2023 Winter Issue Vistas

2023 Winter Newsletter Vol. 37

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5 OT H Y E A R J U B I L E E C E L E B R AT I O N of the M O N T E V I STA H I STO R I C A L A SS O C I AT I O N October 19, 2023

Photo by Brittany Escott Hill

Outdoors Under the Stars on the 100 block of West Agarita Avenue 6:30pm - 10:00pm

Additional Photos on Page 6

Photos by Mark McClendon

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2023 President’s Letter

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 Sukh Kaur City Council District 1 Contact person: Andrew Solano Field Office 210-207-0907 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

late

nineteenth-early

century

district

identity

of

this

twentieth

intact;

and

to

educate the public, especially the youth, with knowledge of our inherited

neighborhood

values

which contribute to a wholesome urban environment.”

Contributors

Lynn Boyd Toni Van Buren Lydia McAfee Jill Torbert Ann Van Pelt

Images

David Smith Lydia McAfee Trudy Kinnison Mark McClendon

Dear Monte Vista Residents,

As I write this final letter for Vistas 2023 I am filled with gratitude and a 2023 OFFICERS huge sense of achievement for what President our organization has accomplished Lynn Boyd during this year. The advent of our President-Elect 50th year brought together our residents and members Tom Archer to make 2023 a stellar year for MVHA. The talent, Past President devotion, and monetary support that went into this Toni Van Buren successful year was the most amazing!

Treasurer From the beginning of the year we have had Amanda Holmes tremendous support from our members who engaged Corresponding Secretary in planning and executing all of our events, raising Mary Allen-Martin money for our office refresh, delivering educational BOARD MEMBERS opportunities, and supporting our 50th Jubilee Fund Raising Event.

Art Campsey This year has presented many opportunities for our David Smith Judy Warren Zoning Committee to spring into action to resist the Kathy Kennedy erosion of housing stock and to prevent commercial Kristin Kellum Mallory Baird creep on the boundaries of our district. The ground Michele Giddens swell of support from our residents to the challenges Peter Hugill Rick Wilson our neighborhood has seen has been incredible and Robin Teague will remain an important component of our future Sally Bullock Ann Van Pelt mission. Monte Vista is uniquely positioned to feel Fred Suchy the pressure from the growing urban development Tony Garcia Chris Scruggs that the City of San Antonio is experiencing and we must be prepared to maintain our distinctive heritage ADVISORY BOARD and architecture for future generations to enjoy.

MEMBERS In closing, I would like to engage and challenge all of our residents to become more involved in Ryan Reed Melody Hull promoting and participating in the events we offer Trudy Kinnison to the community each year. I can promise you OFFICE ADMIN that being part of the annual Easter Egg Hunt or participating in the Fourth of July Parade and Picnic Lydia McAfee will leave you smiling and happy to be a part of this special community that we call home.

Have questions about the I look forward to a wonderful Holiday Season and I MVHA Board? Call 210or email mail@ hope that 2024 finds you happy, healthy, and engaged 737-8212 montevista-sa.org for in your community. more information.

All my best, Lynn Boyd III, President Monte Vista Historical Association, 2023

For Advertising Info: mail@montevista-sa.org Vistas is the newsletter of the

Monte Vista Historical Association

MONTE VISTA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

Vistas is made possible by The John and Florence Newman Family Foundation.

Monte Vista shows their 50th Anniversary pride! Over 100 homes purchased yard signs.

Thank you for showing your support.

Photos by David Smith.

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50 Years of Perseverance, 50 Years of Preservation A panel of past presidents and neighbors presented 50 Years of Perseverance, 50 Years of Preservation on Sunday, November 5. The discussion was an opportunity to review the momentous efforts it has taken from the Association’s leaders and army of volunteers to preserve Monte Vista as a neighborhood, a place we call “home.”

Among the pressures that weaken the fabric of Monte Vista are institutional expansion, desire for increased housing density, and commercial creep. The speakers, Wade Caldwell, Antonio Garcia, Paul Kinnison, Jane Lewis and Ryan Reed expounded on these topics with vivid examples from archival photographs and headlines.

These pressures are not new and are not One of the many cartoons published in the local papers during Monte Vista’s campaign to save houses from demolition. The homes along East Mulberry were torn unique, but that they were successfully down for Trinity Baptist Church’s parking lot. navigated in the past allows us to proudly celebrate MVHA’s 50th Anniversary. How we face these pressures in the future will determine what our neighborhood looks and feels like in 2073, when the 100th anniversary is celebrated.

Trudy Kinnison concluded the program by imploring all of us to become active in the Association and advocate for the preservation of Monte Vista.

Plans for a San Pedro Manor that were modified due to the efforts of the Association.

