2026 MVHA Vistas Spring Issue

CONTACT US

Monte Vista Historical Association

P.O. Box 12386

San Antonio, TX 78212 210-737-8212

Visit us at our website montevistasa.org

E-mail mail@montevista-sa.org

City of San Antonio Customer Service (7 am to 11 pm, 7 days a week) Dial 311

Councilperson Suhk Kaur

City Council District 1

Contact person: Allison Martinez Field Office 210-207-0903

SAPD SAFFE Officer Jesus Hinojosa 210-207-1039

Email jesus.hinojosa@sanantonio.gov

MISSION STATEMENT

“To encourage the preservation of the distinctive heritage of the Monte Vista area; to keep the physical identity of this late nineteenth-early twentieth century district intact; and to educate the public, especially the youth, with knowledge of our inherited neighborhood values which contribute to a wholesome urban environment.”

2026…Monte Vista Style!

Hello neighbors and welcome to 2026! By all indications, this year is going to be a year of change, a year of growth, and with a renewed focus and strengthened resolve, it also has the promise of being a fantastic year for both Monte Vista and the City of San Antonio. Of course, certain things need to occur for Monte Vista to realize its share of that promise, and those things (surprise!) rest with us.

Please read on…

Monte Vista is at an Inflection Point

As you may now know, the Monte Vista Historical Association (MVHA) is launching its inaugural “Preservation Celebration” Spring Soirée, to be held on April 9, 2026. This special evening will celebrate our neighborhood’s rich history while also helping to secure its future.

We envision this Soirée to be an annual tradition — with a new theme every year — where you, and all our neighbors, can come together and connect. It is designed to be a fun, elegant gathering that reflects the pride we share in Monte Vista and reinforces our collective commitment to preserving what makes it so special. Please see our sponsor letter on Page 9.

Why Now?

It’s no secret that San Antonio is evolving rapidly, with new policies and investments focused on public transportation, housing growth, and increased density reshaping the city around us. These initiatives are very important and, in most cases, absolutely necessary… but they also introduce growing risks and pressures on historic neighborhoods like Monte Vista. For instance:

MONTE VISTA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

2025 OFFICERS

President

Tom Archer

President-Elect

David Dickie

Past President

Lynn Boyd

Treasurer

Fred Suchy

Recording Secretary

Melody Hull

BOARD MEMBERS

Mallory Baird

Sally Bullock

Art Campsey

Suzanne Dickie

Pat DiGiovanni

Tony Garcia

Victoria German

Mike Goos

Marianne Hileman

Peter Hugill

Trudy Kinnison

Jane Lewis

Ryan Reed

Keith Sanford

Tom Seerden

Lobie Stone

Lyndsay Varner-Goodwin

Judy Warren

Rick Wilson

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

Contributors

Tom Archer

Victoria German

Katharine Martin

Toni Van Buren

Suzanne Dickie

Rick Lewis

Images

David Smith

Victoria German

Editor-in-Chief

Lydia McAfee

• The pace and complexity of change across the City is rapidly increasing.

• Compliance enforcement is becoming more complex and, thus, less consistent.

• Traffic patterns are shifting….and will continue to do so.

• Development proposals are becoming much more aggressive.

• Long-standing assumptions about zoning, scale, and compatibility are being tested. In the end, the tools we’ve relied upon in the past — volunteer advocacy, informal coordination, and reactive engagement — are no longer sufficient on their own. To successfully face our challenges, we must harness a more complete set of tools to improve our outcomes.

Toni Van Buren

David Smith

OFFICE ADMIN

Lydia McAfee

Have questions about the MVHA Board? Call 210737-8212 or email mail@ montevista-sa.org for more information.

History of the Baumbergers & Their House

By Katharine Martin

Charles Baumberger and wife Margarita were both in their 60s when they moved into the new Spanish Revival on the north corner of San Pedro and Lynwood in 1929. Their way to 325 W Lynwood is the story of San Antonio’s growth. In the early 1880s, pharmacist George Kalteyer hired Charles, 17 years old with a sixth-grade education, as bookkeeper for an emerging enterprise, the second Portland cement plant in the US. Situated where Sunken Gardens is now, the plant flourished. Charles became manager, built a house off San Pedro Avenue on Marshall Street, and married Maria Barerra. Maria died when her two children with Charles—Virginia and Charles Jr.— were young. Charles married Maria’s sister, Margarita. The sisters descended from Canary Island settlers who arrived in San Antonio in 1731. Charles’s parents arrived

The caption for a photo printed in the May 12, 1929, SA

provided the description of 325 W

that Don Everett

reading in part: “Walls are constructed of concrete, brick and cast stone, finished in white cement. Terraces and steps are in brilliant Spanish tile, and the roof is variegated tile. Ceilings in the first floor are of cove or vaulted construction. Upstairs there are four bedrooms and four baths, an enclosed sleeping porch, closets, store rooms and other service departments.”

later—from Switzerland in the 1850s.

