Summer Issue of Saving Texas History Online

The Summer 2013 edition of the Saving Texas History Newsletter (Vol. 10, No. 2), a publication of the Texas General Land Office, is now available online.  For the latest in Save Texas History news, click here: http://www.glo.texas.gov/what-we-do/history-and-archives/_publications/STH-newsletter-summer-2013.pdf.

This edition examines the Alamo, including a recap of the successful Travis Letter Exhibit, as well as details about the upcoming “Save Texas History Symposium – The Alamo: Mission and Myth.”  Scheduled for September 7, 2013, at the Alamo in San Antonio, the day promises to be enjoyable and informative and includes opportunities for a special “behind the scenes” tour of Alamo grounds.  Take a look at the agenda and register by going to: http://www.cvent.com/events/symposium-2013/invitation-53656b3ed1f948d18bb4ab64f44ac5a6.aspx.

Also highlighted are several documents from the Land Office Archives, including items from the Spanish Collection related to Mission San Antonio de Valero. Additionally, read about the diverse backgrounds of the men who fought during the Battle of the Alamo as described in the Republic of Texas Muster Roll.  Map enthusiasts will also learn more about one of the most important maps in American history, John Melish’s map of the United States from 1820.

For more information about the Save Texas History Program, visit the following link: http://www.glo.texas.gov/save-texas-history/.

A Patriotic Independence Day Celebration

An estimated 300 people attended the 27th annual 4th of July celebration at Heritage Park in Bryan’s East Side Historic District.

The official program began at 9:30 AM, when members of the National Sojourners raised the American Flag and provided their now famous toast to “Old Glory.”  They then led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Following this moving part of the program, Gerald Garcia offered an invocation.

During the program, Dan Beto, President of the Brazos Heritage Society, called on Tom McDonald to make a special presentation.  Judge McDonald praised immediate Past President Nat Hilliard for her service as President from 2011 to 2013 and presented her with a plaque.  He also thanked her husband, Dan Hilliard, for all he has done to advance the organization.

Following the brief program, Proud Country, a local band that has played at past Independence Day celebrations, provided a variety of musical selections – from patriotic to country and western to popular standards – throughout the morning.

While the music played, there was the ever popular annual children’s parade around the park; many of the children wore patriotic costumes and their bicycles and wagons were decorated in red, white, and blue.  Other activities included a silent auction, games, face painting, booths and exhibits, including several vintage automobiles.

The Brazos Heritage Society also had a booth to distribute programs, sell books on the history of Brazos County, and recruit new members.  Lemonade, popcorn, hot dogs, and water were sold for 50 cents.  In addition, members of the Society served free watermelon to those in attendance.

Exhibitors included the A&M Garden Club, Brazos Bluebonnet Quilt Guild, Brazos Spinners & Weavers Guild, Brazos Valley Wearable Arts, Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History, Daughters of the American Revolution, Habitat for Humanity, and Home Depot.

Donors who helped make this celebration a success included: 8 Paw Studios, Academy, Brazos Glassworks, Cavender’s Boot City, The Clary House, Dent Magic, Der Wienerschnitzel No. 255, Dixie Chicken, Inc., Downtown Bryan Association, Earth Art, The Farm Patch, Mary Frances, Gifts & Gab, Jim.n.i Boutique, Kroger, Steve Miller, Homer & Beverly Myers, Old Bryan Marketplace, Saint-Gobain Norpro, Sam’s Club No. 6338, Sonic, Southern Grace, Taco Bell No. 2310, Texas Rose Boutique, and Village Foods.

The Smilebox below contains photographs taken during the morning’s festivities. 

Exploring History Lunch Lecture Series

The College Station Historic Preservation Committee and the Senior Advisory Committee have developed an outstanding Exploring History Lunch Lectures Series for 2013.  Please join them on July 17, 2013, at the Aldersgate Church, as they present:

75^th Anniversary of the Founding of College Station

Featuring Jason Hancock, Exhibit Specialist, George Bush Presidential Library

The luncheon is $5.00 per person, payable at the door, and begins at 11:30 AM in the Aldersgate United Methodist Church at 2201 Earl Rudder Freeway South in College Station. 

Parking is available in the main lot to the south of the building.  Enter through the main double doors, take a left, and you will be directed to the meeting room.   In case you are not familiar with this facility, it is located just north of Academy, Gander Mountain, and Dickey’s, on the frontage road between Southwest Parkway and Harvey Road. 

Reservations are required and must be made with Marci Rodgers, Senior Services Coordinator, College Station Parks & Recreation Department, at mrodgers@cstx.gov or by calling 979-764-6351.