Annual Report Annual Report

The Rand Building

Now the center of technology business in San Antonio, this Chicago School skyscraper was the tallest in the city when it was built in 1913. To preserve it, the Society purchased it in 1981 and resold it shortly thereafter. As with all of its cessioned properties, the Society maintains a conservation easement to insure preservation of the building’s architectural elements in perpetuity.

2017-2018 • 19 2017-2018 Annual Report San Antonio Conservation Society And San Antonio Conservation Society Foundation

Advocacy______Wins: 604 Carolina/Slimp Oil Gas Station – Developer Efraim Varga initially proposed demolition of this unique 2-story 1926 structure, but decided to repurpose this building for the entry into his Eastside development after meeting with 1st Vice President Susan Beavin and Executive Director Vincent Michael in August 2016. This Structure also was part of 29 gas stations receiving historic designation by the San Antonio City Council in January 2017, Annual Report supported by a statement from Society President Janet Dietel.

Saves: 500 N Zarzamora – Basila Frocks – escaped demolition by Dollar General and was part of a San Antonio City Council Resolution in February 2017 to become a multi-family residential development. 511 Brackenridge – this historic home, designed by J Gordon Riley, was moved from the edge of Mahncke Park to the Mission Reach area, where it was carefully restored in 2017. Developers will replace it with another multi-storied apartment complex. 504 Austin St – La Fama Bakery – a developer will repurpose this historic bakery on the edge of Dignowity Hill. 149 Guadalupe St – in the Laredito area, this historic structure, now owned by SARA and will be part of their San Pedro Creek redevelopment project, will receive a new roof from the City and hopefully will be structurally repaired prior to this installation. Dullnig Schneider Building - the building is scheduled to be stabilized. The Perez St Jacal and Historic Building – after several efforts by Society Staff and Board members, the building is finally undergoing stabilization by owners United Health Care System. The plan is to remove the 19 year old “temporary” roof, raze the addition and stabilize the original jacal.

Losses: 255 Brahan – located in the Westfort Neighborhood, this historical structure was demolished in December 2016 and will be replaced by an apartment complex in spite of the neighborhood petition. President Janet Dietel spoke in favor of preservation at City Council with 1st Vice President Susan Beavin. 115 S Zarzamora - The Malt House – this City Landmark will be demolished and replaced with a 7-11 in spite of a valiant effort by the neighborhood and the Society’s support before the Historic and Design Review Board. A charrette was held by the AIA Latinos in Architecture to help establish various means 20 • 2017-2018 of tribute to the local iconic eatery. Society Board and Staff participated in the charrette. 2028 Huisache Avenue - during restoration of this home in the Monticello Historic District, a fire ravaged all but the front façade. The Society visited the site to recommend salvage, but even the façade was ultimately lost. 1918 MLK Blvd – this home, designated as a City Landmark in November 2015, was severely burned and subsequently demolished in February 2017. Properties Restoration Manager Ron Bauml visited the site to recommend Annual Report salvaging original limestone and caliche blocks. 22105 I-10 W /Old Fredericksburg Rd – the 1934 Heath Haven, at the corner of Heurmann Dr, designed by HH Hugman; part of the Taylor Artist Colony; and owned by local author, Jeanne Dixon, will be demolished and replaced with an Audi Auto Dealership. The Society and UTSA are tasked by the city and site developer to assist with the documentation and interpretation of the building, and the Society is spearheading a study of Hugman’s residential designs in partnership with UTSA. Soledad - Solo Serve & Book Building – although the previous developer withdrew his plans for developing this site, a new owner had received Conceptual Approval from HDRC. The lower 12’ of the historic wall along the Riverwalk will be preserved, however the multiple historic walls within the complex and along the Soledad Alleyway will be demolished. It should be noted that when the San Antonio Conservation Society read statements to support either a designated City Landmark or an historical structure without such designation, San Antonio City Council members often cite ill-defined “property rights” for the owner’s wishes, disregarding the rights of the neighborhood who do not want more apartments or demolition of part of their neighborhood fabric. The Society recognizes the fact that historic designation preserves and enhances the value of properties and neighborhoods.

Concerns: 200 Main Plaza – the Society expressed concern about the redevelopment of this historic building between the Riverwalk and Bexar County Courthouse, urging the preservation of historic windows, a more sensitive design for new stair towers, and a careful approach to a rooftop addition. 16102 Old Fredericksburg Rd – owner Drury Hotels originally planned to use this 1934 historic complex as an event center, but placed it on the market early 2016. A Society letter to address preservation concerns went unanswered. Toudouze Building – Cattleman Square Society Staff encouraged the sole surviving historic building on the block to be integrated into the new development after the developer changed their original plan and urged demolition. Hays St Bridge – a four-story apartment complex was slated to be built adjacent to this landmark structure, despite onetime promises of parkland. Board and Staff members met with members of the Dignowity Hill Neighborhood Association Architectural Task Force regarding the viewshed of the Bridge and with other bridge supporters.

2017-2018 • 21 Ella Austin Community Center – despite a lot of talk about demolition of this property and replacing it with an apartment complex under Councilman Warrick, the building remains as a community preservation focus under new Councilman Cruz Shaw.

The Alamo Master Plan – the Society made a statement at the Reimagine the Alamo Meeting, as well as, at San Antonio City Council in support of plans to restore the chapel and Long Barracks, put a new museum in the Crockett Block buildings, close Alamo and Crockett Streets, and create a single grade level for Alamo Plaza. We did not support glass walls or any enclosure of the plaza, and we supported saving all existing trees in the plaza. The Society advocated for re-use of the Crockett Buildings as a new museum beginning in 2015. President Janet Dietel wrote an opinion piece in the Express-News in February 2017 urging the preservation of the surviving 1882 stone walls on the interior of the Crockett Block. The Society also urged planners to undertake

Annual Report Augmented Reality interpretation that does not require physical changes to structures and allows more than a single period of history to be interpreted.

