Los Del Valle

The Los del Valle Oral History Project, begun in 1993 by Manuel F. Medrano, includes edited autobiographical sketches of people from the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas and accounts of historical and cultural events that document the rich heritage of the area. The thirty volume series includes personal interviews, photographs, film clips and music that convey the uniqueness of the area not usually found in traditional sources.

The collection divides the videos into two main categories:

Volume videos (titled "Volume 01," "Volume 02," etc.) — represent published interviews. These edited documentaries feature curated interviews, performances, scholarly commentary, and thematic narratives on topics like regional history, music, and personal stories.
Items titled with "[LDV Project Archive]" — contain the unedited original interviews, raw footage, multi-part recordings, B-roll, and supplemental materials that served as the source content for the published volumes.

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[01] Volume 01 - En palabras de nuestra gente

Manuel F. Medrano, Antonio Medrano, Oliver Brenner, and Narcisco Martinez

Antonia Medrano from Brownsville, Oliver Brenner from Port Isabel and Narciso Martinez from La Paloma speak about their lives, the 1933 hurricane and the importance of a formal education.
[02] Volume 02 - Dr. Américo Paredes

Manuel F. Medrano and Americo Paredes

This eminent, folklorist and scholar, speaks about his life in Brownsville, the importance of oral history and his professorial career. Singer Tish Hinojosa also performs a folksong dedicated to Americo Paredes and Dr. Rolando Hinojosa, a well known Mexican-American author, discusses the work of Paredes.
[03] Volume 03 - Rolando Hinojosa, Tejano Author

Manuel F. Medrano and Rolando Hinojosa

Hinojosa reads passages from his short stories and novels.
[04] Volume 04 - La música en la sangre, Sabino Salinas

Manuel F. Medrano and Sabino Salinas

Several long-time friends and musicians of música regional, conjunto and norteña speak about their lives and their love of music. They also perform some favorite songs.
[05] Volume 05 - La música en la sangre, Joe Lopez

Manuel F. Medrano and Joe Lopez

Joe Lopez, co-founder of the acclaimed Tejano group Mazz, speaks about his life and musical career.
[06] Volume 06 - Charro Days, the First Sixty Years

Manuel F. Medrano, Bruce Aiken, Americo Paredes, Ruby Woolridge, Ralph Cowen, Clarissa Garcia, Vincent Crixell, and Danny Loff

This is a history of a border celebration recognizing the friendship and common culture and heritage of the border cities of Brownsville and Matamoros. Interviewees include: Bruce Aiken, Americo Paredes, Ruby Woolridge, Ralph Cowen, Clarissa Garcia, Vincent Crixell, and Danny Loff.
[07] Volume 07 - El huracán del Valle, Narciso Martinez

Manuel F. Medrano and Narciso Martinez

The pioneer of conjunto music reminisces about his musical career, his life in the Valley and changes in contemporary music. Fellow musicians and scholars comment about his legacy.
[08] Volume 08 - Los camaroneros

Manuel F. Medrano

This history of shrimping in the Brownsville area includes comments by two generations of shrimpers with photos and footage. This business once made Brownsville the shrimping capital of the world.

Interviewees include: John Bateau, Buster Harris, Clyde Hebert, Harris Lasseigne, Aars Kaan, Tony Lewis, Lawrence Pompa, Joe Teachout, Fred Vidos, and Gordon Williams.
[09] Volume 09 - The Episcopal Day School, the First Fifty Years

Manuel F. Medrano

This school celebrates fifty years of quality private education. Directors, teacher and students comment about their experiences in the school and its legacy.

Interviewees include: Leta Mallet, Sharon Stevens Putegnat, Lenora Going Rentfro, Reverend J. Rufus Stewart, Mary Katherine Tipton, Sara Villalon, and Charles Zavala.
[10] Volume 10 - Barbara Warburton, La maestra

Manuel F. Medrano and Barbara Warburton

For over three decades, this biology teacher established a rich tradition of classroom teaching and research at Texas Southmost College. She helped to establish the Rancho del Cielo biological research station in northern Mexico.

Interviewees include: Juliet V. Garcia, Paula Gomez, Eloisa Thelma Gonzalez, Tony Gonzalez, Manuel Guajardo, Larry Lof, Alma Solis, Martha Warburton, and Barbara Warburton.
[11] Volume 11 - Las Raíces en los Ranchitos de San Isidro

Manuel F. Medrano and Armando Alonzo

The Rio Grande Valley has a rich ranching heritage. Three generations of a small ranching family speak about their lives on a South Texas rancho in San Isidro. Historian Armando Alonzo comments about the history of Tejano ranching.