Following Kalteyer’s 1897 death, Baumberger reorganized investors and opened San Antonio Portland Cement on the property that is now Alamo Quarry Market. Around the time the Baumberger family moved to San Pedro Avenue south of Evergreen Street, Charles created Cementville. Accounts back then highlighted a community band, a school, and bonuses at Christmas time for the largely immigrant workforce supplying essential building material to the city and state. Baumberger donated cement in the late 1910s to transform the old Alamo pit into Sunken Gardens, and the preserved kiln area there is named in his honor.

During the Depression, Baumberger is reported to have salvaged a bank in which he was invested by personally refunding depositors.

Both daughter Virginia and Margarita died before Charles Sr, who died at home in 1948, age 84. Charles Jr. followed his father in the cement business and inherited

the family fortune. A member of many civic organizations and a supporter of local institutions, he established the Baumberger Endowment, which has now funded $58M to $3914 Bexar County students attending colleges in Texas. When Charles Jr died in July 1968 at age 79, his will created a trust for his wife Gene, which would convert to the Endowment upon her death or in 20 years “whichever comes last.”

History of the House

The 300 W block of “Linwood” Boulevard was platted with 25foot lots in 1920 as part of the Monte Vista subdivision. By 1926, wholesale distributor D J Straus and family were living at 315 W Lynwood, an Ayres and Ayres design on 10 lots. Attorney and Alamo Heights resident Martin J Arnold purchased lots 1-12 in 1927, selling the property to Baumberger two years later.

Sahouseregistry.com lists 325 W Lynwood as a Carleton Adams project.Architect and MV resident

Continue Reading on Page 11

Landscape Creativity in a Time of Little Rain

By Rick Lewis

For the past few years, extreme weather—like rising heat, drought, and harsh winter freezes—has damaged many local gardens. This has made it difficult for the MVHA’s Architectural Review Committee (ARC) to advise homeowners on how to revitalize their struggling landscapes.

Instead of just sharing links or plant lists, the ARC created the Pilot Landscape Project (PLP) to show a real-world example of a sustainable yard. Over the next few months, this project will demonstrate how residents can save water and protect the environment while still maintaining the historic integrity of Monte Vista Historic District.

Monte Vista Resident and Landscape Designer, Clay Cauthorn along with Rick Lewis and Barbara Stevens are working with homeowners, Melody & Andy Hull to redesign their front yard at 324 W Rosewood. The Committee is working on future workshops, planting guides and more to showcase the project once it is completed this Spring. Dates will be announced in future Monte Vista Mondays e-newsletter.

In the meantime, here are some additional resources for spring planting: LBJ Wildflower Center wildflower.org, SAWS saws. org/conservation/garden-style, Bexar County Master Gardeners bexarmg.org, Texas Master Gardeners txmg.org.

Left: Mid-20th century classic grass lawns complimented by trees, shrubs, and entry pathway flower beds were generally maintainable into the 1990’s, provided it rained enough and fertilizers were liberally applied.

Concept Landscape Design Plan of Pilot Landscape Project

Russelia (coral plant, firecracker plant)

- Nativized (native to Mexico)

- Drought tolerant once established

- Attracts humming birds

American Beauty Berry

- Native

- Drought tolerant once established

- Low Maintenance

Frog Fruit ground cover - 1”-6” height

- Uses 60% less water after establishment than turfgrass - Pet and eco friendly - Native and does not need mowing

Monte Vista Historical Marker Tour

By Victoria German

I was curious to figure out where some of our Monte Vista historical markers are located. So, me and my trusty historical navigator (my mum) test drove the neighborhood looking for historical markers on a particularly cold Saturday. It turns out South Monte Vista appears to have quite a few historical markers.

One of my favorite markers has been lost to the past…it was on the side of the house of one of my dear neighbors on Summit when I was a kid. On a very fine, official brass plaque it simply stated: “on this site in 1839, nothing happened.” It made me giggle every time I saw it. I’m sure many things happened on that site, mostly fun things…

My challenge to you is to visit each of these locations and marvel in the history and beauty that surrounds you. If you discover another marker on your tour or you would like to share something you learned, please email us at mail@montevista-sa.org.

