in

San Antonio in the 1940s: What San Antonio looked like During World War II

San Antonio’s population boomed during the 1940s, from 253,854 in 1940 to 408,442 in 1950. The city’s transportation system was transformed with the completion of much of Interstate Highway 35 by the late 1950s.

In 1941, San Antonio purchased 1,200 acres north of the city limits for an airport. What initially opened as a military training facility later became San Antonio International Airport. That same year, oilman and philanthropist Thomas Slick, Jr. founded the Foundation of Applied Research.

San Antonio’s role as a vital military hub to the nation was further emphasized during World War II. The airports’ Kelly, Brooks, Randolph, and Lackland, which had opened in 1930, provided critical personnel training and brought young recruits from throughout the country. San Antonio became a home for many veterans after they returned from service. After the United States Air Force separated from the army following World War II, Kelly Air Force Base, Brooks Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base, and Lackland Air Force Base (referred to as “Gateway to the Air Force”) contributed materially to the economic development of Alamo City, and this would continue for decades to come. Brooke Army Medical Center became a primary center for surgical research, medical field service instruction, long-term recovery care, and other military operations.

#1 Amphibious jeep entering San Antonio River between St. Mary’s and Navarro Streets, 1943

#2 Exterior of Justice of the Peace John Geraghty’s residence, 1941. South and east elevations of the building, northwest corner of W. Houston and Camaron Streets.

#4 Los Apaches Cafe, 712 W. Commerce Street, San Antonio, 1940s

#5 Carolyn Schulz of the Witte Museum wears a hat from 1890 from the museum’s collection, 1946.

#6 War Heroes Day parade on Houston St., San Antonio, 1942

#8 Crowd at San Fernando Cathedral during installation of Archbishop Lucey, 1941

#10 Roller coaster construction in San Antonio, Texas, 1947

Roller coaster construction in San Antonio, Texas, 1947

East elevation of the house facing San Pedro Creek. Cannas and other plants growing in front yard. Retaining wall beside San Pedro Creek in foreground.

#11 1943 parade of junk cars on Houston Street, 1943

1943 parade of junk cars on Houston Street, 1943

Looking east on Houston Street at the jalopy parade with 'blockbuster' replica on truck behind jalopies.

#12 Battle of Flowers Parade at intersection of Houston and St. Mary’s Streets, 1940

Battle of Flowers Parade at intersection of Houston and St. Mary's Streets, 1940

The front (northwest elevation) and side of the the small limestone house that was saved for use as part of the Goliad Food Plaza during HemisFair'68. Two students, returning home from school, pose for the photographer in foreground.

#13 Armistice Day, San Antonio, Texas, 1946

Armistice Day, San Antonio, Texas, 1946

Photograph shows tanks--105mm Howitzer Motor Carriage M7 "Priest"--in 200 block of E. Houston Street during Armistice Day Parade. Looking east from balcony of Gunter Hotel.

#14 Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company Service Store 2, 423 Buena Vista Street, San Antonio, 1940s

#15 Armistice Day, San Antonio, 1946

Armistice Day, San Antonio, 1946

Photograph shows military airplane on parade float. Sign reads:''"AT-60 / 2 place low wing monoplane.'' Taken on N. Alamo Street before start of Armistice Day Parade.

#16 J and M Salvage Company, 409 Buena Vista Street, San Antonio, 1940s

#17 G. J. “Tano” Lucchese Real Estate Company, 714 W. Houston Street, San Antonio, 1940s

#19 Crown over Residence on North Flores Street, 1941

#20 A firemen trying to extinguish a fire at the Acme Furniture Company on East Commerce, 1947

#21 Crowd on Houston Street for practice blackout, 1941

#22 Snow in downtown San Antonio, 1949

Snow in downtown San Antonio, 1949

View looking west from Avenue B towards Pearl Brewery after snowfall of almost five inches.

#24 Former Westmoorland College building, part of University of San Antonio, 1942

#25 Storm damage in San Antonio, 1947

Storm damage in San Antonio, 1947

Storm damage: warehouse roof blown onto Southern Pacific railroad tracks. The Hays Street bridge is in the background.

#26 Rev. Elder Bonds at Lincoln Courts Park, San Antonio, 1948

#27 Jack W. Davis and model wooden train and station, 1947

#29 Exterior of Shrine of the Little Flower, San Antonio, 1942

#30 Marine volunteers posed beside train at Southern Pacific Depot, San Antonio, 1942

#33 Automobile parked in front of small residence, 1940

#34 Firemen, with hoses, fight fire at San Antonio Machine & Supply Company, 1949

#37 Trade Day Parade with Lone Star Beer float, 1941

Trade Day Parade with Lone Star Beer float, 1941

John Williams (Center), member of the Fiesta San Jacinto Association, riding ferris wheel at Beckmann-Gerety Carnival with two unidentified orphans from the Protestant Orphans Home. Orphans were taken through the carnival by members of the Fiesta San Jacinto Association.

