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Learn of Old San Antonio's History and Dark Secrets

Romantic & Unique Ways to Spend Valentine's Day in San Antonio 

2/2/2017

7 Comments

 
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Are you looking for fun and unique ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year?

Look no further! We have compiled a list of fun events and activities to help you celebrate Valentine's Day all week long! 

​San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

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Thursday, Feb 9, 2017 - Sunday, Feb 26, 2017
AT&T Center/Freeman Coliseum Grounds
3201 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78219
210-225-5851  

When you team up the internationally recognized San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo with the #1 tourism destination in Texas—that adds up to a serious reason to hit the trail for San Antonio February 9-26, 2017. Awarded the PRCA Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year for an unprecedented 12 consecutive years, you’ll see the nation’s top rodeo athletes vie for a $1.7 million purse. Add world class entertainment following the Rodeo to the history and tradition of livestock events, shopping and family friendly entertainment on the grounds for a ticket price that starts at $15—that’s an experience that defines the great state of Texas.


​Pony Express Love Letters

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Tuesday, Jan 31, 2017 - Sunday, Feb 12, 2017
Briscoe Western Art Museum 
210 W. Market Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205
210-299-4499 

Visit during Museum hours and create a handwritten letter, compose a sonnet on our vintage typewriter, or fill in a Valentine’s Mad Lib for a loved one.  Members of the San Antonio Calligraphers' Guild will also be on hand to hand address your written masterpieces. Modern day “Pony Express” riders (bicycle volunteers from SATX Social Ride) hand-deliver the letters on Tuesday, Feb 14 to all recipients in the downtown area. Letters outside the delivery area will be mailed on us with our special Pony Express stamp. (museum admission is FREE every Tuesday from 4:00-9:00pm)

​Cupid's Chase 5K

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Saturday, February 11, 2017
10:00 AM
OP Schnabel Park Graff Pavilion
9606 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78250
210-212-4969   

Support people with disabilities in San Antonio! Community Options, Inc. invites runners, walkers, and rollers (baby strollers and wheelchairs) to help make difference in the lives of people with disabilities by participating in our annual Cupid’s Chase 5K. Because of you...we can make a difference! Free finishers medals! Free Long Sleeve Shirt! Free Goody Bags! Enter for a chance to win a $500 HEB Gift card. Raffles prizes worth over $3000 total!

Valentine's Dinner & Ghost Tours 

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Friday Feb. 10th, Saturday Feb. 11th and Tuesday Feb. 14th  2017 
Tour Times Vary. Check Website. 
The Haunted Menger Hotel 
204 Alamo Plaza 
210-638-1338  
www.sistersgrimmghosttour.com 
 
Looking for something truly unique to celebrate Valentine's Day? Look no further than the annual Valentine's Dinner and Ghost Tours.  

Sisters Grimm invites you inside the Menger Hotel this Valentines to celebrate the most romantic time of the year. ​Feast upon a three course meal by candlelight inside one of the most haunted hotels in the United States! Tour inside the Haunted Menger Hotel and hear the spine chilling ghost stories and find out why it is the most haunted hotel in Texas! After dinner, choose to join us for a Ghost Walk of the city or else hop on board the Haunted Ghost Bus Tour!
Book Now

Take a Stroll Through the Beautiful King William District 

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With majestic homes, Mission Reach, romantic restaurants and friendly watering holes, the King William Historic District is no doubt one of the most romantic places in San Antonio.
And according to a new ranking by Thrillist, it is actually the “most beautiful historic neighborhood” in Texas. 

What better place to spend this Valentine's Day than taking a romantic stroll through the historic neighborhood, stay the night at one of the many B&B's and enjoy lunch at the Guenter House. 

Horse Carriage Rides Downtown

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Perhaps one of the most romantic things to do in San Antonio is take a horse carriage ride through the downtown area. Your driver will often serve as a tour guide and tell you historical facts a long the way. This is a must do for both locals and tourist. 
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Halloween & Fall Events In & Around San Antonio

8/31/2016

2 Comments

 
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It’s coming. Fall in San Antonio. The season doesn’t officially start until September 22 but the moment September hits stores break out the fall decor and Halloween costumes, Starbucks begins brewing Pumpkin Spice Lattes and we begin to wish for a break in the weather. Because San Antonio offers so many Fall Festivals and Halloween events we’re bringing you our Ultimate Guide to Halloween and Fall Fun in San Antonio 2016.

