WINTER 2012

TRADITIONAL TEX-MEX Authentic Food Is On the Menu for Rio Grande Valley’s Heritage Travelers CONTENTS

TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION FEATURES Commissioners: Jon T. Hansen, Chair David A. Gravelle, Vice Chair 4 Mid-Century Gilbert E. Peterson, Secretary Movement Th omas E. Alexander 1960s architecture is Earl Broussard Jr. reaching 50 years old. A. Mario Castillo Leslie “Kirk” Courson John W. Crain Lisa A. Hembry Steven L. Highlander Sheri S. Krause Matthew Kreisle Tom Perini THC OUTREACH Th omas R. Phillips Judy Richardson Nancy Steves 6 Tex Mex Combo Daisy Sloan White Sample the Rio Grande Valley’s traditional cuisine Commissioner Emeritus: T. R. Fehrenbach Executive Director: Mark Wolfe and historic restaurants. Medallion Staff : Heather McBride Department Head Andy Rhodes Managing Editor Barbara Putrino Contributing Editor Judy Jensen 10 High and Dry Senior Graphic Design Coordinator ’ historic drought has exposed shipwrecks ISSN 0890-7595 in rivers and lakes. Vol. 50, No. I www.thc.state.tx.us [email protected] ON THE COVER: Baldamar Guerrero Jr. (and his father, inset) at Rex Café in McAllen. Photo by Andy Rhodes.

VISIT US ON THE WEB HISTORICAL HAPPENINGS www.thc.state.tx.us The Medallion Is Officially Historic! Learn more about the real places Th e Texas Historical Commission’s venerable newsletter/magazine turns 50 years telling the real stories of Texas. old in 2012. Take a look at how far we’ve come since 1962! www.texastimetravel.com The Texas Heritage Trails Program’s travel resource

www.texashistoricsites.com The THC’s 20 historic properties

http://seethesites.blogspot.com The agency’s historic sites blog 1968 1979 1995 2009 Access recent Medallion archives at www.thc.state.tx.us/medallionmag/mdarchive.shtml

TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION www.thc.state.tx.us 2 PRESERVATION PROFILE Designing History John S. Chase Was Texas’ First Licensed African American Architect

By Gregory Smith State National Register Program Coordinator

John Saunders Chase didn’t have introduce him and his wife to the designs on making history when he congregation the following Sunday. enrolled in the University of Texas’ “They stood you up in front of that (UT) architecture program. That’s church and all of a sudden you’ve just precisely what occurred, however, met 500 to 1,000 people,” Chase said. upon his registration at UT just two “You’d be amazed at how much work days after a monumental Supreme came out of that.” Court decision (Sweatt v. Painter, Chase recalled that this method June 5, 1950) opened the university’s of interaction led to a large number graduate and professional schools to of commissions, including the African American students. International Longshoremen Union After his graduation in 1952, building in Galveston. One of his Chase became the fi rst licensed earliest designs was the 1952 African American architect in the state, Teachers State Association of Texas and eventually established offi ces in building in Austin, which was listed Houston, Dallas, and Washington, in the National Register of Historic D.C. Now retired, the Houston-based John S. Chase enrolled at the University of Places in 2005. The building served Chase enjoyed a successful career, Texas on June 7, 1950, two days after as headquarters for Texas’ African highlighted by his accomplishments in a landmark desegregation ruling. American teachers’ association during the area of Civil Rights and a 40-year segregated. After graduating, Chase the Jim Crow era through 1966. Other legacy of modern design. applied to numerous fi rms but could notable early designs are Chase’s Chase was born in Annapolis, not fi nd work because of his race. David Chapel Missionary Baptist Md., in 1925 and in 1948 he received He ultimately opened his own fi rm Church in Austin (1959), with its a bachelor’s degree in architectural upon receiving his Texas architectural dramatic upward-sloping sanctuary engineering from Virginia’s Hampton license in 1952. roof, and nearby raised-ranch houses Institute (now Hampton University). That same year, Chase was built for Irene Thompson (1962) and Chase’s interest in the Deep South, hired as an assistant professor Della Phillips (1964). where he felt there would be more of architectural drafting at Texas His later projects included opportunity to build, resulted in the Southern University. Through the churches and schools, nursing homes, Hampton Institute’s placement offi ce 1970s, he designed many of the libraries, and community buildings, arranging for his teaching position at buildings on that campus, as well as including Houston’s International the Crescent Institute in Austin. its master plan. Airport Crash Fire and Rescue Station, “The East was built up so well, Infl uenced by noted architect Townview Magnet High School, and they didn’t need anything—it was Frank Lloyd Wright, Chase designed the U.S. Embassy in Tunisia (designed the South that needed construction,” numerous buildings in Austin and in 1995, but never built). In his Chase said in a 2004 interview. Houston, mostly in the modern modes professional career, Chase received Chase was determined to earn that he preferred. During his early several honors, including election as an advanced academic degree career, Chase networked by attending a Fellow of the AIA, and appointment and join the American Institute African American churches. He would to the Commission of Fine Arts by of Architects (AIA). In 1950, Hugh visit the pastors on Fridays with his President Jimmy Carter in 1980. ★ McMath, chairman of UT’s School of thesis, titled “Progressive Architecture Photo: Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, Architecture, encouraged him to apply, for Churches,” and the pastor would The University of Texas at Austin. Identifi er: di_04081. Title: John Chase at UT. Source: UT Texas Student even though the university was still Publications, Inc. Photographs.