#38 Exterior of Justice of Peace Court No. 6, 1941

Exterior of Justice of Peace Court No. 6, 1941

Exterior of Justice Court, Precinct 6, located in first floor of the Harlandale Apartments, San Antonio, Texas.

#39 Driveway behind San Saba Apartments, 401 San Saba Street, San Antonio, 1940s

#40 Armistice Day, San Antonio, Texas, 1946

Armistice Day, San Antonio, Texas, 1946

Participants in Armistice Day Parade. Veterans (left)'' Taken in 200 block E. Houston Street. Jack and Jill Store in background.

#41 Las Vegas Night Club at 326 East Market Street, 1940s

#42 Tow truck on E. Houston Street, San Antonio, Texas, 1946

Tow truck on E. Houston Street, San Antonio, Texas, 1946

Men with police tow truck prepare to remove vehicle from E. Houston Street, in front of the Gunter Hotel. Taken before beginning of Armistice Day Parade.

#43 Armistice Day, San Antonio, 1946

Armistice Day, San Antonio, 1946

Photograph shows a DUKW, an amphibious vehicle used during World War II. Sign reads: “United States Army Recruiting Service.'' Taken on N. Alamo Street before beginning of Armistice Day Parade. Maverick Square in background.

#45 Armistice Day, San Antonio, Texas, 1946

Armistice Day, San Antonio, Texas, 1946

Troops marching in 200 block of E. Houston Street during Armistice Day Parade. Looking east from balcony of Gunter Hotel.

#46 Armistice Day, San Antonio, 1946

Armistice Day, San Antonio, 1946

Veterans in Armistice Day Parade. Looking east in 200 block of E. Houston Street. McCrory's Store in background.

#47 Los Apaches Cafe, 712 W. Commerce Street, San Antonio, 1940s

#48 Construction of Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum, Dec. 22, 1948

Construction of Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum, Dec. 22, 1948

Views of coliseum as it nears completion. L-3565-K: outside of the coliseum ready for the installation of roof. $250,000 roof covering dome made of fireproof gypsum planks (15' x 10' long). The frame work is made of steel.

#49 Robert B. Green Hospital, closed for renovation, 1947

Robert B. Green Hospital, closed for renovation, 1947

Photograph shows Exterior of Robert B. Green Hospital with sheep grazing on the grounds. Taken at time hospital was closed except for a few patients and essential staff.

#50 Spectators watch tractor demonstration on Eisenhauer farm near San Antonio, 1949

Spectators watch tractor demonstration on Eisenhauer farm near San Antonio, 1949

Interested spectators watch soil conservation demonstration on Ed Eisenhauer farm / Thousands are expected to see the 170 pieces of earth moving machinery give the farm the 'new look' Thursday.

#52 Battle of Flowers Parade with San Antonio Vocational & Technical School float, 1941

#53 Scenes at Union Stock Yards, 1946

Scenes at Union Stock Yards, 1946

Photograph shows various scenes at San Antonio's Union Stock Yards. L-2094-E and L-2094-F show trucks arriving at the Union Stock Yards.

#54 Sledding in San Antonio? Kay Hornaday and Ray Conder ride a snow sled down an icy hill in Alamo Heights, 1946

#55 Scenes at Union Stock Yards, 1946

Scenes at Union Stock Yards, 1946

Photograph shows various scenes at San Antonio's Union Stock Yards. L-2094-E and L-2094-F show trucks arriving at the Union Stock Yards.

#58 Snow on the San Antonio River, San Antonio, 1949

Snow on the San Antonio River, San Antonio, 1949

Photograph shows woman walking San Antonio River after snowfall of almost 5 inches. Taken from Navarro St. bridge looking east towards Presa St. bridge.

#59 Snow on San Antonio River at Brackenridge Park, San Antonio, Texas, 1949

#60 Central Catholic High School’s scrap metal pile, 1942

#64 War Heroes Day parade, viewed from Majestic Theater, San Antonio, 1942

#66 Crowd at San Fernando Cathedral during installation of Archbishop Lucey, 1941

#68 Daniel Solis in firefighter training activity, 1948

#69 Robert Kingston and Mrs. Jerome Kuhl hang banner at headquarters for San Antonio Junior College, 1941

#70 Snow on building rooftops, San Antonio, 1949

Snow on building rooftops, San Antonio, 1949

Southwest from San Antonio Light Building during snowfall of almost five inches. Structures on Broadway at bottom of image.