Brackenridge Park – the Society monitored the Brackenridge Park master plan, which generated negative community feedback in Summer 2016 and was extensively revised. As the Founder of the Brackenridge Park Conservancy, the Society offered sponsorship of the Conservancy in 2016-2017 and additionally for the Summit held in March 2017.

Bond Issue - Society Staff and Board worked closely with City officials to fine- tune the proposals to be funded through the $850 million Bond issue, approved by the voters 5-1 in May 2017. Society priorities included funding for Hemisfair Park, Brackenridge Park, and the preservation of intact neighborhood areas targeted for urban renewal in Districts 2 and 5.

World Heritage Land Use Amendments – Staff and Board offered input into the Land Use amendments proposed to help support the World Heritage inscription and the World Heritage buffer area, including downzoning near the Society’s Yturri-Edmunds historic site.

State Legislation - The Society played an ongoing role in advocating for the preservation of local landmarks ordinances and tree protection ordinances in the wake of efforts by the Governor and State Legislature to rescind local control of land use issues. The landmarks bill failed and a weakened version of the tree ordinance passed but will not substantially alter San Antonio’s tree ordinance, which the Society helped craft over nearly 20 years. 1st Vice President Susan Beavin, 3rd Vice President Barbara Hall, and former President Marcie Ince traveled to Austin on June 17 to meet with Speaker Straus, Representatives Larson and Alvarado, and Governor Abbott’s staff during the effort to save the tree ordinance.

22 • 2017-2018 Federal Advocacy Efforts – 2nd Vice President Kathy Krvanek and Executive Director Vincent Michael attended a legislative breakfast on September 29 at Edera Osteria. President Janet Dietel, 3rd Vice President Barbara Hall, and Executive Director Vincent Michael participated in Preservation Action’s Advocacy Week in March 2017. Dietel, Hall, and Michael joined with Mark Wolfe of the Texas Historical Commission in meeting with Representatives Lloyd Doggett and Lamar Smith and senior staff of Senator John Cornyn.

Dietel, Hall, and Michael also met with staffers for Representatives Will Hurd, Annual Report Joaquin Castro, and Henry Cuellar. Representative Hurd immediately became a co-sponsor of the Historic Tax Credit Enhancement Act. Follow-up letters were sent to all six regarding the historic tax credit and further missives were sent regarding the Historic Preservation budget items in June 2017. Awards______The Society presented its 2017 Publication Awards at a luncheon on March 24, 2017 at the historic Argyle Club on Patterson Avenue in Alamo Heights. Recipients of the Publication Awards were: American Venice: The Epic Story of San Antonio’s River by Lewis F. Fisher; Another Year Finds Me in Texas: The Civil War Diary of Lucy Pier Stevens by Vicki Adams Tongate; The Courthouses of Central Texas by Brantley Hightower; Julian Onderdonk in New York: The Lost Years, The Lost Paintings by James Graham Baker; Picturing Texas Politics: A Photographic History from Sam Houston to Rick Perry by Chuck Bailey and Patrick Cox, PhD; Rosengren’s Books: An Oasis for Mind and Spirit by Mary Carolyn Hollers George; Seeds of Empire: Cotton, Slavery, and the Transformation of Texas Borderlands, 1800-1850 by Andrew Torget; The Train to Crystal City by Jan Jarboe Russell; The Wests of Texas: Cattle Ranching Entrepreneurs by Bruce M. Shackelford; Where Texas Meets the Sea: Corpus Christi and Its History by Alan Lessoff. One book was selected as the children’s category winner, Texas Tales Illustrated #2: “The Trail Drives” by Mike Kearby and Mack White. Almost one hundred people attended the awards luncheon. Guests were able to meet the award-winning authors and buy autographed copies of their books. Endowment______& Resource Development This year the Endowment & Resource Development Committee provided momen- tum for the fundraising programs of the Foundation. The Capital Club continued building a donor base to support the San Antonio Conservation Society’s community outreach efforts. Membership in the Capital Club reached seventy-three members during the 2016-2017 fiscal year, raising $158,012.44 [numbers as of 6/30/2017]. Capital Club funds continued to support several projects, including the Mission San Juan Spanish Colonial Demonstration Farm and the restoration and rehabilitation of the Yturri-Edmunds complex. During the year, Capital Club members gathered for several events, including a holiday river cruise, a tour of the Yturri-Edmunds complex, and numerous events during Fiesta.

Donations to the Foundation generated during the membership renewal drive topped $11,000. The Heritage Education Tours also received $17,000 in contributions from the Eduoard Foundation, the H-E-B Tournament of Champions Chari- table Foundation, and the Mirza Trust. 2017-2018 • 23 Grants______& Contributions Proceeds from A Night In Old San Antonio® helped the Society award annual community grants during the Fall of 2016. Community grants totaling $50,000 were awarded to the following properties: 411 Bonham St for wooden window sash replacement; 601 E. Carson St, 1025 E. Crockett St, 107 W. Craig, and 222 Adams St for various porch repairs/restoration; 116 Carmargo St for urgent preservation and stabilization of historic caliche/adobe wall; 422 Vine St for wood and door replacement/repair; 9599 Braun Rd for new metal standing seam roof. An additional allotment of $13,300 was approved by the board for the emergency stabilization of the property located at 116 Camargo St. Furthermore, the Community Grants committee requested and received approval from the board to have funding from the Capital Club allotted to the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church at 2504 N. St. Mary’s St for restoration/preservation of a 90-year-old central icon and the Contreras Ice House Project at 1617

