2023 Summer Newsletter
Vol. 35
From Left to Right, Front Row: Virginia Van Steenberg, Molly Denman Branton, Emily Denman Thuss, Luella Owen. Back Row: Gus Van Steenberg, Dr. Donald E. Everett, Sam Dibrell
It all began 50 years ago with the demolition of the beautiful and significant home on West French Place. This year is all about celebrating the achievements of those who laid the groundwork for our organization. Just think where we would be today if the Monte Vista Historical Association had not been established.
From Left to Right, Gus Van Steenberg, Charles Thuss (son of the late Emily Denman Thuss), John Kuntz, Molly Denman Branton, Virginia Van Steenberg
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1973 2023
Photo by David Smith.
CONTACT US
Monte Vista Historical Association P.O. Box 12386 San Antonio, TX 78212 210-737-8212
Visit us at our website montevistasa.org
E-mail mail@montevista-sa.org
City of San Antonio Customer Service
(7 am to 11 pm, 7 days a week) Dial 311
Councilperson Mario Bravo City Council District 1
Contact person: Anisa Schell Field Office 210-207-8253
Email anisa.schell@sanantonio.gov
SAPD SAFFE Officer Jesse Armendariz 210-207-7413
Email Jesse.Armendariz@sanantonio.gov
MISSION STATEMENT
“To encourage the preservation of the distinctive heritage of the Monte Vista area; to keep the physical identity of this late nineteenth-early twentieth century district intact; and to educate the public, especially the youth, with knowledge of our inherited neighborhood values which contribute to a wholesome urban environment.”
Greetings to all Monte Vista Residents,
The first half of this year has been full of incredible achievements and remarkable milestones! We have had unprecedented participation from our membership this year to help celebrate the 50th year of Monte Vista Historic Association. It is a celebration that marks the grit and determination of our founding members and the stewards that have followed to bring our Historic Association into our 50th year.
Preservation is key to our mission statement and that is what this organization has fought to insure throughout the years. It is through the participation of our residents that this goal has been achieved for the past five decades.
Some of the highlights of the first half of the year include, Our Annual Easter Egg Hunt held on the grounds of Landa Library, a Past President’s Reception hosted by Lisa and Wade Caldwell at their East Kings Highway home where the past presidents were honored by the Association. Sold out Historic walking tours were conducted in March and May for interested participants. March, April, and May had Third Thursdays that our residents enjoyed: especially the stormy weather that Mother Nature provided on the roof top of the Bushnell, a collaboration with Landa Gardens Conservancy in May, and a special time in March at the home of Mickey Amaker on Ledge Lane.
MONTE VISTA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
2023 OFFICERS
President
Lynn Boyd
President-Elect
Chris Scruggs
Past President
Toni Van Buren
Treasurer
Amanda Holmes
Corresponding Secretary
Mary Allen-Martin
BOARD MEMBERS
Art Campsey
David Smith
Judy Warren
Kathy Kennedy
Kristin Kellum
Mallory Baird
Michele Giddens
Peter Hugill
Rick Wilson
Robin Teague
Sally Bullock
Ann Van Pelt
Tom Archer
Fred Suchy
Tony Garcia
Contributors
Lynn Boyd
Robin Teague
Trudy Kinnison
Katharine Martin
Lydia McAfee
Images
David Smith
Lydia McAfee
For Advertising Info: mail@montevista-sa.org
Vistas is the newsletter of the Monte Vista Historical Association
As an Association we have several important events on the horizon. First and foremost is our 50th Jubilee which will be held on the 19th of October of this year. This will be the fundraising event to celebrate the 50 years prior and the 50 years to come of Monte Vista Historical Association! We need our membership and residents to participate in this celebration to make it a financial success that propels us forward. The 4th of July parade and picnic at Landa Gardens will bring our community together to celebrate our country’s Day of Independence with friends and family.
