Dedication of the Texas Capitol Cornerstone
The Texas State Capitol has been host to numerous ceremonies and public gatherings since it opened in May 1888. However, the first ceremony took place during the Capitol’s construction with the placement of the cornerstone on March 2, 1885. Construction of the building had started in 1882 and by the beginning of 1885, the basement of the Capitol was nearly complete. The Capitol Board who was overseeing the construction of the statehouse had not made any plans for a cornerstone-laying ceremony and the citizens of Austin began discussing the organization of such an event.
March 2, 1885 would mark the 49th anniversary of Texas Independence, so it was deemed the most logical day to hold the festivities. It became clear to the citizens of Austin that this was going to be a costly and time-consuming event to plan. Chief contractor of the Capitol, Col. Abner Taylor offered to pay for the entire proceedings, only to be graciously declined by the people of Austin. The Capitol Board chose one of their members, W.C. Walsh, to work with Austinites to solidify plans for the ceremony. The sub-contractor, Gus Wilke, who had just finished the basement of the building, offered to pay for the quarrying, cutting and transportation of the cornerstone.
According to the biennial report of the Capitol Commission, “the stone, which is of red Texas granite, weighing 16,000 pounds [sic] in the rough, was hauled on a wagon drawn by sixteen yoke of oxen from the quarry in Burnet county, fifteen miles distant, to the town of Burnet, and from thence shipped by rail to the Capitol grounds.” The final cost of the cutting and hauling was $1,545. Once it was settled that Mr. Wilke would be overseeing the hard labor and transportation of the stone, the citizens of Austin set about the business of planning a grand party. Besides local luminaries like A.P. Wooldridge and W.C. Walsh, people traveled from all over to see the laying of the stone. It was even proposed by Representative James Woods in a “desire to cultivate the most friendly relations with the people of our sister republic,” that the President of Mexico, Porfirio Diaz be invited. Austin was abuzz with expectation in the days leading up to the festivities. Journalists from The Galveston Daily News reported on March 1st that, “every train to Austin today brought loads of people from all parts of the State to attend the ceremonies of laying the corner-stone of the capitol.”
On the morning of March 2nd, trains full of visitors continued to crowd the platforms of the International and Great Northern Railroad located at the southwest corner of Congress and 3rd streets. Members of the Knights of Pythias and firemen from San Antonio arrived at the depot at 10:30 am. Both groups reserved a spot in the parade that was set to start at noon. According to reporters from the San Antonio Light, “There were about 4,000 in line and the procession was fully 2 miles in length.” The parade eventually made its way to the unfinished Capitol Grounds where thousands gathered to hear selected orators. W. C. Walsh gave the opening remarks followed by a prayer by Rev. H.S. Thrall of San Antonio. Governor John Ireland spoke and then introduced George Quinan, who assured those unable to attend the celebration that the cornerstone and Capitol were “worthy of the extent and grandeur of the State.”
After the conclusion of the speeches, the guns of the artillery announced the lowering of the stone into place and completion of the ceremony. The crowd, which was reported to be as large as 25,000, then dispersed throughout the city. Many visitors stayed in town to explore the fairgrounds, where there were, amongst other things, “bicycle races against a horse, which was won by the horse.” Reports indicate that the event was very well received and was concluded without any major incidents. However, one young boy who had climbed to the top of a derrick to get a better view of the proceedings slipped and broke his arm upon his landing.
Today we celebrate the 132nd anniversary of the laying of our great Capitol cornerstone! For those of you who have visited, or plan on visiting the Capitol in search of this stone, it stands on the northeast corner of the building, in accordance with Masonic tradition. The behemoth stone still contains the original zinc time capsule that has remained untouched since it was laid. The capsule contains, “various kinds of deposits…which had been received and arranged by Ex-Gov. Frank R. Lubbock.” Maybe one day the State shall decide to open the stone and display the contents within! Full list of cornerstone contents below this contemporary photograph of the cornerstone. It is a long list!