Annual Report W. Commerce St for restoration of the original neon sign. During the year, disbursements of funds from the Capital Club were made to the following organizations for the purpose of creating special markers: Hangar 9 and the Sidney Brooks Memorial and Gravesite in the amount of $27,000; Hemisfair Conservancy in the amount of $20,000; and Ellis Alley – Beacon Light Lodge in the amount of $15,000. In June of 2017, the San Antonio Conservation Society Foundation also gave a one-time donation of $1,000 to the Brackenridge Park Conservancy in support of a shared mission of the preservation of our natural resources. Three recipients received 2016-2017 Educational Grant funding from the San Antonio Conservation Society Foundation totaling $22,000. Each recipient met the qualifications for support as outlined by the Society. Hot Wells Con- servancy was awarded a $2,500 grant to support the development of videog- raphy which will represent current and future initiatives of the organization. Castro Colonies Heritage Association was awarded $8,385 to design, develop, and install interpretive panels in its museum. Patsy Pittman Light was awarded $11,115 to support the publication of the book “Trabajo Rustico.” The final installment of $7,000.00 for the 2015-2016 Educational Grant was paid to the Power of Presentation. Heritage______Education Tours The San Antonio Conservation Society Foundation conducted its 56th annual Heritage Education Tours for area fourth grade students from October 24-28 and October 31-November 4, 2016. 1,627 students from eighteen schools across Bexar County received the opportunity to visit local heritage landmarks, including the Alamo, Mission Concepción, Mission San Juan, Mission San José, Mission Espada, Casa Navarro State Historic Site, the Spanish Governor’s Pal- ace, the Steves Homestead, and the Ytrri-Edmunds Historic Site. Tour guides and docents from the Conseration Society and the San Antonio Professional

24 • 2017-2018 Tour Guides Association accompanied each bus and provided students with educational information regarding the sites before and during the site visits. The Foundation paid all tour expenses for the schools through member contributions, funds raised during A Night in Old San Antonio®, and through grants received from the Eduoard Foundation, the H-E-B Tournament of Champions Charitable Foundation, and the Mirza Trust. Education consultant Bill Per- ryman led a teacher workshop for over thirty teachers from the represented schools in preparation for the tours. Annual Report Historic______Building Survey This committee focused on updating a previous survey of St. Cecilia’s neighborhood, which coordinated with the Roosevelt-Presa corridor survey completed by the Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) last year. Committee members met for two training sessions and a wrap-up meeting to collect feedback facilitated by OHP staff. Using the ScoutSA survey app, members surveyed 296 properties within the following boundaries: Groveton and Boyer Street on the north, William J. Bordelon Fwy. (I-37) on the east, Jose Lopez Fwy. (U.S. 90 East) on the south and Roosevelt Ave. on the west. Surveyors ranked each property’s integrity and potential eligibility for landmark designation. This information will be reviewed in the 2017-18 fiscal year with the goal of recommending individual landmarks and/or a landmark district to OHP. Historic______Farm & Ranch Complexes In October, the San Antonio Conservation Society Historic Farm and Ranch Complexes Committee was pleased to host Steve Jones’ presentation of the accomplishments of the City of Selma, TX, in the restoration of the Harrison - McCulloch Stage Stop and the John S. Harrison House in Selma, TX.

In November, we were pleased to have Charles Porter present Texas Water Pol- icy Update: The Changes That Could Impact Historical Conservation. This was a general update of water policy in Texas as it relates to our work as historical conservationists and a brief overview of Texas Water Law and History, the new challenges in the courts including the federal government’s attacks on Texas state sovereignty, and discuss what’s coming up. Charles Porter, author of 2 books on water, spent the last 2 summers in Spain studying water. In January, Steve Jones and Jean Heide led a tour of the Harrison-McCulloch Stage Stop and the John S. Harrison House in Selma, TX. The John S. Harrison house was built in the early1850’s by stage master, John S. Harrison and his wife, Martha Jane Harrison. Harrison ran three Star Routes (mail and passen- ger routes) through Central Texas from the mid-1840’s through the mid-1860’s. He died in Waco, Texas in December 1864. The house is owned by the City of Selma and has been restored as a community center and city park. It was offi- cially opened in August 2016.

2017-2018 • 25 In February, The Historic Farm and Ranch Complexes Committee invited Maria Watson Pfeiffer to present “The Herff Farm”. The Herff Farm is an ex- cellent example of a Texas Hill Country farmstead built by pioneer German families who settled in and near Boerne in the mid-to-late 1800s. Located on the eastern outskirts of Boerne in Kendall County, the farm is part of a larger tract purchased by pioneer physician Ferdinand Herff in 1852. Herff’s hold- ings eventually expanded to some 10,000 acres which were used for ranching and as a retreat for his large family. After an earlier house burned, Ferdinand and Mathilde Herff built a two-story limestone house on the site. The property remained in the family until 1935 when it was acquired by George and Erma Rozelle who farmed and raised livestock. The house, farm, and domestic structures and surrounding fields remain remarkably intact in light of the rap- id urbanization of Kendall County. Since the Cibolo Nature Center purchased 68-acres of the property in 2007, the Herff house has been restored and the surrounding land is conserved as open space. The farm was entered in the Na-

