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PASSAGES The University of Texas Institute of Texan Cultures at San Antonio Spring 1986 Vol. 1, No.2 The University and The Institute: A Realignment The University of Texas at San Antonio celebrated its tenth anniver- sary in 1983. At that time The Insti- tute of Texan Cultures had been open for 15 years and part of the u.T. System for 14. Together these institutions have now served Texas and San Antonio for 31 years, more or less. Including the u.T. Health Science Center adds another 18 years for a total of 49 - nearly half a century. By all accounts, the Uni- versity presence in San Antonio is growing, and the statewide mission of The Institute is expanding as well. At its February 14 meeting in Houston the U.T. System Board of Regents approved an enhanced statewide educational mission for The Institute as well as an adminis- trative realignment with The Uni- versity of Texas at San Antonio. Board Chairman Jess Hay issued a statement underscoring the broaden- ing of The Institute's involvement with seven other u.T. academic components and a renewed commit- mer.t to special higher education needs in the San Antonio area. The Regents' action specified four initiatives as part of the en- hancement and realignment: 1) the shift of reporting and budgetary responsibilities for The Institute from the Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of the u.T. System to the President of UTSA; 2) the integration of appropriate logistical and support functions at UTSA and ITC; 3) long-range plans for establishment of a more unified University of Texas presence in downtown San Antonio; and 4) ex- pansion of The Institute's role in development of teacher training. Naturally it is hard to judge the effects of such far-reaching actions on Institute programming and on a large and diverse institution like UTSA. But if the cooperative en- deavors of the two institutions to date are any indication, University supporters will doubtless have something to cheer about. Consider, for example, the work of several UTSA faculty mem- bers in connection with Institute programs and publications. Dr. Marian Martinello, Associate Pro- fessor of Education, has authored several study guides for use with Institute audiovisuals, written books for young readers in cooperation with ITC researchers, and lectured to teachers' workshops and docent training classes. Dr. Gillian Cook, Associate Professor of Education, has also participated in docent training, and several other UTSA faculty members have lectured to the monthly meetings of the Insti- tute Alliance. Dr. Tom Hester, Direc- tor of the UTSA Center for Archae- ological Research, and other mem- bers of his staff have provided information about artifacts and site locations to Institute researchers on numerous occasions over the years. Dora Guerra, UTSA Special Collections Librarian, has served on The Institute's Research Advisory Board. Dr. Gilberto Hinojosa, Asso- ciate Professor of History, has par- ticipated in teachers' workshops and is currently working with Institute Research Associate Dr. Gerald Poyo on an article and book about Span- ish colonial Texas. Institute staff members have likewise been involved with classes and programs at UTSA. Education Specialist Jim Fox, Research Asso- ciate Patrick McGuire and Director of Research Dr. Jim McNutt have all lectured to UTSA classes in the past few months. Institute Director of Educational Programs Bonnie Truax has also spoken to UTSA classes and been responsible for involving UTSA faculty in docent and teacher training. And all of these coopera- tive ventures do not begin to recog- nize the dozens of weekly contacts, both formal and informal, which bring University people together. • The path seems wide open for the development of future joint pro- grams and linkages between UTSA and The Institute. The passage will not necessarily be easy, particularly under the current budgetary restric- tions . The realignment, however, should help to ease budgetary re- straints by allowing the two institu- tions to combine some functions and resources. The planning for long-term integration of logistical and support functions between The Institute and UTSA is now under way. UTSA President Dr. James Wagener and Institute Executive Director John McGiffert (Lt. Gen. USA, ret.) are meeting regularly and, in cooperation with UTHSC President Dr. John Howe, will be considering a variety of administra- tive moves to unify the University presence in San Antonio. -J.C.M.

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Page 1: ~TEXAS:~----------------------------~ PASSAGES

~TEXAS:~----------------------------~

PASSAGES The University of Texas Institute of Texan Cultures at San Antonio

Spring 1986 Vol. 1, No.2

The University and The Institute: A Realignment The University of Texas at San

Antonio celebrated its tenth anniver­sary in 1983. At that time The Insti­tute of Texan Cultures had been open for 15 years and part of the u.T. System for 14. Together these institutions have now served Texas and San Antonio for 31 years, more or less. Including the u.T. Health Science Center adds another 18 years for a total of 49 - nearly half a century. By all accounts, the Uni­versity presence in San Antonio is growing, and the statewide mission of The Institute is expanding as well.

At its February 14 meeting in Houston the U.T. System Board of Regents approved an enhanced statewide educational mission for The Institute as well as an adminis­trative realignment with The Uni­versity of Texas at San Antonio. Board Chairman Jess Hay issued a statement underscoring the broaden­ing of The Institute's involvement with seven other u.T. academic components and a renewed commit­mer.t to special higher education needs in the San Antonio area.

The Regents' action specified four initiatives as part of the en­hancement and realignment: 1) the shift of reporting and budgetary responsibilities for The Institute from the Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of the u.T. System to the President of UTSA; 2) the integration of appropriate logistical and support functions at UTSA and ITC; 3) long-range plans for establishment of a more unified University of Texas presence in downtown San Antonio; and 4) ex­pansion of The Institute's role in development of teacher training.

Naturally it is hard to judge the effects of such far-reaching actions on Institute programming and on a large and diverse institution like UTSA. But if the cooperative en­deavors of the two institutions to date are any indication, University supporters will doubtless have something to cheer about.

