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Foreword Lanier High School, “The Pride of the West Side” has been situated in the middle of the West Side of San Antonio and had been one of the first school catered to the mostly Hispanic people living there. Many men and women graduated from there with low expectation of becoming part of the American Dream. However, there were many who rose to the challenge and became part of the political and economic fabric of San Antonio and Texas. The environment they lived in created a barrier not only to their education but to a livelihood filled with demands from society. Discrimination was rampant in those times and chances for advancement in a job filled with opportunities was not for them due to their ethnic and education background. These are the stories (by emails) of these men and women whose memories are filled with the places they lived and the people who lived there. They offer hope and inspiration for each other and they talk about their heritage and how they cross those obstacles. Listen now to these “Lanerites” who have become Senators, politicos, professionals in the military and civilian life. Kelly Field and postal workers and educators.
Dedicated to my friend Felix Yruegas without whom this project would not have been possible
Eugenio “Gene” Cortez Class of 1958
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Hey Mula By Gene Cortez
Lanierites are a special breed of 1950’s student who meet at Ray’s Drive in for a monthly get together for fun and comradeship. This has grown into a rather unique group who raise funds for Lanier and Tech Scholarships and who keep the spirit of the Chili Bowl Rivalry alive in a form of a Chili Bowl Gala. Following are actual emails collected from Lanierites communicating with other Lanierites encouraging, praising, praying and sharing their stories about the barrio and the school they love.
One of the thing that Lanierites love is their music…
Hey Mula, a friend sent me this list of songs, many from your class times, even a song named Class of 57 on the right side column. Thought you might want to pass on to your group. Enjoy.
Awesome music hope all of you enjoy.
Click on Song Title ~All In The ~Angel Baby~ ~A Night At The ~At The Hop~ Game~ Rosie & The Drive-In~ Danny & The Tommy Edwards Originals Sally Matheson Juniors ~Blueberry Hill~ ~Blue Velvet~ ~Born Too Late~ ~Class Of '57~ Fats Domino Bobby Vinton The Poni-Tails Ken Ellsion ~Corrina, ~Could I Have ~Could This Be ~Dedicated To Corrina~ This Dance~ Magic~ The One I Love~ Ray Peterson Anne Murray The Dubs The Shirelles ~Fabulous ~Fifties ~Dream Lover~ ~Harbor Lights~ Fifties~ Housewife~ Bobby Darin The Platter's Brenda Sparkman Bill Haley ~I Can't Stop ~Johnny B. ~Just One ~Just A Dream~ Loving You~ Goode~ Look~ Jimmy Clanton Ray Charles Chuck Berry Doris Troy ~Kookie ~Love Letters In Kookie~ ~Let It Be Me~ ~Lollipop~ The Everly The Sand~ Edward The Chordettes Byrnes/Connie Brother's Pat Boone Stevens
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~Moments To ~Music Music ~My Boy ~My Heart Is An Rememeber~ Music~ Lollipop~ Open Book~ The Four Lads Teresa Brewer Millie Small Carl Dobkins Jr. ~My Special ~Please Help Me ~My Prayer~ ~Only You~ Angel~ I'm Falling~ The Platters The Platters Bobby Helms Hank Locklin ~Poetry In ~Pretty Blue ~409 - Beach ~Puppy Love~ Motion~ Eyes~ Boys~ Paul Anka Johnny Tillotson Steve Lawrence The Beach Boys ~Remember ~Rocking Alone ~Roses Are Red ~Ramblin' Rose~ When~ ~ My Love~ Nat King Cole The Platters Eddy Arnold Bobby Vinton ~Send Me The ~Since I Met You ~Smoke Gets In ~So Fine~ Pillow~ Baby~ Your Eyes~ The Fiesta's Johnny Tillitson Ivory Joe Hunter The Platters
~Take Good ~Take These ~Sweet Old ~Talk Back Care Of My Chains From My Fashioned Girl~ Trembling Lips~ Teresa Brewer Baby~ Heart~ Johnny Tillitson Bobby Vee Ray Charles
~The Old ~Teenager In ~The Wayward Love~ Lamplighter~ ~The Stroll~ The Brown's Wind~ Dion & The The Diamonds Jim Ed,Maxine & Gogi Grant Belmonts Bonnie
~Wake Up Little ~To Know Him ~Told You ~Easter Parade~ Susie~ Is To Love Him~ Lately~ Bing Crosby The Everly The Teddy Bears Floyd Cramer Brother's
~Why~ ~Young Love~ ~Your'e Sixteen~ ~~~~~~~ Frankie Avalon Sonny James Johnny Burnette
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~Memories Are Made Of This~ ~~~~~~~~ Dean Martin
Debbie,
Thank You. Our 1957 Lanierite Classmates will love this. We have about 20 gals and guys from our 1957 Class that go to Ray's.
Another song is the "Fabulous Fifties!"
For the record I don't quite remember it happening like the words say in songs 1950 or particularly 1957. But most of us have some great memories.
Mula 1957
There are many stories like this one…..
Dear Mula, I have really enjoyed reading about your schoolmates stories about their experiences growing up . After seeing this video I decided to write this short narrative about growing up en los courts.
A short narrative of my first 15 years of my life......
I grew up and lived in the Alazan Apache Courts (soy del Barrio). I lived at the corner of 700 Colima Street and San Marcos, one block from Guadalupe Street, right across the Alazan Creek. My mother moved into this newly built housing community back in 1952. This corner house was our home from 1951 thru 1965. So of course I went to J.T. Brack
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Elementary (for the kids that were catolicos, once a week las monjas would be waiting at the corner and we all walked in a straight line all the way to the church. There's an old building behind the iglesia where the nuns took us to study Catholicism) ... and then went on to Cooper Jr Hi, and was planning to go to Lanier High School. But that summer of 1965, my mother decided to move closer to her job near Fort Sam Houston (I come from single-family household). Well, to make a very long story short...ha-hah! After seeing this Beautiful video about our Barrio...del Westside, had to share it with you folks.
The Alazan Apache Courts no longer exist, well at least in the area of Colima-San Marcos y Vera Cruz Streets...but my memories remain deep in my heart. Some of the buildings along the Guadalupe Street are still there...what use to be the Guadalupe Theater, la Botica ( Progresso), and once the La Casa Grande Restaurante/panaderia , and down on El Paso Street... there was once our grocery /la tienda..Davila's.. un molino across the La Virgen de Guadalupe Church, after church we stop by to buy corn tortillas y barbacoa...mmm, ja! On my street, everyone knew each other, our parents worked out in their yards or would be sitting out in the front porch( that was very popular thing to do back then) us youngsters played outdoors in our yards or we roller-skated down our streets in our neighborhoods.
At that time our transportation was either by public bus or we walked. I learned to ride my bicycle on the brand new Guadalupe Overpass... y I learned to dance Folklorico at the Wesley House! I even became a Browie and a Girl Scout!! Hijole!
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Mi Mamasita Isabel, God Bless her soul... I Honor You Mommie... (11-5-12~8-25-02) for keeping me on the right...Estos son mi recuerdos... del Westside. and I'm thankful for those who put out such a nice video of our Westside!! Thank you for the memories!! and thank you Andrew/fr Lanier for sharing this with me....a new friend from Classmates.com.
Que Viva La Westside. Maria-Fox Tech 68 - Hemisfair Grad.
Maria, Thank You. WOW! What a FANTASTIC narrative. Written like a true Lanierite at heart. I'm sure many of the Lanierites will remember you from the Court Days. I had a friend that lived in the same Courts & I thought , they have it made, all clean & neat compared to our old homes! Your description of the Barrio and events is heartwarming. WOW! The Guadalupe Street overpass! Las monjitas! La Calle Colima y San Marcos! Businesses on Brazos & El Paso! Casa Grande! El Molino - Tortillas y Barbacoa!
I'm sure this email will generate a bunch of emails recalling our memories of El Barrio. I grew up on Navidad & between Montezuma and Colima a block south of Guadalupe. The Lanier Voks were my idols and I dreamed of growing up and playing for Lanier.
Maria, my regards to Nick, we also have memories of our City and State Postal Tournaments especially the 1976 Bi-Centennial in San Antonio when it rained 11 inches on July 4, 1976! Mula
From: antonio cantu
Mula, please forward on to Maria de la Techla
Maria, Enjoyed reading your narrative because it brought back many memories of my years at the "Courts". The Courts were first opened in 1941 just before WWII broke out. My mother's family owned a house across the San Fernando Cemetery
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and what was later Rosita Pl. The federal government condemned their home to build the projects. When they opened, my mom and dad were one of the first families to move in. I was 2 years. I lived at 1211 S. Brazos corner with Rosita Pl. Later we moved to 1113 S Brazos corner with Chihuahua St. and finally to 1011 S. Brazos corner with Colima. Actually lived next door to Oscar Lawson who recently went to meet his maker. I have many similar recollections of the barrio. Went to J.T , which we called "la 21" because who expected a six year old to spell Brackenridge. Of course I spent many hours at the Guadalupe and Progreso theatres. "Casa Grande" was our high school hang out after school and after the games. God bless the Gomez's that ran it. I then spent 6 of the most memorable years of my life at Lanier Jr and Sr High. Of course I remember Catechism classes and Fatjher Martin and especially when they gave us release time from Lanier during the 6th period. Thanks for the memories. Tony, Class of '57 along with Mula.
Original Message----- From: To: felixy Sent: Sun, Jan 23, 2011 8:25 pm Subject: EL BARRIO-LOS COURTS
MR. MULA
I ALSO LIVED IN THE COURTS AT 723 MIRASOL PLACE. THERE WERE EIGHT CHILDREN AND MY BEAUTIFUL PARENTS WHO DID EVERYTHING TO KEEP US ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW. MY DAD WAS A LAUNDRYMAN AT THE WHITE STAR LAUNDRY DOWNTOWN. SOMEHOW WE NEVER WENT HUNGRY FOR AS YOU KNOW, BEANS AND TORTILLAS GO A LONG WAY. UNFORTUNATELY, MOM HAD ANOTHER CHILD AND WE WERE FORCED TO VACATE THE COURTS BECAUSE WE EXCEEDED THE LIMIT OF EIGHT CHILDREN. WE WERE FORCED TO BUY A FOUR ROOM HOUSE NEAR FRIO CITY ROAD. MY TWO BROTHERS AND I SLEPT IN ONE ROOM, MY SIX SISTERS IN TWO ROOMS AND MOM AND DAD SLEPT IN THE REMAINING ROOM UNDER THE DINING ROOM TABLE. WE ALL WORKED AS SOON AS WE WERE OLD ENOUGH SO I WAS NOT ABLE TO PLAY SPORTS, DO BAND OR OTHER AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES. FORTUNATELY THE DRILL TEAM PRACTICED IN THE EARLY MORNING SO I WAS ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THAT. I WALKED TO SCHOOL FROM FRIO CITY ROAD TO LANIER EVERY MORNING AND EVENING UNTIL I GOT A JOB AT THE GUNTER HOTEL AT $1.50 A NIGHT. PAUL (APACHE) CASTILLO WAS MY CO-WORKER. AS THE FAMILY GREW AND ALL OF US WORKED, THINGS IMPROVED, WE ADDED TWO ROOMS AND FINALLY ONE OF MY SISTERS GOT A TV FOR US. IN THE SUMMER WE WOULD GO PICK WHATEVER WE COULD WITH MY UNCLE SUCH AS COTTON, BEETS, ONIONS, ETC., SO WE COULD HAVE SCHOOL MONEY IN THE FALL. IN THE END ALL OF US WERE PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS AND HAD GOOD LIVES. MY ONLY REGRET IS NOT BEING ABLE TO PLAY VARSITY BASKETBALL.
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GOING BACK TO LOS COURTS, IT WAS A GREAT ENVIRONMENT WITH GOOD NEIGHBORS, FRIENDS, AND A LOT OF FUN. GOING TO GUADALUPE CHURCH TO MASS, THE HUGE PLAYGROUND WHERE MARIO CORTINAS WOULD BE PRACTICING HIS PUNTS, THE MCI, LA PERLA, TIENDA MONTEMAYOR, EL PROGRESSO THEATRE (WHERE YOU SAT ON BOXES TO SEE WESTERNS, EL GUADALUPE TO SEE "LA BRUJA PERULI" AND MANY OTHER FEATURES THAT WERE FANTASTIC BY OUR STANDARDS. IT WAS A UNIQUE ERA FOR ALL OF US AND WHAT MADE US STRONG AND SUCCESSFUL WAS OUR ENVIRONMENT AT HOME, AT CHURCH, AND AT SCHOOL. NOBODY EVER BULLIED ANYONE. IF YOU HAD A FIGHT IT DIDN'T LAST VERY LONG. THERE WERE NO GANGS AT SCHOOL. YOU WERE STRAIGHT, OR MR. TAFOLLA TOOK CARE OF YOU AT NO CHARGE.(HE SUSPENDED ME 3 TIMES). IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT TIMES HAVE CHANGED SOME BARRIOS, BUT MANY ARE STILL GOOD AND PRODUCE GREAT KIDS SO I AM GLAD WE CAN MAKE SOME CONTRIBUTIONS TO LANIER AND TECH. LETS KEEP IT GOING AS LONG AS WE CAN BECAUSE WHEN WE DIE, ALL WE TAKE ARE OUR MEMORIES...SO LET'S MAKE THEM ALL GOOD ONES.
WHEN I WAS WORKING AT THE EMBASSY IN MADRID, I KEPT ASKING MY WIFE HOW TWO KIDS FROM THE BARRIO ENDED UP DOING EMBASSY DUTY IN SPAIN. SHE CALLED IT LUCK. I CALLED IT A LOT OF WORK AND A LOT OF HELP FROM A LOT OF PEOPLE. AFTER SEEING NUMEROUS COUNTRIES IN MY LIFETIME I CAN SAY THAT ONLY IN AMERICA CAN THIS HAPPEN ON A REGULAR BASIS. GOD BLESS THE BARRIO AND AMERICA.
It's amazing how all of us can remember our street number & name! I grew up on frijoles y tortillas y igado. I also was a member of Mr Tafolla's "Hall of Shame" - suspended once! Heart warming stories. Mula
Original Message----- From: mike garcia (TECH) To: Felix Sent: Sun, Jan 23, 2011 9:58 pm Subject: En Mi Barrio.....ALAZAN-APACHE COURTS (GOOGLE)I do not have the e- mail for Maria Enriqueta C. Delgado. Can you forward to her? Thanks Hello Mula and Antonio, sorry for the misinformation about the Courts. But my mother had always said that our unit was new, maybe because it was freshly painted...who knows. Our yards on our section had no grass and that I know because the pictures we have. (should get those pictures on CD). And I have forgotten that our school was referred as "la 21".. I
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always say that I went to JT. It was only 2 blocks away from my home. And I do remembered that my mother paid like 10. to 15. dollars a month. My mother has always worked all her life and it wasn't easy back then. She was lucky to get hired and working at Fort Sam Houston Quartermaster Laundry for almost 35 years until she retired. She also ironed clothes for other people for extra cash.
I Google the Alazan Apache Courts...and here's that information... interesting!
ALAZAN-APACHE COURTS. The Alazan-Apache Courts is a public housing project built between 1939 and 1942 on San Antonio's predominantly Mexican-American West Side. It was still operating in the early 1990s. During the 1930s more than 100,000 Mexican Americans lived in San Antonio, many of them in little more than shacks with tin roofs, dirt floors, and scrap-material walls.
These dwellings had no indoor plumbing, and sanitation was primitive. In 1937, during the Great Depression, the United States Housing Authority was established. San Antonio began its own San Antonio Housing Authority on June 17, 1937. Among the five SAHA commissioners the one most responsible for promoting the Alazan-Apache project was the Italian-born Father Carmelo Tranchese, pastor of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. In September 1937 the USHA agreed to fund the San Antonio housing program. Five projects were scheduled: Alazan and Apache Courts for Mexican Americans, Lincoln Heights and Wheatley Courts for blacks, and Victoria Courts for whites.
Many of the nearly 500 landlords who had to be bought out, however, demanded compensation beyond that allocated. Angered, the USHA administrator ordered the projects stopped in early March 1939. Eleanor Roosevelt intervened, and work began on the Alazan project in July with the demolition of the 929 substandard structures that occupied the site. Alazan opened some of its units in August 1940 and the rest by early 1941. The project cost nearly $4 million. In less than a year the smaller, adjacent Apache Courts was scheduled for completion at a cost of $1,116,000. The USHA requirement that union labor be used for construction prevented local Mexican Americans from working on the project and added to its cost. The total cost of the five housing projects was over $10 million.
The federal government loaned 90 percent of the necessary funding, while the required 10-percent local contribution was raised through a bond drive. All debts were repaid though rents. By the end of 1942 the 2,554 single-family units in all five projects were open for nearly 10,000 tenants, including 4,994 tenants in the 1,180 single-family dwellings in the Alazan-Apache projects.
The carefully constructed buildings contained multiple single-family dwellings, which ranged from three to 6½ rooms each, including private bathrooms and kitchens. All were equipped with modern appliances. On-site services included library facilities, health clinics, and social, recreational, and educational programs. The cost of the utilities and services was included in the tenants' rent, which ranged from $8.75 to $14.00 a month.
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Eligibility for the housing was determined by minimum and maximum annual salary limits, which varied depending on family size. United States citizenship was required by the SAHA as one way of reducing the number of applicants, who far outnumbered the units available. The occupants of the Alazan-Apache Courts formed a tenants' association to maintain the project, and their courts were judged by some observers to be "the best maintained housing project in the United States." The success of the projects led to demands for more. Tranchese headed the cause. Lack of funding, however, and the developing World War II made the effort unproductive, and public housing development in San Antonio ceased until the 1950s.
Thank you. I always enjoy reading about the history of our neighborhood. I had an opportunity to serve on the SAHA Board many years ago. The history I read was that Fr. Tranchese was very influential in getting the Courts built. He had Ms. Roosevelt come to San Antonio and he took her along Guadalupe Street and showed her the area. She went back to Washington DC and worked very hard behind the scenes getting the legislation accomplished. She was the President's wife and in those days she could not be seen telling the President what to do. There is a great book out on her called "Eleanor" and it tells about her life. To qualify for the Courts they would interview you to see if you would be selected. Years later the Congress changed the rules to whoever applies - first come first serve! Father Edmundo Rodriguez, who helped "COPS" get started remembered the history as well. Congressman Henry B. Gonzales was adamant about anyone trying to tear them down, He always worked hard to get the funds to maintain them. Mike
I lived in "los courts" for quite a few years and there was pride in all the families that lived there. we kept the front and back lawns clean,the windows washed and we were even allowed to plant small plants in our front lawn.you could walk thru the courts neighborhood anytime and see just how well they were kept. unfortunately, some areas have fallen to terrible disrepair. Maybe those are units that are targeted for remodeling. in the 50's the courts were very nice to live in. I hope they continue to house the needy, as they did my family in the 50's. The "Guadalupe" and "El Progresso" were our favorite theatres,and on Sundays' when we got out of those theatres we would walk on the "Progresso side and buy candied apples ,candies, and other goodies from the small doorway shops in that whole building ! great memories !
'APACHE"
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-----Original Message----- From: Ruben Arias Original Message----- From: Flores, Jesus ,jesse.flores korea.army To: Felix Sent: Sun, Jan 23, 2011 11:53 Subject: EL BARRIO-LOS COURTS I lived at 3229 Colima St. I work at the HEB on commerce St. as a bag boy than as a checker. Then I worked at the famers market...Then I joined the army and stay in for 21 year. I decided I liked the Army and started working for the Dept. of the Army as an engineer. I was also a member of Mr. Tafolla's Fan Club. I ended Drop out of School on my senior year. You know I have ask myself the same questions you asked your wife. How in world did a High school dropout end up as a communications engineer. You are so right loads of hard work and paying attention to detail. A few of us made it but we were also disciplined and not afraid of work or to move forward. Taking the next step was a bear at times. Just like you I have traveled the world all over Europe, the Pacific Islands, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Japan, and South Korea. Original Message----- From: To: felixy Sent: Sun, Jan 23, 2011 8:25 pm Subject: EL BARRIO-LOS COURTS Jesse & Domingo "Issy" Pastrano US Army Retired now working for US Army Corp of Engineers! Jesse is stationed in Korea. I'm also an employee of US Army Corp of Engineers as needed for National Emergencies. I worked in Houston after Hurricane Ike. 12 Original Message----- From: Juanita Mora (Tech) Sent: Mon, Jan 24, 2011 10:45 am Subject: EL BARRIO-LOS COURTS This is another testimony of how beautiful our barrio life was. My father Santos Villarreal used to foster young boys and give them work at the restaurant only if they promised to stay in school. Many of these young men called him Papi. Some of them enlisted in the armed forces and went to war ,one in particular was Eddie Villarreal also Roberto Saldana and many more that my mom and dad would help in those difficult times, my dad and mom would buy them shoes ,clothes ,and feed them so they could stay in school. Many of them have gone to meet our Lord. I also remember a man we would call Pilo he also worked with my dad. Santos my brother remembers more he was about 11 years old and already knew Joe Bernal and his family as they frequented our restaurant after 25 years our lease was denied and my dad had to move it devastated my family and El Progresso shut its doors. Original Message----- From: Janie Villarreal Mora (Tech) To: felix Sent: Mon, Jan 24, 2011 9:25 am Subject: RE: En Mi Barrio.....ALAZAN-APACHE COURTS My husband Frank was born on Violeta PL. en Los Courts in 1942 the family occupied a new unit, also I trust Mike Garcia(Tech) and his knowledge. Original Message----- From: antonio cantu To: Felix Sent: Mon, Jan 24, 2011 Subject: EL BARRIO-LOS COURTS Glad you mentioned Tafolla's Hall of Shame. Eddie Garza (my best friend) and I talked about the idea of playing hooky. Finally the last week of our school Eddie and I decided to find out what it was all about before we graduated and lost our last opportunity to find out. So he and I sneaked out of class and headed for the Guadalupe theatre since we had no idea where to go. We were in there no more than half an hour when in walked E G Matheny (later a retired police captain and my bailiff in the court) and pulled us out. We were embarrassed as hell not knowing what we would give as an excuse. He marched us straight in to Tafolla's office. Tafolla proceeded to chew us out. Finally he asked why we did it telling us we had ruined our record at Lanier. I sheepishly told him the truth, that we just had to find out what playing hooky was all about before leaving our high school years behind. He gave us a terrible look and then broke out laughing telling us to get the heck out of his office. We heard him laughing so hard as we walked away not knowing where to go from there. Every time he saw us after that he broke out laughing. We found out what we needed to know and both of us were glad we did it and today I still think it was worth it to have as part of a growing up experience. Don't think Eddie and I ever mentioned it to anyone again. 13 I remember Capt Matheny, big Police Officer. Good story to share about Mr Tafolla. Thanks, Tony. Original Message----- From: Joe S. Martinez To: Felix Sent: Tue, Feb 8, 2011 Subject: Paddlin Tafolla Hey there Mula, Mr T was pretty good by me. In my Junior High years, whenever I would land in his office, he always gave me the choice between his well-used paddle or notifying my dad. I always chose the paddle. As a Senior, he stood up for me when an overzealous young teacher falsely accused me of being disruptive. The following semester said teacher was no longer at Lanier. PS: Richard Menchaca was one of my Lanier Heroes. I attended all the track meets he competed at every level with the exception of one. That one I missed because some school buddies that were going to take me with them to Austin for the state meet forgot I was waiting for them across the street from the school. Honestly, I no longer remember who they were. Time heals all wounds. Joe S Martinez was the 1958 Student Council President that we helped elect. The other Joe Martinez is our retired SAPD Officer. Brother Joe is now a Preacher, he worked with me in the Post Office. Joe, please forgive me, I didn't forget to pick up. The guys said you were too heavy for my old 49 Studebaker. We already had 8 guys & you were the last one to pick up! I'm glad time heals all wounds cause now it might be opened again! Just remember Imy support helped get you elected! Tu Amigo, Mula From: Paul Castillo jr. To: felix Yruegas Sent: Tue, Jan 25, 2011 Subject: RE: EL VATO DE LOS COURTS I remember Capt. Matheny because he used to go to "LA 40" (de Zavala ele.school) to talk to us about staying out of trouble, staying in school and to stay away from carrying switchblade knifes and any other weapons . at that time teen gangs were starting to make themselves known and Capt. Matheny and other juvenile div, officers would go to school to try to convince all of the boys not to join up with any neighborhood gangs. 14 Capt Matheny later went on to become a traffic cop at the intersection of Houston and St. Marys' streets. "apache Hi all, The mention of Capt. Matheny reminded me that I have a certificate, "AWARD OF MERIT", presented by the Alamo Motor Club dated January 19, 1951 and signed by the president of the club; Capt. G.E. Matheny; and MIss Robinson, principal of David Barkley Elementary. The award was for my service as Captain of the School Safety Patrol during my last semester at David Barkley. I understood that Capt. Matheny oversaw whatever involvement the SAPD had with the schools safety patrol programs. The award was presented at the Texas theater at a gathering of patrol kids from all the schools in the city. We got speeches, saw cartoons and got ice cream and other goodies. Before I was patrol Captain, I had been a Lieutenant, but I don't remember who the Captain was then. As the Lieutenant, I covered the corner of Zarzamora and Vera Cruz while the Captain had the corner of Zarzamora and Chihuahua. Also, the article about the Alazan-Apache courts was very interesting even though I never lived there. One bibliography source caught my eye; The Pecan Shellers of S. A. I read-up on the subject which focused on the pecan-shellers strike in 1938. I was curious about the subject because my mother often spoke about when she worked at the "nuezeria", and we had a lot of pecan shell mulch around our yard at Tampico and Calaveras. The story about the pecan shellers is another sad story in the struggles of Mexican-Americans in San Antonio to overcome discrimination and outright abuse. Thanks for all the old folks stories. Art (El Gato) Flores From: Frank "Bowie" Salazar To: felixSent: Thu, Jan 27, 2011 11:42 am Subject: CAPT MATHENY - RETIRED MAJ USMC ARTURO "GATO" FLORES, 1957 Majority of the things that Tony and Gato mentioned were also part of my growing up. Patrol on Guadalupe St. with Ruben Barrientes; If I remember correctly, Ruben was a LT. and Richard Sifuentes a CPT. We also received that certificate that Gato mentioned. We used to ask the girls for bobby pins and then we would shoot them on people's butts! Gacho! I sold popcorn at the Progreso theater; collected pennies (with Blas/Morris Herrera and Johnny my brother) from people buying tickets at the Guadalupe. After we collected enough for a ticket and popcorn, we would go in the theater. When we were 9 or 10 we used to shine shoes at military bases and cut peoples yard. For little league baseball games we would ride our bicycles to the park behind Butter Krust bakery. Tommy Escalante was our coach. We also sold newspaper all along Broadway St, and when we grew up (14 or 15) we started working at HEB. Morris and Johnny did not last very long because they wanted to go to the Lanier school dance. They were doing all kinds of funny and stupid things to get fired (placing 15 large paper bags over their head, dancing with each other in front of the check- out counters, eating customers apples . Tony C was in the same boy scout troop with me, and Mr. Castro (police officer called Blinky and father of Rudy and Tony Castro) was our scout master. Bobby Vasquez was our Patrol Leader, I believe he became a priest. I had to laugh at the story of Tony and Eddie because I can imagine they sneaking into the theater with their eyes wide open for fear that someone would see them. Los Garzas (Emilio, Eddie, Jimmy, and Bobby) were my neighbors on Mirasol St, and Johnny and I received our first boxing lessons from Eddie. Thank God for that because we had a lot of fights with neighborhood guys. They were all great guys and help protect us because we were the youngest guys in the block. Remember the terror of Guadalupe St., Juanio. Casi todos de los courts se juntaban con el. I thank God for my early upbringing and leadership guidance that was provided to me by my Dad, Mr Castro, the Garzas, the Luises Sodality, and my mentor in my teenage years, Mr. Jose Gutierrez, Lanier Teacher. He played a big influence in my life and decisions I've made through my military career and second career. Your amigo, Bowie No wonder our Football Vok went on to a sucessful & distinguished career in the USMC earning a battlefield Commission in Viet Nam. El Gato fro "El Cassiano" y San Alfonso. Gato stayed in San Diego after retirement but annually visits family & friends in SA. Gato, My Mom worked at "la Nuezeria" the year I was born in 1938! Subject: LA 40 Y LA 21! CAPT MATHENY Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:09:52 -0500 From: felix To: MOST OF THE GUYS REMEMBER TOTO SALAS! Original Message----- From: Paul Castillo jr. To: felix Sent: Wed, Jan 26, 2011 Subject: CAPT MATHENY Yes I remember TOTO SALAS ! he used to drive up to where we were sitting on the wall by my courts unit where I lived on Violeta Pl. and stop to talk to the guys there, me, agustine Llano, Vale Llano, rodolfo hernandez, Raul Cano, Vampiro,,a whole bunch of us guys. he would ask us why we were not playing ball on the football field on the other side of the fence where we were sitting on that wall. we would tell him that we didn't have a ball to play with, he would turn and go to his police car, open the trunk and take out a football and throw it to us and say, “now you do.so get out there and play some football" !!! he always had the car’s trunk full of sports equipment! 