San Antonio Newsletter (September 23rd)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

Welcome to The San Antonio Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Airport lands long-term commitments from major airlines.

  • Upcoming Matute concert

  • A deep-dive into the life of Julius Joske

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

“Magic is believing in yourself. If you can make that happen, you can make anything happen.” 

—Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Trivia

Which San Antonio bridge, a part of the River Walk, is famous for its unique design and is often used as a romantic spot for marriage proposals?

A) The Rosita's Bridge

B) The Market Street Bridge

C) The Selena Bridge

D) The Navarro Street Bridge

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The name of the San Antonio cultural event that showcases traditional Mexican folk dance and music, known for its colorful costumes and lively performances is D) Fiesta Noche del Rio.

💼 Business

San Antonio Startup Week kicks off in October with several pitch competitions offering big prizes. (Link)

A Big Lots in San Antonio will close amid bankruptcy. Here's when. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Keldon Johnson Pays Homage to San Antonio. (Link)

$8K Wemby cards unveiled by Topps with help of S.A. card shop. (Link)

🏦 Finance

This Air Force veteran is on a mission to teach San Antonio youth financial literacy. (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

🏈 San Antonio FC vs Rhode Island FC
Toyota Field, San Antonio
Saturday, Sep 28 | (More info)

🏐 North Texas Mean Green at UTSA Roadrunners Women's Volleyball
UTSA Convocation Center, San Antonio
Friday, Sep 27 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Hozier - Unreal Unearth Tour 2024
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio
Tuesday, Sep 24 | (More info)

🎤 Stryper - 40th Anniversary Tour
Aztec Theatre , San Antonio
Wednesday, Sep 25 | (More info)

Family

🦕 Tails & Tales - Animal Encounter & Book Reading
306 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio
Tuesday, Sep 24 | (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 buildings featuring interactive, kinetic facades” 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

San Antonio's First Skyscraper (1909): The Smith-Young Tower signaled new growth.

The Smith-Young Tower, completed in 1909, marked a significant milestone in San Antonio's architectural history as the city's first skyscraper. Standing at 15 stories tall and reaching a height of 190 feet, this historic steel-framed structure was designed by C.W. Bulger & Son to serve as the headquarters for the Praetorian Order, a fraternal insurance company. The tower's construction signaled a new era of growth and modernization for San Antonio, setting the stage for the development of the city's skyline in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

As the first of its kind in the city, the Smith-Young Tower represented a shift towards vertical expansion and urban development. Its towering presence at 1607 Main Street became a symbol of progress and prosperity, laying the foundation for future skyscrapers and high-rise buildings in San Antonio. The architectural significance of the Smith-Young Tower continues to be celebrated as a testament to the city's evolution and transformation into a modern metropolis.

Today, the legacy of the Smith-Young Tower lives on as a historic landmark, reminding residents and visitors of its pioneering role in shaping San Antonio's skyline. The tower's enduring impact on the city's architectural landscape reflects a rich history of innovation and urban growth, making it a cherished piece of San Antonio's heritage.

Famous People From San Antonio

Rena Maverick Green - Historic preservationist and civic leader.

Rena Maverick Green, a prominent figure in San Antonio's history, was a historian, artist, suffragist, conservationist, and civic leader. Her contributions to the preservation of the Maverick Ranch and her advocacy for women's rights have left a lasting impact on the city and beyond.

Early Life and Family Heritage

Rena Maverick Green was born in Sedalia, Missouri, on February 10, 1874, as the eldest child of George Madison and Mary Elizabeth Vance Maverick. Her family's move to San Antonio in 1896 marked the beginning of her deep connection to the city and its rich cultural heritage.

Artistic Pursuits and Conservation Efforts

As an artist, Rena Maverick Green used her talents to capture the beauty of the Maverick Ranch and advocate for its preservation. Her dedication to conservation led her to co-found the San Antonio Conservation Society, an organization committed to protecting the city's historic landmarks and cultural heritage.

Advocacy for Women's Rights

In addition to her artistic and conservation work, Rena was a passionate suffragist who tirelessly advocated for women's rights. Her efforts in the fight for women's suffrage and her role as a pioneer woman member of the San Antonio School Board reflect her commitment to advancing gender equality and education.

Civic Leadership and Public Service

Rena Maverick Green's leadership extended to the civic sphere, where she served on the board of trustees of the San Antonio Public Library and played a pivotal role in shaping the city's cultural and educational landscape. Her influence as a civic leader continues to be felt in San Antonio's vibrant community.

Legacy and Recognition

Rena Maverick Green's legacy is celebrated through her contributions to the preservation of San Antonio's cultural heritage and her advocacy for women's rights. Her work with the San Antonio Conservation Society and her artistic endeavors have earned her recognition as a trailblazer in historic preservation and civic leadership.

Key Achievements of Rena Maverick Green:

  • Co-founder of the San Antonio Conservation Society, dedicated to preserving the city's historic landmarks.

  • Advocacy for women's rights and suffrage, leaving a lasting impact on gender equality in San Antonio.

  • Artistic contributions to capturing the beauty of the Maverick Ranch and promoting conservation efforts.

  • Pioneer woman member of the San Antonio School Board, influencing educational policies and initiatives.

  • Legacy as a historian, artist, suffragist, conservationist, and civic leader, shaping San Antonio's cultural landscape.

Rena Maverick Green's life and work exemplify a commitment to preserving history, advocating for equality, and shaping the future of San Antonio. Her enduring legacy continues to inspire generations and enrich the cultural fabric of the city.

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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