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Dr. Moses A. Levy
Dr. Moses A. Levy serves as Surgeon-In-Chief at the battles of the Alamo, Goliad and San Jacinto.Leads an esteemed career as a surgeon, sailor and soldier. Dies of apparent suicide May 23, 1847. photo courtesy of Findagrave.com -
First Jewish Cemetery in San Antonio is Founded
The first Jewish Cemetery in San Antonio is founded. Today we know it as Agudas Achim. Located at 1400 E. Crockett St.*photo courtesy of Findagrave.com -
Joske's Opens In Downtown
Julius Joske opens Joske's in downtown San Antonio.Joske's downtown became the first store to be fully air conditioned in Texas. Expansions of the chain included El Paso and Phoenix as well as 27 other locations in Texas. The chain was eventually sold to Dillard's in 1987. photo courtesy of Estate of Robert M. Ayres and Institute of Texan Cultures -
First Ladies Benevolent Society formed in San Antonio.
The first Jewish Ladies Benevolent Society formed in San Antonio to help the poor, assist assimilation, deliver works of charity and care for the elderly. photo courtesy of Ladies Benevolent Society USA -
Temple Beth El is dedicated
The first synogogue in South Texas is dedicated. Originally established as Reformed Jewish Synogogue. -
Agudas Achim Orthodox Synogogue is Founded
photo courtesy of Agudas Achim, San Antonio. UT Institute of Texan Cultures. -
Oppenheimer Bank opens
The Oppenheimer Bros. open their bank and almost all assets are liquid. Because they were one of the very few unincorporated banks their customers lost nothing during the great depression. The bank closed in 1988 due to the lack of a male heir. photo courtesy of Dan Oppenheimer, copy from UT Institute of Texan Cultures -
Anita Brenner (1900-1974).
Brenner grew up in San Antonio but lived much of her life in Mexico. She was helped Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo gain recognition in New York. She authored many books spaning from childrens books to novels about the Mexican Revolution. photo courtesy of the San Antonio Light Collection, UT Institute of Texan Cultures. -
Perry Kallison (1904-1999).
Kallison broadcasted a farm and ranch show for over 40 years to help promote his Kallison Farm and Ranch Store. His show was responsible for promoting knowledge of water conservation, help find missing persons and added local flavor to the airwaves. He also served as a past president of Temple Beth El. **photo courtesy of the Perry M. Kallison Estate. -
Anna Hertzberg, first Jewish Texan woman to hold elected office in Texas.
Elected to the San Antonio School Board in 1909, eleven years before women got the right to vote. From 1911 to 1913 she was president of the Texas Federation of Women's Clubs. photo courtesy of UT Institute of Texan Cultures -
Ferdinand Mayer Founder of Temple Beth El Dies
Born 1832 in Baden, Germany. Mayer was a successful rancher who generously founded Temple Beth El. photo courtesy of Richard Mayer -
Solo Serve opens in San Antonio
Isidore Brenner opens Solo Serve and later passes it on to his son Milton Brenner (pictured). Milton Brenner is one of the first employers to hire Blacks many years before the Civil Rights Movement. During World War II he went on to win the Legion of Merit Award. -
WOAI Radio Statio is Founded
One of the first radio stations in America is founded by G.A.C. Halff. Halff was not a fan of radio, he started the station to advertise his other business interests such as cattle ranching and real estate.photo courtesy of Betty Halff Llewellyn -
Dedication of the new Temple Beth El
With the growing Jewish community in San Antonio, a new Temple was needed. In 1927 the new Temple Beth El is dedicated at it's current location on Ashby and Belknap streets. ** photo courtesy of The San Antonio Light Collection, copy from UT Institute of Texan Cultures** -
Nathan Moses Washer appointed as first chairman of the Texas State Board of Education
(Nat) Washer of San Antonio also served as the president of Temple Beth El from 1902-1907. His clothing store, Washer Bros., sold western clothing to the likes of Teddy Roosevelt. He also served on the San Antonio Public Library Board from 1913-1934. **photo courtesy of Temple Beth El,San Antonio. -
Abe Coleman, the "Jewish Adonis"
Wrestler Abe Coleman, the Jewish Adonis,poses in a wrestling stance as he prepares to wrestle John Kilonis at the Exposition Arena in San Antonio. **photo courtesy of the San Antonio Light Collection, UT Institute of Texan Cultures. -
The National Council of Jewish Women
On this day the NCJW donated 2,000 books to the public library. Board members and trustees to the library are positions often held by members of the Jewish community. photo courtesy of The San Antonio Light Collection, UT Institute of Texan Cultures.