Consider, for example, the work of several UTSA faculty mem­bers in connection with Institute programs and publications. Dr. Marian Martinello, Associate Pro­fessor of Education, has authored several study guides for use with Institute audiovisuals, written books for young readers in cooperation with ITC researchers, and lectured to teachers' workshops and docent training classes. Dr. Gillian Cook, Associate Professor of Education, has also participated in docent training, and several other UTSA faculty members have lectured to the monthly meetings of the Insti­tute Alliance. Dr. Tom Hester, Direc­tor of the UTSA Center for Archae­ological Research, and other mem­bers of his staff have provided information about artifacts and site locations to Institute researchers on numerous occasions over the years.

Dora Guerra, UTSA Special Collections Librarian, has served on The Institute's Research Advisory Board. Dr. Gilberto Hinojosa, Asso­ciate Professor of History, has par­ticipated in teachers' workshops and is currently working with Institute Research Associate Dr. Gerald Poyo on an article and book about Span­ish colonial Texas.

Institute staff members have likewise been involved with classes

and programs at UTSA. Education Specialist Jim Fox, Research Asso­ciate Patrick McGuire and Director of Research Dr. Jim McNutt have all lectured to UTSA classes in the past few months. Institute Director of Educational Programs Bonnie Truax has also spoken to UTSA classes and been responsible for involving UTSA faculty in docent and teacher training. And all of these coopera­tive ventures do not begin to recog­nize the dozens of weekly contacts, both formal and informal, which bring University people together . •

The path seems wide open for the development of future joint pro­grams and linkages between UTSA and The Institute. The passage will not necessarily be easy, particularly under the current budgetary restric­tions. The realignment, however, should help to ease budgetary re­straints by allowing the two institu­tions to combine some functions and resources. The planning for long-term integration of logistical and support functions between The Institute and UTSA is now under way. UTSA President Dr. James Wagener and Institute Executive Director John McGiffert (Lt. Gen. USA, ret.) are meeting regularly and, in cooperation with UTHSC President Dr. John Howe, will be considering a variety of administra­tive moves to unify the University presence in San Antonio.

-J.C.M.

Page 2: ~TEXAS:~----------------------------~ PASSAGES

by James Patrick McGuire

. In 1885 Frederick Law Olmsted noted in A Journey Through Texas that he passed the stock farm of Mr. Ujhazy [sic] four miles from San Antonio and was given a cordial welcome by the former governor of Cornorn, Hungary, in his new log house. Olmsted reported that Ujhazi (pronounced wee-ha-zi) drove a herd of "valuable mares" to Texas from Iowa, seeking a better climate, and that he was "the very picture of a staunch, hale old gentleman" liv­ing with his faithful daughter (Ilona Ujhazi Madarasz).

Olmsted, in fact, met Laszl6 Ujhazi, one of the most famous exiles of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848-1849. Who was this most unusual Texas pioneer?

Facts from available sources vary only in minor detail concerning the amazing odyssey of Laszl6 Ujhazi, who was often mistakenly given the noble title of "Count" by his Texan contemporaries. Ujhazi was born in 1795 in the village of Budamer near Kassa in Saros Coun­ty in the mountainous area of north­ern Hungary. The son of Samuel Ujhazi, a member of the Protestant, land-owning lesser nobility, he re­ceived a liberal education, first in Eperjes, then in Debrecen and finally

2

Laszlo Ujhazi: A Most Unusual Hungarian Texan

in Sarospatak, where he earned his degree in law. Thereafter he became an avid participant in the politics of Saros County.

The 1830's in Hungary were years of reform spearheaded by liberal aristocrats and lesser nobility. Opposed to the autocracy of the Hapsburg monarchy, which violated the Hungarian Constitution, Ujhazi and his contemporaries became more leftist and radical, finally sup­porting the ideals of total indepen­dence from Austria and the estab­lishment of a republican form of government. The Revolution of 1848-1849 was the result.

Ujhazi served in the county assembly, where he quickly became the opposition leader through his support of reform movement goals. Considered dangerous by the police, he was charged with high treason but pardoned by an amnesty in 1840. A supporter of revolutionary leader Louis Kossuth since the early 1830's, Ujhazi became high sheriff of Saros County under the new gov­ernment formed in April 1848.

Ujhazi aligned himself with the "Red Feather Republicans" (who wore red feathers in their hatbands) during the spring of 1849, advocat­ing the end of the monarchy and the establishment of a republican gov­ernment for the country. In May he received the appointment as civilian commissioner of the Danubian For­tress of Comorn (Komarom), which was important to the defense of the capital and the country. But the capitulation of the Hungarian forces at Vilagos in August brought Ujhazi's career to an end. Comorn surrendered to the Austrians, and many of its defenders, including Ujhazi and his family, chose exile.

All but one of Ujhazi's 13 estates were confiscated by the

Austrians as he, his wife and five of his eight children (some sources say he had 12 children) made their way to London with other Hungarian refugees. From there Ujhazi and a small group sailed for America, arriving in New York in mid­December 1849. There they were feted by public officials and the citizenry as freedom fighters.

Early the next year the Hungar­ians were again acclaimed in Phila­delphia and Washington, D.c., where Ujhazi was received by Presi­dent Zachary Taylor and members of Congress. Kossuth had appointed him as "plenipotentiary Envoy and Representative of the Hungarian Nation in the United States of America:' Ujhazi had two main objectives: the first was to seek America's help for Kossuth, who had sought refuge in Turkey, and second, to secure land in the Ameri­can West for a large Hungarian

Texas Passages is published quarterly by The University of Texas Institute of Texan Cultures at San Antonio as an informational re­source on subjects related to Texas history and culture as well as current issues affecting the state. Comments and suggestions concerning the pub­lication should be directed to the Office of News and Information, The Institute of Texan Cultures, P.o. Box 1226, San Antonio, Texas 78294, (512) 226-7651.

