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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] Los Del Valle presents Joe Lopez of Mazz, Part 6 of 7

Manuel F. Medrano and Joe Lopez

This raw footage is part 6 of 7 of an interview with musican Joe Lopez. In this interview, Lopez discusses other Tejano musicans, such as Lydia Mendoza and Selena Quintanilla Perez, the future of Joe Lopez and Mazz, fame, being a role model, the reception of his music in Mexico, his musical inspirations, and his advice for the Mexican American community. This was filmed simulteanously with part five, but the camera is focused on Dr. Medrano Manuel.
[LDV Project Archive] Los Del Valle presents Joe Lopez of Mazz, Part 7 of 7

Manuel F. Medrano and Joe Lopez

This raw footage is part 7 of 7 of an interview with musican Joe Lopez. Dr. Medrano asks Lopez what makes him laugh, cry, and think and about his sense of humor.
[LDV Project Archive] Los del Valle: The Life of Dr. Américo Paredes

Manuel F. Medrano, Americo Paredes, Ronaldo Hinojosa-Smith, and Norberto Martinez

Documentary on the life of Dr. Américo Paredes, born in Brownsville, Texas. Dr. Paredes talks about being born during border troubles or ethnic cleansing along the U.S.-Mexico border when Texas Rangers and others murdered Mexicans. Dr. Paredes talks about the meaning of the word mojado in a Brownsville context. His first poem, \A Sonnet Tonight,\ won a poetry contest at Trinity College. Dr. Paredes talks about the reasons for writing music.
[LDV Project Archive] Los Fresnos Fire Department Fire Prevention Workshop, Part 1 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano and Geronimo Sheldon

Footage of Marshal Geronimo Sheldon who gives a bilingual workshop on fire prevention to the Alfredo Villarreal Elementary School.
[LDV Project Archive] Los Fresnos Fire Department Fire Prevention Workshop, Part 2 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano and Geronimo Sheldon

Footage of Marshal Geronimo Sheldon who gives a bilingual workshop on fire prevention to the Alfredo Villarreal Elementary School. Footage of the infrastructure of the fire department.
[LDV Project Archive] Los Fresnos Fire Department Interviews

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

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] Los Fresnos Fire Department Interviews

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] Los Fresnos Volunteer Fire Department Pictures, Part 1 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano

Footage includes photographs of tragic events at the Los Fresnos Fire Department, as well as firefighters, and infrastructure of the department.
[LDV Project Archive] Los Fresnos Volunteer Fire Department Pictures, Part 2 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano

A video collection of photographs showing the infrastructure of the fire department in Brownville and people involved in the department.
[LDV Project Archive] Manuel Medrano's Historical Pictures

Manuel F. Medrano

This edited video consists of close-ups of numerous historical photographs. ca. 1991
[LDV Project Archive] Maura Gonzalez Lopez Oral History, Part 1 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Maura Gonzalez Lopez

Part 1 of 4 of Maura Gonzalez Lopez's oral history. Gonzalez recalls details of her family, the Mexican Revolution, her marriage, migrating to the United States in 1920, the 1932/1933/1934 hurricanes, and her daily routines.
[LDV Project Archive] Maura Gonzalez Lopez Oral History, Part 2 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Maura Gonzalez Lopez

Part 2 of 4 of Maura Gonzalez Lopez's oral history. Gonzalez recalls the impacts of World War II, such as her son being drafted, becoming a citizen, friendships, and shares advice on how to live a long and happy life.
[LDV Project Archive] Maura Gonzalez Lopez Oral History, Part 3 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Maura Gonzalez Lopez

Part 3 of 4 of Maura Gonzalez Lopez's oral history. Gonzalez recalls 1964/1967 hurricanes, seeing a car for the first time, what she did in her free time, and her favorite recipes.
[LDV Project Archive] Maura Gonzalez Lopez Oral History, Part 4 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Maura Gonzalez Lopez

Part 4 or 4 of Maura Gonzalez Lopez's oral history. Gonzalez recalls recipes and how she wishes to be remembered.
[LDV Project Archive] Medrano Picture Archive

Manuel F. Medrano

This edited footage consists of close-ups of numerous historical photographs, as well as edited footage of school children with music playing in the background. ca. 1993-2000s
[LDV Project Archive] Narciso Martinez: El Huracan Del Valle, Part 1 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano and Narciso Martinez