El Día de los Muertos Festval October 29th & 30th 

Saturday, October 29 & 30, 2016
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​Día de Los Muertos Celebration brings together traditional art and culture with the best in live music entertainment to create a two-day destination event for the City of San Antonio to celebrate the Day of the Dead. The event hosts a variety of activities over the weekend celebration including the largest open altar exhibition in the city. 
Saturday, October 29, 2016, 10am - 11pm 
Sunday, October 30, 2016, noon - 10 pm


Events are free and open to the public including: live music at Arneson River Theater; original Day of the Dead art; living altar; dance, drum and puppet procession; live poetry and more! 
Website: ​http://www.muertosfest.com/

Voices From The Grave Cemetery Tour 

Saturday, October 15th 2016
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Walk amidst the cemetery’s beautiful tombstones, escorted by acostumed docent. Witness the magnificent final resting place of San Antonio's sons and daughters as they tell their stories during the Voices From the Grave Cemetery Tour. 
Engage all of your senses and step back in time as you play audience tofirst-hand re-enactments, narrated by a host of San Antonio's eternal“residents,” which bring to life the city’s past. Be inspired by the cemetery’s nighttime views during this one-of-a-kind event. 
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What This Tour Includes:
  • 90 minute presentation inside one of the oldest cemeteries in San Antonio.  
  • Guides dressed in historical clothing.
  • 6 stops that include re-enactors that will play the part of San Antonio's founders 
  • A brochure to point out cemetery symbolism  

WHEN: Saturday October 15th  
​             Tours Starting from 7:00 p.m. 

​WHERE:
 Historic City Cemetery #1 San Antonio, TX
Tour last 90 minutes. Please wear comfotable walking shoes and bring water. 
​PRICE 
Online: 
$20 per Adult and $15 per Child Ages 5-12 
At the Door: $25 per Adult and $20 per Child Ages 5-12 (if available)

Phone: (210) 638-1338
Tickets sell out fast for this event so make sure to book in advance!  
​Sold online at:  www.SistersGrimmGhostTour.com 

South Texas Corn Maize

Saturday, Sep 17, - Sunday, Nov 20, 2016
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The South Texas Maize in Hondo is a family experience — with food and fun for all!  
Open weekends in the Fall. 

Just a short country drive from San Antonio in the heart of South Texas. 
Get Lost in a 7- acre Maze  •  Pick a few Pumpkins
Two Jumping Pillows  •  Matter-Corn Mountain Slide  • Farm Hayrides •  Twin Cow Train
Campfires  •  Weekend Entertainment •  Lots to Eat  
Location: 911 US Highway 90 East
Hondo, TX 78861
Phone 830.741.3968 
Website ​http://southtexasmaize.com/

​BOOtanica at San Antonio Botanical Gardens

Saturday, Oct 1 - Saturday, Oct 29, 2016
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Join the San Antonio Botanical Gardens every Saturday in October to have some Halloween FUN! You and your kids cannot miss this opportunity of having some seasonal family fun! Each week we they will focus on a different fall theme with fun, hands-on activities.  

Fee:  Free with admission.

October 1- Monarch Madness
October 8 – AgriLife Day – Harvest
October 15 – Let’s Get Batty!
October 22 – Wild About Scarecrows
October 29 – Dia de los Muertos 

San Antonio Botanical Garden
555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, Texas 78209
210-536-1400    


Floresville Peanut Festival 

Tuesday October 4th- Saturday 8th, 2016
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​Twenty miles southeast of San Antonio sits Floresville, Texas, the peanut capital of Texas. In celebration of its most viable crop, the city hosts the annual Floresville Peanut Festival on the second weekend of October. This family-friendly festival has a variety of children’s activities such a parade and “Goober Games.” Local talent entertains throughout the weekend on several stages situated around the Wilson County Courthouse. 