Annual Report tional Register of Historic Places in 2009. Also in February, we visited the old Classen Ranch which is property now owned by The Canyon Springs Golf Club. Significant interest was shown by Classen descendants to meet with us there at the Golf Club as well as by the Canyon Springs Golf Club management itself. CSGC hopes to capitalize on the history of the property. A very first effort is to display the various livestock brands on the hole flags. The March visit to the Trueheart Ranch tour was cancelled because of weather. In April, we toured the Presnall-Watson-LHI property. Accomplishments presented were the completion of Architectural drawings and specifications funded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National En- dowment for the Arts. LHI is seeking funding for construction. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 10, 2012, the Presnall-Watson Homestead District includes six buildings, three contributing structures, and six significant archeological sites. The 188-acre Presnall-Watson Homestead District is part of the Land Heritage Institute (LHI) property, a 1,200-acre liv- ing land museum representing at least 10,000 years of occupancy by all the major cultural groups that shaped South Texas, including Native Americans, the Spanish, the Mexicans, the Anglos, as well as, African-Americans. In May the Committee visited the Herff-Rozelle Farm in Boerne, TX. This site visit ended the normal committee activities for the year. Another effort for the 2016 - 2017 year was setting up a website to showcase the 150 or so Historic Farm and Ranch Complexes on file in the Historic Farm and Ranch Complex- es Committee filing cabinets. Considerable additional formal research and compilation of information has been ongoing in the actual building of the website, and the results of the effort have been very rewarding. The OMEKA website platform is significantly research oriented. Reference and cross reference capability enable the linking and the separation of an infinite number of similarities and differences. The website development is ongoing 26 • 2017-2018 Historic______Gas Station Survey The committee is near the end of its mandate to survey historic gas stations. We have surveyed and photographed 1,451 sites, beginning with those built before 1940 within the original 36 square mile city limits, and expanding the survey to stations built between 1940 and 1970 within Loop 410. We have created a database containing both historic and contemporary information about the sites surveyed. We used that database to identify a group of stations which the San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation has put in process for historic Annual Report landmark designation. We have created a website to help present to the public much of what we have found. We are also working with the Office of Historic Preservation to transfer data to their databases to help them to continue to identify and preserve historic gas stations.

Historic______Preservation Month In celebration of May’s National Historic Preservation Month, the San Antonio Conservation Society hosted “Untold Stories of the Alamo” for its members on Saturday, May 13, 2017 from 1 pm to 4:00 pm beginning at the River House and concluding at the Steves Homestead. Featured speakers were Dr. Nesta Anderson, Senior Archaeologist at Pape-Dawson Engineers, who spoke on the archaeological discoveries of the Alamo’s South Gate; Lewis Fisher, AIA, who updated members on the Alamo Plaza Master Plan for 2017; and Pam Rosser, Conservator for the Alamo, who gave a presentation on the restoration process of the interior finishes of the Alamo church. The lectures were followed by music from the play “Gone to Texas”. The play focuses on the events leading up to the battle of the Alamo. Historian and playwright, Steve Warren provided a brief narration about the play as it relates to each ballad. Music was performed by the composer and pianist Tom Masinter with vocalists Tim Birt, Roy Bumgarner, and William Chapman. A reception followed in the Steves Homestead garden. Our Historic Preservation Month commemorative pin for 2017 features the pomegranate. The pin was designed by Ron Bauml. Recent preservation work inside the Alamo Sacristy uncovered evidence that the walls were once plas- tered and decorated with frescoes. The designs include representations of flowers and pomegranates. Junior______Associates The Junior Associates program was created in 1955 to assure continuity of the aims and purposes of the Society and to inspire and teach the values of local history and preservation to younger generations. Junior Associates elect their own officers and conduct their own affairs. In the 2016-2017 membership year, there were forty-nine Junior Associates. The Juniors held five membership meetings throughout the year at the Steves Homestead River House, including the annual Gingerbread House Decorating Party in December. They also participated in the Pilgrimage to the Alamo and the King William Fair Parade during Fiesta.

2017-2018 • 27 Library______The library added 602 images in the fourth year of its digitization program. Elizabeth Pople returned as an independent consultant funded by the Capital Club and intern Larsen Andrews provided additional assistance. The digitization of the 680-photo Snapshot Collection is now 20% complete.

The library finished two new online exhibits: “Old Fashioned,” featuring 19th and early 20th century apparel, and “HemisFair ’68: A Confluence of Photographs,” which tells the story of the site before, during, and after the world’s fair. Using the copy stand and light kits purchased this year, we photographed multiple scrapbooks, including those created by La Chata (Beatriz Escalona), Ethel Wilson Harris (WPA), and Ernestine Edmunds. The latter scrapbook was boxed archivally and sent to climate controlled storage in Iron Mountain.

Annual Report Notable public use of images from the library’s collection this year included: Art Work – Rio Rio Cantina, 421 E. Commerce; Wells Fargo branch bank, 109 N. San Saba. Books – San Antonio’s Historic Market Square (pending) and Slavery in the City: Architecture and Landscapes of Urban Slavery in North America. Documentation –Texas General Land Office (Alamo Master Plan Report) Mobile App – Texas Historical Commission: “The Chisholm Trail: Exploring the Folklore and Legacy” and “World War I: Texas and the Great War.” Online – City of San Antonio: World Heritage Ambassador Education Program. Periodicals – San Antonio Express-News, Southwestern Historical Quarterly (pending).

Library staff and volunteers completed 1,288 requests this year. The library also provided research, writing, and/or editing for several of the Society’s key preservation issues, including multiple HDRC cases and the Society’s joint letter with the AIA on preserving the historic interiors of the Crockett Block, Palace Theatre, and Woolworth Building. In addition, the librarian helped coordinate with Toxey/McMillan Design Associates on the completion of a mural and two portable display panels created for the Ellis Alley exhibit. Other outreach activities included participation in the 2016 Historic Homeowner Fair and assistance with the 2017 Publication Awards.