Part 1 of 5 of Narciso Martínez oral history. Martínez, nicknamed \El Huracan del Valle\, recalls when he started playing the accordion, his parents, the difficulties of getting an education, growing up with 7 other siblings, and his marriage. He also remembers growing up in Brownsville, Texas and starting his musical career.
[LDV Project Archive] Narciso Martinez: El Huracan Del Valle, Part 2 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano and Narciso Martinez

Part 2 of 5 of Narciso Martínez oral history. Martínez shares his experience performing, changes he has observed in music, other artists, his future plans, and his wishes for future musicians.
[LDV Project Archive] Narciso Martinez: El Huracan Del Valle, Part 3 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano, Narciso Martinez, and Edwina Martinez

Part 3 of 5 of Narcisco Martínez oral history. Martínez performs a selection of songs and shares his experience performing in other states. Martínez's wife, Edwina Martínez, joins the interview.
[LDV Project Archive] Narciso Martinez: El Huracan Del Valle, Part 4 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano, Narciso Martinez, and Edwina Martinez

Part 4 of 5 of Narcisco Martínez oral history. Martínez continues to share his memories of performing in other states, his education, and his marriage with Edwina. Edwina remembers how she spent her time when Martínez was on tour. The couple also discuss their favorite home-cooked meals and share memories of the photographs in their home.
[LDV Project Archive] Narciso Martinez: El Huracan Del Valle, Part 5 of 5

Manuel F. Medrano and Narciso Martinez

Part 5 of 5 of Narciso Martínez oral history. Martínez continues to share stories about the photographs in their home and talks about the discrimination he faced. The interview finishes with a tour of Narciso's home and introducing his grandson, Mark.
[LDV Project Archive] Narciso Martínez Pictures

Manuel F. Medrano and Narciso Martínez

A compilation of photographs of Narciso Martínez's performances and events.
[LDV Project Archive] Olga Lozano, Frontera Pharmacist

Manuel F. Medrano, Olga Lozano, Amy Frazier, Johnny Aguilar, Robert Autrey, and Melinda Slovak

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.
[LDV Project Archive] Photographs: Barbara Warburton

Manuel F. Medrano

A collection of pictures about Barbara Warburton.
[LDV Project Archive] Photographs: Brownsville, 1890s-1930s

Manuel F. Medrano

Footage of black and white photographs of people and buildings in Brownsville and other cities in Cameron County. Photograph years range from the 1890s - 1930s.
[LDV Project Archive] Photographs: Charro Days, 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] Photographs: Charro Days, 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] Photographs: Charro Days, 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] Photographs: Charro Days, 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] Photographs: Charro Days, 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] Photographs of Los Braceros

Manuel F. Medrano

Photographs of men who participated in the Bracero program. Images include identification cards, photographs of men working in fields, certificates, checks, and other official documents.
[LDV Project Archive] Photographs: Rio Grande Valley, Early 1900s

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] Pictures from Album for La Villita Dance Hall, Part 1 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano

A collection of photographs of people dancing, getting married, playing music, and haging out in the dance hall.
[LDV Project Archive] Pictures from Album for La Villita Dance Hall, Part 2 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano

A collection of photographs of people dancing, getting married, playing music, and hanging out in the dance hall.
[LDV Project Archive] Police Patrol Car Footage

Manuel F. Medrano

Compilation includes footage of the interior and exterior of a police car from Brownsville. Teachers and kids practicing dance performance. Kids in class at an unnamed kindergarten.
[LDV Project Archive] Police Pictures

Manuel F. Medrano

Collection of pictures from the Brownsville Police Department.
[LDV Project Archive] Private Screening of "Mi Familia" with Gregory Nava, Part 1 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Gregory Nava

This video contains footage from a private screening of \Mi Familia\ at the 1996 Social Sciences Symposium in Brownsville, Texas. The footage consists of participants entering the theater and interacting with the film's director, Gregory Nava, and a question-and-answer session with Nava after the screening. Nava discusses Chicano represtation in film and the universal theme of family.
[LDV Project Archive] Private Screening of "Mi Familia" with Gregory Nava, Part 2 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Gregory Nava