16 and he would give it to all the kids just sitting around doing nothing all over the west side ! we all respected him for that. "apache" ABOUT THE BOY SCOUTS, ME AND JOE GONZALES (JOE HAD A VERY PRETTY SISTER NAMED LOLITA) HAD A CUB SCOUT TROOP AT THE ALAZAN -APACHE COURTS IN 1953, WE USED TO HAVE OUR MEETINGS AT THEIR MEETING ROOM. WE HAD TO GIVE UP THE MEETING BECAUSE SOME OF THE GANG MEMBERS STARTED THROWING ROCKS THRU THE WINDOWS.WE FINALLY CALLED IT QUITS WHEN THEY SET BROOMS ON FIRE AND THREW THEM THRU THE WINDOWS. SO MUCH FOR TRYING TO DO SOMETHING FOR OUR COMMUNITIES KIDS! I ALSO SHINED SHOES DOWN TOWN,,WE WOULD STOP THE AIRMEN FROM LACKLAND AND ASK THEM IF THEY WANTED A SHINE. WE WOULD ALSO SWIM IN THE SAN ANTONIO RIVER BY THE COMMERCE ST. BRIDGE AND THE SOLDIERS WOULD THROW QUARTERS IN THE RIVER AND WE WOULD DIVE FOR THEM, AFTER ALL THE TIME I SPEND DOWNTOWN SHINING SHOES, I WAS HIRED TO SHINE SHOES AT "TONYS' MIRROR SHINE ACROSS FROM THE TEXAS THEATER,, SO MANY MORE MEMORIES YET TO BE TOLD ! "APACHE" AKA "CROW" From: Paul Castillo jr. To: [email protected] Sent: Mon, Jan 24, 2011 11:14 pm Subject: RE: NAMES - EL BARRIO-LOS COURTS - APACHE Mula, I too was suspended by Mr. Tafolla. sometimes Miss Shireman got me off. She was there for me every time. other "regulars" were Mando De Los Santos and Gil Coronado !!!!! "apache" MANDO, HENRY PEREZ, ALFRED WILBORN &I WERE IN MS SHIREMAN'S ADVISORY WHEN SHE GOT ME SUSPENDED BY MR TAFOLLA. I WAS ONE OF HER FAVORITES! MAYBE NOT???? LOL! I lived at "LOS COURTS" on Colima street right across from the MCI, it was a two story unit. in that 4 building units lived Rachael Recondo , also Richard and Margarito alba ,,, Gerald Garcia, and David and Jerry Walker, then we were moved to Violeta pl. across from the Lanier track field, and in that area lived Agustine, Vale, and Mary LLano, across from me lived Susie Herrera, Richard Lama, and one street down lived Raul "vampiro" Moreal, and close by also lived Raul Cano. when I worked at Mammy's Cafeteria in the Milam 17 Bldg I used to go with some of the other workers to the "white star laundry" across from the Wolf and Marx bldg. to push the carts full of linens up the street for the cafeteria's tables. More later ! this is why all of us that grew up at "los courts" in west side have so many wonderful memories ! "apache" "los courts para siempre" Original Message----- From: Flores, Jesus (Korea) To: Felix Sent: Mon, Jan 24, 2011 Subject: RE: EL BARRIO-LOS COURTS ( There are more of us doing some good around the world than we realized...We lost track of each other in our travels. But, it's good that we are touching base again....El Barrio, How I remember the stories....When we tell people our stories the younger generation just find it hard to believe that we made it work for us and developed trust and close friendships. You can take us out of the West Side, but you'll never take the West Side out of US!!!!! Original Message----- From: isidro pastrano To: Felix Sent: Mon, Jan 24, 2011 Subject: NAMES FROM THE BARRIO Well I lived on El Paso, one house from Nueces and El Cone. next to me Was Carlos Pastrano, next to him was la foca, Joe Lopez 56, next to him was Roland Noreiga and brother Oscar(Marine Korea). next was Billy Davila (Vok)55or56 , on Torreon half a block was Arthur (Tudy )San Migel 57. I called him Arthur Murry because he taught me how to dance for the prom. On trinity between El Paso and Guadalupe was Joe Zurita 56 or 57. Carlos Valdez and brother Frankie(golden glove champion), sister Mary lived on San Fernando across from Trinity meat market. Carlos got married in the 12 grade and dropped out. Little Carlos on our memorial wall lived across from us. I can't think of the last name right now. There were 3 brothers. That's all I remember now, have to go back to the past again. Domingo 18 JOE S MARTINEZ, 1958 STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT REMEMBERS SOME OF THE GUYS! -----Original Message----- From: Joe S. Martinez To: 'Felix' Sent: Sun, Jan 23, 2011 Actually, San Luis and Trinity was about 3 blocks from Durango and San Jacinto where I lived. Rudy Valero’s family was next door, Agustín Aguilar lived across the street from us on the San Jacinto side. Tony Camacho lived a few houses down from us on Durango. Jesse “Cacahuate” Cuellar lived on Fite Alley just off Durango a few houses from us too. Mike Jacobs lived a block away from us at San Jacinto and Saunders. The Cortinas lived a few houses from us for a while when they lived on Durango St. And of course, we all lived about a block away from the Guadalupe Center. Original Message----- From: Ruben Arias To: Felix Sent: Mon, Jan 24, 2011 Subject: EL BARRIO-LOS COURTS - APACHE I lived at "LOS COURTS" 701 Colorado 1958, was too young to remember, but it was across from the San Fernando Cemetery I. Ruben T Arias Original Message----- From: isidro pastrano 19 Domingo Ah,yes! Add my name to the list. We lived at 'los Courts', 409 Rosita Place. Some of my neighbors and classmates were Isaura Trevino; we went to Kindergarten at the MCI. She is class of '55. Sylvia Cortinas, Class of'56 lived a few houses to our left. How many can remember 'La quemadora',el campo santo,y los traques? I was only in 1st grade at La 21.I was transferred to Ruiz Elementary the rest of the time. From Juan Villalpando, class of '56. Original Message----- From: antonio cantu "elvatodeloscourts" To: Felix Sent: Tue, Jan 25, 2011 Subject: NAMES FROM THE BARRIO - The quemadora and surrounding dump and creek were my playground. I lived at 1113 S. Brazos, almost directly across and within walking distance of the Cardona welding shop. The creek, especially, was Eddie Garza's and my paradise. So many times he and I spent sketching and painting through the jungle-like creek I am attaching a photo dated February 1953 of a shack along the creek that Eddie and I loved to sketch. Never got around to painting it but I also attach a photo of a painting that I started along the creek with Eddie. We were both painting and got caught in a terrible downpour ( later I will tell you more about how we got out of the mess) that completely destroyed everything along the creek that we were painting. I never finished it but kept it that way as a remembrance. You can see in the background signs of the brand new expressway that ended on Laredo street. Great beautiful memories. WOW! INOLVIADALVES MEMORIAS - 1953 PHOTO CREEK & SKETCH - CARDONA WELDING - NEW FREEWAY AT LAREDO ST - EDDIE GARZA, 1957, GREAT MUSICIAN (DECEASED) From: Paul Castillo jr. 20 Izzy, I remember those guys too, we called Joe zurita "Hoss" and his little brother "Pony" arthur san miguel used to go to "el con" too and so did his older brother,,,,George,,, I believe ithat's his name. after George joined the air force he would drop by late at night and drop off a case of beer to whoever was there that late ! one night Eddie Hinojosa and I had stopped there one night after George had dropped off a case of beer, we sat down and drank with the guys there,,,after awhile Eddie and I decided to leave because it was real late and we had to go to school the next day,we had gone about 50 ft. when the police swooped down to the corner and picked up the guys that that were still there !!!!!! a close call ! gonna try to remember some more old times ,,,, "apache" Original Message----- From: Paul Castillo jr.To: felix Subject: actual police comments which brings to mind an incident that happened to me, the asst.mgr of the clothing store where I worked and another worker. We decided to go to Corpus Christi after work and spend the week-end there at the beach, I was riding in the back seat and other two fellow workers were in the front yaking away drinking beer as we made our way to Corpus Christi, I just happened to look back and saw a highway patrol car with his lights on right behind us,we pulled over and he told us that we were speeding. We talked to him while he wrote the ticket, soon as he was done we all got ready to take off again and the driver of the carasked him,"how far is Corpus from here" the trooper replies,,"about 80 miles" my friend asks him the following question "how long will it take us to get there" ???? the trooper replies "it all depends on how fast you go" !!!!!! lololol this really happened in 1965 !!!!! this is another one for Marcial and Richard !!!!!! you know,, we all have a lot of stories to tell about our childhood. those memories are with us forever.it was a fantastic time in our lives. we had very little but what we had,,we shared ! I feel so privilaged to be able to see all of my school mates when I go to our gathering at Ray's Drive In. all the ones that are still here,we have lost a lot of our friends along the way. but we, the ones that are still here should glad to be able to see and talk to all the ones that have made it this far, there is no room in our lives for anger, jelousy, hard feelings,or grudges towards our lifelong friends that we shared so much with. enjoy their company, and above all,,their friendship. that's all we have left. I want to thank all of you for being a part of my life,, your friendship,,,my lifelong friends. "apache" 21 Apache - your friendship is a personal source of pride for me. I agree totally with your comments. PS: Do you or anyone else at Ray's remember a Mrs. Zepeda (Margaret) who worked at Guadalupe Center, Alazan Apache Courts and later Cassiano Homes? She is my 95 year old Mother-in-Law! Abrazos, Gil Original Message----- From: Minnie Brittain To: Paul Castillo Felix Yruegas Yes, Paul/Apache, we all need each other! Two things: One: It's great we went to Lanier (Tech has come aboard). Two: Email has brought us closer; we're sharing memories/thoughts we probably wouldn't in person, perhaps to a certain extend only. I told my son, Dwayne (deceased), years ago "Talk to those who are quiet." Well, he talked to EVERYONE, and probably made their day! If you disliked someone in school, give them a chance. Don't let those old sentiments affect our friendship this far and this late into our lives. We need healing, acceptance, love, touch, unity; some of us may not have healed yet. If we knew the personal burdens carried behind some smiles we'd be shaken to our roots. A Spanish friend once said "Por algo lo hace." Yes, we act the way we act for a reason. For the little while we're together at Ray's once a month we can be kind and reach out. Like Apache says "Our friendship is all we have left" (figure of speech). It's good to know that when our sun sets for the last time we won't be alone; some Lanierite will be holding our hand. Have a blessed day! Minnie Thanks for all the old folks stories. Art (El Gato) Flores Original Message----- From: Carmen Aguilar To: Felix 22 -----Original Message----- From: Andrew Orosco To: felix Sent: Fri, Jan 28, 2011 9:25 am Subject: My first meeting To all the lanier alumni (lanierites) that were at Rays yesterday I stand up and applaud each and every one of you. The amount of work you all do, the amount of love and affection shared by this group is something I have never witnessed before. I will be more than happy to join this group, and help in anyway possible. I am part of 3 generations who graduated from Lanier. My Mom graduated in 1938, I graduated in 1972, and my niece in 2005. I will try and bring more people from my class and others into the group so that more , and more can get involved. As I write this letter I am listening to some old 45's (jukebox). I am listening to Monsanto ( A Move El Bote), Royal Jesters (Sing A Song For Peace) to name a couple. If I get a chance I will do my best to put all these memories on cd and bring them to the next meeting hopefully. As I was saying these songs came from the Ice-ORama ice house, which was located on Zaramora and Buena Vista. I am now committed more to helping than ever before, and it is all due to the fact that i saw, felt, and witnessed the love shared by the Lanierites @ Rays. Andrew, WOW! 3 generations of Lanier Grads. I was born in 1938, graduated in 1957 with Arturo Lopez, owner of Ray's. We have about 20 1957 Classmates that regularly attend Ray's. Royal Jesters Oscar Lawson & Louis Escalante are 57 Grads. Louie also played football & basketball with me since Jr Hi. Dimas Garza Royal Jester also attended Ray's before he passed away. We are an informal group, no officers, no fees, gathered together to reminisce about our Lanier days & El Barrio. We try to help others with spiritual and financial help. We have a group of Lanierites whop pray for those that are in poor health and those who lose their love ones. We also have fund raisers to provide scholarships for needy Lanier graduates. We awarded $14,000 in 2010 and we raised $18,650 for 2011 Lanierite scholarships when we UNITED with Fox Tech Alumni for The Chili Bowl Gala on Nov 6, 2010, Everyone helps in their own special manner. You have a wonderful testimony about how You died and were brought back to life. Your desire to help others and serve God goes along with what Lanierites try to do. You and family/friends/classmates are welcomed to join us. We gather on the last Thur every month to celebrate B-Days. Welcome aboard, Bien Venido, Nuevo Amigo. Mula 1957 23 forwarded Message ---- From: gloria robledo nelson Subject: Los courts Hi Minne, Isn't it funny after 50 some years, I fiind out that we all live en los courts. I knew Luis Escalante live caddy corner from us and of course you know Mary Jane Zapata (Nena) lived in the building across from me. When we were getting ready to go out or to school, we would yell across the way, "Are you ready?" and the whole neighborhood would hear us. That's the way life was in the 50's, before cell phones. Now family members call each other while they're in the same house to come for dinner, or if they want to know something...what fun they're missing yelling for each other. We moved to 418 Rosita Place in 1952 while I was in 6th grade, I went to the 21 school for 3 weeks, can you belive, so did Tony Cantu and Oscar Lawson, but we never met, what with my very short attendance at that school. I always thought that you and Carmen, Stella and all my friends were rich cause you lived in real houses and had a father that work. My father had died in October 1950 (I was barely 11 years old and my little brother was 2 yrs. old). We lived as close to San Jacinto as possible and we could see all the kids pass by so I would see Carmen and all of you so I could we (Nena and I) could follow all of you to Lanier. Now Carmen told me she thought I was rich cause I worked and live at los courts. Anyway, isn't it ironic, we all lived very close to each and never knew it. I have very good memories of our school days, just the people that wrote the letters you forward to me. I guess the scariest thing that happened was when Gerald (I forgot his last name, could've been Garcia) was killed at the beginning of our senior. He was in my typing class, very quiet and seem very nice. I think they shot him in the playground that we cross while come back late at night from the games (Nena and I). Long story. There's more, but too long. I guess we could all write a book about our childhood. There's a good book that I have enjoyed reading and I could relate to it and I'm sure lots of us would. It's called Caramelo by Sandra Cisneros, very lite, very funny. When I was reading she talked about nicknames like the the kids we knew...like Mula, Moco and so forth. They called one of the guys Reloj because he was born with one arm shorter thant the other. It wasn't funny that he was born that way, just the funny name. This is a very enjoyable book, you can read it a little at a time. It took me forever and I want to read it again. It also reminds me of our family members when we were growing up, also mentions San Antonio and the funny names of the streets....like Calaveras, Picoso (hot sauce), etc. Anyway, if you're in the bookstore, you can ask for it and scan it. Thanks, my friend, for sharing those letters that bring back memories. I don't read everything. I did enjoy viewing the video that showed el barrio. Goodnight and sweet dreams God bless gn Original Message----- From: Paul Castillo jr. To: felix Subject: Tafolla email - 24 you gotta remember where our school was located, it was in the toughest part of town ! there were so many gangs around our barrio and thru-out the west side. let's not put on blinders when we talk about our barrio. it was a dangerous time for all the teen-agers and young men at that time. it was the only school in the city to be completely encircled by a chain-link fence, the only school with student I.D. cards ! there were fights all the time between rival gang members in and out of the school grounds, I remember on one occasion when we were having a pep rally in front of the auditorium, Mr Brewer was making a speech to pep up the students for the upcoming game, I do believe it was the annual TECH-LANIER GAME,,, the Lanier Band was just below him playing our school fight song.he had just finished telling the student body that we were going to win because we stuck together as a family and had the greatest school spirit in the city,,, when all of a sudden two rival gangs started fighting in front of him !!! yes there were a lot of us that got suspended for one thing or another I was no exception but,, Mr.Tafolla had to be tough at times,, and sometimes his judgement was not what it should've been but ,he had a very tough job keeping all the boys in line,,,, and I'm sure a lot of you guys know what I'm talking about. I was no angel either ! "apache" a member of Mr.Tafolla's Hall of shame -----Original Message----- From: Joe Bernal To: Felix Sent: Sun, Feb 6, 2011 Subject: Tafolla email - There were gangs, but in most cases they didn't bring their fights to the school...after school yes, but I never saw any during school hours. Not doubting Apache on this, but it was more the exception than the rule to have them fight in school. David Montejano, San Antonio product, is presently a professor of Ethnic Studies at at the U. of Calif. at Berkeley and now a historian, wrote about the Chicano movement, "Quixote’s Soldiers," U. of Texas Press, in which he connects the gangs coming into the forefront due to the Mexican American Youth Organization (MAYO), mostly University Youths attending St. Mary’s U., that had gotten money from the Ford Foundation. Their efforts were to turn gangs from fighting territorial fights into politicizing them and turning into fighting for La Causa. Eventually MAYO turned into La Raza Unida, a third Party Political group that ran local and statewide races. In the book Montejano writes about many gangs, among those were the Ghost Town, El Detroit, La India, La Espiga, Los Tigers, the Circle, El Charco, La Mafia, El Dot, El Corner, Chicago, Los Osos, El Con, Los Apaches, Lakesiders, los Colonias, etc., etc., They were also being studied by Mike Bustamante and a Mr. Buford from Wesley Community Center. At the GCC, I had ta group of youngsters we called the Gang Busters, a junior group ...tough guys like "Iron" Mike Jacobs, "Vicious" Henry Lopez, and Art "Killer" Lopez, and many others...to help keep them from future gangs!!! (I'm kidding about the nicknames) The Settlement houses like Wesley, House of Neighborly, Good Samaritan, MCI, and GCC were aware and added another reason why we needed to work with young kids. According to the book, gangs were not in the forefront in the early 1950s, but did become quite visible in the late '50s and 1960s. 25 Maybe some of readers, Mula, can identify more gangs and where they hung out. When growing up around El Progreso (There was no Guadalupe theatre then) we always heard of the Venus (it was an old theater like El Progreso) gang on Zarzamora and Guadalupe and you were not supposed to enter their territory. Others known then were El Con, on the corner of Guadalupe and Pecos, and La Espiga, in the Irving Jr. Hi area. Joe "Chema" Bernal, Class of '44 WOW! Dr Bernal identified many of the gangs from the 1950's & 1960's. The 1940's was a much different era of gangs which Dr Bernal states gangs didn't bring fights to the school. In the 1950's, the time that Apache, 1956, & I grew up, gangs became more daring & violent, but not inside school grounds. Martin's brother, Gilbert Nieto,1955, Vok Track, & I used to walk all over the West Side in all different gang's territories (Alazan Courts, Ghost Town, La Apache, El Con, Los Colonias, El Cassiano) & were never bothered or threatened, maybe because Gil & I were recognized as Voks??? I used to go play at GCC with Dr Bernal (Chema) & Mando Balderrama, MCI, Cassiano, knew the guys at Ghost Town, La Apache, El Con on El Paso (different Con than Dr Bernal's Con on Guadalupe & Pecos!) There some fights during school hours but I think it was more between personalities than gang fights. Guys growing up in different parts of El Barrio just wanted an identity more than wanting violence. Everyone was proud of their "Corner." We all remember Gerald Garcia shot & killed at the playground in the Courts from MCI. One of the unsolved crimes that didn't make sense & I don't recall anyone ever knowing what caused it??? Richard Menchaca, 1958 Track Vok, State Champ, High School & College All- American, North Texas State University Hall of Fame, is writing a book about his experiences with the gangs in his neighborhood. I'm sure Richard will mention many of the gangs Dr Bernal named. Everyone will have a different story about gangs depending on where which corner they grew up & association with friends some of whom were considered "Gang Members" but actually "Amigos" hanging "juntos." I was in the middle ground of many gangs & I never experienced any problems unlike some other students. Sports kept me out of trouble mula Original Message----- From: clem murguia To: Felix Sent: Sun, Feb 6, 2011 - Hey Mula es Clemente - There was a gang on Commence and Colorado called Los Arroyos. It had several Lanier guys in it. There was also a gang at the corner of Martin and Colorado called La India, they were friends with another gang 26 further down Colorado called Riverside. There was another gang that was on Commerce and San Jacinto called the State Drug Store. Mind you these were lesser gangs, not as notorious as the ones you mentioned. Nevertheless they were gangs in the 50's and 60's era. Althought I did not attend Lanier, I grew up on Pinto and Travis around where all of these gangs were located. Much apologies Clemente Murguia Holy Cross High School '61 Original Message----- From: To: Felix Sent: Tue, Feb 8, 2011 Subject: GANGS - WHICH GANG WAS THE MEANEST GANG OF ALL?? From my viewpoint, our gangs at the time were not considered "gangs" as the LA Crips, Bloods, and the like. They were more like groups that hung around together, but they were not organized. Ours are called gangs by the media, but they are not organized. I'm not talking about the EME and the Mexican Mafia. These are heavy hitters. Original Message----- From: juan villalpando To: Felix Sent: Tue, Feb 8, 2011 Subject: WHICH GANG WAS THE MEANEST GANG OF ALL?? It was the Navidad/San Carlos/Chihuahua Marauders. We use to go to the Apache Meat Packing Company on Tampico Street and drink fresh blood before we went down to the creek and do our rituals. WOW! My Street Navidad & I didn't even know they drank "FRESH BLOOD" from APCO! Juan V was a "BAD" Dude for being a Drum Major! Actually most of our gangs were friends that hanged around particular corners wanting to claim & protect their area. Some fights nothing really serious. Gangs - like the "Bloods & Crips" those are notorious Gangs. The most vicious gangs now a days are the EME, Mexican Mafia & similar. Difference now is the drug trade! Original Message----- From: Yolanda Morales To: Felix 27 But, I do have a question for you- when Lanier had their dances, only students could come and they could bring a date, but it wasn't opened to the public-am I correct? I remember that I was a member of the student council and we were planning a dance and one of the bands we wanted to hire were the Dell Kings, they play great, but Mrs. Dominguez(student council sponsor) said Mr. Brewer said we could not hire them because even though the rest of the band members were Hispanic the lead singer was black that might attract black people to the dance. One of the student council members answered 'well maybe if we had some black students, we might have a better football team", needless to say, she didn't think it was funny. We live in entire different world now-thank God. Yolanda Morales Sent: Sunday, February 06, 2011 11:58 AM Subject: GANGS We had to walk across the tracks to get to Lanier. As to gangs we had no problem with them. There were gangs all over S. A. but there no problems at school. The teachers that were at Lanier then were all very good and I have fond memories of all those that helped me get to where I am today. Keep up the good work and God Bless you. I could go on, but this is a cuento de nunca acabar. Original Message----- From: David Rodriguez To: Felix Sent: Thu, Feb 10, 2011 GANGS Hi Felix, I have been reading all the e-mails you have received on the old neighborhood around Lanier. My time at Lanier was during the second war and it was a different time. People were all involved with the war effort. The shops in school were involved making models for the cadets being trained to fly at all the air bases in S.A. I lived and grew up around the market square area. Our home was in an alley on Pecos St. between Matamoras and Monterrey. The address was 315 Pecos, I believe the college is located where the house was in an alley. We had no running water, no bath facilities and no electricity. When college coaches started recruiting me, they had to come and talk to me over the fence! Guess they were embarrassed to see the conditions we lived in. DAVID RODRIGUEZ, WAS 6'5" TALL ON THE 1943 & 1945 LANIER VOKS STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS. DAVID'S NUMBER WAS RETIRED AT THE NOV, 2010 DEDICATION OF THE LANIER ALUMNI CENTER, COACH "NEMO" HERRERA GYM. DAVID WAS NAMED ALL- 28 STATE 2 YRS, EARNED ALL-AMERICAN HONORS JR COLLEGE AND AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON. HE WAS HEAVILY RECRUITED TO PLAY COLLEGE BASKETBALL. HIS STORY On 2/1/11, antonio cantu wrote: Apache, One of my hobbies while at Lanier was collecting names of bar in and around the barrio. Some that I remember were,"La Gloria eres tu". 'El cada noche un amor'. "Si voy me quedo bar'"El canton de mis amigos". "Hey guy,this the Butterfly#2". "Sapo's place", "Bigotes Place", "El dale shine", "La Chula Mula", "ABC Lounge (de los jotitos)Rudy Reyes' hang out, and others that escape my mind. Tell Tony to add the 1 2 3 Bar on Laredo St. (close to Cibolo St). The owner's name was Beatrice, called "La B" My neighbor says there was another 123 Bar close to el Teatro Nacional. Original Message----- From: nicolas rodriguez To: Felix Subject: Re: el barrio bar names! and after hour eating places after drinking all night. Felix we used to go and eat BARBACOA D T AT LOS APACHES AND " EL ZAZ" barbcoa tacos were 15cents coffee 5 cents and they had salsas tomatoes pico de rooster etc . there was also "EL ZAZ " on west commerce & 19th. also down the street "panchos grill all open 24 hours . 24 hr barbacoa all meat" member ? you member. NICK, WHO COULD FORGET LOS APACHES & EL ZAZ! DELICIOUS. MULA Original Message----- From: Arturo Limon To: Felix felix Sent: Mon, Feb 7, 2011 9:51 am Subject: el barrio bar names! and after hour eating places after drinking all night and do not forget the bar on Colima and Zarzamora....Mi Officina. This is where the famous pool player "Mala Cara" use to play..... From: Paul Castillo jr to: felix sent:on, Feb 7, 2011 Subject: el barrio bar names! and after hour eating places after drinking all night 29 Ey Nico, I remember that "los Apaches" restaurant was on commerce across from Penners ? then the moved further down to one block from Zarzamora St. and yes they had the best barbacoa tacos in town."EL ZAZ" used to have their famous slogan "ZAZ ! QUE SABROZA ESTAS" remember ? and who can forget " PANCHOS GRILL" on commerce and 24th St. one of the very few places that one could buy flour tortillas in a package ! great mexican food too !!! "apache" From: minnie brittain To: Felix Sent: Mon, Feb 7, 2011 Subject: el barrio bar names! and after hour eating places after drinking all night "Member" you "Member" the cafe across from the Court House. I don't "member" the name, I believe House was part of the name. It's still there but I believe under another name. Original Message----- From: antonio cantu To: Felix Sent: Mon, Feb 7, 2011 Subject: el barrio bar names! and after hour eating places after drinking all night. The special at El Zaz "Que sabroso estas" was menudo con pata", rermember? Original Message----- From: Paul Castillo jr. TONY ! do you remember "THE QUICK LUNCH" ????? "apache" Original Message----- From: antonio cantu To: Felix Sent: Mon, Feb 7, 2011 Yes, but can't remember where it was. To Minnie, the gal wanting to know about the cafe across the courthouse, it was the "Little House". There was another well known cafe next to the courthouse where the justice center is now. It was Zupan's and was next door to the old KEDA radio station, Good ole Jalapeno radio with Ricky Davila as Guero Polka. Original Message----- From: Paul Castillo jr Ey Nico, ? and who can forget " PANCHOS GRILL" on commerce and 24th St. one of the very few places that one could buy flour tortillas in a package ! great mexican food too !!! "apache" 30 Original Message----- From: bowie To: felix Sent: Tue, Feb 8, 2011 I loved the carne guisada tacos from Pancho's Grill. I have yet to find a place that/ makes them/ like they did. Original Message----- From: Sandra Salas To: Felix How can I forget? Little House Cafe - owner Grace's mother and after she passed away, Grace (beautiful green eyes) took over with her daughters. I frequented that restaurant for more than 15 years. I went there everyday except Saturday. Even after I went to work at the Post Office, I went by every time I went downtown. Eat the same thing, wieners/gravy with beans. What a delight. I don't believe I ever had anything else. God bless all of you. From: minnie brittain To: Sandra Salas Sent: Tue, February 8, 2011 Subject: Little House Cafe Who is Grace? Is it still their Cafe? My daughter, Diana, '81, loved it, so did rest of us! Minnie Forwarded Message ---- From: Sandra Salas Original Message----- From: minnie brittain To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Wed, Feb 9, 2011 Subject: EDDIE'S ON CERALVO Minnie, favorite place for PO guys! mula Have you all tried Eddie's on Ceralvo, next to Wendy's? I know Carmelo S. has, we saw him there. They have an enchilada special for $3.99, comes with tea. They call it enchilada and steak special but the meat is a small, thin portion; to me it's a hefty plate. Enchiladas 31 are good with their own special sauce! I've been wanting to tell you about this special Carmen. They have other specials if you go by a certain time. By the way, I believe this month they are opening another Eddie's on Thousand Oaks !! Avientate! I don't like their sodas, not in cans. The tea is OK. Original Message----- From: Arturo Limon To: Felix Sent: Wed, Feb 9, 2011 Talk about great food....don't forget.....The Coney Island Hot Dog across from the Empire Theater on St. Mary's St. Hot dogs were only 10 cents and they also had good Chile con Carne bowls for 20 cents. You could have the chile with crackers or fresh white bread (Butter Crust). The restaurant had school type chairs and a couple of tables in back. The student chairs were the ones with the ink bottle wells. We use to go by and get about ten hot dogs and then head to the State Theater which was only 9 cents to see two movies, cartoon, episodes of The Rocket Man, Lash LaRue, Cisco Kid and Pancho, or Superman episodes. Great fun and all doable with our 25 cents weekly allowance. (The allowance came from our Friday and Saturday's shoe shine efforts) arturo limon From: Yolanda Morales To: Felix Sent: Fri, Feb 11, 2011 Subject: CONEY ISLAND HOT DOGS - " You are so right, the best Hot Dogs hands down, *Coney Island were the best! And, oh, why did you mention those donuts from Woolworth, they were delicious, when I worked at Joske's I would bring a dozen home every week, then my neighbors started to ask me to bring some home. They were so good. Yolanda Morales -----Original Message----- From: Carmelo Sustaita To: felix Sent: Thu, Feb 10, 2011 Talking about a good eating place, does anybody remember: LA Guera's Fonda on Laredo and el callejon de la Paloma? This place was right behind the Los Cocos bakery and the Palermo bar on on the corner of Guadalupe and Laredo . This was a sidewalk taqueria establishment and she sold the best five cent tacos, enchiladas and quesadillas in the area. At one time she had a couple of stand up benches and you could eat there. I took my military ball and prom dates to eat there after the dances. Talk about big time...... Earl Ables al aire libre! Cheers, Carmelo Ahijado Carmelo, 32 We used to play for Palmero's Lounge (not Bar!) Pete Carreon owner. Martin Nieto, Mario Cortinas, Chinche, Chente Martinez, etc at the old Gonzales Field out on Hwy 90! The owner kept us juiced up! Original Message----- From: Richard and Queta Contreras To: Felix Sent: Thu, Feb 10, 2011 LA GUERA'S FONDA - Hey, I remember Los tacos de la Guera. She had delicious tacos, enchiladas and gorditas and they were not expensive. Can't say I ever went there after a prom but my Dad used to take us to buy food there. I remember the Quick Lunch, too. I loved the fish they fixed there and as for Chale Papas, his burgers were the best. You couldn't beat 5 burgers for a dollar. Does anyone remember the restaurant "La Casa Blanca". It used to be right across the street from the Santa Rosa. I think the Rosa Verde Building is now where the restaurant used to be. I remember they had the best arrozo con pollo and after going to the Alameda for a Pedro Infante movie, my Dad and Mom would take us to eat there. What a treat that was. Thinking back now, I really don't know how my Dad and Mom managed to treat us every now and then Original Message-----From: nicolas rodriguez To: Felix Original Message----- From: Yolanda Morales To: Felix LA GUERA'S FONDA - Yes, La Guera moved to Ceralvo street, after the city tore down that neighborhood. The family name was Aparicio and the taco stand is now run by the daughters, it's called Aparicio's & it's a couple of blocks east of Zarzamora on Ceralvo, when I'm in the side of town I go and pick up tacos, and enchiladas, they are still delicious and cheap. They are open on Friday's, Saturday's and Sunday's.They have picnic tables in the front of the stand. Yolanda Morales, Original Message----- From: Santos Villarreal To: felix yruegas sent: Fri, Feb 11, 2011 LITTLE HOUSE CAFE - - QUICK LUNCH - I worked downtown for 34 years and ate at the Little House many times. They had great food and great tortillas. It was difficult when they started getting a seat 33 because they had a counter with very few seats and maybe three small tables. As for the Quick Lunch, I can probably name 30 guys from Lanier that at one time or another I worked with part-time at the Express and News in the mailroom. On Sunday mornings we would finish work at about 5:am and go eat breakfast at the Quick Lunch. Loved their biscuits and it was affordable. The other place we would go eat at that hour was Truckers Cafe, I think it was on Produce Row. Santos Original Message----- From: Mingarcia To: felix Sent: Tue, Feb 8, 2011 Subject: MANUEL CHAVERIA Hello Mulita: You mean Manuel Chavarria? When we were children, he lived three houses down from my house on Chihuahua St. He lived on the corner of Chihuahua and 18th Streets. Gosh, we would fight alot as kids in the neighborhood as kids always do. Manuel graduated from Lanier in 1958 or 1959. He joint the Marine Corp and went to Viet-Nam. Manuel was a highly decorated Marine having done several trips to Viet Nam. He was awarded the Purple Heart once or twice among other honorary medals. One time when the Lanier Fabulous 50s Club were having a meeting at Lisa's on Bandera his son walks in and tells us if he can joint the club on behalf of