#71 Mrs. Julian Ashheim looks over display of puzzles, 1946

#72 Children selling ”permits” at sidewalk stand, 1942

Children selling ''permits'' at sidewalk stand, 1942

View looking west with San Antonio Independent School District Administrative Offices (left) fronting on Lavaca Street in neighborhood later called the Lavaca Historic District.

#73 Crowds watching the 1940 Battle of Flowers Parade, 1940

#75 Men on Hays Street bridge holding hands over ears, 1942

#76 Crowds watch a wrecker pull a car from flooded San Pedro underpass, 1948

#77 Floodwaters in San Pedro Avenue Underpass, San Antonio, 1948

#79 Parade of junk cars on Jefferson Street, 1943. Looking north on Jefferson Street, from Broadway, toward jalopy parade.

#80 Mrs. George Thomas, postmistress at Bigfoot, Texas, 1941

#81 City workmen from the city street-cleaning department, 1940

City workmen from the city street-cleaning department, 1940

City workmen in the street-cleaning department: Manuel de Nuevo, Domingo Lopez and Robert Ramirez wearing new standard uniforms and badges, pose behind push-carts that were recently remounted and painted silver.

#83 Mrs. A.L. Muse boarding ‘shoppers special’ bus, 1948

Mrs. A.L. Muse boarding 'shoppers special' bus, 1948

Mrs. A.L. Muse boarding the ''Shoppers' Special. ''She is one of the first San Antonians to take advantage of the new shuttle operating for the first time over route from Commerce, Soledad and Houston Streets and Alamo Plaza. In an effort to ease flow of traffic, parking cars has been banned on these portions of Commerce and Houston Streets.'

#84 Exterior of Precinct No. 8 Court at 3105 McCullough Avenue, 1941

Exterior of Precinct No. 8 Court at 3105 McCullough Avenue, 1941

A former drive-in stand provides quarters for the Court of J.W. Saye of Precinct No. 8 at 3105 McCullough avenue.''

#85 Exterior of Converse Hall, 1941. The exterior of Converse Hall with Royal Crown cola sign and 7-Up sign.

#86 Battle of Flowers Parade – man on roof of Alamo, 1941

Battle of Flowers Parade - man on roof of Alamo, 1941

It's not cactus but a spectator atop Alamo. It took two policemen to oust him from perch.'

#87 Battle of Flowers Parade with Jefferson Lassos passing before the Alamo,1941

#88 Battle of Flowers crowd in the windows of the Calcasieu Building, 1941

#89 Charles Merritt on bicycle, pulling trailer holding Mary Catherine Grimes and Doris Burnham, 1942

#90 Exterior of Reptile House at San Antonio Zoo, San Antonio, 1942

#92 Cattle and poultry houses, 1943. L-3069-G shows close up of cattle around poultry houses.

#93 Exterior of recently completed greenhouse at Brackenridge Park, 1941

#94 1941 Trades Day Parade with Magnolia Petroleum Company float, 1941

#96 Empty poultry houses, 1943

Empty poultry houses, 1943

Large Gonzales [County] poultry ranches like the one above is being closed down for duration [of World War II] / Raisers blame all their troubles on the OPA (Office of Price Administration)

#98 Hillje sisters with their horses, 1940

Hillje sisters with their horses, 1940

Equestrians of no mean ability are these two charming girls, Miss Jane Ellen Hillje, snapped riding her mount, Brown Lady, and Miss Charlene Hillje, driving the gig which is drawn by her horse, Jackie Black. The Misses Hillje are the daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Louis A. Hillje, and can be seen during the week riding their mounts in the horse-show ring at their lovely suburban home on the North New Braunfels Road...The girls have taken many blue ribbons in numerous horse-shows.

#99 Mrs. C.L. Witherspoon, Jr. shopping in grocery store, 1943

#100 Frank Horadam putting top on reconditioned surrey, 1942

Frank Horadam putting top on reconditioned surrey, 1942

Photograph shows looking southeast from Olmos Dam construction site towards limestone cliff. Roof of W.G. Cocke residence on far right.

