COMFORT — Dozens of Kendall County residents braved weather predictions of rain, high winds and hail to attend the March 16 unveiling of the Dan and Frances Holekamp Historical Marker Dedication, as commissioned by the Texas Historical Commission.
The Kendall County Historical Commission organized the event, which began at the Comfort Public Library before moving to the Holekamp homestead, now the home of Gary and Barbara Lindner — descendants of Comfort settlers themselves — at 421 Seventh St.
Once there, Gary Lindner led the unveiling of the historical marker and read its inscription for those attending.
The town of Comfort began on Seventh Street, between High and Main. Small log cabins sprang up on both sides of the street.
Over time, Comfort’s business district evolved in an area broadly defined by the intersections High Street, Seventh Street, Eighth Street, and Main Street. It was during this era that Holekamp found opportunities to prosper and concurrently serve the community.
Daniel “Dan” Holekamp, the third son of original Comfort area settlers Mr. & Mrs. Fritz Holekamp, was born April 15, 1851. As a robust young man, he is listed as a member of his precinct’s road crew and also a “Petit Juror.”
He married Helene Faltin Jan. 17, 1857. Dan and Helene had three children: Otto, born June 12, 1876, Edgar, born Oct. 12, 1877, and Clara, born in 1880. Helene died young, old at 29 years old.
Dan later remarried, exchanging vows with Franciska “Frances” M. Wiedenfeld on Jan. 7, 1883. The young couple moved to Junction, where he took a position with Faltin and Schreiner. After two years the couple moved back to Comfort where they engaged in business for the rest of their lives. The 1880 Census listed Dan Holekamp, 29, as merchant.
In 1883, Susan and Julius Holekamp sold lot no. 104 in Comfort to Daniel Holekamp. In 1892, August Faltin sold Comfort town lots 95 and 96, each a half-acre, to Daniel Holekamp. It was on these lots, 95 and 96, that Dan Holekamp ran his saloon, pool hall and amusement hall.
At the intersection of Seventh and High streets, Dan’s businesses hosted numerous social, cultural and entertainment venues for over a decade. The Holekamp Amusement Hall had a wide variety of entertaining events. Among the performers were the Ladies Orchestra of the Menger Hotel, Comfort Brass Band Band, Carl Beck’s Military Band of San Antonio and the Boerne Concert String Band.
Holekamp successfully ran his saloon, pool hall and amusement hall until April 1, 1907, when he sold his saloon on part lot 95 to Steves and Stahmann.
Dan also sold part of town lot 104 in September 1906 to Arno Schwethelm, who later built a substantial two-story building that is currently home to the Comfort Public Library.
Another portion of town lot 104 was sold to T.P. Codrington in April 1908. T O This was the site of T.O. Codrington & Sons Drug Store.
On Aug. 30, 1907, Comfort News reported on “the demolition of the old Faltin store building at Seventh and Main. The site will be occupied by a modern building of natural stone ... and will consist of two stories. The lower level will be used by D. Holekamp & Sons as an addition to their store. The upper level will consist of a lodge room and two ante rooms and space for business offices.”
The Holekamps new home was on lot 145, which he purchased from Clara Faltin in May 1907.
The Comfort News, on Sept. 6, 1907, wrote that “Mr. Dan Holekamp’s new residence, which is about ready for occupancy, is one of the most complete and comfortable homes ever built in this town. The interior is finished in natural pine, hand oiled and varnished; and there is a bathroom, a cellar and a number of other conveniences.”
The house, at 421 Seventh St., is equidistant between Holekamp’s major business enterprises for over three decades on Seventh Street.
Twenty Twenty-four years after moving into the home, Dan passed away May 23, 1931. Frances continued to live in the Holekamp home for 16 years until her passing Aug. 19, 1947.
The Lindners, the home’s current owners, purchased the home on June 30, 1998. Gary and Barbara each are direct descendants of Kendall County founding families, the Lindners and Zoellers.
The house is now 115 years old, and its front yard has been landscaped to accentuate the overall beauty of this historic residence.
Gary Lindner, current resident of the restored Dan Holekamp home in Comfort, reads the Texas Historical Commission marker unveiled March 16 in front of the home.
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