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Welcome to The San Antonio Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Villita Assembly Hall redevelopment clears another hurdle.

• Upcoming San Antonio FC match

• A deep-dive into the life of Alfred Y. Allee Sr.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you can’t hear them anymore.” 

—Michele Ruiz

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Trivia

Which historic San Antonio structure is known for its gothic revival architecture and serves as the oldest active cathedral sanctuary in the United States?

A) The San Fernando Cathedral

B) The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower

C) The Mission Concepción

D) St. Mary's Catholic Church

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The name of the San Antonio nature preserve that offers hiking trails, bird watching, and a glimpse into the region's diverse ecosystems and wildlife is B) Friedrich Wilderness Park.

💼 Business

Chamber board leaders highlight urgent need for increased public education funding. (Link)

Villita Assembly Hall redevelopment clears another hurdle. (Link)

🏒 Sports

The 49ers spoil Aaron Rodgers' return with a 32-19 win over the Jets. (Link)

Project Marvel’: City emails show early plans for $3-4B sports and entertainment district in downtown San Antonio. (Link)

🏦 Finance

City emails show early plans for $4B sports and entertainment district in downtown San Antonio. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏈 Houston Christian Huskies at UTSA Roadrunners Football
Alamodome, San Antonio
Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 | (More info)

⚽ Rhode Island FC at San Antonio FC
Toyota Field, San Antonio
Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Cigarettes After Sex
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024 | (More info)

🎤 Nicki Minaj
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024 | (More info)

Family

🧪STEM Experience for Teachers and Educators
Central Library, San Antonio
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “San Antonio with an elaborate network of rooftop gardens and patios” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

San Antonio Historical Events

Opening of the McNay Art Museum (1954): Texas' first museum of modern art.

The McNay Art Museum, located in San Antonio, Texas, holds the distinction of being the state's first museum of modern art. The museum's origins date back to 1954 when it opened its doors to the public. Originally the residence of Marion Koogler McNay, the Spanish Colonial Revival house was transformed into a hub for modern art, marking a significant milestone in Texas' cultural landscape. The museum's opening was a testament to the vision and dedication of its founders, and it continues to be a beacon of artistic expression and creativity in the region.

Since its inception, the McNay Art Museum has undergone significant transformations, including the addition of the Jane and Arthur Stieren Center for Exhibitions in 2008. This expansion added 45,000 square feet of gallery space, a sculpture gallery and garden, a lecture hall, and classrooms for educational programs. The museum's commitment to growth and innovation has allowed it to evolve while preserving the rich history and architectural beauty of the original estate. Today, the McNay Art Museum stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Marion Koogler McNay and her vision for fostering a vibrant artistic community in Texas.

As the museum celebrates its 70th anniversary, it continues to captivate visitors with its diverse collection, engaging exhibitions, and educational programs. The McNay Art Museum remains a vital cultural institution, enriching the lives of San Antonio residents and visitors alike through its dedication to modern art and the preservation of artistic heritage.

Famous People From San Antonio

Alfred Y. Allee Sr. - Famous for his role as a lawman in early Texas history.

Alfred Y. Allee Sr. was born in 1855 into a prominent Texas family with deep roots in the state's early history. His family had a strong heritage of frontier life, and his ancestors were some of the earliest settlers in the region. Growing up in a Texas that was still very much a frontier territory, Alfred was exposed to a rugged way of life from a young age. His father was a cattleman, and the Allee family owned significant landholdings in the area. Alfred learned the skills necessary for life on the frontier, including horseback riding, cattle wrangling, and marksmanship. These early experiences laid the foundation for what would become a life steeped in law enforcement and justice.

Formative Years and Entry into Law Enforcement (1870–1880)

As a young man, Alfred Y. Allee Sr. witnessed firsthand the lawlessness that characterized much of post-Civil War Texas. The chaos of Reconstruction had left the state in a vulnerable position, with rampant crime, cattle rustling, and outlaw gangs terrorizing the countryside. Motivated by a desire to bring order to the chaos, Alfred pursued a career in law enforcement. By 1875, at just 20 years old, he had secured his first position as a deputy sheriff in Karnes County, where his natural leadership skills and tenacity in pursuing justice quickly set him apart from his peers. His fearlessness in the face of danger earned him a reputation as a tough, no-nonsense lawman.

Sheriff of Karnes County (1880–1890)

Allee's effectiveness as a deputy soon led to his election as Sheriff of Karnes County in 1882. During his tenure, he gained a reputation for his swift and often brutal methods of dealing with outlaws. While some criticized his heavy-handed approach, many praised him for making the region safer for settlers and ranchers. He was involved in several high-profile shootouts and standoffs with notorious criminals. Allee was a man of few words, preferring action over diplomacy, and his iron-willed commitment to law and order made him a respected, if sometimes feared, figure in Texas law enforcement.

