Thanks to those who contributed photos of the tour. These include photos from Marlene Richardson, who produced a KLRN documentary on HemisFair '68. Watch San Antonio Remembered | HemisFair on-line. Photos were also contributed by Jessica Anderson and Josh Conrad.
The tour was also featured in an article in La Prensa.
On Saturday, October 8, 2011 Mid Tex Mod hosted a walking tour of the modern architecture and artwork of HemisFair '68. The fair was the first official international exposition held in the Southwest. It had a major impact on the development of San Antonio. Acclaimed architects designed both temporary and permanent structures for the fair, which was a showcase for art, culture, society, and technology. After the Fair, the site was renamed HemisFair Park in one of numerous revitalization efforts.
Below: William Sinkin awaits the beginning of the tour. Mr. Sinkin was the first President of San Antonio Fair, Inc., the corporate body that organized HemisFair '68.
Photo by Marlene Richardson
Dr. Jennifer Speed, a local historian, shared the history of 19th century buildings at HemisFair Park. These buildings are remnants of a vital urban neighborhood, which was largely demolished in an urban renewal effort associated with the siting of the world's fair.
Photo by Marlene Richardson
Photo by Marlene Richardson
James LeFlore, from the San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs, led the group through outstanding examples of modern artwork created for HemisFair '68. These included the The Confluence of the Civilizations in the Americas, 1968, an exquisite glass mosaic tile mural by Carlos Merida (1891-1984) located in the Convention Center.
Photo by Jenni Minner
Photo by Marlene Richardson
The Confluence of the Civilizations in the Americas, 1968 by Fred Samuelson (b. 1925) provides an expansive view of history. It is located in the Convention Center ballroom.
Photo by Jenni Minner
Detail from mural.
Photo by Marlene Richardson
James LeFlore described Juan O'Gorman's rock mosaic masterpiece on the Lila Cockrell Theater.
Photo by Marlene Richardson
Photo by Marlene Richardson
Detail of Confluence of the Civilizations of the Americas, 1968.
Photo by Marlene Richardson
Tour guides Stuart Johnson, from the San Antonio Conservation Society and Mid Tex Mod, and Jenni Minner, president of Mid Tex Mod, described the architectural merit and historical significance of Marmon & Mok's design for the Confluence Theater. The building was re-purposed as the John H. Wood, Jr. Federal courthouse a few years after the fair. Its future is presently in question as it is part of a large land swap between the federal government and the City of San Antonio.
Photo by Marlene Richardson
Photo by Jessica Anderson
According to the official HemisFair '68 guidebook, the Confluence Theater was clad in "pre-cast marble which was quarried in New Mexico, cut in Missouri, and cast in Dallas. Both the inside and outside the theater are innovations in design and building techniques."
Photo by Jessica Anderson
The group assembled at the Schultze House to hear Bill Sinkin speak about the importance of HemisFair '68. Chris Medina, a collector of HemisFair '68 memorabilia, displayed items from his collection.
Courtesy of Chris Medina. Image from postcard of Confluence Theater, part of the U.S. Pavilion at HemisFair '68.
Left: Mr. Sinkin's portrait, which was recently hung in the lobby of the Tower of the Americas. Right: Speaking on HemisFair '68 and recent endeavors as CEO of a solar energy company.
Photos by Josh Conrad, University of Texas at Austin
Tour guides stand in front of hand prints of the prominent women responsible for raising funds for the Women's Pavilion. Mrs. William Sinkin and Mrs. John Connally are among the many names. Originally called the Woman's Pavilion, this building is a testament to the changing roles of women in American society. It is also a significant example of brutalism and of noted architect Cyrus Wagner.
Photo by Marlene Richardson
The interior of the Women's Pavilion shows the hand of a master in light and space.
Photo by Marlene Richardson
It also displays a desperate need for maintenance and reinvestment.
Photo by Marlene Richardson
See more photos of the Women's Pavilion on previous posts:A photo focuses on the fountain at the Institute of Texan Cultures with Federal office building in the background.
Photo by Josh Conrad, University of Texas at Austin.
The last stop on the tour was the observation deck of the Tower of the Americas. The photo below is from the ground floor of the Tower looking towards the observation deck.
Photo by Jessica Anderson
View of the former U.S. Pavilion from the Tower of the Americas. This two building complex was once the Confluence Theater and the Exhibit Pavilion. These are now the John H. Woods, jr. Federal Courthouse and the Adrian Spears Judicial Training Center.
Photo by Jessica Anderson
Detail of view from the Tower of the Americas showing the Villita Assembly Building designed by O'Neil Ford and constructed prior to HemisFair (Building with flower on top to the left). The Hilton Placio Del Rio Hotel (on the right) was built in record time using an innovative modular construction. Read more about the history of the Villita Assembly building and the Palacio del Rio.
Photo by Jessica Anderson
Send us your photos of the tour to share!
Read about the tour.
Links to more HemisFair information:
HemisFair '68 OnlineHemisFair Park Master Plan
University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries Digitized HemisFair '68 Collections:
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