The Webb County Heritage Foundation marks the 262nd anniversary of Laredo’s founding with its annual Founders’ Day luncheon that honors the descendants of founder Don Tomás Sánchez and all the founding families. The event, which takes place on Saturday, May 20 at noon at the Laredo Center for the Arts, is open to the public. All descendants of founding families as well as all friends of preservation are cordially invited.
The Foundation will pay special tribute to the historic businesses of the region and will also inaugurate this year’s President of the Republic of the Rio Grande, Gary Jacobs. Jacobs is recognized for his personal commitment to preserving and restoring Laredo’s downtown historic architecture. He will present his cabinet that day.
The celebration includes a special recognition of seven of Laredo’s historic businesses that have reached the 50-year mark serving this community. Recipients of the Historic Business Award are Sulak’s Men’s Store, La Reynera Bakery, Dr. Ike’s, Laredo Hardware Co., Holloway’s Bakery, Carmin’s Flower & Gift Shop, and the International Bank of Commerce.
The Foundation’s Heritage Awards will honor individuals and organizations that have shown outstanding commitment to preserving Laredo’s history and heritage.
Dr. Jerry Thompson will receive the Jim Parish Award for Documentation and Publication of Local and Regional History for his new book, Tejano Tiger – José de los Santos Benavides and the Texas-Mexico Borderlands, 1823-1891. Likewise, Dr. Timothy Paul Bowman will receive an award in the same category for his book, Blood Oranges – Colonialism and Agriculture in the South Texas Borderlands.
The Archival Donor Award will be presented to Judge George P. Kazen for donation of a collection of newspaper clippings documenting his time on the bench; the Laredo Community College Board of Trustees and LCC President Dr. Ricardo Solis for donation of three historic panoramic photographs of Ft. McIntosh and downtown Laredo; and Emilio Garza III for the donation of historic photos of downtown Laredo stores.
The Preservation of Folklore, Customs, and Traditions Award will be presented to Tony Ramirez for his work in preserving folk herbalist traditions. A Special Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to biologists Dr. Tom and Mrs. Pam Vaughan, and Dr. Jim Earhart for their lifetime work in preservation of the Rio Grande. The Historic Preservation Award – Commercial will be presented to Frank Sisters Properties for the exemplary restoration of a commercial building at 1205-1207 Iturbide St. The Contemporary Architectural Design Incorporating Traditional Elements Award will be presented to the City of Laredo’s Community Development Department for their project to construct new infill housing in a historic residential district.
Catherine Nicole Gonzalez, a John B. Alexander High School senior, is the recipient of the Foundation’s President of the Republic of the Río Grande® Scholarship. She will be recognized for her winning essay in the Foundation’s county-wide competition. The sole criterion for essays is that they reflect some aspect of family history, traditions, or culture.
Ms. Gonzalez’s essay is a tribute to her grandmother, Elizabeth Kowalski Foster, who had an impressive personal history of civic commitment to various local organizations. Ms. Gonzalez traces her grandmother’s family lineage dating back to Gonzalez’ great-great-great grandfather, Captain Samuel Jarvis who came to Laredo after the Civil War and made a name for himself as Mayor and County Surveyor, responsible for naming many of Laredo’s downtown streets.
Ms. Gonzalez is the daughter of Guillermo and Sally Gonzalez, and has listed Texas A&M University as her first choice for college.
The May 20 program also includes the annual membership meeting of the WCHF.
Complimentary valet parking will be available outside the Laredo Center for the Arts at 500 San Agustín Avenue.
Tickets for the luncheon can be obtained by calling the Foundation office at (956) 727-0977 or by email at heritage@webbheritage.org. To reserve tables of 10, please stop by the WCHF office Mondays – Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available.
