Postcards

These postcards belong to my father, Gervacio Ramirez, and he collected them in the 1980’s from places he visited around the Metroplex. My father came to the United States in 1984, when he was 17 years old. He was one of many Mexicans who came to America in search of a better job and the opportunity and hope of a better life in this country. During this time, about 3 million illegal immigrants were granted legal status due to the The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. After working in agriculture for a few years, my father began working in construction as a mason.
Not only did immigration create a change in Texas’ culture, but also in Mexicos’ as well. In 1992, my father, age 25, returned to Mexico to begin the construction of his house with the money he earned in the States, and the new skills he obtained. He was inspired by the homes in Dallas to build the first brick house in his home town of Motho (Tasquillo, Hidalgo). The town responded to this new idea in a positive way, and to this day many features of American architecture are being embraced by the people of his small town and throughout Mexico.

El Taquito Café was established in 1975 during a time when Tex-Mex food became very popular. Throughout the years, this small restaurant has included many authentic Mexican dishes in their menu. In the 1980’s, the restaurant thrived as many Mexicans came in search of a taste of home. To this day the restaurant continues to be a favorite place to eat for many Hispanic families living in Dallas.

Artifact:

El Taquito Café