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Los Del Valle

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.

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[LDV Project Archive] Bruce Aiken interview about Fort Brown History, Part 1 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Bruce Aiken

An interview with Bruce Aiken, a local historian in Brownsville, who talks about the history of Fort Brown in the second half of the 19th century. Aiken explains the land conflict between Mexico and United States, and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, in the Brownsville area. Fort Brown became a permanent post along the border of United States in 1848.
[LDV Project Archive] Bruce Aiken interview about Fort Brown History, Part 2 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Bruce Aiken

Part 2 of the interview with Bruce Aiken, a local historian in Brownsville, who talks about the history of Fort Brown in the early 20th century. Aiken explains the relocation of Black people in the Brownsville area and shares describes the reasons soldiers had to stay in the Rio Grande Valley area. Aiken finishes the interview explaining the conflicts among soldiers between Mexico and United States after World War II. Footage of pictures related to Bruce Aiken's life which shows soldiers, Fort Brown views, and places around Brownsville and Matamoros.
[LDV Project Archive] Bruce Aiken interview about Fort Brown History, Part 3 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Bruce Aiken

Third part of an interview with Bruce Aiken, a local historian in Brownsville, who talks about the history of Fort Brown in 1920-1930. Aiken shares personal stories of soldiers and the changes in the landscape between Front Brown and Brownville.
[LDV Project Archive] Bruce Aiken interview about Fort Brown History, Part 4 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Bruce Aiken

Fourth part of an interview with Bruce Aiken, a local historian in Brownsville, who talks about historical photographs and drawings of Fort Brown. Aiken describes the modification of the landscape in Fort Brown, Brownville, and Matamoros during the United States of America Civil War.
[LDV Project Archive] Bruce Aiken Interview on the History of Fort Brown, Part 1 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano, Bruce Aiken, and Tony Knopp

An interview with Bruce Aiken, director of the Historic Brownsville Museum, who talks about Fort Brown. Aiken shares the history of the origins of Fort Brown and the original landscape.
[LDV Project Archive] Carmen Lomas Garza, Chicana Artist

Manuel F. Medrano, Carmen Lomas Garza, Ricardo Camargo, and Johnny Aguilar

A documentary of Carmen Lomas Garza, a Chicana artist who was born in Kingsville, Texas. Lomas Garza talks about the racial discrimination toward Mexican American families, and discusses the influence and involvement of the Chicano movement in her life. She explains her paintings and the inspiration for her art which compiled in a children's book titled \Family Pictures/Cuadros de familia\.
[LDV Project Archive] Carmen Lomas Garza Community Lecture

Manuel F. Medrano and Carmen Lomas Garza

A video of a lecture by Carmen Lomas Garza to the Brownsville community. Dr. Manuel Medrano reads a poem in her honor. Lomas Garza talks about her history as an artist and why she decided to become an artist, then answers questions from the audience.
[LDV Project Archive] Charro Days 60th Anniversary, Copy 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, Copy 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, Copy 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] Charro Days Pictures, Part 1 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano

A raw video compilation of pictures, including newspaper articles, photographs, and posters of the Sombrero Festival during Charro Days capturing the activities of the event.
[LDV Project Archive] Charro Days Pictures, Part 2 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano

A raw video compilation of pictures, including the Governor of Texas recognition in 1961, newspaper articles, and maps during Charro Days capturing the activities and the landscape of the area during Word War II.
[LDV Project Archive] Charro Days Pictures, Part 3 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano

A compilation of pictures, including newspaper articles, booklets of customs, and history of Charro Days in 1962.
[LDV Project Archive] Charro Days Pictures, Part 4 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano

A raw video compilation of pictures, including official documents, items used to decorate during Charro Days, and booklet of 1938 and 1939.
[LDV Project Archive] Charro Days Pictures, Part 5 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano

A raw video compilation of pictures, including newspaper articles, photographs of the parade in 1938, and booklet covers Charro Days capturing the activities of the event.
[LDV Project Archive] Classroom lecture and interview with Juliet V. Garcia

Manuel F. Medrano and Juliet V. Garcia

Dr. Juliet V. García speaks to a classroom about the importance of advocacy, barriers Mexican Americans face in access to education, her family history, her experiences in education, and the influence of her parents on her values. She also answers interview questions about leadership and the importance of social responsibility in higher education. ca2001
[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] 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] 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.
[LDV Project Archive] Episcopal Day School Footage of Spanish Classes, Music

Manuel F. Medrano

Compilation: Footage of kids playing on the playground, walking in the school hallways, Spanish classes, kids singing in the chapel. A duo sings a song.
[LDV Project Archive] Episcopal Day School Interviews with Charles Zavala and Sarah Villalon

Manuel F. Medrano, Charles Zavala, and Sarah Villalon

An interview with Charles (Chucky) Zavala, a student of the Episcopal Day School, who talks about his experience in the chapel and the importance of the school in his life. Sarah Villalon, a 12 year-old student, talks about the important role of the Episcopal Day School in her life. Sarah explains how the school helped her to be bilingual. Sarah speaks in Spanish with the interviewer about the teaching methodology and why future generations should study in Episcopal Day School.
[LDV Project Archive] Episcopal Day School Interviews with Lenoir Rentfro