#101 Amphibious jeeps in the San Antonio River north of Houston Street bridge, 1943

#102 Mule-pulled wagon in front of poultry house, 1943

#103 Mrs. J.H. Tinker and Mrs. W.J. Jones posed at Alamo in San Antonio, 1948

#104 Exterior of the George Brackenridge residence, 1947

Exterior of the George Brackenridge residence, 1947

Exterior of the George Brackenridge residence on the campus of Incarnate Word College.

#105 Daisy Mathews donates to scrap aluminum drive, 1941

Daisy Mathews donates to scrap aluminum drive, 1941

Miss Daisy Mathews...does her bit in S.A. aluminum campaign / Huge receptacle has been placed on auditorium plaza for contributions to U.S. defense

#107 Ira Malone in horse-drawn buggy, 1942

Ira Malone in horse-drawn buggy, 1942

Ira Malone, freight solicitor for the Brown Express Company, got him a horse--after nine years of soliciting business in his car. Soon Malone, his 35-year-old buggy and his faithful bay, Pat, will be familiar figures on San Antonio streets. 'I'll save rubber and gas for the more important business of slapping the Japs,' Malone explained.''

#109 One-story frame house, 415 N. San Saba Street, San Antonio, 1945

One-story frame house, 415 N. San Saba Street, San Antonio, 1945

Photograph shows south and east (front) elevation of the house with banana trees growing beside front porch.

#113 Jean Knickerbocker on sailboat at Woodlawn Lake, 1941

Jean Knickerbocker on sailboat at Woodlawn Lake, 1941

Miss Jean Knickerbocker, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Knickerbocker, likes nothing better than to skim about in a sailboat on Woodlawn Lake.

#114 Elmendore Lake, possibly before being completely filled, 1948

#115 J.C.M. Bills weaving a suit of clothes for himself, 1940

J.C.M. Bills weaving a suit of clothes for himself, 1940

Photograph shows spinning wheel J.C.M. Bills weaving a suit of clothes for himself. A weaving instructor at the Witte Museum, Bills clipped, washed, dyed, carded and spub the mohair of his prize goat which he used to make a suit.

#116 Eddie Kazak drinks from water wagon during baseball practice, 1943

Eddie Kazak drinks from water wagon during baseball practice, 1943

A water wagon serves the Brooks players as they practice near ''little Siberia'' in a far corner of the field. Eddie Kazak, 1942 Houston outfielder, slakes his thirst.

#117 Bob Lieckert fields pop fouls, 1943

Bob Lieckert fields pop fouls, 1943

With the Army Baseball league about to open, Sgt. Bob Lieckert, first-string catcher for the Brooks field team, gets some practice capturing pop fouls...

#118 Exterior of the George Brackenridge residence, 1947

Exterior of the George Brackenridge residence, 1947

Exterior of the George Brackenridge residence on the campus of Incarnate Word College.

#119 Construction of Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum, 1948

Construction of Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum, 1948

Panoramic view of the Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum taken by Mel Koenning. Building should be completed by February, 1949, when stock show is to be held.''

#120 Sally Farnsworth flying a kite, 1947

Sally Farnsworth flying a kite, 1947

March is kite season and Miss Sally Farnsworth chooses a breezy day to sail one high in the sky...Miss Farnsworth is the attractive daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Farnsworth and is a senior at Thomas Jefferson High school''

#121 Jefferson High School Lassos practicing twirling lassos in a gymnasium, 1947

Jefferson High School Lassos practicing twirling lassos in a gymnasium, 1947

Photograph shows members of the Jefferson High School Lassos practice twirling their lassos. Captains Joan Grant (left) and Elaine Strauch in foreground. The bands and drill teams of Brackenridge and Thomas Jefferson High Schools will share activities at the half-time show during the football game on Thanksgiving Day.

#122 Archbishop Robert E. Lucey in procession, 1941

Archbishop Robert E. Lucey in procession, 1941

Archbishop Robert E. Lucey in procession at the time of his installation as Archbishop of San Antonio.

#123 Men playing dominoes under an open air shed, 1947

#124 Mrs. Lester Lockhart poses with daughter behind fence, 1947

Mrs. Lester Lockhart poses with daughter behind fence, 1947

Mrs. Lester L. Lockhart and her daughter, Judith Ann, 1504 German street, have no fear of bombs. The fence surrounding their home is made entirely of World War II practice bomb shells. They are painted in silver.

#125 Rustic sign in field for Quin Park, 1942

Rustic sign in field for Quin Park, 1942

Quin Park renovated. Development starts on Los Angeles Heights Playgrounds Park, named for mayor, will get swings, see-saws and other children's equipment.

