Arturo L. Benavides Elementary School 2024
School Personnel Administration
Lauro Garza – Principal
Teachers
Priscilla Garcia
Jackie Guerra Leticia Munoz
Rebecca Gonzalez Nydia Amesquita Maria Isabel Solis
Para-Professionals
Leslie Arriaga
Ester Garcia Rubina Solis
Erica Lara San Juanita Rocha Frances de los Santos
Officer A. Mejia – Campus Police
We would also like to extend a special thank you to all who took part in this special event in Historic San Ygnacio, Texas.
Extended Special Thank You to:
Zapata County Independent School District Board of Trustees
Jose M. Ramirez III, Board President
Dora A. Sendejo, Vice-President
Luis Carlos Guevara, Secretary
Joel Garcia, Member
Martha Morales, Member
Mariselva Guevara Martinez, Member
Manuel Gonzalez Jr. Member
Zapata County Independent School District
Dr. Roberta R. Treviño, Superintendent
Rogelio Gonzalez, Executive Director
A.L. Benavides Elementary School Principal
Lauro Garza
Staff
Ester Garcia, IA/Event Coordinator
Priscilla Garcia, Teacher
Rebecca Gonzalez, Teacher
Jackie Guerra, Teacher
Leticia Munoz, Teacher
Nydia A. Ramirez, Teacher
Maria Isabel Solis, Teacher
Rubina Solis, Academic Tutor
Leslie Arriaga, Secretary
San Juanita Rocha, Custodian
Erica Lara, Custodian
Z.C.I.S.D. Police Department
Chief Raymond Moya
Z.C.I.S.D. Maintenance/Operations
Pedro Morales, Director
Zapata High School JROTC
Presentation of Colors
House Tour Greeters
We would also like to extend a special thank you to all the people and business owners for their generous donations for this special event in Historic San Ygnacio, Texas.
Christmas in Historic San Ygnacio, Texas
Miniature replicas of our Christmas House Tour sites
Special THANK YOU to the following educators who created these pieces of art work:
ESTER GARCIA
MARIA SYLVIA ZEPEDA
SAN YGNACIO
Over 200 years of Cultural Richness
San Ygnacio, the oldest Zapata County town site, escaped the ravages of the construction of the Falcon Reservoir in the early 1950’s. The town was established in 1830 by Don Jesus Treviño who came to the area from Guerrero formerly Revilla. The old homes in San Ygnacio offer visitors an up-close look at the early Spanish vernacular construction of the first colonizers to the area. Many of the homes, which are built of 18-inch thick sandstone block, feature their original mesquite and cypress lintels, doors and fenestration, and are architecturally akin to the homes of Cd. Guerrero Viejo. The riverfront town of a thousand residents has its origins in the lower third of the vast Jose Vasquez Borrego Grant from the King of Spain.
The narrow streets of San Ygnacio are named after many of the first settlers – Benavides, Uribe, Gutierrez, Martinez, Garza, and Vasquez Borrego – and for the American and Mexican Presidents –Washington, Lincoln, Grant, Hidalgo, Morelos and Juarez. Among the old structures on the Christmas home tour are Nuestra Senora del Refugio Catholic Church, which was completed in 1884; the Don Trinidad Uribe Home which has been recently restored by Maria Eva Uribe Ramirez; the Proceso Martinez Home, which was built by Don Fernando Uribe in 1869 and is now owned by Adrian Martinez, and Acela M. Martinez; the Don Manuel Maria Uribe Home, which is now owned by Adrian Martinez; the Jesus Treviño Fort complex and the Visitors Center which is owned by the River Pierce Foundation of San Ygnacio.
A Special Thank you to the following persons who opened their homes, museum, visitor center and bird sanctuary to make this special event possible.
Arturo L. Benavides Elementary School Staff & Students
Mr. Adrian Martinez ϯ
Mrs. Maria Eva U. Ramirez & Family
The Don Trinidad Uribe Family
Blas Maria Uribe IV
Hector Uribe
Aide Uribe de Loomis
The Blas Maria Uribe Family
Victor Oliveros Uribe ϯ
River Pierce Foundation
Nuestra Señora Del Refugio Church Committee Members
Commissioner Pct. 2
Angelica Vergara Hernandez
Hilda Vergara Hernandez
Frank “Chip” Briscoe
Jose A. Perez
Michael Tracy ϯ
Hector Villarreal
Dr. Eric Avery
Mr. & Mrs Nestor Gonzalez
Mr. & Mrs. Eloy Arambula Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Carlos N. Flores
Arturo L. Benavides Elementary School
Christmas House Tour Event Agenda
11:30 A.M.–12:30 P.M.