28 • 2017-2018 Meetings,______Conferences, Seminars, & Workshops

Regular quarterly meetings were held at Wulff House with Shannon Miller of the Office of Historic Preservation, Colleen Swain of the World Heritage Of- fice, Michael Frisbie of Transportation and Capital Improvements, and Xavier Urrutia and Homer Garcia of Parks and Recreation. 1st Vice President Susan Beavin attended quarterly meetings of the Leon Springs and Helotes Historical Societies. Executive Director Vincent Michael served as part of the City of San Annual Report Antonio’s Cultural Heritage Working Group. Summer 2016: On June 23, 2016, President Janet Dietel and Executive Di- rector Vince Michael attended the Urban Land Institute’ s Historic Tax Credit seminar at the St. Anthony Hotel. Dietel and Michael also attended the Journeys of Transformation luncheon on the Alamo Master plan on July 14. President Dietel and Executive Director Michael joined Military Liaison Joan Gaither to witness the Change of Command for the U.S. Army Health Readi- ness Center of Excellence on August 10 at Fort Sam Houston. Vincent Michael attended the first of several Alamo Plaza Reimagined discussions on August 2. President Janet Dietel, Executive Director Vincent Michael, Properties Resto- ration Manager Ron Bauml, Librarian Beth Standifird, and st1 Vice President Susan Beavin participated in the Historic Homeowner Fair at Pearl Stable on August 27 and Michael also presented at the event on “The Why and How of Historic Preservation.” Fall 2016: President Janet Dietel, 1st Vice President Susan Beavin, 2nd Vice President Kathy Krvanek, Executive Director Vincent Michael and several others attended the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the San Pedro Creek Project on September 8. On September 9, the Second Annual World Heritage Fes- tival presented Restored by Light at Mission San Jose, attended by Krvanek, Michael and several others. Treasurer Patricia Seidenberger and Executive Director Vincent Michael participated in the Tour de las Misiones bicycle ride on September 10th. Michael attended the Save Texas History Symposium on September 16 at the Menger Hotel, featuring presentations on the Alamo. 1st Vice President Susan Beavin, Vincent Michael, and Ron Bauml viewed the Trueheart Easement on September 20 and 2nd Vice President Kathy Krvanek, 1st Vice President Susan Beavin, and Vincent Michael toured the San Pedro Creek project on September 22 and the Land Heritage Institute on October 2. On October 6, 1st Vice President Susan Beavin and 2nd Vice President Kathy Krvanek attended the Hidalgo Foundation Anniversary Reception at Bexar County Courthouse. That evening Krvanek joined President Janet Dietel, 4th Vice President Patti Zaiontz, and Board members Bob Sartor, Anna Catala- ni, Margie Arnold, Terry Schoenert, Mary Rogers and Virginia Van Cleave for the Green Spaces Alliance gala at Scenic Springs. October 25 was the Las Misiones Rose Window Gala at Mission San Jose, attended by President Janet Dietel, Executive Director Vincent Michael, and Treasurer Patricia Se- idenberger.

2017-2018 • 29 On October 26, the historic St. Anthony Hotel was the venue for the Society’s Capital Club reception led by President Janet Dietel and Committee Chair Marcie Ince. The Power of Preservation Prom was held at the Kress Building on October 27, attended by President Janet Dietel, 1st Vice President Susan Beavin, Executive Director Vincent Michael, and Board members Marcie Ince, Jackie Fellers, Ron Stinson, Inell Schooler and Joanna Parrish. On October 28, 1st Vice President Susan Beavin attended the Historical Society of Helotes Gala at Gardens of Old Town. The Association for Preservation Technology held its Annual Confer- ence in San Antonio, which included a Farm and Ranch tour by Joanna Par- rish and Susan Beavin, a King William tour by Ron Bauml, and a NIOSITA at La Villita on November 2. On November 15, the Society hosted the Opening Reception for the National Preservation Conference – PastForward – in Houston, with presentation by President Janet Dietel and Texas Historical Annual Report Commission Chair John Nau. The Conference also featured a keynote lecture to the Partners Network by Executive Director Vincent Michael. Michael also chaired a session “We The People” on democratizing the preservation process. On November 30, 2nd Vice President Kathy Krvanek attended the San Pedro Creek Mixer at Plaza des Armas and Executive Director Vincent Michael attended the Power of Preservation Sponsors Reception at the St. Anthony. Winter 2016-17: December 7 was the Annual Weihnachtsfeier (Christmas Party) at the Steves Homestead for the entire Board and Members. Pres- ident Janet Dietel greeted guests and then attended the Fiesta Commission Holiday Party later in the evening. 1st Vice President Susan Beavin and Exec- utive Director Vincent Michael participated in the Malt House charrette held at the AIA office by Latinos in Architecture. On January 13, President Janet Dietel and Executive Director Vincent Michael attended the ULI Luncheon on emerging trends in Real Estate 2017, held at the Pearl Stable. 2nd Vice Presi- dent Kathy Krvanek attended the Tourism Council Board Retreat on January 20 and that evening former presidents Nancy Avellar and Sue Ann Pemberton, and Executive Director Vincent Michael attended the Texas Historical As- sociation Star of Texas Award banquet at the Briscoe Western Art Museum. 2nd Vice President Kathy Krvanek and Executive Director Vincent Michael attended the Brackenridge Park Conservancy Annual Meeting on January 26 at the Witte Museum and Michael was a VIP Guest at the annual Cowboy Break- fast on January 27. President Janet Dietel and Executive Director Vincent Michael were on hand for the Fiesta® poster unveiling at the Milam Building on February 7 and Mi- chael participated in the UTSA San Antonio Missions Research Consortium and the ULI Lone Star tour on February 24. 2nd Vice President Kathy Krvanek, former presidents Nancy Avellar and Sue Ann Pemberton, and Executive Di- rector Vincent Michael were present for the Casa Navarro Birthday Celebra- tion recognizing its recent designation as a National Historic Landmark on February 25. The Summit on Brackenridge Park on March 3-4 featured 30 • 2017-2018 several Board members, including President Janet Dietel, while Executive Di- rector Vincent Michael served as respondent for one of the panels. Spring 2017: President Janet Dietel attended the Hangar 9 opening at Brooks City Base March 24. April 6 was Los Compadres Make It Your Mission Cel- ebration at Mission Espada, with President Janet Dietel, 2nd Vice President Kathy Krvanek, Executive Director Vincent Michael, and Board members Stel-