#126 Old St. Louis School building (left) and Moye Military Academy, 1941

#127 Librado Hinojosa with horse-drawn water cart, 1949

Librado Hinojosa with horse-drawn water cart, 1949

Librado Hinojosa looking at fire hydrant in Las Colonias area. Aguadores, water carriers of San Antonio, are near the end of long tradition. They were forced to haul water to the troops of Gen. Santa Anna. Now running water will force them to establish a new business. Hinojosa always charged 30 cents a barrel.

#128 Aftermath of automobile driving through small office, 1941

#129 Children riding in horse-drawn cart at San Antonio Zoo, San Antonio, 1942

Children riding in horse-drawn cart at San Antonio Zoo, San Antonio, 1942

Employ one of the 'bunion' carts and be pulled about the park in comfort. The carts were once used at the San Francisco World's Fair and have now been converted for zoo use. Mexican painted donkeys pull them about the zoo grounds

#132 Military police demonstrate ”blitz buggy” jeep in Salado Creek, 1941

#133 Man prepares to hang window screen on Quali-Cut residence, 1948

Man prepares to hang window screen on Quali-Cut residence, 1948

Photograph shows employee of Quali-Cut Company preparing to hang window screen on low-cost residence in 300 block of Olmos Loop Road.

#134 Houston looking east from St. Mary’s Street intersection during city blackout, 1941

#137 Cowgirl on horse roping a bystander on Main Street, 1948

#138 Firemen cleaning street after snow and ice storm, San Antonio, 1949

#139 Firemen cleaning street after snow and ice storm, San Antonio, 1949

#141 Vernon Poerner, posed with flat-bottom boat he helped build, 1942

Vernon Poerner, posed with flat-bottom boat he helped build, 1942

Here Vernon Poerner gives one of the flat-bottomed gondolas a dry land test. Some of the boats were to have gone into service Saturday night [July 18]. they will cruise the [San Antonio] river, seeking passengers much the same as in Venice. Youths will pole them along course of river

#143 Back of house at southwest corner of Columbus Street and Dinero Alley, San Antonio, 1982

Back of house at southwest corner of Columbus Street and Dinero Alley, San Antonio, 1982

Photograph shows the unpaved Dinero Alley (foreground); Columbus Street (far left, center); and back of the house at 311 Columbus Street. Santa Rosa Medical Center School of Nursing in background.

#146 One-story house with stucco walls, 315 Columbus Street, San Antonio, 1949

#147 Todd Insecticidal Fog Applicator used to spray DDT, 1946

#149 Icicles on City Water Board fountain on Market St., San Antonio, 1949

Icicles on City Water Board fountain on Market St., San Antonio, 1949

When the water board fountain freezes, it's cold! The icicles Saturday was almost equal to those of the big freeze of New Year's, 1947

#150 Cattle round-up on ranch in La Salle County, 1941

#151 Cattle round-up on ranch in La Salle County, 1941

#152 F-5 fighter airplanes at Kelly Air Force Base, 1948

#153 Cattle round-up on ranch in La Salle County, 1941

#155 Cattle round-up on ranch in La Salle County, 1941

#156 Mobile-Soft Serve Ice Cream Company, 415 East Market Street at Water Street (foreground), 1948

#157 New market sheds on Washington Square, 1949

New market sheds on Washington Square, 1949

Photograph shows view from S. Concho Street, looking northwest.

#158 Snow on building rooftops, San Antonio, 1949

Snow on building rooftops, San Antonio, 1949

View looking southwest from an upper floor of the Nix Building after snowfall of almost five inches. Alamo National Bank Building (upper L) and San Antonio River (C)

#159 Snow on Houston Street, San Antonio, 1949

Snow on Houston Street, San Antonio, 1949

View looking east towards from balcony of Gunter Hotel after snowfall. Majestic Theater on right.

#160 Governors Stevenson and Jester in inaugural parade, 1947

Governors Stevenson and Jester in inaugural parade, 1947

Governors Coke Stevenson and Beauford Jester lead parade / Inaugural parade delayed while police attempt to clear Congress Avenue

#161 Exterior of ”Sebastopol,” Col. Joshua Young’s house, Seguin, 1942

#162 Views of Alazan Courts under construction, 1940

Views of Alazan Courts under construction, 1940

View from Brazos Street, looking eastward, shows progress made of Federal low-rent housing porject / Three phases of construction, underground utilities, foundations, building erection under way.

#163 Former Westmoorland College building, part of University of San Antonio, 1942

#164 Views of the Jester and Shivers inauguration, 1947

Views of the Jester and Shivers inauguration, 1947

Various views of inaugural ceremonies for Governor Beauford Jester and Lieutenant Governor Allan Shivers.

