The Medallion July/August 2010

Preservation News TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION July/August 2010

THE

MEDALLION

DANCE ACROSS SOUTH TEXAS
Historic Mexican American
Dance Halls Strive to Keep the Beat Alive

A Tribute to Dr. Kathleen Gilmore ■ New Program Guides Texas Museums ■ Meet the Preservation Fellows

P R E S E R VAT I O N P R O F I L E

THC’s Preservation Fellows
Pursue Passion for Texas History

T
The Texas Historical Commission and Hispanic relations in the and write a book documenting the
(THC) introduced its newest Southwestern U.S. history of her tribe.
Preservation Fellows—Texas State “My (German) ancestors helped In the meantime, however, she is
University-San Marcos student found Lee County, so I have an focused on her responsibilities this
Katherine Koebbe and University of extensive family background in summer as a Preservation Fellow.
Texas-Tyler graduate Norris White, Texas,” she explains. “I’ve made “I think this program will give
Jr.—on April 24 at the agency’s some important contacts with me a leg up in terms of professional
Annual Historic Preservation Texas tribes through my work experience,” Koebbe says. “I’ve been
Conference in Houston. with the Native American Student a student for about seven years
Koebbe and White will spend Association, and I feel I’ve built a now, so I’m really looking forward
much of the summer working with sense of community with people to being immersed in a professional
THC staff on projects related to across the state. I’m hoping I can environment to develop the skills I’ll
their fields of study. Both are use my experiences in Texas and need in the working world.”
anticipating the opportunity to at the THC to make significant White shares many of Koebbe’s
experience day-to-day tasks contributions to my tribe.” aspirations; however, at age 43, he
of working in a professional Looking to the future, Koebbe’s admits to taking a nontraditional
preservation environment. primary goal is completing her path to achieving his educational and
Koebbe, who earned three thesis, which documents strategies professional goals. A San Antonio
bachelor’s degrees from the for community survival used by native, White has lived in Palestine,
University of Connecticut members of the Mohegan Tribe Texas, for 18 years and is a proud
(anthropology, history, and English), from the contact period to the husband and father of two boys.
claims her propensity for variety will 19th century. In the long term, she His interest in cultural heritage
be well suited for her THC internship. expects to pursue a doctorate degree and community service dates to
“I’m really looking forward to
experiencing many different aspects
of what the THC does,” she says. “I
can’t wait to see what it’s like to work
with different people in different
“I’mand at thecan use make significantin
Texas
hoping I
THC to
my experiences

positions, from federal law issues to
developing state policies to helping
with projects at the local level.”
contributions to my tribe.
”
— Katherine Koebbe,
2010 Preservation Fellow
Koebbe believes her
demonstrated dedication to
historic preservation will be an
important asset at the THC.
She has devoted efforts to her
Native American heritage as a
member of the Mohegan Tribe
of Indians of Connecticut and as
president of Texas State’s Native
American Student Association.
Koebbe’s experience at Texas
State has also helped her sharpen
focus on academic areas of interest,
including public policy and the pre-
Colonial history of Native American

Right: Katherine Koebbe is commended by (from left) Brian
Shivers, board chair of the Friends of the Texas Historical
Commission, and Mark Wolfe, THC executive director. 2

his high school experience with the
Upward Bound program, part of The THC’s Preservation Fellows Program, now in its fourth year,
President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great was created to build interest in and awareness of historic preservation
Society initiative. among college students from underrepresented ethnic groups.
“Upward Bound instilled in me The program targets talented undergraduate and graduate students
the importance of an education and to encourage their interest in pursuing fields of study in history,
also gave me an opportunity to meet, preservation, architecture, archeology, landscape architecture,
befriend, and learn about various downtown revitalization, and heritage tourism. To learn more
people, cultures, and their heritage,” about the program contact the Friends of the Texas Historical
he says. Commission at 512.936.2189 or visit www.thc.state.tx.us.
Upon learning of the
Preservation Fellows program, White
pursued the opportunity because he
felt he embodied the qualities—faith,
diligence, desire, and eagerness to people, myths, and legacies has Looking ahead, White expects to
learn—that would enable him to prompted him to explore and impart use his role as a Preservation Fellow
achieve his career goals. his collected wisdom about the to further his objective to present
“Ultimately, I realized that state’s richly diverse heritage. history and anthropology
becoming a Preservation Fellow “I hope to pass some of these in a manner that is more appealing
would be a great opportunity things along to kids who have and inclusive to minority youth.
for me as well as an honor and experienced similar environmental As a result, he hopes to encourage
privilege,” he adds. hardships and conditions as I and inspire students to seek careers
With a special interest in Texas’ have,” he says. “I plan to create and personal involvement in
prehistory era, White is eager to teaching and interpretive programs preservation organizations.
spend his fellowship at the THC’s about Caddo culture to help better “I will work tirelessly to
Caddo Mounds State Historic Site serve our youth. After all, they are encourage minority youth to
in Alto. He hopes to explore the our future.” discover their history and culture,”
indigenous cultures of his adopted White believes his previous says White. “The ultimate goal is
region of Texas and experience the academic and volunteer experiences to motivate them so that one day
professional side of overseeing a fostered his appreciation for the they will also have the passion to
heritage site. professional aspects of preservation. preserve it.”
White is also enthusiastic about Through his studies and his work Koebbe shares White’s
sharing his skills and knowledge with the Texas Archeological Society, enthusiasm for promoting and
with students. He claims his strong he has learned valuable lessons advocating historical issues, and is
interest in Texas’ historic cultures, about the skills and methods used in looking forward to dedicating her
the field. efforts to research and collaboration
among preservation organizations
Norris White, Jr. (far right) and governmental entities.
receives an award certificate
from THC Chairman Jon “I’d like to make contributions
Hansen and Shivers. in as many areas as I can,” Koebbe
says. “I feel so happy and blessed
that the THC has provided this
opportunity for me to get a leg up in
the world.” ★

This article was written by Andy Rhodes,
managing editor of The Medallion.

