Heart and Resilience: The Enduring Spirit of South San Antonio

Exploring the Heart and Resilience of South San Antonio

In the vibrant city of San Antonio, the neighborhood of South San holds stories that weave together generations of residents. This charming area is home to remarkable individuals like Lydia Guzman, an 80-year-old woman who has lived there her entire life. With a heart full of nostalgia, she recalls the simple days of her childhood and the roots laid deep with family and community.

Lydia’s father made a big decision when he bought their family home from a German couple for just $1,000. Today, five generations of Patricia Limón Medina’s family also thrive in this friendly neighborhood. As 64-year-old Limón Medina reflects on the closeness of South San, she expresses that it feels like home, a sentiment echoed by many other long-time residents.

Childhood Memories in a Melting Pot

Local legends like Frank Runnels, 86, and John Torres, 72, share a wealth of childhood memories about growing up on the same street. With a twinkle in his eye, Runnels sarcastically muses, “Everybody knew me. I could get in trouble real easy, and I did.” Torres describes the old South San as a colorful melting pot of cultures, rich with German, Polish, and Belgian heritages. “There was no issue about race or anything like that,” he reminisced, inviting others to share in their laughter and fond recollections.

Gatherings at Sunday church services followed by cold beers on Monday were part of life’s regular rhythm. “Everybody went to church on Sunday and drank beer on Monday,” cheered Runnels, capturing the carefree lifestyle that many enjoyed in those simpler times.

The Impact of Kelly Air Force Base

Another significant feature of South San’s history is its close connection to Kelly Air Force Base. Many residents proudly highlight how the base opened doors to job opportunities and economic stability in the area. “My dad retired from there after 44 years. I retired after 27,” Lydia noted proudly. Kelly AFB played a major role in maintaining military aircraft and was a sought-after employment hub.

Runnels remembers stories about Kelly during World War II, when the base constructed a makeshift tent city for soldiers. “I never will forget going out there… Hundreds of tents just up and down that hill,” he said, bringing to life the bustling atmosphere of those early days.

A Neighborhood Remembered

The sudden crash of a military plane in 1951 added a layer of tragedy to the neighborhood’s story. Runnels was playing baseball nearby when he heard the terrifying explosion, sending smoke into the sky. “We saw this ball of smoke and fire come up over there by the old high school,” he recalled. “It came down in the middle of the street,” added Lydia, illustrating how closely knit the community felt during such heart-wrenching moments.

Despite facing challenges, such as the BRAC closure of Kelly AFB in 1995, the neighborhood persisted. Guzman, who retired the same year, shared her frustrations, stating, “I was mad… What could you do?” Many neighbors sought jobs elsewhere, demonstrating a spirit of resilience that permeates the heart of South San.

Tides of Change and Struggles

Yet, not all memories are pleasant. In 2003, a group of residents, including Limón Medina, found themselves embroiled in a lawsuit against the federal government for contamination linked to Kelly AFB, which had allegedly led to health issues in the community. “There were about 2,800 properties affected,” she shared, shedding light on a painful chapter in their lives. In 2010, the government agreed to a settlement, which stirred mixed feelings among the residents as they struggled to cope with the implications of the contamination.

Looking to the Future

Despite the ups and downs, the sense of community continues to thrive in South San. “Once a Southsider, always a Southsider,” Lydia boldly declares, emphasizing the unbreakable ties that connect the generations. With affordable housing and a wealth of shared history, it’s no wonder that families often choose to stay, living next door to relatives or even under the same roof.

As we celebrate the spirit of South San Antonio, it’s clear that this neighborhood stands as a testament to hard work, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging. The past may influence their identity, but the warmth and unity of the community shine brightly as they look toward the future.