Truly we live in strange and wondrous times. The internet can make things happen that are hard to believe. Here’s an example: a little while back I got a comment on an old post, the one where I first realized that there were mules living on campus and people living here who took care of them. It was one of the most surprising comments I’ve ever received. Take a look:
My name is Emily Medrano. I am the granddaughter of Mr. Jose Garcia, Mr. Martino’s right hand man during this time. My grandfather lived in the house you are referring to with his wife, Emilia, and their children…and yes he was injured on the job. Please contact me if you would like further information about the house, the mule stables, the gully, etc. My mom and aunt would be so excited to hear from you.
Well, of course I did get in touch with them and they proved to be a delight, warm, curious and friendly. They were so enthusiastic about Rice (they’d picked up the words to Rice’s Honor living so close to the stadium) and were happy to share their stories of living out on the edge of campus. Emily’s Uncle Sergio Garcia even mapped out the outbuildings and topography of this area for me. There isn’t any other way I would ever have learned most of this information. I was so happy to meet them and to have the chance to acknowledge their father’s part in making the university what it is today that I dragged Brandon, the video guy, out there with me.
By the Way: Tomorrow is Good Friday for me so I’ll be back next Monday.
Well, that’s just the sweetest thing! Thanks for posting this!
Isn’t it?! I was legit choked up.
Thank you so much, Melissa, for recognizing the contributions of the non-faculty employees of Rice!
Wow! That’s a fabulous video!
Awesome! I love seeing this because their family isn’t mentioned in any of the histories of Rice that I’ve read (Fredericka Meiners’ book from 1982, for example), and I doubt that photos of them or their house appear in any of the Campaniles from that era. I continue to be amazed by the history of this place.
Very special indeed. Thanks to you and the family for that great moment.
Fantastic. More of the same please.
I wish I knew how . . .
superbly done
Will we get to see a picture of the map sometime later?
Yes, but it was too big for my scanner so we have to wait until someone can get it done on the bigger one.
Wow, thanks to the Garcia family!
From Travel and Leisure Magazine 2011
Don’t be fooled by Rice’s urban address. A double row of majestic oak trees encloses its perimeter—a harbinger of the lush 285-acre campus to come, divided into quadrangles and planted with 4,000-plus elms, hickories, maples, and other trees (a ratio of more than one for each undergrad).
A tree for each student…thanks to my grandfather!
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My Great grandma & Great grandpa. Miss them dearly. I had the opportunity to visit Rice stadium and grounds. The family gathered together and we herd lots of memories. Love my family in Houston and always a joy to be in H town. 🙂
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