“encourage minority youth
to
I will work tirelessly

to discover their history
and culture.
”
— Norris White, Jr.,
3 2010 Preservation Fellow

PROGRAM FOCUS

A Tale of Two Courthouses
Rededication Ceremonies Celebrate Alfred Giles
Designs in Different Regions

F
Few buildings reflect a community as King Ranch, is one of the state’s also operated an office in Monterrey,
broadly and accurately as its county newest counties. In 1906, the Mexico, and regularly traversed South
courthouse. The circumstances of the community of Falfurrias was Texas, designed the courthouse of
initial construction tell the real stories considered cattle country with substantial materials, including high-
of a community’s history, and these fewer than 200 residents; by 1920, quality brick and ornamental terra
stories represent the genuine character however, it boasted a population of cotta and slate roofing.
of these places. nearly 2,500. Former Texas Ranger “Brooks County strategically
Two Texas communities Captain J.A. Brooks called a meeting invested in its future by constructing
recently celebrated the rededication of Falfurrias citizens in 1911, where a noble building that reflected its
of their courthouses after substantial he secured 63 signatures in support of lofty aspirations,” explains Stan
restoration projects with major establishing a new county. Graves, director of the THC’s
funding provided by the Texas After Falfurrias was selected as Architecture Division. “The
Historical Commission’s (THC) the county seat in September, a bond attention to detail truly reflects the
Texas Historic Courthouse election for a $65,000 courthouse was community’s commitment to creating
Preservation Program. Though held, passing with 344 citizens voting a structure that’s equal to any in Texas
they are in different regions of the for it and nine against. Giles, who and beyond.”
state, both buildings—Brooks and
Kendall County courthouses—were
designed by Alfred Giles, a noted
San Antonio architect.
According to the Handbook
of Texas Online, Giles was born in
England in 1853 and initially aspired
to enter the ministry before an
architectural firm apprenticeship led
to a change in his career ambitions. In
1873, Giles immigrated to the U.S.
and eventually settled in San Antonio,
which, according to the book Alfred
Giles: An English Architect in Texas and
Mexico, lured him with its European
and cosmopolitan charm.
After learning the skill of working
with locally available building
materials, Giles established his
own firm in 1876. The subsequent
arrival of the railroad expanded
Giles’ architectural palette and his
clients’ exposure to new styles. In the Above and right: Kendall County Courthouse
(interior photos courtesy JC Stoddard Construction).
following decades, he incorporated Opposite page: Brooks County Courthouse.
these diverse influences in his
work, including the two recently
rededicated courthouses in distinctly
different regions of Texas.
Brooks County, home to a
portion of South Texas’ legendary
4

sprinkler system, new electrical By 1909, the county sought
distribution system, new slate roof again to expand the building
and flashing system matching the and commissioned Giles, who
original, new accessible elevator and was perceived to express a sense
restrooms, balcony restoration, fire of “sobriety, simplicity, and
alarms, new audio/visual equipment, conservatism” in his buildings.
reproduction wood windows, and new In contrast to the brick and terra
wood doors to match the originals. cotta of Brooks County’s new
courthouse, Giles extended the use
of Kendall County’s native limestone
for the two-story addition, taking the
design of the courthouse to a more-
refined level.
After completing a successful
exterior restoration in 1998 using
federal grant funds, Kendall County
prepared a master plan outlining
the remaining work in March 2004.
Hopeful that they would qualify
to receive construction funding,
the county prepared construction
documents to earn additional
incentives. The project was awarded a
$1.28 million grant in January 2008
and was nearly complete within a year
and a half.
The Kendall County Courthouse
rededication, held on April 10, 2010,
featured a German band and a series
of speeches by state and local officials.
The courthouse contains Held against a backdrop of The Kendall County Historical
two cornerstones, one laid by campaign signs, the January 28, 2010 Commission (CHC) distributed
the Masonic Lodge and another rededication of the Brooks County an impressive brochure including
by Brooks County. The Masonic Courthouse was a day-long fiesta minutes from century-old meetings of
cornerstone references “the Great that began with a formal ceremony. the commissioners court concerning
Architect of the universe” preserving Engaging the younger generation, the historic building, a copy of the
the structure from decay as well as County Judge Raul Ramirez foretold 1859 petition to form the county,
“the corn of nourishment, the wine a future when the students in and noteworthy information on the
of refreshment, and the oil of joy,” attendance would be caretakers of the history of the county, its courthouse,
denoting plenty, health, and peace. building and would look back to the and previous judges. The rededication
The county cornerstone contains day it was restored and rededicated. ended with a tour of the building led
several Mexican and U.S. coins along High school students led tours of the by CHC members.
with copies of the local newspaper stately building they studied, and the “It’s certainly interesting that
from 1914. high school band played mariachi both of our recent rededication
Brooks County representatives music throughout the afternoon. ceremonies involved Alfred Giles
began preparing a plan for application The second Giles courthouse designs, and that both had distinctly
to the THC’s courthouse program in rededication was in Kendall County, different qualities,” Graves said.
the first funding cycle in 1999–2000. located in Texas’ Hill Country “It was also really fulfilling to see each
The project received a grant for region. The modesty of the original community’s genuine display
architectural plan development in 1870 structure—a simple one-story of dedication to its past, present,
2002 and received a construction building, two bays deep and four bays and future.” ★
grant award in 2006. State funding wide—attests to the poor economic
provided in Round II and Round IV conditions left by the Civil War. This article was written by Sharon Fleming
of the THC’s Architecture Division.
totals $3.16 million. Within 15 years, a second-story
The courthouse is now updated courtroom and exterior gallery
with new air conditioning, a full were added. TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION

P R E S E R VAT I O N N E W S

A Lifelong Quest For Knowledge:
A Tribute to Dr. Kathleen Gilmore

A
Archeologists throughout the world
are mourning the loss of Dr. Kathleen
Kirk Gilmore, a scholar, professor,
philanthropist, and mentor. Dr.
Gilmore passed away on March 18,
2010, at the age of 95, still actively
engaged in her lifelong passion for
learning about the past.
Gilmore’s connections with
the Texas Historical Commission
(THC) were strong and meaningful.
with archeology since childhood,
she was discouraged from seeking
a career in that field. She studied
geology instead, but could not find
employment in the male-dominated
petrochemical field until she went to
Houston. There she met Bob Gilmore
and they married on Christmas Day,
1940. She became a homemaker and
raised four daughters, but she never
forgot her passion for archeology.
memories of gathering at her Victoria
apartment to discuss the results
of the field investigations.
“We also went to France together
to research the project, and Kathleen
was able to see the actual kilns in the
Saintonge region where the 17th-
century Fort St. Louis artifacts came
from,” Bruseth said.
THC archeologist Jeff Durst, who
worked closely with Gilmore as a
Her archeological work in Texas At the age of 49 she decided to senior advisor on the Fort St. Louis
spanned more than 40 years and go back to school. She received a project, said, “Kathleen continually
her contribution to the discovery master’s and doctorate degree from amazed us with her vast knowledge
and interpretation of La Salle’s Fort SMU and launched a second career of both the archeology of the site as
St. Louis Colony near Victoria was a that would change the face of Texas well as the related history. She was
career highlight that also established archeology forever. a sheer delight to work with and an
deep professional and personal ties She performed exceptional inspiration to us all.”
with THC archeologists. In fact, work in historical archeology and Pat Mercado-Allinger, Texas state
Gilmore had been planning to meet her efforts were crucial in finding archeologist, also benefited greatly
with agency staff members on March the sites of several missions. Her from working with Gilmore.
19, 2010, regarding a book she was extensive excavations produced “Kathleen was a remarkable
writing about Felipe de Rábago y thousands of artifacts that assisted woman in so many respects—she
Terán, the colorful commander of other scholars with interpretation. was a pioneer, pursuing a career in
presidios San Sabá and San Xavier. One of her greatest discoveries was archeology when women were the
In Texas, the word “mission” and that the distinctive green-glazed decided minority in the profession,”
the name “Gilmore” are irrevocably pottery fragments from the Keeran Mercado-Allinger said. “We should
linked. Gilmore was enamored Ranch near Victoria were French all be so lucky to have the kind
with the Spanish Colonial period in origin (not Spanish), eventually of courage she had in midlife
and wrote her master’s thesis at leading to the verification of the to follow a passion for learning
Southern Methodist University site as La Salle’s “lost colony,” Fort and discovery.”
(SMU) on the San Xavier missions. St. Louis. Gilmore received numerous
She also worked on Missions “One of my fondest memories accolades and honors during her
Rosario, Dolores de los Ais, and San of working with Kathleen was when career. She served as president of
Sabá. In March 2009, she was part we excavated Fort St. Louis,” says the Texas Archeological Society and
of a survey team seeking the sites of Jim Bruseth, director of the THC’s the Council of Texas Archeologists,
Missions Candelaria, San Ildefonso, Archeology Division. “We did this and in 2003 she became the first
and San Francisco Xavier near from 1999 till 2002, and Kathleen recipient of the THC’s Curtis D.
Rockdale. She had been searching was a constant source of knowledge Tunnell Lifetime Achievement Award
for those three sites for four decades and encouragement.” in Archeology. Five years later, on
and to her delight, the team found Bruseth added that Fort her 40th anniversary of conducting
possible evidence of the perimeter of St. Louis was Gilmore’s “great archeological excavations in Texas,
the Candelaria mission. archeological love” and she felt it she was honored by Gov. Rick Perry
Gilmore was born Kathleen was important to reside near the site with the THC’s Governor’s Award
Kirk and raised in Oklahoma. due to her high level of involvement for Historic Preservation. She also
Although she had been fascinated with the project. He recalled fond served as the first woman president

TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION www.thc.state.tx.us
6

Right: Dr. Kathleen Gilmore received
the THC’s Governor’s Award for
Historic Preservation from Gov.
Rick Perry in 2008. Far right: Dr.
Gilmore in the field; below: (from
left) archeologists Edward Jelks, Kay
Hindes, and Gilmore in 1997.

of the international Society for knowledge of this early period of Memorial gifts in Gilmore’s honor
Historical Archaeology and later Texas history.” may be made to The Bob and
received the Society’s highest honor, Bruseth acknowledged that Kathleen Gilmore Endowment
the J. C. Harrington Award. Gilmore’s absence will be felt in Spanish and French Colonial
Gilmore’s passion for archeology professionally and personally. Archeology through the Friends of
also inspired her to become a “I’ll miss being able to seek the Texas Historical Commission
major philanthropist. Through Kathleen’s advice on how best to (call 512.936.2189). Donations
the Friends of the Texas Historical excavate a site, share with her the will be added to the endowment
Commission, she established thrill of my archeological discoveries, to underwrite new research on
The Bob and Kathleen Gilmore or gain her reassurance when the Spanish and French colonial
Endowment in Spanish and French things in the field don’t go quite occupations in Texas.
Colonial Archeology and the Texas as expected,” Bruseth said. “She
Presidio Project Fund. Using monies was always inspiring, supportive,
from the latter fund, in December cheerful, and generous. Her family,
2007, at age 92, she led a team friends, and colleagues will always
of scholars to Seville, Spain, to remember her brilliance, dedication,
conduct archival research on Spanish friendship, and sense of humor.”
presidios in Texas. He added that Gilmore’s love
“Throughout her long life, of archeology and her vision for
Kathleen spearheaded and expanding research on Texas’
collaborated on archival and field colonial period will live on in
research projects to shed important perpetuity through the Gilmore
light on French and Spanish colonial Endowment and in the hearts of
settlement in Texas,” Mercado- those who knew her. ★
Allinger said. “She clearly delighted
in this and encouraged archeological This article was written by Toni Turner,
the THC’s Development Officer.
colleagues to contribute to our TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION

T R AV E L T E X A S

SWINGIN’ SALONES

T
Endangered Mexican American Dance Halls Hold
Noteworthy History
Tucked behind rolling hills Corporation, recall spending
in a grassy pasture just west many memorable weekends
of Floresville is a modest listening to conjunto bands
structure barely visible from and attempting new dance
FM 536. Drivers who catch styles at Yndo Park and
a glimpse of the low-slung other halls in neighboring
building might mistake it communities. Gonzales has
for a barn or storage shed. particularly fond memories
They wouldn’t suspect it of the youthful energy and
once raised a community’s customs associated with the
collective spirit with vivacious dances and salónes.
music, passionate dancing, “All of these places had
and memories that endured wide-open dance floors
for decades. with benches around the
This popular salón perimeter—that’s where the
(dance hall) was known as girls would sit, usually with
Yndo Park, a family-oriented their mothers,” he says. “The
facility that hosted dances and men would stand outside
celebrations. Like hundreds all huddled together and
of other salónes in the Texas eventually move their way
Historical Commission’s inside to try to catch the
(THC) Texas Tropical eye of a young woman. You
Trail and Independence can only imagine the fun in
Trail Regions, it peaked in getting someone to dance
popularity during the 1940s with you or, on the other
and ‘50s. Others fell into hand, the embarrassment
disrepair or, in many of rejection.”
cases, were razed from
the landscape.
Fortunately, several high-
profile Mexican American
dance halls are still operating in Perez nods in agreement,
South Texas (see sidebar, p. 9), adding that although he did
offering heritage tourists a glimpse not share Gonzales’ reputable
of a colorful past that once thrived dancing skills, he had an intense
throughout the region. Step inside Yndo Park (top) and El Monterey dance appreciation for the music. Perez
halls southeast of San Antonio thrived in explains that the two main styles of
one of these buildings on a Saturday
the 1950s.
night, and it’s easy to conjure up a music at this time—conjunto and
simpler time when dancing, music, orquesta—impacted the approach
and socializing inspired people Floresville natives Fred to dancing.
to endure another work week in Gonzales and Jesse Perez, who both Conjunto, the primary style at
anticipation of the dance halls’ lively currently serve as officials with the rural dance halls, encompassed the
weekend fiestas. Floresville Economic Development region’s multicultural spectrum,
8