Tamale / Carne Guisada Plate Sale – A.L.B.E.S. Library
12:30 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.
Entertainment and History Presentations
1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Christmas Historic Home Tours
6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Christmas Parade and Lighting of the Plaza
SITE 1: Arturo L. Benavides Elementary School 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 T.E.A. Distinction Designated School 301 Lincoln Ave.
2022 T.E.A. “A” Rated Campus
A.L. Benavides Elementary is a replacement campus that has the capacity of serving 120 students. Its river stone look is a replica of the old town homes and the fort that share historical insights of the town and the wonderful people that live here today. This school was the brainchild of Cavazos & Associates after the school board members approved the school to be built. Leyendecker construction built the school in a year and was very supportive throughout the process. Other features that give the school a unique exterior look are the school bell which was a generous donation by the River Pierce Foundation. In the patio by the palapa is the “fountain of education” donated by Maria Eva U. Ramirez. Their contributions to the school have been very generous. The hallways of the school are ceramic tile floors and the eye catching beauty becomes evident through the many arched windows. There are ten classrooms and two computer labs which provide the San Ygnacio youth with a state of the art building. The library is breathtaking and equipped with the latest technology. The Belia Rosa Benavides Pavilion Gym was enclosed for the purpose of having a facility for the many wonderful and memorable events of the school. The staff and students are happy to say that this building brings comfort and ensures that all will benefit from this beautiful building.
SITE 2: La Paz Museum
307 Lincoln Ave.
Located on the Arturo L. Benavides Elementary School grounds, this hand cut sandstone building was constructed in 1898 by Isidro and Margarita Gonzalez for their home. Through the years, this building was used as a school, as a cantina, as mess hall for U.S. troops sent to San Ygnacio during the border troubles of 1916-1918, as cafeteria for the San Ygnacio school, and after the school was remodeled in 1974, as a band practice room and later as a storage area.
“La Paz” was chosen for the name of the museum because of the frequency of the words “En Paz & Libertad Obremos” (Let’s work for Peace and Liberty) found carved on the beams of the early homes of the area.
A portion of the museum is devoted to a Texas Regional Heritage Resource Center, which contains books, maps, thesis, newspaper articles, documents, and other data pertinent to the area. Also, it contains antique furnishings and artifacts of Zapata County residents. Ribbon cutting opening of this museum took place Sunday, March 7, 1982 and chosen by the Zapata County Historical Commission to cut the ribbon was Mrs. Emma Eva I. Uribe, a retired school teacher from San Ygnacio.
Donation to Arturo L. Benavides Elementary School
Fountain of Knowledge
Dedication Emma Eva I. Uribe 1906-1996
“To Teach is to Believe in Tomorrow”
Born and raised in Old Falcon to Maximiano and Angela Z. Yzaguirre. Her teaching career began in 1930 where she taught in Salineño, Santa Rosa, Santo Niño, Palo Blanco, Uribeño, and then San Ygnacio where classes were held in private homes. Following her marriage to Serafin Uribe in 1942, and the birth of her only daughter, she retired for fifteen years. In 1958, she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Texas A & I University in Kingsville, Texas. She resumed her love of teaching at San Ygnacio Elementary School (In 1967, renamed Arturo L. Benavides Elementary). After a life devoted to teaching children, she retired in 1971. Her grandchildren Lucila, Diana, Jose Maria III, Carlos, Angela and Juan Ramirez attended this school.
Donated to Arturo L. Benavides Elementary
By
The River Pierce Foundation
Michael Tracy
SITE 3: The Rock House
505 Morelos St.
Joe Perez - Owner
Approximately 147 years of history
In a 1899 Deed, the Rock House was conveyed to new ownership explicitly stating that the house had been “built by us” - a testament to the hard work endured by a young couple dedicated to build a homemade of stones set one by one. In yet another deed, the property is referred to as a “Rock house and lot situated in the town of San Ygnacio…” when conveyed to a decorated Civil War soldier. The name Rock House is now used to refer to this humble home which has lasted through the decades with continued care and upkeep. More recently, the home is opened for the Holiday Season’s annual school sponsored House Tours, raising money for local school projects.
Preservation
It is more than being a part of history, it is an obligation to former and future generations of people who have lived and will live here. The preservation effort for the Rock House continues through multiple pro-grams designed to maintain, protect, care, and conserve the home to its best possible original state. Great measures are taken to ensure that the home’s original stone work is not disturbed and improvements, enhancements and expansions are being kept to a very minimum.