In closing, I hope that all of us can find a way to be part of the fabric of our unique neighborhood that suits our individual and unique styles. We can accomplish so much when we join together for a common goal. I look forward to the months ahead and having the opportunity to see each and everyone of you involved in some way in this fantastic place that we call home.
Sincerely,
Lynn Boyd III, President Monte Vista Historic Association, 2023
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Ryan Reed
Melody Hull
Trudy Kinnison
OFFICE ADMIN
Lydia McAfee
Interested in being a part of the 2023 MVHA Board? Call 210-737-8212 or email mail@montevista-sa.org for more information.
2023 President’s Letter
MVHA Office makeover in progress
We have achieved great success in raising money to refresh our MVHA office with fresh paint, flooring, window coverings, and audio visual equipment to transform this former office space into a community resource that can be utilized by our membership and organizations that impact our association. Thank you to
Many thanks to Katharine Martin and Jill Torbert who have tackled going through files and archives to achieve some much needed organization to our record keeping.
Trinity University Urban Studies major Helen Perry is helping sort and organize 50 years’ worth of Monte Vista Historical Association’s meeting minutes, planning documents, photos, and so much more as a summer intern. A native of Oregon, Helen is also doing her own research this summer into San Antonio’s development. “I crave a deeper understanding of San Antonio and the histories that have created the place I
the numerous neighbors that have donated big and small to this project. We are still a little shy of our goal so donations are still appreciated! Donations can be made by cash/check mailed to PO Box 12386, San Antonio, TX 78212 or through www.montevistasa.org/support.
live in today,” says Helen, who will be a junior in the fall. By the end of July, we hope to have established Monte Vista’s archives, complete with a catalog.If you would like to help with this project, email (katharinemmartin@gmail. com). Even an hour of your time putting house tour invitations into chronological order will be valuable.
Vistas is made possible by The John and Florence Newman Family Foundation.
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Before After Before After
Intern Helen Perry
Event honors Past Presidents and Founders
By Trudy Kinnison
The 50th Anniversary of MVHA has been a perfect reason to contact all of the Past Presidents and the Founders of our association and honor them with a special spring garden party.
The gracious host on the first Sunday in May for this very special occasion was Past President Wade Caldwell and his wife, Lisa. A large 50th arrangement of gold balloons greeted the guests in the Caldwells’ front garden on W. Kings Hwy.
The Monte Vista Historical Association’s Founders were 6 families who were neighbors in the early 1970’s. They visited each other often and one of the topics of their conversations was a concern about the demolition of homes in the neighborhood. They specifically pointed to the 1973 demolition of the prominent Denman home at W. French and N. Main. From these conversations, frustrations became a neighborhood association that has grown and prospered for 50 years.
The founding families represented at our May celebration included Gus and Virginia Van Steenberg (1st President, 1973-1975); Molly Denman Branton; Charles Thuss, eldest son of founder Emily Denman Thuss (d); and John Kuntz. Unable to attend was Jack Juen.
The attending 22 Past Presidents and spouses, along with the founding families, and several major supporters of the association enjoyed a 50th anniversary cake and a champagne toast while discussing “the good old days.”
Past President Caldwell read the roster of Past Presidents from 1973 to 2023. Those deceased were honored by the tolling of a bell. Past Presidents attending received a certificate of appreciation for their service.
Tertia Emerson, also a Past President , received special recognition for 10 years of extraordinary service as Monte Vista’s administrator.
There was great congeniality among the guests and many warm friendships were renewed. The Monte Vista Historical Association thanks its founders and Past Presidents for 50 years of leadership and neighborhood involvement and looks forward to preserving Monte Vista for future generations.
The Monte Vista Historical Association 50th Anniversary Committee is grateful to Wade and Lisa Caldwell for honoring our past leadership with such an elegant event.