San Pedro Manor as built on the corner of San Pedro and Ashby. Photo by David Smith.

www.montevistasa.org

Home of Joe & Angela Escoto at 318 E. Mulberry. This home and others were torn down in 1986 for the parking lot that Trinity Baptist Church built on East Mulberry. Thank you for the home photos from current Monte Vista members, Joe and Diane Escoto. Joe is one of the Escoto children reared in the home on Mulberry.

The soccer fields were built at Trinity University after removing homes on Ancona, Mulberry and Kings Court in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Photo source unknown. Newspaper clipping from the San Antonio Light.

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Monte Vista Annual Appeal MVHA focuses on important issues that impact our neighborhood, our families, and our local businesses. We stay informed of city ordinances, current laws and ongoing development affecting residents of Monte Vista and work together to preserve, maintain and improve our neighborhood.

We ask you to consider a year-end contribution to our 4th Annual Year End Appeal for your Monte Vista Historical Association. Please consider a gift today on the website www. montevistasa.org/support or by mailing a check to PO Box 12386, San Antonio, TX 78212.

Please support the Association - as a 501(c)3 your donation is fully tax deductible.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Warmest wishes for a healthy and bright 2024!

With much appreciation, Your MVHA Board of Directors

2023 Accomplishments

• The ARC reviewed 35 projects, ranging from minor landscaping to the design of new homes within the Monte Vista Historic District.

• Welcomed several new members to the Architecture Review Committee.

• Formed Task Force currently working to understand potential impact of new zoning and land use classifications related to the VIA Transit Oriented Development.

• Completed the first Monte Vista directory in five years.

• Hosted several educational events throughout the year including three architecture walking tours & a panel discussion on preserving Monte Vista.

• Honored the Past Presidents and Founders with a reception hosted by the Caldwells.

• Created a signature 50th Anniversary Fiesta Medal.

• Organized a Golden Jubilee to celebrate our 50th Anniversary that raised needed funds for the organzation.

• Continued our annual traditions with the 4th of July Parade & Picnic and Easter Egg Hunt.

• Worked to preserve the integrity of the neighborhood as zoning cases arise.

• Refreshed the MV Office at Landa Library.

• Contributions to our endowment fund known as the Founders Fund will help the Assocation’s future expenses.

Celebrating

50 YEARS

of Preservation

Ann Van Pelt 210.844.7001 CLIENT: Ann Van Pelt

IPC DATE: 10.24.23

FILE:

DIM:

LOC:

CASE #:

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6” x 11” 757

PROOF:

1

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SIDE:

TR

Golden Jubilee Celebration The Golden Jubilee was an amazing event, celebrating 50 years of the Monte Vista Historical Association! The weather was great, the venue was spectacular, and we held a party that would make all our founders quite proud. Our sponsors, neighbors, residents of the 100 block of West Agarita, friends of our community, and the Jubilee committee all came together to hold a smashing success of a celebration.

We are grateful to all the wonderful underwriters and sponsors; we owe them a great debt of gratitude; please see the adjacent list. Without their support we would not have been able to make this event not only beautiful but a financial success.

The funds that this event raised will ensure the financial health of our organization and allow us to do the ever-important work of preserving the neighborhood we call home.

We especially want to thank Ann Van Pelt, the fearless leader & planner extraordinaire of this event along with her planning committee: Mallory Baird, Jean Brady, Robert Brown, Lynn Boyd, Melody Hull, Kristin Kellum, Lydia McAfee, Janet Molak, Lobie Stone, Jill Torbert, Toni-Marie Van Buren and Ryan Reed, who not only served on the committee but with his wife Elizabeth hosted the VIP party Thank you to photographers Mark McClendon, Robert Shaw and Lee Young for taking photos of the event & printing portraits for guests to take home.

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Thank you to our Sponsors and Supporters!

Italian Revival ($25,000) Victorian ($8,000)

Elizabeth & Ryan Reed, Dennis Karbach & Robert K. Brown, Mallory & Micheal Baird & Melody & Andy Hull

Classical Revival ($5,000)

Will & Marianne Hileman & Catharine & Jeff Vexler Jill Tobert & Vincent Johnson, Tasha & Lane Riggs & Erin & Dale Hicks Ann Van Pelt, Realtor & John McCusker The Van Steenberg Family

Queen Anne ($3,000)

Lynn Boyd III, Realtor & Jon Baumgarter & Toni-Marie Van Buren Trudy & Paul Kinnison & Diane Abdo & Rick Noll Laura & Don McDonald Gayle & Tom Seerden & Janet & Mike Molak Lobie Stone & Clarence Wyatt Pam & David Thomas Rick Wilson & Rod Keith, Highland Trails Ranch Whitestone Wealth Management Blair Young Construction Independence Title Trinity University Frost Bank Office of Historic Preservation - City of San Antonio

Craftsman ($2,000)

Judy Warren & Peter Hugill Mike Molak - Plains Capital Bank Morningside at The Chandler Estate Phyllis Browning Co.

