The Burnet Bulletin
Burnet, Burnet County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Established in the early 1870s, this weekly newspaper has been in continuous operation for more than one hundred years. The first editor on record was George Whitaker, who served in that position until 1874. In 1898, the paper was sold to L. C. and J. H. Chamberlain, members of a pioneer Burnet County family. The "Bulletin" remained in the ownership of the Chamberlain family until 1960. The newspaper operation has survived numerous hardships over the years, including the destruction of its offices in a 1920 fire. The "Bulletin" has been housed here since 1979. Completed in 1872, this structure was used continuously as a general retail merchandising store until about 1900. Since that time it has served as a combination furniture store and mortuary and as telephone company offices. The second floor was used as a courtroom during the 1930s, while a new county courthouse was constructed. With historic ties to the early days of Burnet, both the "Bulletin" and this building are important reminders of the area's heritage. (1985)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Established in the early 1870s, the Burnet Bulletin has published continuously for well over a century, its first recorded editor George Whitaker serving until 1874. Bought by the pioneer Chamberlain family in 1898 and held by them until 1960, the paper weathered hardships including a 1920 fire that destroyed its offices. Since 1979 it has operated from this 1872 building, itself a veteran of duty as store, mortuary, telephone office, and even a temporary 1930s courtroom.
Why it matters
The long-lived Bulletin and its much-reused building together preserve the working memory of a Hill Country county, showing how a local paper and a single storefront can anchor a community's identity across generations.
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Related people
- · George Whitaker
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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