Members of the Alamo Battlefield Association tour the set created by producers of the movie 'Alamo' near Dripping Springs. The film depicts the famous battle that took place 167 years ago.John Davenport/Express-News
After touring the Alamo and headed for the Cathedral, I felt compelled to turn around at the gates, looking back into the compound, the walls, the door openings and around the canons, I just knew, if I looked hard enough, I could see those brave soles who thought they could change the world, and by God they Did!
I climbed the 57 wooden steps to the top of the San Fernando Cathedral. Normally I would have been winded, legs aching and ready to call it a day, but not this day.
Once on the roof, I experienced a few flash backs to 1836. You know the stories so I will not try to explain.
From the roof top I looked out toward the Alamo and could see all the activity. Knowing very well that the good folks over there were on the same adventure, I saw in my mind a few familiar faces. Grandfather Seguin, Colonel Crockett, Travis, Bowie and many of the others who defended Texas at the Alamo and who have become our esteemed heroes.
After having toured the Alamo, the Cathedral and many of the building, I felt like I knew every inch of the village of Bexar, San Antonio, as it had stood.
I'm sorry to say, I do not recall the young mans name who portrays Travis at the Alamo ceremony. But I do recall hearing him say, "I saw my office". He was referring to the room and desk at which the famous Travis letter was written, right there and then, I knew he too had stepped back into time and was truly enjoying this modern day adventure.
I only wish my Mom, Dad, my sister Elsie, immediate family and close friends had been there as well.
Thanks to The Alamo Battlefield Association for being so involved and caring for our states history.
Stephen Hardin was absolutely great at keeping everyone informed and entertained while on our bus trip from San Antonio to Dripping Springs.
Thanks to John Lee Hancock for his careful depiction of all the Alamo characters and of course a million thanks to Michael Corenblith, production designer for "Alamo" who led the inspiring and educational tour.
Thanks to those Seguin family members who followed the bus and braved the daring speeds of a commerical bus and a bus driver who knew no fear.
God Bless,
On Behalf of the "The Seguin Family Historical Society"
Albert Seguin Gonzales
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By Amy Dorsett
San Antonio Express-News
Web Posted : 03/03/2003 12:00 AM
DRIPPING SPRINGS — More than 60 avid Alamo historians got a rare, close-up look Sunday at the movie set that soon will project their passion onto the big screen.
Members of the Alamo Battlefield Association tour the set created by producers of the movie 'Alamo' near Dripping Springs. The film depicts the famous battle that took place 167 years ago.
John Davenport/Express-News
The group, mainly members of the Alamo Battlefield Association, traveled from the real Alamo to Hollywood's latest version, touring the 51 acres in Northern Hays County that reproduce San Antonio de Béxar of 1836.
They were giddy at times when examining the extensively researched set.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Ed Dubravsky, 51, who made the trip from Maine. "This is a chance for people who are really interested and have a love of the Alamo to come down here and see a work in progress of something that will be on film for all time."
The tour was led by Michael Corenblith, production designer for "Alamo."
"The benefit is that we want to make sure that the dedicated community (studying) these events know that our heart is in the right place," he said.
Corenblith, whose father taught junior high Texas history, has spent more than a year researching the Alamo. The experts were impressed with the results.
"It's just blowing my mind," said Russell Bourne, who traveled from England to take part in a week's worth of Alamo events, starting with Thursday's marking of the 167th anniversary of the garrison's fall.
"There's no definitive Alamo movie, but looking at this and what's gone into the production, everything seems to have gone right," Bourne said.
Carolyn Cotton, from near Waco, and whose great-great-great-grandfather was Davy Crockett, said she's eager to see how actor Billy Bob Thornton portrays her legendary ancestor.
"It's wonderful," she said of the set. "I just want to finish up a few spots and move in."
Don Herlitz, dressed in 1836 Texian civilian attire, walks inside the movie set of the Alamo chapel in Dripping Springs. Herlitz was there with a group that was touring the site where the movie 'Alamo' is being filmed.
John Davenport/Express-News
Michael Corenblith, the film's production designer, talks to Sunday's visitors about the efforts involved in re-creating the chapel and its environs. The Alamo Battlefield Association later presented Corenblith with an award for his fidelity to history and extensive research in preparing the movie.
"Alamo" began filming on this Hill Country ranch in January and is scheduled to finish shooting at the end of May. Other filming locations are in Austin and Bastrop.
The movie is scheduled to open Christmas Day.
Albert Seguin Gonzales of Texas City — great-great-great-grandson of defender Juan Seguin — said he felt a connection to his ancestor on the set.
"When I stepped though the gates, I felt I stepped back in time," he said. "It was awesome."
Many believe this film — the first major effort to depict the 1836 battle since John Wayne played Crockett more than 40 years ago — will be important because of the crew's extensive research and because it will include viewpoints other than those of the Texians.
"It's one of the most conscientious efforts I've seen for accuracy," said Andrés Tijerina, a historical consultant for the film.
After the tour, the Battlefield Association honored Corenblith with its Ruben Potter Award.
Named for the man many consider to be the first serious Alamo historian, the award is given only when the group feels a person has earned it with significant strides in Alamo scholarship.
In the past, it has gone only to authors.
Corenblith was surprised to receive the award.
"This is so unexpected," he said.
"I'm thrilled beyond words — this has tremendous meaning."
Stephen Hardin, a professor of Texas and American history at Victoria College, a consultant for the film and a representative of the Battlefield Association, said Corenblith was chosen because of his fidelity to history and the extensive research he did for the movie.
"He's going to educate people about this story. His research is world-class," Hardin said.
"For us, we read about this, we talk about it, but to actually walk around in the physical setting, it's the closest we'll ever get to walk around in 1836 San Antonio de Béxar."