Website: 
http://floresvillepeanutfestival.org 
Phone (832) 721-3874 
​FLORESVILLE PEANUT FESTIVAL
P.O. BOX 81
FLORESVILLE, TX 78114

​All Hallow's Eve Dinner & Ghost Tour

​Friday October 21- Monday 31, 2016
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Join Sisters Grimm for their annual "All Hallows Eve Dinner & Ghost Tour" Inside the Menger Hotel.
Feast upon the delights of the season as you enjoy a special three course dinner inside the haunted Colonial Room Restaurant. Dine by spooky candlelight at your Halloween inspired dinner table. 

After dinner, follow your tour guides as they take you through thehauntingly historic hotel and recount the stories of it's past. Step inside the King Ranch Suite, reported to be the most active and haunted room inside the hotel. 
Following the Menger, enjoy a "Ghost Walk" of the downtown area.Make this Halloween One to Remember!
 
What This Tour Includes: 
  • 3 course dinner inside the Menger Hotel (Halloween Decor)
  • Tour inside of the Menger Hotel 
  • Tour inside the most haunted suite in the hotel! 
  • 90 minute Ghost Walk of the City   
  • WHEN:  
  • Friday Oct 21st & Saturday Oct. 22nd 6:00, 6:30, 7:00 p.m. 
  • Friday Oct. 28th & Saturday Oct. 29th 6:00, 6:30, 7:00 p.m. 
  • Sunday October 30th 7:00 p.m.  
  • Monday October 31st 6:00, 6:30, 7:00 p.m.  

WHERE: The Haunted Menger Hotel 
                204 Alamo Plaza San Antonio, TX 

PRICE: $75 PER Adult 

​Tickets sell out weeks in advance so make sure to purchase well in advance! 

​Phone: (210) 638-1338 
​Website: www.sistersgrimmghosttour.com  
204 Alamo Plaza 
​San Antonio, TX 

Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street

Friday, Oct 7, 2016 - Sunday, Nov 6, 2016​
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Sweeney Todd, whose real name is Benjamin Barker, uses his new alias to resume work in his barber shop above Mrs. Lovett’s struggling pie shop after being wrongfully sentenced to life imprisonment by the corrupt Judge Turpin. After swearing vengeance against the judge that tore his family apart, Todd and Lovett plot a unique plan that helps them both and leads them down a dangerous, thrilling path with deadly consequences.  

To purchase tickets visit www.woodlawntheatre.org/tickets or call 210-267-8388.
Box Office is open Tuesday through Friday 10 AM – 5 PM and an hour before each show.

San Antonio ZOO BOO 

Saturday, Oct 1, 2016 - Sunday, Oct 30, 2016
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Every weekend in October, little ghouls and goblins can trick-or-treat inside the zoo in a safe and non-scary Halloween habitat. This event is included with Zoo admission, and Zoo members get in for FREE!
Zoo Boo! is an exciting, safe, and non-scary Halloween event for families with children 12 years of age or younger, held on the grounds of the San Antonio Zoo. Guests are encouraged to wear non-scary costumes. Adults over the age of 12 are kindly asked to refrain from wearing masks. 
Activities include trick-or-treating, entertainment, and games and costume contests.  

San Antonio Zoo
3903 N. St. Mary's St, San Antonio , TX 78212
210-734-7184  


Riverwalk Halloween Float Fest

Friday, October 28 2016
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Music, costume contest, parade and adult beverages combine for a ghoulish good time and a family-friendly Halloween Party. Professionally decorated floats with costumed participants travel along the 2 1/2 mile Downtown  River Walk area. This is a popular event so come early. Ninety people participated in the costume contest in 2015.  Bring your A-game to win! Please wear a family-friendly costume.
The parade will make 2 laps around the River Walk, beginning at the International Building traveling through Restaurant Row, the horseshoe bend, the River Walk Extension, Rivercenter Mall and through Arneson River Theatre. 