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L to R: Ann Van Pelt (2001), John McCusker, Vincent Johnson, Jill Torbert (1998)
L to R: Dru Van Steenberg (2006), Virginia Van Steenberg (1973-1975), Gus Van Steenberg (1982), Lisa Caldwell
L to R: Irene Kissling (1988), Son John Kissling, Molly Branton & Nephew Charles Thuss
Wade Caldwell (2011) & Jane Lewis (2012)
Past Presidents
Virginia Van Steenberg 1973-1975
Mike Callaway / Sam Dibrell (d) 1976
Harry Jewett 1977
Paul Kinnison Jr. 1978
John Kuntz 1979
Tom Toudouze (d) 1980
Don Everett (d) 1981
Gus Van Steenberg 1982
Aloys J. Notzon III 1983
George Boyd 1984
Emily Thuss (d) 1985-1986
Tertia Emerson 1987
Irene Kissling 1988
Tim Turner 1989
Clyde Ellis (d) 1990
Robert A. Rose (d) 1991
Charles Tribolet (d) 1992
Loretta Behrens 1993
Frank Davila 1994
Brian D. Wright 1995
Lou Boffa 1996
Rick Noll 1997
Jill Torbert 1998
Marcus Weiser 1999
Roy Stewart (d) 2000
Ann Van Pelt 2001
Day McNeel 2002
Jose Rodriguez (d) 2003
Jean Brady 2004
Roy Stewart (d) 2005
Dru Van Steenberg 2006
Tim Henson (d) 2007
Rick Noll 2008
Carol Estefan Swanson 2009
Jeff Blanchard (d) 2010
Wade Caldwell 2011
Jane Lewis 2012
Linda Daniels 2013
Antonio Garcia 2014
Ernest Cee Parker 2015
Paula Bondurant 2016
Dolly Holmes 2017
Melody Hull 2018
Ryan Reed 2019-2020
Chris Berry 2021
Toni-Marie Van Buren 2022
Lynn Boyd III 2023
*(d) is deceased
www.montevistasa.org Support Monte Vista. Join Today.
Trudy Kinnison & Paul Kinnison (1978) Arthur Emerson & Tertia Emerson (1987)
Cee Parker (2015), Dolly Holmes (2017), David Smith Carol Estefan Swanson (2009)
Diane Abdo & Rick Noll (2008)
Lynn Boyd (2023),Col. Dennis Behrens, Lisa Caldwell
John Kuntz (1979) & spouse
Ryan Reed (2019,2020) & Elizabeth Reed
Toni Van Buren (2022)
Frank Davila (1994) & Kathy Davila
Jacelyn Blanchard, Mike Balkum, Jerilyn Blanchard
Patty Jewett & Harry Jewett (1977)
March Third Thursday
We had a great time at our March Third Thursday event at 22 Ledge Lane, the home of longtime resident Mickey Amacker. Guests enjoyed food & drinks on Mickey’s beautiful patio.
Photos by David Smith.
Support Monte Vista. Join Today.
www.montevistasa.org
Call me and I will be delighted to help you buy or sell. Together we can be SUCCESSFUL. OVER a QUARTER of a BILLION DOLLARS IN SALES Phyllis Browning Company ANN VAN PELT REALTOR ® MOBILE (210) 844-7001 Ann Van Pelt
April Happenings in Monte Vista
We had a busy April in the neighborhood! Our Annual Easter Egg Hunt took place on April 8th at Landa Library. Over 2500 eggs were found by some very happy participants! Special thanks to Becky Kirbo & Amanda Holmes for planning the great event, Monte Vista Youth Commission & St. Anthony High School for sending students to help set up and all the amazing neighbor volunteers. We look forward to doing it again next year!
Our April Third Thursday was one to remember on the rooftop of the Bushnell Apartments. A storm rolled in just as guests were arriving. Neighbors toughed it out during the torrential downpour and still had a fun time (the margaritas definitely helped!). Special thanks to all of the volunteers for serving food & drinks, setting up & taking down and keeping spirits high.
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Photos by David Smith.
