Kinda like we were born with, if it aint in your blood you wouldnt understand
76834, about as Texas as you get.
Posted on 01/26/2005 4:53:02 PM PST by SwinneySwitch
The icon of Texas independence as their backdrop, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas celebrated 100 years as custodians of the Alamo this afternoon.
Several hundred Daughters, dignitaries and tourists applauded the group's achievements since Jan. 26, 1905, when the Legislature handed over care-taking of the Shrine of Texas Liberty, which was then in a state of disrepair with private developers inching in.
“Your custodial work, your care of this building – you've done one heck of a job,” said Councilman Chip Haass. “Thank you for allowing San Antonio to be a shining star to the state and the nation.”
Under the aggressive leadership of Adina De ZavalaÖ and Clara Driscoll, the DRT, which was formed in 1891 by a group of women concerned with the legacy of their ancestors, took control of the Alamo complex.
Under their care, the buildings have been preserved and kept open to the public without an admission fee or the use of tax dollars.
Last year, 2.3 million visitors toured the Shrine, making it the state's top tourist draw.
Much praised was heaped upon De Zavala and Driscoll, who notoriously were at odds with each other and had spectacular fights. Though the two differed on how the Alamo should be preserved, they both are remembered as its saviors.
“If it weren't for the determination of two women, we wouldn't be here today in front of what has become an international shrine,” said Leonard Cloud, president general of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. “Thank you, ladies, for caring.”
Not long after they were granted custodianship, the job left the Daughters for a brief period of time.
History provides different accounts – some say the group offered the site back to the state ; others say Gov. Oscar Colquitt took it away because of bickering. In 1913, the Texas Supreme Court reinstated the DRT as caretakers.
Current leadership bristles at the theory that Colquitt wrangled power away from the Daughters. “At no time did the state remove control of the Alamo from the Daughters,” said Madge Roberts, chairwoman of the DRT's Alamo Committee, during a speech in today's ceremony.
Roberts pointed out that early Daughters took charge of the Alamo when few women worked outside of the home, yet they managed to convince city leaders to provide free utilities.
“The Daughters were ecstatic and rose to the challenge of restoring the Alamo. The ladies who took this role could not vote,” she said. “We still feel that as we go into our second century of custodianship, the Shrine of Texas Liberty is still in good hands.”
The outdoor ceremony, during which some sought shade under umbrellas because of unseasonably warm temperatures, lasted about an hour and included the reading of a greeting from the governor and a proclamation from the mayor.
The keynote speaker was Roger Williams, who recently was appointed Texas secretary of state.
It was Williams' first speech since accepting the position. He drew parallels between the men fighting for Texas independence and those fighting the current conflict in Iraq.
“We are caretakers of the legend of the Alamo,” he said. “The blood of heroes runs through our veins.”
As its gift to mark their century of caretaking, the Daughters are renovating the Long Barrack Museum, site of the battle's deadliest fighting.
Work will continue throughout the year, as museum exhibits are renovated and modernized. The building will be closed for a time, probably in September, during the intense period of renovation.
The project is due to be completed by Oct. 5, the date in 1905 when custodianship from the state to the DRT was finalized.
Money for the renovation is being raised privately by the Daughters – it is not coming from the Alamo's operating fund.
At the ceremony, a donation of $10,000 was announced from proceeds of the Texas Native specialty plate. Sold for $30 over the cost of regular registration, $22 goes to the Daughters to be used in various state projects.
Also today, two paintings commissioned by historical artist George Nelson were preveiled. Nelson is painting seven works that will replace windows in the Long Barrack.
They'll give visitors a perspective of Alamo Plaza through the years, from 1785 to 1860.
Larry Oaks, executive director of the Texas Historical Commission, commended the Daughters on a century of custodianship.
“It's great to have folks who will hang in and pursue preservation of a building,” he said. “It's the icon of Texas.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- adorsett@express-news.net
I was 16 when I first visited the Alamo in 1970.
I still remember my visit.BIG time history.
BIG as Texas.
When I was in school, I memorized Travis' letter.
Commandancy of the Alamo--The letter was passed on to Travis' daughter, who was five years old at the time of his death.
Bejar, Fby 24th 1836--
To the People of Texas & all Americans in the world--Fellow citizens & compatriots-- I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna--I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man -- The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken -- I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls -- I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & & everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch -- The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am deter mined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country -- Victory or Death
William Barret Travis
Lt. Col. comdt
Thanks for posting this. The site of the first FReep that I went to during the 2000 election debacle. I got pics somewhere, I'll post'em if I can find 'em.
Ping!
Damn...y'all got Davy Crockett and all we got was Custer...
This New York boy was in awe when he visited the Alamo in 2001. Loved seeing John Wayne's Alamo two days later on the way to Del Rio.
Ahhh, it's just so much of this kinda stuff:
& our flag still waves proudly from the walls -- I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & & everything dear to the American character
Thank you so very much for the ping!!!
Anyway, on the left sidebar, click on "Texas First Families" for PDF docs to fill out and return.
FGS
Thanks! However, my "roots" broke out of the Oklahoma Cherokee Indian Reservation. We have no "roots" since less than 23% of records remain for those who didn't stay on the reservation. (In other words, my family laid low for generations! ;) In Texas, I proudly add!!)
By the way, I noticed Coleman had a pretty salty football team this year.
I bet they did not invite Ozzy to the celebration.
:^D
I guess you could never understand unless your a Texan its about Pride and Freedom and being bigger than who you are.
its Texas.
..and as a Tennessean, I was proud reading the names of those from Tennessee who were there and who fought bravely for an idea bigger than their own immediate needs...
..they were visionaries....they saw beyond themselves, and selflessly gave their lives .....
..Tennessee is rightly called the Volunteer State.
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