Lone Star Heritage

Subject: Aquarena Springs/ San Marcos Springs Tue Nov 20, 2007 4:54 pm

When I was a little girl and our family visited Aquarena Springs one summer, I knew just what I wanted to be when I grew up:

http://photos.igougo.com/pictures-photos-m983-p1862-Aquarena_Springs.html

... an underwater ballerina, or as they were known at the theme park, 'mermaids.'

In fact, I was sharing with a young one recently about how I long ago had a fear of the water, and that observing the graceful movements of the aqua-dancers of Aquarena Springs helped me to move (or, swish) beyond it.

But, alas! These ladies of the clear and gentle depths swim no more. When the hallowed springs were bought and taken over by Texas State University (formerly, Southwest Texas State University), in 1994, the mermaids were a part of the package deemed to be too commercial and sensational for a site of such environmental and cultural (archaeological) sensitivity. Just as Ralph, the Famous Swimming Pig had done in 1991, the mermaids were retired. The glass-bottom boats however, were retained .... for their educational utility and perhaps for a measure of old time's sake.

The springs of the park near San Marcos, which so many came to know and cherish, have a deep history and prehistory. Here are a few related links (and yes, one which even celebrates the 'commercialism' of Aquarena Springs Wink

):

http://www.aquarena.txstate.edu/

http://www.edwardsaquifer.net/sanmarcos.html

http://aquarenaarchive.com/

http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/AA/dua2.html

And I'm wondering .... the Springlake Hotel was built in 1928 and restored during the early 1960s. Does anyone know when the replica of Mission San Xavier (originally founded in the area ca. 1755) was constructed?

http://aquarenaarchive.com/photos/mission/mission-dir.html
_________________
The woman of the frontier made the best of her situation, for she had developed a respect for the land that gave her freedom as well as the courage to live in it.
~~~ from the perspective of Anne Seagraves

Joined : 01 Jul 2007 Posts : 28

I remember Aquarena Springs from the '60s-'70's, Cedar. I didn't know it had changed. We had great fun there with the kids and at Wonderworld in San Marcos.

Anne

Subject: Re: Aquarena Springs/ San Marcos Springs Sun Dec 02, 2007 7:40 pm

You know, I was surprised to find that Kirk Dooley wrote this about Wonder Cave, in his his fun and informative exploration of our state, The Book of Texas Bests:

BEST CAVE

Wonder World, San Marcos

It might not be the best for purists, but it's the one to tour if you're not a cave explorer. It was discovered in 1893. It's not Carlsbad, but it's lots of fun. Many people think the Caverns of Sonora are better, but what fo they know? (page 162) Wink

We also visited Wonder World when I was little, but I don't remember very much about its caverns. Anyway, here is the park website:

http://www.wonderworldpark.com/
_________________
The woman of the frontier made the best of her situation, for she had developed a respect for the land that gave her freedom as well as the courage to live in it.
~~~ from the perspective of Anne Seagraves

Joined : 01 Jul 2007 Posts : 28

I think thss is an easy cave to walk through and pretty too, if I remember right.

Anne