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MAX STARCKE PARK: AN ICON OF THE SEGUIN CHAMBER’S LEADERSHIP LEGACY
he Chamber’s 100th anniversary provides an excellent opportunity to highlight key accomplishments and spotlight visionary leaders like its first paid executive, Maximillian Hugo Starcke. In the early 1900s, Max Starcke was instrumental in the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce’s formative years. He guided other business leaders in the Chamber and city to acquire a scenic 43 acres along the Guadalupe River in 1933 that would later bear his name. It was a pivotal time for the city and the Chamber. Historical records show the park was financed through the Works Progress Administration created by Franklin D. Roosevelt — a bill to stimulate the economy during the ongoing depression. Robert Hugman developed the site plan and design for the park. He later became famously known as the architect of the San Antonio Riverwalk. “Yes, my great uncle Max was quite the organizer and gogetter,” long-time Seguin resident Hilmar Starcke said. Max served the city as mayor and was later recruited by Lyndon Johnson to manage the Lower Colorado River Authority, Hilmar said. “My brother Frank and I are living out the legacy of Chamber involvement that our great uncle and grandfather H.H. Starcke started before us.” H.H. Starcke served as president in 1925 and again in 1933. In Starcke fashion, Hilmar has stayed involved with the Chamber, both as a board member and various committees. His brother, Frank Starcke, is one of the original Chamber Ambassadors — 37 years and counting. “I have done this for decades because I truly enjoy welcoming new residents and businesses to town, and helping them integrate into the Chamber and community,” said Frank, who has lived in Seguin most of his life. “I believe that
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SEGUIN CHAMBER - CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 2021
name recognition has helped our furniture business to thrive for 42 years. I also think it is beneficial to stay involved with various community organizations because people like to do business with people they know.” Along with Starcke Furniture, Frank and Hilmar are proud to have a park named after their family. Since the park’s official opening in 1938, Max Starcke Park is a continued source of pride for residents, tourists and the state of Texas. The Starcke golf course is one of the last “parks” style courses in the state. Today, the park encompasses 227 acres, including an 18-hole golf course, disc golf, baseball and softball fields, a wave pool, amphitheater, hike, bike and paddling trails, a dog park and more. “It’s the top attraction that’s open to all in the city,” Hilmar said. Starcke Park is known for several other things — from its origins in a sprawling pecan orchard to its reputation for hosting spring training for the 1922 Chicago White Sox. The park has recently served as the venue for many baseball and softball tournaments, Fourth of July fireworks shows, family reunions, and much more. Residents and the Starcke family were particularly proud of their community asset when the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) recognized Max Starcke Park as one of six “2018 Lone Star Legacy Parks” for its historic and distinctive significance. Flagship Reminder of Local Leadership “Both Max Starcke and Starcke Park have played a vital role in the development of Seguin throughout its history and the Chamber’s first 100 years,” Chamber President Kendy Gravett said. “The Starcke family continues to be one of the Chamber’s longest, most loyal supporters, for which we are deeply grateful.”
