1948 Fort Brown is Texas Southmost College

1990s

2019 0119 Jefferson Davis Stone Honored and Objected To

by Javier R. Garcia

Confederate "widow" at Washington Park

Here are a few photos I took today while passing by Washington Park where Civil War historians met to honor their history and heritage while another small group of activists came to protest the presence of the Jefferson Davis stone monument at Washington park in Brownsville, Texas.

These men can often be seen dressed as soldiers who fought during the Mexican-American War / War with Mexico  (a.k.a. Invasion of Mexico) at Palo Alto Battlefield National Park in their roles as living historians to instruct and educate visitors to the park.  Today, they were here to practice their right and freedom to honor the Confederate marker that has stirred some controversy in recent years ever since the movement to remove Confederate markers began after race-hate crimes increased across the country.

Fake news or not?  I borrowed this from KGBTv's report.  They could at least show a photo of the actual historic marker instead of a statue of Jefferson Davis to give the impression that is what stands at Washington Park.  

 Here is what the stone looked like after it was vandalized.  It has been a year since the media tried to stir up controversy in Brownsville, Texas but the sparks just dont seem to fly here like they have in the rest of the country which has ignited violence in some places.  

There doesn't seem to be any offensive language or inaccurate information with the exception that is calls Jefferson Davis a "martyr."

Fake activists too?  Activists with signs stood a few feet away from Confederate history enthusiasts while two police units were parked nearby.  The organizers are from Edinburgh and Austin which could easily lead anyone to believe not all these people live in Brownsville, Texas and only visit the park to protest the rock.  

The clock is ticking:  The question has turned to downtown commissioner Ben Neece who suggests  that both parties concerned about the fate of the rock must meet together to find a solution.  A town hall meeting was held over a year ago but that was a waste of time - I was there so feel free to ask me why I thought so if you were there also.

You can search this blog for more posts on the "Jefferson Davis" stone to see the li'l media attention it received.  Most people have cooled their heads over it but there are still others determined to see it removed so when we know its fate we'll be sure to post an update about that too.

"There is no such thing as good and bad history.  History is history."

UPDATE:  Reaction from two opponents to the Jefferson Davis stone on Facebook page after I pointed out that these non-locals probably only visit Washington Park to protest.

 Mr Colon admits that they are from McAllen.  If the others are from elsewhere, at least they are visiting Brownsville for it history and maybe they go out to have a bite to eat and well, that sounds like tourism to me.  What good do the protesters bring?  

 Why has nothing been done?!  I'll tell you why.  Opponents to stone have no sense of compromise or means to a solution other than removing stone completely.  Before they demanded it be put in a museum but I hope local museum directors understand that these Confederate markers were not meant to be placed in or outside of museums.  That would make the museum look foolish unless they included adequate interpretation to mark this time in our history when all of a sudden the rock became in instrument of racism (according to opponents, that is).  That's why.  Not only that, soon activists would return and protest the museum because there simply is no satisfying them

 I was also asked to mind my business.  History is my business and it's non-profit!  The hypocrisy.  First off, Confederate folks are just there doing their history thing.  Secondly, the activists are exercising their right to protest the rock.  That's their thing.  Thirdly, I was exercising my freedom to take photos in a public place and post these photos on this blog with no malice intended.  I took the high road.  Then these two come on a Facebook page I administrate to exercise their right to free speech by calling me a troll.  Very few people actually read this blog. 

Mr Colon misunderstood my comment

Trolls use a strategy of tag-teaming to harass Facebook pages when they are losing an argument.

To avoid confrontation I gave this person an opportunity to withdraw but she is actually the person who has been contacting media to complain about the rock.  It has become an obsession with her and  I am accused of being a troll and also of making this a personal issue.  It has become personal.  I love history -  "good and bad" but I repeat myself.....

 "Our Culture" on the border is a shared and combined culture.  There is no denying that but Ms Serrano sees it otherwise.

 Meanwhile the trolling tactics continued with Mr Colon inserting childish memes and Ms Serrano  arguing with Ms X and telling me what I should post on my page as if I would value her suggestion.  She isn't even supposed to see the page anymore after I blocked her but Facebook allows her to have access to page.  I cut all that out.  I was away from computer while the back and forth tirade was going on between Ms S and Ms X.    Note that Ms X alludes to being confronted by another group of protesters in Fakebook posts and comments on this blog.  I was at event for about ten minutes and did not see that.  

