By Thomas H. Kreneck
Photographs represent one of the richest sources for documenting the Mexican-American experience in Texas. Because many, and certainly some of the most remarkable of these historic images are in the hands of families, it is important that libraries and their special collections/archival units engage in public outreach to acquire such items to preserve the local past. Moreover, institutions and community people can most readily come together when outside funding provides extra library personnel because such additional collection development is often beyond the capacity of normal staffing levels.
The Galvan Family Historic Photograph Project at the Special Collections & Archives of the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Bell Library serves as a recent example of a cooperative effort among a library, a Hispanic family, and a funding agency to make accessible photographs of the Mexican-American population. Specifically, it underscores the crucial role played by the TexShare Access to Local Holdings Program in providing financial support to secure this visual record. [For an earlier though less complete explanation of this project, see Southwestern Archivist (February, 1999), p. 15.]
The Galvan family ranks as one of the most historic Hispanic families in Corpus Christi, which is a city that has a longstanding, significant Mexican-American presence. The founders of the family in Corpus Christi were Rafael Galvan, Sr. (1887-1966) and his wife, Virginia Reyes Galvan (1889-1980). The Galvan couple began a family tradition of achievement and community involvement that spans three generations.
Businessman, civic leader, a founder of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and Corpus Christi's first Mexican-American police officer, Rafael Galvan, Sr. was a force in the economic, social, and political affairs of the city. Among his many endeavors, in 1949-1950 he constructed and opened the Galvan Ballroom, which became a favorite dance floor and community gathering place for the people of Corpus Christi and its environs. In addition to raising their children, Virginia Galvan was an active member of Hispanic women's groups in Corpus Christi during the first decades of this century. The Galvan sons - Ralph, Jr., Sam, Eddie, and Bobby - became professional big band musicians and had an impact on the region's musical development. The daughters of Rafael, Sr. and Virginia Galvan raised offspring who have entered the ranks of Corpus Christi's business and professional class, thus contributing to the present leadership of the city.
The
Ralph Galvan Orchestra, Corpus Christi, Texas, ca. late 1940s. Ralph Galvan
standing, Eddie Galvan front row far left, and Bobby Galvan front row far right.
Rafael, Sr. & Virginia Galvan Family Papers, Special Collections & Archives,
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Bell Library.
A project of this nature is not without risk. A level of uncertainty existed because Special Collections & Archives did not already hold the images. The library staked its reputation on its ability to retrieve the photos from the field and properly handle them. For its part, TexShare trusted that the library and family would work together in harmony. In spite of the possible pitfalls, the endeavor greatly exceeded its initial goals.
Although the project originally envisioned duplicating and cataloging 150, various Galvan family members soon came forward with over 300 items. These relatives responded enthusiastically, with special guidance from the older generation.
Because of the unexpected number of Galvan images, TexShare expanded its funding so that the project extended over a two year period (1997-1999). This TexShare money made it possible to hire Jan S. Weaver, Adjunct Instructor of History at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, as the project's part-time archivist for both years. In conjunction with regular archival staff, Ms. Weaver monitored duplicating the photos using archivally-sound 4"x5" negatives and 8"x10" prints that, again, TexShare partially financed. She accessioned, identified, numbered, properly stored, and cataloged 317 images in the department's askSam database. With time to focus exclusively on the project, Ms. Weaver gathered all available information on these historic items.
Galvan
Ballroom, Corpus Christi, Texas, during a Sunday Night Dance, ca. 1953.
Rafael, Sr. & Virginia Galvan Family Papers, Special Collections & Archives,
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Bell Library.
In large measure because money from TexShare allowed such a concentrated effort on the Galvan project, the family generously contributed 160 of the original photographs. This donation was a bonus for the collection. These originals, along with the duplicates, are now part of the permanent holdings of Special Collections & Archives and are available to researchers.
