Page 136 - Picturesque_Alamo_City_1

building is as historic as the Alamo. It was the center of social life during the Mexican
rule, and has had beneath its hospitable roof all the famous men of the time. Santa
Anna was a frequent visitor here, with his officers and men. Beneath its low ceiling
and beside its large open hearth the noted Indian fighter and Texas patriot Bowie woed
and won the Governor's daughter and the wedding which followed was attended by the
gallant Dons and languishing Senoritas from all over the entire colony. It was here
that Ben Milam met his death while driving the Mexican troops out of the city.
The massive cedar doors which are still in use, were the work of a skilled Mexican
artist who carved them out by hand. They have swung on their hinges for over one
hundred years and are good for many more. This historical landmark will soon be
razed to widen Soledad street in accordance with the demands of modern traffic.
OBJECTS OF INTEREST: Soledad street from the junction of Houston to
where it joins San Pedro avenue is lined on both sides with some of the old residences
which were built in the early days of San Antonio. These houses were then considered
palatial homes and were occupied by the leading citizens of San Antonio. On San
Pedro Avenue are to be seen the magnificent Christian church on the right; on the left
is the long-used High School building and the new Electric Park. The latter is one of
the largest open air amusement places in the South, being equipped with all the latest
pleasure devices to be found at Coney Island or any other of the great pleasure resorts.
LAUREL HEIGHTS LOOP carries the visitor through the modern aristocratic
residence districts in the city. Less than five years ago this entire section was simply a
a thicket of mesquite clad hills. Its magnificence today is. one of the best testimonials
to the rapid growth of San Antonio. It will be noted that the mission, Spanish and
Moorish styles of architecture prevail, showing that the fascinating history of this old
town has left its impress indelibly upon the minds of the present generation. In the