la De La Garza, Jackie Fellers, Inell Schooler and Ron Stinson in attendance. Annual Report Executive Director Vincent Michael attended the Alamo Plaza Public Meet- ing April 11 and several Board Members attended the meetings on April 18 and May 2. Board Members Anna Catalani, Stella de la Garza, Linda Skop and staff Vincent Michael and Audrey Haake attended the Mission Trails release party June 3 at Ranger Creek Brewery. On June 9, President Janet Dietel presided at the celebration of the installation of the Ellis Alley interpretive panels with the Mayor, Councilmembers, and the heads of VIA and SAGE.

Membership______Activities As of June 30, 2017, there were 529 Active Resident Members, 14 Active Non-Resident Members, 1 Honorary Member, 998 Associate Resident Mem- bers, and 58 Associate Non-Resident Members for a total of 1,600 members. At the June general membership meeting, 32 new Active Members were inducted. The Membership/Volunteer Coordinator Committee volunteered at the sign-in tables at the general membership meetings, collected dues at the NIOSA Chair- men’s Dinner, and held a mail out on January 6, 2017 to assemble mailers for all expiring members at the beginning of the membership renewal drive. The Membership Development and the Membership/Volunteer Coordinator Committees attended several events to raise awareness of the Conservation Society’s membership and activities, including the UTSA Volunteer Fair in Au- gust, the World Heritage Festival and the Historic Homeowners Fair in Sep- tember, and Archaeology Day at Mission San Jose and Siclovia in October.

______A Night in Old San Antonio® Through the efforts of our volunteers, A Night in Old San Antonio® celebrates customs and cultures unique to our City and supports the mission, purpose and goals of the San Antonio Conservation Society. A big “Thank You!” goes out to the thousands of locals and tourists who come to historic downtown La Villita each year during Fiesta. Truly “A Celebration for Preservation”, NIOSA’s 2017 contribution to the San Antonio Conservation Society is $1,500,000.00 to further its mission to preserve historic buildings, objects, places and customs relating to Texas history. In addition, NIOSA’s community impact totaled over $1.5 million; with $204,369.78 paid for the rental of La Villita (which is designated by the City for the preservation of the La Villita village); and over $80,000.00 in rental fees to other local property owners/businesses. The City of San Antonio was also 2017-2018 • 31 paid $295,198.00 for security (SAPD), $45,000.00 in permits/fees and local entertainers and suppliers received an estimated $850,000.00 for goods and services. New in 2017 was online ticket sales downloadable to electronic hand- held devices or cell phones. All this could not have been accomplished without the thousands of dedicated volunteers, many of whom work endless hours year-round! Patti Zaiontz, NIO- SA Chair and her committee, Audrey Haake, NIOSA Treasurer, Margie Arnold, Jackie Fellers, Charlie Hansen, and Sharon Hearn, Vice Chairs, along with the office and warehouse staff, worked closely on every detail of the 69th presentation of A Night in Old San Antonio. Over 30 volunteer sub-committees, many who meet year-round, along with fifteen area chairs and area support groups also provided additional support. The NIOSA Crafters store located in building 20 of La Villita, had over 6,500 locals and tourists visit their store in 2017. These volunteers stayed very busy Annual Report hand crafting wreaths, fascinators, and other items, dedicating seven days a week and generating over $40,000.00 in profits. This location also provided an additional ticket outlet with over $36,000.00 in NIOSA ticket sales. The Crafters Store will now have a permanent presence in La Villita having entered into a three-year lease with the City. Decorations and Cascarones Commit- tees met Thursday mornings to hand make thousands of paper flowers and streamers, used to decorate booths and thousands of cascarones were filled and hand-painted to add to the festivities. In all, it is estimated that over 15,000+ volunteers donated over 150,000 hours. Recycled materials included 22.9 tons of cardboard, plastic and paper and 12.8 tons of glass. Trash sent to the landfill was reduced by 1.5 tons. Staging coordinators worked with hundreds of volunteers and began putting all the pieces together that transformed La Villita into a mosaic of San Anto- nio’s past. During the twenty hours of operation, volunteers came together to prepare, cook, and serve over 86,000 guests. This year the NIOSA Committee hosted a NIOSITA for the Association for Preservation Technology with 163 guests in attendance and received proceeds of $11,282.00 from this event.

Parade______Activities The Conservation Society participated in four parades during Fiesta: the Texas Cavaliers’ River Parade, the Battle of Flowers parade, the King William Fair Parade, and the Fiesta Flambeau Parade. The theme of the Conservation Society’s float in the Texas Cavaliers’ River Pa- rade was “Kaleidoscope of Texas Rose Gardens,” which featured fresh flowers. Jackie Huddle & the Dukes of Cool provided musical accompaniment on the float.

