Remembering William Reuter. Today his name lives on with his 1891 building on Alamo Plaza

William “Billie/ Billy” Reuter…..Alamo Plaza History

William Reuter arrived in San Antonio in 1874 as a young 23 year old from Hanover, Germany. A young man who possessed big ambitions, he formed a partnership with fellow countryman E.B. Stork to operate the “Germania House”

Germania House advertisement …San Antonio Daily Express ..May, 1875

However, this partnership was dissolved in August 1875, and E.B. Stork eventually relocated to Dallas to assist families from Germany to settle in that area.

Courtesy of the San Antonio Daily Express 1875

Following this venture, William Reuter sought employment as a bartender at the Scholz Palm Garden on Alamo Street…not far from the Alamo. Here, with his exuberant personality, he perfected his knowledge and ability of serving the public in an entertainment venue, and at the same time, establishing strong relationships with the German clientele of San Antonio.

Once he had found his “financial feet” again, William Reuter went on to open another saloon, this time with the Frenchman Joseph Meny , close to the San Fernando Cathedral. Mr Meny had already earned a widespread reputation from his previous occupation of freighting cotton between Mexico and San Antonio. After his time with Billie (sometimes known as Billy) Reuter, Joseph Meny operated another saloon for a short period, served on the city council under Bryan Callaghan, worked at the Turner Hook and Ladder Company of the city volunteer fire department, and had a successful Real Estate career for 18 years.

Courtesy of the San Antonio Evening Light 1882

In March 1885, together with his brother George, he established the “The Two Brothers’ Saloon” next door to the Scholz Palm Garden. The San Antonio Light was very enthusiastic with this business venture…as was demonstrated by this notice.

Courtesy of the The San Antonio Light 1885

The partnership soon established itself as a popular watering hole and social venue in San Antonio. It was located in the newly-constructed George Dullnig Building, which today can be found on Commerce Street, across the road from the “Torch of Friendship.”

Courtesy of the San Antonio Light

Courtesy of the San Antonio Daily Light

Here is a review of their saloon that you probably wouldn’t see today.

Courtesy of the San Antonio Daily Light

….and if you were searching for the best “mixologist”…look no further

Courtesy of the San Antonio Daily Light

However, the brothers’ partnership was dissolved in July 1890 and announced in the San Antonio Daily Light

Courtesy of the San Antonio Daily Light

Deciding to strike out on his own, Billie Reuter acquired land on the corner of Alamo and Crockett Streets, and employed the services of renowned architects James Wahrenberger ( who later went on to become the City Building Inspector ) and his partner Albert Felix Beckmann, to design his new building at that location, close to the Alamo, and across the street from the Grand Opera House. There was method to his madness. In his mind’s eye, Billie saw patrons pouring out of the Opera House after a performance…and straight into his saloon across the street.

The architects he chose for the project were also known at the time for their design of a number of elegant homes in the King William area, the Turnverein Building (which was the location of a German athletic and social group) on Bonham Street, and then later, the Lone Star Brewery on Jones Avenue (then known as Grand Avenue)…now the San Antonio Museum of Art, and the initial building at Our lady of the Lake University.

Courtesy of the San Antonio Daily Light…( note the spelling of Presa Street )

The resulting structure was a 4-story, red brick building with an angled corner on the main facade, which was the location of the original entrance. The Victorian building featured protruding windows on the 3rd floor and is one of the last surviving examples of construction of this era still standing on Alamo Plaza.

Reuter Building…Author’s photo

….and here is the “R” at the top of the Reuter Building

Author’s photo

It is a wonderful monument to San Antonio’s architectural history….and these older photos really show it in its glory

Courtesy of the Coates Library at Trinity University

Photo is courtesy of the Conservation Society.

In the above photo from the early 1890’s, looking across Alamo Plaza, you can also see the Grand Opera House to the right of the Reuter Building. It stood there until 1954.

On the bottom floor of the Reuter Building, you would be welcomed at “Billie’s Saloon”

Billie’s Saloon in the Reuter Building. Photo is courtesy of the Conservation Society

Commercial space and offices were situated on the second and third floors, and the meeting rooms of the Knights of Pythias Lodge on the top floor. James Wahrenberger later established his architect’s office in the building he designed.

William Reuter earned favor with San Antonio locals by funding and erecting a band stand in Alamo Plaza, across the road from his saloon. He used to stage musical events in the band stand, with the invitation to patrons to then visit his saloon. For his efforts to promote this part of the city, he was cordially known as “The Father of Alamo Plaza”

Courtesy of the San Antonio Daily Light

Billie Reuter, suffering from Dengue Fever, passed away in his home on Avenue D…now known as N. Alamo Street, on August 17th, 1897…… 125 years ago today

Photo is courtesy of the San Antonio Daily Light

Photo of William Reuter’s grave….Author’s photo

Certainly one of San Antonio’s most popular and colorful characters, William “Billie” Reuter is remembered today for his contributions to the Alamo City.

Sources:

San Antonio Daily Light

saconservation.org

The San Antonio Conservation Society

The San Antonio Daily Express

The San Antonio Evening Light

Alamo Plaza History

ktsa.com

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