MVHA host tour group
MVHA and the Garden Volunteers of South Texas (GVST) coordinated tours of two Monte Vista Gardens for Wisconsin’s Obrich Botanical Garden Tour Group on April 20th. Clay & Kim Cauthorn at 314 W Elsmere Place and Dick & Leith Negley at 325 W Lynwood were kind enough to open their homes for the tour. A luncheon was held at the Negley’s house after the tours for 50 very delighted visitors! Photos by David Smith.
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L ynn A. B oyd III GRI, REALTOR® 6061 Broadway San Antonio, Texas 78209 O (210) 824-7878 C (210) 863-5758 lboyd@phyllisbrowning.com LIVING & SELLING in MONTE VISTA BRINGING HOME RESULTS 1301 BELKNAP PLACE | MONTE VISTA 4 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | 4,106± Sq.Ft. | 0.28± Acre
The Jubilee Celebration of the MVHA offers the opportunity to raise funds to preserve the integrity of this historic district. The proceeds will allow the all-volunteer organization to continue to educate the public about the benefits and values of this unique time capsule of early 20th century homes. Your participation insures not only a unique evening with Monte Vista neighbors and friends but also the assurance that historic preservation is a priority for our organization. In order to be listed as a sponsor please respond no later than August 31, 2023.
www.montevistasa.org Support Monte Vista. Join Today. Local news that’s actually local. SIGN UP FOR ONE OF OUR FREE NEWSLETTERS Already receive our newsletters? Become a member at sanantonioreport.org Check enclosed payable to Monte Vista Historical Association. Mail to PO Box 12386, San Antonio, Texas 78212 Charge my credit card for a total of* $ VISA Mastercard AMEX ITALIAN REVIVAL $25,000 Premier seating for 8; VIP reception for table host and guest; recognition on all MVHA materials for one year; personal server for your table; premium champagne; eight Monte Vista Metals; eight Monte Vista glasses. SPANISH REVIVAL $10,000 Seating for eight; VIP reception for table host and guests, recognition on all MVHA materials for six months; personal server for your table, premium champagne. VICTORIAN $8,000 Seating for eight; VIP reception for table host and guests; recognition on all MVHA materials for three months. CLASSICAL REVIVAL $5,000 Seating for eight; VIP reception for table host and guests; recognition on all MVHA materials for five months. QUEEN ANN $3,000 Seating for eight; recognition on all MVHA materials for two months. CRAFTSMAN $2,000 Seating for eight; recognition in the magazine Vistas for one edition. INDIVIDUAL TICKETS $225.00 UNDERWRITING SPONSORSHIP In lieu of sponsorship, please accept my 100% tax deductible donation of: Name on Card Credit Card # Exp Date CVV Code *If using a credit card, please add an extra 3% to cover the card charges. Or you may go to the Monte Vista Historical Association website at montevista.org. Go to the Golden Jubilee tab to make your purchase online. sponsorship LEVELS Name/Company Name (as you wish it to appear) Contact Named Address Phone Email GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION for the MONTE VISTA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION All proceeds benefit the Monte Vista Historical Association, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. A portion of your table sponsorship is tax deductible. Sponsorships and tickets can be purchased through our website, montevistasa.org. Credit Cards can be taken over the phone by calling 210-737-8212. Checks/cash can be mailed to the Monte Vista Historical Association, PO Box 12386, San Antonio, TX 78212. Check enclosed payable to Monte Vista Historical Association. Mail to PO Box 12386, San Antonio, Texas 78212 Charge my credit card for a total of* $ VISA Mastercard AMEX ITALIAN REVIVAL $25,000 Premier seating for 8; VIP reception for table host and guest; recognition on all MVHA materials for one year; personal server for your table; premium champagne; eight Monte Vista Metals; eight Monte Vista glasses. SPANISH REVIVAL $10,000 Seating for eight; VIP reception for table host and guests, recognition on all MVHA materials for six months; personal server for your table, premium champagne. VICTORIAN $8,000 Seating for eight; VIP reception