The Deposits
The following will be found the official list of articles deposited in the corner stone, kindly furnished by Hon. Frank R Lubbock, Chairman of the committee on Deposits:
Autographed letters from Sam Houston, written in 1848, Thos. J. Rusk written in 1850, A.S. Ruthven, written in 1851 F.W. Johnson written in 1850, Mr. Potter written 1858, David S Kaufman, written in 1849. The proceedings of Grand Royal Arch, chapter of the Republic of Texas. A.D 1845. By Mrs. Adolphus Sterne (who has lived in Texas since 1828) and her daughters Mrs. Eugenia Barrett and Mrs. W.A. Ryan
Photographs of Chief Justice A.H. Willie, Associate Justice J.W. Stayton Walker, Judge A.T. Watts, Judge W.S. Delany, of the Commission of Appeals. Preceding Judge John P. Whit, Judge J.M. Hurt, Judge Sam A. Wilson, of the Court of Appeals, Hermetically sealed and bouned in copper and tin, by Chas S. Morris, Clerks Supreme Court.
“Texas, a contribution of literature to the sealed chamber of the cornerstone of the Capitol of Texas ,” by John Albert Murphy.
“Bob Dean, a story of Texas Life,” by a lady of Austin.
One manual, minutes of State Grange, 1884, digest of the laws of the order of Texas, a brief history of the order, its rise and progress, by D. Wyatt Aiken of South Carolina, seeds of wheat, corn, oats, barley, rye, sorghum, millet, and a variety of garden seeds and cotton, by A.J.Rose, Master of Texas State Grange, Patrons of Husbandry.
Roll of Austin Hook and Ladder Fire Company №1
Brief Statistical account of the Swede Evangelical Lutheran congregation in Austin, with photo of church by a Sabbath School class, 14 boys 14 years of age.
Swindells Texas Legislature Manual, 1883, 1884, including Governors of Texas from 1661 to 1883, Spanish, Mexican, Texas Republic, Governors since annexation together with other valuable matter.
Austrian, Chinese, and German coins, Prussian and Buenos Ayres paper notes, by J.E. Keller
Old Texas Treasury notes, Confederate notes, photograph of Jeff. Davis, Alex. Stevens, R.M.T. Hunter, by ex-Governor F.R. Lubbock.
Copy of Burnet Bulletin, of February 26, 1884, by M.A. Martin.
One Key Ring, by W.B. Wortham.
In memoriam of counterfeit Mexican coin dollars, by J.H. Hutchins.
Bible from American Bible Society, by Rev. W.B. Rankin, Superintendent at Austin
Copy of Galveston News, date March 1, 1885, by Galveston News
Set of currency, issued by Capital Business College Bank, and penholders and cards of examination, copy of Men and Money, the college journal.
Photographs, by Miss Simpson
Olive leaf plucked from an Olive tree on Mount Zion, by F.S. Roberts, Secretary of Austin Lodge №12 A.F. and A.M.
Five pieces silver coin, by F.S. Roberts.
A list of names of the faculty and pupils of the Austin public free schools for the years 1884–5 with copy of rules and regulations, also photograph of West Austin school buildings
Plan and constitution of Texas Methodist Evangelical Aid Association. Transactions of the ME Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas Austin city Directory, by John Mcdonald.
