1978 - Historic Preservationists Did Their Darndest

Bronsbil Estacion takes a look at the past to rediscover an era when revitalization and preservation of historic structures was in peril and the destructive nature of incompetent city officials or poorly managed city buildings entities allowed the debilitation and destruction of many of this city's historically significant structures.

As many of our locals know, our crusading friend at Rrun RRun, Juan Montoya used to write for the Brownsville Herald.  Here's story he did back in 1978.  

 

November 13, 1927 - E Adams and 13th St

It looked a lot worse before.  At least the owner painted and boarded it up but this is a clear example of how building facades were ruined to give them a modern plain square look.

1927

1927 Padre Island Hwy near Four Corners (Boca Chica Blvd and International Blvd.)

J.J. Young building on E Elizabeth and 13th St.

Today it is another typical downtown eyesore that was once a dignified building

1960

1980

1984 1024

Mr Lackner risked political future by trying to light a fire under the asses of city officials to finally get on the right track but didnt make a dent due to the historical cronyism and corruption and apathy that is still prevalent in Brownsville, Texas.  We're glad to report that Mr Lackner fared well in spite of Brownsville's retarded pace for historical preservation and when we last heard, was set to retire this fall of 2018.    Historically speaking, it actually only takes a few to accomplish what the majority or reality owners downtown are unwilling to do.  Many new businesses have appeared around the Market Square area.

1985

Back then our city officials also deemed the Missouri Pacific Railroad an eyesore.  People today can still lament the loss of this structure because we have historic photos to prove it once existed.  

The historical community will always recall Ruby Wooldridge for her efforts to save our historical resources and her collaboration with preservationists to survey historic sites.  Much of her published work continues to serve historians and preservationists today.  Her best known work is the Brownsville, A Pictorial History book she co-authored with Bob Vezzetti.

In 1989 the owner wanted to tear this building down and put a new one.  This is the old Yturria bank building near E Elizabeth and 13th Sts.  If you ever had a historic tour downtown,  Dr Tony Knopp likes to begin tours by pointing out that the history of downtown buildings can be viewed from the second floor and up.  

1890  Kowalski home on E Elizabeth and 13th St.  Many of these photos were gathered on a whim.  What is set here is a pictorial look at this home on E Elizabeth.  Many homes on the westside have been saved by restorers recently

1972 Kowalski home on E Elizabeth and 4th as it stood since being partially damaged by the 1933 hurricane.  The previous owner could not afford to fix it so decades passed before new owners brought it back to life.

2003 Brownsville Herald regarding preservation of  Kowalski house on E Elizabeth and 4rd Sts.

2018 4 July parade photo

Additional research material below provided by Jose Cazares