with German and Czech influences create a makeshift dance floor. The
in the accordion-based polkas and bands consisted of local residents
waltzes, Mexican-inspired bajo sextos who enjoyed playing music, typically
(12-string guitars), European-based including a fiddle, stand-up bass,
string instruments, and Spanish- and guitar.
influenced Bolero, slow-tempo “Even those practices would draw
traditions. Orquestas were slightly a crowd—people would come out
more formal, with the notable and burn piles of grass and straw
addition of horns incorporated from to keep the mosquitoes away,”
the big band sounds introduced to Perez says. “Later, if a spot became
many Mexican American soldiers a regular gathering place, they’d
build a platform for dancing if they
during their European experiences in
World War II. couldn’t afford to construct an entire
South Texas Dance Card
“These dances were a lot of fun dance hall.”
Several of the historic Mexican
for the whole community,” Gonzales Floresville’s music scene was
American dance halls in the THC’s
recalls. “We’re a happy people—we especially robust, with shows by
Texas Tropical Trail and Independence
like music, and some of us, myself popular acts such as Conjunto
Trail Regions remain open for dances
included, really love to dance. Corona, Ruco Villareal, Los
and community events. On Saturday
Obviously we had to do these things Caminantes (featuring a teenaged
nights, these salónes come alive
somewhere, so dance halls started Flaco Jimenez), and Los Aguilares.
with the sounds of traditional
popping up all over to accommodate Gonzales and Perez cite more than
conjunto music or modern variations
these activities.” a dozen Mexican American dance
of the style. Dancing is always an
According to Gonzales and Perez, halls that once thrived in the area,
important accompaniment.
the area’s original gatherings, known including La Agupacion Nacional,
Texas Dance Hall Preservation,
as farm dances, were held outdoors on El Jacalito, Gonzales Salón, Pan
Inc. co-founder Steve Dean
ranches near Floresville. Community American Dance Hall, El Ranchito,
recommends several South Texas
members would find a level patch of and La Plataforma. In the nearby
salónes for travelers who want to
land and sweep everything off it to community of Kenedy, the salón
experience this colorful Mexican
American cultural tradition. Although
many of the following are closed
Floresville natives
(from left) Jesse Perez
for regular business (but still worth
and Fred Gonzales recall visiting for an exterior tour), they
dancing at the local salónes; represent a diverse sampling of
they are now trying to significant historical dance halls in
preserve them.
the region:

Alice
La Villita
3050 Old Kingsville Rd.
According to Dean, this is “the
mother of all conjunto halls.” La
Villita is associated with bands on
Alice’s Ideal Records, which recorded
notable acts (Beto Villa, Narciso
Martinez, Tony de la Rosa) after small
labels closed during World War II to
conserve shellac and other record-
related materials.

– Continued on page 10

Above photo courtesy Texas Dance Hall
Preservation, Inc.

July/August 2010 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION
9

– Continued from page 9 El Monterey hosted high-profile for cultural celebrations. Fiestas
touring acts such as Little Joe y Patrias (annual patriotic holidays
Corpus Christi La Familia, Alfonso Ramos, and such as Cinco de Mayo and 16 de
Galvan Ballroom Isidro Lopez. Septiembre) were major events at
1632 Agnes St. “This hall was pretty famous back these facilities, drawing hundreds
Rafael Galvan, Sr., a respected in the day—it was the popular place of attendees and featuring elaborate
businessman, civic leader, and for Mexican people to get together decorations and colorful programs.
Corpus Christi’s first Mexican- every Saturday night,” says Carlos “Everyone would get all
American police officer, constructed Zuniga, who built the facility with gussied up for the Fiestas Patrias,”
and opened the Galvan Ballroom in his father and grandfather in 1949. Perez recalls. “The dance halls here
1950. It became a popular dance “The music here was different than were not unlike the traditional
hall, particularly for the more-upscale other places. It was a more high-class Mexican plazas, which served as
orquesta and jazz acts. spot with orquestas, not conjunto. The community gathering places back in
bands had big horn sections, and the the olden days.”
music would just blow you away.” By the 1960s, however, cultural
Victoria As he surveys the now-neglected shifts trended away from the dance
Club Westerner
property, Zuniga remembers halls, as the younger population
1005 W. Constitution St.
Monterey’s prime years (1950s and became more mobile and people
361.575.9109
‘60s) with a smile, recalling events remained in their homes with the
www.clubwesterner.com
that drew up to 400 attendees, increased availability of television.
Known in its early days (1940s–50s)
turning away men who violated the Many residents moved to cities
for hosting orquesta bands, the
dress code by not wearing collared for jobs, leaving the dance halls to
Westerner became associated with
shirts, and paying a then-unknown be transformed to bingo parlors,
popular conjunto bands in the 1960s
Little Joe y La Familia $175 to play a community event centers, or
and continues to stage Mexican
show (Zuniga notes Little Joe would often abandoned.
American bands such as Little Joe y
later ask $12,000 per appearance). “Things started changing pretty
La Familia most weekends.
“This place was a gold mine for rapidly by the end of the ‘60s,
me—it was the only place to be on but there was a lot of that going
Saturday nights,” Zuniga says, adding on—it’s just the nature of society and
that in 1969 he sold the hall to the culture,” Gonzales says. “Even though
American G.I. Forum. many of these dance halls are gone
Salónes like the Monterey and or in disrepair, there are still some
Benito Juarez Hall in adjacent Karnes great stories out there. We’re hopeful
City also drew families and visitors that the younger generations will
appreciate that part of their heritage
and make the effort to keep these
places alive.”

(From left) Benito Juarez Hall in Karnes
City; the former Farmer’s Place dance hall
near Floresville.