FRIDAY, October 28, 2016, 7-9:30PM, Arneson Theatre


Halloween Spook-Track-Ula

Saturday, Oct 22, 2016  & Saturday, Oct 29, 2016
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If you are searching for a family friendly Halloween Show in San Antonio that isn't too scary for the little ones and won't break the bank, look no further than "Halloween Spook-track-ula" at the Texas Transportation Museum. It is designed for younger children so it's a little scary but not too frightening. Our huge site is dressed up for the show and so are most of our volunteers. You can ride on the "Transylvania Express," walk through the "Ghost Train," take a haunted train ride, plus see the whole museum in an entirely new, spooky, way. It's fun, it's affordable and it's not too far to travel. Parking is free.

11731 Wetmore Road
San Antonio, Texas 78247
(210) 490-3554
Website:
http://www.txtransportationmuseum.org

​Monarch Butterfly And Pollinator Festival

Saturday October 22, 2016
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San Antonio’s Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival at Pearl will take place October 21 – 22 this fall during peak Monarch butterfly migration week. Enjoy arts, crafts and learning activities for kids of all ages plus a People’s Pollinator Parade and butterfly bike troupe. Hundreds of tagged Monarch butterflies will be released in waves during the Festival.

303 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, Texas 78215
http://texasbutterflyranch.com

Masquerade Ball

Saturday October 29, 2016 
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Join the Masquerade party for an elegant three course dinner paired with Messina Hof wines followed by some spooky Halloween music to dance the night away to. Don't forget to visit the candy bar! The guest with the best Masquerade Mask wins a prize, so choose your disguise wisely...
TICKETS
$80
 (plus tax and gratuity)
Includes general admission, three-course dinner, and two glasses of wine. 
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29TH
7:30PM-10:30PM For tickets or more information on how to sign up call: (830) 990-4653
or email: 
hillcountry@messinahof.com

Hoot & Harvest Festival

Saturday October 29, 2016
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Pumpkin decorating, live owls, crafts for kids, native plant sale, and various nature walks are just a few of the activities you will encounter throughout the day. Vendors and partners, local art, and food trucks available, so bring your allowance. Everyone is encouraged to dress in costume!
The event is FREE, donations appreciated. 

Saturday, October 29, 2016
9:00am - 2:00pm 
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center
10750 Pleasanton Rd., San Antonio, 78210  
http://mitchelllake.audubon.org/events/hoot-harvest-festival-and-native-plant-sale


Texas Clay Festival 

Saturday October 22-Sunday October 23, 2016
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The 24th annual Texas Clay Festival will be held in the Gruene Historical District of New Braunfels on October 22 & 23 2016. Featuring the work of over 60 Texas potters and clay artists, the festival offers the opportunity to view and purchase a wide variety of pottery, from traditional to sculptural by the top clay artist in the state. Take this unique opportunity to watch and learn as demonstrations are held in four tents throughout both days. From forming on the potters wheel to hand-building to raku firing, there is something for everyone. 
Saturday 10 am - 6 pm Sunday 10 am - 5 pm 
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San Antonio Light Festival

Saturday October 22, 2016
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The Lights Festival is a evening like no other. Imagine entering a place of peace, tranquility, and acceptance while enjoying laughs, smiles, and a little bit of dancing with the ones you love most. Never has there been an experience that allows you to throw your inhibitions to the side, and let your dreams fly. Join this one night experience of music, food and memories.

Saturday October 22nd 4:30 pm
Floresville, Tx
www.thelightsfest.com
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Sandra West: The Most Famous Burial in San Antonio's History

5/19/2016

16 Comments

 
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Who Was Sandra West?

Sandra Ilene West was born January 2, 1939 in Beverly Hills, California. Her parents owned and operated a children's clothing store where Sandra often watched the wealthy and famous come and go. Growing up she realized that her dream was to become just like them- wealthy and famous! As she grew older, her looks attracted many men including Frank Sinatara and even Elvis Presley. She eventually started to date an heir to a wealthy oil family from Texas named Sol West. Sol was said to be quite the ladies man and wasn't very faithful to Sandra. Realizing this and eventually finding out that Sol had an older brother who was the true heir- she left Sol in search of his wealthy older brother Ike.

