History

History in a "Pecan" Shell

In 1906 as the railroad extended from Cuero to Stockdale, a town was plated and a depot built. The town was originally named "Bello". But when a post office was applied for, the name was rejected by authorities for the similarity to Bells, Texas (Grayson County). In 1909, the town was renamed Westhoff, to honor William Westhoff, Sr.

Westhoff was thriving with 4,800 bales of cotton ginned at Westhoff's three gins each year. In 1913 a devastating fire destroyed much of downtown and by 1915 the population was a healthy 475. The 1908 school expanded in 1928 and in 1961 was one of the county's three remaining rural school districts. From the 20s to the 50s, Westhoff had 500 residents before it started its decline to the present 410.

Westhoff school was established in 1908 while Westhoff was still called "Bello". The first school was a 30' x 50' one room frame building. Later, another two story, four-room brick school was built with funds being obtained by bond issues. In 1928, a six-room brick stucco building was erected. in 1950, the Lindenau and Wallis Ranch schools consolidated with Westhoff School as a result of the Gilmer Aiken Laws passed by Legislature. In 1978, Westhoff Rural School District became an independent school district.

On January, 25, 1988 the school was totally destroyed by fire. Following a bond issue, a new school was constructed. In 1997 two classrooms, dining area and cafeteria were added. In 2002, a 70' x 100' covered pavilion was added to the school grounds.

Location

• Highway 87 - DeWitt County, Central Texas South
  14 miles NW of Cuero, S of Gonzales
  Population: 410 est. (2000)