The sign at the top of the bridge states that it was built by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company in 1890. For more information, click here.
Have a Texas-themed photo you’d like to share? Feel free to leave a link in the comments section. Happy Tuesday!
Category Archives: history
Wordless Wednesday: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
E. and her cousin at Arlington National Cemetery
For more Wordless Wednesday posts, click here.
A Visit to the Frontier Times Museum
Parenthood is full of surprises. Sometimes they’re of the unpleasant variety: you plan a fun day, but things don’t work out liked you’d hoped. Other times, it’s the exact opposite. You’re not entirely sure where you’re going or what you’ll do when you get there, but everyone has a blast anyway!
Our day at the Frontier Times Museum in Bandera was a pleasant surprise. To be honest, I thought E. would be bored. However, she loved it.
The Frontier Times Museum may appear small, but it contains 40,000 artifacts from the old west. As you can imagine, there isn’t a lot of room to run around in the museum, so watch those little ones closely!
You’ll find everything from old pianos and typewriters to elaborately-decorated saddles. One of my favorite items was an old dentist’s chair and equipment from the 1800′s.
E. particularly enjoyed looking at some seashells which were brought back to Texas from the Phillipines during the 19th century. We had fun looking at the old household items and comparing them to the kinds of things we use today. I was truly surprised that E. found the museum so fascinating, since she’s only 3 years old. Just goes to show you: it doesn’t hurt to try something new once in awhile.
The museum is located in the small town of Bandera, which is a very easy drive from San Antonio. Once you get into town, you’ll see signs for the Frontier Times Museum. If you lose your way, just look for the county courthouse; the museum is located a block behind it. Admission is reasonable: $5 for adults and free for children under 6. Kids over 6 pay $2, Seniors $3.
E. really wanted to play the piano, but of course I didn’t let her.
Dental equipment from the old days…Yikes!
Texas Photo: La Villita
La Villita is located in the heart of San Antonio: steps away from the riverwalk and a short distance from major landmarks like the Alamo and San Fernando Cathedral. San Antonio’s first neighborhood (rebuilt in 1819 after a flood), La Villita is now home to shops and art galleries.
Check out La Villita’s website for a great walking tour of the area.
Have your own Texas photo that you’d like to share? Feel free to leave a link in the comments section.
I’m Calling It: The Coolest Texas Historical Marker Ever
This marker is located in Alamo Plaza near the Alamo Cenotaph. It says:
Adina de Zavala
[...]
Her firm belief, later verified, was that remnants of Mission San Antonio de Valero, known in 1836 as the Alamo’s long barracks, lay underneath the wooden exterior of buildings adjacent to the Alamo church. By 1893, as President of the De Zavala Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Miss Adina had secured the adjacent property owner’s commitment to give the chapter first purchase option. In 1908, upon hearing that the 2-story long barracks were about to be razed, Miss Adina barricaded herself inside the building for three days and nights in an effort that ultimately prevented their destruction.
Yes, that’s right. Barricaded herself inside the building for three days!
Adina de Zavala’s impact can be seen throughout San Antonio. She was responsible for identifying historical sights, encouraged the state-wide celebration of Texas Independence Day each year, and formed organizations that would help protect historic landmarks.
Maverick: The Origins of a Word in San Antonio
Remember when you couldn’t turn on the TV without hearing the word “maverick”? (This was around the same time we were talking about pigs in lipstick and hockey moms and other ridiculously off-topic matters.) What does the word really mean? Where did the word originate? A word like “maverick” had to have been born in Texas, right? Of course.
As we were walking through downtown San Antonio on Saturday, I came across a Texas Historical Commission marker near Alamo Plaza. It stated the following:
Site of Home (1850 to 1870) of Samual Augustus Maverick
A native of South Carolina, came to San Antonio in 1835, was guide for Ben Milam and other leaders in first attack on San Antonio by Texas Army, Dec. 1835. As Bexar delegate, Maverick signed Texas Declaration of Independence at Washington-on-the-Brazos, 1836.
[...]
His famous practice of letting his cattle run about unbranded gave English language the word “maverick,” meaning an independent person, as well as unbranded animal. Texas’ Maverick county and town were named in his honor. (see complete historical marker text below.)