Marriage to Ike West

Ike West had disappointed his wealthy parents too many times with his obsessive drug habits and alcohol abuse. So in order to keep him from ruining his family's reputation, they sent him off to live in Mexico with his body guard. When Sandra found out about the wealthy heir, she decided to travel down to Mexico and meet Ike West. And with "loving patience" Sandra cleaned up Ike and convinced his family that he had turned over a new leaf and was ready to take the reigns of the company- with of course with her by his side. They were married shortly thereafter and moved to California to live the high life.

Sandra West, Beverly Hills Socialite

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With this new life came the trappings of 1960s excess, a Beverly Hills Mansion, flashy clothes and fast cars. Shortly after her arrival, Sandra came to own the car that would make her famous, a 1964 Ferrari 330 America s/n 5055. Her blue America was imported by Chinetti Motors and appears to have been with the West’s throughout their stay in California. The West’s lived the 60s fast life but it didn’t last for Ike Jr. He had a history of drug use and health problems caused by rapid weight fluctuation. He died under mysterious circumstances at the Las Vegas Flamingo Hotel in 1968. With his demise, his widow now became known to the press as “Sandra West, Beverly Hills Socialite and Heiress”.

She dated a slew of entertainers (including singer Engelbert Humperdinck) and generally lived the high life. During the 1960s she was known as fun loving with a fondness for attention grabbing behavior. Never one for subtlety, she was seen about town dressed in large amounts of jewelry and a mink coat or in a “Texas Rodeo Queen” ensemble complete with rhinestones and a stylish hat. She motored to society events and dinners in one of a fleet of cars that included a Stutz Blackhawk and at least three Ferraris, the 330 America, a 1969 365GT 2+2 and a 1973 Dino. On one occasion she drove in all her finery to Chasen’s, the landmark Beverly Hills eatery frequented by Johnny Carson and the Reagan’s, where she made a grand entrance, and then ordered a hamburger to go and sped away.
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Though Ms. West’s behavior would seem to be that of an extrovert, her associates (sadly, mostly doctors, nurses and lawyers) described her as lonely person with few true friends. She was known to give extravagant gifts to those who provided some small service to her. Shortly before her death she presented a $250,000 platinum and diamond cross to a part time nurse. Most gifts were unconditional, but she saved her most sizable gift, a gift worth millions, for one who would render a service to her and her favorite Ferrari.
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Egyptology and the Writing of the Will

Sandra became obsessed with the ancient Egyptians and their practices of being buried with their world possessions. She thought if they could do it- she would as well! So as she became more a recluse inside of her house and cut the outside world from her presence, she began to create a will that would one day shock the world.
Unfortunately soon after Sandra wrote her will, she passed away from a mix of her previous injuries she had sustained from a car wreck and her abuse of drugs. She was only 38 years old. When her will was discovered, Sol West (her previous lover and now brother-in-law) was charged with the commission to have her be buried in her favorite powder blue Ferrari, in her white lace nightgown with the seat comfortably reclined. She also wanted to be buried next to her husband in their family cemetery plot in San Antonio, Tx. And if he did not follow these instructions he would not inherit the rest of their fortune. Sol was furious he had to comply with his sister-in-laws ridiculous will, so he went to court. But after three months, the court ordered him to do as Sandra had asked.

Burial of Sandra West

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Sandra's body was dug up from a temporary grave in California, dressed in her white night gown and seated in the front seat of her Ferrari, with the chair comfortably reclined. She and the car were put into a large wooden box that was then driven on the back of a semi all the way to San Antonio, Texas.
On May 19, 1977 Sandra Ilene West finally received the funeral she desired in the glare of television lights and in front of over 150 spectators. The box containing Ms. West and her beloved Ferrari 330 America was lowered into the 20 foot long grave and then covered with cement. The funeral director indicated that the cement was added as the cemetery was in a high crime area and he feared the car would be back on the street in a day!
Today the blue Ferrari, the 1964 330 America s/n 5055 and its owner rest together under a simple stone at the San Antonio Masonic Cemetery, likely the most bizarre if not the most famous burial in San Antonio's history.
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Find out more about Sandra West and others buried in the Eastside Cemetery District during Sisters Grimm Annual Halloween Cemetery Tours in October.

