The Texas Tejano newsletter reports that a portrait of Adena De Zavala will be installed in the lobby of the Menger Hotel on June 11. That’s very appropriate; I wish I could be there to witness the event. The Menger is just across the alley from the Alamo chapel and barracks, where Sra De Zavala made her famous stand.
Adena De Zavala had deep roots in Texas. Her grandfather was the first Vice president of the Republic of Texas. She became concerned over the decaying state of San Antonio’s Spanish Missions, especially the Alamo. She sprang into action when a grocery company decided to raze the Long Barracks.
The witty and wealthy Clara Driscoll joined the fight and purchased the grocery company, thus helping to preserve Alamo Plaza and its buildings. But the war went on. Driscoll became convinced that the Long Barracks was constructed after the Alamo fight, and thought it should be torn down. De Zavala insisted, correctly, that the building was historic. She attracted national attention when she barricaded herself in the Long Barracks for several days.
Legal battles followed, and eventually Adena De Zavala was proved correct in most of her historical opinions about the Alamo.
Read more in the Handbook of Texas Online. And I’m grateful to the Texas Tejano newsletter for permission to use the portrait of Adena De Zavala.
When you’re visiting the Alamo chapel, don’t neglect to walk across the alley to the Menger, for a beer in the Teddy Roosevelt bar or the breakfast buffet in the dining room. And take in the history of San Antonio in the Menger's showcases and on its walls.
Dac Crossley
June 4, 2014
“The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense.” – Tom Clancy
Thanks for your blogs. Smart stuff and great history.
Posted by: Clark Lohr | June 09, 2014 at 06:15 PM
Good story. And congratulations on the release of Code of the Texas Ranger.
Posted by: J. R. Lindermuth | June 04, 2014 at 06:53 PM
One of these days I'm going to make a trip to Texas to see the things you've caught my interest with, including this. Thank you, once again!
Posted by: Marja McGraw | June 04, 2014 at 05:28 PM
Some day I've got to get to The Alamo. Bucket list, bucket list.
Posted by: Janice Pulliam | June 04, 2014 at 04:43 PM
Very interesting back alley of Alamo history. I love it that you go backstage and find the ins and outs of historical landscapes. As for the Menger, what a beautiful and historic hotel. One of my favorite in the world.
Posted by: Bill Stroud | June 04, 2014 at 10:59 AM