Editors: Jo Eckerman, Director of News and Information James C. McNutt, Director of Research

Contributing Authors: James Patrick McGuire, Research Associate Charlene Blohm, Information Writer

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colony-and possibly a future state in the Union.

Late in 1850 Ujhazi bought 7,680 acres of land in Decatur Coun­ty, Iowa, and founded New Buda on virgin prairie. Ujhazi built a log "castle;' was named postmaster and extended lavish hospitality to arriv­ing Hungarians, although few stayed permanently in the new col­ony. It was said that he wanted to "transport the Hungarian aristocra­tic manner of behavior to the West:' New Buda, however, did not flour­ish and later became a ghost town.

During Louis Kossuth's much­celebrated tour of the United States in 1851-1852, Ujhazi met him in St. Louis and arranged to inspect land donated to the Hungarian leader in Nueces County, Texas. While in Texas in 1852 Ujhazi decided to move permanently to the vicinity of San Antonio. Returning to New Buda, he sold his land, exhumed his wife's coffin (she had died in Octo­ber 1851) and set out with ox wag­ons for Texas.

'We found many blessed plains which looked very similar to those of Hungary, undulating in the breezes, and on those places we shed many tears over the velvety grass. We had to think how happy we could have been if tyranny had not expelled us from the land of our forefathers;' Ujhazi wrote in a letter.

At the age of 58 Ujhazi, his two daughters and two sons took up

residence on his 550-acre "estate" four miles north of San Antonio on Olmos Creek (now the city of Olmos Park) in 1853. He reburied his wife under a huge oak near his log house, named his estate SirmezO (graveyard) and planted a vineyard.

Surrounded by his family and a few other Hungarians who fol­lowed him to San Antonio, Ujha.zi associated with the large German colony (he was fluent in German, his only "international" language). Described as a man of extreme strength of character and as having a "difficult nature, changeable humor and strong prejudices;' Ujhazi soon found his place in a frontier community remarkable for its wide variety of characters.

Though he never returned to his homeland, Ujha.zi made a brief visit to Germany in 1857-1858, where he met his family, who trav­eled from Hungary. They brought with them greyhounds from Ujhazi's estate at Budamer, which he then transported back to Texas. Grey­hound hunting for jackrabbits soon became the fashionable sport in San Antonio. Ujhazi and his friends spent days in the saddle chasing the long-eared prey. These jaunts were replete with picnic lunches and good, strong Hungarian wine. Not a few were unseated into prickly Texas thickets during the pursuit.

With the beginning of the Civil War, Ujhazi, a strong Unionist (he

had been naturalized on April 7, 1855), deeded his Texas property to a son and a daughter, and accepted President Abraham Lincoln's ap­pointment as American consul at Ancona, Italy, a post which he held until 1864. After returning to Texas, Ujhazi became a leading Radical Republican in local politics. He was a familiar sight in the dusty, and sometimes muddy, streets of the city, his coach pulled by a set of matched white mules.

With the 1867 "Ausgleich" (Compromise) between Austria and Hungary, Ujhazi could have re­turned to his homeland under the general amnesty and regained all of his estates. But he could not accept the Hapsburg monarch as King of Hungary and chose instead to con­tinue his voluntary exile at Sirmezo.

Laszl6 Ujhazi committed sui­cide on March 7, 1870, at the age of 75. A few years later his children returned their parents' remains ·to the . family crypt on the estate (at Budamer. The old patriot and ideal ist was fondly remembered by h~s friends in San Antonio. In later years their memories embellished his life, recalling that his "banquets were epicurean, his wine cellar matchless, and the entertainment superb:' Ujhazi had proven a most unusual Hungarian Texan.

James Patrick McGuire is a research associate at The Institute. The research for this essay is part of an ongoing Institute project on the history of Hungarians in Texas sponsored by a grant from the San Antonio Hungarian Association.

Major sources on Laszlo Ujhazi's life are: Steven Gaspar, "Four Nineteenth-Century Hungarian Travelers in America" (unpublished Ph .D. dissertation, University of Southern California, 1967); Bela Vassady Jr. , "Kossuth and Ujhazi on Establishing a Colony of Hungarian 48-ers in America, 1849-1852," Canadian­American Review of Hungarian Studies, vol. VI, no. 1 (Spring 1979); and L. Eva Gal, "The Revolutionary of 1848 - Laszlo Ujhazi; The Exiled Laszlo Ujhazi" (translated by Dr. Stephen Juhasz , San Antonio, Texas, from an unidentified Hungarian journal).

This illustration depicts Louis Kossuth 's arrival during his celebrated tour of the United States in 1851-1852.

3

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History through the Pages of

Texas Ethnic Newspapers by J 0 Eckerman

For many of us, reading the newspaper is a habit, something we do without really thinking about why we do it. Every day we sit down at the breakfast table - toast and coffee in hand-to skim through the paper, filing away mental notes as we go. Almost without realizing it, we take these bits and pieces of information and fit them together to create an image in our minds of the world around us.

We have come to take the pres­ence of newspapers in our lives for granted, but the role they play in recording, communicating and sh(!ping our ideas and impressions is · an important one. Newspapers serve as a link between individuals, tbe community and the rest of socie­ty. By describing the events, atti­tudes and emotions of the day, they offer an encapsulated view of con­temporary life. These characteristics make them a valuable resource, not only as a mirror of society today, but also as a reflection of the past.

Historians often use newspa­pers to delve beneath the surface and develop a more rounded picture of earlier times. They turn to newspa­pers not so much for an accounting of events as to interpret the effect of those events on the people and com­munities involved.