Restoration
In addition to preservation efforts, exploration of restoration programs designed to keep and/or reinstitute the home to its original state are being considered. This requires study and research. Few photo-graphs exist of the home in its original state and efforts are carefully reviewed and contemplated. Some restoration projects can be described as a combination of old world charm synchronized with modern conveniences such as electrical lighting and running water. Throughout the years, the Rock House has experienced multiple owners and each have contributed to the home in their own way and all have taken significant measures to preserve and maintain it to its truest form. Historical Architectural research can provide a glimpse of features that may have been popular in home building sometime in the mid19th century. Ultimately, however, the Rock House speaks for itself and every detail and study continues to provide new clues, evidence, and indications of the houses past and it is to this end that the restoration efforts continue. Carefully, thoughtfully, and with great consideration.
SITE 4: 4EJR Antique Bar
600 Morelos St.
History of historical home on 600 Morelos St. San Ygnacio, Texas
This structure was built in 1910. It is a one story, storage shed side gabled “jacal”; wood frame construction with metal “leña” and “barro” exterior finish/walls; side gabled roof.
The original homeowners were Guadalupe & Lilia Martinez. However, other community residents were able to enjoy this beautiful “jacal”. Amongst several residents were newlyweds Mr. & Mrs. Juan de Dios Rodriguez.
The new owners are 3 siblings from San Ygnacio, Texas: Estevan L. Garcia, Jazmine L. Garcia and Robert R. VanNest.
2019
*Top 25% Comparative Academic Growth
*Top 25% Comparative Closing the Gaps
*Postsecondary Readiness
2020 & 2021 COVID SHUT DOWN
2022
A Texas Education Agency “A” Rated Campus
The HEART of San Ygnacio.
2018
*Top 25% Comparative Academic Growth
2017
*Top 25% Comparative Academic Growth
*Top 25% Comparative Closing the Gaps
*Postsecondary Readiness
2016
*Academic Achievement in Mathematics
*Top 25% Student Progress
SITE 5: The Flower House Hidalgo /Washington Ave.
Located at the corner of Hidalgo and Washington Ave. in San Ygnacio, this present-day home continues to display the original and beautiful carved flower on the outside wall. The walls of this home were built 6-8 feet-thick to protect people during Indian attacks. The house has been remodeled throughout the years with careful consideration of preserving the antique beams, doors and lintels.
The history of the Flower house has been published in Brief History of San Ygnacio by Jean Y. Fish and Texas Sketchbook: A Collection of Historical Stories from the Humble way by F.T. Fields and E.M. Schiwetz.
Built in the 1800s, this house was the family home of Basilio Vidaurri Sr. who was born in 1854 and wife Maria Viviana Vidaurri (Gutierrez) who was born in 1855-1922. The Vidaurri’s had four children: Manuel Vidaurri born in 1875-1956, San Juana Vidaurri Gutierrez born 1878-1957, Baltazar Viduarri born 1888-1917 and Dolores Vidaurri born 1881-1955.
The current owners are Nester Gonzalez Jr. MD and Rachel D. Sample. Both have two children: Laura Ann and Julie Kay.
SITE 6:
Blas Maria Uribe & Petra Garza de Uribe Home
401 E. Grant
Family History
Built in 1899 by Don Blas Maria Uribe with sandstone quarried from the hills of San Ygnacio, the home was the birthplace of nine children, sons and daughters of Don Blas and his wife, Dona Petrita Garza de Uribe. As Ninfa Uribe de Ramirez recounts in “Nostalgia” a personal memoir, the house was where nine children were born and reared. Later it became the scene of several wedding receptions for the siblings. In later years, the porch or galleria became the chief gathering place for the family especially during the hot South Texas summers. Upon the death of his parents, the house was left to the youngest of the children, Blas Maria Uribe III. For many years thereafter the house was occupied by a family caretaker, Silver, who had helped his sister Corina with her three children.
Structural History
The house seems to have been built in sections over a short span of time, most likely to accommodate the rapidly growing family. The first section was built along the street and bears an inscription BMU, the initials of the owner and the year 1899 above the iron-barred window. This first section originally had a tipichil floor, composed of small pebbles, held together in a sandy mortar, perhaps cement, that hardened.
The second section was built perpendicular to first and extended backward away from the street and into the expansive backyard, creating an L-shaped, galleria, which over time, served a variety of uses. A wooden floor that eventually was covered with linoleum graced the section. With the passage of time and the ravages of termites the floor was compromised.
The kitchen seems to have been added to the second section and originally the roof slanted at about the same angle as the porch roof. It too seemed to have a tipichil floor; however, the floor had been smoothed to provide a smooth flat surface for the floor. The galleria floor also seemed to have received the same treatment.
