Gone But Not Forgotten in San Antonio! - Part II (Austin: automobile, location)

[Nix54]

Bud B, when Augustus Koch made the map of San Antonio, did Koch walk block by block to draw the houses, buildings & surroundings? Any idea how long a map would take to draw?

[BudB]

Originally Posted by Nix54

Bud B, when Augustus Koch made the map of San Antonio, did Koch walk block by block to draw the houses, buildings & surroundings? Any idea how long a map would take to draw?

Unfortunately the quoted description I offered before makes no detailed mention of how Koch created his birds eye maps. One line gives the only real clue to how he did it; "An engineering map of Denton from 1882 that shows the positions of the streets and buildings of the town, corroborates Koch's vision and was no doubt used as a source for bird's eye map." Apparently he studied whatever traditional maps, like those from Sanborn, that were available of the town then somehow envisioned it all from a certain height to create his special views. It is hard for us to understand the techniques used well over 100 years ago before computers, cameras, etc. when people were highly trained in time consuming technical skills that, while comparatively primitive, boggle the mind today but were ordinary back then. Detailed map making and engineering drawing were commonplace by mid 19th century and Mr. Koch learned how to combine them into high angle, full perspective renderings that now mystify us. It's a lost art for sure but Google maps/fotos from satellites would blow Koch's mind so enjoy what he made for what they are. But also remember they were paid for by the bankers, shop keepers, and realtors, etc. who paid him to include their properties. His maps are fascinating but not always accurate in terms of constant scale or even true shape as mentioned in the quote I posted earlier.

[TexasMan77]

Hello everyone! Great stumbling upon a thread like this, lots of memories.
My family and I have lived here since the late 70's when SA was still a "small" city.
My wife, kids and I moved back last month after living 5 years in Florida (Navy) and can't believe how much has changed, and how much is gone.
LOTS of new overpasses, road construction, etc.
The old central park mall area was the biggest surprise, it still had a fence around it back in '05.
Anyone else remember the old FOX 10 movie theatre at rector & blanco?

[TexasMan77]

Old San Antonio Auto Dealerships

Broadway Dodge (Just recently demolished, after being closed nearly 20 years)
Mike Persia Chevrolet
Smith Chevrolet
Torrado Chrylser-Plymouth
Main Lincoln-Mercury
Cavender Oldsmobile

Anyone have anymore?

[gy2020]

Yantis Ford, 1920's

[outafocus]

OR Mitchell Dodge at 1130 Broadway, and OR Mitchell Chrysler Plymouth just down Broadway.

Gunn Olds
Burke Betts Olds

Weinrich Studebaker

Andy Anders Rambler Center
Al Komray AMC

[RGJ]

Nine Chrysler Imperials loaned by O.R. Mitchell to city council members for duration of Hemisfair 68 (That's Lila Cockrell in the very front and I think, but not sure, that's Mayor McAllister and O.R. Mitchell standing off to the side)

[outafocus]

Dreyer Toyota
Sterling McCall Toyota

Broughton Motors (Renault, Peugeot)

Calmbach Datsun/Renault
Bryson Datsun

Inter Continental Motors Volkswagen on Broadway (later Lone Star VW)
North Loop Volkswagen
Auto Haus Volkswagen

Southern Subaru

Orsinger Buick
Gene Spires Buick

Tindall Pontiac

Turbeville Mercury

Dumas Milner Chevrolet
Newt Godfree Cherolet

[TexasMan77]

A few more dealerships:
Spires-Douglas Buick
Preformance Nissan
Gillespie Ford 1925-2007

[outafocus]

Hemphill Ford (before Red McCombs partnership)

Auto Imports (MG, Fiat, Triumph)

Jack Rieger Chrysler Plymouth