Interviewees include: Armando Alonzo, Anita Garza, Felix Garza, Omar Garza and Rodolfo Garza.
[12] Volume 12 - Los bomberos del Los Fresnos: Los primeros 50 años

Manuel F. Medrano

[Los Fresnos Fire Department] The volunteer fire department in Los Fresnos, Texas celebrates fifty years of service. Firefighters across generations reminisce about their experiences, challenges and loyalty to firefighting.
[13] Volume 13 - Benito Treviño: Lo que comemos, lo que nos cura, los que usamos. The many uses of South Texas plants

Manuel F. Medrano and Benito Trevino

This ethnobotanist speaks about his youth and his family rancho in the northern Rio Grande Valley. Additionally, he gives a tour of his Las Lomitas rancho and comments about edible and medicinal plants in South Texas.
[14] Volume 14 - Carmen Lomas Garza, Chicana Artist

Manuel F. Medrano and Carmen Lomas Garza

One of the most successful Chicana artists speaks about her youth in Kingsville, Texas and her motivation to become an artist. Lomas Garza also presents and comments about some of her art.
[15] Volume 15 - Celebrating Our People: Los del Valle

Manuel F. Medrano

This Hispanic Heritage Month tribute focuses on individuals who have enriched and preserved the history and culture of the Rio Grande Valley. Among these are folklorists Américo Paredes and Jovita Gonzalez. Individuals highlighted: Rosa Maria Hinojosa de Balli, Jovita Gonzales, Jose Mendoza Lopez, Americo Paredes, Chelo (Consuelo Silva), Rolando Hinojosa Smith, Frank Yturria, Mary Rose Cardenas, and Juliet V. Garcia.
[16] Volume 16 - José M. Lopez: Un hombre valiente

Manuel F. Medrano and Jose Mendoza Lopez

This military hero received numerous medals for bravery during World War II, including the Medal of Honor. Lopez and family members speak about his early years in Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley, his career as a boxer and his celebrated military career.
[17] Volume 17 - Olga Lozano: Frontera Pharmacist

Manuel F. Medrano and Olga Lozano

Profile about Olga Lozano, the first Hispanic female pharmacist in the Rio Grande Valley area. Lozano was born in Harlingen, Texas, where her family were pioneers. Lozano describes pursuing a career in pharmacy, a career with not a lot of women at the time, experiences at the University of Texas at Austin. Lozano worked at a drug store in San Benito, Texas, and later she worked at the Valley Baptist Hospital Pharmacy in Brownsville for twenty-nine years (1957-1986). She recounts the good and difficult days working as pharmacist at the Valley Baptist Hospital in Brownsville. Other interviewees include Robert Autrey and Melinda Slovak.
[18] Volume 18 - Américo Paredes: En sus propias palabras

Manuel F. Medrano and Americo Paredes

This great folklorists' life is chronicled through interviews, video clips and personal recollections. Comments about his legacy are included from colleagues and family.
[19] Volume 19 - El Día de los muertos, Two Days in November

Manuel F. Medrano

Images of the Day of the Dead celebrations in the United States and Mexico are presented with original music and popular recordings as a background.
[20] Volume 20 - Dr. Juliet V. García - Against the Odds

Manuel F. Medrano and Juliet V. Garcia

A native of Brownsville, Texas, Dr. Juliet V. García is the first Hispanic woman to head a four-year university in the United States. As one of the most influential educators in the country, she shares her life story and her experiences at The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College.
[21] Volume 21 - Dr. José Angel Gutierrez - Never Let the Flag Fall

Manuel F. Medrano and Jose Angel Gutierrez

A native of Crystal City, Texas, Dr. José Angel Gutierrez is one of the most influential civil rights leaders in Texas history. Founder of the Mexican American Youth Organization and La Raza Unida Party, he is currently a college professor and attorney in the Dallas area. In this autobiographical profile, Gutierrez speaks about his life as an activist and educator.
[22] Volume 22 - Mary Helen Berlanga, Education Advocate

Manuel F. Medrano and Mary Helen Berlanga

This immigration attorney and twenty-five year member of the Texas State Board of Education has championed textbook and curriculum equity for children much of her professional life. Her life struggles and achievements are chronicled in this profile.
[23] Volume 23 - Don Jacinto Tzab Chac, Pasó por aquí