The house began to take on an odd configuration dictated by the family’s need to be resourceful. A cistern was added within the patio of the L-shaped structure. Almost every drop of rain that fell on the roof was captured and stored in the cistern or strategically placed rain barrels. Part of the galleria was enclosed halfway up with a red brick and finished with a screen the rest of the way. Eventually, that whole section was enclosed and served as the main year-round dining area for the house. A bathroom and laundry room.
In
Remembrance of
Adrian Martinez ϯ
Affectionately known as El Padrino, Adrian was beyond generous, kind and giving to his beloved community.
Especially to San Ygnacio A.L. Benavides Elementary School
In Remembrance of Anselmo Trevino Jr. ϯ
Z.C.I.S.D. School Board Member
A Lifelong community supporter of education and his beloved Z.C.I.S.D. students.
In Remembrance of
Dora O. Martinez ϯ
Z.C.I.S.D. School Board Member
A Lifelong community supporter of education and her beloved Z.C.I.S.D. students.
Especially San Ygnacio A.L. Benavides Elementary School
In Remembrance of Cipriana “Laura” Villarreal ϯ
“Laura” as we all knew her, was a very kind and affectionate soul. Her work ethic was to be admired for she would go “Above and Beyond the Call of Duty”. She would always give a lending hand to the staff and students of A.L. Benavides Elementary School.
A.L. Benavides Elementary is very fortunate to have worked with such a beautiful lady. Laura will dearly be missed.
SITE 6 CONT:
Blas Maria Uribe & Petra Garza de Uribe Home were also added to the kitchen around the early fifties. Unfortunately, the additions, an attempt to “modernize” the home and make it more livable, were not built in conformity with the architectural spirit of the original structure. In the late 70s or early 80s the house lost its protective enjarre, a lime, white coating composed of mostly lime, sand and a tiny bit of white Portland cement.
In 1998, the Uribe family at the direction of Blas Maria Uribe III began an attempt to recapture the architectural integrity of the home. The motto “less is better” was followed and an effort was made to return the house to its original L-shaped configuration. The bathroom / laundry room was demolished and the bathroom was relocated within the house. The cistern was removed and the galleria was restored with a complete demolition of the old porch and the dining room addition. The old corrugated roof covering was replaced and the roof line over the kitchen was adjusted to match the roof height of the rest of the structure.
After the death of Blas Uribe III in November of 1998, major restoration efforts came to a halt. His son, Hector continued, however, to examine the structure and realized that most of the doorways that had been converted in the 50s to single portal entrances had actually been designed for double doors. Soon thereafter, double doors were purchased locally and installed to replace some of the single doors that had been installed in the 50s in an effort to renovate and modernize. Omar Uribe a nephew of Blas Uribe, noticing the efforts to restore the house made a gift of two of the original doors that had been removed from the house and used at his father’s ranch. Those weather-enhanced green doors now hang at the entry ways to the kitchen and comedor.
Wild olive shrubs were planted in a grid at the suggestion of local artist and historic preservationist, Michael Tracy, in the backyard. Interest in restoration was rekindled in 2005 by Ninfa Uribe de Ramirez formerly of San Ygnacio and the sister of Blas Maria. She inspired the heirs of Blas Maria Uribe to finish the work started by their father by pledging resources “para reparar la casa que se ve tan triste.” With the traditional enjarre the house seems to have lost its old and sad look, and acquired a more inviting appearance. The heirs of Blas Maria Uribe, Aida, Blas and Hector welcome you to “Mama Petrita’s” house on the corner of Grant and Hidalgo in San Ygnacio, Texas. The work continues.
SITE 7:
In Remembrance of Victor Oliveros Uribe ϯ
Uribe Martinez Home Grant Ave.
The Uribe-Martinez home on 406 Grant Ave. is believed to have been built sometime between the mid-1880s to late 1890s. The property was purchased by Eudoxio Martinez and wife Tomasa Gutierrez de Martinez from the heirs of Blas Maria Uribe on May 3, 1911. Originally, the house consisted of one general living area and a kitchen, with an outhouse situated on the northeast side of the property. In the late 1970s, a bedroom and loft were added to increase living area as well as two full bathrooms. The house was constructed of locally quarried sandstone and finished with lime stucco painted white. The home sits on over a quarter acre of land. Over one-hundred years later, the house remains in the Uribe family. The current owners are Aliza and Victor Oliveros Uribe and children, direct descendants of Don Blas Maria Uribe and Don Jesus Trevino.