This video is a continued question-and-answer session with Gregory Nava after a private screening of his film \Mi Familia\ at the 1996 Social Sciences Symposium in Brownsville, Texas. Nava discusses celebrating Chicano culture and his upcoming biopic about Selena Quintanilla Pérez.
[LDV Project Archive] Private Screening of "Mi Familia" with Gregory Nava, Part 3 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Gregory Nava

This video is a continued question-and-answer session and interview with Gregory Nava after a private screening of his film \Mi Familia\ at the 1996 Social Sciences Symposium in Brownsville, Texas. Nava discusses the reception of his films in Mexico, his inspirations, and the importance of Latino representation in Hollywood.
[LDV Project Archive] Private Screening of "Mi Familia" with Gregory Nava, Part 4 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Gregory Nava

This video is a continued interview with Gregory Nava after a private screening of his film \Mi Familia\ at the 1996 Social Sciences Symposium in Brownsville, Texas. Nava discusses mentorship, his family, and working with actors.
[LDV Project Archive] Reading by Novelist Rolando Hinojosa-Smith, April 11, 1995, Part 1 of 2.

Manuel F. Medrano and Rolando Hinojosa-Smith

This video contains a reading by Dr. Rolando Hinojosa-Smith from his published works. Audience members ask questions about his writing experience and process.
[LDV Project Archive] Reading by Novelist Rolando Hinojosa-Smith, April 11, 1995, Part 2 of 2.

Manuel F. Medrano and Rolando Hinojosa-Smith

This raw footage consists of audience members approaching Dr. Rolando Hinojosa-Smith after his reading to autograph their books.
[LDV Project Archive] Reynaldo Garza Photographs

Manuel F. Medrano and Reynaldo Garza

Footage of photographs from Judge Reynaldo Garza which depict his family and career at different moments of his life.
[LDV Project Archive] Reynaldo Garza Speech on Martin Luther King, Part 1 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano and Reynaldo F. Garza

Judge Reynaldo Garza talks about the situation of Mexican Americans in education. He emphasizes the role of Martin Luther King's work for the Mexican American population.
[LDV Project Archive] Reynaldo Garza Speech on Martin Luther King, Part 2 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano and Reynaldo F. Garza

Judge Reynaldo Garza answers questions from the public, and talks about segregation and integration of schools in Brownsville.
[LDV Project Archive] Rio Grande City Interviews, Part 1 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano and Omar Garza

Compilation: Footage from Omar Garza's office in the Starr County Court House in Rio Grande City. Footage of photographs of the Garza family and San Isidro Ranch.
[LDV Project Archive] Rio Grande City Interviews, Part 2 of 2

Manuel F. Medrano and Rodolfo Garza

Footage from Rodolfo Garza's class in Rio Grande City. Footage of unnamed teachers and their students at Alberto and Celia Barrera Elementary school.
[LDV Project Archive] Rio Grande Valley Images and Interviews and Recipients of the Veteran's Upward Bound Award

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 on the background. Footage of photographs, postcards, maps of the Rio Grande Valley area which depict people and infrastructure in the early twentieth century. The video includes interviews with José Mendoza López and Américo Paredes, and footage of other notable figures of the Rio Grande Valley such as Jovita Gonzalez. The second portion of the video contains interviews with recipients of the Veteran's Upward Bound Scholarship.
[LDV Project Archive] Ruben Garcia and The Brownsville Police Department

Manuel F. Medrano, Ruben Garcia, Ben Reyna, Anthony Knopp, and Ricardo Camargo

A documentary honoring Captain Ruben Garcia after a career of forty-three years. Captain Garcia talks about his experience in the Brownsville police department, and the history of the department after World War II. Garcia was the founder of the police academy in Brownsville.
[LDV Project Archive] Ruben Garcia Compilation Footage

Manuel F. Medrano and Reynaldo F. Garza

Compilation: Footage of Texas Café at City Hall, Brownsville Police Department; and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education Instructor's certificate for Ruben S. Garcia, and pictures of Garcia's life.
[LDV Project Archive] Ruby Woolridge Oral History, Part 2 of 4

Manuel F. Medrano and Ruby Woolridge

Part 2 of 4 of Ruby Woolridge's oral history. Woolridge recalls Pearl Harbor, rationing during war times, her wedding with Dale Woolridge, teaching government at La Encantada, and changes in Brownsville, Texas during the 1950's.