris, France, and brought this young woman back to the wild frontier of Texas.
I’ll leave the narrative here, as I don’t want to give too much away. We’d really love for you to attend this program.
During the entire month of March, we’ll also host a gallery exhibit in the lobby that takes a more in-depth look at the life and the writings of Kendall.
I often write about programs and activities taking place at the library that are specific to adults, but this month I want to highlight some great things going on in our teen department.
Teen fun
Alex and Caren (and this month, Natalie Morgan and the 70th anniversary crew) always have a lot of activity for our young adults. When he is not actively overseeing the lively afterschool crowd in the Hub, Alex can frequently be found in the middle school and high school libraries at Boerne ISD, managing anime clubs and crafting for kids interested in participating. Give us a call if you are interested in more information for your teens on how they can join in the fun.
Caren has recently started a weekly Coloring Club for teens that is growing in popularity. They can be found in the conference room each Tuesday afternoon after school, talking about books, art and whatever else may come to mind while engaging in some quieter time with coloring.
As we all know, the past few years have been high stress, and teens, too, sometimes need a break from our chaotic lives. Thirty minutes of coloring helps many to reset from the day before they head home for dinner and homework.
Theme party
On Friday, February 25, we’ll be hosting a 1950s themed teen party starting at 4:15 p.m. in the community room. We’ll have bowling, jump ropes, marbles, jacks, vinyls and perhaps most important, food! Come on down and help us celebrate our 70th year in operation.
Teens aren’t the only ones looking for activities that can help them quiet their minds and stay active. We’ve started a new program under our Silver Library initiatives (but as always, all ages welcome). Each Friday morning at 10 a.m., volunteer Lavada Smith is here to lead anyone interested through an hour of Tai Chi/Qigong.
You can wear anything, and all levels of fitness are encouraged to come try this calming, gentle exercise. We even have chairs if you prefer sitting during this time. Give us a call with any question.
Live! At the Library
Finally, a reminder that our always popular Live! At the Library takes place on Thursday, February 17. This month’s singer-songwriter is Gary Nicholson.
Nicholson is one of Nashville’s most esteemed songwriters, producers and performers. Born in Commerce, Texas, Nicholson was inspired by Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly and other early rockers spinning on his older sister’s record player.
He got his first guitar at age 10. That led to playing Beatles covers in several high school bands, including underage gigging around the DFW scene that spawned Bruton, McClinton, T Bone Burnett and other talents.
The concert will take place in the amphitheater if the weather is nice, even if it is slightly cool – so plan accordingly. Otherwise, we’ll be inside.
Comment
Comments