River Oaks Courts get historical marker

The River Oaks Courts in Medina became the site of Bandera County’s newest historical marker on Saturday, April 12.

It joins 53 other markers placed by the Texas Historical Commission and the Bandera County Historical Commission, commemorating the iconic tourist court’s role in the town’s history.

The River Oaks Courts is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a Texas Historic Landmark. The site has long been known as a tourist camp or motor court.

Brown Stokes first built the family home at the location that now houses the art house café. He later constructed Cabin No. 1 to house a newly hired agriculture teacher at Medina ISD.

Stokes, a longtime Medina ISD school board member, was followed by Hough LeStourgeon, who built the remaining fieldstone cottages on the property.

The motor court served both short- and long-term guests, including tourists and Medina ISD teachers. Visitors enjoyed nearby opportunities for bathing, fishing, hiking and hunting.

Saturday’s dedication ceremony began with a welcome from Sabrina Stroud, general manager of the River Oaks Courts. A strong breeze helped cool the crowd of nearly 50 seated in the courtyard on the warm spring day.

After Stroud’s welcome, three students from the Medina High School chapter of Future Farmers of America presented the flag for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Stroud then introduced Kimberly Miles, chair of the Bandera County Historical Commission, who described the three-year process that led to the marker’s installation.

Bandera County Commissioner Jack Moseley spoke briefly about the significance of the marker and shared the sentiments of the Commissioners Court regarding the project.

Travis Klaassen, general contractor with Big Rock Construction of Medina, discussed the restoration work involved in reviving the property after it was devastated by flooding in 1978. The site now features an 11-room hotel, restaurant and art house café.

The Social Club, located at River Oaks Courts, operates as a private club but is open to the public Thursday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m., with live music from 6 to 8 p.m. The café, housed in the original Stokes home, offers coffee, tea, handmade pastries and light lunch options.

Master stonemason Cecil LeStourgeon spoke to attendees about his family’s work on the property. He described how Hough LeStourgeon sourced rock from across the county to build the site’s outbuildings and 10 additional cabins.

The ceremony concluded with family members of Brown Stokes sharing their memories of the motor court. Speakers included Ople Boyle, Sandy Vannatter, Gary Stokes and Brown Stokes.

Boyle, 98, spoke about how her mother, Maud Stokes, took over operations after Brown Stokes Sr. died in a vehicle accident in 1940. The children helped run the motor court and contributed to various Stokes family businesses throughout the town.

In closing remarks, Stroud invited the crowd to gather at the new marker along Highway 16, where attendees took photos and celebrated the historic recognition.