Our Association’s History
The Polly Texas Pioneer Association is a non-profit 501.c.3 organization created in 2003 dedicated to acquiring, restoring, preserving, maintaining and operating historic properties in and near the original pioneer settlement of Polly, Texas in Bandera County, Texas. Also, providing on-site and outreach educational programs about the early pioneers and settlers in this area of the State of Texas.
Of key importance to the association is “Polly’s Chapel”, “Polly’s School”, "Polly’s Fort" and "Polly’s General Store." The association was founded by many of the descendants of the Jose Policarpio “Polly” Rodriguez and community leaders in Austin, Bandera, Dallas, Houston, Kerrville and San Antonio Texas.
However, an original group of family members and Bandera citizens along with the Methodist Church founded the original “Polly’s Chapel Trustees” in 1968. Their work over the last forty some odd years has restored and preserved Polly's legacy. Thousands of hours of devoted service and funding has been given by family members, friends and community supporters for this great cause.
Today, we find ourselves with continued and significant challenges in the preservation and restoration of the Chapel and maintenance and improvements of the grounds. As a new generation of family members and community leaders we have committed to continue the work of our ancestors, champion the legacy of these early Texas pioneers and carefully organize ourselves into a group that can continue into the future. To this end, we have officially obtained a non-profit corporate charter with the following IRS EIN number:45-4036382.
On that note, we have major plans for Chapel restoration including replacement of windows, doors and ceilings. Plus, landscaping plans to conserve the grounds surrounding the Chapel and installing a small prayer garden. These, and other plans to preserve the cemetery and school house are the work we aspire to complete with the continued help of the community, family and Methodist Church. We thank everyone for their past support and ask that you and others, help us continue the effort to preserve legacy and Texas history!