WINTER 2012 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 3 PIECE OF HISTORY

dedicated to surveying signifi cant 1960s Architecture is Reaching 50 1960s architecture in the Houston area, including the Astrodome, designed by Notable Mid-Century Projects Now Eligible Robert J. Minchew. In 2006, the for Texas’ National Register determined that the Astrodome, which opened in 1965, is eligible for listing By Charles Peveto in the NRHP before it reaches the State National Register Program Historian standard requirement of 50 years in As modern architecture ages, the term age because it represents technological “Mid-Century” has come into its own advances in construction. However, as a description of both style and era. In fi nding a new use for the building— addition to a growing appreciation for once hailed as the Eighth Wonder their pioneering styles and experimental of the World—has been a challenge, technologies, buildings from the 1960s leaving it in danger of demolition. are also becoming eligible for listing in Recently in San Antonio, Mid-Tex the National Register of Historic Places Mod, the Austin-San Antonio chapter (NRHP), and many properties have of DOCOMOMO (International already been listed. Working Party for Documentation Th e framework for our current and Conservation of Buildings, Sites historic preservation laws also dates and Neighborhoods of the Modern to this decade, with the National Movement) conducted a tour of the Historic Preservation Act of 1966. remaining structures of the 1968 With it came the development of the HemisFair, the fi rst world’s fair held NRHP and other federal programs in the southwestern . we rely on today to identify and Two of the iconic structures from this protect signifi cant resources. Th ese important event have been determined regulations and programs were created Austin’s Westgate Tower was designed in 1962. eligible for listing in the NRHP: the in part as a reaction to the loss of Tower of the Americas and the Institute historic resources to urban renewal “Th e Westgate Tower was one of of Texan Cultures, which originally and expansive highway development. many postwar projects across Texas served as the State of Texas pavilion Preservationists are now faced with that demolished beloved structures or at the fair. trying to understand and protect that even entire neighborhoods,” says the Projects like world’s fairs often era’s history. Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) negatively impact neighborhoods and Last fall, the Westgate Tower in Gregory Smith, state coordinator of existing resources, and recognition Austin, a next-door neighbor to the the National Register program. “In of what was once there is key to State Capitol building, was listed in the Austin, the Westgate’s architecture representing the stories accurately. NRHP. Designed in 1962 by Edward and the talent of its designer Edward Taking into account current public Durell Stone, the mixed-use Westgate Durell Stone eventually gained sentiment but also understanding the project was immediately controversial appreciation, especially within history of a site can help communities due to its close proximity to the Capitol the architectural community.” fi nd ways of repurposing buildings. and because it involved demolition of Although a small percentage of Only 24 of the 129 HemisFair an important Abner Cook residence. 1950s–‘60s buildings in Texas were structures remain, but now—almost Cook designed many of Austin’s of similar prominence and designed 50 years later—these HemisFair iconic early structures, including the by noteworthy architects, projects of resources are well-known landmarks in Governor’s Mansion, which is just one this distinction across the state are San Antonio. block south of the Westgate project. now being recognized as historically Many of the HemisFair structures Th e Westgate’s location, combined with signifi cant. In Dallas, 3525 Turtle were designed by the fi rm of O’Neil its 25-story height, eventually led to the Creek, a high-end residential tower Ford, a leader in modern architecture in creation of the Capitol View Corridor designed by Howard Meyer in the Texas. San Antonio’s growth and plans protection law enacted by the Texas late 1950s, was listed in the NRHP in for higher density in its downtown may Legislature and is still in eff ect today. 2007. Houston Mod is an organization require the original HemisFair complex

TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION www.thc.state.tx.us 4 PIECE OF HISTORY

