No matter - this morning we were off to the Institute of Texan Cultures, the Texan Pavilion that remains from the San Antonio World's Fair of 1968, located on the University of Texas at San Antonio's HemisFair Park Campus.
The HemisFair Tower. One can take an elevator to the top observation platform. We did not. In the foreground is the Flag Plaza which honors the many cultures of Texas, flying period flags from when these early cultures were introduced to Texas.
A small portion of the water gardens that are part of the courtyard that surrounds the Tower.
This lovely lady is Frances Schrader. Almost six feet tall, she reminded me ofJulia Child. She is a Volunteer and led us to the exhibit of the Wendish when we asked about the exhibit. You might remember that when we were in Schulenburg on Saturday we saw reference to the communities that had been settled by the Wends. I had never heard of this ethnic group.
An ancient Slavic people, the Wends (also called Sorbs or Lusatians) lived since Roman times in a sea of Germans along the Spree River near the modern cities of Bautzen and Kottbus in eastern Germany. A distinct minority, they stubbornly maintained their ethnic identity through language, culture, and religion. Most became Protestants during the Reformation, and the Wendish language was stabilized with translations of the catechisms and parts of the Bible.
Wends wedding customs in Texas reflected those of the Bautzen area, where traditionally ornate costumes had been largely abandoned by the 19th century. Rather, brides wore black -- a tight-fitting black dress to symbolize the end of a carefree childhood and the approaching hardships of married life.
During the wedding celebration, which lasted three days, someone always passed one of the bride's shoes around the crowd, collecting money so that she "could buy another shoe," and the money was given to her as a wedding gift.
Decorating Easter eggs with elaborate patterns and dyes is an ancient Slavic custom which was practiced by the Wends in Texas.
Another exhibit highlighted the Jewish experience in Texas. We were charmed by the "Shalom Y'all" greeting at the exhibit.
This being Texas, the cowboy is featured in the Museum. This map shows the major cattle trails from 1866 -1890.
A diagram of a cattle drive - only a real cattle drive could have thousands of head of cattle and extend over one mile, tended to by only 12 or 13 cowboys. The chuckwagon goes out in front. The cook would make $2/day; cowboys would make only $1/day. There was a lead steer and cowboys that rode point, swing or flank.
A Texas long-horn.
This is a Studebaker wagon rigged as a chuck wagon circa 1870. The Henry and Clement Studebaker blacksmith shop opened on February 16, 1852, in what is now South Bend, Indiana. By 1868 the Studebaker Manufacturing Company was formed and would eventually become the largest wagon manufacturer in the world.
This is Vivian (pronounced Viv -ien) De Soto of Hispanic descent. He knew everything about cowboying and told some interesting folktales as well.
This quilt is in the process of being sewn - I love the style.
On the way out of the Museum we stopped and talked to Frances. She was working on a Prayer Shawl using these beautiful knitting needles. The pattern she was knitting was an open, loose weave, perfect for the mild climate of Texas, she said.
After visiting the Institute of Texan Cultures, we drove the 12 miles, or so, to Lackland Air Force Base where my niece Fran and her husband Jonathan have just welcomed a new baby, Jamie. My brother Jack and his wife Cheryl are there from the Chicago area to help out where they can.
We arrived at Fran's home just before 5:30 pm, when a loudspeaker broadcasts the Star Spangled Banner over the whole base. Everything stops, traffic pulls over to the side of the road, and everyone stands at attention for the duration of the playing. Jack opened the front door, the better to hear the National Anthem, and showed his patriotism.
Two young boys across the street have stopped their play and are standing at attention with their hands over their hearts. Bravo!
We had a jolly dinner -celebrating Presidents day and Mardi Gras, and had the traditional February birthday cake for dessert. The stars of the dinner were the new parents, who are remarkably at ease, and, of course, Jamie, who fit right in, enjoying the festivities.
I got to get acquainted with my new Nephew and tell him all about life on the road. He fell asleep.
What an adorable baby! :-)
ReplyDeleteWho were all of those old people???
ReplyDeleteIt was very nice to see you. We were glad to get a chance to see you.
ReplyDelete