Month: June 2014

This image is of the main hospital building for the Brooke Army Medical Center as it existed in the 1960s. In addition to this, there were other buildings added for treatment and patient housing when this building became too small or had inadequate facilities for modern treatment.

The description states:
BROOKE ARMY HOSPITAL
Brooke Army Medical Center
Fort Sam Houston
San Antonio, Texas
–This older building was replaced in 1997 with a larger, more modern facility on the grounds of Fort Sam Houston where more treatment modalities could be concentrated in a single structure. The older building is now on the Register of Historic Places and is occupied by elements of U.S. Army South.
This image dates from the 1960s.

This is an elevated view of Alamo Plaza in the middle of San Antonio’s downtown. The mission chapel can be seen at the far right foreground with the white roof. This illustrates the urban development that has risen around the mission.

The description states:
ALAMO PLAZA
San Antonio, Texas
–The monument in the center of the plaza is a cenotaph, and honors those that died in the siege. The flowers around the monument were replaced in later years with trees, and the monument is somewhat obscured by them now, rather than being visible from all directions.
The building in the right background is the Federal Courthouse, and the building at the extreme right is the Emily Morgan Hotel, named for Emily West, a mixed race woman who lived during the time of the Alamo siege.
This image dates from the 1960s.

This image shows the chapel interior, where originally services would be held when the mission was active. Now it is used to display historical artifacts and illustrations for visitors to the park.

The description states:
THE INTERIOR OF THE ALAMO
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
–Note the signs posted along the side of the reception desk at right. One unusual one states “Gentlemen will remove hats Please”. This is likely posted because this was once a sanctuary.
The card dates from the 1960s.

This image shows the front of the mission chapel from a slightly different angle, with the paths and grass of the park more clearly shown. The flag flying on the left of the building is the state flag of Texas, called the Lone Star flag.

The description states:
THE ALAMO
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
“Cradle of Texas Liberty”
–The flag shown was not present during the siege, and another, the Alamo flag, was also not likely present at the battle. There are no definitive records of the flag used.
This card dates from the 1960s.

This image, with the benefit of the warming colors of the sun, shows the main entrance to the mission chapel through the gate to the park.

The description states:
THE ALAMO, SAN ANTONIO TEXAS
Built in 1718, this edifice is one of the most important points of interest in the history-steeped city of San Antonio.
–The postcard dates from the 1960s.

This image, following on the previous, shows a more comprehensive view of the park where the historical mission is located. The century plant in the left foreground is the same as in the previous picture.

The description states:
THE ALAMO, SAN ANTONIO TEXAS
“Cradle of Texas Liberty,” founded in 1718 as the Mission San Antonio de Valero.
–As noted in the linked article, the preservation and restoration of the Alamo was difficult and often contentious, with the state of Texas stepping in at various times to mediate between opposing parties.
The postcard dates from the 1960s.

This week will feature several views of the historic Alamo mission, site of the 13-day siege in 1836.

The description states:
THE ALAMO
San Antonio, Texas
Built in 1718, the original name was mIssion San Antonio de Valero.
–This picture shows the detailed stonework on the front of the mission typical of mission structures in this area and time. This image dates from the 1960s.

This image highlights the pavilion and some of the walkways around the aquatic park section of the Chinese Sunken Garden in Brackenridge Park. This is a large park in central San Antonio founded in 1899 from land donated by George Brackenridge.

The description states:
CHINESE SUNKEN GARDEN IN BRACKENRIDGE PARK
San Antonio, Texas
The garden is full of rustic bridges, winding walks and gleaming pools edged by rainbow-hued flowers. The Sunken Garden offers a unique setting for outdoor entertainment.
–In addition to the gardens, the city zoo is located on the grounds, and there are train rides and other museums and attractions.
This postcard dates from the 1960s.

This image shows the long standing landmark Casa Rio Restaurant, which opened in 1946, shortly after the end of World War Two and the completion of the River Walk. The owners were visionary enough to realize their greatest asset was the river, and made that the focus of their open-air dining.

The description states:
CASA RIO
MEXICAN FOODS
Catering in the Old Mexico Atmosphere on the beautiful patio at the bank of the winding San Antonio River. 100 W. Commerce. 1/2 block from Joskes, est. 1946.
—Joske’s was a large department store in its own massive building in the center of the downtown commercial area. It was sold to Dillard’s in 1987, who changed the name, and in 2008 the Dillard’s closed.
This card dates from the 1960s.