Alamo and how it has grown!!!!
- jessetorres358
- Apr 13
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 22
During the 1960s, many Hispanic families were employed in the cotton fields as minimum wage was 1.00 and hour. Numerous residents remember helping their parents as children. Life used to be more challenging than it is now. Although life was different, many people are educated today compared to the 1960s.
Cotton farming continues in Alamo and in the San Juan area. As you drive along Stuart Rd, you'll notice that many farmers are still cultivating cotton.
Nora Gonzalez, a resident of Alamo, Texas, says that life wasn't easy. Not all kinds of race were accepted during those times.
Segregation was fully enforced, preventing many Hispanic families from entering certain communities and forcing them to attend different schools.
Bowie Elementary initially began as a place for Caucasian children, and Hispanics did not attend. Initially, Bowie school was constructed from wood, but years later, it was rebuilt to brick, which is how you see it today. But yes, Bowie Elementary was just all wood in those years.
Farias Elementary was intended for the Hispanic children, and Caucasian families did not send their children there. Today, the old Farias was demolished, and it was rebuilt to what you see today.
Nora Gonzalez mentions that when all the kids reached high school, they were divided into sections. However, her time in high school was brief because she had to leave to assist her family financially. If the children hadn't helped, many of the parents wouldn't have managed financially.
Alamo also had two movie theaters, but one was destroyed in a fire, my aunt Rosa Torres would work in the second movie theater, Rosa Torres, was only 10 years old when she worked there. She recalls that the Penas families were the owners of the second movie theater. Imagine being 10 and working solely to help your parents. However, life was more beautiful back then they say. Now, as they reflect on the past, they long to return to those times.
Sometimes, I see my mother crying as she recalls her childhood, and it saddens me to see her like that. However, I now comprehend her actions because I recall my own childhood and behave similarly.
As we got closer to the 1980 things where a little different then from the 1960. Alamo was growing a little. We had stores like Okies, Sandoval 907, El Chapparral, Pronto, and Mancha coinvent Store.
All those stores have disappeared long ago, leaving only the memories behind. Back in the 1980s, the minimum wage was $3.10, and people were still facing financial difficulties.
Nearly all Hispanic families were receiving some form of assistance, such as food stamps, which provided significant help to many of them.
Many stores in the past allowed families to take items and pay for them later if they didn't have the money immediately. Okies was one such store that offered this to numerous families. I recall when my older sister and I used to go to Okies because our mother would send us to get a loaf of bread. We used to sing all the way to the store; I wonder if she still remembers those days.
As a child, I felt embarrassed about food stamps. However, looking back now, I wish I had the opportunity to receive them.
A lot of families were moving north to find work so they could make a living. I always wondered why people need to work to survive.
Alamo has consistently been a town with limited resources, unlike other states known for their luxury and fame.
One thing I can say about people from the past is that they were all heroes due to the struggles and sacrifices they made to ensure their children had a warm bed and food on the table.
The assistance that Alamo used to provide to many residents is no longer available. Alamo once offered groceries to low-income residents. San Juan used to designate specific days to feed various families in a church.
Every Christmas, Santa Claus would visit Bowie Street and distribute candy bags to the children from a fire truck.
When many people from the past passed away, all their endeavors ceased, and their legacy came to an end. However, it's not this generation's fault since not everyone from Alamo knew each other, and the situation has only worsened over time.
In 1990, Alamo saw the opening of its first HEB, signaling the town's growth. Walmart followed shortly thereafter.
Fortunately, they are still around in our time, especially after witnessing so many stores open and close.
The only difference this time is that you can't take and pay later like the "Okies" used to do.
Alamo has had a Church's since the 1990s as well. I recall my sister working there when she was in her 20s.
Their tenders and gravy are always a great choice to eat.
Little Caesars also arrived in the 1990s and is still going strong. Alamo no longer has dirt roads, but we still have streets that require repairs.
Their hot and ready is always a great choice.
Dutch Bros arrived in Alamo a year ago, which is definitely a significant indication that Alamo is finally gaining recognition.
I have never been there because I don't like coffee, but that shouldn't stop any coffee drinkers from going.
Interestingly, Alamo also features a Pizza Hut. Pizza arrived in 1990 and has remained ever since.
The pasta dishes are certainly an excellent choice.
Mulle 37 started in Alamo in the year 2000. I enjoy their white rice and fish.
If you haven't visited Mulle, you're certainly missing out.
Alamo has a Subway, which was established around the year here in Alamo 2000.
I'm not a big fan of Subway, but I have eaten there. But I'm glad they're here in Alamo.
Beside the subway, we have a drive-thru, something that previous generations did not have.
Alamo is truly on the path to becoming a major city if the right businesses establish themselves here. In Alamo, Whataburger is the most popular spot. Recently, a storm struck Alamo, and Whataburger was the most affected.
Whataburger is currently being remodeled, and I sincerely hope they never move. We all cherish our Whataburger. Established here in Alamo in 1990, we all hope it remains for future generations to appreciate.
I'll share some photos of Alamo, some of which are still present, while others are no longer there.
This building continues to thrive. I'm not exactly sure what their operations involve, but I know it provides employment to many locals who enjoy working in warehousing.
Ciro's shut its doors after moving to a new location.
We lost a wonderful Mexican restaurant.
This Alamo Car Wash has been around since my elementary school days and continues to thrive and flourish.
To the owner, thank you for keeping it running.
Recently saw that this warehouse is available after being here since I was a kid.
I'm uncertain about what type of business it was, but I'm saddened that it has shut down.
As a child, I would ride my bike through these streets.
Alamo Gained a Jack in the box something a lot of the residents enjoy.
Almao also acquired a Wingstop, which many residents love because they no longer have to drive far to enjoy wings.
Let's remember our Alamo residents who live in a trailer park. Many of them come to Texas to enjoy the sunshine and escape the snow.
We truly appreciate our winter Texans, as we refer to them.
I remember when I was a kid, this area was all fields. I'm really happy about how far we've come since previous generations.
It's truly unfortunate that some previous generations missed the opportunity to witness the growth of the Alamo community.
We can't predict what future generations will bring, but I can assure you that Alamo will definitely be prepared for whatever comes our way.
Alamo at its finest.
This is dedicated to all the past generations who are no longer with us and who contributed to making Alamo what it is today.
Thank you!!!!!!
Belinda and Jesse's decision to remain in Alamo demonstrates the deep connections and treasured memories that many locals associate with their hometown. This emotional attachment frequently affects choices regarding where to reside, raise families, and establish their lives.
Alamo has been improving over the years. In the past, residents of Alamo wanted to relocate to larger cities because they found Alamo to be a dull place to live.
The most enjoyable events in Alamo are the city parades, which always maintain the same length.
I'm not sure why Alamo chose not to expand. Was it due to the previous mayor, or did no company want to establish a business here?
Whatever it was, it's really not important. What is important is that we begin to grow as a community and expand Alamo, so people will choose to stay. As I stroll through Alamo, I pause to reminisce.
Story By Britney J Torres
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