Glistening in the Texas sun stands the Bohls House Plaque. It’s a simple aluminum marker yet it whispers a captivating tale. This plaque commemorates the Bohls family and their remarkable homestead. The Bohls House itself a beautiful Queen Anne Free Classic style home no longer stands. This plaque however ensures its story lives on.
The Bohls House Plaque marks the location of the original Bohls family farm. Gottlieb William Bohls the eldest of ten children was born nearby. In 1913 the family completed their impressive two-story eight-room house. The house boasted a hipped cross-gabled roof dormer windows and fishscale shingles. A wraparound porch added charm and grandeur. Longleaf pine graced the interior.
But the Bohls House was more than just a pretty building. It was a testament to resilience and resourcefulness. The house’s original rain harvesting system was quite ingenious. A 4000-gallon brick and concrete underground cistern and a 2000-gallon galvanized tin cistern above ground provided all the drinking water until 1975. This was especially vital during periods of drought.
Otto Walter Bohls Sr Gottlieb’s younger brother later owned the property. Otto championed soil conservation. He implemented contour farming cover crops and crop rotation. He built stock tanks to reduce erosion and preserve the precious soil. His dedication to sustainable farming practices was commendable.
The Bohls family’s dedication to their land and their community shines through. They deeded the property to the city of Pflugerville in 1993. This generous act ensured the preservation of this significant part of Pflugerville’s history and culture. The Bohls House Plaque stands as a proud reminder of their legacy. It’s a testament to family history innovation and a deep connection to the land. This small plaque tells a big story. It reminds us that even seemingly humble places can hold profound significance. Remember the Bohls family their home and their enduring contributions.