DRT votes for library over Alamo preservation at Convention (Houston: rental car, rental)

[RememberTheAlamo]

Just got a phone call from the DRT convention in Houston.

Kathleen Milam Carter, a descendant of Ben Milam, and a DRT past president, made a statement before the membership, moving that we reaffirm our commitment and agreement with the state of Texas, and have the Capital Campaign Committee raise funds for preservation of the Alamo Shrine and Long Barracks. The motion failed to pass.

She gave an explanation with it, discussing the fact that the roof has
leaked for decades and we have had all kinds of studies but nothing has been done. She said the focus on new buildings and expansion has to shift back to preservation. The Board members and all the past president generals have copies of the April 26th letter the Texas Historical Commission wrote.

The library committee spoke against the motion, saying the library was more important, and so did Virginia van Cleave, the Alamo Committee chairman. They are going ahead with the library plans, saying they have spent too much money on plans to stop now.

Tammie Smith, a Board Member, spoke for the motion.

Earlier, in committee reports, Mary Carmack gave her own interpretation of the Texas Historical Commission's letter. The general membership has no idea what is really going on.

The story at the Express News on Thursday was picked up by the AP and by now is all over Texas.

Another battle brews at Alamo (http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/eyes_of_texas_on_alamo_drt_93627719.html - broken link)

[Bo]

Risky choice, to go up against the governor like that. He won't like it and he'll probably react by doing something that the DRT really won't like.

[Nix54]

Who in their right mind would not fix their leaky roof?

[RememberTheAlamo]

On the 19th the DRT Prez was called to the Governor's office to discuss the roof. She was given a week to turn in a full report on the condition of the roof, which was turned in Friday. I'll keep you posted.

This is the second time in at least 20 years that Madame has been called in, the first was over the trademark fiasco a month ago. She has reacted to both conferences in her usual manner.

My next step, before this happened, was to present all of the facts to every legislator via certified mail, and suggest a revision to the antiquated law. Hopefully our Governor will now realize we need a new custodian for a number of reasons.

[Nix54]

Its an election year, hopefully Governor Perry will do the right thing.

[Nix54]

Many forget that the Alamo was the San Antonio De Valero mission and not just a historic battlefield. The misson building is in the shape of a cross, it originally was going to have or had 2 towers. The hump and the 2 upper windows on each side were added later by the US Army. At one time it had an altar on the east part.

Currently the Texas Cavaliers, I believe is the only organization that have their secret meetings inside the Alamo. During this meeting they select their King Antonio, who is to reign over Fiesta. I do not know why this organization is so privvy to this. Do they donate money for the upkeep of the Alamo? Unlike the DRT, most Cavalier members are not direct descendants of the Alamo or the era of the Texas Republic.

I would like to attend a Mass in the old San Antonio De Valeo mission. What would it take to do this? An act of Congress? An event like this would bring the SA community closer to show that the Alamo belongs to everyone, not a chosen few.

[hillcountrywinefan]

It would break my heart to see irreparable damage befall any of San Antonio's Missions. They're cultural treasures and monuments to those who lived within their walls and ultimately defended them. These gems are the touchstone for anyone who seeks what Texas really is about.

Some entity, be it government or otherwise, is going to have to intervene before it's too late. Let's get it fixed and properly.

Add a tax to hotels and rental cars if need be. This is worth saving.

[WilGar]

Originally Posted by hillcountrywinefan

It would break my heart to see irreparable damage befall any of San Antonio's Missions. They're cultural treasures and monuments to those who lived within their walls and ultimately defended them. These gems are the touchstone for anyone who seeks what Texas really is about.

Some entity, be it government or otherwise, is going to have to intervene before it's too late. Let's get it fixed and properly.

Add a tax to hotels and rental cars if need be. This is worth saving.

Have you seen the tax rate ALREADY charged on hotels and rental cars?

[hillcountrywinefan]

Originally Posted by WilGar

Have you seen the tax rate ALREADY charged on hotels and rental cars?

Yes, I have. Aside from charging admission to these sites, there needs to be a way to raise the capital necessary.

No easy solution on this one. IMHO, the library can wait.