Summertime in San Antonio

Swimmers find relief from the heat at Brackenridge Park. (SC1265.6.2)

Then followed that beautiful season… Summer….
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Those who have written poetically about summer may have never spent June, July, August, or September in Texas. Even though English novelist Jane Austen never visited the Lone Star State, perhaps she penned a more accurate description of the season in writing, “What dreadful hot weather we have! It keeps me in a continual state of inelegance.”

Despite the oppressiveness of summer heat and humidity, however, San Antonians have long found ways to survive – if not relish – the season. Featured in this post are photographs from our collections showing local residents enjoying outdoor amusements that, while perhaps available at other times of the year, are most closely associated with summertime. Several of the images show some of San Antonio most popular public spaces including San Pedro Park, the Zoo, and Brackenridge Park.

Enjoy, and stay cool!

A costumed monkey meets a mixed reaction among visitors to the San Antonio Zoo. (SC09. Ramsdell.1)

A variety of amusements at San Pedro Park. (SC1265.51.9)

Five friends enjoying a picnic. (SC09.013)

Fishermen displaying the day's catch - a large catfish. (SC09.014)

Click here for a full citation of the documents and images included in this entry.