#165 Photograph of furniture moved out of houses endanger of the fire at the Allen and Allen lumberyard, 1947

#166 Furniture moved out of houses endanger of the fire at the Allen and Allen lumberyard, 1947

#168 Woldert Peanut Company float in parade, Peanut Festival, 1949.

Woldert Peanut Company float in parade, Peanut Festival, 1949.

Spectators of the eighth annual peanut festival had all the peanuts they could eat after this youngster atop the sacks of peanuts finished tossing them to the throng

#171 Alamo Heights Methodist Church, exterior view, 1942

#172 Jack W. Davis and model wooden train and station, 1947

Jack W. Davis and model wooden train and station, 1947

Out of a few blocks of wood the skilled hand of Jack W. Davis, 1229 Alametos street, has recreated a typically early American scene...On display at his residence is a miniature set showing a passenger train of the 1882 types

#173 Rev. Elder Bonds at Lincoln Courts Park, San Antonio, 1948

#174 County seizes W.P.A. sewing machines from Beethoven Hall, 1942

County seizes W.P.A. sewing machines from Beethoven Hall, 1942

County orders sewing machines seized from Beethoven Hall Project [the Works Progress Administration's sewing project] / Here N. Schneider, right, and George Eckert, county employees, load the machines

#176 Views of Alazan Courts under construction, 1940

Views of Alazan Courts under construction, 1940

View from Brazos Street, looking eastward, shows progress made of Federal low-rent housing porject / Three phases of construction, underground utilities, foundations, building erection under way..

#177 Soldiers waiting outside of train, 1946

Soldiers waiting outside of train, 1946

Soldiers who have just finished basic training at Camp Chaffee, Ark. and who were on their way to military police training school at Fort Sam Houston. [but their train] halted near the Nogalitos street overpass as rail workers would not take it to army post.

#178 Insecticide spraying on Houston Street, 1946

Insecticide spraying on Houston Street, 1946

Looking east down Houston Street towards insecticidal fog applicator at intersection of St. Mary's Street.

#179 Insecticide spraying on Houston Street, 1946

Insecticide spraying on Houston Street, 1946

The portable DDT 'fog' machine proceeds slowly down Houston Street [near Texas theater] as crewman spread DDT throughout the business and theater districts Thursday as part of city's clean-up drive. Although the 'fog' is guaranteed by health department not to hurt anything but insects, many complaints about its annoying qualities were made.

#180 Horse-drawn fire pumper is donated to scrap metal drive, 1942

#181 Horse-drawn fire pumper is donated to scrap metal drive, 1942

Horse-drawn fire pumper is donated to scrap metal drive, 1942

Outmoded city fire pumper goes on scrap metal heap at auditorium. Donation was made in ceremony pictured above at Houston and St. Mary’s Street

#183 African American soldiers wait outside of train, 1946

#184 Train Engineer J.O.Sowell walks through SP Gate, 1946

#185 Henry Hein operating new mechanical street sweeper, 1940

#186 East entrance to Alamo Stadium during construction, 1940

East entrance to Alamo Stadium during construction, 1940

The East entrance to the seats. Concession stands, equipment rooms flank this gate. Harold A. Tolle, sponsors' superintendent; Architect C.C. Simmons and General Superintendent C.O. Forgy shown

#187 1940 Battle of Flowers Parade – Drum major turning cartwheel, 1940

#188 Truck-bed full of scrap metal for war effort, 1942

Truck-bed full of scrap metal for war effort, 1942

Employees of The Light thought they had collected all scrap metal in the plant in the initial survey, but a second survey this week revealed two loads like the one above.

#189 Family on flooded Flanders Street, 1946

Family on flooded Flanders Street, 1946

Homes in the 1400 block of Flanders Street have been almost shut off from the outside world by recent heavy rains. Above are shown residents of the neighborhood at edge of their new 'creek' which formed in front of the homes.

#190 Pickup truck with load of spinach crates for Battle of Flowers Parade, 1940

Pickup truck with load of spinach crates for Battle of Flowers Parade, 1940

Pickup truck loaded with spinach crates for spectators to use during Battle of Flowers Parade. Taken on Fifth St. with Y.W.C.A. Building in background.

#191 Main entrance to Alamo Stadium under construction, 1940

Main entrance to Alamo Stadium under construction, 1940

The West or main entrance, showing some of the ticket booths, with the press-box above. It will be glass-enclosed

#192 Battle of Flowers Parade – Student color guard, 1940

Battle of Flowers Parade - Student color guard, 1940

Students carrying flags on Commerce Street (north side of Main Plaza) during Battle of Flowers Parade.