10

Preservación de Salónes Dean, who is working on a book
documenting Texas’ historic dance
Other notable South
Ensuring the continued livelihood
of Mexican American salónes is halls, is concerned that members Texas dance halls:
increasingly becoming a priority of the generation involved with the
for Texas Dance Hall Preservation, origins of the salónes are passing away Corpus Christi
Inc., a Houston-based nonprofit before their memories are recorded El Teraza Ballroom
organization dedicated to saving the for posterity. He hopes Spanish- 1108 Leopard St.
state’s historic halls and their cultural speaking community members make
attributes. According to group co- the effort to research and record the
stories and facts associated with these Karnes City
founder Steve Dean, these dance halls Benito Juarez Hall
are often underappreciated by Texans culturally significant structures.
“I’m somewhat shocked and 410 W. Buchel Ave.
and are considered highly endangered
by preservationists. dismayed that there isn’t more
“These venues tend to go with official research on this subject,” Laredo
the flow of the music base, so the Dean says. “We need to get a Latin Casa Blanca Ballroom
historic Mexican American dance American studies professor to take 5302 East Saunders St.
halls are being left this on as a major research topic for a 956.724.9800
behind as younger comprehensive book so
people turn their backs we don’t lose any more San Antonio
on them and go to the of this history.” Blanco Ballroom
bigger cities for newer, On a positive note, 3719 Blanco Rd.
brighter, air-conditioned Dean is encouraged by 210.732.3510
clubs,” Dean explains. several emerging trends
“So many of the that could help keep
San Benito
wonderful small places Mexican American
La Villita
in rural areas across dance halls in the
200 block of W. Robertson St.
South Texas are public consciousness.
For example, he notes

★
being forgotten
and neglected.” that festivals in some
Dean acknowledges Mexican American
that the Mexican communities are
American facilities tend increasingly appealing
to be overshadowed Posters like this one for Corpus
to a wider audience, Museums featuring
by the higher-profile thereby exposing the
German dance halls
Christi’s Galvan Ballroom
announced dancing events. traditions associated conjunto heritage:
of Central Texas. He Photo courtesy Texas Dance Hall with the salónes to other
Preservation, Inc. cultural groups. Also,
claims this inequity San Benito
is often tied to economic issues, several historic halls are hosting Texas Conjunto Music
such as limited funding in Mexican younger bands, allowing a new Hall of Fame and Museum
American communities during generation to enjoy dancing on the 210 E. Heywood St.
initial construction and for ongoing same floors their ancestors once 956.245.1666
maintenance in subsequent decades. graced half a century ago. ★ www.texasconjuntomusic.org
“Architecturally, they’re not as
Article and photos by Andy Rhodes, managing
grand as the German halls, but they
editor of The Medallion. Alice
have a strong cultural identity that’s
The Tejano R.O.O.T.S. Museum
very significant to our state’s history,” On the cover: The historic La Villita dance hall
213 N. Wright St.
he says. in San Benito still hosts events.
361.668.6666
www.tejanorootshalloffame.org

San Antonio
To help preserve Mexican American dance halls across the state, Museo Alameda
share your stories and photos at www.texasdancehall.org. 101 North Santa Rosa St.
210.299.4300
www.thealameda.org
11

P R E S E R VAT I O N A D V I C E

Take the Right StEPs
New Program Guides Texas Museums and Sites to Success

N
Nearly 40 people gathered at the With StEPs, history “StEPs is really about projects,”
THC’s Annual Historic Preservation organizations now have a clearly Cook said. “Projects can be
Conference in April to learn how defined framework for recognizing, accomplished in increments big
a new program can help create understanding, and achieving or small, but even the smallest
stronger museums, historic sites, national standards in six key areas of projects can lead to great
and history organizations. Three of operations—mission, vision, and accomplishments.”
recognized leaders in the field governance; audience; interpretation; It is this sense of accomplish-
discussed the value of participating stewardship of collections; ment that has small organizations
in the Standards and Excellence stewardship of historic structures singing StEPs’ praises. Cook
Program for History Organizations and landscapes; and management. explained that many of the
(StEPs), a new initiative offered The program’s workbook offers a participants in the program’s pilot
through the American Association for series of self-assessment questions, phase were amazed at how their
State and Local History (AASLH). along with three levels of specific organizations were finally able
Cherie Cook, senior program performance indicators, to help to see them-
coordinator for AASLH, began the organizations measure the degree selves mov-
session by providing an overview to which they are currently meeting ing forward.
of StEPs (www.aaslh.org/steps), the standards. After identifying areas “It gave them
a self-study program that assists for improvement, participants can confidence
history organizations with assessing then choose a recommended project and helped
their current operations using to get one step closer to meeting them real-
performance indicators (basic, that standard. ize that they
good, and better) and rewarding
them with certificates for progress.
Lest museums be ashamed to
admit to their shortcomings, Cook
promised, “This entire program is
about encouragement, not judgment.
We want to encourage history
organizations to move closer to
meeting national standards.”
She went on to explain that
standards have long remained an
enigma for those in the local history
field. When it comes to collections
care, for example, museums have
traditionally been told they must
provide a professional standard of
care for the objects. Cook asked the
audience, “But what does that mean
exactly? How do you know if you’re
doing it?” A sea of shaking heads
and shrugging shoulders signaled
that it hasn’t always been clear.

Right: Cherie Cook speaks at the popular StEPs
session at the 2010 Annual Historic Preservation
Conference. Inset: Dr. Paul Katz leads a tour of
Amarillo’s Texas Pharmacy Museum.