16 Comments

13 Facts About Friday the 13th

5/13/2016

5 Comments

 
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Friday 13th has long been associated with bad luck and generally staying indoors to avoid black cats and falling ladders. But what are the facts behind this age-old superstition?
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#1 -There is a medical term for the fear of this day

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The fear of Friday the 13th is also called ‘Friggatriskaidekaphobia’ or ‘Paraskevidekatriaphobia’. Frigg comes from the Norse goddess of wisdom after whom Friday is named, triskaideka meaning 13, and phobia meaning fear.

#2 - It's an Unlucky Day Only For Some

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Friday the 13th is not universally seen as a day of misery. For example, in Italy, Friday the 17th and not Friday the 13th is considered to be a day that brings bad luck. In fact, the number 13 is considered to be a lucky number!
In many Spanish speaking countries and in Greece, Tuesday the 13th is seen as a day of misfortune.

#3 - The Day Inspired One of the Highest Grossing Film Series

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The commercially successful Friday the 13th enterprise includes 12 horror movies, a television series and several books that focus on curses and superstitions. Even though the films and the television series consistently received negative reviews from critics, they have a huge following. The mask worn by the key character in the films, Jason Voorhees, is one of the most known images in popular culture.


#4- The Day Might Have Originated From The Time of Jesus

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While it is not proven, many historians believe that the origin of 13 being an unlucky number grew from the story of The Last Supper. Jesus had 13 guests at his last meal, and the 13th guest was Judas—the infamous betrayer of Jesus. Jesus was then crucified on a Friday. This is what has been pieced together over the years to explain where Friday the 13th got its bad rap.

#5 - The Date Will Occur Only Once This Year

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Don’t worry, if you fear the day, let us tell you that it can only come thrice in a year at the most. Unfortunately, it’ll come once in a year for sure, so the maximum you go without seeing Friday the 13th is 14 months.

#6 - It Became Mainstream in the 19th Century

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As stated earlier, the modern paranoia of Friday the 13th became mainstream around 1800.
Henry Sutherland Edwards’ wrote in the 1869 biography of Gioachino Rossini, who died on a Friday 13th, that:

"He [Rossini] was surrounded to the last by admiring friends; and if it be true that, like so many Italians, he regarded Fridays as an unlucky day and thirteen as an unlucky number, it is remarkable that on Friday 13th of November he passed away."


Later a 1907 novel titled Friday, the Thirteenth by Thomas W. Lawson’s popularized the idea in America. The novel is about a “Wolf of Wall Street” type broker who takes advantage of the superstition to wreak havoc on Wall Street.

#7- Famous People Have Died on This Date

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Beloved rapper Tupac Shakur was killed on Friday, Sept. 13, 1996. Another notable Friday the 13th death was that of Julia Child in Aug. 2004.

#8- Another Reason The Number 13 is Unlucky

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Some numerologist believe the number 13 is considered unlucky because of its relation to the number 12. Numerologists consider 12 a "complete" number: 12 months in a year, 12 apostles, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 gods of Olympus, 12 hours on a clock.

#9- The 13th Floor

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According to National Geographic, more than 80 percent of highrise buildings avoid having a 13th floor. Hospitals skip the 13th floor and many hotels skip having a room No. 13. Some airports even skip having a gate 13.

#10- The Full Moon

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The number 13 is considered lucky by some. For pagans, it represents the number of full moons in a year.

#11 - Friday the 13th Myths

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There are a number of myths and superstitions are associated with the day:
  • If you cut your hair on Friday the 13th, someone in your family will die.
  • If a funeral procession passes you on Friday the 13th, you will be the next to die.
  • Do not start a trip on Friday or you will encounter misfortune.
  • If you break a mirror on Friday the 13th, you will have seven years of bad luck.
  • A child born on Friday the 13th will be unlucky for life.
  • Ships that set sail on a Friday will have bad luck.
  • If you walk under a ladder or if a black cat crosses you on Friday the 13th, you will have bad luck.