It’s unclear why Maverick didn’t brand his cattle. Was he lazy? Or was he more concerned with the land he owned than with his cattle? Maybe he didn’t want to be cruel to the animals? (This seems unlikely since Maverick was a slave owner and had no problem mistreating people. Someone who would treat his fellow humans in such a way doesn’t seem like the type to be concerned about the comfort of his cattle.) It has also been suggested that he wanted to be able to claim any unbranded cattle that he came across.
Or maybe he went a little nuts. After all, this heat could drive anybody bonkers.
Sometimes the Best Adventures are Unexpected: Floore’s Country Store
I didn’t expect to fall in love with Floore’s Country Store when we drove over to Old Town Helotes today. I expected that E. and I would walk around, take a few pictures, and get back in the car. But sometimes the best adventures are the ones you don’t expect.
As someone who is fascinated by Texas, particularly the small towns of the Hill Country, I knew I had to walk into Floore’s Country Store the minute I saw its large, over-the-top signs.
According to the Texas historical marker, Floore’s has hosted the likes of Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, and Hank Williams. A passerby told us that he remembers sitting on the steps with his kids years ago and waiting to get a glimpse of Johnny Cash. This place sure has a history!
E. and I went inside and got drinks (a milk for E. and a Big Red for me), and took our drinks outside and sat on those same steps.
The lesson I learned today? You never know when you’ll stumble onto a place you love. Your next adventure could be right around the corner!
For more travel photos, be sure to stop by the family travel blog Delicious Baby for Photo Friday.
Travel Photos: Boston’s Trinity Church
I know, I know. I said I was finished talking about Boston. But I just can’t resist sharing these photos of Boston’s beautiful, historically significant Trinity Church.
http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649
Designed by architect H. H. Richardson, this builidng is considered an excellent example of the Romanesque revival style, meaning it was influenced by the architecture of 10-12th century Europe. When the church was opened in 1877, its design was unique compared to many American churches–instead of creating a long central aisle (nave), the architect used a Greek cross plan, meaning that the central aisle and transepts are of equal length. In other words, the church is focused around a central core rather than featuring a long aisle that leads to the front of the church.
When we stayed in Boston, our hotel was located near Copley Square, and we walked by Trinity Church almost everyday. It is definitely worth a visit. Guided and self-guided tours are offered for $6 for adults, and children 16 and under are free.
Books, A Brewery, and the Riverwalk Extension
We usually go to storytime at the local library. It’s relatively quiet. The librarian who leads it is calm and polite. E. loves her. But today, I thought it would be fun to try something different, so we headed over to the Twig bookstore.
Storytime at Twig is the complete opposite of your local library. It’s crowded and loud and goofy. If this storytime was a T.V. show (weird analogy, I know) it would be SpongeBob SquarePants. Miss Anastasia makes sure it lives up to its name: Miss Anastasia’s Wild and Wacky Pre-Weekend TWIGLET Storytime! You can take part in the fun on Friday mornings at 10:30 a.m.
Twig is located in the Full Goods building at the former Pearl Brewery. Since its brewing days, the complex has been converted into a series of shops and offices. Its location near the San Antonio River, once a necessity when the water was needed for brewing, now provides visitors easy access to the Museum Reach portion of the riverwalk. Completed in 2009, this portion of the riverwalk has a much different feel than the original riverwalk that winds through downtown near landmarks such as the Alamo and the Casino Club Building. While the original riverwalk is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, the Museum Reach portion is quieter and brings joggers and dog-walkers.
For a complete list of events at Pearl, check out their event calendar. And if you decide to visit Twig for storytime, be ready to bring your silly side.
Old South Church in Boston’s Back Bay
As a fan of architecture, particularly Renaissance and Renaissance-inspired styles, I found plenty of beautiful buildings to explore in Boston. One of my favorites is the Old South Church, which can be found in the Back Bay neighborhood near Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library.
Inspired by the architecture of medieval Venice, architect Charles Amos Cummings began designing the church in 1872. You’ll find many Gothic design elements like round stained glass windows, pointed arches, and multi-colored stonework.
In addition to being a significant building architecturally, Old South Church also has a rich history. This particular building was completed in 1875, but the congregation itself was formed in 1669. Famous members of the church included Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams, William Dawes, and Phillis Wheatley.
Like many historic buildings in Boston, Old South Church does not charge an admission fee. I felt very welcomed as I stepped inside the church and was even encouraged by the woman working at the information desk to take as many pictures as I wanted. This is a lovely, quiet place to visit with or without children.
