7 Feb 09 Ride To The Floresville Jail

Pictures by Skip Surre                      Write-up by Susan Ochs

On a cloudy, windy day a group of motorcyclists waited at YOSA to depart at 9 AM for a ride to Floresville.  The group consisted of Skip Surre, Gary Skorman, Mike Mills, Ken and Connie Jordan, Archie and Sharon Haley, Jim Byrd, Duke and Chela Thompson, Tom and Nancy Byrd, Steve Curry, Juan Busanet, John and Judy Curtis, and Steve and Susan Ochs.  Ken Jordan gave the group a safety briefing and told everyone which roads we would be taking to our destination of the Floresville Jail Museum. Ken also told us there were no restrooms at the museum, and that we would stop for a restroom break prior to heading to the museum. 

We headed out 1518 toward St. Hedwig and then to La Vernia.  We then turned on 775 toward Floresville. It was a enjoyable ride but there was a strong south wind blowing much of the ride.  We arrived at the museum and found J. D. and Millie Kvapil waiting for us. 

Shortly after that Bill and Jane Johnson and their grandson, Pierce joined us.  We were led by a museum director on a tour of the museum.  We were able to see the jail that was built in 1876 and was used until 1976 when they had a new one built.  The sheriff back in the early days lived in a house that was built around the cells. 

I know I would not have wanted to stay in the close proximity that the inmates were forced to stay in.  We even learned they had a trap door built on one of the floors where they would hang prisoners.  We were told that it wasn't very effective because it didn't have a big drop and most people were too tall.  After the tour, the men decided to let their ladies do a little shopping at Two Sisters in Floresville. All the ladies came out with a purchase either for someone they care about, the couples basket, or themselves.

 We then proceeded to have lunch and rode to Falls City to Shorty's.  For awhile we had an entire room to ourselves with 2 long tables of people.  What a group!! 

After everyone had their fill, a couple of riders left due to other events happening and headed straight home.  The rest of the group took another route home and stopped at a DQ in La Vernia.  It was a very enjoyable day.  The weather was cooperative, the fellowship was fUn and everyone arrived home safely.
 
Written by:  Susan Ochs

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