The Galvan photographs date from the late 1800s through the 1990s and reflect many activities of family members. Among the many remarkable items are photos of such band leaders as Duke Ellington, Jimmy Dorsey, and Tommy Dorsey when they performed at the Galvan Ballroom during the early years of its operation. The orchestras led by the talented Galvan brothers are likewise featured. Rafael, Sr.'s early businesses are pictured as are some of the clubs to which he belonged. In the arena of social history, family wedding portraits abound, from that of late nineteenth century Galvan ancestors through subsequent generations of nuptial parties. Photos also depict the Galvan house on its original site and many social occasions which transpired in its interior and on its lawns. Other more common images such as photos of baptisms, graduations, workplace scenes, military service, and family groups chronicle the rhythm of life.
The former residence of Rafael, Sr. and Virginia Galvan, at 403 Waco Street, was a center of local community life. In that home, the Galvans received many distinguished visitors including high-ranking officials from Mexico and U.S. political figures such as Lyndon B. Johnson. Relocated to Corpus Christi's Heritage Park in the mid-1980s, the two-storied Galvan House is presently used as the park's Multicultural Center. It is considered to be one of the city's most historic domestic structures.
The staff of Special Collections & Archives first became aware of the Galvan family's historic photographs through Bobby and Alicia Galvan, a son and daughter-in-law of Rafael, Sr. and Virginia. Over 100 of these images adorn the walls of the Galvan Music Company owned by Bobby and Alicia. Learning from them that various other family members also possessed important images, Special Collections & Archives staff proposed to duplicate, archive, and make available for public use 150 of the Galvans' most illustrative photographs.
With the family's full support, Special Collections & Archives allocated matching funds and successfully sought a grant from the TexShare Access to Local Holdings Program in 1997. TexShare money would hire a part-time archivist and assist in the cost to duplicate the desired images.
Corpus
Christi Mexican-American Organizations in front of the city's historic Obreros
Hall, ca. 1920.
Rafael, Sr. & Virginia Galvan Family Papers, Special Collections & Archives,
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Bell Library.
Three especially remarkable photographs donated by the Galvans could almost by themselves justify the time, effort, and expense of the project, so indicative are these images of early twentieth century Mexican-American urban development. A small panorama from around1920 pictures the various Corpus Christi Mexican-American organizations in front of Obreros Hall, the building where LULAC was founded. Two other images show early Mexican-American women's organizations during the 1910s.
Sociedad
Concordia, a Mexican-American
Women's Organization, Corpus Christi, Texas, ca. 1910s. Virginia Reyes (Galvan)
seated at far right.
Rafael, Sr.
& Virginia Galvan Family Papers, Special Collections & Archives, Texas
A&M University-Corpus Christi Bell Library.
The staff of Special Collections & Archives and the extended Galvan family forged a strong bond while completing this project, bringing together the University and a segment of the broader community it serves. This closeness was an unexpected product of inestimable value for everyone involved and lent added meaning to the endeavor. The Galvans proved to be gracious, helpful, and a pleasure to work with. The library and the family were grateful to the TexShare Access to Local Holdings Program for its generous support and to its personnel for their timely and courteous manner over the two years.
Las Aguilas
Baseball Team, Corpus Christi, Texas, ca. 1920. Rafael Galvan, Sr. seated second
from left.
Rafael, Sr. & Virginia Galvan Family Papers,
Special Collections & Archives, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Bell Library.
The educational usefulness of the Galvan Family Photograph Project became almost immediately evident. Galvan images were included in a locally produced public television documentary entitled "Remembering Corpus Christi Again," which is a chronicle of the city during the 1940s and 1950s. Early Galvan photos serve as illustrations in Arnoldo De León, Mexican Americans in Texas: A Brief History, 2nd Ed. (Wheeling, IL: Harlan Davidson, 1999). Two of these images appear on the cover of that scholarly volume. Galvan photographs will no doubt be used in other films, publications, and exhibits to help demonstrate the important role of Mexican Americans in the South Texas experience.
(The author wishes to thank Jan S. Weaver, Alva D. Neer, Grace G. Charles, Susan Gaston, Kathy Hoffman, and Bonnie Juergens for their crucial roles in making this project and article possible.)