Inside the La Grange pressroom of the

Czech newspaper, Svoboda, in 1900.

4

The ethnic press is of particular value in giving depth and dimension to reconstructions of history. Its functions, both as an aid in helping immigrants adjust to American life and as a means of maintaining and promoting a cohesive ethnic iden­tity, offer a unique perspective.

"The Ethnic Press : Many Voices;' an article in Spectrum, the newsletter of the University of Min­nesota's Immigration History Re­search Center, describes the role of ethnic newspapers as more than chroniclers of events. "By recogniz­ing and writing about what was cur­rently important to the people whom it served and the variety, contacts, and conflicts within ethnic communities, the ethnic press was both reflector and shaper of chang­ing ethnic identities:'

Bound within the pages of these newspapers is the spirit of our ethnic communities and a record of their historical development. Edito­rials, political statements, news from the homeland, fiction, poetry, even humorous anecdotes are interwoven with accounts of events, activities and issues on both the local and national levels. By studying these publications, historians can trace the evolution of ethnic communities and gain insight as to how these groups

viewed themselves in relation to the world at large.

The Institute's microfilm ar­chive of ethnic newspapers in Texas was established In an effort to help preserve this valuable resource for use by students, researchers and others interested in ethnic history. Begun in 1980 with a grant from the G.B. Dealey Foundation of Dallas, the collection presently includes 16 titles representing six ethnic groups.

Working from an inventory of Texas ethnic newspapers, prepared in 1982 by Bryce Milligan, along with recommendations from re­searchers and institutions with simi­lar holdings, The Institute continues to expand its archives. 'We try not to duplicate existing efforts;' says Institute Librarian Debby Large, "so we look for papers that no one else plans to film:'

Other criteria for selection are the historic value of the paper, the level of deterioration and the size of the holdings. Large says weekly and monthly publications are preferred over those issued daily because of the cost involved in filming more extensive runs. Condition of the paper is also an important factor with priority being given to those in decline. As an example, Large cites the hard copies of several Czech papers, filmed early in the program, which have since deteriorated be­yond use.

Housed in the Institute Library, the microfilm collection is accessible to the public during regular hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. In addition, film copies of individual rolls are available for purchase. The accompanying article provides background information on the newspapers in the collection. For further details concerning use of the archives, contact the Institute Library at (512) 226-7651.

Page 5: ~TEXAS:~----------------------------~ PASSAGES

Ethnic Newspapers at ITC Below is an annotated list of ethnic

newspapers included in the Institute microfilm collection. Notations in paren­theses indicate the location in which the paper was published. The annotations vary in the amount of detail provided based on the availability of information.

the paper moved to Taylor for a while and This paper not only offers an inter­finally- settled in Granger, where it is esting view of life among the German today. Still issued as a Czech-language community in San Antonio, it also has a weekly, the NfJ?inec has a circulation of colorful history of its own. The con­more than 2,000. The current editor and troversial figure, Adolph Douai, who p\!blisher, Joe Vrabel, composes the paper edited the Zeitung, precipitated a crisis on a vintage Linotype {!lachine and prints when in 1854 he endorsed a plan for the

Black it on a 1914 Optimus ,Press. creation of a free state of West Texas. Obzo( Hospvdarsky (Hallettsv ille): Only by borrowing money and selling his

Dallas Express: January 1941-December 1970, 29 reels

lune 1, I9.05-0ctober 8, 1914, 3 reels New Braunfels home was Douai able to .' This p~PeF fluetuat~ ~tween being ~!lrchase the paper and save it from a weeJdy and a semimoIlthly dP:rio,gjts ctjssolution by its stockholders, who were years of publication. It was es'ta,b1ish.ed in ' angered by his endorsement. HaJIettsville in 1895, an.~ ~he last \nown ..... ,.oc:>:"''''-_ year of issue is 1914. ... ,

This weekly was published born 1893 through the 1970's. Holdings of issues prior tb 1941 can be found at the Dallas P{1btic Library and the Barker Texas History Center, The University of Texas at Austin. '

SJ()van(La Grange}: September 2, 188~r. 1 reel ; '.

(Galveston): ~e1>ft.eU'l'b~f .. ~It.j"~106,-Uecen1ber 27, 1913,

Houston Informer: fune 1219- Established as a we_ekly in 1 879, December 197(), 42 reels ' ", -Slovan was chan~~~ to ' a ,semimonthty Only Italian News­

q.;;,oo.",,,, \ this weekly was first The Informer began publicatiol'l In furmat in 1885. The papex:was £irs.t.p~-1918 and in 1930 merged with an(;)ther lished in La C;range by josef Gada, and '~"'n" K""C After 1914, however,

black weekly, the TexC/$ freeman. Until later moved ~_Bryp.n. · It vyas sg,id fo the 1940's the paper Cl,n under the cOm- Edward Krall in 1886.. 'P is issue js the bined title Houston Informer and Texas , only ~ne knoWJll to "exist} p Texas, . Freeman but reverted to the earlier nam~ . Svoboda (La Gra1fgel: Dece,mber te, t' in subsequent years. Published t>y Geo ge 1lJ85-Decem'lJer 30, 192&, i4 reels; ;' or .:. McElroy, the Informer is still in existence . Svoboda (El c:ampo): May 1, 1941-,\' ~' c.,.;~ and has a circulation of more tf1.an 7,00'0. Becemb~r 25, '1952, 4 rel!ls t.Vi'fo

San Antonio Register: May 29,19.11- '(hough originally create$l as a May 24, 1979, 16 reels \ wee1<!y:'n 1885, Svdbodawassorne 'mes