Manuel F. Medrano and Lenora Going Rentfro

Lenoir Rentfro, born in Port Aransas, talks about her involvement as director of the Episcopal Day School. Rentfro describes the teachers' commitment and the role of the Episcopal Day School in Brownsville.
[LDV Project Archive] Episcopal Day School Interviews with Rufus Stewart and Katie Tipton

Manuel F. Medrano, Rufus Stewart, and Katie Tipton

A compilation of two interviews: Minister Rufus Stewart, who moved from Florida to Brownsville, Texas in 1960, talks about his involvement with the Episcopal Day School. Stewart explains the changes in Brownsville since the 1960s. Recording also includes an interview with Katie Tipton, a student of the Episcopal Day School, who talks about her experiences at the school.
[LDV Project Archive] Episcopal Day School Interview with Leta Mallett

Manuel F. Medrano and Leta Mallet

Compilation includes indoor and outdoor footage of the Episcopal Day School chapel. Leta Mallet talks about her experience as director of the school.
[LDV Project Archive] Episcopal Day School: The First Fifty Years, Copy 1 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano, Ricardo Camargo, Leta Mallet, Sharon Stevens Putegnant, Lenora Going Rentfro, Rufus Stewart, Mary Katherine Tipton, Sara Villalon, and Charles Zavala

A documentary about the history of the Episcopal Day School, comemorating fifty years since its foundation. Former directors, teachers, and students talk about the importance of the Episcopal Day School in their life and the community in Brownsville. Interviewees include Leta Mallet, Sharon Stevens Putegnant, Lenora Going Rentfro, Rufus Stewart, Mary Katherine Tipton, Sara Villalon, and Charles Zavala.
[LDV Project Archive] Episcopal Day School: The First Fifty Years, Copy 2 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano, Ricardo Camargo, Leta Mallet, Sharon Stevens Putegnant, Lenora Going Rentfro, Rufus Stewart, Mary Katherine Tipton, Sara Villalon, and Charles Zavala

A documentary about the history of the Episcopal Day School, comemorating fifty years since its foundation. Former directors, teachers, and students talk about the importance of the Episcopal Day School in their life and the community in Brownsville. Interviewees include Leta Mallet, Sharon Stevens Putegnant, Lenora Going Rentfro, Rufus Stewart, Mary Katherine Tipton, Sara Villalon, and Charles Zavala.
[LDV Project Archive] Footage of Dance Halls: El Jardin, La Villita, and El Mesquiton

Manuel F. Medrano

Compilation: Footage of El Jardin community dance hall infrastructure and its surroundings; interior decoration of La Villita Patio; and El Mesquiton's mesquite plants on Mesquite Street.
[LDV Project Archive] Footage of H. Yturria Cattle Company, Punta Del Monte Main Entrance

Manuel F. Medrano

Footage of the main entrance and the landscape of the surroundings of the H. Yturria Cattle Company in Punta Del Monte.
[LDV Project Archive] Footage of Shrimping Boats in the South Bay

Manuel F. Medrano

Footage of the shrimping boats at Port Isabel located in the South Bay, near Brownsville. The footage depicts the landscape of the bay in throughout a day.
[LDV Project Archive] Footage of Texas State Capitol

Manuel F. Medrano

Footage of the façade and the back entrance of Texas State Capitol focusing on the flags and Goddess of Liberty statue.
[LDV Project Archive] Hispanic Heritage Month, 2003

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

A Los del Valle video commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month includes a compilation of interviews of different people who have contributed to the community in the Rio Grande Valley. Interviewees include Mary Margaret McAllen Amberson, John Morán González, José M. López, Narciso Martínez, Américo Paredes, Teresa Palomo Acosta, Rolando Hinojosa-Smith, Francisco Yturria, Mary Rose Cardenas, Juliet V. García, and Ruthe Winegarten
[LDV Project Archive] Images of the Rio Grande Valley

Manuel F. Medrano, Maricela Flores, Johnny Aguilar, Ricardo Camargo, Norberto Martinez, and Juan Miguel Gonzalez

Compilation: A video showing people and infrastructure of Brownsville with the song \My Little Town\ playing in the background. Footage of a collection of photographs, postcards, and maps of the Rio Grande Valley area which depict people and infrastructure in the early twentieth century.
[LDV Project Archive] Interviews about the Brownsville Shrimp Basin, Part 1 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano, Buster Harris, and John Bateau

Interviews with Buster Harris and John Bateau about the shrimp industry and its challenges in the Shrimp Basin in Texas. Recording also includes footage of a day's work in the port of Brownsville and the way to navigate a boat.
[LDV Project Archive] Interviews about the Brownsville Shrimp Basin, Part 2 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano, John Bateau, Joe Teau, and Harris Lasseigne