aren’t too small to achieve success,” the workbook format, allows for museums, she is in a unique position
she beamed. flexibility that is missing from other to receive input from a variety of
One of those small organizations assessment programs, he noted. In cultural organizations about their
is the Texas Pharmacy Museum, particular, the matrix feature of the specific needs. According to Rugg,
curated by the second session workbook, which permits museum representatives report
presenter, Dr. Paul Katz. The organizations to work horizontally that one of their greatest needs is a
museum helped pilot test StEPs (approaching all six standard areas method to identify their current set of
in 2008, and was one of the first one performance level at a time) or circumstances and how to use that
enrollees when the program officially vertically (approaching all three information to plan for the future.
launched late last year. performance levels one standard Rugg added that her primary
Katz, who recently agreed to area at a time) lets organizations responsibility is to help the staff,
serve on the StEPs national advisory customize a system that best fits volunteers, and trustees at Texas
board, took great care to outline the their organizational capacities museums do their jobs more
aspects he and resources. effectively. As such, she and TAM
values most The workbook’s inclusion of staff are devoted to evaluating
about the suggested projects, case studies, the myriad resources available
program. and group discussion questions are to museums and other cultural
The self- noteworthy, said Katz, but he claimed institutions. Acting as a filter of
study nature one of its most valuable features is sorts, they then provide information
of StEPs, the list of unacceptable practices exclusively related to the resources
along with included in each of the six standards that best serve the community.
areas. He found this approach easier “Only the good stuff makes it
to digest than a similar list that might through the filter,” she said. “StEPs
be created by an outside observer is out there, and it’s good.”
pointing out the museum’s errors or In fact, Rugg views the program
shortcomings. He added that access as beneficial not just for history
to printed and online resources, organizations, but for all museums
as well as web-based networks, and cultural organizations. She
provided a sense of comfort, in that believes the key to success, however,
he never felt like he had to start is open and honest evaluation.
from scratch. “Denial is often our greatest
Katz, the sole staff member at his challenge,” she cautioned. “We’re
museum, firmly believes that even in denial about what it is that really
the smallest history organizations keeps us from achieving success.”
will benefit from participation in Rugg added that museums have
StEPs. Although he has yet to many options available for learning
determine whether he’ll take a about standards and creating plans
vertical or horizontal approach to to achieve them; however, remaining
the program, he confidently stated, unaware of the standards or
“The Texas Pharmacy Museum will choosing to ignore them is not one
be a stronger, better-run institution of them.
because of StEPs.” “We will not budge on high
The final speaker was Texas standards in Texas museums,”
Association of Museums (TAM) Rugg concluded. ★
executive director Ruth Ann
Rugg. As head of the statewide This article was written by Carlyn Hammons
of the THC’s History Programs Division.
membership organization for

TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION
13

PROGRAM FOCUS

The Main Street Experience
Preserving Texas’ Historic Downtowns Involves
More Than Physical Revitalization

T
Throughout the state, the Texas Main Over the previous several decades, and the town squares, once the heart
Street Program’s (TMSP) visible this collective sense of community of downtown, were ignored.
benefits—revitalized facades, spruced- pride often took a detour, from a “Things started to change in
up signage, pedestrian-friendly downtown focus to outside the city the late 1970s when downtown
streetscapes—are on display much limits. At one time, a community’s revitalization began to be recognized
like the appealing wares showcased in commercial center represented a as an activity worth pursuing,” says
the historic windows of small towns vibrant, pedestrian-friendly, relevant Debra Farst, TMSP coordinator.
and urban centers. Sometimes lost in environment. When sprawl appeared, “This initial effort, which was a pilot
the improvement process, however, everything changed. Most goods and project undertaken by the National
are the abstract concepts of support services relocated to strip centers, Trust for Historic Preservation,
and effort carried out by the people malls, and large industrial parks. brought forth an understanding
involved with bringing a Main Street Main Street became bereft of activity that historic downtowns represent
project to fruition. and prosperity. People moved to not only a community’s collective
the suburbs. memories, but they also provide
Cars became viable economic uses for today.”
essential for According to Howard Langner,
access to a TMSP architect, participants
education, in the downtown revitalization
goods, process have learned many valuable
and services. lessons over previous decades that
The are increasingly taking hold of the
buildings public consciousness. He suggests
left behind the following to make preservation’s
represented a intangible concepts more discernible:
rich tapestry ■ Old buildings provide a strong
of history. sense of place and should be viewed
Eventually, a as primary resources in historic
large number of downtowns. Many architects
these buildings have been trained to identify
were disfigured architectural styles, but they have
by misguided not been educated in classical design
rehabilitation techniques. Many of the skills
or lost to involved in physically repairing and
thoughtless maintaining historic buildings have
Greenville’s Saturday Market Days draws residents to the downtown demolition. been lost. Whenever possible, employ
Market Square. The meaning qualified designers and tradespeople
of downtown who understand and appreciate the
From Main Street managers was forgotten, leaving us with empty quality craftsmanship in historic
to local merchants to THC staff, storefronts and barren parking lots. downtown buildings.
these participants share a common Vacant buildings came to be seen as ■ It is important to ensure
passion for bringing Texas’ historic eyesores instead of opportunities. downtown building owners view
downtowns back to life. At the heart Gone was the “public living their properties as valuable assets and
of these individuals’ efforts is a respect room” of Main Street. The window not as costly burdens. No building
and concern for their hometowns, displays that had once enticed owner should be expected to invest
native or adopted, short-term or customers were neglected, the art in his or her building if there is no
long-term. deco theater marquees went unlit, hope of return on the investment.
14

Fostering Community
Pride through
Main Street
Howard Langner, a veteran architect
with the Texas Main Street Program,
has participated in hundreds of
downtown revitalization projects.
He offers the following suggestions
about establishing the conceptually
abstract value of community pride.
■ Each of our towns is worth living
in and worth visiting. We need to
look at our communities with fresh
eyes and ask ourselves, “Why would
someone visit here? Why would
someone want to live here?” We
need to mine the history of our towns
and recreate quality of life.
■ We need to instill increased
pride in our downtowns. Schools,
Bastrop’s Main Street program fosters community pride with annual festivals and public events. post offices, retail establishments,
professional offices, recreational
A community must support its expansion or creation of almost destinations, and residences need to
merchants through direct patronage 6,400 businesses in their Main be located near the town center to
or promotion. Street districts. create round-the-clock vitality.
■ Think twice when downtown “These reinvestments show that ■ It’s important to foster awareness
development decisions are made on significant economic development of history in our towns. Not just
behalf of traffic and not pedestrians. impact can be realized through the “Elvis slept here” variety, but
Efficient movement of vehicles historic preservation,” Farst says. “As the most significant aspects of a
around a town means less time we move toward the future, we’ll community’s heritage. The sense of
spent in the community. This is the continue to provide encouragement, “roots” creates pride and purpose for
opposite of what should be achieved. hope, and technical services for a community.
■ Enticing people downtown on a communities that have just begun ■ We should make our towns living
day-to-day basis requires making it their downtown revitalization classrooms for our students. Not on
a desirable place to be. A few park journeys and for those that are an occasional field-trip basis, but on
benches placed in a circle around maintaining existing programs.” a day-to-day “here is how the county
a water fountain does not qualify. For more information about courthouse works, here is how city
People need shade when it is hot and existing TMSP communities hall works, here is how business
sun when it is cold; they need food or how to get involvedd is transacted” basis. Having our
transacted
and drink when they are hungry, with the program, call l schools plac in isolated campuses
placed
a place to take the kids to play, 512.463.6092 or visit miles from the downtown is contrary
entertainment, and a variety of www.thc.state.tx.us. ★ to a sense o community.
of
goods and services. Without these, ■ We need to get people downtown
they will get in a vehicle and go find This article was written by throughout the entire year, not just
througho
them elsewhere. TMSP staff. for the annual Christmas Pageant,
a
Farst adds that these approaches Shoppers Days, or Farm Festival.
Shopper
Right: Youth volunteer
are enhanced and supported by to pick up trash around We need to make downtown the
the TMSP, which has helped downtown Mineola. obvious choice for all things every
ch
communities across Texas benefit day. T less downtown is
The
from an economic reinvestment of seen as a relic and the more
more than $2 billion, the creation alive it seems, the more
of nearly 25,000 local jobs, and the chance it has for success.
cha

