ALAMO VILLAGE CLOSED

[Rich Curilla]

Friends, as much as I hate to post this, "when it's time, it's time." It has already been sent to the local newspapers.



ALAMO VILLAGE CLOSED

After a valiant attempt to keep Alamo Village available to visitors on a limited basis, the family has made the painful decision to close it permanently. This will be effective immediately.

After being totally closed to the public on July 1, 2009, due to the death of owner and rancher Virginia Webb Shahan, Alamo Village was re-opened in March on a reduced schedule. This was in response to constant requests from travelers and buffs wishing to photograph the sets, walk the famous streets and stand on the ramparts of John Wayne’s Alamo.

During the last six months the gates have admitted people from all over the United States as well as Canada, England, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Scotland, Ireland, France, Wales, Japan and other countries. Several professional and fine art photographers were hosted as well as a video shoot for the redesigned website of the real Alamo in San Antonio.

It is to be lamented that this American Film icon, lauded by people from all over the world will no longer be available. Family and management alike wish to thank all those who have contributed their hearts, talents and hard work to Alamo Village over the past fifty years.

Alamo Village, Inc.
August 28, 2010



As for me, do not be uneasy about me. I am with my friends.
Rich Curilla

[scottg]

Very sorry to hear it.

I was able to vist Alamo Village four times, the earliest being back in 1964. One time, I had the opportunity to spend some time in the Cantina with Rich as he regaled us with stories and factoids about the movies made there. Each visit was great, although the last one (2007) was a bit sad because I could see that the wear and tear of Southwest Texas was taking it's toll.

Thanks for the memories to Rich and all the other Alamo Village cast members. And especially to Happy and Virginia for keeping it going for all those years.

[Kevin Young]

All I can say at this point.

[Rich Curilla]

And that says volumes, Kevin.

The good news is that David Jones is not out of the picture. He is trying just as hard as ever to raise the capital and buy the place, and, in some ways, that is looking more possible.

Right now, I'm not going anywhere, and, if I can afford to hang in here, I might just start writing that book.

[garyzaboly]

I've never been to Bracketville, but after all these years I feel I've "been there." It's a real loss, but at least there is the consolation that it will remain standing long after the Dripping Springs set has dripped its last drop of glue.

[Paul Sylvain]

I visited Alamo Village once -- in early February 1995. My wife and I were the only visitors there that day. Ours was the only car (we had to wait five minutes or so for one of Happy's longhorns to move off a small bridge a short way from the ticket booth and just below Happy's home. We drove up to the front of the "Alamo's" main gate and had the whole compound to ourselves. I truly felt as if I was walking in the footsteps of Wayne, Holden, and all of them. Standing on the walls and recalling favorite scenes. It was an incredible experience and made me feel like it was 1836 and I was at the real Alamo. Walking around the village, seeing the San Fernando church and other buildings used in the movie. Good stuff. I really cherish the memories.

I hope Alamo Village can return at some point in time. It truly would be a loss to see it crumble to dust.

Paul

[Rich Curilla]

Aug 29, 2010 14:31:43 GMT -5 @garyzaboly said:

I've never been to Bracketville...

Gary, you've led such a sheltered life. ;D

[garyzaboly]

"I never found the time!"

[Rich Curilla]

Aug 29, 2010 15:43:40 GMT -5 @garyzaboly said:

"I never found the time!"

You might get "walloped for sayin' that word."

[rriddle3]

Though we've seen this news published before, this time it has a more permanent feel. It really saddens me since I have such fond memories of the trip I and my daughter made there back in '95. A great photo (even if I do say so myself) I took of the chapel hangs in a rustic frame above my mantle. I need to dig up all the pics and have them converted to digital for safekeeping.
Rich, can you give us any particulars as to the main reason behind the decision?

[Rich Curilla]

The decision was because the owner is a retired school teacher who has been trying to keep it floating out of her savings, and it became totally impossible.

[alanhufffines]

[Seguin]

A sad day for all Alamo buffs! Let´s hope David Jones comes through. It would be a crying shame if such an iconic movie set was left to the devastating forces of nature like the one at Dripping Springs.
Let´s not give up hope, and let´s keep our fingers crossed!

[garyzaboly]

I'm sure that Rich will still be able to get people a special pass onto the set, eh Rich?

[Rich Curilla]

As of now, Gary, I'm afraid that is not looking possible -- until David Jones owns it. If any window opens, I will post it for sure.