#193 Crate vendors at 1940 Battle of Flowers Parade, 1940

#194 Battle of Flowers Parade – Gamma Chi sorority float, 1940

#195 Pilar Garcia on tightrope, 1947

Pilar Garcia on tightrope, 1947

Photograph shows Pilar Garcia practices on tightrope as the Carpa Garcia prepares for another season of performances in South Texas.

#196 Goodyear blimp at the new municipal airport, 1947

#197 Members of the Boots and Saddle Club on horseback, 1948

#199 Scrap metal pile at Leon Springs school, 1942

Scrap metal pile at Leon Springs school, 1942

This collection of metal is work of students at Leon Springs / Tractor parts, butter churns, diary equipment compose rural metal piles

#200 Scrap metal pile at Leon Springs school, 1942

Scrap metal pile at Leon Springs school, 1942

This collection of metal is work of students at Leon Springs / Tractor parts, butter churns, diary equipment compose rural metal piles

#201 Scrap metal pile in front of Alamo Heights High School, 1942

Scrap metal pile in front of Alamo Heights High School, 1942

Above is one of three piles of scrap collected by students at Alamo Heights school. Elementary, junior high, and high school divisions of the school have joined in the campaign. The pile above is the high school collection, estimated to contain approximately 50 tons of valuable war metal.

#202 Miss Pat Holden mowing lawn, 1946

Miss Pat Holden mowing lawn, 1946

Miss Pat Holden gets her exercise and suntan these summer days with a bit of lawn-mowing. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Holden, she will attend Lindenwood college in Missouri this fall

#203 Red Cross motor corps members prepare to transport patient from plane to automobile, 1942

#205 1940 Battle of Flowers Parade – Parade participants on Houston Street, 1940

1940 Battle of Flowers Parade - Parade participants on Houston Street, 1940

Looking east on Houston Street from Majestic Theater towards Battle of Flowers Parade.

#206 Fire at Alamo Downs Race Track, 1947

Fire at Alamo Downs Race Track, 1947

Fire at Alamo Downs Race Track destroyed grandstands, paddock and surplus war material. Damage estimated at {dollar}310,000. Alamo Downs was the scene of horse racing 1934-1937, when the legislature made pari-mutuel wagering illegal.

#207 Battle of Flowers Parade – Parade participants on Houston Street, 1940

#208 Demolition of north addition of Menger Hotel, 1949.

#210 Battle of Flowers Parade – Parade participants on Houston Street, 1940

#211 Demolition of north addition of Menger Hotel, 1949

#213 Demolition of north addition of Menger Hotel. June 21, 1949.

#215 National Defense Week military parade, 1940

National Defense Week military parade, 1940

City workmen in the street-cleaning department: Manuel de Nuevo, Domingo Lopez and Robert Ramirez wearing new standard uniforms and badges, pose behind push-carts that were recently remounted and painted silver.

#216 City workmen from the city street-cleaning department, 1940

#217 Nancy Mireles and son Joel, with sign in corn field, 1948

#219 Japanese submarine on display at Alamo Plaza, 1943

Japanese submarine on display at Alamo Plaza, 1943

Surrounded by curious, underseas craft captured at Pearl Harbor on display on Alamo Plaza. Submarine tours the nation selling millions in war bonds to help avenge the crime for which it was constructed

#220 Spectators on Houston Street – 1940 Battle of Flowers Parade, 1940

#222 Nancy Mireles and son Joel, with sign in corn field, 1948

Nancy Mireles and son Joel, with sign in corn field, 1948

Joel (L) and Nancy Mireles standing by a sign on their farm on Anderson Road near San Antonio, Tex. Thieves had been stealing corn by bushels from Manuel Mireles' small farm. He had no choice than to put the sign: Keep out - or be shot

#223 Drawing room at Quinta Urrutia, 1940

Drawing room at Quinta Urrutia, 1940

Seating area in corner of drawing room in Quinta Urrutia, the residence of Dr. Aureliano Urrutia, located on Broadway.