noting that the fair’s theme was Th e Division. “But preserving the character Confl uence of the Civilizations in and integrity of modern-era spaces the Americas, and its buildings and that are comprised of mass-produced artwork celebrate cultural diversity building materials may require a and progress. “I think the most diff erent approach than 19th-century important part of the tour was bringing resources with their high degree of together diff erent individuals and craftsmanship. Th is is something that organizations to honor the legacy of we’ll continue to explore as modern- the fair. It elevates the importance of era buildings age and become fi nding creative and sustainable ways historically signifi cant.” of incorporating the artwork and Preservation at its core is an attempt architecture of the fair into plans for to interpret and protect the signifi cant the future of HemisFair Park.” resources of our past—those that have Minner adds that the artwork in a story to tell, whether an aspect of a many buildings of this era should also community’s history, a technological be considered an important resource. milestone, a tangible tie to someone Within the HemisFair complex, works important, or a way people lived in a by Carlos Merida, Juan O’Gorman, bygone era. As we study the last half and Fred Samuelson are masterpieces of the 20th century, we will begin to that commemorate a shared heritage. understand which places best convey As Mid-Century architecture these real stories and which designs comes of age, preservation techniques ultimately stand the test of time. will require adaptation. During this For more information on the period of architecture, there were groups documenting these resources in many experimental materials used in Texas, visit midtexasmod.blogspot.com to be reconfi gured and repurposed, construction. As buildings from this era and www.houstonmod.org. ★ so the remaining ‘60s structures undergo restoration, there will be will need to be assessed and a best a need to identify and implement use determined. new preservation guidelines for Th e local architectural community these types of properties. Many has a vision of repurposing the materials during this period are important O’Neil Ford buildings into no longer manufactured today. modern-day use while preserving the “It’s important to retain integrity of these signifi cant structures character-defi ning features on for future generations. Jenni Minner, signifi cant buildings of the president of Mid-Tex Mod, recently modern period just as it is for conducted a tour for 75 people at earlier resources,” said Kim the HemisFair and received a positive Barker of the THC’s Architecture reaction from the group about the preservation of these structures. “Th e tour was an oppor- tunity to raise awareness about the signifi cance of the social history Top: A glass mosaic tile mural in the San and modern Antonio Convention Center created for architecture of HemisFair ‘68 by Carlos Merida. At left: the HemisFair ‘68,” Confl uence Theater (foreground) and Tower of the Americas. Above: A view of the Tower’s said Minner, observation deck from the ground fl oor.

WINTER 2012 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 5 By Andy Rhodes Th e Medallion Managing Editor

Culinary customs are often a matter of taste, but “My grandmother taught us how to cure the temperatures may rise when opinions differ about the molcajete with grains of uncooked rice—you have proper “traditional” approach. to grind them into the stone just right to make sure Take, for example, the modest molcajete, a it’s smooth and ready,” says Sandra Maxwell. “My sister staple in kitchens of South Texas’ Rio Grande Valley. and I fought over who would get our family’s molcajete. The customary Mexican mortar and pestle, a stone Just talking about it makes me think of the sound of tool used for grinding ingredients dating to the Aztecs peppercorns breaking.” of 4000 B.C., stirs up good-natured disagreements “That’s not what we used,” responds Gloria Escareno with among an assembled group of Cameron County a slightly disapproving look. “Our family in was very historians and regional poor, so the only thing we had to cure our molcajete was corn. food connoisseurs.

Photos by TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION www.thc.state.tx.usAndy Rhodes 62 My grandmother would smash Each person in the group it into the inside of the bowl and references their grandmother’s toss the powder aside. That’s the cooking and recipes that date best way to do it.” back multiple generations to Regardless of the Mexican homesteads. When curing approach, the group asked about documented family wholeheartedly agrees that a recipes, most of the group molcajete is the only effective members shake their heads and way to prepare traditional smile knowingly. Mexican spice blends, typically “I don’t have a printed recipe including cumin, pepper, and that’s been passed along through garlic. Although a blender or food the years because it never had processor would be quicker and to be written down. We just easier, the time and effort needed grew up making it, so we knew for the old-fashioned approach is it by memory,” says Magdalena worthwhile due to the resulting Alcala. “We never went to the fresh and bold fl avors. fancy stores to buy measuring Traditional foods cups and special tablespoons or and authentic recipes teaspoons. We just are signifi cant put the ingredients in draws for heritage the palm of our hand travelers visiting and knew how it the Rio Grande looked by eye.” Valley, where Maria Enri- people from queta Yzaguirre across Texas agrees, add- and the United ing, “You States seek just go by distinctive look and feel cultural experiences and color. My at historic restaurants and grandmother attractions throughout the region. always started “Not as many people are going to Mexico anymore, with pinches of so heritage travelers are fl ocking to the Texas Tropical ingredients, then tasted Trail Region to get a taste of the real places that tell the to see if it needed a little bit real stories of South Texas,” says Teresa Caldwell, state more—you can always add something, but you can’t always coordinator of the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) remove it.” Texas Heritage Trails Program. “Culinary tourism is Discussion turns to traditional dishes and favorite family emerging as a popular travel trend, and the Rio Grande recipes. Escareno recalls her great-grandparents’ custom Valley is ripe with authentic experiences for people of hanging small strips of to dry (carne seca) in a interested in traditional food and culture.” birdcage with an overlying screen to repel fl ies. Sometimes, Brownsville resident Isabel Vezetti and her husband the meat would be from a goat (), which could be Bob, a former vice chair of the Cameron County Historical served as carne seca in a soup, roasted over a pit, or as Commission, have witnessed an upswing in the region’s cabrito en sangre, a traditional stew using the goat’s blood draw as a culinary destination. As a coordinator of as the base for a savory spice-laden gravy. Brownsville’s annual Charro Days cultural festival (see page Joe Gavito, the City of Brownsville’s heritage offi cer, 9), Vezetti notes the food tents and booths are continually adds, “My relatives would always have a goat, and I expanding and drawing enthusiastic crowds. remember feeding it and playing with it. Inevitably, I’d come “People always talk about the food and which booth back to look for it, and when I asked where it was, they’d has the best dishes or most authentic preparation,” she say ‘You just ate it for dinner!’ ” says. “The whole culture around here is so intertwined with Other favorite regional recipes passed down through food—it’s just amazing how important it is.” the generations include (meat from different

Indeed, the gathering of historians and culinary experts Above: Isabel Vezetti of Brownsville displays a plate of traditional reveals the strong connection between heritage and food. Mexican-based cuisine from the Rio Grande Valley.

