BLOCK 20

TO 1851 - JUNE 1852 MAP

Block 20 is located east of the Courthouse square and is bordered by Fourth St. on the north, Fifth St. on the south, Alma St. on the east and Texana St. on the west.   The block is comprised of eight lots each lot 80 varas X 80 varas. What is a Vara? CLICK HERE to find out.

No documented buildings and/or businesses on this block during this time period.

TO 1853 MAP

Block 20 is located east of the Courthouse square and is bordered by Fourth St. on the north, Fifth St. on the south, Alma St. on the east and Texana St. on the west.   The block is comprised of eight lots each lot 80 varas X 80 varas. What is a Vara? CLICK HERE to find out.

Lavaca County to Dowling and Kelly (Block 20 Lot 1 – 8) Dec 1853

​Masonic College​ - Please see information on the Masonic College, below.

1853: In 1853 the Masonic Lodge undertook to construct a private school for boys. The Alma Institute did as much for the girls.  A building committee of J. W. Kelly, Isaac J. Foster, Maryland Jones, B.B. Walker and J.J. Ballard was appointed.  The committee and other solicited donations and pledges to finance the project, and in time they contracted with A.K. Foster to construct a building 60 feet long, 30 feet wide and 3 stores high, with an observatory on the roof.  The building was located on a site donated by John W. Kelly and Josiah Dowling on Block 20 on Fourth St.

Reference:
​*Free State of Lavaca p. 171

TO 1854 MAP

Block 20 is located east of the Courthouse square and is bordered by Fourth St. on the north, Fifth St. on the south, Alma St. on the east and Texana St. on the west.   The block is comprised of eight lots each lot 80 varas X 80 varas. What is a Vara? CLICK HERE to find out.

Masonic College (Block 20 Lot 1 – 8)

TO 1856 MAP

Block 20 is located east of the Courthouse square and is bordered by Fourth . on the north, Fifth St. on the south, Alma St. on the east and Texana St. on the west. The block is comprised of eight lots each lot being 80 varas by 80 varas. What is a Vara? Click here to find out.

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Masonic College (Block 20 lot 1 – 8)

TO 1858 MAP

Block 20 is located east of the Courthouse square and is bordered by Fourth St. on the north, Fifth St. on the south, Alma St. on the east and Texana St. on the west. The block is comprised of eight lots each lot being 80 varas by 80 varas. What is a Vara? Click here to find out.

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1858 December 18: W.W. Boyce for Murchinson Lodge to A.K. Foster. 

The first and second floors of the Murchinson Lodge building but retained title to the third floor. After Foster had completed the building, the Lodge had defaulted on its payments.  

Reference:

Lavaca County Deed E/662