Historic Plaque Project

Shiner is lucky to have a plethora of homes and properties built in the late 1800s and early 1900s that have been well preserved and restored. HOTS developed a program to help home-owners research history and erect plaques that recognize their unique place in the history in Shiner.

Historic Downtown Shiner Flag Project

Using a flag found in the attic of a downtown business, HOTS reproduced flags that once lined the streets of Shiner. Brass pole-holders were already in place in the sidewalks, thanks to our patriotic founders. With the help of the members of the American Legion, flags are placed on federal flag days, then stored at the Chamber of Commerce. With the help of local Boy Scouts, more local businesses will proudly fly Old Glory along the main streets of Shiner.

Downtown Beauty Walk

The 'Shiner Walk' and 'Texas Walk' is a downtown beautification project that the entire community of Shiner became involved with. Antique lamp posts, planter boxes, Texas icons, personalized pavers, and expanded parking were added to the downtown area at 7th street. Paver bricks to commemorate honor and memorialize people, events, and organizations in Shiner's community and history, were used to complete all the walkways.

Peachtree Emporium Curators
123 E. 7th Street

Once the Wolters Bros. Dry Goods Store, this building now houses the extensive private collection of Jean Welhausen Kaspar. The Peachtree, which also houses a tea room/reception area, is available for private events and parties. Contact HOTS at 594-3999 for more information.

Wolters Museum Photo-Restoration Project

In 2009, HOTS raised funds and located a volunteer to help preserve the large and impressive photo collection entrusted to the Wolters Museum by families and businesses of Shiner over the years. In an effort to preserve these valuable photos for future generations, the collection has been saved in digital format and is now available to the public on a museum computer.  DVDs containing several hundred vintage Shiner photos are available for purchase at the museum.  Please call Wolters Museum for more information at 361-594-3774, or visit them at 306 South Avenue I in Shiner.

Preserve America Designee

In 2007, Shiner became a Preserve America city! On behalf of First Lady Laura Bush, Congressman Lloyd Doggett presented the official Preserve America certificate. At the time, only two Texas cities had received this prestigious award. Preserve America is a national initiative in cooperation with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and many other departments of the US government. *** This program recognizes and designates communities and neighborhoods which protect and celebrate their heritage, use their historic assets for economic development and community revitalization, and encourage people to experience and appreciate local historic resources through education and heritage tourism programs. To learn more about the Preserve America program, visit http://www.preserveamerica.gov/overview.html.

Christmas Window Contest

Each year HOTS puts on a holiday window decorating contest for the businesses of Shiner, with a named theme announced in November. In 2010, our theme was 'Winter Fun', and Smile Time of Shiner won First Place, a gift certificate to Shiner Restaurant & Bar. So spend some time enjoying the beautiful decorations this coming year.