03/02/2015
SMOM is struggling to live. Please bring it back to life -A life once lived.
Its’ wrinkles is starting to show. Once tattooed with beautiful colorful murals on the outer layers of this historic building is slowly beginning to fade. And time and neglect is the thief that continues to rob it of its beauty. It may look as a puff of wind could blow it down, but don’t let its looks fool you, to be dismissed as “old” when it is so much more than the sum of its parts. Its memories both warm and haunting. A monument to harsh times.
My name is Sociedad Mutualista Obrera Mexican, but you can call me SMOM. I am a building located on 5804 Canal St., Houston, Texas 77011. My paint is beginning to peel, my plastered walls are beginning to crumble, and my roof is beginning to sag. I may be old, yet I am still standing strong. I just need some minor tune-ups and adjustments. I have been sitting here crumbling away since January of 2014.
I found myself relying on false hope due to the fact that many people promises to save me but yet they all fell through, finding myself essentially left for dead.
I am filled with so many memories and stories of Hispanic History. I am a building who once housed Community meetings, Forums, Press Conferences, Health Fairs, Thanksgiving in the Barrio to poor/low income families, veterans, senior’s citizens. I once had a glow when children would come to learn how to dance Mexican Ballet Folklórico or come to receive their toys while the elders receive food baskets, blankets. Oh how I miss sweet sounds of violins, the brilliance of trumpets and the deep sounds of guitarras from the Mariachi’s groups. The Fiestas and Quinceneras long gone and once were my source of income.
Preserving me is vital to understanding our nation’s heritage. Preservation is a labor-of-love. I already exist, therefore energy is not necessary to demolish me or create new materials and infrastructure. I just need minor modifications to adapt to my existing structure. Please come on board to help save part of Houston’s history.
This illustration was written by KD Danas, Boardmember