#12 - Outer Space Isn't Safe

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On Friday April 13, 2029, a large asteroid will fly close enough to the Earth to be visible without a telescope in Africa, Europe and Asia, according to NASA.

#13 -Very Superstitious

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Mark Twain once was the 13th guest at a dinner party. A friend warned him not to go. "It was bad luck," Twain later told the friend. "They only had food for 12." Superstitious diners in Paris can hire a quatorzieme, or professional 14th guest.
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The 140th Anniversary of Sallie White's Murder

3/30/2016

10 Comments

 

Who was Sallie White?

PictureAfrican American Chambermaid

​Sallie White was a chambermaid at the Menger Hotel when she met an untimely death on March 30th, 1876 by the hands of her common law husband-Henry Wheeler. Henry was said to have been a very jealous man and didn't like the attention his attractive mulatto wife would receive from other men. They would often get into arguments that would escalate and leave poor Sallie running in fear for her life. Their arguments were said to have reached a boiling point when Henry eventually shot and killed his wife near the Menger Hotel. Below is a newspaper article that talks about the murder: 

 "ANOTHER OUTRAGE 
Malicious and Probably Fatal Shooting of a Negro Woman by her Crazed Husband  

The peaceful neighborhood to the rear of the Menger Hotel was yesterday morning suddenly disturbed by pistol shots, succeeded by the shrill shrieks of a female. A negro by the name of Henry Wheeler was murdering his wife. The tale runs thus:  

Wheeler and his wife have been very quarrelsome for some time, and complaints of abuse from her husband have been carried to the Recorder's court, where the offender has met justice. Monday evening, Wheeler seemed to be very angry about something, and finding that his wife was absent from home, proceeded to search for her in the surrounding neighborhood. He was successful in his search, and immediately upon meeting her, began to abuse her to the extent of his calumnious capacity. On returning to their dwelling, Wheeler made the open and bold declaration that he would murder her-storming and swearing all the while. The woman could bear his threats and abuse no longer, and sought the protection of the police. The house was searched, but no arms found, but still the woman said, "he will kill me if I stay here tonight." Finally, arraignments were made for her to spend the night at the Recorder's office, where she went in peace, and slept until yesterday morning, undisturbed. She awoke between the hours of six and seven, and proceeded to go home. Arriving near the dwelling, she was again met by her husband, who, with a six shooter in his hand, proceeded to carry out the determined work of her death.  
He seized her, he fired, the ball wounding her severely in the bowels. She ran, and after her he went, firing two other shots and felling the partner of his bosom on the south side of the Menger Brewery. The act from beginning to end is a revolting one, being actuated by pure malice aforethought, making him, it would seem, if the woman dies, subject to the highest punishment the criminal offender has to bear."  

- San Antonio Daily Express March 29th, 1876 
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Sallie's Death

In the newspaper article above, it mentioned that her husband Henry would be punished if Sally died. Unfortunately it took poor Sallie two days to die from her wounds! In the meantime Henry took off and left town and was never heard from again nor prosecuted for her murder. Because the Menger had loved Sallie White and the great employee she had been, they paid for her funeral costs of $32.00. The receipt can still be seen today inside of the lobby in a glass display case. 

Sallie Haunts the Menger Hotel Today 

They say Sallie White's spirit can be seen today, roaming the hallways of the Menger Hotel and carrying on with her normal chambermaid duties. Guests that stay the night at the hotel have reported to see a maid in an old fashioned uniform coming into their rooms and disappearing right in front of their eyes. One woman saw a maid at the end of the hallway and approached her to ask for more towels, but when she called out to her, she ignored her! Perplexed, she walked closer to the maid who then turned and walked into an empty room. When she approached the room and looked inside there was no one in it. The maid had disappeared!  
A few months back one of our staff members had just finished a Dinner and Ghost Tour inside of the Menger Hotel. As they were putting the remaining supplies into the storage closet, the door suddenly slammed behind them. Startled they turned and saw the door knob begin to twist and turn violently. They approached the door, turned the still moving knob, and slowly opened the door. But they found no one in site! Perhaps this was Sallie continuing on with her daily duties.  
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A hotel ledger displayed inside of the Menger today, shows the cost of Sallie White's funeral.
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Lobby of the Menger Hotel
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The Menger Hotel

The Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours visits the inside of the Menger Hotel on the Dinner and Ghost Tour and Haunted Ghost Bus Tour. 