Manuel F. Medrano and Jacinto Tzab Chac

At the dawn of the new millennium in January 2000, Don Jacinto Tzab Chac, a traditional Mayan shaman, visited a professor in the lower Rio Grande Valley. During his stay, he shared his life story and a ritual over 2000 years old, the bringing of the rain.
[24] Volume 24 - Juan Luis Longoria, El Último Vaquero

Manuel F. Medrano and Juan Luis Longoria

Born on a South Texas rancho, Juan Luis Longoria worked as a cowboy and foreman at the McAllen Ranch for over 40 years. He reminisces about why he became a cowboy, his most memorable experiences and how cowboy life has changed.
[25] Volume 25 - Carmen Tafolla, From the Whispers of Her People

Manuel F. Medrano and Carmen Tafolla

This award-winning author and poet from San Antonio comments about how her family and barrio inspired her writing. Tafolla encourages young writers to find their own voices.
[26] Volume 26 - Oscar Casares, Soy del Valle

Manuel F. Medrano and Oscar Casares

Brownsville native and acclaimed writer, Oscar Casares uses his childhood memories and the culture of the Rio Grande Valley to create stories with a universal appeal. He recalls turning points in his own life that impacted his career.
[27] Volume 27 - David Montejano, Mi Vida de Roller Coaster

Manuel F. Medrano and David Montejano

With a professional career spanning over three decades, Dr. Montejano is a San Antonio native, Yale graduate and recipient of the prestigious Frederick Jackson Turner award for his groundbreaking book, Anglos and Mexicans in the Making of Texas, 1836-1986.
[28] Volume 28 - Valerio Longoria: For a Quarter a Song

Manuel F. Medrano and Valerio Longoria

Valerio Longoria, innovative and legendary conjunto musician, speaks about his life and career. Flavio Longoria, his son, comments about his famous father.
[29] Volume 29 - Eva Ybarra: Siempre La Reina

Manuel F. Medrano and Eva Ybarra

The Queen of the Accordion talks about her life and the many challenges of being a female conjunto accordionist.
[30] Volume 30 - From Accordion Roots to Conjunto Music

Manuel F. Medrano

The origin of the European accordion is traced to the Chinese sheng. South Texas conjunto music evolved from both.
[LDV Project Archive] Benito Treviño: Lo que comemos, lo que nos cura, lo que usamos

Manuel F. Medrano, Benito Treviño, Ricardo Camargo, and Johnny Aguilar

A documentary about Benito Treviño, an ethnobotanist who was born in Starr County. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, with a major in botany and minor in chemistry. Treviño, owner of the Rancho Lomitas, talks about the healing properties of local plants to cure or relieve discomfort in the body such as eye irritation, stomachache, headache, etc. He also demonstrates how to make a rope and paper with plants. Treviño shares the importance of preserving nature and to treat the land as a library where all the plants are books to learn from.
[LDV Project Archive] Celebrating our People: Los Del Valle (2003)

Manuel F. Medrano, Mary Margaret McAllen Amberson, Jose Mendoza Lopez, John Gonzalez, Nariciso Martinez, Americo Paredes, Teresa Palomo Acosta, Ronaldo Hinojosa-Smith, Frank Yturria, Mary Rose Cardenas, and Juliet V. Garcia

This footage contains the special \Celebrating Our People: Los Del Valle\. The episode consists of interviews about the history of the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas, specifically the influence and history of Mexican Americans in the area. Interviewees include Mary Margaret McAllen Amberson, José M. López, John Gonzalez, Narciso Martínez, Américo Paredes, Teresa Palomo Acosta, Rolando Hinojosa-Smith, Frank Yturria, Mary Rose Cardenas, and Juliet García.
[LDV Project Archive] Ceremony: Jacinto Tzab at the Cultural Arts Center, Part 1 of 3

Manuel F. Medrano and Jacinto Tzab

Part 1 of 3 of Don Jacinto Tzab and his unnamed student, a professor at the University of the Americas, lead a traditional ceremony at the Cultural Arts Center in San Benito, Texas. Tzab’s disciple says her name is Samanta Juarez at 00:05:36 minutes in the Interview with Don Jacinto Tzab, Part 1 of 3.
[LDV Project Archive] Ceremony: Jacinto Tzab at the Cultural Arts Center, Part 2 of 3