July/August 2010
15

NEWS IN BRIEF

How to Bake a Memorable Slaton Bakery owner
Marker Ceremony Robin Wilson displays
The Lubbock County Historical the replica THC marker
cake made especially
Commission (CHC) held a for the bakery’s recent
memorable and tasteful historical marker dedication
marker dedication on April 10 in ceremony. Photo by
Slaton. Community representatives es Sandy Fortenberry.
and CHC members
appropriately celebrated the
new marker for Slaton Bakery y
with a full-sized cake and
medallion cookies.
“The cake was a very
tasty replica of the marker,
with the seal, lettering, the
whole bit!” reported Sally
Abbe of Lubbock.
The marker (and
cake) commemorated
Slaton Bakery, one of
Texas’ oldest still-
operating bakeries.
The business traces
its origins to 1923,
when Slaton’s Blue
Ribbon and City Bakeries i
consolidated. In 1943, the
Wilson family purchased the
bakery, and they continue to operate
the popular business.
Among the bakery’s notable
morsels are its introduction of sliced
hamburger and hot dog buns to
the area, as well as an early offering
of flour tortillas on its menu. The complete their projects, the grant conservation treatments. Museums
Wilson family has baked thousands program timeline is moving up by that focus primarily on history, have
of cakes—for births, graduations, one month. a budget of less than $350,000, use
weddings, anniversaries, and other Applications will be available a written collections management
occasions—over a 60-year span for on the THC website beginning policy, and meet other minimum
many of its regular customers. August 2 and are due on September requirements are eligible to apply.
8. Applicants can expect award To learn more about the
notifications directly following the eligibility requirements, or to discuss
THC History Museum Grant THC’s fall quarterly commission a possible project proposal, contact
Application Period meeting at the end of October, and the THC’s Museum Services Program
Begins August 2 successful applicants can begin their staff at history@thc.state.tx.us.
Each year, the Texas Historical projects immediately. Projects must
Commission (THC) helps small be completed by July 1, 2011. San Antonio Golf
history museums preserve our state’s Popular uses of the funds
heritage by awarding up to $10,000 include purchasing acid-free storage
Tournament to Benefit
in grant money for collections care supplies, environmental monitoring Hispanic Heritage Center
projects. This year, in an effort equipment, collections management San Antonio’s inaugural Hispanic
to allow museums more time to software, storage units, and Heritage Golf Cup Invitational

16

National Register News
The National Register of Historic Places is the country’s official list of cultural resources deemed worthy of
preservation, including more than 3,000 listings in Texas. Listing affords properties a measure of protection from
the impact of federally funded projects, as well as access to technical expertise, tax credits, and grant funds to
facilitate preservation. The following recently listed historic properties represent the real stories reflecting Texas’
dynamic cultural heritage.
Brownsville City Cemetery and Hebrew Cemetery—Brownsville,
Cameron County
The Brownsville City Cemetery and the Cemetery of the Hebrew Benevolent Society
of Brownsville and Matamoros reflect the evolving physical and social structure
in this city on the U.S./Mexico border during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Occupying three city blocks, the cemeteries represent the confluence of Mexican,
Anglo American, Jewish, and Creole funerary practices. The cemeteries were listed
in the National Register because they reflect critical planning
decisions made during the city’s early development in the
19th century and represent the historic ethnic, religious, and
cultural diversity of Brownsville. The cemeteries were also
listed at the statewide level of significance as outstanding
examples of cemetery design and for their vast and distinct
collection of funerary structures and objects. The cemeteries
feature notable works of accomplished sculptors and examples
of regional folk design, retaining an exceptional array of
decorative fences, mausoleums, grave markers, and plantings.
Faison House—La Grange, Fayette County
The Nathaniel W. Faison House was listed at the local level of significance as an
example of vernacular domestic architecture reflecting different periods of 19th-
century settlement in Texas. The property consists of three separate volumes joined
together by a rear U-shaped porch and courtyard. The period of significance begins
with the purchase of the property by Faison in 1866 and ends with the 1920 death
of Susan Faison, widow of Peter Faison, whose family constructed the central and
last section of the home in 1884 and filled it with the fine furnishings that remain
today. Another significant date is 1870, the year in which freedwoman
Louisiana “Lou Faison” Brown became owner of the residence.
Although it is possible other freedwomen in Texas owned homes
earlier than Brown, no other examples are currently known. The
Faison House is nominated at the state level of significance for its
association with Brown as well as Faison, an early Texas settler who
fought for the Republic and found success in land, cotton,
and merchandising.

Tournament will be held July 24 at “shotgun start” takes place at 8 a.m. Lopez and Tony Cherone, general
the prestigious La Cantera Resort Contests include “closest to the pin” manager of the Westin La Cantera
Golf Course. and “longest drive” awards, and Resort, will benefit the planned
The event will feature a Traveling Heritage Cup will be Hispanic Heritage Center of
entertainment, celebrities, sports assigned to one of the winning teams Texas. For more information or
figures, and golfers from San Antonio, from Texas, Mexico, or Spain. to sign up, contact Ron Botello
Mexico, and Spain. The tournament The tournament, co-chaired by at 210.241.5767. ★
will begin with a breakfast, and the San Antonio City Councilman Ray