Still in existence, the Register began .iSSU~qp ~ semiweekly.ltsfirsthom~was publication in 1931; It focuses on e:ven\s, in WtGrange, . la er it was . to activities and issues of interest to An- " El The'if.· .. ·.,._,.-.• _ tonio's black community circulation of approximately current editor is Charles ',.:iIAft"lrd

Czech

paper from ah!i,o~raska, and the 'I!!!.!.'.i!1IIIWi!'i' title was cha . '~r:f:-ee oslo- - - Neu-Br;;.unfelser Zeitung (New

from information the Italian com­

more toward news

vak. Spo e .. ec osovaK BraUizlels): November12J 1852"'-, Resourceslor the information in this listing Publishing Co., ~i edit~4 / Februa17/-22, -1.923, 16 ree1s -, .. ---____ include:... __ .. ,____ __ Jerome Kopecky an I U t~cla"y on a Established in 1852 by Ferdinand . Jackson. Lynnell. True Witnesse~: A Check semimonthly basis. It is still printed in Jacob Lindheimer, the Zeitung was the LIst of Newspa~rs, 1845-1861. Austm: Depart-Czech and ha . I t' f d Ge t . "T. ment of Journalism Development Program, The

s a Circu a IOn 0 s~con. rman paper 0 appea~ m le~as. University of Texas at Austin, 1971_ approximately 7,300. Lmdheimer served as managmg edItor Milligan, Bryce. ''Texas Ethnic Newspapers,"

Nasinec (Hallettsville) : October 14, 1914- until 1872 and was known for his style an inventory of major holdings, 1982_ June 14, 1916, 1 reel; Nasinec (Taylor): of interspersing learned discourses and Sibley, Marilyn McAdams, Lone Stars and October 3, 1918; February 14, 1919; April classical references among the news and State Gazettes: Texa.s Newspapers before t~e Ci~i1 16, 1920, 1 reel editorials of the day. Published from 1852 War. CoIIege StatIOn: Texas A&M Umverslty

1954 h Z' I h Id h Press. 1983. Following the course of many other t~. . ' t e ~!tung a so 0 s ~ e Wynar, Lubomyr, and Anna Wynar, En-

foreign-language papers, the Nasinec dIstmctIOn of bemg the longest-runmng cyclopedic Directory of Ethnic Newspapers and changed location several times, moving German paper in the state. Periodicals in the United States, 2nd ed. Littleton,

with its readers from one town to anoth- San Antonio Zeitung: July 5, 1853- Colo.: Libraries Unlimited, Inc, 1976,

er. First established in Halletsville in 1914, December 20, 1856, 1 reel

5

Page 6: ~TEXAS:~----------------------------~ PASSAGES

If you're tired of all the revelry and are looking for a more subdued way to celebrate the Sesquicenten­nial, try relaxing with a good book - preferably one dealing with Texas history, of course. Nestle into a comfortable overstuffed chair with an old favorite or a new title and have a 150th birthday party of your very own.

What better place to start in the plethora of new publications than with the appropriately titled Texas: A Sesquicentennial Celebration edited by Donald W. Whisenhunt (Eakin Press, $19.95 hardbound, $12.95 paperback)? Twenty Texas historians, including Whisenhunt,

Pick Up a Book and Party Down by Charlene Blohm

contributed to this book, which covers various aspects of the state's history. Each chapter, arranged chronologically, contains a sum­mary and an explanation of the period it covers.

Reviewer Jim B. Pearson writes in Southwestern Historical Quarter­ly, 'The overlapping of chapters could be expected in a work of this kind; I think this aspect enhances rather than detracts from the under­standing of history. For most general readers, the book achieves the pur­pose for which it was written:'

The 440-page book, "packed with dates and events;' says reviewer L.D. Clark in American West, is "not the highly readable narrative it pur­ports to be:' It is, however, "well worth having for reference:'

In 1981 Gov. Bill Clements in­vited James A . Michener to write a Sesquicentennial novel focusing on Texas history. The 1,096-page result of this project, Texas (Random House, $21.95), has received rather mixed reviews.

"Michener's latest combination of mammoth research, history, and fiction exudes all the color, courage, villainy, violence, and independent spirit expected from the Lone Star state;' claims Cynthia Johnson Whealler in Library Journal. "Purists may object to the overabundance of dramatic incidents, but they make exciting reading:'

Michener covers everything from armadillos to the Alamo. 'That's the problem;' writes Stephen Harrigan in Texas Monthly, ". . . Michener's data processing talents are always a wonder to behold [but] Texas just doesn't respond well to the Michener treatment;' Harrigan con­tinues. 'The state is so diverse­geographically and ethnically - and the author's ambition to 'cover' it so huge, that the book ends up feeling frantic and scattered:'

Mixed reviews or not, Texas is currently on the best-seller list. Col­lectors may hold out for an elabo­rate two-volume edition, illustrated by Charles Shaw and published by the University of Texas Press ($125).

New Releases For those who don't already

own a copy, the 762-page Lone Star: A History of Texas and the Texans by T.R. Fehrenbach (Macmillan, $12.95) has been revised for the Ses­quicentennial. Again, with collectors in mind, a special $100 version is also available.

6

The English Texans by Thomas W. Cutrer is the latest addition to The Institutes Texians and Texans publication series. In an easy-going, humorous style this book traces the English expe­rience in early Texas and de­scribes their many contributions to the growth and development of the state. Currently available in the Institute Store or by mail­order, the 187-page, illustrated book retails for $11.95 hard­bound and $7.95 softbound. Tax, postage and handling fees are extra if ordered by mail.

