Yes, it is a real plate available to any Texan.
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
Tis true. Where does that pride come from? Truth be known, Texas is really not much different than a lot of other states with a colorful history?
The only reason I'm familiar with the "Texas First Families" is because of my mom's efforts. I don't know where she got the information on the genealogy society since she doesn't even know how to turn on a computer. Word of mouth I suppose.
In any case, great, great........grandpappy was one of the founders of Baylor College, and I think has a plaque in his honor somewhere at the school. He was a frontier Baptist preacher who braved the wilds of Texas and even wrote a book about his experiences with the name of, get this, "Fruits and Flowers of the Wilderness". My mom has a copy of the book that sat around for years before I ever picked it up to read it(I had trouble getting past the title ;^) Turned out to be an interesting first hand historical account of Texas dating back to the 1830's, best I recall. Hard times back then, and harder people.
So, what am I doing in Florida???
I gather it's NOT by choice???
FGS
Yes, it is a real plate available to any Texan.
Bump for later. Some of my family was here pre 1846.
FGS
I visited three times and I love the city. The Alamo is one place I don't miss when I'm there. On the way from Dallas I stop at the Stagecoach Inn at Salado.
Money generated from this Alamo plate goes to grants to the Daughters of the Republic of Texas or any program that teaches Texas History.
My experience in the Alamo is that it is extremely quiet, much like a cathedral.
It is a profounly sobering experience.
And to this Texan, it is holy ground.
Nice license plate, ladtx! As a fisherman, I have always been partial to the ones with a redfish on them.
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