32 • 2017-2018 In the Battle of Flowers Parade, the Conservation Society once again participated in the antique car category with a 1928 Ford Phaeton. The theme was “Blazing Trails,” Conservation Society President Janet Dietel dressed up as An- nie Oakley, and the car was accented by floral decorations. The Conservation Society’s vehicle won first place in the antique car category. The Junior Associates participated in the King William Fair Parade, riding in an antique Mack firetruck driven by the San Antonio Fire Department. Annual Report Representatives from NIOSA participated in the Fiesta Flambeau Parade, riding in a horse-drawn carriage. Programs______The Society held six general membership meetings. The Society’s executive director, Vincent Michael, spoke on Global Heritage at the September 28, 2016 general membership meeting held at the Mission San Jose Visitor Center. The Weihnachtsfeier was held December 7, 2017 at the Steves Homestead. The Beethoven Mannerchoir performed traditional German Christmas songs. Barbara Hendricks, author of The Building Arts of South Texas: Stories of En- dangered Building Arts and the Craftsmen Who Keep Them Alive, spoke at the January 25, 2017 general membership meeting at the River House. A book signing, managed by The Twig Book Shop, followed the presentation. On February 22, 2017, the general membership meeting was held at the San Antonio Garden Center. A Bylaws election was held at this meeting. After the election, a program was presented on The Architecture of Historic Roma, Texas and Heinrich Portscheller Master Builder of the Lower Rio Grande by Steven Land Tillotson, FAIA, and Mary Carolyn Hollers George. A book signing, managed by The Twig Book Shop, followed the presentation. The San Antonio Public Library was the site for the May 24, 2017 general membership meeting with Ruth Chiego, Public Services Administrator, and Lacey Fischer, Director of Development, giving presentations on The Texana Collec- tion located on the sixth floor of the Central Library. The installation of new San Antonio Conservation Society officers and ten di- rectors was held at the June 28, 2017 general membership meeting at the River House. Properties______Maintenance & Repair Maintenance and restoration work continues on the Society’s properties. The Gresser House received a new standing seam metal roof and a new burglary and fire alarm system. The Steves Homestead had a new cedar post andwire

2017-2018 • 33 fence installed along Johnson Street and the plaster ceiling of the upstairs hall was repaired in preparation for the decorative ceiling paint work. The Wulff House exterior woodwork was repaired and repainted. At Yturri-Edmunds, the carriage house and mill had deteriorated woodwork replaced. The Bom- bach House had its roof repainted, exterior woodwork repainted and some stonework repointed. The exterior of the 102 Navarro was also repainted. A new radiant heater was installed in the work area of the warehouse. The Steves River House had electrical service installed to accommodate a clothes dryer for NIOSA® coupon drying.

Publicity______Our PR consultant arranged for several “roundtable” discussions on key San Antonio Conservation Society initiatives and issues with editors and key writ- ers at several important media outlets including San Antonio Express-News, Rivard Report, Local Magazine, Time Warner Cable 24-hour news, and La Annual Report Prensa. This resulted in many articles including these following significant stories: SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS: On December 27, 2016, Scott Hud- dleston of San Antonio Express-News published an article with photos from his tour of the Steves Homestead and interview with Marlene Richardson about its German Christmas decorations. The Society was featured as a full-page in the Tricentennial series in the San Antonio Express-News including stories on NIOSA® and ties to the Conserva- tion Society (guest column written by Vincent Michael); debunking the myth of the Conservation Society being formed to save the San Antonio River (guest column written by Lewis F. Fisher); restoring the Wulff House to use as head- quarters (written by Paula Allen); and Yturri-Edmunds Site and its ties to Con- servation Society (written by Scott Huddleston of Express-News). On May 6, 2017, a guest column written by Janet Dietel was published in the San Antonio Express-News on the importance of NIOSA in the preservation of the historic La Villita and what has been done to the area. On January 18, 2017, Steve Bennett of San Antonio Express-News reported on all Publication Awards and the Texas history books and authors who were honored. A half-page on March 12, 2017 on the Publication Awards, NIOSA, and Pres- ervation Month Seminar; a guest column on April 23, 2017 written by Patti Zaiontz on the ties between NIOSA and the Conservation Society; and a front- page article including a photo with Janet Dietel and Patti Zaiontz at the NIOSA medal unveiling. LOCAL MAGAZINE: In April, Collette Orquiz of Local Community News published a 2-page spread with color photos article on the wonderful volunteers of NIOSA that also included aquote from Patti Zaiontz. 34 • 2017-2018 In April, Collette Orquiz of Local Community News interviewed Marlene Rich- ardson on the Heath Haven home in Leon Springs. In May, Carole Miller of Local Community News featured the Publication Awards and color photos in her charity events in San Antonio piece.

RIVARD REPORT: On September 30, 2016, Iris Dimmick of Rivard Report Annual Report wrote an article on Vincent Michael about his experience in working extensively with World Heritage Sites around the world and bringing that experience to San Antonio. On April 28, 2017, Rivard Report reporter wrote a commentary report on NIO- SA volunteer Nettie Hinton and Mama Sweets booth. Also on April 28, 2017, Hanna Oberhofer and Bonnie Arbittier of Rivard Report wrote an article on NIOSA and its efforts to thrive as a “Celebration for Preservation,” funding the Conservation Society’s mission. In February 2017, a San Antonio Monthly eMagazine featured Conservation Society President Janet Dietel in “Women in Business” section. The article highlighted the Conservation Society instrumental work in saving and restoring historic buildings in San Antonio and past their past projects. On February 27, 2017, PR Web distributed a release on the Publication Awards. The release was posted on major search engines including Google, Yahoo and Bing; reaching 30,000+ journalists and bloggers and 250,000+ media sub- scribers. On February 28, 2017, a reporter for Broadway World wrote an article the Pub- lication Awards and its winners. In March 2017, Rio Magazine published a three-page guest column written by Lewis F. Fisher with color photos, an honoree of the 2017 Publication Awards, about Ten Parks That Changed America. The guest column discussed the San Antonio Conservation Society Publication Awards event. On April 14, 2017, Russell Rush of Clear Channel PSA Community Affairs Show interviewed Nancy Avellar, who spoke about NIOSA and its ties to the Conser- vation Society. On April 17, 2017, Welcome Home SA featured a full-page Q&A with Janet and Artie Dietel as “the couple behind NIOSA” and their long-time connection to the Conservation Society, the city and its preservation. On April 19, 2017, KSLR AM 630’s The Fish radio show interviewed Patti Zaiontz about the Conservation Society’s purpose, importance and why it is a “difference maker.”