San Antonio College: 1819 Main Street Campus Between Moody on the Mall

Plaques say a great deal about the lens through which the present generation looks at the past. This plaque is located on the SAC mall in a stand of trees just in front of the Moody Library. During the dedication in late 2025, members of several tribes dedicated this plaque with a beautiful ceremony to their ancestors. The plaque starts out with a blessing: “Creator, we come together to offer respect for the First Peoples of this Land and their descendants who walk among us today. Hear our words and cries of remembrance. Feel the Kawa (Love) in our Jasal (Heart) as we link arms to affirm that today.” The land of Yanaguana, now known as San Antonio, is the ancestral homeland of the Coahuiltecan people. It was called the Land of the Spirit Waters. There were many native American peoples that called this area home including: the Payaya, Pacoa, Borradu, Pakawan, Paguame, Pananac, Hierbipiame, Xarame, Pajalat, Tilijae people. In the 1700’s, the Comanche and the Lipan Apache would also call this area home.

The Roy and Madge Hearne House: Belknap and French Place

The arrival of the railroad in 1877 led to construction of new residential developments including the neighborhood overlooking town near San Pedro Springs. W. McLeroy (Roy) Hearne (1873 – 1917) was a cotton broker married to Madge Houston Williams (1871 – 1955). Madge was the granddaughter of Sam Houston. The architect was Atlee B. Ayres and the contractor was Eugene Davis. This is a

stunningly beautiful home with a green barrel tile roof and mosaic tile floors.

Jay Adams House: Belknap and Russell

Developer Jay E. Adams came to San Antonio from Denver in 1888 to invest in real estate in a place he named Laurel Heights. This house features two amazing griffins and a griffin weathervane that twirls when the wind changes directions. He built this delightful three-story Queen Anne- style house with carved stone detailing, leaded and stained-glass windows, covered porches, and wood shingle decoration. The home was designed by Solon McAdoo and Albert P. Wooley to serve as a showcase for Adams’ construction ethos.

Christ Episcopal: Belknap and Russell

Episcopalians first worshipped in this Laurel Heights neighborhood in 1907, under the auspices of St. Mark’s Church downtown. Christ Episcopal Church was formed in 1911 with the Reverend John D. Ridout as its first rector. The church broke ground in 1913 and features a

gothic revival sanctuary. The church was designed by Atlee B. Ayres, who took inspiration from the beauty and spirit of an English parish church.

Saint Anthony’s Catholic School: Huisache and Main

In early 1907, residents of the Laurel Heights area petitioned the Sisters of the Divine Providence , a French religious order to open a neighborhood school. In 1907, the four founding sisters (St. Stanislaus, Digna, Fidelis, and Norbert) purchased the land from Eleanor Stribling and conducted school in a rented house while they planned for a permanent school tucked away on a quiet street. You have to walk the block and look up to really appreciate the lovely, intricate edifice. Architect Frederick Gaenslen designed the classical revival building, which was completed in 1909.

Traffic Calming Update

By MVHA Planning & Development Committee

Many of you are familiar with the recent traffic calming plans presented by the City late last year. In fact, many of you actually attended the session where those plans were presented…and even more of you completed the follow-up survey. To say Monte Vista has an interest in this subject is the biggest under-statement of the year (so far)! By way of providing a mini-update, you should know the City has reviewed the survey results and is working to synthesize those results and integrate them into their original recommendations, where appropriate. They hope to complete this task soon.

In addition, the MVHA Planning & Development Committee has had preliminary discussions with the City and they aim to share their analysis with the public very soon. As part of their next steps, they intend to share their complete pipeline of traffic calming measures and break them out into broad, time-delineated, categories — Immediate, Mid-term and Long-term actions.

In parallel with the City’s plans, the MVHA is working behind the scenes to ensure your voices are being heard and acted upon. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.

VISTA

Preservation Celebration Sponsorship

President

Tom Archer

Co-Chairs

Robert K. Brown

Marianne Hileman

Lobie Stone

Senior Advisor

Catharine Vexler

Host Committee

Kimberly & Tom Archer

Mallory & Michael Baird

Lynn Boyd

Robert K. Brown &

Dennis B. Karbach

Katie Kinder DeBauche & Dan DeBauche

Marianne & Will Hileman

Melody & Andy Hull

Rod Kieth & Rick Wilson

Jane & Rick Lewis

Lydia & Darren McAfee

Linda Nairn

Ann & Chico Newman

Elizabeth & Ryan Reed

Lisa Roberts & Rob Barnett

Gayle & Tom Seerden

Lobie Stone & Clarence Wyatt

Toni-Marie Van Buren

Dru VanSteenberg & Timothy Cone

Catharine & Jeff Vexler

February 17, 2026

Dear Friends of Monte Vista,

Monte Vista Historical Association invites you to join us for the first annual Preservation Celebration – Spring Soirée on Thursday, April 9th. This special evening honors the rich history and architectural beauty of Monte Vista while raising essential funds to preserve and protect this treasured neighborhood.