In Remembrance of Michael Tracy ϯ
Michael Tracy (1943 - 2024) was born in Bellevue, Ohio. Growing up in Cleveland, a city rich with industrial wealth and railroads, Tracy had deep exposure to the vibrant cultural life of this nexus to rival New York City at the time. Although his highschool did not offer an art curriculum, he was granted the possibility of taking classes at the famed Cleveland Institute of Art to supplement his highschool education. His training as an altar boy influenced his devout Catholic faith throughout his youth, the themes of which influenced his artwork for decades. Moving to Texas in the 1960s for university studies, Mr. Tracy began as a student of St. Edward’s University, an affiliation which would prove fortuitous in his future. After graduating with a Master of Fine Art in 1969, Tracy lived and worked on Austin’s now renowned Sixth Street. Needing to expand his horizons, he transplanted to Galveston in the early 1970s where he met the architect Howard Barnstone. A Texas Modernist, Barnstone introduced Tracy to many of the collectors in Houston and Galveston whose influence on the local art institutions has kept Houston in the sphere of international art destinations. However, Galveston’s fledgling historic preservation efforts were just beginning and had an impact in Michael's experience in preserving San Ygnacio.
By 1978, fatigued with the social obligations and contributing to the flourishing art scene, Tracy sought out a quieter, more distant place where he could concentrate in private. It was during his first visit to San Ygnacio, with landowner Mercurio Martinez, Jr., in San Ygnacio. A 7th generation rancher, Judge Martinez felt a special allegiance as he, his ancestors, and children were all alumni of St. Edward’s University. By 1985, Tracy had restored the Mercurio Martinez House, the Zaragoza Dominguez Residence and he himself was ascending to international fame in his field. By the 1990’s he had founded the River Pierce Foundation to bring artists and scholars to work on the Rio Grande in San Ygnacio. In 1997, as the Trevino-Uribe Rancho became a National Historic Landmark, the highest designation for an historic building in the United States, the foundation began acquiring a portfolio of historic real estate, much of which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Since then the Foundation sponsors summer camps and other community activities for locals and visitors. They have enlisted the support of the National Trail System, the National Park Service, The Texas Historical Commission and heritage tourism efforts around the country and region. While Tracy did not have children of his own, his family lived out of state and he did maintain a special relationship with his nephews and nieces. He never taught art in school but he took special delight in inspiring young minds, or pushing mature ones out of their comfort zones. At times his emphatic encouragement to push the boundaries of humanity was met with fierce opposition; at best with confusion, yet there is no doubt that we can now count him as one of the ancestors and one of the greatest professors.
SITE 22: Ramiro Garza Historical Structure
Houston St.
Original Owner: Pablo (el chino) Garza Salas and Eulalia Ramirez Garza
House built: 1910
Pablo Garza was a “barrilero” who would bring water from the river to town for the people. Eulalia was a housewife. Together, Pablo and Eulalia had nine children, four girls and five boys. One of their children, Maria Del Refugio Garza (Cuca) lived with her parents Pablo and Eulalia after growing up. She was the last person to reside in this house.
Recent owner: Jose Ramiro Garza (grandson) to Pablo Garza Salas and Eulalia Ramirez Garza
For over a century Nuestra Senora del Refugio Catholic Church has dominated the center of the spiritual life of the community. The interior of the sandstone block structures is a treasure trove of Spanish vernacular architectural features that include massive corbels and lintels, a nicho in the wall behind the altar, and a slightly raised altar of stone. Those features were revealed in reconstruction efforts after a 1991 arson fire that destroyed the altar and damaged old statuary and the sacristy.
As modern veneers were peeled away in a volunteer reconstruction project spearheaded by Victoria Uribe from 1991 to 1993, many of the church’s beautiful old features revealed themselves in a community wide rebuilding process that was historically, architecturally, and spiritually significant. Among those features was a beautiful machimbre (tongue in groove) ceiling. The reconstruction effort was funded by the Meadows Foundation which matched funds raised from local quilt, craft, and plate sales and jamaicas. Land for the original chapel of Nra. Senora del Refugio was deeded to the Diocese by Don Blas Maria Uribe. The chapel was completed in 1875. The Church underwent major modifications in 1884 and 1899, and in the 1960’s underwent contemporary alterations that nearly completely masked many of its architecturally significant details. The beautiful old structure offers a long look back at the history of the first settlers to the area. It is maintained by the Association of the Sacred Heart Society.
SITE 8: Nuestra Seῆora Del Refugio Catholic Church Laredo St.
SITE 9: Plaza Blas Maria URIBE
“LA PLAZA Del PUEBLO”
Laredo St.
