This image shows the main street of the stage set that was converted to a tourist attraction known as Alamo Village.
The description states:
ALAMO VILLAGE, located 7 miles North of Brackettville, Texas, on the Shahan Angus Ranch. Famous movie location where “The Alamo” and other pictures have been made.
–The set has been modified many times since the original construction, as there have been hundreds of films and documentaries made with the location. While the location and buildings are still intact, the attraction is not currently open.
This card likely dates from the 1960s, shortly after the film was made.
Month: December 2015
Golf Course, Fort Clark, Brackettville, Texas
This image shows a golfer lining up a putt on the putting green just in front of one of the historic buildings on the Old Fort Clark grounds, in Brackettville, Texas.
The description states:
GOLF, TENNIS, SWIMMING, HUNTING, FISHING,
AND JUST PLAIN LOAFING,
AT FAMOUS FORT CLARK GUEST RANCH
BRACKETTVILLE, TEXAS
“NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT, EVEN IN TEXAS”
–In 1946 the cavalry base was closed and the land sold to Brown and Root, who eventually developed it into the guest ranch shown in this image. The fort property was sold in 1971 and developed into a private recreational community. The old buildings were preserved and restored, and entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
This card likely dates from the 1960s.
Fort Clark Guest Ranch, Brackettville, Texas
This image shows the headquarters of the old Fort Clark Guest Ranch. Unfortunately, there are several errors of fact and mis-spellings in the text of the postcard. I have left the text uncorrected and refer the viewer to the note submitted below the post.
The description states:
HEADQUARTERS AND DINING ROOM AT
FAMOUS OLD FORT CLARK GUEST RANCH,
HOME OF THE McKENZIE RAIDERS
BRACKETVILLE, TEXAS
“NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT, EVEN IN TEXAS
–The McKenzie raiders are mentioned specifically because an army unit by that name, led by Col. Ronald S. Mckenzie, operated out of this Fort in support of settlers against the Native American raiders in the area. In addition, a TV show by that name was produced which lasted one season.
This card likely dates from the 1960s.
Aquarena Diving Ducks, San Marcos, Texas
This image is an underwater view of ducks as they swim along the surface of Aquarena Springs, with several ducks in various stages of diving down to feed.
The description states:
AQUARENA, SAN MARCOS TEXAS
Comical and colorful diving ducks.
–From the color of the duck’s heads seen diving in this picture, it appears that the duck are primarily mallards.
This card was used and is dated 3 July 1962.
Aquarena Clown Diver, San Marcos, Texas
This image shows one of the underwater performers that entertained visitors to the Aquarena Springs theme park during the middle of the 20th century. Dressed as a clown, the swimmer is able to breathe through the use of the air tube held in the mouth.
The description states:
AQUARENA, SAN MARCOS, TEXAS
GLURPO AQUARENA’S FAMOUS AQUATIC CLOWN, who performs his acts under-water. Thrilling under-water shows are presented by the world’s only submarine theatre at this attraction every day of the year (except Christmas Day).
–The underwater theater is closed now that the Springs are a conservation area. This card was used and is dated 3 July 1962.
Aquarena Gift Shop, San Marcos, Texas
This is an overview of the gift shop serving the attraction known as Aquarena. It is part of the larger theme park of the time known as Aquarena Springs.
The description states:
AQUARENA, San Marcos, Texas. Interior view of Aquarena’s famous Souvenir Shop. This is one of the Southwest’s most outstanding tourist shops and is unsurpassed in architectural beauty.
-The shop served the larger theme park, which was closed in the 1980s when the area was converted into a conservation site and program.
This card was used and is dated 3 July 1962.
Juarez Plaza, San Antonio, Texas
This is another view from a different perspective from the previous post, featuring the Juarez Plaza area of La Vilita, the historic district in San Antonio, Texas now devoted to the arts.
The description states:
LA VILLITA
San Antonio, Texas
Juarez Plaza is used for private parties, dances and colorful fiestas.
–The main portion of the district is a one-block long section featuring art and craft stores, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
This image likely dates from the 1960s.
La Villita, San Antonio, Texas
This image shows part of the restored old town of San Antonio now known as La Villita. The building in the background is modern.
The description states:
LA VILLITA “LITTLE TOWN”
San Antonio, Texas
A restoration of San Antonio’s earliest residential settlement (1722). Many of the homes are occupied by craft shops. A modern skyscraper in background.
–There are twenty-seven notable houses our buildings in the district, which are occupied primarily by art businesses and studios. They take part in the Night in Old San Antonio event every year.
This card likely dates from the 1960s.
Fleischmann Planetarium, University of Nevada, Reno
This image shows the recently completed Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, featuring its most distinctive element.
The description states:
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA
Charles and Henriette Fleischmann Atmospheric and Planetarium of the Desert Research Institute presents the wonders of the atmosphere, stars and planets.
–This structure was completed in 1963, and this card likely dates to that time.
Jackpot Motel, Reno, Nevada
This is an example of a typical urban motel of the 1950s, with it’s interior parking lot, two story construction with all rooms opening on to the parking area, with forms and shapes typical of the space-age style common in that decade.
The description states:
JACKPOT MOTEL
730 N. Virginia St.
Reno, Nevada
Phone 329-8877
35 deluxe units, Connecting Rooms – Room Phones – T.V. – Free Coffee – Individually Controlled heat and air conditioning.
Your hosts Bill and Dorothy Dalton
–The location has been significantly changed with the construction of Interstate 80 through the area, and the motel no longer exists. The cars visible show that this card dates from the 1950s.