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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.

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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[LDV Project Archive] Interviews with Charles Zavala and Sarah Villalon, Episcopal Day School

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] Interviews with Jordana Barton and Richard Flores about Américo Paredes

Manuel F. Medrano, Jordana Barton, and Richard Flores

Two interviews with Jordana Barton, program coordinator for the University of Texas at Austin's Center for Mexican American Studies (CMAS), and Richard Flores, anthropology professor at the University of Texas at Austin, to discuss their memories of Dr. Américo Paredes and the impact he had on their lives and work.
[LDV Project Archive] Interviews with Los Fresnos Fire Department, Part 1 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano, Robert Walsdorf, David Meyn, Richard Meyn, and Beverly Meyn

Part 1 of 2, a collection of interviews. Chief Robert Walsdorf, who joined the Los Fresnos Fire Department in 1954, talks about the first years of the fire department. David Meyn, former chief, talks about phone calls and communication in the early years of the fire department. Mike Meyn, a former firefighter, talks about the involvement of women in the department. Richard Meyn, a firefighter, talks about his memories of being part of the fire department.
[LDV Project Archive] Interviews with Los Fresnos Fire Department, Part 2 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano, Robert Walsdorf, David Meyn, Richard Meyn, Beverly Meyn, Geronimo Sheldon, and William Davis

Footage of Robert Walsdorf, David Meyn, Richard Meyn, Beverly Meyn who talk about pictures and memories of the Los Fresnos Fire Department. Bill Davis, a firefighter, talks about the meaning of being part of the fire department. Marshal Geronimo Sheldon gives a bilingual workshop on fire prevention to the Alfredo Villarreal Elementary School.
[LDV Project Archive] Interviews with Lydia Paredes, Manfred del Castillo and José del Castillo about Américo Paredes, Part 1 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano, Lydia Paredes, and Manfred del Castillo

Part 1 of 2 of separate interviews with Lydia Paredes, Manfred del Castillo, and José del Castillo, the niece and nephews of Dr. Américo Paredes. The interviewees discuss their memories of Dr. Paredes and the impact he had on their lives and the community.
[LDV Project Archive] Interviews with Oliver Brenner, Narciso Martínez, and Antonia Medrano

Manuel F. Medrano, Oliver Brenner, Narciso Martinez, and Antonia Medrano

This edited production video consists of three oral histories with Oliver Brenner, Narciso Martínez, and Antonia Medrano recalling their memories growing up in and around Brownsville, Texas.
[LDV Project Archive] Interviews with Oliver Brenner, Narciso Martínez, and Antonia Medrano

Manuel F. Medrano, Norberto Martinez, Oliver Brenner, Antonia Medrano, and Nariciso Martinez

Footage contains oral histories with Oliver Brenner, Narciso Martínez, and Antonia Medrano. The interviews provide insight into the economy, education, music, and culture of the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.
[LDV Project Archive] Interviews with Rolando Hinojosa-Smith, Américo Paredes, and Narciso Martínez

Manuel F. Medrano, Rolando Hinojosa-Smith, Americo Paredes, and Narciso Martinez

Video clips include interviews with Dr. Rolando Hinojosa-Smith, Américo Paredes, and Narciso Martínez.
[LDV Project Archive] Interviews with Rolando Hinojosa-Smith, Américo Paredes, Sabino Salinas, Jesus Castillo, and Alberto Gallegos

Manuel F. Medrano, Rolando Hinojosa-Smith, Americo Paredes, Sabino Salinas, Jesus Castillo, and Alberto Gallegos

This edited video consists of clips of interviews with Dr. Rolando Hinojosa-Smith and Américo Paredes. Second half of video includes Los Del Valle, Musica en la Sangre - Sabino Salinas y Amigos.
[LDV Project Archive] Interviews with Rufus Stewart and Katie Tipton, Episcopal Day School

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] Interviews with the Garza Family at San Isidro Ranch, Part 1 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Rodolfo Garza

Part 1 of 4, footage of Rio Grande City and the sacred hill where there is an sculpture of Jesus Crucified. Footage of Los Ranchitos de San Isidro. Rodolfo Garza talks about his ranching life and the activities he used to do. Garza gives a tour of his ranch. Part 4 of 4 is not available.
[LDV Project Archive] Interviews with the Garza Family at San Isidro Ranch, Part 2 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano, Rodolfo Garza, and Anita Garza