Also new to The Institute's publication roster is a second, completely revised edition of the Teacher's Guide to The Institute

of Texan Cultures by Barbara Stanush. Designed especially for use in conjunction with a field trip to The Institute, the guide outlines several suggested pre­and post-visit activities. Ideas for incorporating the study of family heritage, ethnic cultures and pio­neer life into the existing curricu­lum are included as well. Cost of the guide is $4.95.

Both of these publications are included in the updated ver­sion of The Institute's Catalog of Products and Services, which will be available in May. For more information on publications or to obtain a free copy of the catalog, call The Institute's Marketing Department at 226-76511ext. 236.

The Texas Almanac published by The Dallas Morning News (A.H. Belo Corp., $8.95) is also available in a Sesquicentennial edition. Its 100-page section on Texas history, although printed in agonizingly small type, is jam-packed with information. Along with a sum­mary of the battle of the Alamo are other sections of note, including 25 biographies of people who made significant contributions to the state, a section on women in Texas history and a lengthy bibliography.

Many new Sesquicentennial titles are bound for coffee tables throughout Texas. Among these is

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Texas: A Self-Portrait by Jon Holmes (Abrams, $45.00). The 240-page col­lection illustrates Texas's past and present in a colorful and intriguing mix of photographs, paintings and other illustrations. It also includes an overview of Texas history, time­line of the important events that shaped the Lone Star state, some predictable Texana fluff on the vir­tues of chili and - especially for newcomers - a sample of Texas "metaphoric, epigrammatic and totally earthy" language.

Another photographic collec­tion is Texas by Bill Porterfield (Skyline Press, $16.95). The photo­graphs of Phil Hollenbeck "catch far­ranging glimpses of Texas in brilliant color, from the swirl of modern life to some of the stillness of the past­and of the vastness in landscape and skyscape that is still out there" writes the reviewer in American West.

If it's just the facts you want­without all the narrative and photo­graphs - then the Handbook of Texas edited by Walter Prescott Webb and H. Bailey Carroll (Texas State Historical Association, $85.00) is what you need. But before you rush out and buy a copy, a new six­volume edition is scheduled to be published in 1995.

For researchers, the 648 pages of Basic Texas Books: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works for a Research Library by John J. Jenkins (Jenkins Publishing Co., $65.00) leads you to the information you need. Full bibliographic details of every printing and edition are listed for 224 books. Jenkins calls these volumes "the fundamental Texas books" for a Texana library, adding "this is a guide for a research library, not a guide to good reading:' An additional 1,017 books are men­tioned in the carefully indexed work, which also includes a listing of 217 bibliographies.

Charlene Blohm is an information writer for The Institute of Texan Cultures.

Traveling Exhibits

Traveling exhibits are designed by The Institute of Texan Cultures so that all Texans can enjoy learning about the state's ethnic heritage. The exhibits can be found at schools, businesses, libraries, shopping malls, museums and other public buildings throughout the state. The following list will help you locate the Institute exhibit on display near you.

APRIL Through April 10: BEAUMONT/Westbrook Senior High Library, Afro-American

Texans Through April 15: HARLINGEN/Harlingen Public Library, Mexican Folk Toys Through April 15: HURST/Hurst Public Library, Mexican Folk Toys Through April 25: TYLER/Tyler Junior College, Scholars, Scoundrels and

Schoolteachers: Education in Texas Through April 30: FORT WORTH/Fort Worth Public Library, To Stand Alone: A

Gallery of Texas Originals Through April 30: HOUSlON/Foley's, Ranch Women: Roles, Images, Possibilities;

Texas Images; The Texas Rangers April 1-30: HOUSTON/University of Houston, Downtown, Afro-American Texans April 1-30: HURST/Hurst Public Library, A Festival of Pinatas April I-May 31: ARLINGlON/Fielder Museum, El Vaquero: Genesis del Cowboy

Texano April 4-20: CORSICANA/College Park Mall, Children of Many Lands Came to Texas April 4-June 5: KINGSVILLE/John E. Connor Museum, Wars on Texas Soil April IS-May 15: BRENHAM/Nancy Carol Roberts Library, Texas Images April IS-May 15: COPPELL/R.J. Lee Elementary School, A Festival of Pinatas April IS-May 15: HOUSTON/Alief 1.S.o., Children of Many Lands Came to Texas April IS-May 15: HURST/Hurst Public Library, Archeology in Texas April IS-May 15: SAN ANlONIO/Laurel Heights Methodist Church, Saints Preserve Us April 17-19: BAY CITY/Sesquicentennial Celebration, El Vaquero: Genesis del Cowboy ,\

Texano April 18-20: HARLINGEN/Riofest, Ranch Women: Roles, Images, Possibilities; Texas

Rangers; El Vaquero: Genesis del Cowboy Texano April 28-May 30: ABILENE/Abilene Fine Arts Museum, Mexican Folk Toys

MAY Through May 15: BRENHAM/Nancy Carol Roberts Library, Texas Images Through May 15: COPPELL/R.J. Lee Elementary School, A Festival of Pinatas Through May 15: HOUSTON/Alief 1.S.o., Children of Many Lands Came to Texas Through May 15: HURST/Hurst Public Library, Archeology in Texas Through May 15: McKINNEY/McKinney High School, Treasure, People, Ships and Dreams Through May 15: SAN ANTONIO/Laurel Heights Methodist Church, Saints Preserve Us Through May 30: ABILENE/Abilene Fine Arts Museum, Mexican Folk Toys Through May 31: ARLINGlON/Fielder Museum, EI Vaquero: Genesis del Cowboy