his father who really loved Sidney Lanier High School. His son I think graduated from Central or Holy Cross. The club allowed him to join the club on behalf of his father, Manuel Chavarria. Manuel passed away about 10 or so years ago, I am not sure of the years and was burried at Fort Sam Houston as a Highly decorated Viet Nam Veteran. Is he the Chavarria you all are talking about? Well that is what I know about him. Scrawny kid to a Highly decorated Viet-Nam Vet. Stay Well, God Bless, As Always, MInerva Ortiz Garcia Minnie, Yes, Manuel played football w/ us in 1956. I had heard he was a decorated Marine. Thank you for the info. May Manuel Rest In Peace. mula Original Message----- From: Carmelo Sustaita To: felix Sent: Wed, Feb 9, 2011 8:54 am Subject: MANUEL CHAVERIA - LANIER USMC HERO Padrino, I knew Manuel's family from way back, Some time his older brothers Paul and Bruno would hang around with us. Since Manuel was younger , he 34 kinda stayed in the background. My Father had a 1932 Chev. coup with rumble seat that he traded with Manuel's dad for a 1934 chev.sedan. We were moving on up! In the late seventies or early eighties President Reagan came to NASA for some presentation b/s and landed there at Ellington Field, my place of operation. This old NASA Flt Inspector called me and told me to get on out there to the flight line that there was some guy with the Presidential party, from San Antone that wanted to speak to me. I knew it wasn't Henry B.,so I was very curious. It turned out to be this big sharp Marine Master Sargent that headed the Presidential Marine helicopters and crews that accompany the Pres on this trips. It was Manuel Chavarria, at first I didn’t recognized him until we started talking. Boy! you talk about a sharp dude, that he was an a HMFICC! (As the Bros say, Head MF in Complete charge) He told me he was retiring from the service and that he would be looking for a job preferably here in Texas. I introduced him to my fellow aircraft folks and they said there wouldn't be any problem bringing him on with all the special credentials he had, they would love to have him! Later on that year Manuel called me and told me he was going to stay in the DC area for a while and that was the last I heard from him until my bother told me he was at Kelly Field. May he rest in peace! Cheers, Carmelo -----Original Message----- From: Paul Castillo jr To: felix Sent: Wed, Feb 9, 2011 Subject: RE: MANUEL CHAVERIA - LANIER USMC HERO regarding Manuel Chavarria, I believe he played football at Lanier, and I also heard from other Marines that while serving his country in Viet-Nam he was seriously wounded and while being left for dead by the Viet-Cong, he disarmed several mines that had been planted on that road to kill any other American soldiers that would come to the aid of their fallen comrades. is this the same Manuel Chavarria ? "apache" From: Janie Villarreal Mora To: felix Sent: Wed, Feb 9, 2011 MANUEL CHAVERIA - LANIER USMC HERO Felix I knew Manuel very well his wife Betsy Cruz Chavarria and I were good friends And we were neighbors for 20 years we belonged to ST Dominic’s Church and we would visit them always I remember that he was wounded in Vietnam and yes he was a decorated Hero Manuel was a very good person and he had a good 35 HEART the Son that MInnie was talking about was ELOY and I can contact him if you need to talk to him Original Message----- From: Arturo Limon To: Felix Sent: Thu, Feb 10, 2011 Subject: Re: GANGS - We did have blacks when I attended Lanier. Can't think of their names. We even had some whites.... IN THE 50'S TEXAS WAS SEGREGATED. in the 60's it came down. I believe my Postal Pal from Tech, Mando Montelongo Vok Coach recruited a bunch to play football at Lanier. It did make for better teams at Lanier. Can you imagine if Warren McVea & the other West Siders had attended Lanier instead of going cross-town to Brack? Original Message----- From: Arturo Limon To: Felix Sent: Thu, Feb 10, 2011 Subject: BLACKS @ LANIER Man, how can't forget "segregation"....the buses had signs above the driver's head which read "All colored to the rear". Well, this also applied to us. The Majestic Theater had a Colored Only Entrance down the alley off St Mary's. The Aztec and Texas Theater did too. Yep, right next to St Mary's University Law School and downtown. Heck, I remember on one event our Boy Scout Troop Leader, Mr. Joe Pina (San Alphonso Church), took the scouts on a camping trip to Landa Park, New Braunfels. One look inside the trucks and cars by the person collecting the entrance fee, well, that's all it took. They ask us to leave. I'm sure some of you also have some memories of segregation in San Antonio. arturo limon have told my New Braunfels, Tx story before & it's worth repeating. In 1954 when I went on my 1st trip "Out of Town" to NB with the Basketball Voks, we arrived early in DT, NB. Bunch of us went to a store to buy some drinks & eats. we tried to order but the Big Guy behind the counter refused to serve us. We went to get our Coach Al Jensen (6"11" Tall) & told him we were refused. Coach went with us & told the man we were his players from SA. The Big Guy steadfastly refused & in a LOUD, ANGRY VOICE TOLD Coach Jensen, "See that sign?" The sign 36 behind the counter said" NO SERVICE TO DOGS OR MEXICANS." Needless to say we didn't get any drinks or eats. Man, I was 15 yrs. I used to think it was a nightmare? But my 1957 Classmate Lionel Sosa wrote a book "The Americano Dream." In the book Lionel describes the sign(s) that list "dogs first and Mexicans below dogs!" It happened to me. That's why I never go to NB for any reason. WOW! It's been 57 yrs, Arturo Limon. mula GREAT PHOTOS! WOW! OSCAR KIRCHNER, MARTIN R. - ALAZAN-APACHE MENS CLUB - YOUR FAMILY - FIESTA PARADE ALL PRICELESS! Original Message----- From: Tony gamez To: Felix Yruegas Subject: Photos Date: Thursday, February 10, 2011, 6:10 PM 1.Mom and Dad with Terry 2. Alazan Apache Mens Club, at casa grande Restraunt, Frank Gomez (Owner) at left corner-1949-1950 3. Osca Kirchner, Greg Luna, Martin Rodriguez 4. Lanier's Honor Guard, Fiesta Parade-1952 5. Bobby, Gloria, and Rich 37 38 Subject: WEDDING CEREMONY - RAY'S THUR 4:45 PM FEB 24, 2011 12th HR HINT Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 23:38:32 -0500 From: [email protected] To: WEDDING CEREMONY 5 PM 12th HR HINT: When is a Wedding Ceremony not a Wedding? Are you tired of hints & ready to know WHO? Be there as a Witness. LANIERITE FEB 2011 BIRTHDAYS: FEB 4 - IRMA CORTINAS FANNIN 5 - MARGIE MARTINEZ CAZARES 7 - RICHARD ALBA 8 - MARGIE HERNANDEZ YRUEGAS* 9 - MARGARITO ALBA 9 - ERASMO FLORES 12 -TILLIE ALBA 13 - ARTURO LIMON 15 - HENRY JIMENEZ 18- JULIO GONZALES 18 - CORRINE LOPEZ 19 - JOHN HERNANDEZ* 19 - DOMINGO "IZZY" PASTRANO* 20 - FLORENTINO "SONNY" LOPEZ* 21 - GIL CORONADO* 22 - FRANCES ORTIZ ORTEGA 22 - PETE MORENO JR 24 - ANNIE MADRID RAMIREZ 28 - HOPE LOPEZ MORALES 28 - RUBEN MARTINEZ* 28 - JESSE ALONZO* 39 *REGULAR RAY'S LANIERITES Original Message----- From: Paul Castillo jr. To: felix Subject: WEDDING CEREMONY - RAY'S THUR 4:45 PM FEB 24, 2011 12th HR HINT I'll be a witness alright,,,gotta make sure that son-of-a-gun don't back out !!!!!!! after all the rig-a ma-roo he's caused the lanierites from RAY's !!!!!! "apache" " LET"S HAVE SOME FUN YA'LL " it's gonna be a rootin' tootin wedding !!!!! ese style !!!!! ORALE !!!!!! -----Original Message----- From: Felix Lanierites, It's been a guessing game. Thank you for "Engaging!" Less than 12 hrs to go! It's all in fun! Let's see who came up Short??? BE THERE - "I DO!" DOES. Come meet Chari, if you haven't. Tony's Fiance! Orale, Mula Chari, Tony Cantu's Fiancé was there. It wasn't Tony Cantu, Tony Pena or Tony Ochoa. It wasn't Arturo Lopez, Carmelo Sustaita, Mario Cortinas or Mula! The Judge was there and The Priest was There. He was "Short" and she is "Sweet." Most were fooled, most guessed wrong, except for one! Nick Rodriguez. Feb 24, 1957 at St Alphonsus Church Father Roberto Pena married them. 54 years later Judge Cantu has a wonderful civil ceremony reaffirming their marriage vows. Father Pena has a beautiful and spiritual Blessings reading from the Bible. Lanierites were "witnesses" to the meaningful word on Marriage Vows. The Bride marched down Ray's aisle the song "Here comes the Bride" playing. 40 Best man Arturo Lopez escorted the Bride to the Bridegroom to the Judge and to the Priest. Very memorable and emotional event not to be forgotten by all present. The Bridegroom's Nephew Mariachi played for the Couple. Introducing Mr & Mrs Martin Nieto! Celia! Celia! Celia! More to follow later including Carmelo Sustaita's photos. Hope you enjoyed anticipating the "Marriage of The Decade!" mula -----Original Message----- From: minnie brittain To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Thu, Feb 24, 2011 Subject: Tony Cantu's Wedding OK Felix! You fooled us ONCE, you fooled us good! It was fun, it was great, La Misma! I'm glad I invited Gloria Garza, Dimas' wife, she would've sat home thinking, etc. She said she had a lot of fun, I told her we also celebrated Dimas' birthday. She also said she was very impressed with Joe Bernal; they talked about Dimas, etc. Good Party! Enjoyed Tony's wedding! From: Felix To: brittainminnie Sent: Thu, February 24, 2011 Subject: Tony Cantu's Wedding Minnie, Glad you enjoyed it. I never said it was Tony Cantu's wedding! It was good for Gloria to attend and know Dimas is still in our memories. We are going to Taqueria Mexico on Somerset Rd Mula Original Message----- From: minnie brittain To: Felix Sent: Fri, Feb 25, 2011 Subject: Tony Cantu's Wedding Felix, no, you never said it was Tony. I was SURE it was Tony because Tony had said months ago he was getting married and you said it was the wedding of the decade, etc. My grandson has been wanting to go to Ray's for a long time but the Mariachi choir (under John Nieto) practices on Thursday's. when I saw J. Nieto there 41 I understood why they didn't have practice. I forgot my cell phone, asked J. Nieto to call Jason to rush over to Ray's. Jason knows Guzman (one of the players/singers last night). Don't know if you knew Guzman and HIS group, I believe "Los Galleros" played for Domingo Placido several years ago! Minne Original Message----- From: Carmen Aguilar To: Felix Sent: Fri, Feb 25, 2011 Subject: RE: WEDDING CEREMONY It was a wonderful experience. We were all so happy and carefree. When Judge Tony asked if there was anyone who objected, we all roared, just as if we had practiced! So Funny! Forwarded message From: antonio cantu Date: To: Felix Renewal of Vows. There will probably be a lot of folks there. I prepared a special ceremony for Martin and Celia. I will attach a copy for your perusal. Original Message----- From: Cici DeLuna To: 'Felix' Sent: Fri, Feb 25, 2011 Subject: RENEWAL OF VOWS - CELIA-MARTIN NIETO by JUDGE TONY CANTU This touched my heart and I was very emotional. Beautiful ceremony and I truly enjoyed being part of it. Martin and Celia are very nice people and I know them from my barrio. Thanks again for all you do. Cici De Luna From: Felix [mailto:felix Sent: Friday, February 25, 2011 2:36 PM To: undisclosed-recipients Subject: LEFT OUT IN THE COLD 54 yrs ago, I stood across the street watching the wedding reception for my best friend when he married "La Senorita" of his dreams. I had been Padrino for Gil Nieto, Carmelo Sustaita, Rudy Nunez, Charlie Campos & a bunch of other Lanier guys when they got married. I was always ready to be a Padrino when whenever called. I was like a "Rent a Padrino" person for Lanier guys. 42 But on Feb 24, 1957 I was left out in the cold! i WAS NOT ONLY NOT ASKED TO BE A PADRINO, I WAS NOT EVEN INVITED TO THE RECEPTION! LEFT OUT IN THE COLD! YES, FEB 24, 1957 MY SENIOR YR IN HI SCHOOL, I WAS LEFT OUT IN THE COLD. It gets cold in SA in Feb. I felt chills from the cold as I looked across the street when they were having the reception. I could almost taste the "Mole Chicken" not to mention the nice warm wine. Well, yesterday after 54 yrs being left out in the cold, I was finally invited to the wedding. How nice it felt to be part of the ceremony and enjoy the beautiful Vows of Marriage, the great Music, the terrific friendships. Father Pena was there again, Martin my best friend was getting married by Judge Cantu. Wait, it can't be true! Must be a dream, must be a MIRACLE! I was invited to to Martin's Wedding, no can't be. Than I woke up this morning and THOUGHT it was just a dream. Martin, OH, why did you leave me out in the cold in 1957? THAT DIDN'T REALLY HAPPEN, DID IT? did last night happen? CONGRATULATIONS TO A GREAT COUPLE FROM THE BARRIO. TU AMIGO Mula IT WAS A LOT OF FUN! Original Message----- From: Carmen Aguilar Felix, being left out in the cold is not new to Lanierites. Our friend, Joe Martinez, was left out in the cold right in front of Lanier High School while you 8 guys gallivanted to Austin! But, But, But, ... I knew it was going to come back & haunt me! Brother Joe, I know how you felt. It happened to me before we "GALLIVANTED' to Austin to See Richard Menchaca win State Track Championship. LOL! Carmen, for your FYI - I had to plan last night's wedding just so Martin could invite! 43 “LA 21” These are original stories of remembrance of J.T. Brackenridge by former students. Gene Cortez Original Message-----From: Cisco Perez, goldensentry To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Wed, Dec 7, 2016 3:47 pm Subject: Old memories of La 21 and Lanier This morning at IHOP for breakfast Vangie, my sister, and I started remembering WW 11, today being Pearl Harbor Day. We had just moved into 309 Torreon St Alazan Apache Courts. She remembers our walk to La 21 on bad rainy days w/o umbrellas or goulashes and the teacher would have us put our jackets and shoes on the radiator to dry. Soon the room would smell of burnt rubber and leather. (and cloth). Chema (Senator Joe Bernal) said the courts were built in early 1940s so we must have been early tenants along with the Tovar family, my first SA friend who reminded me (and regrets it) that he thinks of me every day of his life. Why I asked him? 'Because you taught me how to tie my shoes'! Vangie wonders how many remember the menu at La 21 cafeteria? You had 2 choices, a bowl of chile beans or a press ham sandwich. It had a hint, or better put, a suspicion of lettuce! A thin leaf the size of a half dollar. Milk 5 cents orange juice 8 cents. And at Lanier the vatos who brought tacos for lunch would hide them as they ate with their hands inside brown paper bags. Ashamed of showing their tortilla tacos Member? U member! That I conclude was reaction to the discrimination of the Raza at that time. After the war one of my mother’s cousins was discharged and came back and moved in with us. He had been a tail gunner on a B17 bomber and had made many missions and he would tell us stories galore. We couldn't believe it was so hot in there you could fry an egg! He would cry at night I remember. Our memories are faded but we recall, my now departed cousin Licha Ponce, some eight years ago sent us a Express newspaper clipping of a veteran of the war who was looking for another of my moms cousins, last name Gallardo, who had saved his life and didn't get any recognition. He was some place back east. Licha told us our relative was long dead. Remember the black outs, sirens and flood lights to the sky? After the war we used to go jump the fence into a junk yard full of military vehicles, tanks and aircraft to play for hours. It was on Guadalupe and you could see it from the bus. Thomas Montellano (Blonde) used to go with us. He lived real close. In closing, we want to ask you my Westside peers. We don't remember any fire stations anywhere near our house. Does anyone? Maybe on the ritzy part of the Weso, on Buena Vista St where Raul Zuniga and Lionel Sosa used to live. Narciso Cisco Perez In 1959, At Kelly AFB, we used to hide from the Gringos while eating our tacos! Now Tacos are THE BREAKFAST for them! Fire Station on Ritzy part of El WESO! 44 Original Message-----From: Sylvia Guzman To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Wed, Dec 7, 2016 10:39 pm Subject: Old memories of La 21 & Lanier - La 21 cafeteria menu? - Hide Tacos? - Ritzy part of El WESO/ - Fire Stations? - Black outs, Sirens- flood lights? On Buena Vista there was one across from the old public library - my family had a store on Saunders and Cibolo and right behind us facing Durango lived fire chief Butler - he would be there all day playing pool in the garage with other firefighter friends - his wife would come every day and buy longnecks and take them home in a cardboard box under her arm - whenever there was a fire, the fire engine would come screaming down the street and pick up chief Butler and then bring him back later! Good old boy times in our city! Fire Station on Ritzy part of El WESO! Bet Chief Butler wouldn't take Fire Engine to El Barrio De La Tripa? Streets between Guadalupe & Tampico! LOL! This really brought lots of memories of being a west-sider. We lived at the corner of Tampico and Chupaderas then at the corner of San Carlos and Chupaderas right behind Francisco Ruiz elementary street. By the fifth grade we moved to the courts at I believe 103 Tulipán. So I was at la 21 for the fifth grade. Every once in a while, when someone TRIED to intimidate me I would say, "I grew up in a neighborhood called La Tripa so you don't scare me one bit. I never mentioned we were close to the Apache Packing plant which is why that part of SA was called La Tripa. I think there was a fire station on Zarzamora but am not certain. Who cared if our houses burned down? The landlords benefitted one way or another. PS: I remember Narciso Pérez. We may have been in the same home room with the most liked teacher at Lanier, Mrs. Andrews. Alma Morales Riojas Original Message-----From: Alma Morales Riojas 1959 To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Thu, Dec 8, 2016 12:36 am 45 Original Message-----From: Richard Menchaca (Lanier 1958 State Track Champ) To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Thu, Dec 8, 2016 7:21 am Subject: Old memories of La 21 & Lanier - Ritzy part of El WESO - Fire Stations? Mula, thanks for sharing stories of a distant past. What is remarkable is that those stories, when you hear them, seem as though it all happened yesterday. I am so proud of those memories of yesteryear, because it molded us into the persons we are today. We are all truly blessed because of those experiences. Riche Riche, You & I graduated from Ruiz Elementary. We both went to MCI. We followed similar paths to Lanier. Yes, it seems like it was yesterday. You are correct, we were Blessed to have had those experiences that helped us become responsible Adults. Mula Subject: Old memories of La 21 & Lanier - Ritzy part of El WESO - Fire Stations? I forgot to mention I remember the blackouts and having nightmares that the Japanese were going door to door with rifles. It must have been the movies at the Guadalupe and El Progresso. Alma Morales Riojas Original Message-----From: Frank "Bowie" Salazar 1958 To: felixysr Sent: Wed, Dec 7, 2016 11:39 pm Subject: : Old memories of La 21 & Lanier - Ritzy part of El WESO - Fire Stations? I moved to Guadalupe St pretty close to that time, 42-44. I, too went to La 21. Later we moved to Mirasol Pl. and lived next door to The Garzas', Pollo, Bobby, etc. Blas and Morris Herrera lived on the same st but across and on the East Side of the "playground". So did the Galans, El Stooge, Pressley, George and Robert Villarreal and sisters, on my side we had the Villalobos, the other Garzas', Bobby, Fernando, Jerry, Joe, and a sister-man she was mean. the Gonzalez, Ofelia, Olivia, and older sister and two brothers. I believe one them was called Rocky. Last but not least James, Kiko, Perez. We used to go to Guadalupe 46 Church, the MCI, occasionally the Community Center. I used to sell popcorn at the Progreso theatre. We did not have much but we enjoyed life, the playground, Alazan Apache Creek, and all the other areas. The Boy Scouts, although we could not afford the uniforms, Tony Castro father was our Scout Master, and Bobby Vasquez was our scout leader. I have never regretted my upbringing and I am proud I am a West Side survivor. Major Bowie Original Message-----From: Paul Castillo jr. To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Thu, Dec 8, 2016 1:04 pm Subject: - Old memories of I was 5 years old when world war 2 started, we would all get together and gather old scrap metal, old tires, anything that could be used in the war effort. you could not find anything made of metal during the war,,, toy guns were made of saw dust, a lot of merchandize was marked with our slogan,,,''remember pearl harbor'' one of our local business man named ''RED RIVER DAVE'' even wrote and recorded a song called '' there's a star bangled banner waving somewhere'' which became a great hit during the war.at the movie theaters all the movies ended with his scene at the end of the movie >>> ,,V-... ( V for victory) and the lights would be turned on in the theater and there was a table with some people selling war bonds, as the war continued and all our young boys had gone off to war,,, the worst sound any family could hear was the sound of a bell mounted on a bicycle's handle bars coming their way,, all us kids would run to see where the western union delivery boy was going,, if he turned into our street all the women would start crying because they were so afraid that the w.u. boy would stop at their house, if he did ,he was bringing very bad news to that family about their son or male relative who had been wounded or killed in action,,, every house that had someone in the armed forces had a small flag with a star for every family member in the war, we were issued special food stamps to buy food, but in very limited supply,, there were some items that were no longer available to the American public because they were only for our soldiers fighting in the war. all Japanese -Americans were picked up and entered in prison like camps surrounded by wire fences and guarded by military guards. they were held there because of them being Japanese, many young Japanese young men joined our military but were sent to fight the Germans in the Europe. this people would all be taken in buses to do their shopping downtown, I lived in kenedy also & there was a Japanese camp there, and I saw those Japanese at their camp there. there is so 47 much more that I remember about the war at that age, cause my mother died soon after the war started,,,,,, crow Pete, There are some great boyhood memories with Chema & Mando at GGC & MCI. I'm sure others can recall Boy's Club & Wesley Center! Original Message-----From: Pete Moreno To: 'Felix Yruegas' Sent: Sat, Aug 13, 2016 3:15 am Subject: RE: STORY ABOUT LANIER BASKETBALL IN THE 1940'S In the early fiftys Mando would use that same old truck and drive us to the Boys Club on Frio across from the fire house to play baseball against the boys club teams and then we could spent some time in the pool. Sometimes we would go to the boxing gym and get the gloves on with some of the Boys Club boxers. ------From: felixy Sent: Friday, August 12, 2016 10:39 PM Subject: STORY ABOUT LANIER BASKETBALL IN THE 1940'S I remember Chema & Mando Balderamma from my days at GCC & also taking us to Mission Rd to Nicko Rodriguez Family Grocery store. We drink sodas & had fritos & candy, never paid for it??? Mula ( Chema was TALLER than me!) Original Message----- From: Cisco Perez To: felixysr Sent: Fri, Aug 12, 2016 2:19 pm Subject: STORY ABOUT LANIER BASKETBALL IN THE 1940'S (1944 1946?) Chema used to drive us kids in the Guadalupe Community Center flatbed truck with rails to the swimming pool by the Lady of the Lakes School. (Elmendorf Lake?) from GCC. We would pile in and sing songs I've never forgot like, A Hundred Bottles Of Beer On The Wall....and On Top of Old Smokey....!! Narciso Cisco Perez On Aug 12, 2016, at 1:53 PM, "felix" wrote: Nick. Great story. I missed it. I'll fwd to Lanierites when I get home I'm with Xavier. Mula Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE device Sixty years before the Spurs won their first NBA championship, a scrappy young squad of Mexican American ballers was making history of its own in San Antonio’s Westside barrios. From 1939 to 1945 Lanier High School won two state basketball titles, finishing second once and third twice, along the way combating negative perceptions of knife-wielding Tejanos that were prevalent during the segregated WWII era. Lanier’s dynastic run started with a literal bang, as fist met face when the team won their initial championship in San Antonio. 48 “They were playing Brackenridge High School for the city championship,” says Lanier alum Joe Bernal, recalling the original 1939 team. “And Tony Cardona made the winning basket, and this guy ran up to him and smack! Hit Tony in the eye! That caused a big fight in the whole gymnasium.” According to Bernal, who inspired Ignacio M. Garcia’s engaging book When Mexicans Could Play Ball, the win against Brackenridge represented the first time a predominantly Mexican American team had captured the city title, and Brackenridge’s Anglo contingent were not fans. The brawl escalated outside of the gym before being contained by SAPD. Known to his teammates as Chema, Bernal played on the 1944 team before attending Trinity University and ultimately championing bilingual education and civil rights in the Texas legislature. His Lanier squad went undefeated until they reached the state championships, eventually taking third place in the tournament. As he nears 90 years of age, Bernal fondly recounts Lanier’s golden era of basketball and the factors that contributed to their success on the hardwood. Katie, In the mid 1950's, your Dad John Summerville was our Baseball Coach at St Alphonsus ( Gilbert, Martin & Frank Nieto, Carmelo Sustaita, Louie Escalante, Richard Sifuentes, Arturo "Gato" Flores, Julian "Perro" De La Cruz) in our CYO days. Coach Summerville & Fidel Alvarado were our Leaders & Role Models in our teenage years. They provided equipment, uniforms, food & transportation along with cash $$ as we won the SA CYO Championship & represented SA in the State Playoffs in Temple, TX. Your Dad nominated me for CYO Player of The Year in 1955 & I was named the winner at a Banquet at St Anthony Hotel. Katie, I say to You for your Dad, "Thank You Coach John Summerville" & Mr Fidel Alvarado for all your help & guidance. Katie, I'll check with Dr Joe J Bernal about your Uncle's nickname "El Azteca." Mr Chema knows all about the Lanier players nicknames that Coach Nemo Herrera called them. Your Dad would mention your Uncle Raul Hernandez was a BBall Vok Champ. Your Lanierite Friend, Felix G Yruegas nicknamed "Mula" ("Patada de Mula!") by Lupe Rubio Vok QB in 1954! The 4 letter nickname has stuck around for 62 years! ------ 49 Original Message-----From: Catherine Summerville To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Fri, Aug 12, 2016 10:29 pm Subject: "REMEZCLA" - STORY ABOUT LANIER VOKS BASKETBALL IN THE 1940'S Thank you for sharing thus great story & information on this media group, just wanted to share that Raul G Hernandez #7 (1939 team) was my uncle, my dad's brother-in-law, married to his only sister, who passed away last year. She told me a story a while back of my uncle's "fame" during his basketball days at Lanier, she kept his letterman sweater & other mementos of him. I was told by her that his nickname was "El Azteca" (haven't been able to verify that)...it's amazing to know that our family is connected to our school's history in this way. Katie Summerville Class of 1969 ------ On Aug 12, 2016, at 10:07 PM, Felix Yruegas wrote: http://remezcla.com/features/sports/forgotten-history-mexican-american-team-ruled-texas-hs- basketball-1940s/ Remezcla is a progressive Media Brand, considered the most influential Media for Latino Millennials with National & International audience in the US, Latin America & Spain. Dr Joe J Bernal, our Beloved "Chema" is quoted telling the story that inspired Lanier Grad, Brigham Young Professor to write the "book "When Mexicans Could Play Ball." The story about Coach Nemo Herrera & the Lanier Voks Championship Teams from 1939 - 1945 surprisingly had never been heard as comments from readers in Texas & all over the USA & foreign countries call for a movie to be made of this terrific story. Many have purchased Professor Garcia's Book on line. A lady from Calif mistakenly misidentifies 1958 Vok State Track Champ Richard Menchaca as Richard Alva! Judge Mike Machado, Joe Trevino, Tony Cardona, Carlos Camacho, Santos Belton, Billy Saldana, David Rodriguez & many other great Vok players are identified by scores of readers that are related to them. It's to great to read so many positive comments at the end of the article especially from former Lanier students. I purchase the Book when it was first published. It's a "Must Read" for the Lanier Community and Fans. Coach Nemo Herrera was inducted into the SAISD Hall of Fame in Feb, 2016. He was previously inducted into the Texas Hall of Fame plus San Antonio, Southwestern University & Hispanic Hall of Fame. ------OUR STORY Remezcla started as a grassroots project among writers and creatives. We shared one common point of view: there were so many great stories about new Latin music, culture, and events that no one was covering. Traditional Latin media was not for us. We were called “alternative,” but to us, what we were covering was our new mainstream. Along the way we met so many like-minded friends in other cities and countries that it sparked a movement. Answering “What is Remezcla?” is difficult for me because what started in living rooms and coffee shops among friends has grown to be so much more; today we reach millions of readers and have built a brand that goes beyond our publication. 