Part 2 of 4, Rodolfo Garza talks about his ranching life and the activities he used to do, such as dances and gatherings. Garza discusses the value of the ranching life, and shows the tools used for cattle ranching and old houses on his ranch. Rancher Anita Garza talks about her relationship with her husband in the 1940s. Part 4 of 4 is not available.
[LDV Project Archive] Interviews with the Garza Family at San Isidro Ranch, Part 3 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano, Anita Garza, Rodolfo Garza, and Omar Garza

Part 3 of 4, an interview with rancher Anita Garza, who talks about her relationship with her husband in the 1940s. Garza recalls her family history, technology changes during her life, and the importance of education for her five children. Their son, Omar Garza, shares the importance of coming back to San Isidro after getting a Masters in Education from Texas A & M University. Part 4 of 4 is not available.
[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 124th Cavalry Regiment Member Alfonso Rodriguez and Photos

Manuel F. Medrano and Alfonso Rodriguez

A raw video interview with Alfonso Rodriguez who was born in San Benito, Texas in 1916. Rodriguez, a World War II veteran, describes his experience during and after the war.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with 124th Cavalry Regiment Member Robert Camina and Photos

Manuel F. Medrano and Robert Camina

Compilation: An interview with Robert Camina about his experiences during and after World War II; collection of photographs of World War II; and audio and photographs about Robert Camina during World War II.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with 124th Cavalry Regiment Member William Mcquine

Manuel F. Medrano and William Macquine

A raw video of an interview with William Mcquine, a World War II veteran who talks about his military service in Australia.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Américo Paredes, 1994, Part 1 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano and Americo Paredes

Part 1 of 5 of an interview with Dr. Américo Paredes. Dr. Paredes discusses growing up in Brownsville, Texas, his family's history, the Brownsville school system, and growing up during the Depression.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Américo Paredes, 1994, Part 2 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano and Americo Paredes

Part 2 of 5 of an interview with Dr. Américo Paredes. Dr. Paredes continues to share his memories of growing up and attending school in Brownsville, Texas. Dr. Paredes also recounts attending college and the difficulties he faced finding scholarships for Mexican Americans and publishing his writing.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Américo Paredes, 1994, Part 3 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano and Americo Paredes

Part 3 of 5 of an interview with Dr. Américo Paredes. Dr. Paredes shares his experience having different jobs, including singing on the radio, working for Pan America, writing for The Herald, and traveling to different countries before obtaining his undergraduate degree in his mid-30s. Dr. Paredes also shares the importance of popularizing Mexican culture and revisiting cultural roots.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Américo Paredes, 1994, Part 4 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano and Americo Paredes

Part 4 of 5 of an interview with Dr. Américo Paredes. Dr. Paredes discusses working with Dr. Robert King, founder and dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Texas at Austin, to find professors to direct the Ethnic Studies program. Dr. Paredes also highlights the importance of children leaning about their culture and language, his current projects, and favorite corridos.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Américo Paredes, 1994, Part 5 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano and Americo Paredes

Part 5 of 5 of an interview with Dr. Américo Paredes. Dr. Paredes discusses his former students, his extended family, his memories of Narciso Martínez, and how the polka became a part of Tejano music.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Américo Paredes, 1995, 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 Américo Paredes, 1995, Part 2 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano and Americo Paredes

This raw footage is part two of an interview with Dr. Américo Paredes. Dr. Paredes continues discussing the publication of his dissertation, his relationship with the Chicano movement, and his time at the Brownsville Junior College.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Américo Paredes, 1995, Part 3 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano and Americo Paredes

This raw footage is part three of an interview with Dr. Américo Paredes. Dr. Paredes discusses his multi-racial friendships in school, the importance of bilingualism, and his time singing on the radio. He also talks about some photographs.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Américo Paredes, 1995, Part 4 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano and Americo Paredes