Underwriters

$10,000 M.R.S. Foundation $5,000 Ruth &John Agather $2,000 Judy & Tucker Barnes $1,200 Troy & Rachel Jesse $1,200 George & Polly Spencer $1,000 Cynthia & Forrest Miller $1,000 Tito’s Vodka $550 Veronica & Ruben Escobedo $500 Tim Seeliger & Brad Parman $500 Howard Newton $500 Colleen Casey $500 Jean Brady

Reaching Neighbors HEB

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November Third Thursday Big thanks to Mike and Suzie Bacon for hosting our Third Thursday on the 2nd Wednesday at their beautiful O’Neil Ford home on Oakmont November 8th. We had alot of new faces and we were delighted to host new President Vanessa Beasley and her husband Trey, as well as many other Trinity faculty members that joined us. Photos by David Smith.

MONTE VISTA FARM HOUSE EST. 1906

Lynn A. Boyd 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

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS of PRESERVATION www.montevistasa.org

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Monte Vista Annual Meeting Thank you to everyone that attended the Monte Vista Historical Association Annual Meeting on October 1st at Laurel Heights UMC. County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez and State Senator Jose Menendez were in attendance and Rep. Bernal and Councilwoman Kaur sent representatives. Commissioner Rodriguez presented MVHA with a Hidalgo Proclamation for the 50th Anniversary.

Lynn Boyd III, MVHA President, provided a Year in Review.

Action items at the Annual Business Meeting included: Finance Report by Amanda Holmes, Treasurer and Nominations Committee Reports by Toni-Marie Van Buren that included a By-laws change, 2023 Slate of Officers and New Board Members.

Please join us in welcoming our new board members!

David Dicke Pat DiGiovanni Parker Dixon Angela Gallegos Trudy Kinnison Tom Seerdan

Honoring the Past by Preserving it for the Future

A TIMELESS PIECE OF MONTE VISTA

1928 Noel Brothers Furniture Store 1964 Interior Remodel 1966 Allen’s Flowers and Gifts 1975 Monte Vista Historic District Designation 2023 Preservation Remodel - The Allen

Introducing The Allen, a Redevelopment by Headwall Investments Now Leasing Modern Office Suites 2121 McCullough Avenue • HeadwallInvestments.com

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Upcoming Events

Save the Date

I Love Monte Vista Party Feb 11 1502 Howard

I Love Monte Vista Party

March Third Thursday March 21 Bushnell Rooftop April Third Thursday April 18 123 W Hollywood Ave May Third Thursday May 16 Landa Gardens 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.

www.montevistasa.org

Sunday, February 11 from 2-4pm The Chandler House 1502 Howard

Monte Vista 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.

It’s an excellent source of information on the history of the neighborhood.

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Sept Third Thursday The September 21st Third Thursday was held at the home of Bill and Laura Leighner at 142 E Summit. It was a beautiful evening in one of the oldest homes in Monte Vista and well attended by neighbors.

Photos by Trudy Kinnison.

History of 142 East Summit “Probably the oldest house on Summit, and indeed of the entire area north of Mulberry, is that at the southwest corner of McCullough (142 E Summit). The Photo taken for the National Registry in 1998.

Frank J. Doyle family lived there from about 1906 and may not have been the first residents.

Summit at the time marked the northern boundary of the San Antonio city limits. For a time, Doyle kept a small diary herd, which he pasured across from his home between Summit and Kings Highway. Dr. G. N. Keeling, who previously lived two doors to the west, purchased the home and in 1929 had architects J. Clyde and Percy W. Williams draw plans for additions and remodeling.”

- San Antono’s Monte Vista Architecture and Society in a Golded Age by Donald E. Everett

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CALENDAR

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID San Antonio, TX Permit No. 2614

Architectural Review Committee Send questions or requests for assistance to mail@montevista-sa.org. Consultation is online and by phone.

P.O. Box 12386 San Antonio, Texas 78212

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.

Monte Vista Historical Association

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

Pay online at www.montevista-sa.org or complete this form and mail check payable to the Monte Vista Historical Association, P.O. Box 12386, San Antonio, Texas 78212. Please print!

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

Date _______________________________________ 1st Member's Name _________________________ 1st Member's Phone _________________________ 1st Member's Email __________________________ Home Address & Zip Code___________________ ____________________________________________

Indicate:__Renewing Member or __New Member 2nd Member's Name________________________________ 2nd Member's Phone_______________________________ 2nd Member's Email________________________________ 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 $_______

_____________________________________________

Amount

__ 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: ___________________________________________________