The only thing that Ms Serrano accomplished by inserting herself into the discussion was to alienate her friend, Ms. X.  She then contacted KVEO-23 to do another story like they did last year right before Charro Days and also gave them my personal phone number.  I did not bother to return their call.  Ms Serrano has become quite the publicity seeker.  Let's wish her luck.

Teaching them at an early age to use profanity and be intolerant of others practicing their freedom of speech, so they can grow up to be well-rounded citizens.  For any non-Spanish readers of this blog, the phrase "Hijos de la Chingada" (<-- click it) roughly translates to "Sons of Bitches" but the Urban Dictionary provides a  historical meaning.   Photo by Debbie Nathan.

Chica Peligrosa by Marco Almera














2nd UPDATE:  Comments by Ms X retrieved and shared here for the record:

BONUS UPDATE:  I'm getting pretty sick of hearing from individuals who seem to think because their families have lived in Brownsville, Texas for generations they can behave like cretins.  Word to the wise - I do not care what family you are from or who you know of how much money or influence you have:  If you make comments like these below, you forfeit any respect you were entitled to from me.

By this time I had had enough.  I do not have a problem with using the "Gringo" word since I've use it on page before but  I posted a map on FB someone sent to us and Mr Olvera had to ruin it.  His apology was worthless so I banned him from page.

Nothing embarrasses me more or pisses me off as much as feeling compelled to apologize for the behavior of others.  I think this individual was upset because I posted a political post (at bottom) and wanted to anger me.  He succeeded.  

Brownsville Station was created to provide historic resources to people who appreciate historic Brownsville, Texas.  I do not advertise for a fee - accept donations -  seek special treatment or ask for special favors from businesses I share posts for.  I do not do it for public adulation or political aspirations.  We are all equal on this page.  No one person who joins the page is more important than another.  If  people can not tolerate humor or political posts we share tough shit.

2018 Frank Yturria Condolences

What follows is a list of people expressing their condolences on our Facebook page following the announcement of Mr. Ytruria's passing.

Rancher/ conservationist Frank Yturria - 6/29/1923- 11/26/2018 R.i.P.

Omar Gracia Cuellar Jr. QEPD

Lita Palmer Besteiro What’s that mean, QEPD?

Norma B Valenzuela Lita Palmer Besteiro Que En Paz Descanse.

Fernando Hernandez Rest in peace frank Yturria

Timo Williams RIP

Sylvia Coronado My condolences to the family, R.I.P. Mr. Yturria.

Robert Jesse RIP

Nigel Lopez RIP.

Les Elkins Rest in peace, sir.

Ricardo Ayala RIP Mr Yturria.

Leticia Hernandez RIP Mr.Iturria

Louis Stephens A great man, RIP Mr. Yturria.

Iris Hinojosa May he RIP!!🙏🏻🙆‍♀️

Vicki Melton Rip Frank. You are fondly remembered.

Sylvia Paredes R.I.P Mr. Frank Yturria ! 🙏🏻

Jim Tipton What a fine gentleman. He will be greatly missed.

Lily Pena Thank you for your vision.

Mandy Saldivar Gamez RIP Mr. Yturria..🙏

J.j. Gonzalez RIP

Cindy Childress Ortiz Rest In Peace Mr. Yturria. 🙏🙏🙏

Alicia Gutierrez My most sincere condolences....may he Rest In Peace and for our God All Mighty give peace and strength to his family to overcome this great loss....

Abraham Sandoval i was able to meet him and his wife once. very kind people. didnt know he had passed.

Fernando San Miguel God Bless Mr Yturria may you rest in peace. Thank you for all you have done for the

Mary Garcia Rest in Peace

Pablo Marquez Rest in Peace

Roberto Ruiz We are very sorry to hear about Mr. Frank Yturria. I had the please to have known him and worked with him on several architectural projects, including his Chapel/ Mausoleum at his ranch and the restoration of the Cameron County Courthouse ( the Dancy Building) Our condolences to his family and Kathleen . Mr. Yturria is one of the last persons of his generation he was like no other, always a man of his word, represented Texas and the Valley like a true Texan. He will sadly be missed, may he Rest In Peace. God Bless!!Ronny Sexton Awesome man great life RIP prayers for family during this lose

Cindy Abrego Morales Condolences to the family and friends.. Prayers 🙏🏼

Lisa Garcia Rest In Peace, Mr. Yturria.

Ninfa Benavidez R.I.P. Prayers.

Pat Little My sincere condolences to his children, grandchildren and extended family. Prayers for Peace for all that loved him. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Diana Linares Rest in peace

Armando Pineda Our deepest condolences to the Yturria family.