for table host and guests; recognition on all MVHA materials for three months. CLASSICAL REVIVAL $5,000 Seating for eight; VIP reception for table host and guests; recognition on all MVHA materials for five months. QUEEN ANN $3,000 Seating for eight; recognition on all MVHA materials for two months. CRAFTSMAN $2,000 Seating for eight; recognition in the magazine Vistas for one edition. INDIVIDUAL TICKETS $225.00 UNDERWRITING SPONSORSHIP In lieu of sponsorship, please accept my 100% tax deductible donation of: Name on Card Credit Card # Exp Date CVV Code *If using a credit card, please add an extra 3% to cover the card charges. Or you may go to the Monte Vista Historical Association website at montevista.org. Go to the Golden Jubilee tab to make your purchase online. sponsorship LEVELS Name/Company Name (as you wish it to appear) Contact Named Address Phone Email GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION for the MONTE VISTA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION All proceeds benefit the Monte Vista Historical Association, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. A portion of your table sponsorship is tax deductible. Check enclosed payable to Monte Vista Historical Association. Mail to PO Box 12386, San Antonio, Texas 78212 Charge my credit card for a total of* $ VISA Mastercard AMEX ITALIAN REVIVAL $25,000 Premier seating for 8; VIP reception for table host and guest; recognition on all MVHA materials for one year; personal server for your table; premium champagne; eight Monte Vista Metals; eight Monte Vista glasses. SPANISH REVIVAL $10,000 Seating for eight; VIP reception for table host and guests, recognition on all MVHA materials for six months; personal server for your table, premium champagne. VICTORIAN $8,000 Seating for eight; VIP reception for table host and guests; recognition on all MVHA materials for three months. CLASSICAL REVIVAL $5,000 Seating for eight; VIP reception for table host and guests; recognition on all MVHA materials for five months. QUEEN ANN $3,000 Seating for eight; recognition on all MVHA materials for two months. CRAFTSMAN $2,000 Seating for eight; recognition in the magazine Vistas for one edition. INDIVIDUAL TICKETS $225.00 UNDERWRITING SPONSORSHIP In lieu of sponsorship, please accept my 100% tax deductible donation of: Name on Card Credit Card # Exp Date CVV Code *If using a credit card, please add an extra 3% to cover the card charges. Or you may go to the Monte Vista Historical Association website at montevista.org. Go to the Golden Jubilee tab to make your purchase online. sponsorship LEVELS Name/Company Name (as you wish it to appear) Contact Named Address Phone Email GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION for the MONTE VISTA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION All proceeds benefit the Monte Vista Historical Association, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. A portion of your table sponsorship is tax deductible.
Upcoming Events
July 4th Parade & Picnic
July 4
Reception at Trinity August 17
Walking Tour Sept 16
September Third Thursday Sept 21 142 E Summit
Golden Jubilee Oct 19 Block on Agarita
November Third Thursday Nov 16 139 Oakmont
Holiday Party Dec 14 Location TBA
Board Meetings, every second Tuesday of the Month @ 6pm MVHA Office at Landa Library & over Zoom
Architectural Review Committee, every first Monday of the Month @ 6pm MVHA Office at Landa Library
Sign up for our Monte Vista Monday Newsletter! Email
mail@montevista-sa.org or visit the home page of our website to sign up.
your love of Monte Vista with a 50th Anniversary yard sign!
Purchase at www.montevistasa.org or by mailing a check/cash to PO Box 12386, San Antonio, TX 78212. Please include your delivery address.
Advertising Available for Monte Vista Directory
We are working on a new Directory for Monte Vista! The Directory is printed and mailed out to over 500+ members of the Monte Vista Historical Association every few years. Advertisements available include Full Page Ad ($450) or a 1/3 Page Ad ($150). In addition, all buisness members are listed if you would like to sign up for a Business Membership. If you are interested in reserving a space, please email mail@montevista-sa.org.