#224 M.B. Goodwin and L.E. Cox with scrap metal guns, 1947

#225 Joe Sweeney donates rugs for servicemen’s footgear, 1942

#226 Women’s Motor Corp members firing pistols, 1941

Women's Motor Corp members firing pistols, 1941

Open your mouth and squeeze it like a lemon,' said the pistol instructor for the Women's Motor Corps, and Capt. Vera Searcy and Miss Rachel Brauer obey the command. Recruits are needed

#227 Commanding Officer’s Residence, U.S. Arsenal, San Antonio, 1948

#228 Battle of Flowers Parade – Crowd on Houston Street, 1940

#230 Beds in ward at San Antonio State Hospital, 1949

#231 Goodyear blimp at the new municipal airport, 1947

Goodyear blimp at the new municipal airport, 1947

Photograph shows blimp on the ground at the new municipal airport. The blimp was used in naval service in World War II and is on a tour of 14 states in the interest of lighter than air craft construction.

#232 Good Samaritan Hospital, San Antonio, 1948

Good Samaritan Hospital, San Antonio, 1948

Opening of Good Samaritan Hospital in the converted Corinth Baptist Church building, 1602 Dakota St., giving San Antonio's 30,000 Negro population its own house of mercy ''

#233 Produce dealers on Washington Square, San Antonio, 1948

#235 Downtown San Antonio looking north from Smith-Young Tower, 1944

Downtown San Antonio looking north from Smith-Young Tower, 1944

Looking north from observation deck of the Smith-Young Tower. Taken after a one-inch snow. Alamo National Bank (far left) and N. St. Mary's Street (center, left).

#237 Wally West in western clothing carrying sign, riding donkey, 1948

Wally West in western clothing carrying sign, riding donkey, 1948

Wally West on a donkey, carrying a political banner at corner of N. Flores and W. Houston Streets. Riding a rented donkey, 40-year-old West formed a one-man parade on Houston St., carrying a banner reading ''Draft Gen. 'Ike' Eisenhower for President.'' He was escorted through traffic by two officers

#238 Haymarket Plaza, San Antonio, 1947. View looking west from market building towards Haymarket Plaza.

#239 Hillje sisters with their horses, 1940

Hillje sisters with their horses, 1940

Equestrians of no mean ability are these two charming girls, Miss Jane Ellen Hillje, snapped riding her mount, Brown Lady, and Miss Charlene Hillje, driving the gig which is drawn by her horse, Jackie Black. The Misses Hillje are the daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Louis A. Hillje, and can be seen during the week riding their mounts in the horse-show ring at their lovely suburban home on the North New Braunfels Road.

#243 Flag at half-mast in Fort Sam Houston quadrangle, San Antonio, 1948

#244 E.F. Fielder and A.L. Downs installing light on utility pole, 1947

E.F. Fielder and A.L. Downs installing light on utility pole, 1947

Close shot of two men, wearing work clothes, boots and tool belts, installing street light on electrical utility pole.

#245 Margaret ”Monnie” Barclay, Fiesta Queen, 1940

#246 Reuben Naranjo, catcher for the Randolph Field baseball team, 1941

Reuben Naranjo, catcher for the Randolph Field baseball team, 1941

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#247 Isadore Garibay with 500-pound sacks of chili pods, 1940

Isadore Garibay with 500-pound sacks of chili pods, 1940

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#248 1941 Battle of Flowers Parade float Judgement of Paris at Olympus, 1941

1941 Battle of Flowers Parade float Judgement of Paris at Olympus, 1941

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#249 Views of procession for installation of Archbishop Lucey, 1941

Views of procession for installation of Archbishop Lucey, 1941

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#250 Relocation of San Pedro Creek for new highway construction, 1949

Relocation of San Pedro Creek for new highway construction, 1949

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#251 Looking southeast towards 1100 block of East Commerce Street just after arrival of King, 1940

Looking southeast towards 1100 block of East Commerce Street just after arrival of King, 1940

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#252 Man examines tornado damage to farm building, 1942

Man examines tornado damage to farm building, 1942

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#253 Battle of Flowers Jefferson High School float, 1941

Battle of Flowers Jefferson High School float, 1941

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#254 Lyndon B. and Lady Bird Johnson on steps of airplane, 1941

Lyndon B. and Lady Bird Johnson on steps of airplane, 1941

Lady Bird Johnson and U.S. Congressman Lyndon B. Johnson getting off Braniff Airways plane at the end of his campaign for a U.S. Senate seat.

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

#255 Jose V. Martinez house, 620 W. Salinas Street, San Antonio, 1948

Jose V. Martinez house, 620 W. Salinas Street, San Antonio, 1948

-1 Points
Upvote Downvote

Written by Aung Budhh

Husband + Father + librarian + Poet + Traveler + Proud Buddhist. I love you with the breath, the smiles and the tears of all my life.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

4 Comments