Sylvia Gonzalez Our sincere condolences to the Yturria family

Elizabeth Dierlam Condolences to family

Cecily Runyon Wilson RIP

Kathy Hughston Wynn Awww sad to hear this. Prayers to all his family.

Rosemary Sloss Parra My sincerest condolences to the family. Gave so much to the community. Rest In heavenly peace🙏🏻

Charles Anderson What a loss - a great man and an awesome friend !!

Brad Elder Rip Sir

Elizardo Hernandez

🙏🏼

Teresa Y. Ochoa Dahlheimer Condolences to the family. A loss to the community as well

Manage

Andrea A. Ortiz My sincere condolences to the Yturria family. 🙏🏻

Glen Urban I am deeply saddened by the loss of a remarkable
and deeply respected gentleman. I purchased Cattle for him for 20 yrs. I would email photos. If he
wanted them, he would call and tell me to send them. I have never done business
with a more honorable man in my life! Condolences to his family, friends, employees especially Ms
Kathleen. RIP
We all love you !

Maria Perales May he rest in peace.

Monica Davila RIP MR. YTURRIA 🙏🏻

Bobby Lerma Farewell Frank

Bibi Villarreal My sincere condolences

Carlos Salazar Rest in peace.

Melva V. Lara RIP Mr Yturria.

Veronica Grimaldo So sorry

Sergio Paredes Condolences to the Yturria family from Sergio Paredes, son of Lorenzo Paredes.

El Gzo

🙏🙏🙏

Phyllis MacAllister Blakemore I’m so so sorry for this loss. ❤️

Vicente Garcia My Condolences to the family

Joe Goette I first met Frank and his dad on a round up in Laguna Vista. Frank was well respected it’s a sad loss for Texas

Graciela Espinoza Condolences to the family

Fausto Cuevas My deepest condolences to the Yturria Family.

Mark Higginbotham Condolences going out to the family and friends. He was a very respected man. May he RIP

Fayo Corey Hernandez R.I.P MrYturria we are going too miss you so much BOSS😭watch over us 😇 ✝️❤️🙏🏼😭

Janie Vidal My sincere condolences to theYturria family may he RIP

Bud Rowland Frank Uturria was a great friend, a hunting partner,a gentleman rancher.so many good memories so much history he shared with me over the years never to be forgotten. My sincere condolences to Mary and family.

[There's always ONE - this person had the indecency to express his qualms about honoring a man who's great-grandfather was a founding member of Brownsville, Texas..  His name was removed....]

“Social Justice Warrior” Hold up now, let’s not forget how he had his land in the first place

Brownsville Station I dont care if he smuggled cotton like Charles Stillman - you live in most historic city thanks to men like them

Brownsville Station if you want to look for injustices look in Kenedy or King ranch history for Mexicans killed by Rangers hired by ranchers but seriously, if you judge history like that you're a fool

“Social Justice Warrior”  Brownsville you realize his dad’s best compadre was Mr King right?
...[just a f.y.i. -- Charles Stillman's best friends were James Jewett and Fort Brown Quartermaster, William Chapman.  Charles named his first son James Jewett Stillman]

“Social Justice Warrior”  Brownsville and you’re a huge tool to believe the King’s “bought” their land. They took it over by force!!!!

“Social Justice Warrior”  Brownsville oh excuse me but where were the super Yturria family values then? 🧐

“Social Justice Warrior”  Brownsville and no we live in a historic city because of the braves souls who FOUGHT the soldiers FIGHTING for confederacy to reign over this great land between the pacific and Atlantic. Brew that and drink some pende!

“Social Justice Warrior”  Brownsville and P.S. ever since the late 2000s only racist republican Trump supporters still idolize confederate families. And you claim you’re the “Brownsville Station”? You mean you’re against immigrants by supporting historical slave-owning families that made it harder for Brownsville locals to get rich and achieve not just autonomy but financial freedom? Yeah that’s what you meant if you’re still sporting the Yturria brand like they didn’t participate in genocide.

Dorothy Hablinski “Social Justice Warrior” this is a very sad comment. You dint know my father and these hateful comments are just wrong

Brownsville Station “Social Justice Warrior” No where did I say that Kings acquired land by the most honest methods - I asked you to look into it. I do not support genocide or other sh*t that came out of your mouth. You are brainwashed and angry young man and cannot enjoy history unless you shit on it. If you wonder why there is huge gap between millennial thinking and mature adults then you will have to wait until you are old enough so start doing research and report the TRUTH and not shite you have spewed on this post. adios

Augustine Anduiza RIP

Sara Munoz RIP Mr. Yturria

William J Crum RIP

Charles Graff Frank was a good man, who handled his affairs and land well. The moment I heard he had passed, I knew the ghouls would show up with their historic greivences, real and fake. Let every man and woman be judged by their own character not what we think some ancestor may or may not have done. "As you give, so will you receive".

