Gone But Not Forgotten in San Antonio! - Part II (Alamo: lofts, square footage)

[Deep Forest]

Originally Posted by TrapperL

I all but lived in the area of the Electric Park and have never heard of it. From San Pedro Park south there would have been Andy Anders Rambler, Hemphill Ford and then S.I.DuBose Floors. The park would have been behind DuBose Floors. I've never even seen the buildings like in the pic. Amazing how things change.

OMG...I bought an AMC Gremlin from there back in the day...

[TrapperL]

I thought about the old Rambler dealersip while looking for Electric Park. Did you ever hear the area being referred to as "Electric Park"?

Never. I've never heard of anything by that name. And I frequented the area as early as the early 50's as a kid.
The old Sherman Electronics building I was told at one time was an Oldsmobile dealership. I actually remember getting that info at Turbiville Motors when my grand dad was buying a then new 1954 Mercury Monterrey. At one time, there was a car ramp on one end of the building which I always thought was odd and asked about it.
The Cafe at 5 Points was the 5 Points Cafe. I've eaten there so many times I knew the waitresses back in the day by first name and never had to place an order. I walked in, sat down, and they brought the "usual" lunch for that day and a glass of tea. Bought my first 22 rifle from one of the gals, a Remington bolt action target rifle with scope. Paid a whole 25 bucks for it. Ate lunch there 5 days a week for years.


Houston Street, 1910

[SATX56]

Originally Posted by TrapperL

Never. I've never heard of anything by that name. And I frequented the area as early as the early 50's as a kid.
The old Sherman Electronics building I was told at one time was an Oldsmobile dealership. I actually remember getting that info at Turbiville Motors when my grand dad was buying a then new 1954 Mercury Monterrey. At one time, there was a car ramp on one end of the building which I always thought was odd and asked about it.
The Cafe at 5 Points was the 5 Points Cafe. I've eaten there so many times I knew the waitresses back in the day by first name and never had to place an order. I walked in, sat down, and they brought the "usual" lunch for that day and a glass of tea. Bought my first 22 rifle from one of the gals, a Remington bolt action target rifle with scope. Paid a whole 25 bucks for it. Ate lunch there 5 days a week for years.


Houston Street, 1910

Great photo Trapper! Man I thought traffic was bad downtown now. Sheesh. I worked in 5 points area early 80's . The cafe and skillet fried rabbit sign were far back as i recall the area. Back to 70's at least.

Turbiville Motors. My dad bought a new Turnpike Cruiser there in 58' or 59' I guess. I remember being in the showroom at night. My brother and I were given little rubber band pistols and a model of the car we bought. Having mentioned this in GBNF I got a DM from the owners son back in August of 2008. Real nice guy..told me his dad Charles passed in 63'. He was just 48 years old. Here's a bit of info he gave me.

Charles Turbiville, was owner of Turbiville Motors.

I remember when my dad expanded from his Lincoln-Mercury dealership to sell Ramblers, Jeeps, Edsels and yes, the Mercury Turnpike Cruiser. Indeed, the Turnpike Cruiser was not Ford Motor Company's greatest invention. It went the way of the Edsel.

His dealership was on North Main. After he died in 1963, it was called Turbiville Motors until it was changed to North Park Lincoln-Mercury in 1968.

He lives up north of here.

[TrapperL]

Well it may be my memory but that's not the way I remember it. I knew Charles died at a young age but I didn't know it was that young. My grand father was a signature sign painter in San Antonio and was among the very few that could do gold leaf work. He knew Charles personally as he did other business men in the community. After Charles died, I remember it becoming Main Lincoln Mercury. Then Clarence Kahlig bought it and when they moved out San Pedro it became North Park. At least that's my memory of it.....but it won't be the first time I've been wrong either.

[SATX56]

Originally Posted by TrapperL

Well it may be my memory but that's not the way I remember it. I knew Charles died at a young age but I didn't know it was that young. My grand father was a signature sign painter in San Antonio and was among the very few that could do gold leaf work. He knew Charles personally as he did other business men in the community. After Charles died, I remember it becoming Main Lincoln Mercury. Then Clarence Kahlig bought it and when they moved out San Pedro it became North Park. At least that's my memory of it.....but it won't be the first time I've been wrong either.

The son could be mistaken as I remember mentioning one or the other (North Park or Main Lincoln) as i get them confused. But, those were his words. The son was 14 I believe at the time of his father passing. It was Main and McCullough I think so makes sense.

[*mud*]

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1936 phone book has Locke Motor Co at 702 San Pedro (Sherman Electronics)
selling Lincoln Zephyr and Ford

and Winerich Motor Sales selling Studebaker and Pierce Arrow
at the Northwest corner of Broadway and Third

1930 phone book has Guarantee Motor Company at 702 San Pedro
selling Graham Motor cars

and Winerich Motor Sales selling Studebaker and Erskine
at the Northwest corner of Broadway and Third
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above 1936
below 1930
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[*mud*]

Originally Posted by SATX56

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There's another interesting building on N.Alamo near Third I think.. I'd like to know it's history. Two story with open area in front half of lower floor (sheltered by upper floor). Being used for apartments last I saw it years ago. Maybe the area referred to as Irish Flats in early 1900's.

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Could be you are asking about the Witherspoon Oil Building
at the Northwest corner of Alamo and 6th........
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[SATX56]

Originally Posted by *mud*

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Could be you are asking about the Witherspoon Oil Building
at the Northwest corner of Alamo and 6th........
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Could be Mud. I do a google look at it. Great phone book listings. Pays to save them old trees. Jordan Ivers at the future Rosario's location. Think it was you that showed us a nice pic of it earlier. Wonder if Jordan part of the franchise was same Jordan we know today. Which was once located just a couple blocks further north on St.Mary's. Winerich Motor Sales at Third and Broadway puts it at the old Trailways bus terminal. I knew Bob Lee that ran Trailways here.



Tindall and Sons Pontiac is another oldie that comes to mind. Not as old as the ones you list though.

Just googled it Mud...that's the building! That's bound to have been a car dealership unless it was just parking for tenants below. I've been all over up stairs when it was apartments or could have been offices I forget. Maybe 20-30 years ago. Thanks for finding it! Great looking old building. I see they fenced in the lower area.

Or of course it could have been the Witherspoon Oil building.

[John911]

My Dad purchased a 72 Lincoln Continental from Main Lincoln-Mercury in 1975. If I am correct, it was located at 1123 N. Main, which was previously an old Packard dealership location.

[SATX56]

Originally Posted by John911

My Dad purchased a 72 Lincoln Continental from Main Lincoln-Mercury in 1975. If I am correct, it was located at 1123 N. Main, which was previously an old Packard dealership location.

Wasn't Riata Cadillac near that intersection? Early 80's? I had to pick one up ...Seems like a drive-able all indoor showroom and shops.