The Plaza Uribe, “La Plaza Del Pueblo” is built on land donated by Blas Maria Uribe. The parcel of land remained undeveloped through the 1950’s. It was a treeless lot park which the children used for playing baseball and other games. During the early 1950’s the movie “Viva Zapata” was filmed in San Ygnacio and a “quiosco” was built in the center of the sand lot “plazita”.
It was not until the early 1960’s that Delfino Lozano initiated a beautification project for the plaza. The project included the building of sidewalks, park benches, and a ‘quiosco’, the planting of trees, grass, and rose bushes, and the installation of a lighting and watering system.
On December 2, 1993, the Zapata County Maintenance Department (San Ygnacio crew) completed a renovation of the “Quiosco”. It has a Spanish style roof. The floor is constructed with Saltillo tile. In order for the people to view from all over the plaza, the platform was raised (3) three feet and extended to cover 1,200 sq. ft. The lighting allows for night activities sponsored by various organizations and church leaders. Thousands of visitors come to the “plazita” every year to view the rare birds and enjoy the friendly atmosphere. Marble benches were donated by local and area citizens.
Martinez and Maria
are the original home owners of this historical structure. They have 5 sons: Primitivo Martinez, Pantaleon Martinez, Amador Martinez, Abel Martinez and Ascension Martinez. The only daughter is Isabel M. Villarreal. This house was built out of sandstone and has a stone walkway all around the building. The owners had acquired this piece of property that was left by their ancestors to restore the building to its original state.
The new owner is Hector Villarreal Jr.
SITE 21: Villarreal Homestead
Treviño St.
Valerio
Adelaida Meza Martinez
SITE 20: La Casa de los Sacerdotes
In 1900, “la casa de los sacerdotes” was originally owned by Manuel Elizondo and wife Crisanta Gonzalez. The couple had a son (Ramon), a daughter (Rosa) and twin daughters (Micaela & Cleofas who died in infancy). The Elizondo’s were neighbors of Dionicio Lerma and his family. The Elizondo’s home was known to all as “la casa de los sacerdotes” (The house of the priests).
The Zapata County Clerk’s office information on this 2-room stone house: in 1973, Joel Ruiz bought it from Emma Copada.
Eric Avery MD began renting it from Mr. Ruiz In 1980. After completing his medical training and while waiting to do volunteer medical work overseas with World Vision, Dr. Avery rented this house from Mr. Ruiz. Dr. Avery was a friend of Michael Tracy when they both lived in Galveston. Mr. Tracy was living in San Ygnacio. After returning from medical work in Somalia, Dr. Avery bought the house from Mr. Ruiz in 1983. Mr. Ruiz called the house La Casa de las Cuates because a twin sister was renting it.
A separate building, a “jacal”- mud packed into mesquite branches and covered with plaster, had a small kitchen and bathroom. The chimney had fallen and Mr. Ruiz had used the stones to make the walkway to the stone house. The surviving twin sister had a corn grinding molido in the building.
In 2020, José “Pepe” Martinez and his son Alex, a student at Benavides School rebuilt the “jacal”. A section of the interior wall was left unfinished to show this traditional building technique.
In 1989, on a break from medicine to make art, Robert Schenck (Zapata GI Enterprises) built a metal building in the yard for Dr. Avery’s studio and living space. It is not part of the Homes Tour.
In 2004, the stone house was renovated and converted into a paper making studio and guest room. It has a paper beater to turn cotton and other fibers into paper pulp used in Dr. Avery’s printmaking. It has a press and drying equipment used to make sheets of handmade paper. Papermaking will be demonstrated in the building and patio as part of the tour.
SITE 10: Frank “Chip” Briscoe Home
501 Gutierrez
This one-story, hipped-roof sandstone building was built for members of the Gutierrez family about 1900. A wall veering off the northwest corner suggests that parts of the building were present before the mid-1870s when the plaza was laid out and San Ygnacio was platted. Like its hipped-roof contemporaries in San Ygnacio, it represents the last of traditional masonry techniques that began thousands of years earlier in Mesoamerica.
This outhouse is one of dozens delivered to San Ygnacio by the Work Projects Administration. The WPA, as it was known, was created during the Great Depression of the 1930s to put hundreds of thousands of unemployed Americans to work. The program was responsible for thousands of infrastructure improvements, such as roads, bridges, and sanitation projects like these outhouses.