This raw footage is part four of an interview with Dr. Américo Paredes. Dr. Paredes discusses photos of awards he has won and his time doing research in Mexico. The video cuts off as Dr. Paredes strums a guitar.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Américo Paredes, 1995, Part 5 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano and Americo Paredes

The raw footage begins with a group dredging a river until 4:43. Video cuts to a young boy until 6:38. In the final segment Dr. Américo Paredes plays the guitar and talks about the publication of a book of poems.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Américo Paredes and Nurses' Luncheon

Manuel F. Medrano and Americo Paredes

The video begins with edited footage from a nurses' luncheon until 4:18. The video cuts to Américo Paredes commenting on the writings of his colleague, Dr. Rolando Hinojosa-Smith.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Américo Paredes, Brownsville Herald

Manuel F. Medrano and Americo Paredes

An interview with Dr. Américo Paredes who talks about memories of Brownsville and his career. Dr. Paredes discusses changes in Mexican American and Chicano literature.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Antonia Medrano, Part 1 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano and Antonia Medrano

Part 1 of 5 of Antonia Medrano's oral history. Medrano recalls her upbringing in Sweet Home, Texas, her education and the racism she experienced, moving to Rio Hondo and Brownsville, her brother's death, her marriage, and the 1932/1933 hurricanes.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Antonia Medrano, Part 2 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano and Antonia Medrano

Part 2 of 5 of Antonia Medrano's oral history. Medrano recalls the aftermath of the 1932/1933 hurricanes, what she did in her free time, her memories of Américo Paredes, rationing during war times, John F. Kennedy's assasination, and her husband's friendship with Oliver Brenner.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Antonia Medrano, Part 3 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano and Antonia Medrano

Part 3 of 5 of Antonia Medrano's oral history. Medrano shares how she hopes to be remembered, and how she raised her children. Medrano's daughter, Lupita Medrano, joins the interview.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Antonia Medrano, Part 4 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano and Antonia Medrano

Part 4 of 5 of Antonia Medrano's oral history. Medrano's daughter shares her experience being raised by her mother and the qualities she wishes to pass down to her daughter and niece. Medrano shares memories from photographs in her home.
[LDV Project Archive] Interview with Antonia Medrano, Part 5 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano and Antonia Medrano

Part 5 of 5 of Antonia Medrano's oral history. B-roll footage of Medrano's home. Highlights photographs, bedrooms, décor, and maps.
[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 Barbara Warburton: La Maestra

Manuel F. Medrano, Barbara Warburton, Ricardo Camargo, and Norberto Martinez

Barbara Warburton, who was born in Wisconsin, talks about the history of her family and the importance of education during her life. Her mother taught in a Navajo reservation where Warburton learnt the value of education. She moved to Brownsville, Texas in 1943 where she taught biology at the Junior College and Senior High School. In the early 1960s, Warburton read an article that came out in the National Biology Teachers Associations where it mentioned the importance of doing fieldwork in junior colleges. In 1963, the Junior College of Brownsville received three cabins that students could use for field work. Alumni share their recollections of Barbara Warburton. Other interviewees include Juliet V. García, Paula Gomez, Eloisa Thelma Gonzalez, Tony Gonzalez, Manuel Guajardo, Larry Löf, Alma Solis, and Martha Warburton.
[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 on 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 Bruce Aiken on Fort Brown's History, 1995, 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] Interview with Bruce Aiken on Fort Brown's History, 1995, Part 2 of 2

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 on Fort Brown's History, 1998, 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] Interview with Bruce Aiken on Fort Brown's History, 1998, 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] Interview with Bruce Aiken on Fort Brown's History, 1998, 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] Interview with Bruce Aiken on Fort Brown's History, 1998, 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] Interview with Bruce Aiken on 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 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 Carmen Lomas Garza

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] 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 David and Mary Helen Berlanga

Manuel F. Medrano, David Berlanga, and Mary Helen Berlanga

This raw footage consists of an interview with Dr. David Berlanga and his wife, Mary Helen Berlanga. Dr. Berlanga discusses how he and his wife Mary Helen met and how they worked together in bilingual education. He speaks on the importance of bilingual and multicultural education. Mary Helen speaks about her motivation to run for school board and the importance of a bilingual education and curriculum. She also talks about her childhood and how she met David Berlanga.
[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.