Texano Through June 5: KINGSVILLE/John E. Connor Museum, Wars on Texas Soil May 1-31: KERRVILLE/Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library, El Vaquero: Genesis del

Cowboy Texano May 1-31: NACOGDOCHES/Stone Fort Museum, Children of Many Lands Came to

Texas May 1-31: SPRING/Cypress Creek Branch Library, Scholars, Scoundrels and

Schoolteachers: Education in Texas May I-June 30: FORT WORTH/Fort Worth Public Library, Mexican Folk Toys May IS-June 30: GALVESlON/Galvez Mall, Texas Images May IS-June 30: GREENVILLE/Crossroads Mall, To Stand Alone: A Gallery of Texas

Originals May IS-July 31: STAVANGER, NORWAY/City Hall (Houston/Stavanger Sister City

Society), Children of Many Lands Came to Texas; A Festival of Pinatas; Saints Preserve Us

JUNE Through June 5: KINGSVILLE/John E. Connor Museum, Wars on Texas Soil Through June 15: GALVESTON/Galvez Mall, Texas Images Through June 30: FORT WORTH/Fort Worth Public Library, Mexican Folk Toys June 1-30: NEW BRAUNFELS/Black Heritage Committee, Afro-American Texans June 1-30: TEXARKANA/Texarkana Public Library, Texas Images June 1-30: TYLER/University of Texas at Tyler, Texas Women: A Celebration of History

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April Through June 8: Reach for the Sky: Aviation

in Texas-This is a major exhibit tracing the soaring growth of aviation in Texas from the first awkward attempts to get off the ground to the technological wonders of the space age and beyond. The story of aviation in Texas is an intriguing and colorful one based on dreams and myths, invention and real­ity. Reach for the Sky is made possible by a grant from Southwest Airlines.

April 12, 9 a .m.-5 p.m., and April 13, 9 a .m.-2 p.m.: U.S. Army Apache Helicopter Display

April 13, 2-5 p.m.: Warp Factor 12: The Technology of Flying -This special public program, held in conjunction with Reach for the Sky, includes scien­tific experiments conducted in The Institute's "laboratory" to help children learn about the nature of the atmo­sphere and the basics of aerodynamics.

April 15-June 2: The Spanish Colonization of Texas: Its Settlements and Architec­ture -This photographic exhibit from Texas A&M University depicts the influ­ence of Spain on early Texas architecture.

• May Through June 2: The Spanish Colonization

of Texas: Its Settlements and Architecture

Through June 8: Reach for the Sky: Aviation in Texas

The University of Texas Institute of Texan Cultures at San Antonio P.O. Box 1226 San Antonio, Texas 78294

Calendar of Events May 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Texian Festival­

Sponsored by the San Antonio Area Council of Girl Scouts, this Sesqui­centennial event focuses on Texas history and culture as well as Girl Scout history. Troops from the San Antonio area participate in activities including stage performances, history displays, food tasting and craft demonstrations.

May 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Ambassadors' Workshop - Institute Ambassadors learn more about programs and services during this day-long training seminar. Institute staff will discuss the responsi­bilities and needs of various depart­ments and the important role Ambas­sadors play.

May 18: Icarus to 10: The Past and the Future - Children are encouraged to attend this special public program, held in conjunction with Reach for the Sky, in futuristic costumes. 2-5 p.m., Lower Gallery-Face painting

and special activities by costumed members of Star Trek San Antonio.

2-5 p.m., Auditorium - Showing of the films Duck Dodgers in the 24Y:z Century, Futuropolis and The Day the Earth Stood Still.

2:30 p.m., Dome Theater - Presentation by Brig. Gen . Charles M. Duke Jr., Apollo 16 lunar module pilot.

3:30 p.m., Dome Theater-Costume contest

May 31, 1-9 p.m., Mexican Patio Area: Texas Folkloric Dance Invitational -Ten groups from throughout the state com-

pete in this competition sponsored by Ballet Folklorico de San Antonio.

June Through June 2: The Spanish Colonization

of Texas: Its Settlements and Architecture

Through June 8: Reach for the Sky: Aviation in Texas

June 2-27: Institute on Texas History and Culture - Fourth and seventh grade teachers from different areas of the state will attend this workshop designed to present new techniques of teaching Texas history. The fourth grade work­shop is scheduled for June 2-13, and the seventh grade for June 16~27. Contact The Institute's Educational Programs Department for more information.

June 17-July 21 : The Llano Estacado Experi­ence - Sponsored by Texas Tech Univer­sity, this photographic exhibit explores historical, cultural and economic adap­tations to an arid environment.

June 21,10 a .m.-5 p.m.: Texas Lace Day­Members of the Alamo Bobbin Lacers and the Austin Lace Society share their lacemaking skills through displays and demonstrations. 2:30 p.m. - A special presentation by

Doris Southard, author of Bobbin Lacemaking:

These events and e~hibits are subject to change.

Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE

PAlO San Antonio, Texas

Permit No. 364

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~ennbership ~evvs

Membership Survey It's now time to plan our Membership activities for the upcoming year, and we would like to have your involvement

and suggestions. Below are lists of possible tours and activities. We would greatly appreciate your input, so that we can put together an entertaining, educational and successful program of activities. Thank you in advance for your help; with it we hope to better serve you in the future.