Interviews with John Bateau, Joe Teau, and Harris Lasseigne about the shrimp industry and its challenges in the Shrimp Basin of Brownsville. Bateau mentions the impact of the Hurricane Beulah. Teau shows uses of fishing tools.
[LDV Project Archive] Interviews with Balli Family

Manuel F. Medrano and Concepcion Gonzales

Concepcion (Connie) Gonzales gathers together family members from the United States and Mexico to speak about the Padre Island law settlement, which their ancestors, the Ballí family, used to own. Interviews with family members are shown, as well as B-roll clips of family members conversing and checking in to the event. Hector Cardenas, attorney of the case, shares that the claim is about recovering the mineral rights of Padre Island. Other interviewees include Lupe Madrigal, Amado Juarez, Aurora Juarez, Rosa Rodgers, Raquel Solis, Juan Suarez, Elia Suarez, Benito Suarez, Jacobo Solis, Isabel Solis, Elba Solis, Solia Reyes Garza, Santos Garcia, Jose Garcia Jr, and Don Cuate.
[LDV Project Archive] Interviews with Members of the 124th Cavalry Regiment at the 30th Annual Reunion, Part 1 of 8

Manuel F. Medrano

This raw footage contains interviews with members of the 124th Cavalry Regiment about their background, their memories of World War II, and what the reunion means to them. Interviewees include Milton Kloesel, Louis Huse, Bill Hatcher, Mr. Webber, and David Scott.
[LDV Project Archive] Interviews with Tony Gonzales, Thelma Gonzales, and Manuel Guajardo about Barbara Warburton

Manuel F. Medrano, Tony Gonzales, Thelma Eloiza Gonzales, and Manuel Guajardo

Compilations of interviews: Tony Gonzales, Jr., a pharmacist, shares recollections about Barbara Warburton. Gonzales speaks about his experience as a student in Barbara Warburton's biology class at Texas Southmost College and her legacy. Dr. Thelma Gonzales, a pediatrician, and Dr. Manuel Guajardo, an obstetrician and gynecologist, share their recollections of Warburton.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Américo Paredes, Part 1 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano, Dr. Americo Paredes, Ronaldo Hinojosa-Smith, Ricardo Camargo, Teresa Cadena, Norberto Martinez, and Miguel Gallegos

This raw footage is part one of an interview with Dr. Américo Paredes. Dr. Paredes discusses how his parents came to Brownsville, his advice for writers, and the publication of his dissertation With a Pistol in His Hand.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Armando C. Alonzo

Manuel F. Medrano and Armando C. Alonzo

An interview with Dr. Armando Alonzo, professor at Texas A&M, who published a book titled Los Rancheros in South Texas: The Tejano Legacy. Dr. Alonzo explains the legacy of ranching in South Texas.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Ben Reyna

Manuel F. Medrano and Ben Reyna

An interview with Ben Reyna, Brownsville Police Department chief, who talks about joining the police department. Reyna explains the role of Ruben Garcia, former police captain, in the department.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Bruce Aiken about World War II

Manuel F. Medrano and Bruce Aiken

Interview with Bruce Aiken who is a World War II veteran. Aiken describes his military service during and after the war and life in Brownsville.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Bruce Aiken on the History of Fort Brown, Part 1 of 6

Manuel F. Medrano, Bruce Tansil Aiken, and Tony Knopp

A continuing interview with Bruce Aiken, director of the Historic Brownsville Museum, who talks about the history of the Fort Brown. Aiken recalls his memories growing up close to Fort Brown in the 1920s.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Bruce Aiken regarding Fort Brown

Manuel F. Medrano and Bruce Tansil Aiken

A conversation with historian Bruce Aiken who talks about different photographs depicting Fort Brown and Brownsville. Aiken talks about the reconfiguration of the landscape of Fort Brown. Aiken shares photographs of the infantry and the housing design in the Fort Brown area.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Carmen Lomas Garza

Manuel F. Medrano and Carmen Lomas Garza

Compilation: An interview with Carmen Lomas Garza, a Chicana artist born in Kingsville, Texas, who talks about her art career. Lomas Garza talks about racial discrimination toward Mexican American families, and shares the influence and involvement of the Chicano movement in her life. A partial video of Benito Treviño, an ethnobotanist who was born in Starr County.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Clarisa Garcia

Manuel F. Medrano and Clarissa Garcia

An interview with Clarissa Garcia on her memories of the Charro Days celebration. The celebration is an attempt to honor the cultural roots of the Rio Grande Valley.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Frank Yturria

Manuel F. Medrano and Frank D. Yturria

This footage consists of Frank Yturria speaking about the history of Yturria Ranch and his life working on a ranch.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Henry Montalvo

Manuel F. Medrano and Henry Montalvo

Interview with Henry Montalvo, who was born in San Benito, Texas. Montalvo, a World War II veteran, talks about his experience as a naval aviator in the Hawaiian Islands, and also describes his life as principal of the Brownsville District School.