Site of the Chaney Building

The building with the green awnings is now The Galleria.  The portion to the left, next to the Weston Building, is where the the Chaney Building stood at 802 Water Street from 1923 to 1964 when it was razed for bank expansion. The rest of the building includes the old First State Bank Building, which dates to 1910.

In 1923 R. H. Chaney erected a two story building at this location. In 1927 the Kerrville Sunshine Society, described as a social and literary club, opened here. The newspaper reported, “George W. Walther, manager of the club announced that the new club would be conducted along the highest lines of refinement, and would be equipped with a recreation hall where members will have the privileges of playing billiards, pocket billiards, dominoes, chess and checkers.  The Kerrville branch of the International Sunshine Library, which Mr. Walther has conducted for the past 27 years, will be located in the rear of the club rooms, giving club members access to 500 volumes, as well as the latest issues of magazines and newspapers.

Membership in the club has been limited to 100 members who will be required to furnish good references.

The second floor of the Chaney Building has been remodeled and attractively arranged into club rooms. 

The club will remain closed on Sundays, the management has announced.”

I have heard reports that this was in actuality a private drinking club for gentlemen during Prohibition.  

In 1964 the Chaney building was razed for expansion of the First National Bank.

It can be seen in the photo below.  Look for the sign on the left that reads "Pool Dominos".

From the Kerr County Historical Commission collection