Col. A. W. Spaight’s book on Texas, its resources, etc, by Miss Brewster
Copy of life of Sam Houston, by W. Carey Crane presented by Rev J.R. Malone
Texas medical papers, by Drs. Daniels and Brooks
New Orleans Times Democrat by Norval Wilson
Several pieces coin and ore, by Dr. J.T. Mathis
Public school documents, by Hon B.M. Baker Superintendent of Public Instruction
Charter and by laws of Texas Co-operative Association, Patrons of Husbandry
List of members of Belton fire department
Coins, by W.J. Warren of Paris Lamar county
Copy of oration delivered by John Ireland on laying this cornerstone
Scroll of Phi Delta Theta by J.W. Herndon
History of Theta Beta of Phi Delta Theta by Frank H Raymond
Copy of Vorwerts, sample Texas raised silk, by Julius Schuetze
Twenty five cent meal tickets, dated Aug 9, 1862 by Capt. John Stringer
Book, “Christian Sacrements,” written by Rey O. Fischer
Coins, by Mrs. L Warren
Tooth powders, by Dr. Stoddard
Hays County News, by WB Moore
La Grange Journal, Flatonia Argus, by W.F. Argus
Engraved glass, by D.H Hotchkiss
Roll of membership of Innocents Abroad, by W.H. Stacy
Data concerning City of Austin, by Mayor JW Robertson
Silk Winder, made and presented by Gen Sam Houston to Miss Annie E Kyle
Photograph of Gen W.P. Hardeman by Mrs. H
History of the Gavel used in laying the cornerstone
Roster of the Austin Greys on silk, by the company
Holy Bible by Austin Bible Society
Fort Worth Gazette by E.G. Senter staff correspondent
Photograph of Gen Sam Houston by Mrs V.E. Andrews
Twenty Five cent coin, by Morley Bros
Silver Dime, by W.J. and W.P. Moore
Silver Dime, by P.H. and E.C. Rogan
Copy of the Baptist Herald of February 26, 1885 by, J.B. Link proprietor
Picture of the old capitol and new, History of the connection with the art from 1857 to date, by H.B. Hillyer photographer.
Seeds of all kinds, by Col. Rose, Master of the State Grange, collected by him, Judge A.S. Walker and the dailies of Austin.
List of officers and members of Colorado Commandery No 4 Knights Templar, March 2, 1885, with by laws and charts, by D.W. Doom E.C.
By laws and charter of Lone Star Chapter R.A. Masons
Box, by United friends of Temperance, Council No 311
Photograph of Jacob Bickler’s school
Button hole bouquet banded by a gold ring in a velvet case, by Miss Bobbie M. Wilcox
Austin City German papers
List of Officers of M. W. Grand Lodge of Texas A. and F. Masons, officiating at laying of the cornerstone
United States half dollar of 1808
Testament by JR Jones
New Orleans Times Democrat, by J.J. Lane
Armlet fastener, by M.B. tyler
List of costumes and fashions of the day, by Judge Joe Lee
Copy of Massachusetts Sun, date July 29, 1773, copy of Boston Gazette date March 7, 1785, by Mrs Jennie M. Seekatz
“Austin City” a poem by Mrs M.E. Whitten
Articles of Incorporation of Austin City and Mount Bonnell Water Co., by J.B. Reinhardt
US Standard Silver Dollar, by Victoria Rebecca DeLashmutt of Austin, aged 5 years
Argument of Ex Gov John C Brown, of Tennessee, General Solicitor of the Missouri Pacific Railway system, before the Texas Legislature; copy of address of Gen Benavidez, by J.A. Hooper
Fort Worth Gazette and Denison Herald.
Copy of “The Texian” published at Austin on March 2, 1885, by Wm. Neal Ramey editor
List of the members of the Texas State Dental Association, one set upper artificial teeth, one plaster model of an upper jaw, teeth filled with gold, analgum, tin, porcelain, cement, and gutta percha, by Dr. R. E. Grant & Son.
Proceedings Grand Lodge of Texas A.F. and A.M., proceedings of Grand Commandery K.T. by laws and roll of members of the same, by Jno. O Johnson
Constitution and by laws of the Sheriffs Association of the State of Texas, by John P. Kirk, secretary
Fifty cent Travis county warrant, 1862 by Master Louis Kirk
Twenty Five cent, Travis county warrant by Master Palmer Kirk
One Dollar Travis county warrant by Miss Lydia Kirk
Ten Dollar Treasury warran, 1862, by Fred A. Kirk, Tarrant County
A twenty dollar Confederate note, two one cent pieces, one Mexican two cent piece by Edward Peterson
Nacogdoches News, San Augustine Herald, by Mayor T.J. Carroway
East Texas Pinery, by Dr. J.J Canon
One Nickel, by S. Bergam, of Moscow
Victoria penny, by J.A. Roosevelt of Hempstead
One Hundred Dollars, Confederate money, by Meyer Cohen, of Houston
Constitution and by laws Hebrew Congregation of Beth Israel, Constitution and by laws Young Men’s Hebrew Association, constitution and by laws Lone Star Lodge, №210, B’nai Brith. by Robt Cohen, of Houston
Five Hundred dollar Confederate Bond, by Sam Sterne, of Houston.