50 Though the vision has evolved, we are still very grounded in our mission to be the most progressive media brand that puts emerging Latin culture on the map. The right way. – Andrew Herrera, CEO and Founder OUR COMPANY Since 2008, Remezcla has been headquartered in Williamsburg, Brooklyn with offices in Los Angeles and Mexico City. Remezcla is considered the most influential media brand for Latino Millennials with national and international audience in the US, Latin America, and Spain. We operate as a digital publisher, creative agency, and entertainment company. Alma, AWESOME WRITE UP! THANK YOU. Original Message-----From: Alma Morales Riojas Sent: Sat, Aug 13, 2016 12:23 pm Subject: "REMEZCLA" - STORY ABOUT LANIER VOKS BASKETBALL IN THE 1940'S Felix, this is what I wrote on Facebook about the article. "A great article about a team that made history for their school, Sidney Lanier High School in San Antonio, Texas, and a community that continues to be forgotten and maligned. Dr. Joe Bernal continues to serve our community and Lanier HS. He and his life are a model to admire and emulate. A major leader in improving education for bilingual students, his is the basis for the national movement to implement programs and teaching methods when serving bilingual students. A nationally recognized leader in education, Dr. Bernal is a national hero deserving of formal recognition as an American hero. I hope Felix Sanchez of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts and Antonio Tijerino of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation will look into this. Filming this story would serve to educate and reduce the misconceptions about persons of Mexican heritage whose presence in the United States dates back to before the territory from Texas to Oregon was taken from Mexico. It is an honor to be one of seven In my family, each a Lanier HS Alum. So were my Dad Jesus, Uncles Frank, Luis and Joe Riojas and my aunts Aurora Riojas and Evangelina Longoria. Lanier alumni include Lionel Sosa, artist, entrepreneur, and political consultant; and Gil Coronado, USAF retired, National Director of Selective Service, and the force behind President Reagan's Executive Order to change Hispanic Heritage Week to Hispanic Heritage Month. Pretty good accomplishments by kids attending an underserved, underfunded, and unrecognized barrio school in the nation's seventh largest city." On Friday, August 12, 2016, Felix Yruegas wrote: Let's own up to our own share of the blame Lionel Sosa, Lanier 1957 For the Express-News 51 “I’m not against immigration. I’m against illegal immigration.” That’s the view of most of my conservative friends, and their point of view makes perfect sense. We’re a nation of law and order. That’s what makes us different from other nations and certainly from Third World countries. Trouble is, most of us who take a stand against illegal immigration actually support it every day without even thinking about it. We just look the other way because it’s to our benefit. I’m just as guilty as the next person. I drink my glass of California pinot noir without giving a thought to whether the folks who picked the grapes were legal. I eat my fried chicken with gusto, not questioning the legal status of those working at the processing plant that brought it to market. I happily play nine holes of golf, barely noticing the men who keep the course looking spiffy — maybe they have their green cards, maybe not. I don’t ask.It’s really not our job to ask. But one thing for sure — most all immigrants who are here illegally are working. That means someone is hiring them. And that someone is us. If we’re not hiring them directly, the people we’re buying from are hiring them. Either way, it’s high time we owned up to the fact that we all contribute to perpetuating illegal immigration.Personally, having undocumented folks around doesn’t bother me a bit. Maybe it’s because I’m pretty sure both my grandmothers came here illegally. They brought their children with them, so I guess that made my mother and father illegal, too. My parents loved their new country and did it proud. They worked their hearts out, became citizens, were business owners, paid their taxes, and raised their kids to be law-abiding, voting citizens. Everyone got along just fine. Of course, times were different back in the 1930s. Donald Trump wasn’t running for president. There was no one calling my folks criminals or rapists. No one was up in arms about sending them back. There was no talk about building a “big beautiful wall” to keep them out. The border was porous. People came and went. Things were peaceful in that regard. Things don’t seem so peaceful today. Good Americans are fighting over a problem we could easy solve. Congress is catatonic, and we let them get away with it. Instead of rolling up their sleeves and going to work on a solution, they shout, they make speeches, they blog, tweet, protest and pontificate. Trump leads the pack. He demonizes good, hardworking people who are only too eager to take the jobs we openly offer. If there’s anyone to blame for creating the immigration problem in the first place, it’s our own government. Back in 1986, Ronald Reagan granted amnesty to 3 million workers, who became contributing American citizens. But the administration made no plan to keep the situation from resurfacing. It kept quotas for new immigrants artificially low. It turned out that we needed more workers than the number of visas we issued. In a year of robust economy, we may offer jobs to as many as a million new workers, yet we issue an arbitrary 400,000 visas. As a consequence, we create 600,000 new “illegal aliens.” The number has been building, and that’s why we have that 11 million that Trump wants to send back. I love the concept of law and order. It’s just that sometimes, in our quest to obey the law, we blindly support outdated laws or dumb laws. When it comes to immigration policy, our current laws are both outdated and dumb. As outdated as the law that once said women couldn’t vote. As dumb as the law that once said we couldn’t drink beer. The immigration debate would have been solved 15 years ago during George W. Bush’s first administration. It was one of his highest priorities. But 9/11 happened and fear set in, fear of any dark-skinned person who looked foreign. Mexicans, not Canadians, got the bad rap when it came to the building of walls. Nobody demanded a wall on the northern border because Canadians look like Americans. Mexicans look like Arabs. A practical, sensible, humane solution to our immigration issue with Mexico is simple: Issue a sufficient number of work visas to immigrants who qualify. Make it possible for those with work visas to travel home to visit family. Walls make for bad relationships with neighbors and, worse, give a false sense of security. We 'd be much safer with a fair policy that allowed our economy to continue taking advantage of a proud and willing workforce while keeping good track of who comes and goes. A few years ago, I was asked to make a speech on immigration to a local group at the Dominion Country Club. My remarks were quite similar to what I’m saying now. But before I got to the solutions part, I was interrupted by a young lady in the audience who asked me to 52 leave immediately. Others joined in, supporting her request. I stopped talking, but not before finishing my free lunch, which was probably prepared by one of those faceless immigrants working in the fancy kitchen. Of course, I’ll never know. I never peeked in the kitchen. and I never asked. Original Message-----From: Oscar Vaca 1957 To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Fri, Sep 9, 2016 7:44 pm Subject: TRAIN OF LIFE - Obituary Josephine Medola Milo Adams, 1958 Lanier DE FACTO SEGRATION: EVERYBODY AT LANIER HAD A BEAUTIFUL HEART AND SOUL. THE FOOTBALL PLAYERS NEVER BULLIED US, THE COACHES WORKED US HARD, THE TEACHERS MADE US LEARN, THE DEAN KEPT US STRAIGHT, THE MAJORETTES AND CHEERLEADERS WERE CORDIAL AND FRIENDLY AND EVEN THE HOODS LEFT US ALONE FOR THE MOST PART. WHAT MORE COULD WE ASK FOR? WE HAD A BEAUTIFUL, OPEN ENVIRONMENT WHICH YOU FELT GOOD AND COMFORTABLE AT. I CAN NEVER RECALL NOT WANTING TO GO TO SCHOOL FOR ANY NEGATIVE REASON. THIS WAS NOT THE CASE IN HARRIS JR. HIGH WHERE I TRANSFERRED FROM. THE BULLIES GANGED TOGETHER AND INTIMIDATED WHOMEVER OR WHATEVER THEY WANTED. WHEN I GOT INTO A FIGHT WITH A BULLY IN THE 7TH GRADE, I WAS SUSPENDED IMMEDIATELY EVEN THOUGH I DID NOT START THE FIGHT. WHEN I WENT HOME TO MY MOM I HAD TO TELL HER AND SHE ASKED WHAT HAPPENED. WHEN I EXPLAINED THAT THE BULLY WANTED MY HOMEWORK SO HE COULD COPY IT. SHE MADE AN IMMEDIATE DECISION TO SEND ME TO LANIER. FROM THERE ON I FOUND A HOME AND I WILL ALWAYS CHERISH THE UPBRINGING I GOT AT LANIER AND GUADALUPE CHURCH. THEY MOLDED A LOT OF US AND I SINCERELY BELIEVE THAT IS WHY WERE ALL SUCCESSFUL IN OUR CAREERS. WE HAD GOOD GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT FROM ALL OUR ELDERS, WE JUST DIDN'T REALIZE IT AT THE TIME. THE HARDER TEACHERS WERE THE BETTER TEACHERS AND THE NEIGHBOR KIDS WERE OUR FRIENDS. I THINK THAT'S WHY WE CAN ALL RELATE TO EACH OTHER. WHETHER WE'RE POSTMASTER, MAILMAN, BUSINESSMAN, CONSULTANT, OR ANY OTHER PROFESSION WE STILL HAVE THE BASIC FIBERS OF INTEGRITY AND HARD WORK. LOOKING BACK I WOULD NOT TRADE MY CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE FOR ANY OTHER EXPERIENCE NOR MY MEMORIES AND FRIENDSHIPS WHICH I ACQUIRED. THIS IS WHY WE STILL MEET BECAUSE WE JUST WON'T LET GO OF A GOOD THING. THANK ALL MY LANIERITES AND CATHOLICS FOR MAKING ME WHAT I AM. TODAY WAS GRANDPARENTS DAY AT HARDY OAKS ELEMENTARY IN STONE OAK (BETTER KNOWN AS "HARVARD OAKS") AND THE SCHOOL WAS LOADED WITH GRANDPARENTS, THAT HAD BREAKFAST, COFFEE, JUICE, COOKIES, ETC. AND I TOLD MY WIFE, "WHEN I WENT TO SCHOOL , I HAD COFFEE FOR BREAKFAST, A BALONEY SANDWICH FOR LUNCH," AND POT LUCK DINNER FOR A FAMILY OF ELEVEN. MY, HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED. MY PARENTS NEVER WENT TO SCHOOL FOR ANYTHING EXCEPT GRADUATION OF HIGH SCHOOL. YET WE ALL DID WELL. ONE MORE THING, THE OTHER DAY I TOLD MY SON HE HAD TO LEARN SPANISH JUST IN CASE HE HAD TO TALK TO SOMEONE IN THE BARRIO. HE LOOKED AT ME AND ASKED, 'WHAT IS THE BARRIO?" I THOUGHT FOR A MINUTE, AND SAID, "I"LL HAVE TO SHOW YOU WHERE I GREW UP SOMEDAY." 53 THE TRAIN OF LIFE! THIS IS VERY BEAUTIFUL AND I AM HONORED TO HAVE RECEIVED IT. AND I GLADLY SEND IT ON TO YOU. At birth we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believe they will always travel on our side. However, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone. As time goes by, other people will board the train; and they will be significant i.e. our siblings, friends, children, and even the love of your life. Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. Others will go so unnoticed that we don't realize they vacated their seats. This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells. Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers requiring that we give the best of ourselves. The mystery to everyone is: We do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. So, we must live in the best way, love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are. It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life. I wish you a joyful journey on the train of life. Reap success and give lots of love. More importantly, thank God for the journey. Lastly, I thank you for being one of the passengers on my train. Apache, What a great email you have written. It will touch emotions because we recall our Happy Innocent lives when we were teens. Our Lanier High School days will always be remembered with Joy and Happiness.. You and I were with Ms Julia Helen Shireman's Advisory. We learned from her journalism train of thought. In 2008, when we had Carmelo Sustaita's SURPRISE MILESTONE B-DAY, we Reunited with scores of Lanier Grads and former students. The Lanierites came ALIVE! Thru the Years "The Train of Life" has affected us all. We have lost great Classmates, Arturo Lopez and Johnny Gamboa last year. Chale Gomez, Oscar Lawson & so many more. We have lost some like the 1957 BIG 3 Tony, Marcial and Gene because of "Petty Things" and we have lost a bunch of Ray's Lanierites who no longer want to enjoy our "La Gara" days in the Barrio. Apache, I commend You for taking time to write such a great email, hopefully it will make think about our "Valuable Time" left on The Train of Life. Que Dios Los Bendiga a Todos Nuestros Amigos. Mula 1957 54 > Original Message-----From: Paul Castillo jr. > To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Fri, Sep 9, 2016 5:49 am > Subject: Obituary for Josephine Milo Adams, 1958 Lanier Majoret Mula,,, the future is no longer promised to our generation,,, we are fewer every year as we see & read about people we were part of each other’s lives and are getting off the train of life after riding it for such a long time, eventually all of us will have to get off when our stop comes up. in the meantime, enjoy the fact that we are still on that train,,, try to make things right to everyone you love and respect, I myself look back to the years of 1953 & 1954, and I comment to myself,,, wow, I sure have a long life ahead of me, I am going to make my life a great adventure,,, I certainly did do that,, and now I look back and say, ''what happened to all that time I used to have'' I'm in a place that I thought I never imagined I would be in. the years passed so fast, I didn't even noticed, and now I am that old man that I looked at when was a young boy and said, I wonder what that man has seen in his life time, now some young boy looks at me and asks himself the same question when he sees me. I can remember things as if they have just happened today or yesterday, but I know that they happened a long time ago. i have a difficult time getting on my feet now, as when as a young man I would spring up with so much energy, I can no longer do any kind of work for more than half an hour before I have to sit down and rest. I have finally come to the realization that I can no longer do at 80 what I used to do at 20, and that to me is heartbreaking. my son helps me so much in doing chores in my yard, but sometimes I beat him to it and do the yard work because I don't want him to do all that work himself. I have always been very active and I still cannot take it easy for too long, the shadows of my life are getting longer and i know it's just a matter of time before my stop comes up. I still remember just how many of us were alive & well, and then all of a sudden we were attending alumni anniversaries &funerals of so many of our friends that have passed away & trying to recognize our friends from our school days, we had all changed so much, but there's still quite a few of us still here, to enjoy our friends from our past and share the memories we made so long ago.stay healthy and take care of yourself my friend. your amigo from so long ago apache -----Original Message----- From: Paul Castillo jr. To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Thu, Sep 1, 2016 6:05 pm Subject: Lionel Sosa, Lanier 1957 SA Express-News Aug 28, 2016 the immigration situation has been blown out of proportion. i remember growing up and not caring about where our friends came from, it was not important at that time, everyone was working hard trying to make a living. we all went to school together and we all went to the same places together. we shared everything, we were all poor to an extent. our parents were all democrats, we were told that the democrats were for the average working person, that they looked out for us, and that the republicans were for the rich. we were oblivious to such politics very few people knew about the welfare programs; I don't remember anything about food stamps. all I remember is that we all tried to find a job as soon as we could to help out our parents. no one paid any attention to the farm workers, or what hardships they were going thru, we were all having our own problems. the city was divided into different sections, mostly according to race, and no one objected to it, because we all knew our place, and everything was fine as far as we were concerned. there was law & order in this city as well as all the other cities, but crime has always been a part of our fabric, but never to the point of being out of control. protesting in the united states was never any kind of a problem. there 55 was segregation,, which was a way of life brought over from the old ways & days. but we really didn't pay much but little attention to it. as I grew into a man I had my tastes just like everyone else. beer was the main choice to drink when we got together to enjoy our friends company. we rarely ate at restaurants except for our usual familiar drive ins. we all worked all week days and Saturdays too. we all went to the same dances and enjoyed a nite out and capped it with a trip to one of the few all nite restaurants. it was a good and simple life. no one gave it a thought where the chicken came from, or where the steaks were prepared,,, we knew someone took care of all that as a worker doing his job. our tastes were simple and golf courses were not in our agenda,, neither was drinking wine. those tastes were reserved for people in high places, different than us. no one had any problem with illegal we all welcomed them into our city. in the 60's it was common practice to hire women from Mexico to take care of our children, then they were taken into our homes to live with us to do the housework too, because now it was beginning to take both parents to make ends meet.no one made a big deal about unemployment, all we worried about was going out to look for another job,, then we were made aware of unemployment benefits, but most of the people opted to look for jobs instead. we really didn't look into unemployment benefits, we thought that was below us not to earn our own money. there was a lot of pride in our people then.no one in our government questioned the status of our parents, as far as being born in this country, it didn't matter at the time, and no one bothered with that at all either. we were all here together, working and trying to make a decent living for our families. times changed because people changed, now they were against Mexicans coming into our country illegally and taking ''our jobs''. well they weren't taking any bodies jobs, they were taking jobs our own people didn't want to work at. then the races started to rebel against the way things were, they wanted more of the American pie,, then everybody got greedy,, the more they got paid the more the prices of everything went up. then the people were told about untold amounts of free benefits they could receive, free! so they went for it,, soon it became an avalanche of free stuff for anyone the welfare offices were out of control with leeches getting benefits that most of this people were not entitled to. , then the immigrants from other countries started to flood our country illegally. unbelievable mistakes were made by our government and our politicians, everyone was bashing the mexican illegal but Americans had to accept some very ridiculous demands from our government. disrespect for our country, our flag and our national anthem became common place, and almost no one did anything about it. the violence escalated and the violent crimes were out of control. everyone is pointing fingers at this political party or that political party, but the truth is,,, no one gives a damn which party is in office,,, this things happened because people just don't give a damn anymore. blaming the republicans or the democrats is not the answer,, it up to all of us to make things right again, regardless of who is in office. however one thing is certain, our country has suffered a great setback in respect from so many country’s' in the world since Obama was elected president. it has created so very much disrespect that America has ever experienced. our country has changed so much,, that i don't recognize it anymore, we have been wallowing in a mud pond of disrespect and shame for the last 8 years, and we need to get out of that mess, one more thing i forgot to mention,,, the Mexicans come here to work for a living,,, the Muslims are 56 here to terrorize and destroy America,,,, big difference, in both of this immigrants,, legal or illegal,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, apache Original Message-----From: osca vaca To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Sun, Sep 11, 2016 4:36 pm Subject: CISCO PEREZ - THIS IS HAPPENING & NOW YOU SEE IT IN SAN ANTONIO????? I THINK WE NEED TO REMIND PEOPLE THAT MOST TERRORIST HERE AND ABROAD HAVE BEEN FROM MUSLIM BACKGROUND AND THIS IS WHAT CONCERNS MOST OF US. WHAT ARE THEY BEING TAUGHT THAT ORIENTS THEM IN THAT DIRECTION? IS IT THE FAITH LEADERS? WHO KNOWS. IT'S JUST COMMON SENSE AND DEDUCTION THAT ORIENTS PEOPLE DO A "BLANKET ANALYSIS." MOST MUSLIMS ARE GOOD PEOPLE BUT THE FEW THAT ARE ALLOWED TO FESTER IN A TERRORIST ENVIRONMENT MAY BE INDIRECTLY CONTRIBUTING TO THEIR DEMISE. ALSO RARELY DO YOU SEE A CONDEMNATION FOR MAL DEEDS FROM THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY. WHY IS THAT? ANYWAY LET'S KEEP OUR SENSIBILITY AND TOLERANCE TO A HUMANE LEVEL AND EVENTUALLY WE'LL ALL GAIN FROM THE EFFORTS OF OUR LEADERS. WITH ALL THAT WE COMMUNICATE WORLDWIDE ALL BAD LEADERS WILL TOPPLE EVENTUALLY AND GOOD WILL COME OUT OF IT. LOOK AT LATIN AMERICA WHERE THERE WERE ALL DICTATORS AND AFFLUENT FAMILIES RUNNING THEIR COUNTRIES. NOW MOST HAVE ELECTED LEADERS AND EVENTUALLY ALL THOSE ECONOMIES WILL FREE THE PEOPLE FOR THE BETTERMENT OF ALL. FOR EXAMPLE, ECUADOR HAS A PRESIDENT THAT IS HARVARD EDUCATED AND THEY USE THE DOLLAR FOR CURRENCY. EVEN THOUGH HE IS NOT DOING EVERYTHING IN AGREEMENT WITH OUR POLICIES IT IS A HUGE STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. PANAMA ALSO USES THE DOLLAR AND IS THRIVING ECONOMICALLY. COLUMBIA HAS JUST MADE PEACE WITH THE REBELS. BRAZIL HAS JUST IMPEACHED THEIR PRESIDENT FOR MIS-SPENDING. GUATAMALA IS CLEANING UP THEIR CRIME. I CAN'T WAIT FOR MEXICO TO START JAILING THEIR CORRUPT POLITICIANS SO THEY CAN START TO CLEAN HOUSE. EVERY MEXICAN PRESIDENT OF LATE COMES OUT OF OFFICE FILTHY RICH. THAT'S WHY THE CARTELS ARE SO STRONG SINCE THEY DO THE SAME THING. MAYBE WE NEED ANOTHER PANCHO VILLA??? WHEN I MET HIS WIDOW IN THE MID 70;S I ASKED HER WHY HE WAS ASSASSINATED, SHE QUICKLY TOLD ME BECAUSE THE POLITICIANS WERE AFRAID HE WOULD START ANOTHER CIVIL WAR. I CANNOT AGREE MORE WITH HER. Original Message----- From: Menchaca, Richard To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Sat, Sep 10, 2016 6:28 pm Subject: COMMENT - TRAIN OF LIFE - Mula, I concur with all the statements below. The "Barrio" deeply ingrained in those of us that were lucky enough to grow up in this particular environment the three W's, and that is the Will to Do, the Will to Be, and the Will to Win. I am also in full agreement with what was stated below, and that is that the barrio gave us a strong work ethic and integrity. I would like to add "Humility" to the powerful comments stated below. Mula, in my opinion, you are the embodiment of "Humility". Riche 57 From: Felix Yruegas Sent: Friday, September 9, 2016 11:36:41 PM Subject: COMMENT - TRAIN OF LIFE - Obituary Josephine Medola Milo Adams, 1958 Lanier Original Message-----From: Oscar Vaca 1957 To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Fri, Sep 9, 2016 7:44 pm Subject: TRAIN OF LIFE - Obituary Josephine Medola Milo Adams, 1958 Lanier DE FACTO SEGRATION: EVERYBODY AT LANIER HAD A BEAUTIFUL HEART AND SOUL. THE FOOTBALL PLAYERS NEVER BULLIED US, THE COACHES WORKED US HARD, THE TEACHERS MADE US LEARN, THE DEAN KEPT US STRAIGHT, THE MAJORETTES AND CHEERLEADERS WERE CORDIAL AND FRIENDLY AND EVEN THE HOODS LEFT US ALONE FOR THE MOST PART. WHAT MORE COULD WE ASK FOR? WE HAD A BEAUTIFUL, OPEN ENVIRONMENT WHICH YOU FELT GOOD AND COMFORTABLE AT. I CAN NEVER RECALL NOT WANTING TO GO TO SCHOOL FOR ANY NEGATIVE REASON. THIS WAS NOT THE CASE IN HARRIS JR. HIGH WHERE I TRANSFERRED FROM. THE BULLIES GANGED TOGETHER AND INTIMIDATED WHOMEVER OR WHATEVER THEY WANTED. WHEN I GOT INTO A FIGHT WITH A BULLY IN THE 7TH GRADE, I WAS SUSPENDED IMMEDIATELY EVEN THOUGH I DID NOT START THE FIGHT. WHEN I WENT HOME TO MY MOM I HAD TO TELL HER AND SHE ASKED WHAT HAPPENED. WHEN I EXPLAINED THAT THE BULLY WANTED MY HOMEWORK SO HE COULD COPY IT. SHE MADE AN IMMEDIATE DECISION TO SEND ME TO LANIER. FROM THERE ON I FOUND A HOME AND I WILL ALWAYS CHERISH THE UPBRINGING I GOT AT LANIER AND GUADALUPE CHURCH. THEY MOLDED A LOT OF US AND I SINCERELY BELIEVE THAT IS WHY WERE ALL SUCCESSFUL IN OUR CAREERS. WE HAD GOOD GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT FROM ALL OUR ELDERS, WE JUST DIDN'T REALIZE IT AT THE TIME. THE HARDER TEACHERS WERE THE BETTER TEACHERS AND THE NEIGHBOR KIDS WERE OUR FRIENDS. I THINK THAT'S WHY WE CAN ALL RELATE TO EACH OTHER. WHETHER WE'RE POSTMASTER, MAILMAN, BUSINESSMAN, CONSULTANT, OR ANY OTHER PROFESSION WE STILL HAVE THE BASIC FIBERS OF INTEGRITY AND HARD WORK. LOOKING BACK I WOULD NOT TRADE MY CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE FOR ANY OTHER EXPERIENCE NOR MY MEMORIES AND FRIENDSHIPS WHICH I ACQUIRED. THIS IS WHY WE STILL MEET BECAUSE WE JUST WON'T LET GO OF A GOOD THING. THANK ALL MY LANIERITES AND CATHOLICS FOR MAKING ME WHAT I AM. TODAY WAS GRANDPARENTS DAY AT HARDY OAKS ELEMENTARY IN STONE OAK (BETTER KNOWN AS "HARVARD OAKS") AND THE SCHOOL WAS LOADED WITH GRANDPARENTS, THAT HAD BREAKFAST, COFFEE, JUICE, COOKIES, ETC. AND I TOLD MY WIFE, "WHEN I WENT TO SCHOOL , I HAD COFFEE FOR BREAKFAST, A BALONEY SANDWICH FOR LUNCH," AND POT LUCK DINNER FOR A FAMILY OF ELEVEN. MY, HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED. MY PARENTS NEVER WENT TO SCHOOL FOR ANYTHING EXCEPT GRADUATION OF HIGH SCHOOL. YET WE ALL DID WELL. ONE MORE THING, THE OTHER DAY I TOLD MY SON HE HAD TO LEARN SPANISH JUST IN CASE HE HAD TO TALK TO SOMEONE IN THE BARRIO. HE LOOKED AT ME AND ASKED, 'WHAT IS THE BARRIO?" I THOUGHT FOR A MINUTE, AND SAID, "I"LL HAVE TO SHOW YOU WHERE I GREW UP SOMEDAY." Original Message----- From: Lionel Sosa To: Felix Sent: Tue, Feb 1, 2011 Subject: KONO HOWARD EDWARDS - KMAC - LITTLE JOE ANTHONY - FLIP FORREST Did you know that KMAC stands for MAC as in MacAllister the old mayor who owned it? I was talking to Edith MacAllister who is 94 years old the other day and she told me. All my best, Lionel Sosa 58 On Jan 31, 2011, Felix wrote: YES, KONO & KMAC & MEXICAN SONGS KCOR DURING THE DAY REMEMBER BILL HALEY'S "ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK" PLAYED FOR 24 CONTINUOUS HRS ON KONO! Original Message----- From: antonio cantu iNDIO, IF YOU REMEMBER ALL THOSE COUNTRY SONGS THEN YOU SURELY REMEMBER KONO'S HOWARD EDWARDS WHO ALWAYS SIGNED ON WITH " HOWDY, ALL YOU FAIRYDINKUMS" BUT DO YOU REMEMBER KMAC'S LITTLE JOE ANTHONY AND FLIP FORREST WHO HAD A LATE ROCK N ROLL-RHYTHM AND BLUES PROGRAM FROM AROUND TEN TILL MIDNIGHT? THE STUDIO WAS ON COMMERCE STREET ABOVE THE AZTEC BLDG AND HE WOULD SIT ON THE WINDOW LEDGE AS HE PLAYED RECORDS AND TALK TO TEENS REQUESTING SONGS. WE WOULD SOMETIMES DRIVE BY AT NIGHT AND HONK AND HE WOULD YELL OUT TO US. ALWAYS SIGNED OFF WITH 'GOODNIGHT MY LOVE". WONDERFUL DAYS. MISS THEM GREATLY. Original Message----- From: Paul Castillo jr. To: felix Subject: WE ARE RAY'S! WE ARE LANIERITES! Minnie, living in "LOS COURTS" was an experience of our lifetime ! so many of our life long friends lived there. I remember the times at night when we would all sit outside talking to all our friends that lived next door or just several door down from us,or a very short distance from where we lived. as me and a bunch of our friends sat on the wall at the far side of the Lanier track,we could hear the great music of that time,it was KONO's "Cowboy Jamboree" we could hear singers like "Lefty Frizzell, Carl Smith, Hank Williams, Hank Thompson,,an so many ofthe western singers of the day. I have all of those original songs on CD"s that I play when I drive anywhere or at home. we were all alike in our situations and we all shared what we had. That is the reason I was always working at so many jobs, Agustine Llano and I worked together at several jobs, one of them was at "ALAMO FUEL CO." we would go in after school and come out late at night,we would package charcoal in bags and we would come home covered with black dust every night. I gave my father every cent I made from every job I worked. that was the way it was back then, we lived in "LOS COURTS" because we had too. my father didn't make enough money to support us ! but "IT WAS THE TIME OF OUR LIFES" I have no regrets about living in "LOS COURTS" I LOVED IT" !! YA"LL !!!! so many of us lived that great adventure of living in "LOS COURTS" and WE"RE DAMN PROUD OF IT !!!!! ORALE ESE !!!! "apache" ! " LOS COURTS FOREVER " 59 Original Message----- From: Oscar Vaca To: felixysr; Lionel Sosa Sent: Sun, Jan 23, 2011 6:25 pm Subject: EL BARRIO-LOS COURTS MR. MULA I ALSO LIVED IN THE COURTS AT 723 MIRASOL PLACE. THERE WERE EIGHT CHILDREN AND MY BEAUTIFUL PARENTS WHO DID EVERYTHING TO KEEP US ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW. MY DAD WAS A LAUNDRYMAN AT THE WHITE STAR LAUNDRY DOWNTOWN. SOMEHOW WE NEVER WENT HUNGRY FOR AS YOU KNOW, BEANS AND TORTILLAS GO A LONG WAY. UNFORTUNATELY, MOM HAD ANOTHER CHILD AND WE WERE FORCED TO VACATE THE COURTS BECAUSE WE EXCEEDED THE LIMIT OF EIGHT CHILDREN. WE WERE FORCED TO BUY A FOUR ROOM HOUSE NEAR FRIO CITY ROAD. MY TWO BROTHERS AND I SLEPT IN ONE ROOM, MY SIX SISTERS IN TWO ROOMS AND MOM AND DAD SLEPT IN THE REMAINING ROOM UNDER THE DINING ROOM TABLE. WE ALL WORKED AS SOON AS WE WERE OLD ENOUGH SO I WAS NOT ABLE TO PLAY SPORTS, DO BAND OR OTHER AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES. FORTUNATELY THE DRILL TEAM PRACTICED IN THE EARLY MORNING SO I WAS ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THAT. I WALKED TO SCHOOL FROM FRIO CITY ROAD TO LANIER EVERY MORNING AND EVENING UNTIL I GOT A JOB AT THE GUNTER HOTEL AT $1.50 A NIGHT. PAUL (APACHE) CASTILLO WAS MY CO-WORKER. AS THE FAMILY GREW AND ALL OF US WORKED, THINGS IMPROVED, WE ADDED TWO ROOMS AND FINALLY ONE OF MY SISTERS GOT A TV FOR US. IN THE SUMMER WE WOULD GO PICK WHATEVER WE COULD WITH MY UNCLE SUCH AS COTTON, BEETS, ONIONS, ETC., SO WE COULD HAVE SCHOOL MONEY IN THE FALL. IN THE END ALL OF US WERE PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS AND HAD GOOD LIVES. MY ONLY REGRET IS NOT BEING ABLE TO PLAY VARSITY BASKETBALL. GOING BACK TO LOS COURTS, IT WAS A GREAT ENVIRONMENT WITH GOOD NEIGHBORS, FRIENDS, AND A LOT OF FUN. GOING TO GUADALUPE CHURCH TO MASS, THE HUGE PLAYGROUND WHERE MARIO CORTINAS WOULD BE PRACTICING HIS PUNTS, THE MCI, LA PERLA, TIENDA MONTEMAYOR, EL PROGRESSO THEATRE (WHERE YOU SAT ON BOXES TO SEE WESTERNS, EL GUADALUPE TO SEE "LA BRUJA PERULI" AND MANY OTHER FEATURES THAT WERE FANTASTIC BY OUR STANDARDS. IT WAS A UNIQUE ERA FOR ALL OF US AND WHAT MADE US STRONG AND SUCCESSFUL WAS OUR ENVIRONMENT AT HOME, AT CHURCH, AND AT SCHOOL. NOBODY EVER BULLIED ANYONE. IF YOU HAD A FIGHT IT DIDN'T LAST VERY LONG. THERE WERE NO GANGS AT SCHOOL. YOU WERE STRAIGHT, OR MR. TAFOLLA TOOK CARE OF YOU AT NO CHARGE.(HE SUSPENDED ME 3 TIMES). IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT TIMES HAVE CHANGED SOME BARRIOS, BUT MANY ARE STILL GOOD AND PRODUCE GREAT KIDS SO I AM GLAD WE CAN MAKE SOME CONTRIBUTIONS TO LANIER AND TECH. LETS KEEP IT GOING AS LONG AS WE CAN BECAUSE WHEN WE DIE, ALL WE TAKE ARE OUR MEMORIES...SO LET'S MAKE THEM ALL GOOD ONES. WHEN I WAS WORKING AT THE EMBASSY IN MADRID, I KEPT ASKING MY WIFE HOW TWO KIDS FROM THE BARRIO ENDED UP DOING EMBASSY DUTY IN SPAIN. SHE CALLED IT LUCK. I CALLED IT A LOT OF WORK AND A LOT OF HELP FROM A LOT OF PEOPLE. AFTER SEEING NUMEROUS COUNTRIES IN MY LIFETIME I CAN SAY THAT ONLY IN AMERICA CAN THIS HAPPEN ON A REGULAR BASIS. GOD BLESS THE BARRIO AND AMERICA. Oscar Vaca was assigned to Embassy Duty. Only the Best Marines are selected. What an HONOR. Congrats, Oscar. OORAH! 60 Original Message-----From: OSCAR VACA To: Felix Yruegas CC: Rachel - Sent: Mon, Sep 12, 2016 8:39 pm Subject: OSCAR VACA - THIS IS HAPPENING & NOW YOU SEE IT IN SAN ANTONIO????? TRAVEL DOES MAKE YOU MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE AND YOU GAIN AN AWARENESS OF LIFE WITH MUCH DIFFERENT VIEWS. WHAT IS THE NORM HERE MAY NOT EVEN BE ALLOWED SOMEWHERE ELSE. I HAD A NEPHEW WHO WENT TO AFGHANISTAN ON A MILITARY ASSIGNMENT. HE TOLD ME IT WAS DIFFICULT TRYING TO MAKE THE AFGHANS CHANGE THEIR WAYS. WHEN HE TOLD AN AFGHAN THAT HAVING SEVERAL WIVES WAS NOT RIGHT THE AFGHAN WOULD SAY, "WHY?" WHEN HE TOLD HIM THAT USING OPIUM WAS NOT GOOD FOR HIM HE WOULD GET THE SAME ANSWER, "WHY?" THESE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN DOING THIS FOR CENTURIES AND IT'S HARD TO CHANGE ESTABLISHED TRAITS. WE KNOW WE HAVE GOOD RULES AND PROCESSES BUT EVERY SO OFTEN SOMEONE COMES UP WITH A BETTER IDEA AND WE ALL JUMP ON IT. THAT'S THE BEAUTY OF AMERICA WHERE ANYONE CAN MAKE A GREAT IDEA WORK BEYOND THEIR WILDEST DREAMS AND BECOME BILLIONAIRES. THE NATIONS THAT MAKE PROGRESS COPY THE HELL OUT OF US AND IN ONE GENERATION OR TWO THEY END UP AS COMPETITORS LIKE JAPAN, SO. KOREA, SOUTH AMERICA, ETC. KNOWLEDGE IS WONDERFUL FROM WHEREVER YOU GET IT. 1957 Lanier grads shine! Original Message-----From: Rachel Rodriguez 1957 To: Felix Yruegas >> Sent: Mon, Sep 12, 2016 1:50 pm Subject: OSCAR VACA - THIS IS HAPPENING & NOW YOU SEE IT IN SAN ANTONIO????? Oscar, I want to thank you for sharing your personal experiences with different cultures in this e- mail. You have certainly gained a wealth of information in your travels around the world. Thank you. Rachel S.R. MEXICAN, SPANISH, MEDITERRANEAN???? DURING MY TOUR AT THE AMERICAN EMBASSY IN SPAIN IN 1993 WE WOULD GET TOGETHER WITH OTHER EMBASSY MEMBERS AND HAVE A POT LUCK DINNER AT EACH HOUSE. SO MY WIFE WHO WENT TO TECH AND MARRIED A LANIERITE, MADE A SIMPLE MEXICAN DISH FOR THE PARTY LIKE A GUISADO. WHEN ALL THE EMBASSY EMPLOYEES WE INVITED STARTED SHOWING UP A PAKISTANI COUPLE WHO'S HUSBAND WORKED WITH ME AT THE CIVIL AVIATION ASSISTANCE GROUP. SHOWED UP WITH HIS WIFE THE WIFE WENT TO THE FOOD TABLE AND STARTED PREPARING TWO PLATES FOR HER AND HER HUSBAND. HER HUSBAND BY THE WAY WAS AN ENGINEER GRADUATE FROM M.I.T. SUDDENLY SHE STOPPED AND SAID OUT LOUD, "WHO MADE THIS PAKISTANI DISH?" EVERYONE TURNED AND STARED AT HER AS SHE INSISTED TO FIND OUT WHO HADE MADE IT. FINALLY MY WIFE WHO WAS THE HOST, WENT OVER TO THE TABLE AND LOOKED AT THE DISH. WELL, LORD AND BEHOLD IT WAS MY WIFE'S GUISADO SHE WAS TALKING ABOUT. OF COURSE IT TOOK A LOT OF CONVINCING FROM MY WIFE THAT SHE HAD MADE GUISADO AND NOT A PAKISTANI DISH. BUT ACCORDING TO THE PAKISTANI WIFE IT WAS A PAKISTANI DISH. 61 ANYWAY, THE DISH WAS A BIG HIT WITH EVERYONE. LATIN AMERICAN DISHES HAVE A LOT OF MEDITERRANEAN INFLUENCE AND SO DO NAMES. ANY WORD OR NAME WITH "AL" IN THE BEGINNING HAVE ARABIC ORIGINS. ALBERTO, ALFREDO, ALEJANDRO, ALMARAZ, ETC. SO MANY OF US HAVE ARABIC ORIGINS ALONG WITH SPANISH INFLUENCE. MANY LAST NAMES THAT SIGNIFY AN ANIMAL OR BIRD HAVE JEWISH BACKGROUNDS SUCH AS VACA, GARCIA, PALOMA, ETC. IN SEVILLA WHILE DOING A RADAR FLIGHT INSPECTION, I WENT TO EAT LUNCH WITH MY SPANISH COUNTERPARTS AND WE HAD FRIED SNAILS, AND GUESS WHAT? "MENUDO"!!!! YES, MENUDO IS FROM SPAIN AND NOT FROM THE WEST SIDE. OF COURSE IT DID NOT HAVE CHILE BECAUSE THAT WAS ADDED HERE. I MIGHT ADD, WE MAKE IT MUCH BETTER TASTING WITH WHAT WE ADDED. ANYWAY, KEEP THE FAITH FOR SOME IMMIGRANT FROM THE MIDDLE EAST IS PROBABLY RELATED TO YOU, OR ME. WHO KNOWS AND WHO CARES. NOT ME! Oscar Vaca 62 Remembering the Alameda theater Recently there was a request for story tellers about their memories of the Alameda theater. I was not able to make it but the memories came flooding back by my Lanier friends remembering their association with the theater and the downtown area where we hanged out. My memories are consistent with the Lanierites here in San Antonio and some from out of state. We did have a great time downtown visiting all the theaters and even trying to pick up girls in front of the Texas theater. If you had a car, it would be possible to drive up and down Houston street and be more successful. However, we remember more of our neighborhood and the friends who lived there as attested by Lanier alumni in their emails presented here. Eugenio “Gene “Cortez Lanier Class of 58 does anyone know why the Alameda Theatre closed down & never opened again ??? all the biggest names in music & acting made their personal appearances here at the Alameda during the 50's and the 60's,,,, what happened ? apache Original Message----- From: OSCAR VACA 1957 To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Fri, Jan 19, 2018 2:49 pm Subject: : Remembering Alameda Theater at Theatre Guadalupe - Sun 11:30 Am - 2:30 PM Jan 21, 2018 I THINK THE ALAMEDA CLOSED BECAUSE THE SECOND GENERATION CITIZENS WERE ACCLIMATED TO THE ROCK AND ROLL AND ANGLO CULTURE. ALL THE MOVIES WE SAW WERE IN ENGLISH AS WELL AS THE MUSIC. SO OF COURSE THEIR CLIENTELE WENT DOWN THE TUBE. THIS HAPPENED DURING THE 1950'S AND BEYOND. REMEMBER WE HAD TO "SAY IT IN ENGLISH" WAS THE ESTABLISHED MODE OF TEACHING SO A LOT OF US DID NOT FOLLOW THE LATINO ENTERTAINMENT. HAD I NOT LEARNED SPANISH FROM MY PARENTS WHO DID NOT SPEAK ENGLISH, I WOULD NEVER HAD LEARNED GOOD SPANISH. I WILL SAY IT HELPED ME IMMENSELY IN MY ADULT CAREER LIFE. IT MUST HAVE BEEN HARD FOR THE ALAMEDA TO STAY IN THE BLACK AS THE CITY EVOLVED INTO A MORE AMERICANIZED ENVIRONMENT. I EVEN HAD TROUBLE MAKING MY CHILDREN SPEAK SPANISH BECAUSE THEY SAW NO NEED FOR IT. IRONICALLY I NOW HAVE A GRAND NEPHEW WHOSE WIFE IS AN EYE DOCTOR BUT IS HAVING TROUBLE GETTING A JOB BECAUSE SHE DOESN'T KNOW SPANISH. I GUESS WE'VE COME FULL CIRCLE, HUH? SOME OF THE BEST TEAR JERKER MOVIES I SAW WERE AT THE ALAMEDA, LIKE "ANGELES DE LA CALLE." AND "DOS ALMAS EN EL MUNDO." I THINK THE ALAMEDA WOULD DO WELL AS A BIJOU THEATER SHOWING SPECIAL MOVIES FROM THE PAST INCLUDING LATINO MOVIES. PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS WOULD LOVE TO BRING THEIR FAMILIES TO SEE SOME OLD MOVIE THEY CHERISHED FROM THE PAST LIKE "OLD YELLER" AND "Robinson Crusoe ON MARS," ALONG WITH THE LATINO TEAR JERKERS. FOOD FOR THOUGHT. THE ZARAGOZA AND NACIONAL THEATERS ALSO DIED A SIMILAR DEATH BUT SADLY THEY WERE DEMOLISHED. ALL WE HAVE LEFT IS THE ALAMEDA AND THE GUADALUPE THEATERS. 