SITE 11: Vergara Homestead
503 Uribe Avenue
The VERGARA HOMESTEAD located at the corner of Uribe Avenue and Laredo Street in San Ygnacio, Texas was built in 1877. The “Cornerstone” which is the center ceiling beam of the house is inscribed: “La paz de Dios Nuestro Senor sea en esta casa construida el dia 5 de Diciembre año de N.S. 1877 … LUCAS house constructed the fifth day of December year of Our Lord 1877 …LUCAS VERGARA******
In 1848 LUCAS VERGARA arrived in San Ygnacio from Old Guerrero. Lucas married SIMONA VILLARREAL. Simona was born in 1842 who was the fourth of ten children born to parents, Ma. Seledonia Gutierrez de Lara (1813) Jose Encarnacion Villarreal. They were married on August 5, 1835. As a young boy, Jose E. Villarreal and his cousin, Cosme Martinez, were kidnapped by Commanche Indians. After a year or so and being learned in astronomy Jose, together with his cousin, Cosme, escaped their captors and found their way back home. Jose E. Villarreal designed and built the famous Sundial at the Jesus Treviño Fort in 1851 in San Ygnacio’s Historic District.
The 27-inch thick walls provide insulation from the South Texas heat. Another highly crafted structure of this house is made of hewn sandstone, a material found only within 2 to 4 miles of the Rio Grande River. The hand-hewn, hand-pegged mesquite doors with hand-forged iron door latches are 139 years old. Built on December 5, 1877, the Manitas & Manitos (Overhead Door Lintels) have been a distinctive architectural element seen over the beautifully crafted mesquite doors. The lintel and side-post of the door entrances were carefully preserved while the replaced mesquite doors took two years in the making by craftsmen Jim Sloan of Willis, Texas in 2012. In addition, a carved drawing of a flower was discovered during the restoration period. It is unknown what this piece of treasure symbolizes, however, the Vergara family will continue to preserve its mark. Mr. Sloan is credited with some of the woodwork on the George W. Bush Presidential Library at Southern Methodist University Campus in Dallas, TX. The unique iron work on the doors’ hinges were designed by Mario Philip Vergara of Port Neches, TX, who is a Great-Great Grandson of Jose Encarnacion Villarreal–Founder.
This historic structure was the original home of Higinio Maldonado and family. It is built out of wood and metal roofing supported by 4 large corner mesquite posts. The interior ceiling and paint remain untouched. Smoke discoloration above the door is from the original attached kitchen. Staples in the interior supports are left from original cloth room partitions.
In 2002, when the San Ygnacio water plant expanded, Dr. Avery moved the building across the street to his property. When Dr. Avery retired from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 2012, he moved to the property he had owned in San Ygnacio since 1983. Besides his medical/psychiatry career, he has made art (print and paper), since childhood in Pecos, Texas.
His art website: www.Docart.com
In 2021, Mr. Herrera renovated the building to become Dr. Avery’s Shack Gallery. It is an example of repurposed vernacular architecture.
SITE 19: Shack Art Gallery
SITE 18: The River Pierce Foundation’s Visitors Center Washington Ave.
Located at 610 Washington St. in San Ygnacio, offers a glimpse into daily life of the settlement of the Rio Grande, from indigenous pre-history, through San Ygnacio’s founding, and on into present day. Built in 1878, the modest stone ranch house was the home of Agapito and Gonzala Peña de Uribe until her death in the 1940’s. Permanent exhibits include whimsical craft projects inspired by the local folklore, historic photos/videos of San Ygnacio, and progress on the “Save America’s Treasures” restoration of the TreviñoUribe Rancho, a National Historic Landmark. The deep family ties to Guerrero Viejo (Revilla) and Nuevo Laredo are well documented in the photographs, letters, and esquelas (death announcements) which were thoughtfully preserved for future generations. Mrs. Peña de Uribe’s young nephew Guadalupe Martinez, who was trained to care for nearby Rancho La Union, grew up to become one of the region’s most generous benefactors.
SITE 11: Continuation: Vergara Homestead
In 2014, the banqueta (Stone sidewalk) surrounding the house was restored by Mr. Frank Briscoe, a Restoration Preservationist, of Sugar Land, TX. After 139 years all of the stones of the banqueta had to be unearthed and realigned to the seamless look of its original state. Mr. Briscoe also restored the Cornerstone of the house at the street intersection. At one time a jacal de leῆa (firewood hut) with dirt floors was used as the kitchen on the backside of the house. The Vergara family has been restoring the home the last few years to its authentic state an accented it with simplicity to reflect its original era. The Vergara family honors and maintains awareness and appreciation to their ancestors as they enjoy their gift from the past.
