WIMBERLEY’S FIRST MAYOR, LINDA HEWLETT, IN 2025.
Editor’s note: Wimberley’s first mayor, Linda Hewlett, elected shortly after the town incorporated in 2000, sent a love letter last week to fellow citizens.
“It’s so gratifying to hear of all the 25th anniversary celebrations of Wimberley that have been planned. They’ve brought back some memories from those early days.
We were a motley crew who took office in the beginning. None of us, on that first council, had ever held public office or had any experience with running a town, much less a brand new one. We had never worked together before, but came as one with a vision of protecting our little village from the encroachment of big towns around us, from explosive unplanned growth, from sign proliferation on our highways and from massive commercial buildings that would overwhelm us. Our enthusiasm was contagious, and it seemed that everyone in town wanted to have a say or a contribution to how things would work. Council meetings were jammed with standing room only, and speakers were always plentiful and respectful.
Not everyone was happy with this new progress, however. One older gentleman complained that everything was all right before. He said he remembered when cattle were driven through the town square. (What could be wrong with that?) Although the town began with no funds, and of course we were all volunteers, we were more than once accused, “Where’s the money?”
Because of the many incredibly accomplished individuals who stepped up to lead the committees needed to run the city, we became organized and on top of things. But, it was a new day, every day, with something we hadn’t thought of that offered another challenge. The members of the Council proved themselves to be just the right individuals for their positions and did outstanding jobs.
One of our greatest accomplishments was the purchase of the Blue Hole acreage next to the square along Cypress Creek. When we had been in office only a short time, the Wimberley Lions Club offered to partner with the city to buy that property and turn it into a park. Of course, we had no money, but the idea was exciting. It turned out to be a long project.
We were able to buy the property, and that’s another story in itself, and get Texas Parks and Wildlife to contribute, along with others. At the last moment, Mr. McCoy, of McCoy’s Building Supply San Marcos, came to walk the property with Martha Knies and me. He called later to ask exactly how much we needed to finish the project. When I told him, he said, “I’ll write you a check for the whole amount.” That was the best moment of the year! It was to be the beginning of the “Martha Knies Community Park and Cypress Creek Nature Trail,” which continues to be enjoyed today by all of us and our visitors.
I am happy to say that Wimberley has been my home now for 32 years. I’m thankful for having been given the opportunity to have had a small part in getting her started, along with that amazing first council. Since then others have stepped forward to serve on councils. Each one has contributed uniquely, and we have been rewarded by their dedication.
Most of all, we have seen how God has blessed our little town these 25 years, with His peace and amazing love. Thank you LORD. To You be the glory!”
First Mayor of Wimberley, Linda Hewlett
