A large crowd gathered at the corner of Avenue C and Santa Fe Drive in Garland Saturday, May 20 to celebrate the unveiling of a special historical marker for the Valle family. Kay and Louis Moore and other Friends of Garland’s Historic Magic 11th Street board members worked tirelessly to make sure the hope for a marker became a reality.
They became Garland’s first Hispanic family when Manuel and Maria Valle moved to Garland in the late 1920s seeking a better life for themselves and their children. Manuel worked for Dietrich’s Dairy and
transferred to Garland at the request of the company’s owner. The family lived on the dairy property for a while before buying the house at 620 Avenue C.
The marker unveiling was attended by Mayor Scott LeMay and Mayor Pro Tem Deborah Morris. Council Members Margaret Lucht, B.J. Williams, Dylan Hedrick and Chris Ott were also in attendance. Garland’s City Manager Judd Rex was also on hand for the celebration. Garland ISD board members Daphne Stanley, Linda Griffin, Larry Glick and Johnny Beach, along with Superintendent Dr. Rick Lopez were also in attendance.
Garland High School’s Celebration Choir sang the National Anthem as Scout Troop 57 presented the colors. Joely Alba, a member of the choir, also sang a song in Spanish.
Renee Arnold and Blanca Gonzales read a resolution from Theresa Daniels of the Dallas County Commissioner’s office.
Mayor Scott LeMay read the proclamation that he first shared at a recent City Council meeting. The proclamation called the Valles a “shining
example of the American dream.” He added that the number of attendees at the unveiling was a 
testament to the impact and influence that the Valle family has had.
“The family left a legacy of community service and patriotism,” LeMay said.
Mayor Pro Tem Deborah Morris called the Valles pioneers and acknowledged the family cleared the way for many Garland citizens to follow without facing the same obstacles the Valles had faced.
Tony Torres echoed Morris’ sentiment. “Texas was not the most tolerant state in the nation.” He also read a resolution from the Texas House of Representatives.
All the speakers thanked Louis and Kay Moore and Friends of Garland’s Historic Magic 11th Street nonprofit for their hard work in getting the state historical marker.
Pascual Valle, one of Manuel’s and Maria’s sons, thanked the Moores and the nonprofit organization that made the event possible. He thanked everyone who attended, including the Garland HS Celebration choir and Scout Troop 57.
He said that it was a special day for him, his wife Sylvia and the Valle family.
“It’s an honor to be here to unveil this beautiful historical marker honoring Maria and Manuel Valle,” Pascual said. “I know that my mom and dad and brothers and sisters are all proudly looking down on us today. I know they are. And I hope this marker serves as an example of what dedication, education, love, and community and country can bring and to never give up when obstacles occur along the way.”
All eight of Manuel and Maria’s children graduated from Garland High School. Their six sons served in the military. One of their daughters worked as Rosie the Riveter and their other daughter was a city volunteer.
Pascual thanked God for making it possible for him to attend the unveiling event.