May 15, 2010
The Courier
100 Ave. A
Conroe, TX 77301
Fax: (936) 521-3302
TO THE EDITOR:
Regarding the editorial: “Texans own the Alamo, not DRT”, Courier, May 15, 2010
Two well meaning members of DRT (Daughters of the Republic of Texas) were expelled from the DRT in the past year or so for trying to raise funds on the side to repair a badly cracking roof/ceiling at the Alamo. They considered it structurally unsound and could not get the board to listen to their pleas, so they went ahead and did some fundraising for the project on their own, and ultimately were kicked out.
I don’t know all there is to know about this situation, but here are bits and pieces I’ve picked up in a nutshell. 1. The DRT board wants to build a huge expensive “history” complex in Austin next to the French legation and is concentrating on that instead of preservation in my opinion. They also apparently want to build an auditorium on the Alamo site, which would rob San Antonio of just about the only green space downtown. 2. The ceiling is not getting repaired. I understand that some plaster fell recently. 3. It’s been known for years that the Alamo needs serious repair, and nothing has been done except some upkeep on the gift shop.
If the DRT cannot afford to preserve and maintain the Alamo, then how do they expect to maintain a huge expensive complex as is being proposed? I wouldn’t want the Alamo roof on my head! Pun not intended.
I can only imagine what is crossing the minds of the board members. Seems a reckless way to behave in such troubled times, especially during a recession.
Sincerely,
Lu MacKie
11506 Walden Rd.
Montgomery, TX 77356
936-448-6144
lumackie@gmail.com
