Pan-Americanism
History:
Between 1939 and 1943, San Antonio also held several Latin-oriented events to help boost international relations. In October of 1939, Mayor Maverick decided that San Antonio would hold a "Latin-American Day." Attendees included both the local and Mexican Chambers of Commerce, as well as the Pan-American Round Table.21 Since its establishment in San Antonio in 1916, the Round Table served as a forum to bring delegates from Latin countries together with Texas officials to discuss shared problems and strengthen ties. Then in 1941, 52 years after the founding of the Pan American Union in Washington D.C., President Roosevelt declared April 14th to be Pan-American Day. From then on, the Pan-American Round Table held its annual San Antonio meeting, along with a city celebration, on that day.22
Shortly after Maverick's proclamation of Latin-American Day, he presented the city with an even more far reaching legacy: the passage of the Villita Ordinance on October 12, 1939. This colorful document outlined his plans for restoring San Antonio's 18th century Spanish settlement on the banks of the San Antonio River in the heart of downtown. The ordinance also made clear the mayor's purpose in "re-creating the Little Spanish Village: for the promotion of understanding and peace between the [Pan] American nations; to preserve Spanish and Southwestern culture; [and] to foster Arts and Crafts."23
Shortly after Maverick's proclamation of Latin-American Day, he presented the city with an even more far reaching legacy: the passage of the Villita Ordinance on October 12, 1939. This colorful document outlined his plans for restoring San Antonio's 18th century Spanish settlement on the banks of the San Antonio River in the heart of downtown. The ordinance also made clear the mayor's purpose in "re-creating the Little Spanish Village: for the promotion of understanding and peace between the [Pan] American nations; to preserve Spanish and Southwestern culture; [and] to foster Arts and Crafts."23
About this Image:
1) Convocation of international and local dignitaries and officials gathered on stage. On the far left is Presidente del Comite Central Ejecutivos (Senator) Antonio Villalobos, then San Antonio's Mexican Consul Carlos Calderon. P.L. Anderson sits in the center under the left corner of the Mexican flag.
2) In April of 1942, Mayor Quinn earned the Order of the Aztec Eagle, the highest Mexican honor awarded to foreigners, for his goodwill efforts. P.L. Anderson received his own Aztec Eagle in 1945.24 In this photo, P.L. Anderson pins a medal on Governor Gonzalo N. Santos of San Luis Potosi (Mexico), in his office at City Hall.
3) This image comes from the Villita ordinance. The ordinance elaborates on the role La Villita's restoration is intended to play in strengthening Pan American ties. To learn more about it and La Villita go HERE. Credit: City of San Antonio, Copyrighted 1939.
2) In April of 1942, Mayor Quinn earned the Order of the Aztec Eagle, the highest Mexican honor awarded to foreigners, for his goodwill efforts. P.L. Anderson received his own Aztec Eagle in 1945.24 In this photo, P.L. Anderson pins a medal on Governor Gonzalo N. Santos of San Luis Potosi (Mexico), in his office at City Hall.
3) This image comes from the Villita ordinance. The ordinance elaborates on the role La Villita's restoration is intended to play in strengthening Pan American ties. To learn more about it and La Villita go HERE. Credit: City of San Antonio, Copyrighted 1939.
To Learn More:
Credit:
Courtesy of San Antonio Conservation Society Foundation.
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