Mayor Gabe Lozano Papers

File

Identifier: Coll-119

Staff Only

This collection consists of biographical material from Gabe Lozano’s life, but mainly centers around his political career and local Corpus Christi politics from the late 1960’s to the early 1980’s. Over half of the collection is made up of political photographs and articles describing his involvement with the community. It also contains correspondence, speech manuscripts from various events, publications and events mentioning him in some way, and a plaque from the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce where he served on the Board of Directors.

Dates

1948-1985

Creator

Gabe Lozano Sr. (1909-1984) (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions

Conditions Governing Use

This material is made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to taking precautions against infringement of copyright and respecting the publication rights of reproduced materials. All rights are reserved and retained regardless of current or future development or laws that may apply to fair use standards. Any materials used should be fully credited with their source according to the example given in the Preferred Citation note. Requests for assistance with citations and images of publication quality should be directed to specialcollections@tamucc.edu.

Extent

0.3 Linear Feet

Abstract

Gabe Lozano was a business man and politician that spent his life working to improve Corpus Christi. He was active in a large spectrum of activities in the area and was the first Hispanic American Mayor of Corpus Christi. Son of pioneering local legend Vincente Lozano, Gabe was a pioneer himself; persistently pushing for causes he felt strongly about and helping transform Corpus Christi into the city it is today.

Biographical / Historical

Gabe Lozano was born in Corpus Christi in 1909. His father was pioneering Corpus Christi entrepreneur, community activist, and civil rights activist Vicente Lozano. He attended St. Louis Business College in San Antonio, and partnered with his father’s beer distribution company. After a series of successful business ventures including being one of the first Mexican-Americans to own a broadcast company, Lozano became more active in politics.

Lozano served as the President of the Corpus Christi chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens, and was local co-chairman for the 1952 national conference which was held in Corpus Christi. His activities and interests led him to hold memberships in The Lion’s Club, The Sierra Club International, 39ers Citizens Alert, Sunset Optimist Club, Seratoma Noon Club, Amigos de Mexico, International Good Neighbor Council, Buccaneer Commission, Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce and Board of Directors, and Board of Directors of the Corpus Christi Tourist Bureau and Advertising Club. He was a busy man.

Lozano served seven terms as city commissioner and in 1969, he was elected Mayor Pro Tem and served until 1971. He was the first Mexican American to serve in this capacity in Corpus Christi. When Mayor Jason Luby resigned in 1979 to run for Congress, Lozano was tapped again and became the first Mexican American Mayor of Corpus Christi. He passed away in 1984 at Spohn Shoreline Hospital of congestive heart failure.

This small collection offers a glimpse into Gabe Lozano’s life but it is centered around his political activities. A pioneer just like his father, Lozano served the people of Corpus Christi rigorously throughout his life to improve conditions in the city. This collection opens a window on what that consisted of in daily life and the people he met and helped along the way.

Arrangement

This collection has two Series and a total of thirteen folders. The Series are for Photographs and Newspaper articles since they make up a significant bulk of this collection. The Photograph Series consists of three folders, and the Newspaper Series consists of four folders.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was donated by David Lozano Sr. and received by Thomas Kreneck on 1997-09-23.

Related Materials

Collection 5 Dr. Hector P. Garcia Papers

Collection 35 Tony Bonilla Papers

Processing Information

This collection was arranged by Eric Christensen, Archive Processing Librarian for Texas A&M University– Corpus Christi’s Special Collections & Archives Department. It had previously been arranged by an unnamed archivist.