Manuel F. Medrano and Jacinto Tzab

Part 2 of 3 of Don Jacinto Tzab and his unnamed student, a professor at the University of the Americas, lead a traditional ceremony at the Cultural Arts Center in San Benito, Texas. Tzab’s disciple says her name is Samanta Juarez at 00:05:36 minutes in the Interview with Don Jacinto Tzab, Part 1 of 3.
[LDV Project Archive] Ceremony: Jacinto Tzab at the Cultural Arts Center, Part 3 of 3

Manuel F. Medrano and Jacinto Tzab

Part 3 of 3 of Don Jacinto Tzab and his unnamed student, professor of the University of the Americas, lead a traditional ceremony at the Cultural Arts Center in San Benito, Texas. Tzab’s disciple says her name is Samanta Juarez at 00:05:36 minutes in the Interview with Don Jacinto Tzab, Part 1 of 3.
[LDV Project Archive] Ceremony: Reynaldo C. Garza, Phi Theta Kappa 75th Convention

Manuel F. Medrano and Reynaldo F. Garza

75th Convention Phi Theta Kappa award ceremony at Dallas, Texas. Speech by Judge Reynaldo Garza after receiving the 25th Distinguished Alumnus award from the International Honor Society of Junior Colleges. Includes a narration of Judge Garza's life and his contribution as a judge towards education in Brownsville.
[LDV Project Archive] Charro Days 60th Anniversary, Part 1 of 3

Manuel F. Medrano, Ricardo Camargo, Bruce Aiken, Letty Fernandez, Lucy Willis, Americo Paredes, Ruby Wooldrigde, Ralph Cowen, Clarissa Garcia, Vincent Crixell, and Danny Loff

An production video of the 60th Anniversary of Charro Days in 1997 shows the roots of this celebration. Bruce Aiken talks about the commercialization of Mexican tradition to reactivate the economy after a recession and a hurricane hit Brownville. At first, Charro Days was celebrated in Matamoros (Tamaulipas, Mexico) and Brownsville (Texas, United States). The Sombrero Festival founded in 1985 has served as a celebration to reconnect people to Charro Days. Other interviewees include Américo Paredes, Ruby Wooldridge, Ralph Cowen, Clarissa García, Vincent Crixell, and Danny Loff.
[LDV Project Archive] Charro Days 60th Anniversary, Part 2 of 3

Manuel F. Medrano, Ricardo Camargo, Bruce Aiken, Letty Fernandez, Lucy Willis, Americo Paredes, Ruby Wooldrigde, Ralph Cowen, Clarissa Garcia, Vincent Crixell, and Danny Loff

An production video of the 60th Anniversary of Charro Days in 1997 shows the roots of this celebration. Bruce Aiken talks about the commercialization of Mexican traditions to reactivate the economy after a recession and a hurricane hit Brownville. At first, Charro Days was celebrated in Matamoros (Tamaulipas, Mexico) and Brownsville (Texas, United States). The Sombrero Festival founded in 1985 has served as a celebration to reconnect people to Charro Days. Other interviewees include Américo Paredes, Ruby Wooldridge, Ralph Cowen, Clarissa García, Vincent Crixell, and Danny Loff.
[LDV Project Archive] Charro Days 60th Anniversary, Part 3 of 3

Manuel F. Medrano, Ricardo Camargo, Bruce Aiken, Letty Fernandez, Lucy Willis, Americo Paredes, Ruby Wooldrigde, Ralph Cowen, Clarissa Garcia, Vincent Crixell, and Danny Loff

An production video of the 60th Anniversary of Charro Days in 1997 shows the roots of this celebration. Bruce Aiken talks about the commercialization of Mexican tradition to reactivate the economy after a recession and a hurricane hit Brownville. At first, Charro Days was celebrated in Matamoros (Tamaulipas, Mexico) and Brownsville (Texas, United States). The Sombrero Festival founded in 1985 has served as a celebration to reconnect people to Charro Days. Other interviewees include Américo Paredes, Ruby Wooldridge, Ralph Cowen, Clarissa García, Vincent Crixell, and Danny Loff.
[LDV Project Archive] Commencement Address: Juliet Garcia Introduces Reynaldo Garza, University of Texas at Brownsville

Manuel F. Medrano and Juliet V. Garcia

Raw video footage of the commencement ceremony at The University of Texas at Brownsville. Dr. Juliet García recognizes different people who have contributed to education in Brownsville.
[LDV Project Archive] Commencement Address: Texas Southmost College Distinguished Alumnus Américo Paredes

