r e t n Wi n a x e T
TIMES
Valley Star AWA R D S T I CKET S
AVA I L A B L E
Serving Winter Texans From Mission To South Padre Island Since 1987 Call (956) 580 - 7800 Vol. 34, No. 13 © 2021 www.wintertexantimes.com Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Rina’s Ramblings
This past week when I went to Weslaco, I did something different after I stopped at the Weslaco Museum (by the way, the museum is a must go to spot) – I checked for historical landmarks in the area. I had been told about a few places I should go by, but by searching for historical landmarks in the area, it opened my eyes to places I would not have seen otherwise. And then, by going to these places I was able to see more of Weslaco, it’s architecture, and culture. If you have not seen any of my city stories where I do talk about some historical sites – in just about every one – visit https://www.thc. texas.gov/ to see what is near you. You will not be disappointed in the sites you will see. Even if it is just a marker in an empty spot, there is history on that marker that you would otherwise not know. Like when I visited Alamo a few See RINA’S RAMBLINGS pg. 20
HWS exhibit opens
The Hidalgo Watercolor Society Annual Exhibit will open next weekend, February 12, and run through March 6. The exhibit will be displayed at the Upper Valley Art See EXHIBIT pg. 12 INDEX Parks Calendar “On the Road” Column Events Calendar Taste of the Valley Business Guide Classifieds
p8 p 12 p 18 p 13 p 19 p 20
Weslaco, more than a tower When going into Weslaco, there is one prominent structure that kind of calls out and is noticed by all that travel down South Texas Blvd. or Business 83 – El Tinaco Tower. The tower stands at 100 feet tall on six concrete pillars. Upon its completion in 1941, the tower was proclaimed a marvel of modern construction. It received a Texas Historical Landmark designation in 1982. But, the tower isn’t the only thing interesting about the City of Weslaco. On a recent visit, I was able to peruse the museum and drive through downtown and enjoy the architecture and feel of the community. It is definitely a downtown I would not mind walking around while peeking into the store fronts. An intriguing building was the beautiful Fire Department and old
Tinaco Tower
city hall off of South Texas Blvd.
and 5th Street (120 E. 5th St.). The fire station is located on part of a Spanish land grant known as Llano Grande. It features some great architecture and additions to the buildings, including the city hall, that have kept that colonial Spanish architecture. The City of Weslaco was founded in 1919 and the name was derived from the W.E. Stewart Land Company – who bought 30,000 acres for $90 an acre in 1917. The town site was then sold to Ed. C. Couch, Dan R. Couch, R. C. Couch, and R. L. Reeves who planned to develop the site. Some of the original partners backed out of the venture, and even nearby communities discouraged people from settling in the area before the sale of lots was held. See WESLACO pg. 16
Bit-O-Heaven serves their community
By Susan Thomas, Bit-O-Heaven Activity Director Bit-O-Heaven RV and MH Resort residents in Donna like to help the local community when possible. This season the park held their Second Annual Reverse Advent Calendar event for charity. The concept is to buy the food item on the list for each day of the month of December and have a basket of food ready to deliver by Christmas to a needy family. It is really easy to do and most residents just buy all the recommended items at one time and fill two tote bags per famiSee COMMUNITY pg. 14
