Friday, March 9, 2007

Laredo History

One way to grow to love a place is to learn about its past. While you could spend time researching Laredo at the library, another option is to visit the well-organized website of the Webb County Heritage Foundation (WCHF) which contains a treasure trove of historical photos and information. The WCHF also maintains the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum and provides trolley tours of historical places in downtown Laredo. And, don’t forget to talk to the native Laredoans around you; many are happy to share their stories.

Some excerpts from the Laredo Legacies portion of the WCHF website:

“Laredo was founded on May 15, 1755, when Captain Tomás Sánchez, with three families, was granted permission to settle 15 leagues of land near an Indian ford on the Río Grande.”

“During the Civil War, Laredo was a transfer point on the Confederate cotton route to Mexico. On March 18, 1864, Major Alfred Holt led a union army of about 200 men from Brownsville to destroy 5,000 bales of cotton stacked at San Agustín Plaza. Colonel Santos Benavides rose from his sick bed and, with 42 men, repelled three union charges at Zacate Creek. This became known as the Battle of Laredo.”

“Onion Agriculture was practiced on a large scale in 1898 by Thomas C. Nye on irrigated acreage north of the city. The 1917 Souvenir Album of Laredo boasted, "The Laredo area is foremost in the world in the production of Bermuda onions."

“As late as 1922, water was delivered by barrileros (water vendors) to parts of the city.”

Thursday, March 8, 2007

Family Fun at the Laredo Public Library

The Laredo Public Library presents Spring Break family fun!

Stories, Arts and Crafts

Children and their families are invited to participate in these FREE activities from March 12 Thru March 16, 2007.

Mon. March 12 10:30 to 11:30 Story & Crafts (Decorate Door Hanger)
2:30 to 3:30 Arts and Crafts (Pasta Act.)

Tues. March 13 10:30 to 11:30 Storytime - Spring Activity
4:00 to 5:00 After School Art

Wed. March 14 10:30 to 11:30 Stories and Crafts (Watercolors)
2:30 to 3:30 Arts and Crafts (Beads Act. & Popcorn)

Thurs. March 15 10:30 to 11:30 Storytime Spring Activity 2:30 to 3:30 Arts and Crafts
(Jewelry Box & Cotton Candy)

Fri. March 16 10:30 to 11:30 Storytime and Craft (St. Patrick’s Hat)
4:00 to 5:00 Hora del Cuento Storytime and Craft

COME JOIN THE FUN!!

For more information, call Irma Gonzalez at the Laredo Public Library (795-2400 Ext. 2247). Limited Space!!!

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Friday Happening at the Laredo Center for the Arts

The Laredo Center for the Arts invites the community to Laredo's very own Friday Happening on March 9, 6 to 8 p.m.

The evening will feature an Artist Reception/Gallery Talk and VOZ Open Mic.

The Goodman Gallery presents Still Green, a series of charcoal drawings and mezzotint prints by Lari Gibbons. Artwork by students from United High School will exhibit in the Community Gallery. In the Laredo Art League Gallery, the Art Spirits will present their 8th Annual Watercolor Exhibition. The Lilia G. Martinez Gallery presents "Elements from the Front Range Contemporary Quilters" a program of Exhibits USA, a national division of Mid-America Arts Alliance with The Texas Commission on the Arts andThe National Endowment for the Arts.

Free admission. Donations are accepted.

Monday, March 5, 2007

We Want Your Opinion!

What special interest groups would you like to see formed?

Suggestions are always welcome!

Contact Sarah Flack (753-7111) with your ideas.

Spanish Conversation Group

Looking for a free and easy way to practice and improve your Spanish language skills? Patricia Abud conducts Spanish conversation meetings at the Laredo Public Library on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 10 am. Feel free to contact her at 791-0749.

Community Events

Laredo Center for the Arts, Front Range Contemporary Quilters, "Art Quilt Show" through March 30th. Call 956-725-1715 for more information.

Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra "Symphonic Evolution" Sunday April 1st 4:00 pm at TAMIU

March Coffee

Cookie Muller of La Bota Realty will be our host at this month's coffee. We'll hear more about D.R. Horton Homes while enjoying treats in a beautiful D. R. Horton model home. Coffee is March 27, 10 am, RSVP to Linda Moore by March 23.

March Luncheon

Our March luncheon for members is at La Posada on the 21st at 11:30 am. It will be a full Mexican buffet with drink included. The cost is $15.00, and parking will be free. A Mariachi band from the Trevino Magnet School will provide entertainment. Child care is available. Reservations are required for both the luncheon and childcare. RSVP to Linda Moore for the luncheon and Viviana Bastida for the childcare.

New Issue of Border Welcome Now Available

Border Welcome is a monthly publication of Newcomers and Friends of Laredo. This newsletter features all the latest news and events of the club, as well as information about happenings in Laredo. To request a copy or for information about advertising, e-mail or call 956-753-8259.