Manuel F. Medrano, Americo Paredes, and Tish Hinojosa

This edited production video contains clips from \'Los Del Valle': The Life of Américo Paredes\ to introduce the 1995 Texas Southmost College Distinguished Alumnus, Dr. Américo Paredes. At 11:25, Dr. Paredes gives a speech to the new graduates and talks about the history of the Chicano Movement.
[LDV Project Archive] Dedication Gala to Yturria Family

Manuel F. Medrano

A raw video of The Valley Land Fund's Vision of South Texas Book Premier and Dedication Gala. A presentation of the commitment of the Yturria family to Ocelot Conservation by Michael Tewes. Speakers recall the Yturria family and their support for the conservation of the Aplomado Falcon and the habitat of the ocelot in the Rio Grande Valley. A documentary of Mary and Larry Yturria and their contributions to the South Texas area. Mr. and Mrs. Yturria talk about the influences in their life that led them to advocate for the conservation of wildlife in South Texas. The Gala ends with an auction of the original book Visions of South Texas Beyond the Ranch Gate. Oher speakers include Barry Horn, Amy Jonson, Audrey Martin, and Peter Janney.
[LDV Project Archive] Documentary: Las Raices en los Ranchitos de San Isidro

Manuel F. Medrano, Armando C. Alonzo, Anita Garza, Feliz Garza, Omar Garza, Rodolfo Garza, Jose Moreno, Rigo Garza, and Ricardo Camargo

A documentary of the San Isidro Ranch property owned by rancher Rodolfo Garza. Garza, who was born in Hidalgo, talks about his ranching life. Rancher Anita Garza talks about her relationship with her husband in the 1940s. Their son, Omar Garza, shares the importance of coming back to San Isidro after getting a Masters degree in Education from Texas A & M University. Their family talks about the legacy of Mrs. and Mr. Garza. Other interviewees include Armando C. Alonzo and Feliz Garza.
[LDV Project Archive] Documentary: Las Raices en los Ranchitos de San Isidro (English Version)

Manuel F. Medrano, Armando C. Alonzo, Anita Garza, Feliz Garza, Omar Garza, Rodolfo Garza, Jose Moreno, Rigo Garza, Ricardo Camargo, and Diana Rosales

A documentary of San Isidro Ranch property belonging to rancher Rodolfo Garza. Garza, who was born in Hidalgo, talks about his ranching life. Rancher Anita Garza talks about her relationship with her husband in the 1940s. Their son, Omar Garza, shares the importance of coming back to San Isidro after getting a Masters in Education from Texas A & M University. Their family talks about the legacy of Mrs. and Mr. Garza.
[LDV Project Archive] Doña Rosita's Travelin' Jalapeño Kitchen with Ruby Nelda Perez, Part 1 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano and Ruby Nelda Perez

This footage is part 1 of 2 of the one woman play Doña Rosita's Travelin' Jalapeño Kitchen. In the town of Salsipuedes (“get-out-if-you-can”), Doña Rosita invites you to the last supper as she gets ready to vacate her little restaurant and home. Forced out to make room for the new shopping mall, Rosita reflects on life in the Barrio and beyond.

Performed by Ruby Velda Perez and filmed by Manuel Medrano. ca.1996
[LDV Project Archive] Doña Rosita's Travelin' Jalapeño Kitchen with Ruby Nelda Perez, Part 2 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano and Ruby Nelda Perez

This footage is part 2 of 2 of the one woman play \Doña Rosita's Travelin' Jalapeño Kitchen\. Performed by Ruby Velda Perez and filmed by Dr. Manuel Medrano. ca. 1996
[LDV Project Archive] Episcopal Day School: Classroom Footage, Part 1 of 3

Manuel F. Medrano

Footage of the Episcopal Day School, including a service in the chapel with all the students. Footage of students learning in the computer laboratory.
[LDV Project Archive] Episcopal Day School: Classroom Footage, Part 2 of 3

Manuel F. Medrano

A compilation of classes with students of different ages at the Episcopal Day School. The footage shows different courses and activities at the school.
[LDV Project Archive] Episcopal Day School: Classroom Footage, Part 3 of 3

Manuel F. Medrano and Sharon Putengnat

A compilation of classes with students of different ages at the Episcopal Day School. The footage shows different courses and activities at the school. An interview with Sharon Putegnat, director of the school, who talks about of her life and philosophy of the school.
[LDV Project Archive] Episcopal Day School: Footage of Nature Trail, Library, and PE

Manuel F. Medrano

A compilation of outdoor classes with students at the Episcopal Day School's Nature Trail and students reading at the library.

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