17

SITE SPOTLIGHT

Starr Family Home to Shine
Even Brighter After Restoration

P
Part of the Marshall community foundation shifts, and material The THC is responsible for
for more than a century, the Starr breakdown. Architectural repairs ensuring the preservation work is
Family Home State Historic Site is a and accessibility enhancements are authentic, especially when there is
remarkable example of 19th-century scheduled to be completed this year a need for replacing or repairing
architecture and family heritage. with a primary focus on exterior materials. Accurate recordings of a
Visitors to the home can see family restoration including replacement of building’s creation and maintenance
portraits, hand-carved furnishings, rotten wood, fresh paint, complete are important for conservation
and delicate collections of glassware window restoration, and storm water and interpretation.
and china. The site’s collection is drainage system repairs. The Starr Family Home has
composed of original pieces from the “The beauty of historic buildings become a community cornerstone
Starr family and is now part of the is that they were put together by hand where a variety of events take place
authentic experience of viewing the with individual components that, such as weddings and family get-
elegant lifestyle of a bygone era. Each with proper care, can be sustained togethers. Major activities at the
room of this real place is ﬁlled with virtually forever,” said Glenn Reed, site include the annual croquet
memories that evoke real stories of chief architect for the Texas Historical tournament in June, the Victorian
Texas history. Commission’s (THC) 20 historic Fair for school children in the fall, and
The Starr family played an sites. “Preserving an old structure the holiday candlelight dinner and
important role in the state’s history requires an intense analysis of the tour of the house from Thanksgiving
from the formative years of the building to determine the cause of through Christmas.
Republic of Texas through the each problem so we can stop further Due to the site’s ongoing
state’s growth in the late 1800s. Dr. deterioration. While there may be preservation projects, visitors are
James Harper Starr was president many correct treatments, there is only encouraged to call ahead to ensure
of the board of land commissioners one correct diagnosis.” tours and events remain available. ★
and receiver of the land dues for
Nacogdoches County, secretary of the This article was written by Sarah Tober of the
THC’s Marketing Communications Division.
treasury for the Republic of Texas, a
local banker, and a prominent land
agent. Starr County was named
after him.
Dr. Starr bought 52 acres on the Background: Four generations
of Starr family members lived
edge of Marshall in 1870, establishing
at Maplecroft, the family
this site as the family’s home. He mansion built in the 1870s.
resided there with his wife Harriet Inset: Portrait of James
and their granddaughters, and Franklin Starr.
provided property for his children to
create homes for their own families.
Preservation design work is
now underway at the property’s
architectural centerpiece, Maplecroft,
which housed four Starr family
generations. Though the conservation
effort will require the structure to
be temporarily closed to the
public, it is vital for extending
its life and use. Starr Family Home State Historic Site
A number of factors 407 W. Travis St., Marshall, TX
contribute to the deterioration 903.935.3044
of old houses including years www.visitstarrfamilyhome.com
of weathering, wear and tear Open: Tues.–Sun., 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
by inhabitants and visitors,
18

The Medallion is published bimonthly by
the Texas Historical Commission. Address
TIPS &TOOLS
County Historical Commission

correspondence to: Managing Editor,
The Medallion, P.O. Box 12276, Austin, TX
78711-2276. Portions of the newsletter that
are not copyrighted or reprinted from other
sources may be reprinted with permission.
Contributions for the support of this
publication are gratefully accepted. For
information about alternate formats of
this publication, contact the THC
at 512.463.6255.

Commissioners:
Jon T. Hansen, Chair
David A. Gravelle, Vice Chair
Diane D. Bumpas, Secretary
Thomas E. Alexander Steven L. Highlander
Earl Broussard Jr. Sarita A. Hixon
Donna D. Carter Sheri S. Krause
A. Mario Castillo Gilbert E. Peterson
Leslie “Kirk” Courson Thomas R. Phillips
John W. Crain Nancy M. Steves CHC workshop registrants worked together in regional groups during this year’s Annual Historic
Lisa A. Hembry Marcus W. Watson Preservation Conference to address shared challenges.
Commissioner Emeritus: T. R. Fehrenbach

W
Executive Director: Mark Wolfe
Medallion Staff:
With the conclusion of another ■ Listen before you leap. Take time
Heather McBride Director of Marketing successful Annual Historic to speak with the individual and give
Barbara Putrino Editor Preservation Conference, the County them a chance to explain why they
Andy Rhodes Managing Editor
Judy Jensen Senior Graphic Designer Historical Commission (CHC) continue to pursue an issue. Showing
Shayla Groves Graphic Designer Outreach team would like to thank interest in their concerns may help
CHC members for attending the put both of you at ease.
ISSN 0890-7595
Vol. 47, No. 7–8 conference, especially those who ■ Take a backseat. Try to put your
www.thc.state.tx.us thc@thc.state.tx.us participated in the CHC workshop. personal feelings (on the issue or
The Medallion is financed in part by a grant
After a brief overview of annual person) aside to address the matters
from the National Park Service, U.S. reporting results, workshop at hand. Regardless of whether or
Department of the Interior. All of the agency’s attendees separated into regional not you agree with the individual, you
public programs and activities are operated
free from discrimination on the basis of race, groups to discuss common issues can acknowledge their interest and
color, national origin, age, gender or disability. and to share possible solutions. try to understand their position.
Any person who believes he or she has been Participants also had the opportunity ■ Be slow to speak. As a CHC
discriminated against should write to Office
of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of to ask questions about their roles member, you are not expected to
the Interior, Washington, DC 20240. as CHC appointees and about have all the answers all the time.
The Medallion is available online at www.thc.
preservation in general. This and It is perfectly appropriate when
state.tx.us/medallionmag/mddefault.shtml. If future editions of Tips & Tools will confronted with a difficult issue (or
you would prefer to receive The Medallion address the questions posed. person) to take time to gather your
electronically instead of through the mail,
please send your name and address to Several CHC members asked thoughts, research some options,
thc@thc.state.tx.us. You will be notified by for recommendations on how to and provide a well-worded response.
email when each new issue is available on the deal with difficult people. Since the ■ Take the high road. Whether the
THC web site and will no longer receive a
printed copy. THC relies on CHCs to be the local issues are on the level or if they
face of preservation, it is important spiral down to personal attacks, the
Our Mission that a positive impression be made priority is to maintain respect for
To protect and preserve on community members and to each person and to do whatever you
the state’s historic and prehistoric bring others into the preservation can to show stewardship of your role
resources for the use, education, fold. To this end, here are familiar and responsibilities. ★
enjoyment and economic benefit but effective ways to approach
of present and future generations.
any situation:
19

The Medallion July/August 2010

The Medallion July/August 2010

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to The Medallion July/August 2010

Similar to The Medallion July/August 2010 (20)

More from Norris White, Jr.

More from Norris White, Jr. (10)

The Medallion July/August 2010