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Post by Rich Curilla on Oct 30, 2014 23:19:46 GMT -5
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Post by Jim Boylston on Oct 31, 2014 9:13:57 GMT -5
I don't see the point in a reconstructed compound that doesn't reflect the footprint of the original. Frankly, I'm not a fan of reconstructing at all, but I would like to see some better signage and a more reverent space. |
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Post by Allen Wiener on Oct 31, 2014 15:21:29 GMT -5
I don't see the point in a reconstructed compound that doesn't reflect the footprint of the original. Frankly, I'm not a fan of reconstructing at all, but I would like to see some better signage and a more reverent space. This does not sound at all well thought out or planned and suggests that historical accuracy is not even a consideration. My impression is that there is no agreement on what the Alamo looked like in 1836 and much disagreement over various details, which does not suggest that a full-blown reconstruction is either possible or even desirable. I agree with Jim and others who have focused more on the removal of the tacky businesses across the street and the noise and overbearing modern aspects of the city. It would be far better to somehow shut what's left of the Alamo off from all that and create a more secluded or isolated area that is free of that. Then, the place could benefit from far better and more detailed signage and illustrations of what various points in the compound looked like. Frankly, I am far more interested in visitors coming away with a much better idea of what happened at the Alamo, who the people involved were and what their motivations may have been, than what the place may have looked like. The Alamo was part of a larger story and historical movement of Europeans across the continent and the conflicts that the process created. The Alamo gains in importance and significance when it is understood in that context. I think a really modern, world-class museum with all surviving Alamo artifacts is also a good idea and the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, WY is a great model to build that on. But, again, I would like to see historians and archeologists be the prime movers on all of these efforts, rather than a bunch of bureaucrats or agenda-driven politicians. A future Alamo should be an historical site that portrays people and events as accurately as possible and in a way that is meaningful to modern visitors and is presented in the context of early 19th century America. |
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Post by loucapitano on Nov 1, 2014 10:54:24 GMT -5
Ditto, Ditto Allen. I especially agree with your suggestion to place the Alamo in the social and historical context of European movements across the continent. Many people assume the defenders were primarily American born frontiersmen, when, in fact a great many were born in Europe and saw opportunities west of the Mississippi.
Let's keep a wary eye on this Plaza take over and appeal to it's better angels.
Lou from Long Island
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Post by twobitdandy on Nov 15, 2014 17:19:18 GMT -5
I don't see the point in a reconstructed compound that doesn't reflect the footprint of the original. Frankly, I'm not a fan of reconstructing at all, but I would like to see some better signage and a more reverent space. I agree. I don't really like the idea of getting rid of the buildings themselves across the street. I wouldn't mind if they removed the businesses that are currently using the historic buildings & placed them elsewhere in a more appropriate space. They already are sitting where the West Wall would be. All we need is enough informative panels/signage to let the visitor know the structure they're standing within. Maybe even add the south gate! I also want to see more reverence, too. There was a battle there, yes, but in the big picture of the Alamo's history we have to remember that it also served as a mission for a time, and we know that in the general area there have been bodies found -- cemeteries, right? It's just a place of reverence in general. It has a long history that hasn't particularly been very happy. With that note -- I want to see the Alamo remembered, of course, but not just for the one siege and battle (as much as I adore Travis) but for the rest of its history which I think is very important, and personal to the city itself. |
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Post by Paul Sylvain on Nov 30, 2014 21:37:35 GMT -5
Any thought of doing a full reconstruction goes out the window as soon as you consider the North Wall's location within the Post Office Building. That structure is not going away. I do like recommendations of using space in that building for a larger, more comprehensive museum containing the artifacts mentioned above. I definitely agree that the circus side show along the "West Wall" must go. I'd be looking for a more meaningful, representation of the Alamo at the time of the battle. A place of reverence is a good way of putting it. It should be a place for people to reflect on the events that took place there. The ground should be treated as hallowed ground, and both sides should be honored and remembered in some way.
The Alamo will NEVER look as it did in 1836. Look no further than the shrine and its familiar facade and the roof. So a decent representation is something that is achievable and realistic.
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Post by Riley Gardner on Dec 2, 2014 20:39:09 GMT -5
Out of sheer curiosity, what does everyone think of the San Antonio Christmas Tree being located on Alamo Plaza, directly in front of the shrine? Should the city take over the plaza I imagine that that wouldn't be a pretty fight. I've always been on the fence about it, personally. I love the beauty of it and the way it brings the city together in a way the Spanish city planners intended (the plazas being the main source of community, commerce, and venue) but having it in the center of Alamo plaza - on a battleground - has always made me second guess. They don't put up Christmas trees at other major battle sites across the nation, though most cities don't have major battle sites right in the center of their downtowns. Images such as this fill my heart with joy seeing my home come together and celebrate the holidays. But the question about doing it in Alamo plaza, where a massacre took place, make me wonder:  If they moved the tree to Plaza de Valero or Main Plaza there would be less space, sure, but perhaps a bit more respectful. Again, I am on the fence about this and just curious as to other Alamo historian opinions. Worthy of discussion, no? |
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Post by Rich Curilla on Dec 3, 2014 1:18:30 GMT -5
I think it is completely appropriate. And FAR more so than the new horror night lighting on the facade of the Alamo. I am also filled with joy looking at this picture. I think the Texians would have been filled with joy. Nothing wrong or disrespectful about that, IMO.
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Post by Paul Sylvain on Dec 3, 2014 20:12:30 GMT -5
When you come down to "the reason for the season", I think the tree does bring an element of reverence to the plaza. Is it so wrong that a piece of soil stained by blood in a time of war, should bear a symbol of peace? People on both sides of the battle prayed to the same God and most likely marked Christmas in some way. I think a Christmas tree is perfect, in that the beliefs of both sides are honored respectfully and impartially. I can't seem to exopress exactly what I mean, but hopefully you get the idea.
Paul
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Post by Rich Curilla on Dec 3, 2014 20:59:03 GMT -5
"Now, that wasn't a bad stab at putting it into words."
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Post by Riley Gardner on Dec 4, 2014 0:52:55 GMT -5
When you come down to "the reason for the season", I think the tree does bring an element of reverence to the plaza. Is it so wrong that a piece of soil stained by blood in a time of war, should bear a symbol of peace? People on both sides of the battle prayed to the same God and most likely marked Christmas in some way. I think a Christmas tree is perfect, in that the beliefs of both sides are honored respectfully and impartially. I can't seem to exopress exactly what I mean, but hopefully you get the idea. Paul Beautiful words here, Paul. This really helped me make up my mind on this. Thank you! |
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Post by Rich Curilla on Dec 4, 2014 10:40:45 GMT -5
And considering that I received my first Marx Davy Crockett at the Alamo playset under a Christmas tree, seems kinda natural to reverse the process in homage.
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