63 Original Message----- From: AL CARREON 1958 To: felixysr Sent: Fri, Jan 19, 2018 5:34 pm Subject: : Remembering Alameda Theater at Theatre Guadalupe - Sun 11:30 Am - 2:30 PM Jan 21, 2018 The most vivid memory of the opening of the Alameda Theater that I have is going to the men's bathroom and seeing for the 1st time & using a warm air dryer to dry my hands. Original Message-----From: Cisco Perez Sent: Fri, Jan 19, 2018 11:43 pm Subject: COMMENTS - Remembering Alameda Theater at Theatre Guadalupe - Sun 11:30 Am - 2:30 PM Jan 21, 2018 Hello Mr Peepers (Al Carreon). So glad to hear from you in this forum. Were hand warmer invented by then? It was futuristic for those days the Alameda. Has anyone been able to go to City Hall and check building permits? I’m out here so far or I would do it. Go Monday Mula as my curiosity is beyond chingos. I’m thinking Lionel isthe only one of the ‘biggies’ that played there, left!! Cisco Cisco wrote: Oscar. Where was the Zaragoza?? I remember where the Progresso was, and Sonny Lopez sold ‘cones’ or nieves as he says. Is my memory gone already? No wonder my Golf is getting better, I’m getting like Rudy Reyes, he forgets to count his strokes. Cisco Original Message-----From: Oscar Vaca Sent: Sat, Jan 20, 2018 9:18 am Subject: Remembering Alameda Theater at Theatre Guadalupe - Sun 11:30 Am - 2:30 PM Jan 21, 2018 THE ZARAGOZA AND NACIONAL WERE BOTH ON COMMERCE STREET JUST BEFORE YOU HIT THE LITTLE JET LEG CAUSED BY THE MERCADO. THE NACIONAL WAS AT THE VERY CORNER AND LASTED LONGER. LA FERIA WAS ACROSS THE STREET AND THE ZAZ CAFE WHICH I LOVED TO GET BARBACOA TACOS WAS AROUND THE CORNER. WHEN THEY MOVED I FOLLOWED THEM BECAUSE THEIR TACOS WERE THE BEST AFTER PARTYING ALL NITE, THEY OPENED LATE ANYWAY. THE MI TIERRA WAS THE AFTER HOURS HANGOUT FOR PEOPLE LIKE ME TO TRY TO SOBER UP AT. AT THE TIME IT WAS A HOLE IN THE WALL BUT OPEN ALL NITE. NO TOURISTS WENT THERE AT THAT TIME AND NO PRESIDENT HAD EVER STEPPED FOOT IN IT. NOW LOCALS HAVE TO WAIT IN LINE WITH THE TOURISTS TO GET 3 ENCHILADAS A LA CARTE FOR TEN DOLLARS. ALL THE NOTABLES FROM San Antonio ARE IN THE MURAL IN THE BACK INCLUDING MR. SOSA AND HENRY CISNEROS. NARCISO, OSCAR AND FELIX ARE NOT IN IT YET. 64 Original Message-----From: Paul Castillo jr. Sent: Sat, Jan 20, 2018 9:11 pm Subject: Remembering National & Zaragoza Theaters I remember ''EL NACIONAL'' & ''EL ZARAGOZA'' very well during the 2nd world war my grandmother would take me there to see the Burlesque shows and the other performers trying to make money.... at '' El Nacional'' all the most currant movies were shown there.. I was about 4-5 years old when I first saw Pedro Infante,, in one of his first movies''Jesusita en chihuahua'' he even autographed a picture of me on the back because that's the only thing my father had for him to sign,,, I still have that picture with Pedro Infantes' name on it,, we got to see many movie stars there at ''El NACIONAL'' IN PERSON,,, one time me Lupe Garza were outside ''EL NACIONAL'' looking at the movie pictures and the announcement that ''TIN TAN'' was appearing in person that day, ,,suddenly someone put his arms around us and said,,,''ESOS VATOS !! VAN A ENTRAR O LES FALTAN FIEROS,?? we turned to see who it was,,& it was TIN TAN himself,, we told him we didn't have any money & he pulled some money out of his pocket & gave it to us so we could go in to see him. when the ALAMEDA was still open so many celebrities came into National shirt shops on Houston & st Mary’s st and i also saw many of them at Las Palmas S.C.,,, Las Palmas was a a hub for lots of stars to visit there,, but I do remember El NACIONAL & EL ZARAGOZA very well,, just like ''THE OBRIAN '' & ,,'THE FOLLIES'',, EL PROGRESSO.. ''THE PRINCE,, THE PALACE'' THE EMPIRE,, THE STATE,, THE TEXAS..THE AZTEC & THE BEST ONE OF ALL - - THE MAJESTIC,,,,,,,,,,,,,, APACHE riginal Message-----From: Arturo Limon Sent: Sat, Jan 20, 2018 7:45 pm Subject: Alameda Mula, ZaZ barbacoa tacos were the bestest. Have yet to find a good barbacoa and hot mouth watering corn tortillas. They also had very tasty flour tortillas. Mario’s Restaurant was also a good place to have a late dinner. The tastiest tamales I’ve had were made and sold by a lady and her little red wagon equipped with a kerosene lantern. Her selling spot was right in front of the Winchester Bar on Frio St. a couple of blocks from the Boys Club (El Caso). Original Message-----From: JOSE CASTILLA JR EL BARDO Sent: Sat, Jan 20, 2018 8:01 pm Sub: : Remembering Alameda Theater at Theatre Guadalupe - Sun 11:30 Am - 2:30 PM Jan 21, 2018 One of the biggest contributors to the Alameda's demise was television. I didn't make the San Antonio scene till the summer of 1956, but I remember El Nacional and the ZAZ Cafe that Oscar mentioned. If I remember correctly, they used to rent cots at the "flop" hotel above the ZAZ. I used to buy lengua lampreada at Mi Tierra, but the best lengua tacos, bar none, were the ones from Casa Grande on Guadalupe and Brazos. I know you all ate there. Remember the Chili stand and shoe shine stand across from the Texas Theatre? Well the guys that hung around the shoe shine stand held me up with a knife at Presa and Commerce one evening after work. They got about $0.35 from me but I 65 refused to give them my brand new 1957 Lanier Ring and pushed them aside and jumped into the Guadalupe St. bus. Message-----From: Paul Castillo jr. Sent: Sun, Jan 21, 2018 6:46 am Subject: Re: COMMENTS - National & Zaragoza Theaters - ZAZ & APACHES CAFE yes I remember Tony's Mirror shine on Houston st. because I shined shoes there, and also at a very small place further down across from Wolf & Marx,, and what about SOTO'S CAFE & restaurant at the corner of Guadalupe & Zarzamora, where it had a cartoon of a sexy gal saying'' WHY DON'T YOU COME IN & SEE ME SOMETIME'' who remembers 'THE QUICK LUNCH'' at the corner where the ALAMEDA was ? I think the st.name was Camaron,,, am not sure of the name. ''EL TENAMPA'' bar was at the end of the block from the ALAMEDA going up Houston st. close to the ''JOY'' theater. and I believe ''BIGOTES' PLACE’ ‘was somewhere close to that drugstore on nueva st.where there was a huge portrait of a lion on their wall,,, san Antonio has a beautiful & fantastic history and those of us who saw all this are very lucky to have seen it all. I also worked at ''MAMMY'S CAFETERIA'' in the Milam Building downstairs, and at the ''SMORGASBOARD''at ''THE GUNTER HOTEL''it was a finer place to go have dinner at night,, I also worked at ''THE WOODLAWN BOWLING LANES'' ON Fredricksburg rd,,,Augustine Llano & I also worked at ''ALAMO FUEL CO.'' at night afterschool ,bagging charcoal in bags for BBQing we shared his bike taking turns peddaling to & from work, there’s a lot more but for another time,,,but what a time we had in those great times,,,,, apache Original Message-----From: Arturo Limon Sent: Sun, Jan 21, 2018 10:35 am Subject: : COMMENTS - National & Zaragoza Theaters - ZAZ & APACHES CAFE Memory Lane...At the corner of Houston St and Laredo St before reaching the Alameda was a photo shop named Maya Studio, can anyone name one of photographers that wo rked there? Original Message-----From: oscar vaca Original Message-----From: Jose Trevino, Jr Sent: Sun, Jan 21, 2018 10:30 pm Sub: SUNDAY COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! - National & Zaragoza Theaters - ZAZ & APACHES CAFE Yes sir, was it Carmelo? OF COURSE, MY PADRINO CARMELO SUSTAITA! I KNEW THAT! Mula 66 -Original Message-----From: Arturo Limon Sent: Mon, Jan 22, 2018 10:15 am Subject: SUNDAY COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! - Maya Studio You have a very good memory and are correct. Sent: Sun, Jan 21, 2018 9:26 pm Subject: SUNDAY COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! - National & Zaragoza Theaters - ZAZ & APACHES CAFE DIDN'T TONY CRUZ RUN THE SHOE SHINE PARLOR? HE TOOK IT OVER A JEWISH COUPLE WHEN THE HUSBAND GOT SICK. DIDN'T HE BECOME A COUNCILMAN OR CIVIC LEADER? I THINK HIS SON FRED CRUZ STILL GOES TO GUADALUPE CHURCH BECAUSE HE KNOWS MY WIFE AND HER FAMILY. DIDN'T TONY OPEN THE MEXICAN MANHATTAN RESTAURANT BECAUSE MEXICANS LIKE US WERE NOT "APPRECIATED" AT THE ORIGINAL MANHATTAN NEAR THE MAJESTIC? BY THE WAY, AWHILE BACK I WENT TO THE MEXICAN MANHATTAN AND A "KARAM" WAS THE MANAGER, POSSIBLY THE OWNER AND THE FOOD WAS VERY GOOD. KARAM'S FROM ZARZAMORA? QUIEN SABE??? Original Message-----From: oscar vaca > Sent: Sun, Jan 21, 2018 9:12 pm BY THE WAY I JUST HAD SOME OF THE BEST MENUDO IN MY LIFE AT BLUE STAR RESTAURANT, OF ALL PLACES. IT WAS RICH BEYOND IMAGINATION FOR THOSE MENUDO AFICIONADOS. ALSO, THE BEST PECAN PIE TO BOOT, RICH AND FULL (AND I MEAN FULL) OF PECANS WITH VERY LITTLE FILLING. THE MENUDO IS ONLY ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAYS FOR BRUNCH. THE PIE IS PRICY AT $6,00 PER SLICE, BUT LIKE THE MENUDO WELL WORTH IT. TRY IT YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT. Original Message-----From: Cisco Perez 1957 Sent: Sun, Jan 21, 2018 6:33 pm Subject: SUNDAY COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! - National & Zaragoza Theaters - ZAZ & APACHES CAFE Apache, being a Westsider I remember all those places. Soto’s was a great after partying place. Great tacos. I was fired at the Gunter smorgasbord for dropping a fifty count silver tray of Deviled eggs I was bringing out of kitchen. Had to pay $15 for it out of my $2 per day job(4hrs@50cents). The old County Jail was on Camaron st between Commerce and Houston streets. Coming home late at night from selling Newspapers subscriptions, Joe Leso and I,would tiptoe where their big bulldog was sleeping by the wrought iron fence next to sidewalk and drop our books and yell and the poor dog would jump a foot up and start barking like hell. The inmates would wake up and start cussing us and we would run laughing to for the last Guadalupe St bus home before the cops came. On Saturdays the O’brain would be full of soldiers and flyboys. Robert Lopez and I were watching a b&b cowboy movie where here comes this cowboy on his horse at full gallop in the moonlight through the boon docks till he roars into town 67 and dismounts at full gallop and runs into this big saloon full of cowboys, and announces ‘Big trouble in San Antone!’. The saloon empty’s and everyone mounts their horses and head for SA. All the military guys jump, as if on cue, with a big roar that scared our socks off and carried on so long that the movie was stopped and the lights turned on!! One thing I really enjoy when I’m in SA is the breakfast meeting at Rositas (Mexican Hooters) with Mula, Martin Nieto, Carmelo S. his brother Juan, Joe Duran and Toto their life long friend. Many others come by from time to time like Arturo (Gato)Flores. The stories we exchange there would make funny reading for Lanierites. Narciso Cisco Perez Original Message-----From: Cisco Perez Sent: Sun, Jan 21, 2018 11:51 pm Subject: : BLUE STAR RESTAURANT Oscar. The original Mexican Manhattan, as we remembered before was on Ricter St around the corner from El Paso st. A classy Mexican restaurant with table cloths and red and green neon outside. We could never afford to set foot in there. It was, I guess, a place that catered to men treating the dancing girls of all the bars around there. Many bars! It moved to downtown and it was renamed The New Original Mexican Manhattan. I lived at 309 Torreon St (Alazan Courts). Alfred Tovar was my neighbor and life long friend. So you returned to your old favorite Resturant the Blue Star Cafe. I thought you only went there for the fish plate? Guess next time you treat me to the great menudo. Yummy. Original Message-----From: Art Flores To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Mon, Jan 22, 2018 12:52 am Subject: : Remembering National & Zaragoza Theates Hello Mula, I Guess Oscar and Cisco never went to El Regis or was it El Rejis (?) on Guadalupe St. near Zaramora. Our barrio historian Carmelo should know about it. Regards, Gato Gato, Good to hear from You.Cisco & Oscar didn't go west from Brazos St. La Calle Zarzamora was too rough for them. Afraid of El Cassiano & Y Los De San Alfonso, Toto, Chente, Gilbert & Martin Nieto, Carmelo & Juan Sustaita, Mula, Gato, Perro & Marana!!! Mula 68 Original Message----- From: Frances Yanez 1961 Sent: Mon, Jan 22, 2018 9:30 am Subject: : OSCAR VACA COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! - TONY CRUZ - MEXICAN MANHATTAN The Mexican Manhattan restaurant, located at 110 Soledad Street, has held this address since its inception in 1958. The property was owned by the Carson family but, through the friendship of these Greek families, it was leased to George & Julia Karam, The Karem children, Larry, Steve and Ken worked with their parents since childhood and learned the business their hard work. They continue to provide greatservice and still take the time to stop by your table and say hello and thank you. I am pleased to say that I've known both the Carson (worked for George the attorney) and Karam families for many, many years. The recipes remain the same and food continues to be as delicious today as it was back when they opened. The prices are reasonable, considering their location and the Karams don't "poke" tourists with any high priced item. Patrons can now park across the street at the old Frost bank building and get their ticket stamped by the Karams, for a discount on their parking fees. I'm sure that 99% of you reading this, agree with everything I've said, and if you haven't had the privilege of enjoying the Mexican Manhattan restaurant food, you should make an effort to at least give it a try. Bet you'll be back for seconds very soon. Take care. La D. Original Message-----From: Jesus "Goose" Flores 1961 Sent: Sun, Jan 21, 2018 1:31 pm Subject: SUNDAY COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! - Thank You for all the memories...I use to work in the Farmers Market helping the farmer set up early in the morning for the days business. Thanks Again Original Message-----From: Carmelo Sustaita 1961 Sent: Mon, Jan 22, 2018 2:52 pm Subject: CARMELO SUSTAITA MEMORY LANE! - MAYA STUDIO Yes Siree folks we shot a lot of photos there and on Guadalupe street in the Calaveras/Chupaderas Heights area. We filmed a lot of Lanier couples weddings, family groups and many other events. The name of the theater on Zarzamora/Guadalupe was El Venus in 69 the 40's and than later on they change the name to El Rejis! Don't forget our Dance Ball Rooms El Cassiano Park and El Cielito Lindo one block north of Rays's Dr. Inn. We had some super Cinco de Mayo and Fiestas Patrias Celebrations at the Cassiano park and some of the guys even danced with their baseball spike shoes on. (Great Times)! Getting back to the Alameda, there were a lot of very famous folks that came though there, musicians, Mexican movie stars, Trios and Mariachis. One time during a theater projectionist strike, Jorge Negrete was performing and he got tomato bombarded (Lo Tomatiaron). A wedding ceremony was staged there also, Amalia Mendoza (La Tariaquri) married the leading voice guy of the Trio Los Dandys. Another time the 70 whole orchestra of Mariano Merceron had the building rocking. Also one time some donkey lit up a skunk smelling odor bomb and everybody had to get out. Very very gratos recuerdos! Thanks for the Memories! Original Message----- From: Arturo Limon Sent: Mon, Jan 22, 2018 and who was that guy that worked at National Shirt Shop at Las Palmas Shopping Ctr.??????? Original Message-----From: JOSE CASTILLA JR 1957 "EL BARDO" Sent: Mon, Jan 22, 2018 1:57 pm Subject: OSCAR VACA COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! - TONY CRUZ - MEXICAN MANHATTAN Oscar, what was the name of the Mexican restaurant on the east side of the river across from the Texas Theatre.? That restaurant was owned by Tony Cruz . He was the president of Lulac Council #2 and we used to go over to his restaurant after the meetings at the Alameda Theatre Building and have coffee at his restaurant. I went to school with a George Karam here in McAllen, he attended Rice and became a lawyer and passed away not too long ago. Recently I met his cousin who said he knew the Karams of SA's Karam Restaurant --small world. - 71 -Original Message-----From: Oscar Vaca Sent: Mon, Jan 22, 2018 8:19 pm Subject: JOE CASTILLA JR COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! - TONY CRUZ - MEXICAN MANHATTAN - KARAM I CANNOT RECALL A RESTAURANT THERE PROBABLY. BECAUSE I DIDN'T GO THERE. I REMEMBER Coney Island, REXALL DRUG STORE ACROSS THE OLD POST OFFICE NEAR THE ALAMO WHERE WE HAD SODAS AND QUICK FOOD. I MISS THE ICE CREAM SODAS FROM THE FOUNTAIN. I HAD A SWEET TOOTH AND THAT'S WHY I WAS SO SKINNY. WISH I WERE THERE NOW Original Message----- From: Frances Yanez 1961 Sent: Mon, Jan 22, 2018 9:11 am Subject: ARTURO "GATO" FLORES EL REGIS You are toooo funny!! Thanks for injecting us with some of our lives best memories. Don't stop - some of us look forward to our yesteryears with gusto!! Original Message-----From: Paul Castillo jr. Sent: Mon, Jan 22, 2018 11:14 am Subject: CISCO PEREZ, CALIF COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! - National & Zaragoza Theaters - ZAZ & APACHES CAFE Narciso,, do you remember ''LA CITA NIGHT CLUB'' on commerce st ? it was close to the old Centeno Super Market. I knew several girls from Lanier that worked there when they quit school. I used to make extra money from them when i would send them ''customers'' when I worked at the Gunter Hotels smorgasbord and some of the tourists would ask me if i knew where they could meet some ''nice girls'',, I always send them to ''LA CITA'' ,, the girls were very pretty,, they were just having a very hard time then,,, they had all gone to school with us. apache Original Message-----From: Cisco Perez Sent: Mon, Jan 22, 2018 5:15 pm Subject: APACHE COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! -"LA CITA NIGHT CLUB" Apache. You are pulling my leg. There have never been ‘those’ kind of girls who attended Lanier!! Now as far as me never gone further West than Brazos St. I was outside El Gaucho Night Club,( remember it?) when I heard them paging Mula, ‘ Felix Yruegas a la puerta de el Gaucho por favor’. That was a long time ago I doubt if many recall ‘El Gaucho’ night Club. It was in you guys neck of the woods in an area claimed by Joe Lopez and los vatos de el Cone. I roamed all over the West Side. I also for a while attended St. Alfonso’ Church when I was paling with Ralph Cortez. What ever happened I’ve been meaning to ask about him and his sister Adela (?). Cisco 72 -----Original Message-----, From: Felix Yruegas LOL! El Gaucho was at El Paso & Navidad. I lived 2 blocks south at 907 S Navidad as did a bunch of others. Rudy "Lefty" Gonzalez lived closed by on Guadalupe, Danny & Robert Lopez lived by On Elvira, Alfred Carreon lived on Guadalupe & Cibolo. Mary Zuniga lived on Navidad & Guadalupe. Edward "Huevo" lived on Montezuma & Navidad. Juan Villapando lived on Colima & Navidad as did the Gonzales Brothers on Colima by Navidad. Teresa Champion also on Colima. Grace Soriano, Irene Montez & Alfred Garza Band, also lived off Navidad Closer to Vera Cruz & Tampico. Jesse Huerta, Rachel & Dan Saucedo further South. I also was part of El Cone at EL Paso & Trinity! -Original Message-----From: major bowie Frank Salazar 1958 To: felixysr What year are you referring to on "La Cita" nightclub. We moved from the Condo's (Alazan courts) to una casita . with 3 rooms (including the kitchen) on Martin and Colorado. We became good friends with the Acosta's, Falcon's, Pena (like Dr..L. Pena), and many other Lanier and Tech students. We used to hang around all up and down Commerce St, at the State Drug Store, one block west of Centeno. I do not recall that club. This was around 1954/5. Original Message-----From: Arthur DE LOS SANTOS 1955 Sent: Mon, Jan 22, 2018 6:58 pm Subject: COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! -"LA CITA NIGHT CLUB" I can attest with Apache, there were a lot of Lanier girls at La Cita Night Club. In 1956 I, with my group "Arthur Dee and The Bee-Boppers played 6 night a week. My Compadre Frank Gallardo 1955 and I were attending St. Mary University, but still managed to keep up with this gig. We played until 2:00AM. However, we were fortunate to get on the Scratch Fillip's Rock n Roll weekly show at KCOR TV. This weekly show gave us exposure, and we obtained a lot of gig for young adults. With this exposure, we were able move out of La Cita for better paying gigs. and able to concentrate on our studies. So La Cita was a good start for our group. 73 Original Message-----From: Paul Castillo jr. Sent: Mon, Jan 22, 2018 7:52 pm Subject: COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! -"LA CITA NIGHT CLUB" I am not pulling your leg about some of the girls that went to school with us and ''worked'' at ''LA CITA'' 2 of them went to la 40 with me,, and the way I found out was I was walking across the street from the club when one of them called me by my name and told me to go over, I talked to her & that's how I found out they were working there,, I also remember ''EL GAUCHO'' on el paso,, I lived on the 1900 block of Guadalupe street. my grandfather rented a two story building to the HERRERA FAMILY which was Rosendo& Raymond Herrera’s' family on the second floor and the ground floor to NOE MEDINAS' family,, who had opened a corn tortilla & barbacoa business,, Noes' father became my padrino later but on Saturday & Sundays we use to go sell Barbacoa ,, corn tortillas and espinasitos all around the area around RAY's DRIVE INN, called ''LAS COLONIAS ! we would all pile up on Joe Medinas ( NOES" FATHER) red truck and go to las colonia to go sell tortillas barbacoa & espinsitos some of the guys from Lanier that used to go with us was JOE GONZALES and his brothers,, Joe joined the Lanier band later & played the trumpet,, two other guys that joined us later were the 2 coaches for the football team ,, one of them had a first name RUDY & the other one was called shody ( shorty) Noe Medina went on to become a coach for the Lanier football team in later years. San Antonio was called some different names like ''SAN ANTO'' and was also called SAN QUILMAS'' Rosita Fernandez husband used to work at JOSKIES LAS PALMAS selling sewing machines, and when I worked at REYES SUPER MARKET by the creek on DURANGO st. I used to sneak boloney and bread to PEDRO GONZAES-GONZALES when he would be on the radio at the store in person playing his bottles & skillets for the radio audience, I also worked at the Chinese store called ''HUNG ONI on ZARZAMORA & El Paso,,,, and at a drug store on Guadalupe close to Zarzamora, ( I can't remember the name right now),,I also worked at ''FERNANDEZ DRUG STORE'' at the corner of Guadalupe & Sabinas, it was owned by Oscar Fernandez father,,, Oscar also went to Lanier. On Fridays’ & Saturdays, my grandmother and i would sit outside on the porch of the shoe shop and watch all the fights that went on across the street which had so many beer joints. Henry Hernandez of the ROYAL JESTERS lived across from me on Guadalupe street & his father had a bicycle repair shop , well I did and saw so many things when I was a young boy. I feel so lucky to have experienced so many things. apache P.S. CISCO,, you have no idea what I know and have seen about lots of kids that went to school with us.I just happened to be there at the right time and at the right place,,, like I said ''you have no idea’ ‘and I don't have any reason to pull your leg about what i have seen and done in my time,, some of the girls we knew in school, would've surprised you,,,,, apache 74 Original Message----- From: CISCO PEREZ Sent: Mon, Jan 22, 2018 11:19 pm Subject: APACHE COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! -"LA CITA NIGHT CLUB" Apache. You were all over too but do you know where the Fat and Forty Beer Bar was? Robert Lopez’s father would be having a few cold beers and we would hike from his house on Saunders and the creek and borrow his 1935 Chevy and go down town trying to pick up girls. We never did. I guess it was cause of his line ‘Hey, you wanna ride? Come on we’re not gonna do anything to you.’ We were about 15. Mula I was confirming our feelings about Cassiano Park and the gang there. With the creek area there being so deep with tall weeds it was easy to feel vulnerable so we were cautious when in the area. Wincar Garcia, Joe Diaz and his brother Johnny (Chuparosa) lived there. So did Jesse Ontiveros (56 FB Vok). Juan Cuellar and Chore his brother were also in our group that played basketball. We played at St Stevens, Guadalupe Community Center, MCI and Secret Heart Hall/Gym. Also playing with us then were Edward Huevo Rodriguez and Chilino Montalvo. El Huevo forgot all the time we hung around, forgot who I was you told me. He also knew and was friends with Alfred Carrion. I worked selling subscriptions with a man, Chase, who picked us up at Romana Plaza (in front of Sears) Tomas Blondie M., Robert Lopez, Joe Leso, Bartolo Mata, Felipe Garcia, and others were driven to neighborhoods all over SA after school and we would knock on doors till dark when they would pick us up. Some weekends during summer he would take us out of town to towns as far as Killeen, Corpus and Galveston and even Laredo. We were about 15-16 years old. Bartolo and Felipe dropped out as seniors (57) and left SA in a 35 Chrysler to Los Angeles with 2 orphan brothers who worked with us. Carlos and Pete. They sold newspaper subscriptions as a career till very late in their lives. Both never married, both very intelligent. The brothers became very wealthy in real estate. The Fat and Forty Club was 1 block South of Soto’s Cafe on Zarzamora. After Juanillo Ferrell kicked my butt when I was about 7 (He musta been 5) I was never afraid of fighting bigger guys but I’m terrified of PC /Con SF Nieto. Cisco Perez Original Message-----From: Santos S. Villarreal Sent: Mon, Jan 22, 2018 9:49 pm Subject: FRANCES YANEZ COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! - TONY CRUZ - MEXICAN MANHATTAN I worked downtown for 35 years and I still get to the Mexican Manhattan for a bean chalupa with chilies. One is a meal. The Alameda suffered the same fate as all the theaters downtown. Migration to the North and South which is our growth pattern, the Malls and so many other factors such as technology, all types of residential construction, schools. Retail stores like Joskes couldn't compete. I worked at the Alameda Building for a while when I was with the City. In 1958 I was in the Marine Corps and I was doing cold weather training in Pickle Meadows near Reno Nevada and I met the son of the owner of the ZAZ " que sabroso estas " cafe. His name is Manuel Noriega and he retired from the Post Office .We were both in the 5th Marines 1st Marine Division stationed at Camp Pendleton. Santos Villarreal class of 55 Lanier. 75 Original Message-----From: Paul Castillo jr. Sent: Mon, Jan 22, 2018 9:00 pm Subject: APACHE COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! -"LA CITA NIGHT CLUB" thanks to ART DE LOS SANTOS,, for attesting to my memory of ''la cita'' night club. And I am WEST SIDE, I did and saw a lot of what went on in the west side, every day was a new adventure for me and everyone that was ''OUT THERE''. Sorry I didn't mention my days at HARLANDALE HIGH SCHOOL, I moved to the HARLANDALE area in the summer of 1953 and attended my sophomore year there, two other Lanier students had also moved to Harlandale at the same time as me, they were JOE GONZALES younger brother of JULIO GONZALES ( Teresa Quijanos' husband ) and ARLEEN FISHER ! there is still so much about our young years to talk about,,, what a time it was to be that young at such a great era APACHE THE WINNER IS: El Pa Con Guy!!!! Original Message-----From: Maj. bowie Frank Salazar 1958 Sent: Mon, Jan 22, 2018 10:40 pm Subject: APACHE COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! -"LA CITA NIGHT CLUB" I beat them all, I sold POPCORN at the PROGRESO theatre on Guadalupe. majbowi Original Message-----From: Art Flores 1957 Sent: Tue, Jan 23, 2018 12:20 am Subject: COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! -" Hi Mula, All these comments makes me put in my two-cents worth comments. Before my Dad opened the store where I worked my butt off, he had a bar on Guadalupe and Comal, catty-corner from the Finnegan Hide Co. I can still remember the smell when a train full of cow hides was brought in. My dad's drinking buddies were other bar owners; Cruz Tijerina (El Pajaro) who had the bar on Tampico across the street from Calderon's (?). Another buddy was El Guero, Octavio Maldonado, (New Progresso Bar on Guadalupe) father of Ruben, class of '56. Also, Cruz Saenz, owner of the Gaucho Garden. My dad's bar had three pool tables that I cleaned after I had spread the sawdust and swept the place. I spent a lot of time with my dad going to his friend's bars or going to the Guadalupe theater. The Progresso did not have movies on week-days. Regards, Gato 76 Gato, Not to forget Your Dad's Store on Tampico where we used to get our beer!!! Also Esparza's on Brazos! Mula How about Juan De Hoyos Grocer El Paso & Navidad, who used to load up the Barrio kids & take us to play ball somewhere in Helotes, TX! Justo "Queti" Guajardo Drug Store Guadalupe & Navidad who was the Family Doctor for the whole neighborhood! Or Zuniga Radio & TV Guadalupe & Navidad. He would place his TV's in Front so the neighborhood could see the wrestling matches on TV, the Big Radio that broadcast Great Boxer Joe Louis fight! The great Pan Dulce from Superior Bakery. Ah, never forgot, The smell coming from the Tampico Street Mantanza APCO! Mula Have You heard the corridor "La Carga Blanca?" Calle Navidad & Vera Cruz! Riche Trevino BB Vok & paper guy, Joe Contreras? The Arocha Brothers El Paso Street. Maya Studio on Guadalupe St close to Navidad! Ruiz Elem on Navidad & Vera Cruz. Juan, Montezuma & Navidad where Tony Pena, Riche Trevino, Big Boy Edward Ibarra prepared paper for delivery. Original Message-----From: Frances Yanez To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Tue, Jan 23, 2018 6:44 am Subject: COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! -"LA CITA NIGHT CLUB" Glad to see the names of so many neighbors that resided in the "El Gaucho Garden Estates" I lived 2 houses directly across the street from the establishment. Welcome back to our homeland!!! Original Message-----From: Frances Yanez Sent: Tue, Jan 23, 2018 9:13 am Subject: APACHE COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! -"LA CITA NIGHT CLUB" Felix, I am so happy that these memories are flying back and forth as it gives Paul a chance to finally open up and get away (even if its only temporary) from the loss of his son. Let's continue to stoke his ambers and keep him rewinding to those wonderful days of yesteryear, painful as some of them may have been. You are a funny guy. La D. 77 Original Message----- From: Oscar Vaca To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Wed, Jan 24, 2018 4:54 am Subject: FRANCES YANEZ "EL GAUCHO GARDEN ESTATES " COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! LIVING NEAR FRIO CITY ROAD ON SOUTH NUECES STREET WAS NOTHING LIKE YOU DESCRIBE NEAR GUADALUPE STREET. THERE WERE TWO BARS ON FRIO CITY RD. CALLED LA JUNTA NITE CLUB AND BENAVIDEZ BAR. FOR ENTERTAINMENT WE HAD TO GO TO ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH AND PLAY BASEBALL AND BASKETBALL ON THE CHURCH GROUNDS OR JOIN THE BOY SCOUTS TROOP 68. THE CHURCH WAS RE-NAMED IMMACULATE CONCEPTION AFTER A NEW ONE WAS BUILT. IF YOU GO THERE NOW YOU WILL SEE AN OLD GYM MADE OUT OF METAL THAT WAS DONATED BY A BUSINESSMAN FROM CHICAGO. AFTER IT WAS BUILT HE CAME DOWN TO SEE IT AND THE PRIEST ASKED ME TO SHOW IT TO HIM WHICH I DID. WE PLAYED THERE 7 DAYS A WEEK, RAIN OR SHINE. WHEN WE PLAYED THE LOCAL “HOODS” WE HAD TO LET THEM WIN OR THEY WOULD PUNCTURE OUR BASKETBALL. I WALKED TO LANIER JUST LIKE MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS BECAUSE THE BUS TOOK TOO LONG HAVING TO GO DOWNTOWN TO TRANSFER TO THE GUADALUPE SPECIAL. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE HIJAS DE MARIA? MY SISTERS WERE DEVOUT HIJAS. ON THE CORNER OF LAREDO AND BRAZOS WAS A LARGE BUILDING THAT HAD A DANCE HALL UPSTAIRS. LATER IT BECAME A GARAGE. A KID NAMED PAUL DALMAS’ FAMILY OWNED IT. WHEN MY BROTHER WAS NOT ADMITTED TO COLLINS GARDEN WE HAD TO GO TO JOHNSON ELEMENTARY ON LAREDO. MY MOTHER COULDN’T UNDERSTAND WHY I WAS ADMITTED BUT NOT HIM. I MIGHT ADD WE WERE BOTH VERY GOOD STUDENTS. TALK ABOUT DISCRIMINATION! ANYWAY, THAT WAS THE “GOOD OLE DAYS” THAT OUR KIDS AND GRANDKIDS WILL NEVER SEE, THANK GOD. I NOW HAVE TEACH MY MY GRANDKIDS WHAT THE BARRIO WAS TO US. IT’S AMAZING WHAT TWO GENERATIONS CAN DO TO A CULTURE. NOW MY GRANDSON PLAYS BASKETBALL IN AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WITH NOT ONE BUT TWO GYMS WITH CENTRAL HEAT AND AIR. Oscar, I didn't mention the Bars on Guadalupe St. Between Zarzamora on the West & Brazos on the East, there were probably close to 30 BARS, "Linterna Verde was one. Some may have heard "El Corrido Del "Guero Polvos" Gonzales who was killed at Simon's, one of the infamous "Tres Cantinas" on Guadalupe & Nueces, by Sheriff Deputy Rudy Garza who later became the 1st Hispanic Sheriff in S.A. Alfred Carreon's Dad was also a Sheriff Deputy after he served in the Army during WW I "Las Tres Cantinas" was a sad reminder when I walked by there for 6 years on the way to Lanier Jr & High School. My Uncle Juan Yruegas was killed by a hit & run driver as he tried to cross Guadalupe Street. They never caught the driver. Mula 78 In these series of emails between Felix Yruegas and Lanierites, the topics run from restaurants to discriminate practices by the “white” population and how it affected the Mexican Americans which some of us still have feelings about what has happened to us as individuals. Gene Cortez Random Thoughts Original Message-----From: Oscar Vaca 1957 To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Sat, Jan 6, 2018 7:45 pm Subject: CHILDREN OF THE GREATEST GENERATION WHEN I WAS ATTENDING San Antonio COLLEGE IN THE 1960'S I TOOK AN ECONOMICS COURSE THAT WENT OVER THE "Great Depression." SO I DECIDED TO ASK MY MOM HOW BAD THE Great Depression WAS. AS SOON AS I ASKED, SHE TURNED TOWARDS ME WITH A BLANK STARE AND SAID, "WHAT Great Depression?" I TRIED TO EXPLAIN TO HER WHAT HAD HAPPENED IN THAT ERA BUT AGAIN SHE LOOKED AT ME AND SAID, "I DON'T RECALL ANY Great Depression DURING THAT TIME. I WASN'T BORN THEN BUT I KNEW THAT SHE HAD HAD AT LEAST FOUR OR FIVE OF USE BY THEN. I THEN REALIZED THAT MY FAMILY HAD EXPERIENCED LITTLE OF THE Great Depression BECAUSE WE WERE SO POOR WE WERE ALWAYS GETTING BY WITH THE MINIMUM OF RESOURCES BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE Great Depression. IT WASN'T UNTIL THE OLDER SIBLINGS STARTED WORKING THAT THINGS GOT BETTER FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY. THE FIRST TV WAS AT A GROCERY STORE DOWN THE BLOCK AND OUR GROCER, JUAN MENCHACA (FATHER OF CRUZ MENCHACA) WOULD INVITE THE NEIGHBORHOOD TO COME WATCH WHATEVER WAS ON TV THAT DAY. WE NEVER HAD A CAR SO I ENJOYED CISCO COMING OVER TO PICK ME UP SO WE COULD GO A PARTY, THE MALTHOUSE OR WHATEVER. I WALKED FROM FRIO CITY RD. TO LANIER FOR FIVE AND A HALF YEARS UNTIL I GRADUATED. I WORE HAND ME DOWNS FROM MY TWO BROTHERS SO BY THE TIME I GOT THEM THEY WERE REALLY FRAYED AND TIGHT ON ME. TODAY IF I SEE MY GRANDKIDS WEAR HAND ME DOWNS I GET ALL OVER MY KIDS AND TELL THEM HOW IT AFFECTED ME. I WILL BUY THEM CLOTHES IF I HAVE TO SO THEY WON'T GET A COMPLEX LIKE I DID. MY OLDER BROTHER WOULD BUY FLASHY "HOOD" CLOTHES SO I WOULD HAVE TO WEAR THEM EVEN THOUGH I DISLIKED THEM. 79 ANYWAY THIS WAS THE WAY IT WAS AND WE WERE GRATEFUL FOR WHATEVER WE GOT. I LOOK BACK AND REMINISCE WHEN I WOULD BE SHINING G.I. SHOES DOWNTOWN AND SELLING NEWSPAPERS AT AGE FIVE RAIN OR SHINE COMING HOME WITH LESS THAN 50 CENTS TO GIVE TO MOM. I HAD GREAT PARENTS WHO KEPT US STRAIGHT AND I COMMEND THEM FOR IT BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT I WENT THROUGH WAS NOTHING COMPARED TO WHAT THEY WENT THROUGH. IT MADE ME WHAT I AM TODAY AND FOR THAT I AM ETERNALLY GRATEFUL. A PROFESSOR IN BUSINESS SCHOOL ONCE SAID. "REMEMBER THE GOOD OLD DAYS?" WHO WANTS TO GO THERE? "NOT I," HE SAID. AND I WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE. Original Message-----From: Frances Yanez 1961 Sent: Mon, Jan 22, 2018 9:30 am Subject: : OSCAR VACA COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! - TONY CRUZ - MEXICAN MANHATTAN The Mexican Manhattan restaurant, located at 110 Soledad Street, has held this address since its inception in 1958. The property was owned by the Carson family but, through the friendship of these Greek families, it was leased to George & Julia Karam, The Karem children, Larry, Steve and Ken worked with their parents since childhood and learned the business their hard work. They continue to provide great service and still take the time to stop by your table and say hello and thank you. I am pleased to say that I've known both the Carson (worked for George the attorney) and Karam families for many, many years. The recipes remain the same and food continues to be as delicious today as it was back when they opened. The prices are reasonable, considering their location and the Karams don't "poke" tourists with any high priced item. Patrons can now park across the street at the old Frost bank building and get their ticket stamped by the Karams, for a discount on their parking fees. I'm sure that 99% of you reading this, agree with everything I've said, and if you haven't had the privilege of enjoying the Mexican Manhattan restaurant food, you should make an effort to at least give it a try. Bet you'll be back for seconds very soon. Take care. La D. Original Message-----From: Yolanda Morales To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Sat, Jan 27, 2018 1:45 am Subject: FRANCES YANEZ COMMENTS MEMORY LANE! - TONY CRUZ - MEXICAN MANHATTAN Felix the Mexican Manhattan on Soledad street was named "New Mexican Manhattan" because the first Mexican Manhattan restaurant was on El Paso and Richter street near the Alazan Courts a block down from the Davila grocery story which later became the Davila pharmacy on El Paso street. I was little when I used to go to the store across from the Mexican Manhattan. The owners were the Covarrubias family. They also were landlords to the other buildings next to it. Their daughter went to Ursuline Academy and their sons went to Central Catholic. I remember that they used to stay open after hours on the weekends. Mr. Santos Belton once told us in class that his family used to go there. We knew one of their waiters who when they closed he went to work at Casa Grande and work for them till it closed. The Karam family is Lebanese and the go they are 80 from St. George Maronite church that before it was on Babcock it was across from the Robert B. Green emergency room. Larry and Stevens father told me that they were cousins of the Karam family on Zarzamora. YM Original Message----- From: Oscar Vaca Sent: Thu, Feb 8, 2018 8:41 am Subject: - MEXICAN MANHATTAN!!!!!! - MEXICAN MANHATTAN & NEW MEXICAN MANHATTAN!!! I MISSED MY CHANCE OF BEING A MILLIONAIRE. IN THE 1960'S MY BROTHER IN LAW, VICTOR NEGRON WAS AN ATTORNEY IN WASHINGTON D.C. AND HE CAME HOME TO VISIT. WHEN I WAS TALKING TO HIM HE SAID, "OSCAR, I THINK WE SHOULD OPEN A MEXICAN RESTAURANT IN WASHINGTON, D.C. DON'T YOU AGREE? I SAID. "VICTOR, WHO IN THE HELL IS GOING TO EAT MEXICAN FOOD IN D.C.? HE SAID, "I GUESS YOU ARE RIGHT." TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT I DID NOT BECOME A RESTAURANTEUR AND NEITHER DID HE. A MISSED OPPORTUNITY BECAUSE IN 1987 I ENDED UP IN D.C. ON AN ENGINEERING PROJECT AND I FOUND 3 MEXICAN RESTAURANTS, ALL FROM New Mexico WHICH IS NOT MY TYPE OF MEXICAN FOOD BECAUSE THEY USE TOO MUCH RED CHILI. I FINALLY GAVE UP LOOKING FOR A San Antonio STYLE MEXICAN RESTAURANT IN D.C. IN 1988 I WENT TO ST. THOMAS ON AN ENGINEERING EVALUATION PROJECT AND GUESS WHAT I FOUND? TWO SAN ANTONIANS WITH A MEXICAN RESTAURANT IN ST. THOMAS. I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT! SO I WENT UP THE HILL BECAUSE ST. THOMAS IS ALL HILLS AND MET THE OWNERS WHO HAD MIGRATED FROM San Antonio TO Puerto Rico TO ST. THOMAS AND THEY WERE GLAD TO SEE ME AND MY WIFE. THEY COOKED US A San Antonio STYLE MEXICAN MEAL BECAUSE THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT SELL THE "HOT" San Antonio STYLE MEXICAN FOOD BECAUSE CUSTOMERS WOULD NOT EAT IT. WE ATE AND THEY WERE SO GLAD TO SEE SAN ANTONIANS THEY DID NOT CHARGE US FOR THE MEAL. ANYWAY, THEY WERE STUCK IN ST. THOMAS AND THEIR KIDS HAD GONE BACK TO THE U.S. AND THEY COULD NOT SELL THEIR RESTAURANT. IT'S A SHAME BECAUSE THEY WERE ANXIOUS TO COME HOME. I MIGHT ADD IN 1993, I CAME ACROSS THE MEXICAN RESTAURANT IN PARIS BUT I DID NOT TRY IT BECAUSE IT WAS CLOSED. I DID TRY A BBQ RESTAURANT IN PARIS OWNED BY INDIANS AND IT WAS NOT VERY GOOD. ALL THEY DID WAS PUT BBQ SAUCE ON THE CHICKEN. UGH!!! Oscar Vaca Original Message----- From: Art Flores 1957 Sent: Sun, Feb 11, 2018 12:14 am Subject: OSCAR VACA - MEXICAN MANHATTAN!!!!!! - Hi Guys, When I was at HQMC (1970-74) we lived in Alexandria, Va. and there were several Latin markets in D.C. that sold banana leaves supposedly for tamales. We never tried them besides the masa they had never looked good to me. In Okinawa, there was a restaurant that had "Mexican" food with tacos made from rice tortillas. We tried them a couple of 81 times and the tortillas would crumble apart at the first bite. Later we read in the Stars and Stripes that they were closed down because their meat was from dogs. Such was life, Arturo Original Message----- From: Gil Coronado 1954 Sent: Sat, Feb 10, 2018 10:50 pm Subject: OSCAR VACA - MEXICAN MANHATTAN!!!!!! - In the early seventies, while assigned to Panama I was named as personal aide-de-Camp to visiting (Retired) Lt. Gen. Ira Eaker (known as the father of USAF). Spent a week escorting Gen. and Mrs. Eaker. Invited them both to our house for dinner the last night. Helen prepared a Mexican meal - and Gen. Eaker then told her to come to DC. General Eaker told Helen he wanted to start a Mexican Restaurant and would finance the entire deal if she would agree to be his consultant. Helen said no. 12 years later I was assigned to DC and we visited Mrs. Eaker - Gen had passed away. Memories I had not thought about. Original Message-----From: Paul Castillo jr. 1956 Sent: Sun, Feb 18, 2018 8:43 pm Subject: YOLANDA MORALES COMMENTS - new braunfels, tx our catholic group from Guadalupe church called ''los Luises '' was also told to leave the swimming pool in 1953, because we were as they called us ''them Mexicans'',,, as a matter of fact all the white kids that were already swimming in the pool all got out when we got in... our priest & sponsor Father Dillon had gone to the pay booth and paid for the whole group without the employee seeing us but as soon as they did they went right over and told us to get out of the pool,,, Father Dillon refused to let them throw us out, the all the white kids got out of the pool, but after a while when they saw that we were having so much fun , they got back in, after we had been there as long as we wanted,, we left. some of the guys with our group were Tom Villegas,, Augustine Llano and quite a few others who I can't remember. but yes New Braunfels was a very racist town,, however we did not do any kind of damage to the pool or any of the pool property. Our people are nothing like that. all of us just quietly left the pool property and the city of New Braunfels.one who was treated so differently wonders what a city like New Braunfels is like today because old customs die hard, and to think that after all they did to Americans who were born here, they could care less that so many of those old German people still could not speak English and yet they were willing to keep American kids from the facilities of a city that they had settled in when they themselves came as immigrants to America, most of us from the 40's & 50's had such an experience at one time or another.,,, crow 82 Original Message-----From: JOSE EL BARDO Sent: Sun, Feb 18, 2018 10:04 pm Subject: YOLANDA MORALES COMMENTS - : new braunfels, tx If I remenber correctly, Henry B. also had a racial problem at Landa Park in 1955. Original Message-----From: JOSE EL BARDO Jose Castilla Jr 1957 Sent: Sun, Feb 18, 2018 10:44 pm Subject: APACHE'S POOL EXPERIENCE COMMENTS - new braunfels, tx Paul, I joined LOS LUISES in 1956 under Father W.T Dillon of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. There were many Lanier members, such as classmates: The late Oscar Lawson and Tony Ocha. Also Henry Hernandez, Ignacio Vasquez, Cecilia Ortiz's bro. And yes, I remember Tom Villegas and many others from Central. In or about 1958 Father Dillon took us to Starcke Swiming Pool in Seguin and we didn't have any problems. Original Message-----From: Oscar Vaca Sent: Sun, Feb 18, 2018 11:05 pm Subject: : YOLANDA MORALES COMMENTS - new braunfels, tx THEY FINALLY LET US SWIM THERE AND I WENT SWIMMING ONE TIME. EVERY TIME I DOVE IN TO THE POOL SOMEONE WOULD YELL "DAMM MEXICAN" BUT I COULD NEVER IDENTIFY THE INDIVIDUAL BECAUSE BY THE TIME I SURFACED NO ONE WAS AROUND. THE RIVER WAS MUCH BETTER AND I WENT THERE MANY TIMES WITH MY FAMILY. I THINK THE "K & L" IS STILL THERE. Original Message-----From: CISCO PEREZ 1957 Sent: Sun, Feb 18, 2018 11:50 pm Subject: APACHE'S POOL EXPERIENCE COMMENTS - new braunfels, tx Mula, My mom told us a story when we were growing up. She said many years ago to celebrate one of the Mexican celebrations, probably the Cinco de Mayo, the Landa Park and pool was open to ‘La Raza’ for the day. She went as a young lady, with her parents, and they were a large family, the Gallardo’s. There was a huge turnout with all day partying with bands playing and dancing, lots of food and watermelons. But by three o’clock there was a big tortilla floating in the deep end of the pool. The Raza was banned from Landa Park for years after that. My mom would say ‘ por eso no queren a la Raza.’ 83 I was born in New Braunfels on Nocogdoches St. Spend many summers in my youth up and down the Guadalupe River with my cousins from Austin. We would catch minnows and take them in a bucket with water and get a penny each at a general store in Gruene, the town nearby. Narciso Cisco Perez Yes, same problem we all had "THEM MEXICANS or "DAMN MEXICANS!" Original Message-----From: CISCO PEREZ 1957 Sent: Mon, Feb 19, 2018 12:21 am Subject: COMMENTS - new braunfels, tx Mula, In 1977 I took my family, Dolores and our four kids on a driving trip to see all the the states in the country. When we were on the way back home we stopped in San Antonio for a few days. I took my family plus their six cousins to NB and Landa Park. It was in April and the pool was closed but there was a little carnival with rides close by. I convinced a City supervisor worker there to open it for us for $200. We had a ball in all the rides especially in the bumper cars. Some white family came by but they were turned away cause it was reserved for a ‘Private Party’. I got us a little revenge . Cisco My family and my nieces and nephews never forgot. Original Message-----From: JOSE EL BARDO Jose Castilla Jr 1957 Sent: Sun, Feb 18, 2018 10:44 pm Subject: APACHE'S POOL EXPERIENCE COMMENTS - new braunfels, tx Paul, I joined LOS LUISES in 1956 under Father W.T Dillon of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. There were many Lanier members, such as classmates: The late Oscar Lawson and Tony Ochoa. Also Henry Hernandez, Ignacio Vasquez, Cecilia Ortiz's bro. And yes, I remember Tom Villegas and many others from Central. In or about 1958 Father Dillon took us to Starcke Swiming Pool in Seguin and we didn't have any problems. Original Message-----From: FRANK SALAZAR 1958 majbowie Sent: Mon, Feb 19, 2018 8:40 pm Subject: JOE CASTILLA JR - POSITIVE EXPERIENCE SEGUIN, TX Joe, I was a member than too. Bobby Vasquez, Tony Ochoa, and if I am not mistaken, Oscar Lawson or Tom Villegas were planning to become a Priest. Bobby V. was our scout leader and our scout master was a policeman and had two sons, Platano, Rudy, and I believe his brother was Fernando, they lived on Clavel if I am not mistaken. As far as experiences in New Braunfels, when I returned from Viet Nam in '68, my wife and I drove to San Antonio to visit the family and we stopped at New Braunfels because 84 she was hungry. She went to restaurant off the highway to get a hamburger and they would not serve her. Boy her Chicano temper went sky high and she let them have it. Original Message-----From: Alma Morales Riojas 1960 Sent: Tue, Feb 20, 2018 9:17 am Subject: FRANK "BOWIE" SALAZAR - WIFE'S EXPERIENCE IN new braunfels! At the end of the summer of 1959 Rosemary Badillo (Class of 1961) and I (Class of 1960) were returning on a Greyhound bus from Cheerleader Camp at SMU in Dallas. We had only enough money to get us to New Braunfels so Rosemary’s parents drove there to pick us up. We knew that it was not the best place to stop because we knew about the Landa Park segregation policies. We were refused service at a restaurant and at a gas station. I’m sure many of us remember the “We reserve the right to refuse service” signs which referred mostly to Mexican Americans. And the separate water fountains for “Whites” and “Others” (Kresge's and Neisner’s) Or the employment ads “Only Whites Need Apply” or being told a job was filled only to see a white person hired immediately after (Joske’s). Or the balcony only seats at the Majestic, Empire and Aztec. I think the only reason we weren’t told to ride in the back of the buses was that we all lived in the Westside and we were the only passengers on board. Too many of those experiences but as the book title states “Y no se lo trago la tierra.” “That which does not kill us, makes us stronger. “ On Feb 20, 2018, at 12:52 PM, Felix Yruegas wrote: In 1954 my Sophomore year, my 1st out of town game with the Lanier Voks BBall Team we went to play at new braunfels. Al Jensen 6'11" Trinity Grad was our Coach. We arrive in the afternoon and Coach let go walk downtown. We got thirsty & bit hungry. We walked into a place to get a soda & snack. The owner would not serve us. We went to Coach & explained. He went with us & told the owner these are my players, we are playing here tonight. The owner pointed to a sign that read " WE DON'T SERVE DOGS OR MEXICANS." Coach Jensen, German heritage argued to no avail & we left without been served. Looking back, I wondered did that really happen? Years later, Lionel Sosa wrote in one of his books about that infamous sign in new braunfels. So, I'm convince it really happened and it's not a NIGHTMARE! Felix "Mula" Yruegas 1957 PS - 1954 Voks finished 2nd place to The Mules of Alamo Heights who won the State Championship in 1954. Some Vok Players were Frank Mendiola, Chale Gomez, Lalo Garcia, Juan "Cana" De Leon, Fanny Hernandez, Vale Montalvo. 85 Original Message-----From: Lionel Sosa 1957 Sent: Tue, Feb 20, 2018 1:22 pm Subject: ALMA RIOJAS 1960 & MULA - EXPERIENCE IN new braunfels! That sign was real. Also, No Dogs, No Negros, No Mexicans. Google images no Mexicans no dogs From: Arturo Limon Sent: Tue, Feb 20, 2018 2:25 pm Subject: ALMA RIOJAS 1960 & MULA - EXPERIENCE IN new braunfels! Believe that I’ve previously told of my experience at Landa Park, New Braunfels while on a Boy Scout swimming outing with San Alphonso Church Troop 209 Mr. Joe Pina (scout master) and son Armando Pina. Two station wagons full of Boy Scouts and a flat bed Aztec Fence Co. truck driven by Leo Salas full of tents and supplies. Richard Palacios and Brick Pacheco were among the scouts. Upon reaching the pay booth, a man walks out and tells Mr. Pina that Mexicans were not allowed We then were taken to a park along side the San Antonio river section that runs behind Mission Funeral Home off Roosevelt. Arturo Glad it ended up well. Mr. Joe Pina made a Great adjustment. Original Message-----From: THOMAS C LOPEZ Sent: Tue, Feb 20, 2018 2:10 pm Subject: Check out Here Today, Gone Tomorrow .. - YouTube Good memorable viewing. However in my neighborhood on Monterey and Nueces the ice cream truck still comes by evening as late as 9pm! Wonder if they sell more than ice cream. Thomas C Lopez From: Felix Yruegas Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2018 10:10 PM Subject: ICE CREAM NIGHT RUN!!!! THOMAS C LOPEZ Night run for the parents???? We need a SAPD Sgt. like Toto Salas to check it out! 86 -Original Message----- From: Paul Castillo jr. Sent: Tue, Feb 20, 2018 8:36 pm Subject: ICE CREAM NIGHT RUN!!!! THOMAS C LOPEZ TOTO SALAS was the best police detective on the west side. many times he would come by where we were sitting and hanging out by the wall by the track field and ask us what we were doing, we would tell him that we were just there talking or just doing nothing, he would go to the back of his car, open the trunk and bring out a football or basketball or some bats and base balls and give them to us so that we could play. he knew every teen thug, heroin addict & thief on the west side, but he had a human side to him too, we all respected him. He was a regular patrol of our neighborhood and all the teens knew him, we never ran from him whenever he wanted to ask us any questions about anyone, he always seemed to know who was committing any crime in our neighborhood in the Alazan-Apache Courts or on the Westside. apache Original Message-----From: Paul Castillo jr. Sent: Tue, Feb 20, 2018 8:14 pm Subject: ALMA RIOJAS 1960 & MULA - EXPERIENCE IN new braunfels! and the residents of New BRAUNFELS are German immigrants who came to America for a better life and after they had settled here in America had the audacity & narrow mindedness to discriminate against the American people of Mexican descent who visited NEW BRAUNFELS,, yet everyone of those Mexican Americans just turned & walked away without creating an incident, they are so lucky that things changed as much as they have, but maybe they changed only because of the tv coverage of the race riots, burning,, pillaging and looting that were being done by blacks !they were scared & afraid of the same thing happening to their city of New Braunfels, so they gave in,, reluctantly I am sure. that same attitude is still present in most of the German population of that city, but they are willing to accept people of Mexican descent only because of the law and the revenue the tourists bring into their businesses, don't be fooled by the people there, they still don't care about all the Mexican Americans coming into their city, just look at the way they look at you, you can readily tell just how they really feel about you. you don't believe this,,, then you are lying to yourself. apacheOriginal Message----- From: Frank Salazar majbowie 1958 To: felixysr Sent: Tue, Feb 20, 2018 7:44 pm Subject: LIONEL SOSA - COMMENT - SIGN AT new braunfels! In the Army, I went thru a lot of crap like that. I was the only Mexican Officer in my battalion and the guys that outranked me were always making stupid comments and I would shoot it back to them. The greatest appreciation, is that the unit that I commanded as a 2nd L I bet in Vietnam, they didn't make stupid comments to Lt. Salazar! 87 Original Message-----From: OSCAR VACA 1957 Sent: Tue, Feb 20, 2018 11:26 pm Subject: ALMA RIOJAS 1960 & MULA - EXPERIENCE IN new braunfels! AFTER HAVING DIFFICULTY FINDING A JOB IN HIGH SCHOOL BECAUSE OF THE "ANGLOS ONLY, ANGLOS PREFERRED" REQUIREMENT, I JOINED THE MARINE CORPS AND WITH THE $75 A MONTH SALARY I COULD RARELY COME HOME. BUT MY EXPERIENCE WAS I THOUGHT UNUSUAL SINCE THE GREYHOUND STOPPED AT EVERY LITTLE TOWN ON HIGHWAY 90. IT TOOK OVER A DAY TO GET HOME AND YOU COULD MAKE BETTER TIME HITCH HIKING IN UNIFORM. THE ONLY PROBLEM WAS THAT WHEN THE BUS STOPPED AT A BUS STATION FOR A BATHROOM BREAK, THERE WERE TWO TOILETS. ONE WAS "WHITES ONLY", AND THE OTHER WAS "BLACKS ONLY." SO IT DIDN'T MATTER WHICH ONE YOU WENT IN TO YOU WERE GOING TO GET A LEERING STARE FROM WHOMEVER WAS IN THERE. I FINALLY FIGURED OUT I HAD A .BETTER CHANCE OF NOT BEING CHALLENGED BY GOING IN TO THE WHITE BATHROOM. THIS WAS THE DEEP SOUTH, LOUISIANA, ALABAMA, FLORIDA, MISSISSIPPI, SOUTH CAROLINA, AND GEORGIA. YET, THE USO'S NEVER GAVE US A PROBLEM. ONE TIME COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS IN A GREYHOUND IN ALABAMA, A FELLOW MARINE, LUCIANO CASTRO, FROM ODEM, TEXAS WHO WAS SIGNIFICANTLY DARKER THAN ME WAS TOLD BY AN OLD MAN TO GO TO THE BACK OF THE BUS. LUCIANO FELT SO INSULTED HE GAVE THAT OLD MAN THE WORST MARINE FOUL LANGUAGE FOR THINKING HE WAS BLACK THAT I STILL REMEMBER THE OLD MAN COWERING IN HIS CHAIR. BUT, THAT'S THE WAY IT WAS. IN ELEMENTARY, MY BROTHER JOE AND I WENT TO COLLINS GARDEN THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, AND HE GOT SENT HOME BECAUSE HE HAD TO GO TO JOHNSON ELEMENTARY ON LAREDO STREET. OF COURSE, THE NEXT DAY I WENT TO JOHNSON WITH HIM. COLLINS GARDEN WAS MOSTLY WHITE FOLK AND THEY DID WHATEVER THEY WANTED TO AND THE TEACHERS CHOSE THEIR STUDENTS Tue, Feb 13, 2018 6:14 pm DE ZAVALA ELEMENTARY ALUMNI CELIA NIETO, FRANCES YANEZ, YOLANDA & RUDY ALMAGUER, SANTOS VILLARREAL ANY RECUERDOS??? I attended DeZavala from 1943 to 47 and I don't recall a main entrance on San Luis. I think all the bldgs. were barracks built during the war. Our playground was on Durango St. and extended from Calaveras to Rosillo St. It was long and narrow because north it went extended to the alley. I lived on the corner of Durango and Rosillo across the street from a dirt basketball court. We played baseball, basketball, football and sometimes boxing tournaments. Our playground was called El Alamo probably for a cottonwood tree. This was also a pickup point for all of us that participated in sports at the Guadalupe Community Center. Joe Bernal, Armando Balderrama and Bobby Lowry would pick us up. There was an Anglo man that would come to El Alamo and bring his equipment and get a game going. I also remember Juan Hidalgo from CYO who used to also come with his equipment. I recall so many DeZavala classmates that went on to Jr. and high school at Lanier no longer around. Santos 88 Original Message-----From: Arturo Limon Sent: Tue, Mar 3, 2015 11:39 am Subject: westside memories 15 cent beer at Julian's Bar on Guadalupe St. and the jumbos at Esparza's were 50 cents and let's not forget Thunderbird at 50 cents...... and Mad Dog 20/20 at 75 cents out on New Braunfels and E. Commerce out of a car' trunk across the cemetery...... Nicko, I was the tallest guy of the bunch, so I was the Esparza beer runner! Yes, none of the guys will forget! Original Message-----From: Nick Rodriguez Sent: Mon, Mar 2, 2015 7:47 pm Subject: westside memories ALL YOU TEENAGE BEER DRINKERS YOU MEMBER ' ESPARZA'S AT THE CORNER OF MONTERREY AND BRAZOS I USED TO PURCHASE BEER THERE AS A TEENAGER . THE BULDING IS STILL THERE, ALSO JULIUS BAR AT THE CORNER OF GUADALUPE AND ROSILLO BEER. LONGNECKS WERE FIFTEEN CENTS A BOTTLE. YOU MEMBER? Original Message-----From: Cisco Perez To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Tue, Mar 3, 2015 10:59 pm Subject: Re: NAME OF RESTAURANT??? I was just putting that out as trivia for Mula. We are in the same page down memory lane. It was The Mexican Manhattan! Maybe that's why the one downtown on Commerce was called the New Mexican Manhattan. Cisco Perez Original Message-----From: Nick Rodriguez Sent: Tue, Mar 3, 2015 7:50 pm Subject: NAME OF RESTAURANT Mula I REMEMBER A RESTAURANT ON EL PASO STREET JUST EAST OF BRAZOS ST I THINK IT WAS AT THE CORNER OF EL PASO & RICHTER IT HAD FANCY TABLES WITH WHITE MANTELES WHAT WAS THE NAME OF THE RESTAURANT. JUST EAST FROM THAT LOCATION WERE THE LADY'S O F THE EVENINGS MEMBER 89 Thank You for sharing your memories with us. Your Dad, Mando Balderrama and "Chema" Dr Joe J Bernal were our role models and leaders at GCC in our youth. I remember your Dad taking a bunch of us hungry boys after playing at GCC. Your Dad would drive the BIG GCC Truck and take us to a new faraway world to the Mission Rd Rodriguez Grocery. I remember all of us eating snacks and drinking sodas, but I don't think any of us had any money to pay. Yes, your Dad would pay for all of us. When Dr Bernal introduced Ron and You to me at the 1st Chile Bowl Gala, I was very Happy to find out You were Mando's daughter and to tell You how much we respected your Dad and Dr Bernal for the influence they had in our lives when we needed the guidance and direction to go in the right path. Yes, many of us feel indebted to Your Dad and Dr Bernal, they were our 2nd Fathers. Your Dad went on to help and influence many young boys as a basketball Coach at Edgewood. May Mando Rest In Peace. Sorry to hear about Ron's Mom passing. My condolences to Ron on the loss of his Mom. God Bless. Felix Garcia Yruegas 1957 90 One of the streets more mentioned was Guadalupe St. or “La Calle Guadalupe”. It’s and east and west street and where the bus goes through the neighborhood. There were no north and south buses which travels to Lanier high school. So, everybody has to walk the three or four blocks rain or shine. Gene Cortez Original Message-----From: TERRI BOOKER To: JOE BERNAL: Felix Yruegas Sent: Wed, Mar 4, 2015 12:10 am Subject: La Calle Guadalupe Dear Dr. Bernal and Felix, I have greatly enjoyed reading all of the e-mails below regarding the many memories from my Mom and Dad’s “Center of the Universe”. I was extremely young (about 4 years old) when we moved from Pinto Street which is now part of Lanier HS to our new home near St. Mary’s University on Overhill Drive, however I still have some very fond memories from the neighborhood as follows: My family (The Armando Balderrama Family) lived in a duplex next door to my Grandmother and Grandfather (Cecilia and Julio Salazar). Our neighbors were Albert and Dora Guerrero and they were my Godparents too. When my Mom (Alicia Salazar) and my Dad (Armando) first got married they lived above Albert Guerrero’s store near Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Can you believe Dora Guerrero - my Madrina is still alive at the young age of 98 years old? She now lives with her daughter in the Timberwood area of San Antonio. My Madrina is quite ill now, however I have such fond memories of going to my Padrino’s store. Do you know if he is the Guerrero mentioned in Frances Yanez’s e-mail? Albert and Dora Guerrero had 3 children - Johnny, Rosemary, and Sandra. I still keep in touch with Rosemary and Sandy as they are like sisters to me! Sadly, Johnny passed away many years ago, however when I was young he was like my big brother. Interestingly enough, one of our other neighbors on Pinto Street was Rosita Fernandez - “San Antonio’s First Lady of Song”. I also remember hearing my Mom and Dad mentioning streets like Torreon and Chihuahua when they talked about their neighborhood. And, I also remember riding the bus downtown with my Grandmother and we would walk down Pinto Street towards Trinity to catch the bus. I often went with my Grandmother to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and there was a small Molina across the street where they sold fresh corn tortillas. I think you could get a large stack of tortillas for either a dime or quarter. I’ll have to ask my oldest brother and my 2 older sisters about their memories of the neighborhood and I’ll also ask my God-Sisters (Sandy and Rosemary) to share their stories with me. Felix, thank you for including me in the e-mails! 91 Dr. Bernal please give my regards to Mary Esther! Ron and I were so sorry to have missed this last year’s Chile Bowl Gala! I hope we’ll get to see you all in the near future. Sadly, Ron’s Mom passed away unexpectedly in early January so we have had to travel to Ohio during the past few weeks. Take care Felix and Dr. Bernal and God bless you both! Kindest regards, Terri Balderrama Booker AND THE LIST GOES ON! MEMORIES!!! Original Message-----From : Cisco Perez 1957 (now living in Califas) To: felixysr Sent: Tue, Mar 3, 2015 10:44 pm Subject: Y Mas - La Calle Guadalupe Mula, I too was a product of The Center' I lived at 309 Torreon in Los courts between Smith St and Colorado. My friends 2 doors down were Alfred Tovar (57) and his brothers Robert and Henry the oldest. One block away was la calle Brazos and El Paso y La Mexicana Bakery cadi corner from La Botica San Jose. Going West on El Paso was Huertas barber shop where I would get my haircut on Saturdays when there was money. Old man Huerta had 2 sons barbers one named Marcial. My Spanish teacher at La 21 was Mrs Giron, And who remembers Kings Furniture Co across the street from Botellos Market en la calle El Paso. Behind Botellos Mkt on Smith St lived Carrie Villareal (57) ( my first crush ). Somewhere in the depths of my memory I remember that part of El Paso St was paved in red brick(?). Someone might confirm that? On that part of El Paso St from Colorado to Richter St was nothing but Cantinas with dime a dance girls, Now can anyone remember a big Fancy Mexican Restaurant on Richter just off la Calle El Paso? It had red and green neon lights outside and table cloths, This was in the early 40s and later I seem to remember our own Arturo Diaz De Leon was a bus boy there, I don't ever member eating there, Next to Kings Furniture Co. was a pool hall whose name escapes me now. ( Victor"s ) ? Davila’s Pharmacy opened up there on El Paso across from La tienda de el chino. Further West on El Paso passed La Iglecia Guadalupe was El Cone Mkt. The guys who hung in that corner said they were from El Con. Y MAS DE LA CALLE GUADALUPE! 