Friday, January 11, 2019

UTSA Libraries special photo collections give a glimpse of holiday history in San Antonio


(December 19, 2016) -- Looking to get in the holiday spirit? The UTSA Libraries Special Collections' Top Shelf blog features photos from their massive photograph collections documenting the holidays in San Antonio over the years.

Stunning light displays dazzle neighborhoods throughout San Antonio and holiday lights can be seen in neighborhoods, downtown and along the River Walk. Photographs documenting a few of the holiday light displays from the late 1930s to 1950s are just some of the photos that can be found in the UTSA Libraries Special Collections.

Photographs of Christmas trees displayed in San Antonio from 1900-1990 feature a tree adorned with ornaments and lights in Alamo Plaza in the 1920s as well as trees found in the homes of some San Antonio families.

Christmas is not complete without Santa Claus. Jolly Old Saint Nick comes to town this time of year and photographers have been capturing his visits to San Antonio department stores over the years. Check out the images that document the evolution of the Santa's iconic look.

It doesn't happen often but occasionally ice, sleet and even snow can make an appearance during the winter months in San Antonio. Photographers documented people enjoying the winter weather by sledding and ice skating. Check out these photos from the 19th and 20th centuries.

UTSA Libraries Special Collections contain nationally recognized research materials documenting diverse histories and development of San Antonio and South Texas. UTSA Libraries supports the university's ascent to Tier One status by building nationally recognized collections serving researchers at UTSA and around the world.

Their photograph collections are some of the largest and most frequently explored resources in their holdings. The collection comprises more than three million photographs, which originate from a multitude of sources, including commercial photographers, image-rich portions of personal papers and organizational records, and several photographic archives that document UTSA history. The holdings also include two massive collections from area newspapers, including the San Antonio Express-News and the San Antonio Light.

Take a look at more holiday photos in this special slideshow:


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