Memory Lane : Summers in San Marcos
1970 SWT Pedagog
Most of Texas State’s campus emptied in the summers, but those who stayed behind experienced a different kind of San Marcos.
While activities like floating the river and going to bars are still summer favorites today, there were some unique activities over the decades.
Take a walk down memory lane with us and maybe restart a tradition or two.
#1 : Cave Exploration
Texas State’s caving club, also known as the SWT Spelunkers in the 1970’s, spent their summers underground. Every weekend, their 40-member organization would drive to caves in Texas, Alabama, Arizona and Virginia.
SWT Spelunkers, 1971
A couple favorite caves they explored in Texas were Midnight Cave and Indian Creek Cave. The members got down in the dirt, rappelled with ropes and saw rock formations most people will never see.
Similar to today’s Leave No Trace policies at National Parks, the caving club lived by their own mantra. “Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures and kill nothing but time.”
#2 : Getting in Shape
Summer Football Training, SWT Pedagog
While classrooms were empty, the gyms were full of football players and fitness enthusiasts.
Texas State athletes spent their summers in San Marcos preparing for their fall seasons. You could find them doing drills on the field early in the morning and hitting the weight room in the afternoons.
Athletes weren’t the only students in uniform staying in shape. The Air Force ROTC had its trainings and conferences in San Marcos and the Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.
Many students go home over the summers, but those who stay get to experience a different side to San Marcos. The heat draws most to find indoor activities or flock to the water. If you’re a current student or in the area still, here are three ways to beat the heat.
#3 : Swimming at Aquarena Springs
Aquarena Springs was a swimming and entertainment spot that gave San Marcos its iconic mermaids.
The springs also had the Alpine Swiss Skyline that you could sit in and see above the trees. If you wanted to see through the clear water without having to put on a suit, there were glass-bottomed boats you could ride on.
The park declined over the years and was eventually purchased by Texas State University in 1994. It was renamed the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment and now draws researchers from the university.
Read more about Aquarena Springs.
Honorable Mentions
Texas State alumni from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s noted their favorite spots that don’t exist anymore. Here are those honorable mentions.
The Coast - a bar with famous nickel pitchers of beer
Pepper’s at the Falls - a restaurant where you can jump into the river from the deck
Too Bitter - a restaurant for smokers that had live music
Paper Bear - a shop for candy, stationary and antiques
Jorge’s - Thursday night get togethers
Rother’s Bookstore - a bookstore that used to be at 101 Concho St
Courtesy of TXST Archives
Are we missing a summer favorite? Comment on this blog or email us at support@stelos.org.