Explore German-Texan Heritage: Own a Historic Von Ormy Home Near San Antonio

William Klemcke’s story is a great slice of German-Texan grit. He came over from Silesia in 1846 and landed in the Castro Colony southwest of San Antonio. Like a lot of German immigrants, he brought old-world trades with him, and he built a real business making candles and soap. That might sound small, but back then, soap and candles were household essentials, especially on the frontier. He turned that trade into enough stability to put down roots in what’s now Von Ormy.

While his original homestead was hundreds of acres out in the Von Ormy area it had cesspools for plumbing and a well, no indoor bathrooms at first and very thick German Schmere walls laid the foundation of a home built to combat the Texas heat during the summer and keep in the house warm during the winter. The home had an iron stove and a simple kitchen made of just boards and 2x4's. Keeping as much of the home original as possible a second floor was added and given a mini-split Airconditioning unit to keep the heat at bay Upstairs. Both floors have Porches with Cedar posts and slabs. The home is built and still sits on the corner of Smith RD and Senior Rd Where Mr. Klemcke built a home for his own family and then another home for a Family member in need.

Things aren't the same today both of these buildings have lasted over a century and a quarter of a century still there today the walls still stand on the bedrock foundations a new limestone skirting and a small limestone fire pit adorn the property and the centuries old century plants still put on 100 feet high flowers when the time comes.

What’s left of that legacy today are two stone homes from the 1870s that Klemcke built almost 160 years old Now and still lived in. They’re classic German-Texan architecture—thick limestone walls, hand-hewn beams, built to last through Texas heat and time. Both have been restored, and you can still visit them near San Antonio. They’re not just old houses; they’re physical evidence of how immigrant families like the Klemckes helped shape South Texas commerce and culture. The soap-making itself didn’t survive as a big commercial operation into the 20th century, but the homes tell the story of a family that literally built its future out of tallow, lye, and limestone. Both the original small home and the larger home still survive today, and one is still owned by a family member. The other has been recently updated with amenities like septic and indoor bathrooms that are more modern in today’s construction. And with the walk in shower bathroom upstairs overlooking the field behind the home is breath taking.

Since you're reading this, you’re probably only about 20 to 30 minutes from Von Ormy. The homes are a quick trip and a beautiful drive if you’re into local history or want to see how those early German settlers lived and worked. Have you ever been down to Von Ormy before, or even Somerset? Or would you want details on visiting the Klemcke homes? One of them is about to go up for sale this year and is still going to need some personalizations. Owning a piece of history could be within your reach!

If this aligns with your dreams, reach out to me, Sharon Barton, at Realty Texas, and I can begin the process of setting you up for success. Owning historical property is not just about real estate; it’s an opportunity to connect with a rich past that helped develop the vibrant present of the San Antonio area.

Feel free to call me at my cell at (210) 343-9108 for more details. Let’s make history a part of your future.