The Queen of the Order of the Alamo and her court or debutantes wanting to be in her court, all of them dressed in coronation gowns with 18 foot long trains. I don’t think a single man who actually fought and died at The Alamo would have recognized any of this but the photographs are fun to look at. Part of “Fiesta San Antonio” which began in 1891, with most of these young ladies being from the 1971 festivities.

Photographs, Uncategorized 8 Minutes
Queen or Princess of the Order of the Alamo, wearing a Coronation robe styled with Japanese elements and motifs. Taken in connection with the April 1971 Court of Gardens Order of the Alamo event. One of a collection of 21 original color photographs of the Fiesta Parade “Queens and Princesses” in spectacular gowns and trains. Undated image, probably April 21, 1971. American.  Billo Matthews Smith Studio, photographer. Image © 2025 Michael Laird Rare Books. Fair use license. https://www.michaellaird.com/pages/books/4130/billo-matthews-the-order-of-the-alamo-smith-photographer-publisher/san-antonio-texas-costume-and-high-society-collection-of-21-original-color-photographs-of-the
Queen or Princess of the Order of the Alamo, wearing a Coronation robe, headdress, and other decorations that I think are stylized seaweed. Taken in connection with the April 1971 Court of Gardens Order of the Alamo event. One of a collection of 21 original color photographs of the Fiesta Parade “Queens and Princesses” in spectacular gowns and trains.  Undated image, probably April 21, 1971. American.  Billo Matthews Smith Studio, photographer. Image © 2025 Michael Laird Rare Books. Fair use license. https://www.michaellaird.com/pages/books/4130/billo-matthews-the-order-of-the-alamo-smith-photographer-publisher/san-antonio-texas-costume-and-high-society-collection-of-21-original-color-photographs-of-the
Queen or Princess of the Order of the Alamo, wearing a Coronation robe. I think she is costumed as an English young lady as her train looks like a British coat of arms and her hat looks like Robin Hood might wear it. Taken in connection with the April 1971 Court of Gardens Order of the Alamo event. One of a collection of 21 original color photographs of the Fiesta Parade “Queens and Princesses” in spectacular gowns and trains.  Undated image, probably April 21, 1971. American.  Billo Matthews Smith Studio, photographer. Image © 2025 Michael Laird Rare Books. Fair use license. https://www.michaellaird.com/pages/books/4130/billo-matthews-the-order-of-the-alamo-smith-photographer-publisher/san-antonio-texas-costume-and-high-society-collection-of-21-original-color-photographs-of-the
Queen or Princess of the Order of the Alamo, wearing a Coronation robe. I am not sure what culture or country she is costumed up at but her headdress/large tiara is very interesting. I think she might possibly be representing water with the silver waves. Maybe not. Taken in connection with the April 1971 Court of Gardens Order of the Alamo event. One of a collection of 21 original color photographs of the Fiesta Parade “Queens and Princesses” in spectacular gowns and trains.  Undated image, probably April 21, 1971. American.  Billo Matthews Smith Studio, photographer. Image © 2025 Michael Laird Rare Books. Fair use license. https://www.michaellaird.com/pages/books/4130/billo-matthews-the-order-of-the-alamo-smith-photographer-publisher/san-antonio-texas-costume-and-high-society-collection-of-21-original-color-photographs-of-the
Symbolizing America the Beautiful, Her Grace ELIZABETH ANN of the House of AMEN Duchess of the Armed Forces: This flag blue robe epitomized the song “America the Beautiful” with its spacious skies of blue, jeweled purple mountains and fields of grain. At the bottom of the dress and train were red poppies poignant of Flander’s Field. Duke: Richard W. Flannery. Taken in connection with the April 1971 Court of Gardens Order of the Alamo event. One of a collection of 21 original color photographs of the Fiesta Parade “Queens and Princesses” in spectacular gowns and trains.  Undated image, probably April 21, 1971. American.  Billo Matthews Smith Studio, photographer. Image © 2025 Michael Laird Rare Books. Fair use license. https://www.michaellaird.com/pages/books/4130/billo-matthews-the-order-of-the-alamo-smith-photographer-publisher/san-antonio-texas-costume-and-high-society-collection-of-21-original-color-photographs-of-the
