Davy Crockett. Jim Bowie. William Barret Travis. Three names among nearly two hundred. Heroism. Sacrifice. Remember the Alamo. 1836. Crumbling walls. Time marches on…forgotten.
JAMES MAURY AND THOMAS JEFFERSON
Twenty-four years after Texan Independence, Ellen Maury was born in Charlottesville, Virginia on land which is now part of the University of Virginia campus which was designed by Thomas Jefferson.
Interestingly, her ancestor, James Maury, taught the classics for two years to young Thomas Jefferson after his father’s death.
Jefferson said that Maury taught him the most about the classics than anyone else.
In earlier years Maury dreamed of expeditions west with Jefferson’s father, while in later years Patrick Henry represented him in the infamous ‘Parson’s Cause.’
ELLEN MAURY MARRIES TEXAN
Born into a prestigious family, Ellen Maury was well educated, tutored at home.
In 1876, she married a Texan rancher by the name of James Slayden, after visiting her sister, Jane Maury Maverick, in San Antonio.
Jane’s son, Fontaine Maury Maverick, attended Virginia Military Institute and University of Texas at Austin before attending law school.
Later he became the famed and memorable mayor of San Antonio…better known as Maury Maverick.
ELLEN MAURY SLAYDEN BEGINS FIESTA TRADITION
Meanwhile, the Alamo, which fell into ruins of tumbled crumbling stone, had been forgotten save a quiet guardianship obtained by Senator Temple Houston, son of General Sam Houston who defeated Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto.
From the quietness of tumbling stone came the life of tumbling flowers…the Battle of Flowers Parade!
Inspired by European tradition, Ellen Maury Slayden organized a group of ladies to honor the fallen heroes of the Alamo with a literal battle of flowers in 1891.
BATTLE OF FLOWERS PARADE
On the anniversary week of the Battle of San Jacinto, carriages bedecked with flowers rode past each other in front of the Alamo as the occupants pelted each other with flowers.
Thus, Fiesta was born!
Uniquely, the Battle of Flowers is the only parade in the United States that is organized solely by women, who famously dress in yellow hats and dresses for the grand event.
Not only is it the largest parade of Fiesta week, but it is the second largest parade in the country (the first largest being the Tournament of Roses Parade).
During the 100 year anniversary in 1991, the original parade was recreated with the literal battling of flowers.
Always remembering the Alamo, parade participants leave a floral tribute as they pass the Alamo.
PARADE VANTAGE POINTS
My first observation deck for the Battle of Flowers Parade was the second story balcony at the Blue House, a two story Victorian owned by First Baptist Church, on the parade route where we sat with friends from the singles’ group.
Oh those gowns and trains of the Fiesta Royalty!
King Antonio of the Texas Cavaliers!
Meanwhile, the television commentators were below.
In later years we stood across from Alamo Plaza under the store-front roofs for shade…that’s where all the action was!
TEXAS A&M MARCHING BAND
And yet another tradition of the Battle of Flowers Parade is the Corps of Cadets from Texas A&M opening the grand event.
The years we’ve stood in front of Alamo Plaza (different location than from the video) they played their fight song which is much more interesting!
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Another fun tradition of Fiesta is that there is no school on Friday!
That’s because it is the day of the Battle of Flowers Parade where all the high school bands participate.
In fact, the night prior all the high school bands meet at Alamo Stadium for a contest called Battle of the Bands.
CASCARONES EVERYWHERE
One of the many traditions of Fiesta is cascarones…or confetti-filled eggs which are quite popular in San Antonio.
Lots are sold on the streets for guests to whack on friends’ heads. Confetti everywhere!
ELLEN MAURY SLAYDEN IN WASHINGTON DC
As an addendum to Ellen Maury Slayden, her husband became a US Congressman, so they moved to Washington DC for part of their lives before retiring in San Antonio.
She wrote a book of their Washington years called, Washington Wife: Journal of Ellen Maury Slayden from 1897-1919.
I’ve read that it’s a great primary source document of all the political and cultural doings of the times!
I feel a bit of kinship with Ellen Maury Slayden in that I am from San Antonio and now I live 2 hours north of Charlottesville and an hour west of Washington DC.
Portraying her in historical costume, (and even Clara Driscoll whom I wrote about yesterday) would be great fun!
I’m always excited by Texas/Virginia connections of people from the past! Sam Houston and Ellen Maury Slayden as well as two others who fought and fell at the Alamo ( George Washington Main, and Patrick Henry Herndon) to name a few.