Phyllis Clipper Condolences to the Family.

Andrew Anderson Tim Anderson this the one you used to deliver too? Wonder who’s gonna get that big land grant now

Esther Jaimes May he RIP.

LeeAnn Greer He lived an amazing life and he will be missed.

Phyllis Bates RIP Mr. Yturria Condolences to the Family.

Sharon Snodgrass Solis I worked at Mary & Frank Yturria Elementary for 17 years. I was proud to serve at a school named after such a prominent family. The Yturrias were a generous family who cared about the people of their community. My deepest condolences to the Yturrias and their extended families.

Andy Carrizales Our condolences to all his family.

Luana Young Breeden Donnie and I send our condolences.

Jesse Vasquez

😔

Samuel W Brooks home Moved and Improved

Compiled by Jose Cazares and Javier R Garcia

On July 22, 1951- A 73-year old house, built of Louisiana cypress, that once housed refugees from a Mexican War, was moved.

Thanks to Reynaldo Alaniz for sharing this newsclippingss

It was moved to make way for a school to be erected by the Immaculate Conception Church. Complete with etched glass transoms and a cistern inside, the house was built on the corner of 13th and Jefferson streets in 1878, builder and owner was S. W. Brooks, construction engineer who also built the old Opera house in Brownsville and the Fort Brown hospital, now Texas Southmost College’s administration building. 

Five generations lived in the rugged old house, from Mr Brooks the house passed to Charles Falgout, his step son, and was known as the old Falgout House.

Mrs Falgout died in 1948, having lived most of her life in the house, she was there when a Mexican revolution before World War 1, drove refugees to Brownsville. The Falgouts offered their home as sanctuary for the homeless. She was there when bullets from a Fort Brown race riot whistled through the old house.

The house was moved to the corner of 13th and Jackson streets, where it’s new owner, Jose Garcia, remodeled it for his son, a doctor, to live in.

1948 Safety Sally as She Lived and Died in Brownsville, Texas

Compiled by Javier R. Garcia

The late 1930s demanded a solution to help protect children from speeding or inattentive motorists traveling through school zones.  In Orange County, California a philanthropic organization made up of young men of the “20-30 Club” came up with a plan to reduce deaths of children walking to school.  

A warning sign was needed that would grab the attention of passing motorists.  The signs were made of plywood brightly painted in the shape of a girl dressed in a school uniform and her name was “Safety Sally.

Sally was posted at school crossings and the practice was deemed so successful that it spread throughout parts of the United States and reached the Rio Grande Valley by 1940 when a local chapters of the 2-30 Club with support of the Texas State Highway Patrol sponsored a dance at the Country Club in Brownsville and other venues in the RGV to raise funds to purchase approximately 200 Safety Sally signs for use by our schools. 

It would seem Sally diligently stood at her post for several years without much incident until 1946 after the Brownsville Herald began reporting an increase of fatal accidents in which Safety Sally was the hapless victim.  Twenty signs had been ran over since the beginning of the school year which had begun the previous month.  Whether the damage was a result of careless drivers or vandals remains a mystery but more Safety Sally’s would be damaged and the 20-30 Club, Brownsville Herald, local police departments and members of the community banded together to help reduce the incidents.

So frequent were the incidents that something else had to be done.  Newspaper items seemed to have little effectiveness.  A public display of deceased or heavily damaged Safety Sally signs paraded downtown might have a greater impact on the public if a 10-car funeral procession decorated with “appeals for better traffic safety control” made its way through our downtown streets. 

Despite this counter measure to prevent further incidents, signs continued to be damaged and more fund raising was required to keep up with the need to replace the warning markers.   It is unknown if or how many children in the RGV were killed or injured during this period but that is beside the case.  Safety Sally was probably phased out or deemed ineffective with the creation of the volunteer crossing guard which would also be replaced by traffic light signals.

Our next post will take a look at the 1948 funeral procession with an attempt to recall the downtown-scape as it was on E Levee St and E Elizabeth Streets. 

 To read Rene Torres' story about the St Joseph's Patrol Boys (cLicK tHiS)