Queen or Princess of the Order of the Alamo, wearing a Coronation robe. I am not sure what culture or country she is costumed up as but I think maybe she is representing Outer Space with the planets suspended on wires on her head. Taken in connection with the April 1971 Court of Gardens Order of the Alamo event. One of a collection of 21 original color photographs of the Fiesta Parade “Queens and Princesses” in spectacular gowns and trains.  Undated image, probably April 21, 1971. American.  Billo Matthews Smith Studio, photographer. Image © 2025 Michael Laird Rare Books. Fair use license. https://www.michaellaird.com/pages/books/4130/billo-matthews-the-order-of-the-alamo-smith-photographer-publisher/san-antonio-texas-costume-and-high-society-collection-of-21-original-color-photographs-of-the
Brownville, Crowning the Enchanted Pond. Her Grace MARY ELEANOR of the House of YTURRIA, Duchess of Exotic Lilies. The vibrant blue velvet dress and train were decorated with moss green, lily pads and blossoms of pink and yellow. On her head she wore a wreath of jeweled flowers. Taken in connection with the April 1971 Court of Gardens Order of the Alamo event. One of a collection of 21 original color photographs of the Fiesta Parade “Queens and Princesses” in spectacular gowns and trains.  Undated image, probably April 21, 1971. American.  Billo Matthews Smith Studio, photographer. Image © 2025 Michael Laird Rare Books. Fair use license. https://www.michaellaird.com/pages/books/4130/billo-matthews-the-order-of-the-alamo-smith-photographer-publisher/san-antonio-texas-costume-and-high-society-collection-of-21-original-color-photographs-of-the
Bursting forth with the first crocus in snow. Her Grace Jean of the House of Childers, Duchess of the Gardens at Saint Petersburg. The opulent gold brocade dress lined with fur had white velvet trim. Bursting forth from the glistening snow were the first vivid crocus. Taken in connection with the April 1971 Court of Gardens Order of the Alamo event. One of a collection of 21 original color photographs of the Fiesta Parade “Queens and Princesses” in spectacular gowns and trains.  Undated image, probably April 21, 1971. American.  Billo Matthews Smith Studio, photographer. Image © 2025 Michael Laird Rare Books. Fair use license. https://www.michaellaird.com/pages/books/4130/billo-matthews-the-order-of-the-alamo-smith-photographer-publisher/san-antonio-texas-costume-and-high-society-collection-of-21-original-color-photographs-of-the
Queen or Princess of the Order of the Alamo, wearing a Coronation robe. Miss Telephone or maybe Miss Alexander Graham Bell who is embroidered on her train. Taken in connection with the April 1971 Court of Gardens Order of the Alamo event. One of a collection of 21 original color photographs of the Fiesta Parade “Queens and Princesses” in spectacular gowns and trains.  Undated image, probably April 21, 1971. American.  Billo Matthews Smith Studio, photographer. Image © 2025 Michael Laird Rare Books. Fair use license. https://www.michaellaird.com/pages/books/4130/billo-matthews-the-order-of-the-alamo-smith-photographer-publisher/san-antonio-texas-costume-and-high-society-collection-of-21-original-color-photographs-of-the
Queen or Princess of the Order of the Alamo, wearing a Coronation robe. She is holding feathers or maybe leaves in her left hand. Taken in connection with the April 1971 Court of Gardens Order of the Alamo event. One of a collection of 21 original color photographs of the Fiesta Parade “Queens and Princesses” in spectacular gowns and trains.  Undated image, probably April 21, 1971. American.  Billo Matthews Smith Studio, photographer. Image © 2025 Michael Laird Rare Books. Fair use license. https://www.michaellaird.com/pages/books/4130/billo-matthews-the-order-of-the-alamo-smith-photographer-publisher/san-antonio-texas-costume-and-high-society-collection-of-21-original-color-photographs-of-the