HERITAGE TOURS Please check the trips you would consider taking;

One Day:

o Austin o KerrvillelY.o. Ranch o Bandera/dude ranch o Bastrop o Johnson City/Stonewall o Columbus Other suggestions:

In-State;

o Valle Viejo o Lubbock/Canyon/Amarillo o EI Paso o Alabama-Coushatta/

Big Thicket o Starr County/Mier/

Carmaro, Mexico Other suggestions:

United States:

o Texas border states o Georgia o New York Other suggestions:

Mexico and Europe;

o Copper Canyon o Mexico City/Oaxaca o Yucatan o Mexico City/San Juan del Rio/

San Miguel Allende Other suggestions:

o San Antonio o La Grange o Round Top/ Winedale o Goliad o Gonzales o Comal County Fair

o Valley Ranch Tour (incl. King Ranch)

o Big Bend o Jefferson/ Longview/

Nacogdoches/ Marshall o Laredo and border towns o Dallas State Fair

o Mississippi o South Carolina o New England states

o Guadalajara/Puerto Vallarts o France o Spain and Morocco o Sweden o Spain and Portugal o Norway

Have you taken a Heritage Tour before? 0 yes 0 no If so, please list the most recent tour taken ______________________ __ If not, please explain why __________________________________ _

What price range per person is most acceptable to you?

o $25-99, 0 $100-499, 0 $500-999, 0 $1000-1999, 0 $2000-2999, o $3000-5000, 0 money is not a consideration

What length of trip is best for you?

o one day, 0 weekend, 0 3-4 days, 0 one week, 0 two weeks, o three weeks, 0 length is not a consideration

What time of year do you like to travel?

When would you be least likely to take a trip?

How much notice would you like before each trip? ______________________ __

Would you prefer to have 0 all meals included, 0 some meals or D no meals?

If you checked some meals, which wopld you prefer? 0 breakfast , 0 lunch or o dinner -If provided meals, would you pn:Jer o buffet or 0 single-serving?

Do you prefer 0 deluxe or 0 standard accommodations?

Do you have any physical restrictions? Dyes 0 no

If yes, please explain ________ _

Do you require a specific diet? Dyes 0 no

Do you have any other comments?

MEMBERSHIP ACTIVITIES Please rank these according to preference: o Pioneer Day on the "Back 40"- corn

shucking, kite making, storytelling, folk garnes, etc.

o Texas Heritage BaIl - corne dressed in a costume of one of your ancestors, with prizes for different costumes and music from different ethnic groups

o Ethnic Dinner-either specializing in a particular ethnic cuisine or a differ­ent cuisine for each course

o Ethnic cooking demonstrations o Speaker series on various ethnic

groups o Demonstrations of arts and crafts o Movies and/or slide shows relating to

Texas.

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Please list your suggestions for activities:

Would you prefer:

D family activities, D adult activities or D both?

Activities scheduled during or around a holiday? Dyes D no

Activities scheduled in the D morning, D afternoon or D evening?

Activities scheduled on D the weekend or D during the week?

If weekends, which day is best?

If during the week, which day is best?

Would you consider paying admission to some activities? Dyes D no

If yes, give one activity listed above and how much you would pay to attend

Would you volunteer to assist in organizing or working at an event or activity? If so, please give your name, phone

number and type of assistance you could offer

Are you an D associate, D ambassador or D alliance member?

How many people are in your immediate family? adults children

If you have children, what are their ages?

Please check your age group D 21-35, D 36-45, D 46-55, D 56-65, Dover 65

Please return this survey in the envelope provided. Thank you for your time and consideration. If you have any questions, ca, Michele Bunting Ross at (512) 226-7651.

Memorials The following tributes help support a variety of programs and

publications at The Institute of Texan Cultures and create a legacy of cultural pride that commemorates these individuals.

Tributes were made in memory of:

Mr. David Ericson by Ms. Rosa M. Carrillo

Mr. Russell M. McKinney by the Alliance Office

Mr. C.S. MacMillan by Miss Betty Jean Collins

Mrs. Pat Maguire by Ms. Dorothy Patton and Ms. Alice K. Cerfers

Mrs. Emma Terry by Mr. and Mrs. Sam Maclin

Mr. Ernest Jacob von Briesen by Mr. James Patrick McGuire

Dr. E.W. Wupperman by Mr. James Patrick McGuire

New Members

Associates

Gen. (ret.) and Mrs. R.E. Haines Jr. Col. R.E. Rochfort

Ambassadors

Mrs. Sydna Arbuckle, Elgin Dr. Rita S. Bryant, Tyler Mr. Michael E. Jentsch, Arlington Mr. Walter G. Smith, Arlington

Correction: The last issue of Membership News incorrectly listed Francis E. Parks as "Ms:' rather than "Mr:' We apologize for this error.

Alliance

Leti Armstrong

Elaine Bailey Rose Barry Lea Beaudro Artis Carrillo Dagmar Crowley Eduardo DeLao Maurice Dillingham Betty Dooley Jim Doss w.w. Elley June England Walter Fein Antonio Gallardo Stephen Garcia Ed Gearke Rita Gomez

Rhonda Grant Rose Marie Gregory Ruth Groty Becky Hadsell Ethel Howey Anita Jimenez Jerry Lee Johnson Pat Johnson Barbara Kay Harry Kemp Wayne Knipe Lea Koehler Evelyn Kubala Maria McSpadden Dolores Marcak Zeke Mills

New Alliance cont.

Sammy Nakedhead Jo Naramor Frank Newman Tommye Newman Nina Nye William Oliver Gayle Peterson Jane Polen Glenn Rabb Helen Rocha Madeline Rogers Harold Rother Al Russomano Sarah Smith Sheila Spiess Jewel Stockton Gene Suehs Eva Trevino Lynette Walker Don Wigington Adreana Williams Jeff Williams Ruth Williams Rosemary Wolbrecht Jody Wright