Before it was Jack’s Axes, and before it was Desperadoes Night Club and before it was Center Grocery, some old-timers might remember the downtown Kyle building that burned down as Tenorio’s Grocery Store, owned and operated by Blas Tenorio and his brother Sam for more than 30 years. 50 years ago this week, the City of Kyle proclaimed Jan. 21, 1972 as Blas Tenorio Day for his lifetime of achievements. After Mr. Tenorio’s death in late 2015, the city repeated the proclamation, which read as follows:
A resolution of the City Council of the City of Kyle, Texas, honoring the life and contributions of Blas Tenorio, a resident of Kyle, Texas, whose life was dedicated to make the city of Kyle a better place for all; and determining that the meeting at which this resolution was passed was in accordance with the requirements of the open meetings act; making such other findings and provisions related to the subject; and declaring an effective date.
“I worked for my uncles and then later for Mr. Chung.
When I worked for my uncles, I worked in the meat market. Before I started, I had no idea how much meat was sold there! It was a lot. Not only did we sell what was in the meat case, but customers would buy a quarter, or half cow at a time and we would process it. We used to also fulfill wholesale orders for local restaurants.
The big difference between a big grocery store chain and a small store, like my uncles ran was that the owners and employees knew and interacted with the customers. You knew each other’s names and you were friends. That’s why so many remember the store fondly. The building was a place where you formed relationships. Yes, they are sad that the building is gone, but what is really hard is that is the place where they had friendships and bonds with their community.”
–Willie Tenorio, nephew of Blas and Sam Tenorio, former employee at Tenorio Grocery and former Hays CISD school board member
Whereas, the Kyle Community lost a strong, forward thinking leader and generous valued citizen on December 26th, 2015 with the death of Blas Tenorio.
Whereas, Blas Tenorio served his Country honorably during WWII in the 320th Infantry, where he earned two overseas Service Bars, a Victory Ribbon, an American Theater Campaign Ribbon (European, African, and Middle Eastern Campaign) Ribbon with 5 bronze Stars and a Good Conduct Medal.
Whereas, the 5 bronze stars represented the five campaigns or battles Blas Tenorio fought bravely in and included Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe Whereas, Blas Tenorio was an important businessman in the Town of Kyle where he bought and sold property and also owned Tenorio’s Grocery Store along with his brother, Sam Tenorio.
Whereas, Blas Tenorio served as the first Hispanic elected to public office in the City of Kyle, serving as an Alderman from 1965-1972.
Whereas, Blas Tenorio made important contributions during his tenure on the Kyle City Council, being instrumental in such community improvements as the first sewer system and street lighting.
The downtown Kyle landscape will never look the same. Here’s a photo of downtown Kyle in the 90s. All these buildings succumbed to fire except the building on the far left that says Custom Woodwork. That building is now Centerfield. Bon Ton Grocery, on the right, burned down in 2002. The Jacks Axes building was the oldest downtown building, built in 1884 as the Schlemmer Store and then Young Brothers Lumber Yard. They stored all the lumber out back. Papa Jack’s used to be Bordeaux’s Cajun restaurant for many years, and it was a burger place and a textile place before that.
Whereas, Blas Tenorio was a member of the local Lions Club, a member of the PEC Advisory Board, faithful member of St. Anthony’s church, and member of the Knights of Columbus.
Whereas, Blas Tenorio was a loving man who came from a loving family. He was married to his lovely wife for 53 years, had four children Gilbert, Gerald and the twins Ofelia and Olga Tenorio. He also had four grand daughters and great grandsons. His family was his highest priority in life.
Whereas, Blas Tenorio would often greet you with a smile, and if you asked him: “How are you doing?” - Blas would return with…..”Lovely, couldn’t be better.”
Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved, That the 2016 Kyle City Council, on behalf of its members, appreciate the many achievements Blas Tenorio made to City of Kyle and the United States of America., and Be it Further Resolved, That the 2016 Kyle City Council, on behalf of its members, pay tribute to the life of Blas Tenorio and recognize with great admiration and appreciation the many contributions of Blas Tenorio over the course of his life to our community.