Queen or Princess of the Order of the Alamo, wearing a Coronation robe. Looks like she is being a Southern Belle in a hoop skirt. Taken in connection with the April 1971 Court of Gardens Order of the Alamo event. One of a collection of 21 original color photographs of the Fiesta Parade “Queens and Princesses” in spectacular gowns and trains.  Undated image, probably April 21, 1971. American.  Billo Matthews Smith Studio, photographer. Image © 2025 Michael Laird Rare Books. Fair use license. https://www.michaellaird.com/pages/books/4130/billo-matthews-the-order-of-the-alamo-smith-photographer-publisher/san-antonio-texas-costume-and-high-society-collection-of-21-original-color-photographs-of-the
Queen or Princess of the Order of the Alamo, wearing a Coronation robe.Taken in connection with the April 1971 Court of Gardens Order of the Alamo event. One of a collection of 21 original color photographs of the Fiesta Parade “Queens and Princesses” in spectacular gowns and trains.  Undated image, probably April 21, 1971. American.  Billo Matthews Smith Studio, photographer. Image © 2025 Michael Laird Rare Books. Fair use license. https://www.michaellaird.com/pages/books/4130/billo-matthews-the-order-of-the-alamo-smith-photographer-publisher/san-antonio-texas-costume-and-high-society-collection-of-21-original-color-photographs-of-the
Queen or Princess of the Order of the Alamo, wearing a Coronation robe. I think she is being the Queen of Hearts. Taken in connection with the April 1971 Court of Gardens Order of the Alamo event. One of a collection of 21 original color photographs of the Fiesta Parade “Queens and Princesses” in spectacular gowns and trains.  Undated image, probably April 21, 1971. American.  Billo Matthews Smith Studio, photographer. Image © 2025 Michael Laird Rare Books. Fair use license. https://www.michaellaird.com/pages/books/4130/billo-matthews-the-order-of-the-alamo-smith-photographer-publisher/san-antonio-texas-costume-and-high-society-collection-of-21-original-color-photographs-of-the
Queen or Princess of the Order of the Alamo, wearing a Coronation robe. Sort of medieval looking with the helmet and standard. Taken in connection with the April 1971 Court of Gardens Order of the Alamo event. One of a collection of 21 original color photographs of the Fiesta Parade “Queens and Princesses” in spectacular gowns and trains.  Undated image, probably April 21, 1971. American.  Billo Matthews Smith Studio, photographer. Image © 2025 Michael Laird Rare Books. Fair use license. https://www.michaellaird.com/pages/books/4130/billo-matthews-the-order-of-the-alamo-smith-photographer-publisher/san-antonio-texas-costume-and-high-society-collection-of-21-original-color-photographs-of-the
Queen or Princess of the Order of the Alamo, wearing a Coronation robe that has a Renaissance flair especially with the sleeves to it so thinking she is being Anne Boleyn. But maybe not. Taken in connection with the April 1971 Court of Gardens Order of the Alamo event. One of a collection of 21 original color photographs of the Fiesta Parade “Queens and Princesses” in spectacular gowns and trains.  Undated image, probably April 21, 1971. American.  Billo Matthews Smith Studio, photographer. Image © 2025 Michael Laird Rare Books. Fair use license. https://www.michaellaird.com/pages/books/4130/billo-matthews-the-order-of-the-alamo-smith-photographer-publisher/san-antonio-texas-costume-and-high-society-collection-of-21-original-color-photographs-of-the
Queen or Princess of the Order of the Alamo, wearing a Coronation robe with an Alice in Wonderland theme it looks like with the Mad Hatter in the middle of her train. But maybe not. Taken in connection with the April 1971 Court of Gardens Order of the Alamo event. One of a collection of 21 original color photographs of the Fiesta Parade “Queens and Princesses” in spectacular gowns and trains.  Undated image, probably April 21, 1971. American.  Billo Matthews Smith Studio, photographer. Image © 2025 Michael Laird Rare Books. Fair use license. https://www.michaellaird.com/pages/books/4130/billo-matthews-the-order-of-the-alamo-smith-photographer-publisher/san-antonio-texas-costume-and-high-society-collection-of-21-original-color-photographs-of-the