Lucas and Simona Villarreal-Vergara had four children:
Eulalia Vergara Pruneda Laredo, TX
Concepcion Vergara Bongiorno San Antonio, TX
Guadalupe Vergara Port Neches, TX
Manuel Vergara Chicago, IL
Guadalupe Vergara and Dolores Flores Vergara had two sons:
Philip & Olivia Vergara Port Neches, TX
Porfirio Vergara
Felipe Vergara and Elvira Arredondo Vergara had six children:
Hilda Vergara-Hernandez Houston, TX
Orlando Vergara Port Neches, TX
Richard & Angelica Vergara-Hernandez Nederland, TX
Mario Vergara Port Neches, TX
Janie V. Hodgin Richmond, TX
Roy Vergara Port Neches, TX
The annual Good Friday Easter Processions in San Ygnacio, Texas have attracted hundreds of people to commemorate the Stations of the Cross before Easter Sunday. The location of the Vergara Home has been used in the past as one of the Stations of the Cross for prayer and devotion. In this Roman Catholic tradition, a priest leads the faithful through meditations on the Stations of the Cross while a cross is carried throughout the procession.
Recently restored by granddaughter Maria Eva Uribe Ramirez, the two story home of Don Trinidad Uribe and his wife Francisca Garza de Uribe and their 12 children allows a glimpse into the lives of a large family in days gone by. Careful to preserve the antique beams, doors, jambs, and lintels, Maria Eva has gone about remodeling with great adherence to the details of the childhood home she shared with her parents Serafin Uribe and Emma Eva Izaguirre. The home which was built in 1870, features antique wooden double doors divided in halves to allow prevailing breezes into the structure. The old locks and hardware are still in use in the home.
SITE 12: Don Trinidad Uribe Home
Uribe St.
San Ygnacio’s Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary is located at the end of Washington Avenue and Trevino Street. The sanctuary is owned by Zapata County. The Sanctuary is home to many different birds in which 70 bird species have been observed by many of our community bird watchers. The sanctuary is opened year round for tourists during daylight hours and a small donation is requested for the upkeep of the premises.
San Ygnacio has been noted because of the rare sightings of the white-collared seedeater that is presently in danger of becoming extinct. The mild winters and extraordinary habitat cradles the survival of this animal and many other rare birds. This beautiful bird and butterfly sanctuary has been well kept, trimmed, and fixed by the County Commissioner of Precinct 2. Community members and tourists have had unforgettable experiences while visiting this site.
SITE 17: San Ygnacio Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary Treviño St.
SITE 16: ADUANA
The “Aduana” or U.S. Customs House is a historic structure which served as a customs house from 1800 to 1869. It has been dedicated in honor and recognition of two centuries of service by men and women of the U.S. Customs Service. This contribution and sacrifice, has played a significant role in the development of the United States of America and the protection of its citizens.
U.S. Bicentennial 1789-1989
The new owners of this historic building are Mr. and Mrs. Carlos M. Flores.
SITE 13:
In Remembrance of Adrian Martinez
ϯ
Don Manuel Maria Uribe Home
“Residence of Adrian Martinez” Uribe St.
The Don Manuel Maria Uribe Home, which is owned by Adrian Martinez is just across the way from the Proceso Martinez Home. Built in 1873 of native sandstone, the structure was at one time the home of Don Indalecio Uribe and was also once a store owned by Delfino Lozano, Sr. Since the 1970’s the building changed hands several times until it was purchase in 1982 by Adrian Martinez.
SITE 14:
The Proceso Martinez Home, which was built by Don Proceso Martinez in 1873, incorporated a store on the southwest corner built by Don Fernando Uribe in 1869. The home is owned by Adrian Martinez and Acela M. Martinez who in 1978 undertook a major remodeling of the sandstone building. The old wooden doors, which also served as windows, are intact as is the hardware on those doors.
A stone paved patio, a water well, an outdoor oven, and a fountain grace the back yard of the old home, as well as murals of members of the Martinez family.
Proceso Martinez Home “Martinez Family Museum” Uribe ST.
SITE 15: Treviño – Uribe Rancho
Uribe St.
“Best Historic Restoration 2014”
Awarded
by
PRESERVATION TEXAS
Among the most interesting structures in San Ygnacio is the National Historic Landmark known as the Treviño-Uribe Rancho, founded in 1830. One of forty-five National Historic Landmarks recognized in the State of Texas, three of which are on the Texas-Mexico Border, this one is owned and maintained by the River Pierce Foundation of San Ygnacio, a non-profit organization dedicated to historical, cultural, and environmental preservation.
Like the neighboring structures, it was built to protect and to endure; early settlers found shelter from Indian raids in the Fort. Details in this complex clearly define the architectural style of that time: a sundial, massive cypress and mesquite beams, some inscribed with dates. Today San Ygnacio represents the last collection of Mexican ranch vernacular architecture on the Lower Rio Grande and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The Fort was documented in the Historic American Building Survey of 1936, and architectural renderings can be found in the “Library of Congress”.
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