Time to Celebrate the Days

When Texas Really Was Another Country

         San Antonians José Francisco Ruiz and José Antonio Navarro were among those affixing their signatures to the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836, at Washington-on-the-Brazos.  Those convened resolved and declared “that our political connection with the Mexican nation has forever ended, and the people of Texas do now constitute a free, sovereign, and independent republic.”  The birthday of the Republic of Texas on Sunday, March 2, will be celebrated with the unfurling a few additional Texas flags at The Republic of Texas Restaurant.

          Fiddles, dulcimers and whistles will be among the instruments Foxes will pull out of their bags to capture the revolutionary spirit from 1 to 5 p.m. at The Republic of Texas Restaurant.  Jim and Maggie Fox and a friend will perform toe-tapping music popular in Texas from 1821 to 1865 – melodies found on their Steppin’ Back in Time CD, such as “Fair Jenny’s Jig,” “Westphalia Waltz,” “Farewell to the Creeks” and “Banish Misfortune.”  Maggie Fox teaches choir at Irving Middle School, while Jim was an enthnomusicologist at the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures for more than a decade.

          While the outlook at the Alamo was rather grim during this period in 1836, William Barrett Travis’ plea for assistance did acknowledge the hemmed-in Texians were fortunate to have obtained 20 to 30 “head of beeves.”  Those celebrating Texas Independence Day at The Republic of Texas, therefore, can expect to find revolutionary specials - Bowie’s Plate at lunch and Crockett’s Plate in the evening – featuring bountiful helpings of beef in honor of their namesakes.  Those who are not Texans but wish they were should request certificates deeming them honorary citizens of The Republic of Texas.

          Not found on any loop anywhere except the San Antonio River Bend, The Republic of Texas Restaurant is located at 526 River Walk at the base of the historic Clifford Building on East Commerce and Losoya and is open seven days a week.  For more information, telephone 210.226.6256.