Founded to safeguard the character and heritage of Monte Vista, the Association is committed to maintaining the integrity of one of San Antonio’s most historic districts.

Monte Vista is more than a neighborhood it’s a living legacy of early 20th-century architecture, tree-lined streets, and vibrant community life. Your support ensures that these historic homes, gardens, and landmarks remain a source of pride and inspiration for generations to come.

None of this would be possible without you. Your generous contributions allow us to continue our preservation efforts, advocate for responsible development, and provide educational programs that celebrate Monte Vista’s unique history. In the spirit of community and celebration, we invite you to support the Preservation Celebration by becoming a sponsor. This elegant event will feature a welcoming social hour on the veranda, a delicious catered dinner, a raffle, and lively entertainment all set against the backdrop of Monte Vista’s timeless charm in one of Atlee B Ayres’ most magnificent homes, The Woman’s Club of San Antonio.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to raising a glass with you as we celebrate Monte Vista and the people who make preservation possible.

With gratitude,

Monte Vista Historical Association

MVHA Preservation Celebration Spring Soirée Sponsorship Form

NAME/COMPANY (as it should appear):

CONTACT NAME:

ADDRESS:

CITY:

STATE: ZIP: PHONE:

EMAIL: WEBSITE:

Sponsorship Benefits: All table sponsors & underwriters (if they wish) will be acknowledged on the Monte Vista Historical Association website, social media outlets and in our annual report, as well as on the MVHA Preservation Celebration Spring Soirée invitation and program. Please send your high-res logo or artwork to mail@montevista-sa.org

Table Sponsors – Please select your choice.

 James Riely Gorden Founders Circle - $50,000

Includes a delicious three-course dinner at two tables for up to ten people each, champagne and wine, custom floral arrangement, party favor, special gift and up to twenty raffle tickets.

 Atlee B. Ayres Legacy Sponsor - $25,000

Includes a delicious three-course dinner for up to ten people, champagne and wine, custom floral arrangement, party favor, special gift and up to twenty raffle tickets.

 David J. and May Bock Woodward Historic Home Sponsor - $10,000

Includes a delicious three-course dinner for up to ten people, champagne and wine, custom floral arrangement, party favor, special gift and up to twenty raffle tickets.

 Alfred Giles Heritage Sponsor - $5,000

Includes a delicious three-course dinner for up to eight people, champagne and wine, custom floral arrangement, party favor, special gift and up to four raffle ticket s

 Renaissance Revival Benefactor - $3,500

Includes a delicious three-course dinner for up to eight people, champagne and wine, custom floral arrangement, party favor, and up to two raffle tickets

 Mediterranean & Neo-Spanish Patron - $3,000 | 2 Tables available at this level on the Sunset Porch

Includes a delicious three-course dinner for up to eight people, champagne and wine, custom floral arrangement, party favor, and up to two raffle tickets

 American Craftsman Advocate - $1,500 | 7 Tables available at this level on the first floor of the Woman’s Club

Includes a delicious three-course dinner for up to four people, champagne and wine, custom floral arrangement, party favor, and one raffle ticket

 Victorian & Eclectic Supporter - $300

Includes a delicious three-course dinner, wine, and party favor. Maximum of four (4) individual tickets.

 Underwriting

In lieu of a table sponsorship, please accept my 100% tax deductible donation of $ . Underwriting Sponsorships**– Please select your choice.

All underwriting sponsorships will receive 2 complimentary tickets to the event

Payment Methods

 My check is enclosed, payable to

President’s Letter

Upcoming Events

Seeking hosts for 2026!

Please reach out to mail@montevista-sa.org if you are interested in hosting a neighborhood social event.

Third Thursday

Mar 19, 6:30-8:30pm Art of Cellaring

Easter Egg Hunt

April 4, 10am Landa Library

Preservation Celebration April 9, 6-10pm Woman’s Club of SA

Third Thursday

April 16, 6:30-8:30pm 151 E Lullwood Ave

Board Meetings, every second Tuesday of the Month @ 6pm MVHA Office at Landa Library & over Zoom

Architectural Review Committee, every first Monday of the Month @ 6pm MVHA Office at Landa Library

Sign up for our Monte Vista Monday Newsletter! Email mail@montevista-sa.org or visit the home page of our website to sign up.

To be clear, and this is important, the MVHA supports our City’s goals. It supports public transportation investment, housing growth, and thoughtful density. Our goal is not to resist change, but to help shape it — ensuring that progress respects Monte Vista’s historic framework, walkability, architectural character, and diverse housing mix.