92 Original Message-----From: Raul Zuniga Sent: Tue, Mar 3,Macial 2015 5:37 pm Subject: La Calle Guadalupe Mula, sorry I can't contribute too much to the story, since I use to live in the Alamo Heights of the Westside Calle Buena Vista & Colorado. Haha! My family had the Molino on Guadalupe & Cibolo " El Colonial " best barbacoa & chicharones in San Antonio. We had clients from all over SA. That is where I started my career in Sales. Selling Barbacoa all over the Edgewood Area. Carreon Fruit Stand/Grocery was at corner of Cibolo & Guadalupe. Original Message-----From: Frances Yanez Sent: Tue, Mar 3, 2015 5:38 pm Subject: La Calle Guadalupe Hey Felix, do you remember "Meliton", the gentleman who owned the ice creamery on San Jacinto/El Paso Sts.? His last name was Guerrero (Johnny's dad) and he owned the store at the corner, however, behind the store, he had the array of carts that would come down the street(s) and with their "campanitas" would let the community that they were in the neighborhood. He was the original "paleta" man. What about Ms. Tocci, that owned the store on San Luis/Chupaderas and she sold those wonderful "cho-cho" bars. Sometimes, she'd even give you credit. And Maldondo's on El Paso (Rudy's dad owned the store)? My dad would pay the gentleman to house a large watermelon in his refrigerator (ours was way too small). Rudy passed away too, too young. Just remembering some of my younger days. Oh to be young (and thin) again. Original Message-----From: Menchaca, Richard To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Tue, Mar 3, 2015 8:27 am Subject: La Calle Guadalupe Mula, I love it every time I am reminded of my youth, and have the opportunity to walk down memory lane. I have very fond memories and should write about my Quemadora escapades in my "Joyful Journey" book. I always made money from every trip I made to the Quemadora. I recall every place mentioned. Senator Bernal should be the primary person writing those stories, with supplemental stories coming from the rest of us. Great idea!!!! Riche Original Message-----From: jjbernal To: Felix Yruegas Subject: La Calle Guadalupe 93 Mi muy estimado Senor Mula, I have been reading La Calle Guadalupe stories (Pastrano, Richard, and Minnie) and would suggest...why not get any and all Lanierites to begin a group conversation on La Calle Guadalupe. It would be entertaining and if someone wanted to, it could be moved to print so that others would be able to read and enjoy different stories and the manner in which each and every one would take time to add their experiences. I found the stories by Pastrano, Richard, and Minnie quite rich, valuable, and entertaining. I’ve called that area the center of the universe because it was my universe. My experiences differ somewhat because I came a number of years before Pastrano, Richard, and Minnie...or before Los Courts were built, before the construction of el Teatro Guadalupe, my experiences differ somewhat because I came a number of years before Pastrano, Richard and Minnie... or before Los Courts were built, before the construction of El Teatro Guadalupe, but there were institutions there that all of us would share because they predate all of us...el campo santo de San Fernando, la JT or La 21, Lanier Jr. Hi School, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, El MCI, El Guadalupe Center, Las Tres Cantinas, El Teatro Progreso, La Botica Progreso, y el restaurante Progreso owned by el Sr. Santos Villarreal, el abuelo del Santos that we all know, La Iglesia Cristiana en la esquina de Guadalupe y San Jacinto, La tiendita de los Lopez (Arturo, el al) near the entrance to the Guadalupe Church, la Quemadora donde vivia la Llorona, etc. Don Jose o Don Juan y su burro was a mainstay for he collected bottles and old clothes he could sell later and he would give his customers, mostly kids, taffy candy. During my time we would hang on the back of his wagon for a ride and he would threaten us with his whip (which he never used except to beat his burro. We (sinverguenzas o malcreados) would yell at him and call him Tonto Pedro burro robado! He would stop his wagon and we’d run and hide. On the good citizen side...we learned all our prayers in Spanish at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church preparing us for our first Holy Communion. My reference to the Center of the Universe, vis-a-vis, La Calle Guadalupe was the Boys Club on Matamoros St., Wesley House on the South East side, No. 1 San Fernando Cemetery, La Quemadora on Brazos St. El Van Daele stadium on Brazos y Laredo and on to Zarzamora where they had a Park, a baseball field (where the Yruegas and Nietos came from, to what use to be El Teatro Venus where we 94 would not go because of their Big Gang, on to El Paso St. where El Con was and on to Lanier, and El Guadalupe Center, on Durango and Brazos, and on to San Jose Drugstore on El Paso y Brazos, and on to Guadalupe St. where La Casa Grande restaurant was (where owners Rosa and Pancho happily received all of us after each Lanier game, and across the street where the Guadalupe Theatre opened at or about the same time Los Courts opened...circa 1941. Chema, Class of ‘44 Original Message-----From: Cisco Perez 1957 To: felixysr Sent: Wed, Mar 4, 2015 12:48 am Subject: : MEXICAN MANHATTAN!!!!!! - NAME OF RESTAURANT??? Memory lane cont: In 1949 we left the courts to 242 Hazel by Frio City Road where my parents built a modest 2 B/R house. Trivia: Rudy and Manuel began The Reno Bob"s using one particular makeshift instrument. ..What was it, Red played it. What was it? PS: They were my good pals growing up despite my almost shooting Rudys eye out with my Red Ryder BB gun! They along with the late Olga Quintana (57) and her sisters Las Quatas also lived on Hazel, this was in early 50s Where I later met Oscar Vaca. And remembering restaurants: member the original Apaches Cafe on the entrance to Produce Row ( calle Dolorosa?) next to Zas Cafe? Zas Que Sabroso Estas, Despues de un taco, un buen tabacco said the sign on the brick wall outside, Barbacoa tacos corn tortillas only were10cs. Original Message-----From: Tony Gamez Sent: Wed, Mar 4, 2015 10:15 pm Subject: MANDO BALDERRAMA - GUADALUPE COMMUNITY CENTER - La Calle Guadalupe The Gamez's used to live at 926 Brazos St or 921. We were directly across the street. I remember going to 1st grade at La 21, didn't know a word of English. The older kids 5th and 6th grade used to pick on the youngies. The reason for separation, I'm happy for that! All for now! Tony Original Message-----From: Rachel Rodriguez Sent: Wed, Mar 4, 2015 8:42 pm Subject: La Calle Guadalupe Felix, I love to read about the happenings around our neighborhood; however, I did not get a copy of Minnie's e-mail (the one Mr. Bernal is referring to). If it is okay with her, would you be willing to share that story with me? Thanks. rsr 95 SIGUEN LAS MEMORIAS! Original Message-----From: Frances Yanez Sent: Wed, Mar 4, 2015 7:20 pm Subject: Muchisimas Gracias!!! Corazon and associates, I just want to take a minute of your valuable time to thank you for the most incredible memories of a lifetime. My most grateful one was when my sisters and I danced at the GCC for Ms. McCormick and Joe Bernal would drive us to our destinations and back home in the old beat up green truck. I am so proud to say that I danced at the Arneson River Theatre when I was three (5) years old!!! I didn't have the appropriate shoes to wear for the dance, so Ms. McCormick had the other dancers to take off their shoes and we all danced bare-footed to "Los Viejitos", when then became a tradition. My family and I will forever be grateful to Joe Bernal and the United Way for their presence In our upbringing. Gracias Chema, for being our guided light. And you, Felix, thank you so very much for bringing our group(s) back together again, maybe not in presence, but in spirit. Gracias amigo - you're the best!!! We love you and will support you in all you endeavors. Know that you can count on us, as your true Blue friends. Thank you everybody for letting me re-live my youth; I traveled thru my younger (and thinner) days thru your experiences and spirits. I walked down the memory lane and loved it!! Thanks!!. I know some of you and I don't know some of you (your loss), but I thank you and love each and every one of you for being yourselves. Gracias. Gracias. Gracias . Con todo carino. frances martinez-yanez Class of1960 210.710.4089 I never realized until today how poor we were, until I realized how rich I am!! Gracias for waking up this memento that has been put away for such along time. Guess what!!!! Frances is alive!!! She's back up to 150%. Ain't that grand!!! 96 THE WEST SIDE- CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE The Pride of the West Side. How could anyone explain it? Even the area zip code, 78207, has its own place in history. Senators, mayors and mayor hopefuls have come out of the West Side to become leaders in the community. The people who live and have lived in the West Side have one connection. That is the Sidney Lanier High School. A school which was named for a Southern Poet and has no distinction because of its name. Rather, it was a sort of school that has instilled a discipline which was needed at the foundation of its beginning. The earlier students created the pride by being the best in the district in almost every endeavor. However, the parents only dream was for their child to graduate and join the workforce. This explains why there were very low scholarships to colleges and universities. That changed in the sixties. It wasn’t just sports that brought pride to the school and the community. Yes, we were sport minded and we did have a rivalry with Tech High School. We were involved with our community in the church, the grocery stores, the flower shop and others. We lived within blocks of each other and sometimes across the street. Families knew us and what we represented. If you lived in the West Side, you went to Lanier, “La Garra” known affectionately. It’s almost like being in a small town in the country which owed allegiance to the one school in town. Everybody participates in all the school activities including rallies and concerts. Lanier was more than that. Generation after generation have demonstrated their commitment to the school by making sure all their children attend Lanier. Now, read what former students are saying about their community and what pride they still carry with them. Gene Cortez Original Message-----From: Joe J. Bernal To: Felix Yruegas Subject: MORE BELOVED WEST SIDE MEMORIES Mi muy estimado Sr. Mula, A Lanierite might well say...there was my HOME, and there was my Church (Our Lady of Guadalupe), and there was my school (Lanier)...the center of the Universe!!! Chema, Class of ‘44 I HAD NO IDEA THE REST OF THE WORLD DIDN'T COMMUNICATE IN SPANISH. WHAT AN ADJUSTMENT I HAD TO MAKE MENTALLY AFTER JOINING THE MARINE CORPS. I WILL NEVER FORGET THE CORNER OF GUADALUPE AND BRAZOS WHERE VIRTUALLY EVERYBODY WENT BY ON A REGULAR BASIS. THE MONTEMAYOR GROCERY STORE, THE DRUG STORES, THE THEATRES, LA(S) BOTICA(S), THE COMMUNITY CENTER, PLAYING IN THE ALAZAN COURTS PLAYGROUND, THE RESTAURANT AND NUMEROUS OTHER ACTIVITIES THAT KEPT UP OUT OF TROUBLE IN SPITE OF NO TV, NO MONEY, NO CAR, NO AFTER SCHOOL MENTORS. WE MANAGED TO HAVE A GREAT TIME WITH GREAT 97 RELATIONSHIPS WHICH WE STILL CHERISH. I WOULDN'T TRADE IT FOR A SILVER SPOON EVER. Oscar Vaca 1957 Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2015 23:27:41 -0500 From: [email protected] Subject: "THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE!" BELOVED WEST SIDE MEMORIES - DR JOE J BERNAL & OSCAR VACA Original Message----- From: Oscar Vaca 1957 Subject: "THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE!" BELOVED WEST SIDE MEMORIES Senor Estimado Senador y Doctor, Joe J Bernal, aka Beloved "Chema," Growing up on Guadalupe, Brazos, Zarzamora, Commerce Area, many of us felt it was indeed "The Center Of The Universe!" Some of us hardly ever went pass the railroad track to town! We had all we needed, La Casa Grande; Guadalupe & Progresso Theaters; Progresso, Guajardo & Davila Drug Stores; DeHoyos & Romo Grocers; Guadalupe Center, Wesley Center, Boys Club, MCI, Los Courts, El Cassiano; of course Lanier Jr & High School, and many more other wonderful favorite places we can remember! Que Memorias!! Mula Original Message-----From: Santos S. Villarreal Sent: Fri, Feb 27, 2015 4:55 pm Subject: "THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE!" BELOVED WEST SIDE MEMORIES - DR JOE J BERNAL & OSCAR VACA How about Rosita's, El Black Cat, Shine stand, Evaristo the Barber, Maria's Grocery Store all were on the same side as the Guadalupe Theater. And of course the Progreso Café next to the Progreso Theater. I knew many of the merchants in the area because they came to eat at the Café. Heading west was Las Aguilas Bar and a Molino. La Perla Botica at the corner of San Jacinto. Also La 21, Tillie's Salon next to the Progreso Drugstore on Brazos and La Blanca Molino across from Guadalupe Church. Jennies Grocery Store across from the church next to my grandparents house. 98 Oiginal Message-----From: Paul Castillo jr. To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Sat, Feb 28, 2015 11:28 am Subject: : SANTOS VILLARREAL - "THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE!" BELOVED WEST SIDE MEMORIES - DR JOE J BERNAL, GENE CORTEZ & OSCAR VACA don't forget ''Los courts grocery store'' ,behind Progresso drug store,, ''La Concordia'' grocery store ,, that small drug store at the corner of El Paso and Brazos run by a guy we all knew as Tex, where we could buy cigarettes at one cigarette for a nickel,, Rochas Barber shop where all the drill team members got their super short haircuts ! Fernandez drug store,, La Paloma Bar,,, La Burrita Bar,, Black Cat Taxi,,, Hernandes bicycle shop,, Ramirez Garage,, Sotos Café" El Gaucho nite club,, and so many more like the ''Pan Duce Bakeries'' ,,, I can't remember their names. ''apache'' Original Message-----From: Santos S. Villarreal Sent: Fri, Feb 27, 2015 4:55 pm Subject: "THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE!" BELOVED WEST SIDE MEMORIES - DR JOE J BERNAL & OSCAR VACA How about Rosita's, El Black Cat, Shine stand, Evaristo the Barber, Maria's Grocery Store all were on the same side as the Guadalupe Theater. And of course the Progreso Café next to the Progreso Theater. I knew many of the merchants in the area because they came to eat at the Café. Heading west was Las Aguilas Bar and a Molino. La Perla Botica at the corner of San Jacinto. Also La 21, Tillie's Salon next to the Progreso Drugstore on Brazos and La Blanca Molino across from Guadalupe Church. Jennies Grocery Store across from the church next to my grandparents’ house. Original Message-----From: Thomas C Lopez Sent: Sun, Mar 1, 2015 1:49 pm Subject: TONTO PETE & BETO TONTO - EMILIO "EL CHIMUELO" As young kids growing up in the Alazan Courts we always heard of Tonto Pete but never saw him. Thought he was someone’s imaginative person. ------ Original Message-----From: gloria garcia Sent: Sun, Mar 1, 2015 1:24 pm Subject: - "THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE!" BELOVED WEST SIDE MEMORIES My Uncle Chuy and Tia Pilar (Jesse Alonzo's father and mother) used to own "Mi Cafetal" on Guadalupe Street across from the Progresso Theater. Gloria Flores Garcia 99 Original Message-----From: Paul Castillo jr. Sent: Sat, Feb 28, 2015 9:58 pm Subject: "THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE!" BELOVED WEST SIDE MEMORIES - THE WESTSIDE WAS THE ONLY WORLD WE KNEW ! AND WE LOVED IT !!! ''APACHE'' Original Message-----From: Frances Yanez Sent: Sun, Mar 1, 2015 7:57 am Subject: TONTO PETE & BETO TONTO - EMILIO "EL CHIMUELO" So many memories of our "barrio", but no one has mentioned " Radiant Rose Flower Shop". You member - it was located across the street from La 21 and many of our school chums purchased the lovely flowers for our proms. Ah, those were the days. Arturo, Sorry we drove Tonto Pete away! Rudy Gonzales, the Lopez Brothers, not Arturo, Sonny or Henry, but the Elvira Street Lopez', Robert, Cheche, Danny, other kids & Me, (I hit many home runs sometimes hitting the bus or few cars that passed by) played at that vacant lot (it was our Yankee Stadium) on S Navidad & Guadalupe, next to El Gaucho Hall. JG Drug Store (Justo Guajardo Owner was the Doctor for El Barrio!) was across the street. Zuniga Radio & TV was on the NE corner of Guadalupe & Navidad. I lived a block away 907 S Navidad & Montezuma. The Nieto's & Gonzales' lived on Colima a block away! Yes, Mr Tom Lopez, Tonto Pedro was a real person! Mula Original Message-----From: Arturo Limon To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Mon, Mar 2, 2015 3:26 pm Subject: TONTO PETE - MI CAFETAL - RADIANT ROSE FLOWER SHOP Tonto Pedro (Pete) was a real person. He used to live in an old one room shack on the back corner of a vacant lot/field next to El Gaucho (dance hall) located on El Paso St (forget the other street think it was Navidad). Some folks started to play baseball at the vacant lot and he decided to move his dwellings under the bridge that passes over Guadalupe St, and Picoso St (believe that is the street's name). During the summer time, we use to walk along the creek's path on our way to the Lake swimming pool. We use to see him cook and recognized his old two wheel cart filled with junk. We use to catch crawdads (with masa and a piece of string) and would give them 100 to him. Sure enough he would boil them. On our way from swimming, he would wave, probably saying thanks...... of course we would run. Talk about environmentally clean water (no EPA). A small creek where folks use to roll old tires down the slopes into the creek, also throw dead batteries and other junk. The crawdads were redder the red in color, but hey, we are still here. Original Message-----From: Nick Rodriguez Sent: Mon, Mar 2, 2015 7:47 pm Subject: westside memories ALL YOU TEENAGE BEER DRINKERS YOU MEMBER ' ESPARZA'S AT THE CORNER OF MONTERREY AND BRAZOS I USED TO PURCHASE BEER THERE AS A TEENAGER . THE BULDING IS STILL THERE, ALSO JULIUS BAR AT THE CORNER OF GUADALUPE AND ROSILLO BEER. LONGNECKS WERE FIFTEEN CENTS A BOTTLE. YOU MEMBER Haven't heard from El Mas Viejo de Todos, Nuestro Koreano Marine Heroe, TONY PENA! Nicko, I was the tallest guy of the bunch, so I was the Esparza beer runner! Yes, none of the guys will forget! Original Message-----From: Paul Castillo jr. Sent: Mon, Mar 2, 2015 8:16 pm Subject: westside memories ESPARZA'S, THE LADY THERE WOULD ALWAYS BE DRESSED UP AND FLIRT WITH THE GUYS THAT WENT THERE TO BUY BEER, SODAS AND ALL KINDS OF TREATS. ALSO REMEMBER THE BUENA VISTA GARDEN? EL PATIO ANDALUZ,, BIGOTES PLACE,,, EL TENAMPA BAR, THE ESQUIRE BAR AND WHO CAN FORGET ''EL CON'' WHEN TV FIRST CAME TO SAN ANTONIO ZUNIGAS RADIO REPAIR SHOP HAD A TV IN THE WINDOW FACING THE SIDEWALK AND A LOT OF PEOPLE WOULD STAND OUTSIDE TO WATCH CHANNEL 4,, THE ONLY CHANNEL IN SAN ANTONIO ALSO AT FERNANDEZ DRUG STORE ON GUADALUPE ST. ALL THE KIDS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD WOULD GATHER ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT TO WATCH THE WRESTLING MATCHES FROM THE JOSEPHINE STREET WRESTLATHON. WE ALL HAD OUR SPOT INSIDE THE DRUGSTORE. ''APACHE'' Original Message-----From: Menchaca, Richard To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Tue, Mar 3, 2015 8:27 am Subject: La Calle Guadalupe 101 Mula, I love it every time I am reminded of my youth, and have the opportunity to walk down memory lane. I have very fond memories and should write about my Quemadora escapades in my "Joyful Journey" book. I always made money from every trip I made to the Quemadora. I recall every place mentioned. Senator Bernal should be the primary person writing those stories, with supplemental stories coming from the rest of us. Great idea!!!! Riche Y MAS DE LA CALLE GUADALUPE! Original Message-----From: Raul Zuniga Sent: Tue, Mar 3, 2015 5:37 pm Subject: La Calle Guadalupe Mula, sorry I can't contribute too much to the story, since I use to live in the Alamo Heights of the Westside Calle Buena Vista & Colorado. Haha! My family had the Molino on Guadalupe & Cibolo " El Colonial " best barbacoa & chicharones in San Antonio. We had clients from all over SA. That is where I started my career in Sales. Selling Barbacoa all over the Edgewood Area. Carreon Fruit Stand/Grocery was at corner of Cibolo & Guadalupe. Original Message-----From: Frances Yanez Sent: Tue, Mar 3, 2015 5:38 pm Subject: La Calle Guadalupe Hey Felix, do you remember "Meliton", the gentleman who owned the ice creamery on San Jacinto/El Paso Sts.? His last name was Guerrero (Johnny's dad) and he owned the store at the corner, however, behind the store, he had the array of carts that would come down the street(s) and with their "campanitas" would let the community that they were in the neighborhood. He was the original "paleta" man. What about Ms. Tocci, that owned the store on San Luis/Chupaderas and she sold those wonderful "cho-cho" bars. Sometimes, she'd even give you credit. And Maldondo's on El Paso (Rudy's dad owned the store)? My dad would pay the gentleman to house a large watermelon in his refrigerator (ours was way too small). Rudy passed away too, too young. Just remembering some of my younger days. Oh to be young (and thin) again. Original Message-----From: Nick Rodriguez Sent: Mon, Mar 2, 2015 7:47 pm Subject: westside memories 102 ALL YOU TEENAGE BEER DRINKERS YOU MEMBER ' ESPARZA'S AOriginal Message-----From: Arturo Limon Sent: Tue, Mar 3, 2015 11:39 am Subject: westside memories 15 cent beer at Julian's Bar on Guadalupe St. and the jumbos at Esparza's were 50 cents and let's not forget Thunderbird at 50 cents...... and Mad Dog 20/20 at 75 cents out on New Braunfels and E. Commerce out of a car' trunk across the cemetery...... T THE CORNER OF MONTERREY AND BRAZOS I USED TO PURCHASE BEER THERE AS A TEENAGER . THE BULDING IS STILL THERE, ALSO JULIUS BAR AT THE CORNER OF GUADALUPE AND ROSILLO BEER. LONGNECKS WERE FIFTEEN CENTS A BOTTLE. YOU MEMBER? Original Message-----From: Nick Rodriguez Sent: Tue, Mar 3, 2015 7:50 pm Subject: NAME OF RESTAURANT Mula I REMEMBER A RESTAURANT ON EL PASO STREET JUST EAST OF BRAZOS ST I THINK IT WAS AT THE CORNER OF EL PASO & RICHTER IT HAD FANCY TABLES WITH WHITE MANTELES WHAT WAS THE NAME OF THE RESTAURANT. JUST EAST FROM THAT LOCATION WERE THE LADY'S O F THE EVENINGS MEMBER AND THE LIST GOES ON! MEMORIES!!! Original Message-----From: Cisco Perez 1957 (now living in Califas) To: felixysr Sent: Tue, Mar 3, 2015 10:44 pm Subject: Y Mas - La Calle Guadalupe Mula, I too was a product of The Center' I lived at 309 Torreon in Los courts between Smith St and Colorado. My friends 2 doors down were Alfred Tovar (57) and his brothers Robert and Henry the oldest. One block away was la calle Brazos and El Paso y La Mexicana Bakery cadi corner from La Botica San Jose. Going West on El Paso was Huertas barber shop where I would get my haircut on Saturdays when there was money. Old man Huerta had 2 sons barbers one named Marcial. My Spanish teacher at La 21 was Mrs Giron, And who remembers Kings Furniture Co across the street from 103 Botellos Market en la calle El Paso. Behind Botellos Mkt on Smith St lived Carrie Villareal (57) ( my first crush ). Somewhere in the depths of my memory I remember that part of El Paso St was paved in red brick(?). Someone might confirm that? On that part of El Paso St from Colorado to Richter St was nothing but Cantinas with dime a dance girls, Now can anyone remember a big Fancy Mexican Resturant on Richter just off la Calle El Paso? It had red and green neon lights outside and table cloths, This was in the early 40s and later I seem to remember our own Arturo Diaz De Leon was a bus boy there, I don't ever member eating there, Next to Kings Furn Co was a pool hall whose name escapes me now. ( Victor"s ) ? Davila"s Pharmacy opened up there on El Paso across from La tienda de el chino. Further West on El Paso passed La Inglecia Guadalupe was El Cone Mkt. The guys who hung in that corner said they were from El Con. Me Original Message-----From: Raul Zuniga Sent: Tue, Mar 3,Macial 2015 5:37 pm Subject: La Calle Guadalupe Mula, sorry I can't contribute too much to the story, since I use to live in the Alamo Heights of the Westside Calle Buena Vista & Colorado. Haha! My family had the Molino on Guadalupe & Cibolo " El Colonial " best barbacoa & chicharones in San Antonio. We had clients from all over SA. That is where I started my career in Sales. Selling Barbacoa all over the Edgewood Area. Carreon Fruit Stand/Grocery was at corner of Cibolo & Guadalupe. MEXICAN MANHATTAN & NEW MEXICAN MANHATTAN!!! NICKO, YOU CAN SLEEP WELL TONITE, THE RESTAURANT IDENTIFIED! Original Message-----From: Cisco Perez To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Tue, Mar 3, 2015 10:59 pm Subject: Re: NAME OF RESTAURANT??? I was just putting that out as trivia for Mula. We are in the same page down memory lane. It was The Mexican Manhattan! Maybe that's why the one downtown on Commerce was called the New Mexican Manhattan. Cisco Perez SIGUEN LAS MEMORIAS! 104 Original Message-----From: Frances Yanez Sent: Wed, Mar 4, 2015 7:20 pm Subject: Muchisimas Gracias!!! Corazon and associates, I just want to take a minute of your valuable time to thank you for the most incredible memories of a lifetime. My most grateful one was when my sisters and I danced at the GCC for Ms. McCormick and Joe Bernal would drive us to our destinations and back home in the old beat up green truck. I am so proud to say that I danced at the Arneson River Theatre when I was three (5) years old!!! I didn't have the appropriate shoes to wear for the dance, so Ms. McCormick had the other dancers to take off their shoes and we all danced bare-footed to "Los Viejitos", when then became a tradition. My family and I will forever be grateful to Joe Bernal and the United Way for their presence In our upbringing. Gracias Chema, for being our guided light. And you, Felix, thank you so very much for bringing our group(s) back together again, maybe not in presence, but in spirit. Gracias amigo - you're the best!!! We love you and will support you in all you endeavors. Know that you can count on us, as your true Blue friends. Thank you everybody for letting me re-live my youth; I traveled thru my younger (and thinner) days thru your experiences and spirits. I walked down the memory lane and loved it!! Thanks!!. I know some of you and I don't know some of you (your loss), but I thank you and love each and every one of you for being yourselves. Gracias. Gracias. Gracias . Con todo carino. frances martinez-yanez Class of1960 210.710.4089 I never realized until today how poor we were, until I realized how rich I am!! Gracias for waking up this memento that has been put away for such along time. Guess what!!!! Frances is alive!!! She's back up to 150%. Ain't that grand!!! Original Message-----From: Rachel Rodriguez Sent: Wed, Mar 4, 2015 8:42 pm Subject: La Calle Guadalupe Felix, I love to read about the happenings around our neighborhood; however, I did not get a copy of Minnie's e-mail (the one Mr. Bernal is referring to). If it is okay with her, would you be willing to share that story with me? Thanks. Rsr 105 Original Message-----From: Tony Gamez Sent: Wed, Mar 4, 2015 10:15 pm Subject: MANDO BALDERRAMA - GUADALUPE COMMUNITY CENTER - La Calle Guadalupe The Gamez's used to live at 926 Brazos St or 921. We were directly across the street. I remember going to 1st grade at La 21, didn't know a word of English. The older kids 5th and 6th grade used to pick on the youngies. The reason for separation, I'm happy for that! All for now! SubjecOriginal Message-----From: Cisco Perez 1957 To: felixysr Sent: Wed, Mar 4, 2015 12:48 amt: : MEXICAN MANHATTAN!!!!!! - NAME OF RESTAURANT??? Memory lane cont: In 1949 we left the courts to 242 Hazel by Frio City Road where my parents built a modest 2 B/R house. Trivia: Rudy and Manuel began The Reno Bob"s using one particular makeshift instrument. ..What was it, Red played it. What was it? PS: They were my good pals growing up despite my almost shooting Rudy’s eye out with my Red Ryder BB gun! They along with the late Olga Quintana (57) and her sisters Las Quatas also lived on Hazel, this was in early 50s Where I later met Oscar Vaca. And remembering resturants:member the original Apaches Cafe on the entrance to Produce Row ( calle Dolorosa?) next to Zas Cafe? Zas Que Sabroso Estas, Despues de un taco,un buen tabacco said the sign on the brick wall outside, Barbacoa tacos corn tortillas only were10cs. Original Message-----From: Paul Castillo jr. Sent: Wed, Mar 4, 2015 7:10 am Subject: MEXICAN MANHATTAN!!!!!! - NAME OF RESTAURANT??? THERE WAS A BAR/NIGHT CLUB ON COMMERCE STREET NAMED ''LA CITA NIGHT CLUB'' AND I KNEW SOME OF THE GIRLS THAT ''WORKED'' THERE BECAUSE THEY HAD GONE TO SCHOOL WITH ME AT ''LA 40'' AND HAD DROPPED OUT OF SCHOOL TO BE ''WORKING GIRLS'' AND SINCE I WORKED AT THE GUNTER HOTEL THERE WERE MANY OUT OF TOWN VISITORS THAT WENT TO EAT AT THE SMORGASBORD WHERE I WORKED, SOME OF THE MEN WOULD ASK ME IF I KNEW ANY GIRLS THAT THEY COULD ''DATE'' AND I WOULD SEND THEM TO MY FRIENDS AT ''LA CITA''------''APACHE'' Original Message----- From: Oscar Vaca Sent: Thu, Mar 5, 2015 6:31 am Subject: RENO BOPS! RUDY & MANUEL GONZALEZ PARTIES EVERY WEEKEND AND WE TRIED TO MAKE THEM ALL. WE DANCED OUR OWN "DIME" DANCES WHERE WE JUST STOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR AND ROTATED VERY SLOWLY IN VERY CLOSE QUARTERS. OUR SPEED WAS ABOUT ASS FAST AS THE HEMISFAIR TOWER AND WE GOT VERY CLOSE TO OUR DANCE PARTNERS. IT WAS AN EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER. THAT'S HOW WE GOT TO "KNOW" EACH OTHER BETTER AND ALL THESE MUSICIANS 106 PLAYED ALL THAT WONDERFUL MUSIC SO WE COULD ENJOY THE EVENING WITH WHOMEVER WE WERE DANCING WITH. THERE WAS NO RAPPING OR MOVING VERY FAST IN A LOT OF OUR DANCING. IT WAS SO INTIMATE WE WOULD EVEN CLOSE OUR EYES DOING IT. WE WENT TO LANIER PARTIES, TECH PARTIES, BURBANK PARTIES AND OTHERS. YOU DIDN'T NEED MONEY JUST A WAY TO GET THERE. (NARCISO ALWAYS PROVIDED THE TRANSPORTATION WITH HIS DAD'S CAR). AND ON NEW YEARS DAY WE WENT TO THE "MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM" AND A MINIMUM CHARGE YOU COULD DANCE ALL DAY. LIFE WAS GOOD THEN, WE JUST DIDN'T REALIZE WE WERE EXPERIENCING A CHANGE IN SOCIETY FOR THE BETTER WHERE KIDS STARTED A REVOLUTION WITH DANCE BANDS AND ENTERTAINMENT. DON'T FORGET THE LATINO BANDS SUCH AS RAMIRO CERVERA, FELIX SOLIS, PAUL ELIZONDO AND MANY OTHERS. Original Message----- From: Cisco Perez To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Thu, Mar 5, 2015 12:10 am Subject: RENO BOPS! RUDY & MANUEL GONZALEZ The instrument El Colorado or Red played as the Reno Bobs grass roots start was a #3 galvanized tub! Who would imagine the guys would go so far with their music to our benefit. Back to the Alazan Courts. Alfred Chichi Tovar I has been my friend since probably 1942. A couple of years ago he surprised me by telling me he remembered me almost every day. I have been out of SA since the fifties so I asked him why he did. He said cuz when we were kids 'you taught me how to tie my shoes'! I reminded him he knocked my front teeth out when his older brothers had us boxing and he has always said 'yea but it was an accidental head butt! What a guy. Next time I'm in SA I'm going to call him so we can have breakfast at Panchitos again. Narciso Cisco Perez Original Message-----From: Carmelo Sustaita To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Thu, Mar 5, 2015 12:05 pm Subject: Carmelo sent you a video: "Los Tres reyes cantan al WestSide sub. English.m4v" Padrino, with all this reminiscing of back home, La calle Guadalupe and all its callejones, I think a little background music would be very appropriate. This song came out about five years ago and I had send it out earlier. Good listening music!! I too live on Chiuahua St off Zarzamora and worked right in the heart of Chupaderas Heights on Guadalupe St. After school and weekends, I worked at Maya Studio across from Las Quince Letras grocery store two houses down from Tony the Cleaners, catty cornered from La Linterna Verde cantina. Alcacio's shoe shop was a couple of houses east of the bar and across the street was Martinez grocery store. JG Drug store was at the corner of Navidad and Guadalupe. The worst times I remember was riding the Guadalupe bus downtown to deliver photos to the other place of employment. In 90/100 degree weather (windows down) and the train 107 would stop us there on Comal St. right in front of the Fennigan Hide building. " Whew" the aroma!! Another happening from back then, on Chihuahua St west of Zarzamora, there is an arroyo there that every year around the spring time a caravan of gypsis would set up camp and stay there for two or three months. Chickens, clothing on drying lines, dogs, lawn chairs and any other items left outside would disappear. Gloria Ramirez Class of 56 lived about one hundred yards from the encampment. Cheers, and thanks for the memories, Carmelo Class of 56 The attached video is up and down Guadalupe St. pertaining to famous folks that lived, worked and made the Westside. Enjoy!! A GREAT SONG by Los Tres Reyes about our BELOVED West Side. They sing about all the murals about our Heritage of "War Heroes" who died defending our Country, our Leaders, musicians & Artists. Father Benavides, Lydia Mendoza, Eva Garza, Emma Tenayuca, Rosie Castro, Valerio Longoria, Felix Villarreal, Rudy Diamond, La Carpa Hermanos Garcia (Clyde) & many more. View a trip around our BELOVED The West Side. Original Message-----From: Paul Castillo jr. Sent: Thu, Mar 5, 2015 11:50 am Subject: La Calle Guadalupe remember SOTOS CAFE at the corner of Guadalupe and Zarzamora. it was a well know restaurant because it had a painting of a sexy girl in a Spanish dress,, and had a lettering that said,, '' why don't you come in and see me sometime'' ! ''apache'' Original Message----- From: Nick Rodriguez Sent: Thu, Mar 5, 2015 12:58 am Subject: REFERENCE CROCKET ELEMENTRY (Nicko - Could it be Manotas - Rudy Reyes!!! LOL!) FELIX I USED TO HEAR STORIES OF A BLACK HAND ' LA MANO NEGRA' THAT THE KIDS THAT ATTENDED CROCKETT ELEMENTRY ON W EST COMMERCE WOULD SEE THE BLACK HAND APPEAR IN THE REST ROOMS., IS IT TRUE OR DID THE OLDER STUDENTS SCARE THE YOUNG STUDENTS. PLEASE ASK ANYONE ON YOUR EMAIL LIST THAT KNOWS ANYTHING ABOUT " LA MANO NEGRA.!!!!!! the black hand 108 I Think Mr Joe Bernal was a Teacher at Crockett Elementary he might know about LA MANO NEGRA CURIOUS. NICKO RODRIGUEZ Original Message-----From: Arturo Limon To: Felix Yruegas; Frances Yanez Sent: Thu, Mar 5, 2015 11:42 am Subject: Muchisimas Gracias!!! SIGUEN LAS MEMORIAS! From a short distance away, through snow and ice, the Internet has kept all of us together....yep just like "masa" and "pegadura" made from harina. Just like sunshine (Frances) I am happy that many Lanierites young and old are reading, composing and comparing notes about our growing up days. As I see it, our younger generation has missed out on a lot of fun and hardships of growing up, but T.T. GOD they have us as mentors and supporters...... From: Frank "Major Bowie" Salazar Mula, like always you are the starter of all things that have occurred in the past six years. I started on Guadalupe St in 1943, then on to Mirasol Pl, Nueces, and finally at Violeta. My earlier memories was the beginning of the Mariachis' (Jap, Chepe, Chato, Ramiro, and a couple of other guys) playing en la calle Guadalupe. After I returned to San Antonio in 1983, I went to eat a Mi Tierra and I saw them playing there. They used to go to Chale Gomez house and we would drink beer and sing along with the mariachis. Chale loved those get togethers. Some of those guys are gone now. My growing up friends were Blas and Morris Herrera, Tony and Rudy Castro, Los Villalobos, Blondie, Diego B, Ruben Barrientes, The Garzas-Emilio, Eddie, Jimmy, and Bobby, and many others; but, my long lasting and faithful amigo y hermano Tony G. Ochoa, mi compadre. The restaurant that Cisco is referring to was La Gloria, if I am not mistaken, and belong to the Alemans family. Y El Juanio was a good friend en la vincida de Guadalupe. I second Cisco comment on the red bricks on El Paso St.. [email protected] Original Message-----From: Oscar Vaca To: Felix Yruegas LoOKS LIKE SEVERAL OF US LIVED ON MIRASOL PLACE. I LIVED AT 723 MIRASOL, ROSARIO MARTINEZ, TERESA QUIJANO, LOUIS ESCALANTE, RICHARD SIFUENTES,THE NEGRON FAMILY WITH MY BROTHER IN LAW VICTOR NEGRON AND DAVID HIS BROTHER WERE ALL IN THAT LITTLE AREA. DOES ANYONE REMEMBER AFTER CHRISTMAS BURNING UP THE CHRISTMAS TREES IN THE MIDDLE OF 109 THE PLAYGROUND? WHAT ABOUT THE BARBER SHOP NEXT TO MIRASOL? WAS IT "GIL" SOMETHING'S BARBER SHOP. HIS DAUGHTER WENT TO LANIER. MY SISTER JULA VACA WORKED AT LA PERLA DRUG STORE AND MY SISTER MINERVA WHO MARRIED VICTOR NEGRON WAS A FRIEND OF MONTEMAYOR'S DAUGHTER WHO MOVED TO CALIFORNIA WHEN SHE GOT MARRIED. MANY PEOPLE WENT TO CALIFORNIA AND CHICAGO LOOKING FOR DECENT JOBS. I WORKED AT THE GUNTER HOTEL'S SMORGASBOARD WITH PAUL CASTILLO FOR A DOLLAR FIFTY A NIGHT AND ALL THE FOOD WE COULD EAT WITHOUT BEING CAUGHT. WHAT WE DIDN'T EAT WE PUT ON THE SMORGASBOARD. THOSE WERE THE TIMES WHEN LIFE WAS SIMPLE BUT YOU STILL HAD TO WORK TO MAKE ENDS MEET. Original Message-----From: David Rodriguez To: Felix Sent: Fri, Mar 6, 2015 4:28 pm Subject: Westside memories I have enjoyed every one of the stories regarding the Querido Westside. Someone should put all of these together. It would be a finest seller. I did not live around the area but in reading the pieces, I see some places that were in my barrio. Someone mentioned La Burrita bar. Does anyone remember El Caldo swimming pool. It was located at the corner of Frio and Matamoros St. The Boy’s Club was at the corner of Matamoros and Leona . The Boy’s Club #1 was originally on Dolorosa St. The La Quinta is now there. Keep the great stories coming, great memories of days gone by. David Rodriguez '45 David Rodriguez was a 2 Time All-State Player for the Lanier Voks State Champs in 1943-45. Lives in El Paso, TX. David led Tyler Jr College to The National Championship in 1949, Captain & All Conference. He was inducted into Tyler Jr College Hall Of Fame. David led Houston University to the Conference Championship in 1950, he was Captain & All Conference. David was selected on Mexico's National Team in 1952. 