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A True Story of a San Antonio Railroad Tragedy

3/28/2016

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Have you heard the Legend of the San Antonio Railroad Tracks?

If you are from San Antonio or it's outer reaches, you have more than likely heard about the story of the San Antonio Railroad tracks. The story goes that in the 1930's there was a school bus full of children that was tragically hit by an oncoming train. And legend today states that if you put your car in neutral, at the site of the accident, your car will be slowly pushed over the tracks (by the spirits of dead children) to safety. You can also put baby powder or flour on the back of your car and some say you can see the tiny prints of children's hands.  
 Unfortunately this story is merely a San Antonio legend. This train accident never did happen in San Antonio, but rather in Salt Lake City, Utah. Below is a clipping from a newspaper: 

"On Dec. 1, 1938, a school bus was heading to Jordan High School through a dense winter storm as a loaded Denver and Rio Grande freight train rolled north toward Salt Lake City, according to information posted on the city's website.
Near the railroad crossing at 10200 South and 400 West, the driver stopped the bus. He opened the door to look beyond the thick fog, but did not see the 80-plus car "Flying Ute" train approaching at over 50 miles per hour.
At 8:43 a.m., the bus pulled slowly forward across the tracks. Upon seeing the bus, the train crew immediately applied the brakes, but the collision was inevitable.
The collision claimed the lives of 23 children and the bus driver. The 15 survivors faced a lifetime of serious physical injuries and emotional scars.
In the wake of the horrific crash, came railroad crossing laws, mechanical crossing arms and national regulations that are still in place today — including the mandatory requirement for bus drivers to not only stop at railroad crossings, but also to open their door and driver side window to look and listen for oncoming trains, according to the city's website."
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How could a story like this from half way across the country make it's way into San Antonio's history? ​Some say it was because the news of the school bus tragedy made San Antonio's newspaper headlines and over the years it slowly turned into one of our city's legends. Perhaps a thrill seeker or two also made up the story and it eventually gained momentum.  
Whatever the reason is, the Haunted Railroad Tracks is merely a legend and never did truly happen in San Antonio. 

A Real Railroad Tragedy

On March 28th, 1920 there did occur a train accident outside of San Antonio in a small city called New Braunfels. It was Easter Sunday and the Smith Family were out for a Spring drive in their Model T car. They had left their home in New Braunfels to visit family in Seguin. As they were crossing the railroad tracks, they were struck by a train at full speed. The car rolled over and over again as the train dragged it and pulled it to shreds till it eventually came to a stop. A mother, her daughters and a small child were killed instantly but the son-in-law, who was driving the car, survived one more day before he eventually passed away from his injuries. Below is a newspaper clipping from the San Antonio Express News: 

​
"TRAIN WIPES OUT PARTY OF 6 MOTORISTS
 Mother, Her Three Daughters, a son-in-law and Granddaughter killed when Flier Hits Auto. Car Struck Directly in the Center. Dead: Mrs. K. W. Smith, 54 years old, 330 Mission Street; Mrs. William Alex Garrett, 30 years old, 330 Mission Street; Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Krueger, each 28 years old, 405 Stieren Street; Katherine Adele Krueger, their 3 year old daughter, Miss Mary Smith, 24 years old. Fatally injured William Alex Garrett, 31 years old. 

All of the bodies will be lowered into the graves at the same time. The little Krueger girl will be buried in the same grave with her mother."
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Daughter and her child buried together after their car was struck by a train.
This event occured 96 years ago today. So the next time someone asks you about the Haunted Railroad tracks, make sure to tell them about the true story of the Smith Family and their tragedy. 
The Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours visits this site and many others on their Haunted Ghost Bus Tour 
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