Book for sale
Trinity University Press recently reprinted “San Antonio’s Monte Vista Architecture and Society in a Gilded Age” by Donald E. Everett. Books can be purchased for $20 at montevisasa.org.
www.montevistasa.org Support Monte Vista. Join Today.
Show
MV
Quarterly Monte Vista Block Captain Report
Welcome SAPD SAFFE Officer
Jesse Armendariz III as the new SAFFE Officer for the Monte Vista Historic District. Actually, he has been one of two SAFFE Officers for the District, and now becomes the only SAFFE Officer for the District. Call 911 for emergencies, including fires for which the SA Fire Department should respond. Call 210.207-7273 for nonemergencies. After those calls, you may, and should, make reports of all suspicious and criminal activity and persons to Officer Armendariz:
SAFFE Officer Jesse Armendariz #184
San Antonio Police Department
Central S.A.F.F.E. Officer
515 S. FRIO St.
San Antonio, TX 78207
Office 210 207 7413
Work cell 210 394 9638
Store the name, address and these numbers in your mobile phones and mobile phones used by your family. Ask neighbors on your street/block to store the name of Officer Armendariz and these numbers in mobile phones they use.
Ask Officer Armendariz to follow up with you if you experience a recurring or ongoing problem.
Please call, text or email me to follow up on any suspicious or criminal activity or person with whom you come into contact. Thank you. – Robin Teague
The Conservation Society of San Antonio offers competitive grants once a year for the restoration or rehabilitation of residential or commercial historic structures built in the past 50 years. Applications for the 2023 Building Grants begin August 1, 2023. Grants submission deadline will be September 29, 2023. To learn more information, visit https://www.saconservation.org/what-wedo/building-grants/
Support Monte Vista. Join Today.
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CALENDAR
Architectural Review Committee
Send questions or requests for assistance to mail@montevista-sa.org. Consultation is online and by phone.
MVHA Board Meetings
In person and Zoom Meeting 2nd Tuesday of the month. 6:00 p.m. Contact Lynn Boyd, President, to put an item on the agenda. Leave a message at 210-737-8212 or mail@montevista-sa.org.
Vistas is made possible
by The John and Florence Newman Family Foundation.
Thank you to HEB for their donation to our Easter Egg Hunt & 4th of July events.
2023 Membership Form Membership is valid for 365 days from date of payment. Questions? Call 210-737-8212 or Email mail@montevista-sa.org Website: www.montevistasa.org
and mail check payable to the Monte Vista
__ Yes, include our household in the next printed membership directory, or No, please do not list my information in the directory.
LIST YOUR VOLUNTEER INTEREST Serve on the MVHA board __Host a Third Thursday Social at your home. COMMITTEES Architectural Review Historic Preservation __ Social __Code Compliance __Membership __Home Tour __ Communications Neighborhood Safety and Services
List a topic or activity for the MVHA board to pursue:
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID San Antonio, TX Permit No. 2614 The newsletter of Monte Vista Phone 210-737-8212 Email mail@montevista-sa.org Interested in advertising in Vistas? 1/2 page ads - $500 1/4 ads - $250 Ads can be purchased on our website or checks mailed to MVHA. Join online today at montevistasa.org P.O. Box 12386 San Antonio, Texas 78212 Monte Vista Historical Association
Pay online at www.montevista-sa.org or complete this
Historical Association, P.O. Box 12386, San Antonio, Texas
Date Indicate:__Renewing Member or
Member 1st Member's Name 2nd Member's Name 1st Member's Phone 2nd Member's Phone 1st Member's Email 2nd Member's Email Home Address & Zip Code Mailing Address (if different) Membership and Sponsorship Categories Annual Member $50 per household $_______________ Sustaining Member $100 per household $ Lifetime Member $1,000 per household $ 5 Year Member $200 (2022-2026) $ Annual Business Membership $100 $ 5 Year Business Membership $500 (2022-2026) Business Name Business Website Business Contact Name Business Address Founders Fund in memory/honor of _____________________________________________
form
78212. Please print!
__New
Amount $_______