110 David worked 50+ years in Education as a Principal, Vice-Principal, Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Counselor and Teacher. David was inducted into The Hispanic Hall Of Fame. David Rodriguez was nominated for SAISD Inspire Award and will be nominated for SAISD Hall Of Fame for 2016. Original Message-----From: Lupe Flores To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Sat, Mar 7, 2015 1:39 pm Subject: Recuerdos De La Calle Guadalupe - You know guys, I substitute teach @J.T. I'm there every day. I always tell my kids they are borrowing my hood and better treat it with respect and dignity. They love it and love hearing stories. You guys should sign up to go read to them and regale them with stories about our beloved community. Our principal's name is Ms. Sepeda and one of our Vice-p is Ms. Barajas. We need to catch them at this level (elementary). We have readers from UTSA but it is not the same. The # is 978-7950. Ms Lupe Flores, Lanier, is a long time Community volunteer & now a substitute Teacher. She is issuing a CHALLENGE to Gal & Guys to can read your BELOVED WEST SIDE stories to the elementary students at JT Brackenridge "La Escuela Numero 21." Many of You attended La 21 & have wonderful memories of your school days. I attended David Barkley #32 and graduated from Francisco Ruiz Elementary (Don't recall a school #??). But I remember playing Alamo Kiwanis Baseball at La 21 playground with Rudy De Leon, Richard Perez, Dickie Sifuentes, Alfred De La Cruz & others. I remember SA Mission player Rocco Ippolito hitting a home run into the houses across on Guadalupe St, off of Rudy who was the hardest throwing pitcher around! I accept "La 21" CHALLENGE and will read to "La 21" students. WHO ELSE IS WILLING TO ACCEPT "LA 21" CHALLENGE? 111 Original Message-----From: Art Flores Sent: Sun, Mar 8, 2015 12:38 am Subject: MEXICAN MANHATTAN!!!!!! - NAME OF RESTAURANT??? The original Mexican Manhattan restraurant as I remember it was on El Paso St. and Comal. My dad's bar business, "Flores' Place", was on Guadalupe and Comal, caddy-corner from "la cuereria". The bar had three pool tables that I used to clean after I spread oily sawdust on the floor and swept it up. There was a German guy that worked at the cuereria that challanged me at pool and never beat me. He paid the ten cents for the game. That same guy later was the foul- ball chaser at Van Dale, standing on a ladder outside the wall and chasing foul balls. Anyway, the rolled tacos the Manhatten made were great. My Dad would bring some home frequently after he closed the bar and I could get out of bed to have a taco. Great thoughts, Gato (Arturo Flores, FB Vok , San Diego, CA Retired USMC Major) Original Message----- From: gloria garcia Sent: Sun, Mar 8, 2015 4:07 pm Subject: J.T. "LA 21" CHALLENGE - Recuerdos De La Calle Guadalupe - That's my sister!!!! I know her. LOL Good idea Lupe. How I wish I could be there to share some of my stories of the MCI, La 21, Park across the street from Vera Cruz and almost a park across from 408 Rosita Place en Los Courts. Of course, on Vera Cruz I was around 6 through 8 years old and on Rosita Place, I must have been around 11 through 13 years old. Wow, time flies when you are having fun. I have downloaded every one of the stories and I am putting it in a binder. I will share with you Mr. Felix and sister Lupe, when we all get done telling our stories. I know, I know, it might be never. Such memories. God is good to have let us grow up on the West Side not knowing how the rest of the world lived until we explored it ourselves. There for a time I thought the whole world was Mexican and only the teachers were white. As a matter of fact, I really don't remember if I knew I was Mexican. I just knew I was Gloria la ZANAHORIA! LOL 112 POOR but HAPPY (well, most of the time) Gloria Flores Garcia WHITTIER, CA MARRIED 50 YRS TO RUDY GARCIA FOX TECH By the way, I still live across a park (Sorenson Park and our business was also across Montebello Park) I love PARKS! Original Message-----From: Cisco Perez To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Mon, Mar 9, 2015 9:12 am Subject: Re: J.T. "LA 21" CHALLENGE - Recuerdos De La Calle Guadalupe - Felix, I wonder if anyone remembers the long fire escape slide at the back of La #21 JT Brackenbridge Elementary? We used to jump the chain link fence and crawl up the slide and then together or one by one slide down. Raul Flores and his brother and I were chased out by janitors on one occasion. Only time we used it was during fire drills. Being out of SA I can't accept the challenge, sorry. . Frances email answers Cisco's Question about: JT #21 FIRE ESCAPE! Original Message----- From: Frances Yanez Sent: Sun, Mar 8, 2015 4:16 am Subject: Re: J.T. "LA 21" CHALLENGE - Recuerdos De La Calle Guadalupe - Say, I didn't attend "La 21", but I used to go there on weekends just to ride the fire escape "slide". We had more fun on that slide than we had at playland park + it was free. Take care. Original Message-----From: Paul Castillo jr Sent: Sun, Mar 8, 2015 Subject: J.T. "LA 21" CHALLENGE - Recuerdos De La Calle Guadalupe - I started school at ''la 21'' when it was called pri-primer. the pri-primer class room was in a small red brick building on the Guadalupe St. side. that was where the catholic nuns would wait for us little kids and grab us and put us in line, then they would walk us across the street and take us to catholic catechism classes at Guadalupe church. we didn't know it as J.T. Brackenridge elementary school,,, we knew it as ''La 21'' i lived on Santiago street at the time and ''los courts'' were a new housing project. ''apache'' 113 Original Message-----From: David Rodriguez Subject: Memories from the 40's Thanks for all the mail on the demolition of the old gym. I never knew it was still up until we attended the dedication of the new gym floor. I have so many memories of that gym, the many victories celebrated, the dances held there so that all the kids could attend, the games at lunch time between homerooms. When I went to Lanier Jr Hi , I was in awe of the gym because we used to play all the games on outside courts. Original Message-----From: Paul Castillo jr. Sent: Sun, Mar 8, 2015 12:32 am Subject: QUERIDO WESTSIDE - DAVID RODRIGUEZ LANIER VOK ALL STATE 1943-45 2 TIME STATE CHAMPS - 50 YRS IN EDUCATION I remember when the original Lanier gym was destroyed by fire in the early 50's, I am not quite positive on that but I remember all the debris scattered all over the gym area. the gym at that time was located on the Las Moras st. side of the school yard. ''apache'' Original Message-----From: EUGENIO CORTEZ To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Mon, Mar 9, 2015 10:36 am Subject: Link to your book Such great memories of all Lanierites. I like to add my recollections. I moved to Lanier as a freshman from Harris Junior High. We had moved from El barrio de los abisperos on Laredo and Guadalupe to the Alazan Courts on 1016 S. Pinto St. Quite a different environment. From a shack to a two story building with inside toilets and a room for each of us, a family of 7, and to top it off, a backyard with grass. We were in heaven! I stayed at Lanier even though we had to move back to the barrio but we were lucky to move back into the courts at 1214 Vera Cruz. That's where I met Dolores Gonzales and her sisters Gloria Barron, my first crush, and Luisa who lived on Rosita's pl. right behind my aunt Carmen Sanchez who lived on Vera Cruz. My days at Lanier are covered in my book which I have included a link in case you're interested and it's free and on line. Genescorner.com Eugenio "Gene" Cortez 114 Original Message-----From: Joe J. Bernal To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Tue, Mar 17, 2015 11:17 am Subject: MEXICAN MANHATTAN!!!!!! - NAME OF RESTAURANT??? Mi estimado Sr. Mula, There were no Mexican restaurants downtown in the l930s...and the best one where well-dressed people went to eat good Mexican food was indeed the original Mexican Manhattan. While growing up, our family lived at 923 So. Colorado, between Guadalupe and Colima sts, behind “La 21” or “La Elementary school. I do remember shining shoes and if a client stopped for a shine the payoff was a dime or better. The going price for a shine was three cents...so as for me the people coming to eat there were “rich”. Over the years Mexican food found its way into downtown and later all over town. In my later years I got to see Mexican restaurants in Washington D.C. and even in London. Mario’s even established a Mario’s in Paris. While our Mexican and Aztec food has found a home throughout the world, Mexicans, Mexican Americans or simply stated...mejicanos have had to change laws to make us more acceptable. And it is still a work in progress!!. Chema, Lanier Class of’' ‘44 115 It was an expected move by the Northeast School district to use a program called “Hyper Acceleration Mathematics for grade level 4th through 12th next school year that excited former Lanierites and they responded passionately to it. Their memories of what they went through as far getting ahead in the game are featured here in their emails to each other. Gene Cortez Accelerated Mathematics Original Message-----From: Oscar Vaca Sent: Sun, Jun 10, 2018 7:04 pm Subject: ACCELERATED MATH REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS ENTERING 4TH GRADE AT HARDY OAKS ELEMENTARY (STONE OAK) I HAD ONE COURSE IN ALGEBRA WITH MS. SCHIFFERS IN MY SENIOR YEAR AT LANIER. MY TIMES HAVE CHANGED! I MIGHT ADD I STRUGGLED IN MY FIRST MILITARY CLASS OF ELECTRONICS IN MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, ENDING UP WITH THE LOWEST GRADE IN THE CLASS. NOW I KNOW WHY. LACK OF PREPARATION AND LITTLE GUIDANCE. Original Message-----From: THOMAS C LOPEZ To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Mon, Jun 11, 2018 2:46 pm Subject: ACCELERATED MATH REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS ENTERING 4TH GRADE AT HARDY OAKS ELEMENTARY (STONE OAK) It’s called expectation. I also had MS Schiffer’s but in the 10th grade. She was writing the algebraic equations with the right hand and erasing the formula with the left hand and she moved across the chalk board. She expected us to write those down and/or memorize the formulas. That’s the expectation in the late 60’s. What NEISD and NISD do is a lot of college prep, which is fine but what is being found in colleges is that this kind of preparation lacks application of such mathematical applications in the real world. What parents were always asking for in SAISD is application of the learned subject. Unfortunately, SAISD has moved away from application and following what NEISD and NISD do. Now look at the scores in comparison. But Lanier never has produced "rajones" and we forged ahead. 116 Original Message-----From: JOSE EL BARDO When we, the class of '57, went into our senior year, there was no English IV, Physics, or Chemistry being taught if I recall correctly. We demanded that they offer Physics and Chemistry and we got them. I substituted Journalism for the missing English IV and am glad I did, because Ms. Shireman taught us how to express ourselves and encouraged us to excel. A couple of years after graduation, I ran across Mr. Williams while attending a night course at SAC and he was surprised and said, "What are you doing taking Pre-Engineering? I didn't teach you all that much!" It was tough competing with graduates from Central and the local military academies, and I am sure the girls faced those challenges from graduates of Ursuline Academy, Incarnate Word, and Providence. Original Message-----From: Arturo Limon 1961 To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Mon, Jun 11, 2018 3:42 pm Subject: ACCELERATED MATH REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS ENTERING 4TH GRADE AT HARDY OAKS ELEMENTARY (STONE OAK) And back then we did not have calculators, computers with algorithms and other sophisticated math formulas. While real world applicability for algebra, cal and trig is not the norm, math such as statistics and general math is much needed along with English, Economics, Financial/Business Math. Sent from my iPhone Original Message-----From: Frances Yanez 1960 Sent: Mon, Jun 11, 2018 5:22 pm Subject: NO RAJONES! - LANIER AND COLLEGE PREP COURSES We only had two (2) counselors when I was in high school. The counselors were Ms. Shane and Mr. Tafolla, who could have cared less if you were succeeding in your high school grades. They saw who they liked and encouraged them to look at different colleges where they could apply for scholarships. I was with Robert Sosa when Ms. Shane asked him what he planned to do after high school. Bob told her he was going to join the Marines and she jumped on him stated "no you're not, young man; you're going to college" and she helped him with his college entrance courses. Bob wasn't the only one that counselors looked at - and trust me, those that "met the gringo criteria" made it thru college and became productive citizens (you know who you are). Don't take this wrong, we are all productive citizens, but we busted our asses to get to where we're at now. Most of us are retired now and enjoying the fruits of our labor, but it was NOT because we had encouragement from our teachers/counselors - it was because we had a family 117 that cared and wanted us to be better than they were. We were happy with the small things in life because we didn't know any different. I'm a very happy 75-year-old female with 40+ years of continuous administrative responsibilities, to include acting as the 'closing secretary' for the FDIC from 1990-1994 in the successful closure of 17 banks in South Texas to include all the NBC branches .This fete I did on my own without Ms. Shane or anybody's help .I was an honor roll student from the 8th grade thru the 12th (4as/2bs were the grades you needed) and was never recognized for the brainpower I exhibited. I'm happy to be who I am today - and happy to be sharing these feelings with the readers. Gracias!! Frances Martinez-Yanez Original Message----- From: Frances Yanez 1960 Sent: Mon, Jun 11, 2018 Subject: NO RAJONES! - LANIER AND COLLEGE PREP COURSES P,S. Oh, and I forgot to mention that I was the fastest typist atLanier in 1960 and also owned the title of fastest stenographer in my senior year. So you see, will power and 'huevos" go a long way in my life (and my lifestyle). frances. Original Message-----From: Gil Coronado 1954 Sent: Mon, Jun 11, 2018 9:16 pm Subject: NO RAJONES! - LANIER AND COLLEGE PREP COURSES I relate to this message. To me, Lanier Counselors were all indifferent to my personal feelings, they seemed to have a pre-determined mindset that we were there mostly to be channeled into vocational training in order to learn a trade because that was our calling. That was our destiny. I then dropped out of Lanier. Gil Coronado Original Message-----From: Yolanda Morales 1964 Sent: Mon, Jun 11, 2018 Subject: NO RAJONES! - LANIER AND COLLEGE PREP COURSES So happy that we were able to rise above those counselor’s expectations. You are so right, Ms. Shane and Mr. Tafolla just expected us to know our place and just be obedient. But guess what - we looked forward, and they were the past. Also, Ms. Shireman was a big influence on my writing skills, and that is one of the reasons I also took journalism at SAC. Yolanda Morales 1964 I took Mill Shop because my Dad figured I could be a carpenter! Mula 118 Original Message-----From: Al Cazares (FB VOK Captain) Sent: Tue, Jun 12, 2018 6:41 am Subject: NO RAJONES! - LANIER AND COLLEGE PREP COURSES I’m adding my two cents worth to this discussion. I too, am a product of Lanier, Class of 1956. I was fortunate to graduate as Valedictorian of the ’56 Class and with the grace of God, I got a Naval ROTC scholarship. I chose to attend the University of Texas (1956 – 1960). As I recall, Mr. Tafolla was an Assistant Principal and Boy’s Guidance Counselor. I don’t recall any counselling by him unless you consider bending over and having his paddle whack my bottom, which I personally experienced, as counselling. I just thought of him as a Disciplinarian. I can’t say anything about Ms. Shane other than in my senior year I was called into her office where she questioned me about Margie Martinez (who I dated while at Lanier and who graduated in ’55 and later became my wife). Margie, at the time, had gone to work at a Company (in San Antonio) that was headquartered in Chicago. Apparently the Company’s home office sent an inquiry to Lanier about Margie and Ms. Shane wanted me to tell her what Margie was doing in Chicago. Other than that, I know very little about Ms. Shane. I did fairly well at UT. In 1960 I graduated and got commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Crops. While attending Basic School at Quantico, VA, I was pulled out of class and told to pack my bags, I was not going to graduate with my Basic School classmates. It turned out, I had been selected to go to Cadiz, Spain as a translator-interpreter for a Mobile Training Team that was teaching Spanish Marine Corps Officers all about Amphibious Operations. The Spanish language we were discouraged to use at Lanier turned out to be a major asset for me. Upon return to the States I went on to serve twenty-eight years in the Corps (including three tours in Nam). Mid-way through my career in the Corps, I was sent to Shepard Air Force Base for a course in Information Processing. I left the Infantry (MOS 0302) and became a computer geek (MOS 4002) for the second half of my Marine Corps career. I retired in 1988 and took a data processing position In Wake County (in North Carolina). I am still here, loving the work I do and hoping to do it for a few more years. So what little math I learned at Lanier (Algebra & Geometry – thanks to Ms Schiffer and Ms. McIntire) and at UT helped me get into data processing/information technology. However, I say again, the Spanish language we were discouraged to use at Lanier (except for Ms. Giron) helped me rather than hurt me. This is far more than I intended to write, but since I have done it, I am going to send it for your reading pleasure. Alfred F. Cazares Wake County Information Services Ph: 919-856-5828 [email protected] Original Message-----From: Oscar Vaca Sent: Sun, Jun 10, 2018 7:04 pm Subject: ACCELERATED MATH REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS ENTERING 4TH GRADE AT HARDY OAKS ELEMENTARY (STONE OAK) 119 I HAD ONE COURSE IN ALGEBRA WITH MS. SCHIFFERS IN MY SENIOR YEAR AT LANIER. MY TIMES HAVE CHANGED! I MIGHT ADD I STRUGGLED IN MY FIRST MILITARY CLASS OF ELECTRONICS IN MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, ENDING UP WITH THE LOWEST GRADE IN THE CLASS. NOW I KNOW WHY. LACK OF PREPARATION AND LITTLE GUIDANCE. Original Message----- From: Cisco Perez Sent: Mon, Jun 11, 2018 6:21 pm Subject: ACCELERATED MATH REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS ENTERING 4TH GRADE AT HARDY OAKS ELEMENTARY (STONE OAK) Oscar, you struggled with electronics because you were meant to be a world renown portrait artist but you missed your calling. Don't stress with your great grand kids homework, relax. Today I learned what < > means. I think I did? Cisco. Let's have a round of applause for Oscar! Original Message-----From: Arthur DE LOS SANTOS 1955 Sent: Tue, Jun 12, 2018 11:54 am Subject: 1956 VALEDICTORIAN AL CAZARES - NO RAJONES! - LANIER AND COLLEGE PREP COURSES I am a 1955 Graduate from Lanier. I was fortunate and unfortunate, but however things worked out for my best. I never met a counselor in all the time that I was at Lanier. Mr. Tafolla called me up to his office to tell me that I would be suspended, if I was caught again eating at the little restaurant across Lanier. While at his office, he told me to join the military service. If I didn’t join the service, it would be best to become a bus or truck driver due to my experience handling heavy equipment. Told him I wanted to become an engineer. He just looked at me, and said good luck. On my own, I applied for scholarships. Never got a response from any of the colleges. Fortunately, Mr. Sturchio heard I wanted to go to college. He offered me a scholarship at St. Mary’s. When I went to St. Mary’s, they would not admit me because I had not taken a foreign language and a required science class. I agree with Frances, no counselors to guide us in high school. So, I went back to Lanier half a day and took both classes. I did night gigs at La Cita Night Club six nights a week, with my Arthur Dee Group to meet my needs. In 1956, I went back to St. Mary’s and used my scholarship. However, after my first semester I was told to take music classes so I could keep my scholarship. I did not want to major in music, so my scholarship was terminated. What I learned from this experience, is that you don’t give up. They wanted $300.00 per semester, so I transferred to SAC for $25.00 a semester. I am proud to have earned an Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering degree from The University of Texas. Worked in California a few years, then returned to SA and spend 30 years at Kelly AFB as an aircraft structural engineer. 120 Have to be determined to succeed. Original Message-----From: Quiroz, Cici Sent: Wed, Jun 13, 2018 8:43 am Subject: ARTHUR DE LOS SANTOS 1955- NO RAJONES! - LANIER COLLEGE PREP COURSES OMG….I LOVE hearing these stories. Gave me goose bumps! I wish those people were still alive to see what you ALL accomplished on your own WITHOUT their help! A job they DID NOT DO! I’m assuming they are gone by now. CONGRATULATIONS Mr. De Los Santos on a job well done! That is so awesome. ☺ God bless you and keep you safe always. Cici Q. (Lanier Class of ’79) Original Message-----From: Alberto Moreno 1965 Sent: Tue, Jun 12, 2018 4:43 pm Subject: 1956 VALEDICTORIAN AL CAZARES - NO RAJONES! - LANIER AND COLLEGE PREP COURSES Ok, fast fwd to '65. Late March, counselor called me in to ask about my plans after graduating in MAY! As soon as I said military was interested in my music talent, she tuned me out. But I went on talking/asking if I was or could be college material. She picked up her head after completing my sheet and said "so your going into military, well good luck to you". End of that. Original Message-----From: Lionel Sosa 1957 Sent: Tue, Jun 12, 2018 1:59 pm Subject: 1956 VALEDICTORIAN AL CAZARES - NO RAJONES! - LANIER AND COLLEGE PREP COURSES I know now that Lanier didn’t prepare us for college. It was strictly a vocational school, hence the “voks. No one expected me to go to college so I didn’t. The thing that saved me was my mom repeating over and over again , “You can do anything you want as long as you do it better than any “Americano.” Anglos were “Americanos” and we were “Mexicanos.” Served me pretty good through the years, although sometimes I admit, I get too obsessed with doing something better than the next guy. The one thing I remember is that the teachers truly cared for us. Lionel Sosa 121 Original Message-----From: Quiroz, Cici Sent: Wed, Jun 13, 2018 8:55 am Subject: LIONEL SOSA 1957 & ALBERT MORENO 1965 - NO RAJONES! - LANIER AND COLLEGE PREP COURSES WAY TO GO MR. SOSA! You are proof to the students all over, especially LANIER, that you can do anything you set your mind to. So proud of our Mexicanos from Lanier! All these stories give me chills. ☺ God bless you and keep you safe always. Cici Q (Class of ’79) Original Message-----From: Guadalupe Martinez 1952 Sent: Tue, Jun 12, 2018 9:12 am Subject: ACCELERATED MATH REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS ENTERING 4TH GRADE AT HARDY OAKS ELEMENTARY (STONE OAK) When I graduated from Lanier class of 1962, Lanier had a reputation of not being up to par in the college preparation. After graduation I started working after being told I was a girl and no college for me, this is from my dad who said he had 5 sons to put thru college. So I enroll in night school at SAC, paying with money I earned. When I went to register the lady at that office asked me from what high school did I graduate. As soon as I said Lanier, she said remedial English class for you. I was speechless, me getting all A’s and a few B’s and making the National Honor Society at Lanier, being told, remedial classes for you! Wow !! Original Message-----From: Quiroz, Cici Sent: Tue, Jun 12, 2018 11:41 am Subject: 1962 LUPE RODRIGUEZ MARTINEZ - ACCELERATED MATH REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS What loser that woman was! I don’t use the word “HATE” often, but I HATE people, especially “ladies” like her! Instead of encouraging women, they bring us down. The loser had no business working there! js……grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr L Original Message-----From: JOSE EL BARDO [email protected] Cc: JOSE EL BARDO My parents were divorced and my two younger brothers and I lived with my mother. She passed away midway through my junior year at McAllen High School. In August of 1956 the vice principal called me to his office and told me, " You have no one at home to support you or give you guidance and you will drop out of school. My advice to you is to join the Navy." BS! I was 122 determined to finish high school and luckily an aunt brought me to San Antonio and to the Alazan Courts. My brothers also went to live with relatives. I have no quarrel with the teachers I had at Lanier. Mr. Tafolla was just a name plate to me; however, Ms. Shireman and Ms. Woodall were actively involved in my succeeding and saving my valedictorian scholarships to attend college. As Lionel and I previously pointed out, the "Voks" designation was both our pride and curse for many of us. The vocational mentality in Lanier's administrations had been ingrained for years and not many wanted to upset the status quo. I regret that I did not check up on the academic status of Lanier when I came back to San Antonio as a Professional Engineer in 1968. Many of us assumed, I guess, that academia or the marketplace would force the school administrators to upgrade the offered curriculum to the demands of today's jobs market or college entrance requirements. No man is an island, as Thomas Merton wrote, we all needed and came across opportunities and help from those that saw we were struggling to succeed; and we are very thankful for that--especially for the grace and help from above. Original Message-----From: Oscar Vaca To: Felix Yruegas Sent: Thu, Jun 14, 2018 5:37 am Subject: LANIER DID NOT HAVE A MONOPOLY ON BAD COUNSELORS-- NO SOMOS RAJONES! - WHEN MY WIFE AND I WERE ATTACHED TO THE AMERICAN EMBASSY IN MADRID, SPAIN AS A CIVIL AVIATION CONSULTANT AND WE HAD TO ATTEND THE EMBASSY FUNCTIONS I WOULD ASK HER, “HOW IN THE HELL DID WE GET HERE FROM THE BARRIO TO THIS?” AND SHE WOULD SAY, “I DON’T KNOW.” I WOULD THINK ABOUT IT FOR A LONG TIME SINCE I WAS SUSPENDED IN ELEMENTARY, TWICE IN JUNIOR HIGH, AND AS A SENIOR AT LANIER BY. OF COURSE, MR. TAFOLLA, OUR “GUIDING LIGHT.” ANYWAY THE ONLY CONCLUSION I COULD ARRIVE AT WAS THAT WE GOT ENOUGH GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE AT HOME TO DO WELL AND EXCELL BY HARD WORK AND DEDICATION. I WAS 38 WITH FOUR KIDS WHEN I GOT MY BUSINESS AND ENGINEERING DEGREES AND I DID THAT BECAUSE I WAS STUCK IN EL PASO AS A TECHNICIAN WHICH WAS A GOOD JOB BUT I WANTED MORE. IN THE END THE GIUDANCE AT HOME I BELIEVE CARRIED ALL OF US TO WHERE WE ARE NOW. I THANK MY MOM AND MY OLDER SIBLINGS FOR PROVIDING THE PATH TO SUCCESS FOR WERE IT NOT FOR THEM I WOULD HAVE DONE MY 40 YEARS AT KELLY AFB LIKE MANY OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS DID. I MIGHT ADD MY MOM BOUGHT US A SET OF BRITANNICA ENCYCLOPEDIAS AND I DEVOURED THEM IN THE HOT SUMMER DAYS. IT WAS MY INTERNET OF KNOWLEDGE. I WISH TO ADD SOMETHING FOR US GRANDPARENTS. IN ONE OF MY BUSINESS CLASSES, A PROFESSOR STATED THAT IF YOU READ SOMETHING AND HEARD IT AT THE SAME TIME, YOUR RETENTION FACTOR WOULD INCREASE BY 30 PERCENT. FROM THAT DAY ON I RECORDED EVERY REVIEW AND TOOK NOTES TO READ. I BRAINWASHED MYSELF FOR EVERY EXAM AND DID WELL WITH EASE. 123 Original Message-----From: Santos S. Villarreal 1955 Sent: Tue, Jun 12, 2018 Subject: ACCELERATED MATH REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS Oscar, great job on that portrait and keep it going. For someone that struggled with math you did outstanding to end your career as a GS- 15. For purpose of protocol when working along with the military that is the equivalent of a Colonel. Santos CONGRATULATIONS OSCAR VACA GS-15 EQUIVALENT OF A COLONEL. SANTOS ALSO HAD HIGH RANK JOB. RETIRED AS THE REGIONAL HOUSING URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) DIRECTOR. The pictures below are the Lanierites who had previously met at Ray’s Drive In and are responsible for putting on a Chili-Bowl Scholarship Gala to provide funds for graduating student from Tech and Lanier. 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132