This is the family
of Maria de Jesus Rodriguez and John Earl Rothenbach. The
Mexican and German culture combined with the Texian, provided their
five girls with a rich, colorful and unique heritage.
on the left, shows John and Maria in their Charro dress and standing
with the American and Mexican flags. Through Maria's efforts and dedication,
and the support of her husband, she founded Rancho
Allegre Association, to maintain the Mexican cowboy's skills
and showmanship on horseback.
She also founded El Concurso de las Adelitas,
an organization that keeps alive the spirit and culture of the women
that fought alongside the men during the Mexican Revolution. The girls
learned to ride side saddle and performed in the Charriadas (Rodeos)
as well as the annual parades in San Antonio. Their colorful and unique
dress, represent the style worn by the women fighters in the Mexican
Maria ensured her family observed Mexican holidays in the traditional
ways. Her kitchen filled the air with aromas of specialties from
her region. The Christmas season especially reflected the Mexican culture
in the foods, religious observation and the traditional Nacimiento (Nativity)
display, for which she has received many recognitions in her community
and from the Mexican government.
For her efforts
to keep alive her ethnic culture, Maria was honored with the distinct
and prestigious title of "Hidalgo",
which was conferred upon her in August 2004, by the Commissioners of
Bexar County, Texas.