The Notorious Feuds and Conflicts (1890–1900)

Throughout the 1890s, Alfred Y. Allee Sr. became embroiled in some of the most infamous feuds and conflicts in Texas. Many of these confrontations were sparked by land disputes and cattle rustling, which were common issues in the post-Reconstruction era. His involvement in these feuds often placed him in direct conflict with other prominent Texas families, and his no-tolerance policy for lawlessness made him many enemies. Allee had little patience for diplomacy, and many of his conflicts were resolved with violence. These feuds only served to solidify his reputation as a hard-nosed lawman who was unafraid to take matters into his own hands when necessary.

Connection to San Antonio (1900–1910)

As his career progressed, Alfred Y. Allee Sr.'s influence extended beyond Karnes County to San Antonio, a burgeoning city in the early 20th century. San Antonio was a hub of activity, teeming with people and, often, with crime. Allee frequently traveled to San Antonio to assist local law enforcement with complex cases and was well-regarded by the city's lawmen. He had a hand in quelling many of the region's most notorious criminal activities and developed close relationships with some of the city's most important leaders. His connection to San Antonio extended beyond his professional work; he frequently visited the city for family business, cementing his status as one of the most well-known lawmen in the greater San Antonio region.

Legacy in Law Enforcement (1910–1920)

Allee's time in law enforcement stretched into the early 20th century, marking him as a veteran in the field. His long career saw the transformation of Texas from a wild frontier to a more settled and organized society, but he remained committed to his role as a guardian of the law. In the 1910s, Allee worked closely with younger lawmen, passing down his knowledge and experience. While he slowed down in terms of active duty, he still remained influential in law enforcement circles. Many young officers sought his advice, and he became a mentor to those looking to continue his work in maintaining law and order across Texas.

Family and Personal Life (1920–1930)

Despite his reputation as a tough and sometimes ruthless lawman, Alfred Y. Allee Sr. was known to be a dedicated family man. He married a local woman from a respected family, and together they had several children, including Alfred Y. Allee Jr., who would follow in his father’s footsteps and become a lawman as well. Family life was important to Allee, and he was known to have a softer side when at home. Though he kept his personal and professional lives separate, his influence on his children was significant, and his legacy would live on through them. He valued integrity, loyalty, and a strong sense of justice—traits he instilled in his children.

Late Career and Shifting Times (1930–1940)

As the years progressed, Allee found himself in a rapidly changing Texas. The state was modernizing, and the days of the rugged, frontier-style law enforcement that he had once thrived in were fading away. Though still respected, many of his methods were becoming outdated in the eyes of younger generations. Allee adapted as best as he could, taking on more advisory roles and focusing on administrative work rather than field operations. His wisdom and experience remained invaluable, and his name continued to command respect in law enforcement circles. However, by the end of the 1930s, it was clear that Texas was entering a new era, and the frontier justice that had defined much of Allee's life was slowly fading into history.

Legacy and Impact on Texas (1940–1950)

By the time of his death in 1950, Alfred Y. Allee Sr. had become a legendary figure in Texas law enforcement. His contributions to maintaining order in a lawless time had earned him a place in the annals of Texas history. Allee’s legacy was not just one of brute force, but of a relentless pursuit of justice. Though his methods were sometimes controversial, there is no denying that he played a crucial role in shaping the development of law enforcement in Texas. His son, Alfred Y. Allee Jr., carried on the family tradition, ensuring that the Allee name remained synonymous with law and order in the region.

Death and Posthumous Recognition (1950–Present)

Alfred Y. Allee Sr. passed away in 1950, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Texas. His life and career have been the subject of numerous books, articles, and even films that explore the tumultuous period of Texas history in which he lived. His approach to law enforcement, though sometimes brutal, has been viewed through the lens of necessity for the time in which he operated. In the decades following his death, various law enforcement agencies and historical societies have honored his memory, ensuring that his contributions to Texas' history are never forgotten. Today, the Allee family name is still respected in Texas, particularly in law enforcement circles, where Alfred Y. Allee Sr.'s example of courage and determination continues to inspire.

Key Achievements:

• Sheriff of Karnes County during some of Texas' most lawless periods.

• Played a key role in taming outlaw activity and feuds in South Texas.

• Assisted law enforcement efforts in San Antonio, significantly impacting the city’s criminal justice landscape.

• Established a family legacy of law enforcement, with his son following in his footsteps.

• Was involved in several high-profile criminal confrontations, solidifying his reputation as a fearless lawman.

Alfred Y. Allee Sr. was a formidable figure in Texas law enforcement, known for his relentless pursuit of justice in one of the state's most tumultuous periods. His contributions, both in Karnes County and San Antonio, helped bring order to a region plagued by lawlessness. His legacy endures, especially through his family, who continued his work in upholding justice across Texas.

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