While the original motor court was named The Palace Courts, Town Cottages actually got its start as a gas station. May 1, 1930, the Flatonia Argus announced the opening of the ‘Flatonia Service Station’. The grand opening featured specials such as “one free tube with each tire purchased and 19 cent gasoline”. It was a modern drive-in type of station with 3 lines of gasoline and oil; Gulf, Texaco, and Magnolia. To the east of the station a 4-room wood-framed home was built and behind the station an “up-to-date tourist camp with four all-weather tourist quarters and a tourist garage for four automobiles.”
The Palace Courts was the only motel in the 1930’s between Sealy and Seguin on U.S. Highway 90, then known as ‘The Old Spanish Trail’.
In late 1948 additional brick units were built along with a large stone house to replace the small 4-room home.
The Palace Courts was the only motel in the 1930’s between Sealy and Seguin on U.S. Highway 90, then known as ‘The Old Spanish Trail’.
In late 1948 additional brick units were built along with a large stone house to replace the small 4-room home.
To date only one of the original 1930 tourist cottages still stands after a fire demolished the other three units. Five of the 1948 units have been restored to their original beauty. The main-house has been converted to a two room suite with an adjoining bathroom and a large two bed single. Two garage units overlook the property and the original gas station on the corner has been remodeled and converted into a cottage.
The Palace Courts tourist park has been a special
landmark of Flatonia’s for the many that have stayed there and Town Cottages continues with our small town hospitality.
The Palace Courts tourist park has been a special
landmark of Flatonia’s for the many that have stayed there and Town Cottages continues with our small town hospitality.