WINTER 2012 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 7 portions of a cow’s adding that up skull, roasted in to 100 dozen an earthen pit to can maximize tenderness often be made and fl avor), enchiladass over three days. (with a hearty red “It turns into sauce created from ann a party, a real ancho chile pepper andd ritual with music corn tortillas dipped andnd playing and 25 rolled with cheese), andnd or 30 people in chiles rellenos (meat, a house dancing potatoes, vegetables, around and and raisins stuffed in a gossiping.” poblano pepper, a traditiondition Alcala traced to the Spanish ClockwiseClockwise from above: traditional dishesdishes agrees, adding colonial era). (from left) such as pan dulces and “The experience are favorites at historic Though most of the restaurants throughout the Valley. is just so fun of recipes associated with having everybody these traditional foods and regional Tex-Mex restaurants can in a room, doing be traced to Mexico, a Rio Grande Valley original is on the a traditional menu at many Mexican-based eateries. According to Texas activity, working on food together. It’s a very important food expert Robb Walsh, who has contributed to National family tradition for all of us.” Public Radio, Natural History magazine, Gourmet, and the Houston Press, originated in the Valley and came to EATS IN THE VALLEY prominence when Mama Ninfa added them to the menu at Demographic reports indicate 89 percent of Valley residents her namesake Houston restaurant. claim Hispanic heritage, so it’s not surprising that many In his infl uential Tex-Mex Cookbook, Walsh recounts restaurants in this region specialize in Mexican and Ninfa claiming fajitas were an old family recipe adapted Tex-Mex food. Although the vast majority are new from grilled meat from their backyard grill in the rural Valley establishments or even decades-s- and served with fl our tortillas and condiments. Walsh also old local chains, several documents Pharr’s Round Up Restaurant as the fi rst venue restaurants have stood the test to serve fajitas as a menu item nearly 40 years ago, with of time and can offi cially claim the name derived from the Spanish word faja, meaning belt historic status. (referencing the fl ank steak). One of McAllen’s most A discussion of traditional Rio Grande Valley foods beloved Hispanic restaurants would be incomplete without mentioning tamales. The is Rex Café (321 S. 17th St., savory corn masa-based items date to the Mayans circa 956.686.9074), which opened 1200 B.C., and generate animated discussion about the in 1947 in the city’s then- customs and procedures involved with their preparation. segregated Mexican-American Although specifi c methods of gathering and organizing district. It has since thrived ingredients can vary slightly by family, most agree about as a community stalwart the basic method of preparation and the importance of under the original family’s having a system in place with different people—typically ownership. Generations of grandmothers, mothers, and aunts—fi lling roles in an assembly-line process. Nostalgic stories and knowing laughter emerge when discussing details such as effective silk removal from the corn husks (“I’d get in trouble if someone thought there was a hair in one of the tamales”), testing if a masa ball will fl oat in water, and its readiness as a cooked (“That’s my favorite part of the entire process: it’s the best thing I eat all year”). “It’s an art—everyone has a specialty skill, and grandmother has the fi nal quality control,” says Vezetti,

TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION www.thc.state.tx.us 8 loyal customers’ lives have been intertwined with Rex Café, made a living off of our good hospitality and food, and I’m with regular visits for the bakery’s delectable pan dulces and proud to say The Vermillion is an important place in the lives hearty huevos rancheros. One of the café’s specialties is the of many Brownsville residents.” borracho, a grilled roll topped with , cheese, Brownsville is also home to several authentic tortillerias, and vegetables or meat. where visitors can order a stack of freshly made tortillas and “This is a true family establishment—people celebrate sample traditional regional food like or barbacoa. milestones here because it’s a natural place to meet up and Notable options include Capistran Tortillas (1305 Lincoln enjoy time together over their favorite food,” says owner St., 956.541.3053) and Chuy’s Super Barbecue & Tortillas Baldamar Guerrero Jr., whose uncle was the café’s founder. (1035 Palm Blvd, 956.541.8031). “Everyone knows each other—they even go to the weddings For those in search of genuine Mexican-inspired and funerals of other customers. Everyone knows the food like chiles rellenos and cheese , consider waiters, too. One has been here 35 years, another 25 years. visiting El Torito It’s like one big connected family.” (625 N. Expressway, Guerrero adds that the consistent approach has been 956.541.4426) or important to the café’s success. Most of the recipes haven’t Vera’s Backyard changed in 65 years, and he has continued his family’s Bar-B-Que (2404 policy of learning “from the bottom on up.” Southmost Rd., “All of us started working here as dishwashers, 956.546.4159). Note: mopping fl oors, waiting tables, and cooking,” he says. “My as with the tortillerias, son is 5 years old, and he might be the next generation to a familiarity with run the restaurant some day. He likes coming in here and speaking Spanish talking to the customers. He’s a real natural.” is helpful at these Sixty miles east in Brownsville, The Vermillion (115 locations. English Paredes Line Rd., 956.542.9893) boasts a 75-year tradition is primarily spoken of serving regional cuisine to similarly loyal customers. at another longtime Although the restaurant isn’t exclusively Tex-Mex, many of local favorite, Los the Mexican-inspired dishes have been served for nearly Camperos, which 50 years. The Vermillion was in an isolated rural area when recently opened it opened in 1937, and photos from the era advertise the a new restaurant kitchen’s and grilled . (2500 N. Expressway, “It was sort of the Wild West out here, so Mr. Vermillion 956.546.8172), and At left: In the 1940s, the Vermillion’s carried a pistol in his belt at the aforementioned original owner and building were on just in case things got Vermillion. Brownsville’s frontier outskirts. Below: Current owner Dan Davidson displays ugly,” says Dan Davidson, Brownsville’s the restaurant’s popular and the restaurant’s signifi cant heritage plates. longtime owner. tourism opportunities Davidson’s father have been associated bought the Vermillion with several THC nearly 50 years ago, and initiatives, including the restaurant still uses a 2011 First Lady’s his savory enchilada Texas Treasures recipe, which features the Award, Military Sites authentic chile con carne Program projects at fl avor from freshly ground Palmito Ranch Battlefi eld National Historic Landmark, the ancho peppers. Davidson agency’s 2010 Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation claims the dish is so (presented to residents Frank and Mary Yturria), and popular that customers Cameron County’s participation in the Texas Historic have craved it for decades Courthouse Preservation Program. For information about and found it exactly as these endeavors and other heritage tourism opportunities they remembered. in the area, order a free copy of the THC’s Texas Tropical “We haven’t found it Trail Region travel guide by calling 866.276.6219 or necessary to change most visiting www.texastimetravel.com. ★ of our recipes, so we don’t,” he says. “We’ve

WINTER 2012 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 9 THC OUTREACH High and Dry: Texas’ Submerged Shipwreck Sites Exposed

By Amy Borgens, State Marine Archeologist

Texas’ extreme drought has With a European/Anglo-American that were also lost in the area during decimated crops, livestock, and presence along the Gulf Coast for this period. landscapes across the state. But another more than 500 years, Texas has the Another example of a common, aff ected resource, historic shipwrecks, oldest shipwrecks in the United States sometimes-underappreciated coastal is causing concern among Texas’ (1554) and, with La Belle, the oldest trade vessel is the scow-schooner Lake marine archeologists. verifi ed French colonial shipwreck Austin. Th is 69-foot watercraft was In particular, the drought in the New World. Th e potential for built in Matagorda Bay in 1881 and has underscored the potential for discovery of visible historic shipwrecks grounded near Port Aransas during environmental and man-made impacts and structures along Texas beaches a 1903 storm. In 1966, the remains to archeological sites, including and rivers is certain; in fact, many have of Lake Austin eroded out of the shipwrecks, exposed by the low water already been reported and investigated. beach. Th e wreck was dug by county levels. Local media have reported Th ey include early 19th-century employees from the sand using heavy recovery of artifacts from these exposed shipwrecks, a Civil War torpedo raft, equipment, and the vessel’s remarkable sites; however, incidents are also several Civil War-era steamboats, a late preservation enabled it to be identifi ed occurring at coastal sites uncovered due 19th-century scow schooner, and World by its visible registration number. to natural shoreline erosion or severe War I-era steamships. Th is discovery preceded the erosion from coastal storms Two early 19th-century wrecks creation of the Antiquities Code and hurricanes. buried in a South Texas beach are of Texas and the laws that would Submerged archeological sites periodically exposed after storms and otherwise have protected this historic are invaluable reminders of Texas’ sometimes even at extreme low tide. resource. Once interest in the important maritime past. Th ese historic Th ese wrecks have been damaged by shipwreck waned, it was burned on sites are the wrecks of the sailing beach-cleaning activities and known the beach as a perceived traffi c hazard. vessels, steamers, and ferries that were looting. Th ese vessels’ remains, Lake Austin is believed to be the best once integral for moving people and both designated State Archeological example of a well-preserved Gulf freight throughout Texas and other Landmarks, are similar in size (circa scow schooner in the northern Gulf ports. Th e types of underwater sites 80-feet long) and believed to be sailing of Mexico and the only archeological are diverse and numerous—more than vessels, possibly schooners, of the example of one produced locally. 1,800 vessels have been reported lost type that were predominantly used in Other known archeological sites in state waters, and an estimated 300 maritime trade activity in the gulf. In that become visible following extreme of these are in rivers and river mouths. the past, one of these shipwrecks has weather conditions include the wrecks More than 80 shipwreck sites have been been identifi ed as the Mexican naval of river steamboats and World War investigatedinvestigated to date. vessel MMontezuma/Moctezuma (1836), I-era steamships. Th e tthoughhough there is no documentary or largest collection of pphysicalhysica evidence from the site itself investigated wreck to conconfifi rm this. Th e shipwreck may sites in Texas date to more llikely be one of the nearly 35 the post-World War I hhistoricistor commercial sailing vessels era. Approximately 30 wrecks built for the AtAt lleft:e Wreckage from a World War I- U.S. Shipping Board’s era steamships in the Sabine River. Emergency Fleet AtAt right:rig The steamships as they appearedappe when built in Beaumont in the Corporation were earearlyl 1900s.