Why We’re Asking for Your Support

The Spring Soirée is designed to do more than raise funds. It is an opportunity to:

• Celebrate Monte Vista and strengthen our shared sense of community.

• Invigorate our collective commitment to preserving our neighborhood’s historic and cultural character.

• Equip MVHA with the resources needed to engage more effectively with the City of San Antonio, VIA, and other key stakeholders.

• Reinforce the understanding that Monte Vista is not just a neighborhood - it is a living representation of San Antonio’s history and a meaningful asset as the city grows and aims to attract new residents and businesses.

How We’ll Put Your Support to Work

Funds raised through the Spring Soirée will allow us to take a more proactive, professional, and strategic approach to issues in the months and years ahead.

Strengthening our Organizational Presence

We will invest in professional services to improve how we engage with members, communicate with

the public, and present ourselves as a credible, effective organization. Overhauling our membership’s valueproposition is near the top of the priority list.

Tom Archer, President Monte Vista Historical Association, 2025 FROM PAGE 2

Preparing for More Complex

Challenges

As the regulatory and development environments become more complex, MVHA must be prepared to respond with clarity, consistency, and resolve when necessary. Engaging outside expertise for guidance with legal and/ or historic preservation issues will help crystallize our decision-making.

Leading,

Not Just Responding

MVHA aims to take a more visible leadership role by offering forwardlooking guidance that helps residents and the city navigate emerging challenges. For just one concrete example of what this means, check out the “Pilot Landscape Project” on Page 4.

Giving Back to the Community

Finally, MVHA seeks to reinforce its higher purpose through programs that give back via scholarships and financial support for important community initiatives.

We Need You!

The launch of the Monte Vista “Preservation Celebration” Spring Soirée represents a shift — from reacting to change, to thoughtfully leading through it. With your support (see options here)), we can work together to ensure that Monte Vista continues to thrive as San Antonio evolves, honoring its past while confidently shaping its future. There is a ton of great information in this quarter’s issue of Vistas. I hope you enjoy it!

Regards,

Spring Pet Spotlight: Dilly, Lenny & Baci

By Marianne Hileman

Our wonderful pack of rescues excels at teaching us important life lessons:

Work hard and play hard. Dilly is the gentle giant who rules the roost but is excited when our friends and neighbors come to visit. This girl becomes a hostess who can work a room and extract belly rubs along the way.

Wag your tail with your whole heart. Blind for the past several years, Lenny never lets a challenge define or defeat him. He still is the guard of all of us and the house. He takes careful but deliberate steps forward and never stops wagging his way into our hearts.

Waste not, want not. Wary and watchful, Baci is the scavenger of the bunch, and no tasty morsel – or loaf of bread - is safe in his presence. Now a game versus a necessity, he still loves to win and enjoys the prize. Together, this group has shown us the world would be a better place if everyone loved as unconditionally as dogs love us.

We want to feature your pet in the next issue of Vistas! Submit photo & paragraph to mail@montevista-sa.org.

MVHA Fiesta Medal Sale

Purchase online at montevistasa.org or at any upcoming events. Free delivery for Monte Vista residents.

Baumberger House

FROM PAGE 3

Don McDonald, explained that the house “has unusually robust massing, is well detailed and unique in its use of modern steel casement windows.”

McDonald also noted how the circular stair tower establishes a fulcrum for three primary wings radiating off the entry foyer. Leith Negley likes that the kitchen is its own wing: “I can have a sit-down dinner and not see the kitchen and the chaos.”

The house sat vacant in the ‘50s and ‘60s while Charles Jr and his wife lived elsewhere.

AA and Sylvia Alanis purchased 325 W Lynwood from the San Antonio Portland Cement Company Pension Trust near the end of 1968. Don Yarton bought the house in 2000 and opened it for the 2003 MV house tour. He sold in 2006 to Inez Cindy Gabriel, who sold to Michael and Cecilia Gibbs in 2009.

The Baumberger House has been Richard and Leith Negley’s home since 2012. “We love the elegance and intimacy of the house,” Leith reflected. “We use all the rooms all the time. My favorite room is the music room.” French doors open to the inner courtyard. When the Negleys entertain, they like to hire musicians, open the doors, “and the music floats out over the whole house.”

The Negley’s have opened their home up to support MVHA events throughout the years including most recently the I Love Monte Vista Party on February 15.

2026 Membership Form Membership is valid for 365 days from date of payment. Questions? Call 210-737-8212 or Email mail@montevista-sa.org Website: www.montevistasa.org