Texas Lodge, №45, A. O. U. W. roll of officers and members
Thralls School history of Texas, by the author
Charter members and by laws Lone Star Temple of Honor, №31, Galveston, by John Clough of Galveston
Galveston Street car ticket, by Bernhard Muller of Galveston
Mexican silver five cent piece, by John Muller, of Galveston
Match box containing roll of officers and membership of Eureka Council, №262 American Legion of Honor, with seal of Council attached, a copy of The Review, P.M. Cuny.
Roster of Terrel fire Department by Vick. Reinhardt Chief Engineer.
Members of Phoenix Fire Co., No 1. of Paris, Texas, by O. C. Connor, chief.
Ode to Texas, by a young lady
Copper plate, with gold pen attached, and some verses in Latin by judge A.W. Terrell. The first verse states that when O.M. Roberts was Governor the pen wrote the laws under which the State house is built without taxation. The second verse states the pen wrote the law endowing the University; the third verse that it worked for rebuilding asylums on the neighboring hills; the fourth that the writer worked for Texas not for Fame and rejoicing in silence among others declined to scribble on the plate his name.
Official document from the Department of State by J.W Baines, Secretary of State, viz.: Message of his excellency. John Ireland Gov; report of JW Baines, Secretary of State; report of W.J. Swaines, Comptroller of Public Accounts; report of F.R. Lubbock, state Treasurer; report of W.C. Walsh, commissioner of General Land Grant Office; report of John D Templeton, Attorney General; Report of B.M. Baker. Superintendent of Public Instruction; Report of H.P. Bee Commissioner of Insurance Statistics and History; Report of W.H. King Adjunct General; Report of J.H. Britton State Engineer; Report of John B. Lubbock, fish Commissioner; Report of Steph. H. Darden; Superintendent of Public buildings and Grounds; Reports of State Land Board. Penitentiary Board, Printing Board, Report of University Regents; Report of Agricultural and Mechanical College; Report of Lunatic Asylum, Austin and North Texas; Reports of Institutes of the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind; Copy of Ex Commissioner Spaights “Texas, It’s Resources” etc. In connection with the foregoing a handsome silver plate, upon which were engraved the names of the above mentioned state officials was also deposited.
List of Members of projection lodge, №61, Knights and Ladies of Honor by Norval Wilson, Secretary
One Turkish coin, dated 1223, silver; One Turkish coin dating 1289, copper; One copy of a Turkish paper by T.Jurdji and A. O. Walthew of Galveston. [1]
Silver Box, of Austin lodge, №418, Knights of Honor with following contents: Constitution of the Supreme Lodge, Constitution of the Grand Lodge, By laws of Austin Lodge, Certified Roll of membership. Supreme Lodge Assessment notice, Subordinate Lodge notice blank application for membership, the Lodge Badge of different degrees, list of Grand Lodge Officers, List of Lodges in order in Texas, Death benefit certificate of Supreme Lodge, and in address of the committee making the deposit, by John Dowell, Chairman.
One dollar-”Maxmilliano Emperador”- engraved “E.T. Eggleston March 2nd 1885” Also a ten dollar Confederate Bill by E.T. Eggleston
Seven Swedish coins, Four silver, three copper, to-wit: 1 krona Oscar II 1–2 Krona, fifty ore Oscar II, 1–4 Krona, 25 ore, Oscar II; 1–10 Krona, 10 ore, Oscar II, all silver; 1 copper, Charles IX 2 coppers, Oscar II, One copper, Oscar I, deposited by John G. Palm for his three sons, John Cavileer, Eric Ormerod and Edward, aged respectively 10, 7 and 4 years and all engraved with the names of the boys.
Ferry check-”Buena por una Pasada” — Laredo Texas, to Nueva Laredo, Mexico, by Buck Jackson
