TRYING TO TEACH HISTORY IN FRONT OF A HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Falling a bit behind Diego Lee Rot and grandson Jack in our daily walk, I called out for a pit stop.

"Can we sit down for a little bit?" I asked.

We ended up on a concrete bench, covered with talavera tile, just in front of the Brownsville Historical Association Museum.

Diego, taking control of a teaching moment, directed Jack's attention to the metal plaque just inside the wrought iron fence.

"Jack, do you know who founded Brownsville?"

Before Jack could say he didn't know, I chimed in that Charles Stillman had used legal trickery to steal the land under Brownsville from hispanics who didn't have official deeds to their property.

"All land is stolen," countered Diego, "usually by someone with bigger guns or a larger army."

Jack will have to sort through all of the contradictory shit spewed out by his parent and grandparents.  Hopefully, he will believe none of it and make up his own mind.

My gaze turned to the grounds adjacent the museum.

"Wow, that's beautiful!" I told Diego and Jack.

"Four years ago, there was quite a furor when the director of the historical association had thirty year old ash trees cut down, but Priscilla Rodriguez knew what she was doing," I stated to no one in particular.

Bill Young

I believe it was Bill Young, the former City of Brownsville Public Information Officer, who called me:

"Jim, you need to drive by the Brownsville Historical Museum and see what damn Priscilla is doing to it.  She's cut down 30 year old ash trees!"

Priscilla Rodriguez, having already tendered her resignation to the BHA, explained what was happening:

"We had to remove the ash trees planted over 30 years ago for several reasons," Rodriguez stated.

"They had experienced decay and posed a threat to the Stillman House during the next storm, whether this summer or next. Also, the roots of the trees were making the brick pathways of the garden uneven and unsafe," she stated.

"Our overall plan is to restore the garden authentically to its original era with, not just cosmetic plants, but medicinal, edible and herbal plants. We plan on adding peach, pomegranate and roses. We will comply with the city's tree ordinance by replanting sabal palms, but further away from the house so as not to obstruct its view from the street. We will try to preserve the pecan tree at the back of the house known as a refuge for the Red Crowned Parrot."

Well, Priscilla.  It looks great now.  Skillfully done!