The Henna family of Round Rock

The Henna family of Round Rock

Written by Karen Thompson, Williamson County historian Friday, 07 December 2007

When young Walter E. Henna arrived in the sleepy town of Round Rock 105 years ago, the population was about 1,130. The population of all of Williamson County only reached 38,000.

By 1910, 25-year-old Walter was already a noted young businessman in downtown. Nearby, 21-year-old Maudie J. Morgan was a telephone operator, working for local telephone manager Miss Ora Dettenhaim.

A decade later, Walter and Maudie were married with two sons, Louis and Wilbur (Billy). By 1930 the family was complete with the addition of Robert and Joe.

Walter was manager of the large J. A. Nelson and Company, the hardware, implements and lumber company on Main Avenue. The J. A. Nelson building still exists and is home to different businesses including Bella Notte and the Austin American-Statesman office.

Walter expanded his business interest into real estate and gas and oil. The Hennas were active members of the Round Rock First Baptist Church. In addition, Walter volunteered in the Williamson County Old Settlers Association, the Round Rock Cemetery Association, Masonic Lodge 227, the chamber of commerce and the county school board.

He was named one of the first “Outstanding Citizens” of Round Rock. By 1936, 21-year-old Louis M. Henna was operating his own independent garage and filling station in Round Rock.

The history of automobile dealerships in Texas would take a new twist that year when a field representative of Chevrolet approached Louis about an automobile franchise for Round Rock. Louis agreed to the endeavor with the understanding he would not have to stock a lot of extra parts.

By 1938, Henna Motor Company had erected what was described as the “World’s Largest Road Sign,” which was sized at 47 ft. by 107 ft., containing 16,610 ft. all together. It read, “Henna Motor Company, Round Rock, Best Place in Texas to Buy a Chevrolet.”

More than seven decades later, Henna Motor Company is still family owned and operated. Today at the helm is Louis M. Henna, Jr. who was born into the family Chevrolet business. The primary business is at 8805 IH 35.

Louis M. Henna Sr. was on the Round Rock City Council by 1947 and served as Round Rock mayor from 1952-56. He and wife, Billie Sue, were dedicated to community improvement. They dreamed of providing Christian care for abused and neglected children in Central Texas and that dream became a reality in 1950.

The Texas Baptist Children’s Home was started with the Henna’s donation of 112 acres of land and five newly-constructed buildings, including three cottages, an administration building and a superintendent’s residence.

The deed was presented to the Baptist General Convention of Texas for the operation of the home to provide supportive services based on Christian values for children, youth and families. More than 50 years later, the home continues with the same purpose and services.