2017-2018 • 35 On April 25, 2017, David Sears of KSAT News 12 aired a report on the lasting impacts of NIOSA, interviewing Vincent Michael who spoke about the Society and its mission/purpose. In June 2017, Leslie Foley of 78209 Magazine published write-up with color photos from the Publication Awards luncheon. On August 17, 2016, Renee Santos of Fox 29 News interviewed Nancy Avellar on the Conservation Society’s assistance in the restoration of historic homes in San Antonio through our grant program. On September 6, 2016, Erin Nichols of the “Focus on South Texas” community affairs show on FOX TV KABB featured the San Antonio Conservation Society. Erin Nichols featured Susan Beavin and Margie Arnold on April 8, 2017, where they spoke about NIOSA and the Conservation Society.

Annual Report On September 14, 2016, Lynette Vega of News 4 aired a long story on San An- tonio Conservation Society grants program and told people grants applications were being accepted. NIOSA coverage was wholly positive and widespread, with coverage in TV, radio, magazine, newspaper, blogs, and online sites in the San Antonio area and throughout the state. The focus of the 2017 Public Relations program was to link NIOSA with the Conservation Society’s incredible preservation programs, as well as the 50-year volunteers. Noteworthy coverage included: On March 16, 2017, Marika Flatt of statewide TPR “Texas Standards” show aired “What You’ll Hear and Taste at Two of San Antonio’s Spring Festival” including NIOSA and its ties to the Conservation Society. On April 29, 2017, the San Antonio Express-News online reporter published a long video story on NIOSA 50-year volunteer, Fran West. On April 23, 2017, the San Antonio Express-News published a front, full-page, color article on NIOSA, focusing on the numbers of the most popular foods and averages sold. On April 23, 2017, Paula Allen of the San Antonio Express-News published a half-page article on NIOSA props used in its cultural areas; mentions ties to Conservation Society. On April 6, 2017, the San Antonio Express-News published a guest column written by Patti Zaiontz on the missions and their connection to NIOSA and the Conservation Society, including the Conservation Society’s efforts to preserve and restore the missions and/or missions lands. On April 20, 2017, Joshua Fechter of the San Antonio Express-News wrote a front-page article with color photos on the Conservation Society volunteers who decorate the cascarones for NIOSA each year; quotes Maureen Berryman, chairwoman of the cascarones committee. 36 • 2017-2018 On April 19, 2017, Elaine Ayala of the San Antonio Express-News wrote a front- page, full color article on the Fiesta Medal Winners awarding NIOSA with first place and its own photo. On April 25, 2017, Pilar Arias of KSAT News 12 aired a report on the first night of NIOSA including its purpose in helping the Conservation Society. In April, the San Antonio Magazine featured NIOSA in the 2017 Guide to Fi- esta. Annual Report Scholarships______Scholarship funds in the amount of $5,000 were transmitted to the University of Texas at San Antonio -College of Architecture for two $2,500 Eleanor Ben- nett Educational Fund Scholarships for the 2016 -2017 academic year. The recipients of these scholarships were Teresa Barker and Elsa De Leon. Two additional students of architect, Kathryn Clarke (University of Texas at Austin) and Willa Granger (University of Texas at Austin) received the San Antonio Conservation Society Foundation Scholarship honoring Brooks Mar- tin, FAIA, administered by the Texas Architectural Foundation for the 2016- 2017 academic year.

Steves______Homestead House Museum The Steves Homestead saw 5,080 visitors this year. While this number is lower than last year, the Homestead was closed during the week from mid-Septem- ber through November for extensive repairs to the second-floor ceilings. The society’s annual Heritage Education Tour once again drew raves from par- ents and educators as the students experienced tours that aligned with the Tex- as Essential Knowledge and Skills central to fourth grade history curriculum. In total, 842 fourth-grade students toured the Homestead during the two-week tour period. The Homestead hosted its first ever tour for the blind, with objects from our collection specifically chosen for handling by the tour participants. The sounds, smells, and textures of the Steves Homestead were highlighted, and the tour was enjoyed by all. The Homestead continued in 2016-2017 to be a popular site for Society re- ceptions and outside group functions alike. Using our property usage guide- lines created in 2013, the Homestead hosted a Quirk Company office party, a wedding, a Capital Club reception, and several other corporate and foundation meetings, including the Professional Tour Guides Association.

2017-2018 • 37 Teacher______Education Seminar This year’s seminar, “Change Over Time: Tales of a Spanish City Tricentennial San Antonio 1718-2018” was presented on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at the River House. Bill Perryman conducted the seminar with hands-on interactive activities exploring change in San Antonio over 300 years in-conjunction with the City of San Antonio’s Tricentennial. Twelve teachers attended the seminar, which included a bus tour of downtown buildings and landmarks, many of which were preserved by the San Antonio Conservation Society.