Queen or Princess of the Order of the Alamo, wearing a Coronation robe which has a medieval look to it but with a Franciscan monk with cloth of gold feet on the train. Taken in connection with the April 1971 or maybe 1972 Court of Gardens Order of the Alamo event. One of a collection of 21 original color photographs of the Fiesta Parade “Queens and Princesses” in spectacular gowns and trains.  Undated image, probably April 21, 1971. American.  Billo Matthews Smith Studio, photographer. Image © 2025 Michael Laird Rare Books. Fair use license. https://www.michaellaird.com/pages/books/4130/billo-matthews-the-order-of-the-alamo-smith-photographer-publisher/san-antonio-texas-costume-and-high-society-collection-of-21-original-color-photographs-of-the
Queen or Princess of the Order of the Alamo, wearing a Coronation robe whose theme I can’t figure out. I think her train might have an appliqued whale. Taken in connection with the April 1971 or maybe 1972 Court of Gardens Order of the Alamo event. One of a collection of 21 original color photographs of the Fiesta Parade “Queens and Princesses” in spectacular gowns and trains.  Undated image, probably April 21, 1971. American.  Billo Matthews Smith Studio, photographer. Image © 2025 Michael Laird Rare Books. Fair use license. https://www.michaellaird.com/pages/books/4130/billo-matthews-the-order-of-the-alamo-smith-photographer-publisher/san-antonio-texas-costume-and-high-society-collection-of-21-original-color-photographs-of-the
Queen or Princess of the Order of the Alamo, wearing a Coronation robe with a French theme with fleur de lis. Taken in connection with the April 1971 or maybe 1972 Court of Gardens Order of the Alamo event. One of a collection of 21 original color photographs of the Fiesta Parade “Queens and Princesses” in spectacular gowns and trains.  Undated image, probably April 21, 1971. American.  Billo Matthews Smith Studio, photographer. Image © 2025 Michael Laird Rare Books. Fair use license. https://www.michaellaird.com/pages/books/4130/billo-matthews-the-order-of-the-alamo-smith-photographer-publisher/san-antonio-texas-costume-and-high-society-collection-of-21-original-color-photographs-of-the
Queen or Princess of the Order of the Alamo, wearing a Coronation robe with a child taking a swing at a piñata filled with candy appliqued on the train. Taken in connection with the April 1971 or maybe 1972 Court of Gardens Order of the Alamo event. One of a collection of 21 original color photographs of the Fiesta Parade “Queens and Princesses” in spectacular gowns and trains.  Undated image, probably April 21, 1971. American.  Billo Matthews Smith Studio, photographer. Image © 2025 Michael Laird Rare Books. Fair use license. https://www.michaellaird.com/pages/books/4130/billo-matthews-the-order-of-the-alamo-smith-photographer-publisher/san-antonio-texas-costume-and-high-society-collection-of-21-original-color-photographs-of-the
Photograph from the program these are all part of showing all the young women in their Coronation robes. Taken in connection with the April 1971 or maybe 1972 Court of Gardens Order of the Alamo event. One of a collection of 21 original color photographs of the Fiesta Parade “Queens and Princesses” in spectacular gowns and trains.  Undated image, probably April 21, 1971. American.  Billo Matthews Smith Studio, photographer. Image © 2025 Michael Laird Rare Books. Fair use license. https://www.michaellaird.com/pages/books/4130/billo-matthews-the-order-of-the-alamo-smith-photographer-publisher/san-antonio-texas-costume-and-high-society-collection-of-21-original-color-photographs-of-the

Please note that these are all part of one lot in the book dealer’s website. There are scanned pages on the site which feature some of the young women seen here, and in these cases, I have transcribed the description from the program. That’s why some of these descriptions are more detailed than others.

Published by sarahbguestperry

On a voyage to see how much mileage I can get from the creative ability and eye for images that my family thought was useless. On line art curator, fiction writer and now blogger. Historian's daughter. Follow me . . .even I have no idea where I'm going next.

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