www.thc.state.tx.uswww.th c.state.tx.us 104 THC OUTREACH

Photos: National Archives, Record Group 32, Records of the United States Shipping Board, Photographs of Yards, Vessels, Dry Docks, and Marine Railways, 1915-1921, Box 11. Image provided courtesy of Atkins North America, Inc. abandoned in East Texas rivers after the reminder that the removal of artifacts State protection of underwater end of the war. or intentional damage to these cultural resources extends to Built in Beaumont and Orange archeological sites can result in fi nes all archeological sites on state- shipyards, these steamships—some of and other penalties. owned submerged properties which likely were never completed— “Recognizing, reporting, and and includes structures, were left along the riverbanks and protecting these fi nds is integral to shipwrecks, and prehistoric/ sometimes burned. Many of these preserving our shared cultural heritage historic burial remains. shipwrecks are visible when the rivers for the historic records and for future Submerged lands include are low and, when submerged, pose public benefi t,” Mercado-Allinger most navigable waterways (rivers, a danger to boaters. Th ough these says. “If you know of any of these bays, etc.) and the coastal zone types of sites are typically marked as important sites, please contact the THC extending from the mean higher hazards, many historic wrecks are still immediately.” ★ high water line (MHHL) to three undiscovered and may pose a danger leagues (10.35 miles) into to boaters during low water levels, the gulf. especially those occasioned by drought. If you discover a potential “Shipwrecks and other shipwreck or suspect looting archeological sites are non-renewable at a site, please contact Amy resources, and removal of artifacts Borgens, the THC’s State from these sites without proper Marine Archeologist, documentation can result in an at 512.463.9505 invaluable loss of information,” or amy.borgens@ explains Pat-Mercado Allinger, thc.state.tx.us. state archeologist and director of the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) Archeology Division. Archeological resources on state- owned land and submerged properties are protected by state and federal laws, depending on the type of shipwreck or project. Mercado-Allinger issues a strong

WINTERW INTER 20120122 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 11 PRESERVATION PARTNER An Eternal Gift To Support the Work of the Texas Historical Commission, Today and Tomorrow…

There’s no doubt about it. Money makes Suppose you would like to ensure also be created through a bequest or other better programs and services possible. your favorite charitable organization gift-planning methods. That’s why it’s essential for the Texas receives $1,000 every year, even after You can contribute to the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to have your lifetime. Let’s say the charitable Heroes Endowment, an unrestricted funding to function into the future and organization spends 4 percent of its endowment to support areas of greatest fi nancial support to grow within an endowment each year. (This doesn’t mean need and unique opportunities at the ever-changing environment. it earns a total return of only 4 percent, THC, with a gift of any amount. Or, you The THC’s operating budget will only that it spends that can fund a specially named endowment allow it to function, but it’s the amount; it will reinvest in honor or memory of someone special or Friends of the THC’s Texas Heroes the difference to to support a particular program with a gift Endowment fund that allows the offset infl ation.) of $25,000 or more. Donors of $25,000 or agency to fulfi ll its mission with To calculate the more are recognized as both Texas Heroes, the highest quality programs amount you need to for their unrestricted gift and as lifetime and services. perpetuate your annual members of the Stetson Society, a special gift, divide the annual group of donors who have given $25,000 gift amount, $1,000, or more to support any of THC’s projects by the amount called or programs or as an unrestricted gift. for in the spending policy, 4 percent, and you get $25,000. So, contributing just $25,000 can continue your $1,000 annual gift indefi nitely. And, you can pledge your $25,000 gift over fi ve years! Here’s the best part: If the value of the endowment grows beyond the spending amount, so does the income. For example, HOW IT WORKS with a return of 10 percent in one An endowment program is simply the year and with only 4 percent as time-honored method of allocating certain the amount spent, the other 6 gifts to an investment fund. This fund is percent is reinvested in the endowment. ASK FOR DETAILS invested to earn income each year, and as By the second year, the value of the fund Endowments are a conservative and the principal grows, so does the income. A is 6 percent higher, or $26,500, and the intelligent attempt to guarantee the small amount is used to support the THC’s spendable “gift” from the fund is $1,060. future of the THC’s mission and to work, but the balance always remains enhance the quality of opportunities invested to perpetuate the fund. HOW TO FUND for service. And, they allow you to leave When you make a gift to the Friends YOUR ENDOWMENT GIFT a legacy. For more information, contact of the THC’s endowment fund, it can either You can support the THC’s endowment Lisa Avra, executive director of the be made now or in the future (such as with an outright gift of cash or securities Friends of the Texas Historical Commission through a bequest in a will or living trust). in one payment, or a pledge spread out at 512.936.2241. ★ Either way, your one gift can become a for up to fi ve years. Endowment gifts can legacy of annual gifts long into the future.

TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION www.thc.state.tx.us 12 SITESITE SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT Preservation in Paris Restored Sam Bell Maxey House Reopens to the Public

By Andy Rhodes The Medallion Managing Editor

When he was 35 years old, Paris THC’s Historic Sites Division. home to the city of Paris. In March attorney Samuel Bell Maxey was Williams adds that a new interpretive 1971, the Sam Bell Maxey House elected to the Texas Senate, but the plan will identify additional was offi cially listed in the National state seceded from the United States improvements to help tell the real Register of Historic Places and before he could serve a day in offi ce. stories of Maxey’s life in the stately transferred to state ownership When Maxey, who served as his High Victorian Italianate home. in 1976. Confederate regiment’s major general, attempted to resurrect his legal career after the Civil War, he encountered a minor hitch: to continue his law practice or to hold public offi ce, he needed a personal pardon from President Andrew Johnson. After many unsuccessful attempts, Maxey enlisted the assistance of his former West Point classmate Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, who recommended his pardon. His citizenship rights were TheTh 1868 Sam Bell ultimately restored, and he eventually Maxey and his wife MaxeyMa House was went on to a successful run for the Marilda raised their recentlyrec restored (above) U.S. Senate. With Maxey’s legal family and hosted many to addressa serious deteriorationdete of the practice offi cially in the clear, he began distinguished guests in building’sbuild exterior. Left: collecting fees from clients, allowing the house, which was SiteSite namesake Samuel him to build his stately house on commonly regarded as a BellBell Maxey.M Church Street, which was completed in social center of Paris. For “Th is wonderful December 1868. the Maxeys, the idea of home stands as a Nearly 145 years later, the house, family was not limited testament to the strong one of 20 historic sites operated by the to direct kinship, and relationships between Texas Historical Commission (THC), the house was always family members and has been preserved after more than a open to extended family the Paris community,” year of careful restoration work. Major and friends for holidays andnd said Kaitlin Ammon, site projects included extensive repainting; throughout the year. manager. “We’re proud to be able to repairs to framing, wood siding, Maxey’s great-nephew, Sam keep these historic memories preserved doors, and windows; stabilization of Bell Maxey Long, and his wife Lala and alive for visitors to experience.” the pier-and-beam foundation; roof inherited the home in 1908. Th ey Th e Maxey House is open for replacement; and the installation began extensive remodeling in 1911, guided house tours Tuesday–Sunday, of a new central heating and air making several additions to the back of from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Groups of 10 conditioning system. the home, including a breakfast room, or more may reserve a group tour “Th is restoration project will allow kitchen, fi rst-fl oor laundry room, in advance. For more information, visitors to experience what life was and upstairs sewing room. go to www.visitsbmh.com or like for the Maxey family in Paris, Family members lived call 903.785.5716. ★ Texas more than a century ago,” said continuously in the home for 99 years Donna Williams, director of the until 1967, when they donated the

WINTER 2012 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 1317 NEWS IN BRIEF Marker Program Celebrates 50 Years

This year, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) is celebrating 50 years of placing official Texas Historical Markers in historically significant locations throughout the state. Historical markers have been part of the Texas landscape since 1936, when the Texas Centennial Commission placed more than 1,100 markers and monuments to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Texas Revolution and its establishment of the Republic of Texas. The current Official Texas Historical Marker Program dates to 1962. Since then, it has been a popular means of interpreting local and state history while encouraging heritage tourism. Currently, more than 15,000 Official Texas Historical Markers throughout Texas commemorate everything from the history and architecture of buildings, to events that changed the course of local and state history, to individuals who made a lasting contribution to the state. For more information about the marker program, visit www.thc.state.tx.us or contact the THC’s History Programs Division at 512.463.5853. Historical markers, like this one commemorat- ing the Cologne community in South Texas, document the real stories of Texas history.

CENTER FOR TEXAS PUBLIC HISTORY OPENS IN SAN MARCOS PRESERVATION SUMMIT Texas State University history professors Lynn Denton and Dan Utley are TO BE HELD IN MARCH overseeing a new research center in San Marcos to assist with historical study of Preserving Texas’ historic and cultural the state. past is a continuous challenge. To Denton directs the facility, known as the Center for Texas Public History, and address these issues and promote Utley, a former THC historian, serves as the center’s chief historian. Faculty and Texas’ historic resources, Preservation students in the history department’s graduate program in public history will staff Texas, with support from the THC, will the facility. host a preservation summit March The Center for Texas Public History will offer expertise in museum work, oral 22–23 at the State Capitol in Austin. history, and cultural resource management to government agencies, museums, The event features guest speakers, county historical commissions, community organizations, and others that need interactive roundtable discussions, help in researching and interpreting historical information for the public. and the official announcement of the “We can do the work for organizations, we can train them to do the work, or we 2012 Texas’ Most Endangered Places can partner with them in some way,” explained Denton. “We can also partner with List. Preservationists are invited to join organizations such as historical commissions that are operating on tight budgets advocates and leaders from around the and could benefit from our help.” state to share stories and challenges, For more information about the services provided by the center, contact Denton discuss potential solutions to pressing at [email protected] or 512.245.2142. preservation issues, and network with specialists from several communities and backgrounds. THC’S ATLAS PUTS HISTORY AT Users can search by historic For information about YOUR FINGERTIPS designation, keyword, county, address, registration and a detailed schedule, The THC’s improved Atlas now features or site name to get instant access visit www.preservationtexas.org or nearly 300,000 site records, including to detailed descriptions, historic call 512.472.0102. data on Official Texas Historical photographs, and interactive maps Markers and National Register of to discover the real places that tell Historic Places properties in Texas. the real stories of Texas history. Information is also available about The Atlas is accessible historic courthouses, museums, and at atlas.thc.state.tx.us. sawmills across the state.

TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION www.thc.state.tx.us 14 CHC CORNER Organizational Impact CHCs Provide Opportunities to Educate and Influence

By Amy Hammons, County Historical Commission Outreach Coordinator

Preservationists are passionate about For this reason, we recommend discuss proactive solutions to address history. We have received many calls starting each year with a celebration issues. Among the most common from County Historical Commissions of past accomplishments and the frustrations for CHC members is (CHC) related to personalities and anticipation of new opportunities. managing interactions with the public. diff erences of opinion within their Th is is an excellent time to initiate While we cannot control how organization. Managing the ideas and a discussion to help refocus CHC others handle information, we can actions of these committed volunteers appointees on your mission and control how we respond as individuals. can occasionally be challenging. collective responsibilities. Th e following It is critical that we support one another ideas may help. and remember that an individual’s work First and foremost, remember and attitude refl ects on the commission a CHC’s state statutory mission: To as a whole. protect, preserve, and promote cultural Due to the elevated profi le of and historic resources in its county. many CHC appointees, they are often While making organizational decisions, interviewed and asked to comment keep in mind the following core values publicly. Th is county-appointed associated with a CHC’s mission: position may result in scrutiny similar • Promote stewardship of cultural to that applied to other county offi cials, and historic resources. which means that what you say, write, • Foster positive impressions for your or do can shape the public’s perception CHC and for preservation. of the CHC and the preservation • Provide quality service to movement as a whole. the public. Consider public exchanges as an • Maintain respectful interaction opportunity to share your history with Sally Abbe of with others. others and let them know more about the Lubbock CHC provides • Encourage public participation in the important work accomplished by a positive CHC activities. CHCs. Every time you are quoted, post face for • Share your preservation successes a comment on the Internet, or publish preservation. with each other and our partners. a newsletter, you are granted a golden In addition, be sure to take time to opportunity to educate, infl uence, and acknowledge ongoing challenges and enrich lives through history. ★

Th e Medallion is published quarterly by the Texas the basis of race, color, national origin, age, gender or Historical Commission. Address correspondence to: disability. Any person who believes he or she has been Managing Editor, Th e Medallion, P.O. Box 12276, discriminated against should write to Offi ce of Equal Austin, TX 78711-2276. Portions of the newsletter Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, that are not copyrighted or reprinted from other Washington, D.C. 20240. sources may be reprinted with permission. Our Mission Contributions for the support of this publication Th e Medallion is available online at To protect and preserve the state’s historic are gratefully accepted. For information about www.thc.state.tx.us/medallionmag/mddefault.shtml. and prehistoric resources for the use, alternate formats of this publication, contact the If you would prefer to receive Th e Medallion THC at 512.463.6255. electronically instead of through the mail, please education, enjoyment, and economic send your name and address to [email protected]. benefi t of present and future generations. Th e Medallion is fi nanced in part by a grant from You will be notifi ed by email when each new issue the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the is available on the THC web site and will no longer Interior. All of the agency’s public programs and receive a printed copy. activities are operated free from discrimination on

WINTER 2012 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 15 Th e Medallion Texas Historical Commission PRESORTED STANDARD P.O. Box 12276 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Austin, TX 78711-2276 AUSTIN, TX PERMIT NO. 1938

WHERE ON EARTH...IN TEXAS

Know your Texas history? Put your skills to the test by identifying the pictured site! The fi rst three people who correctly identify the location will receive prizes from the THC’s Texas Heritage Trails Program and be named in the next issue of The Medallion. Send your answer to: The Medallion, P.O. Box 12276, Austin, TX 78711-2276; via fax to 512.463.6374; or email to [email protected]. WLimit one prize annually per contestant. Need a clue? This church was designed by German architect Dietrich Rulfs in 1914. A white property owner fi nanced the land and building to the African American congregation, a notable cooperation between the races in East Texas at the time.

Answer to the photo from the last issue: This small building is the powder magazine at in Jacksboro. Its small vents and arched roof were specifi cally designed to control the potential bombardment of explosives resulting from an errant spark or fl ame.

Congratulations to the fi rst three readers who submitted the correct answer: Ted Andreas Jr. of Killeen, Eli Lopez of Killeen, and Sandra Osborne of Grandview. Thanks to all participants! ★

www.thc.state.tx.us