This Is What West Side San Antonio Looked Like in the 1960s

San Antonio is constantly evolving – just take these vintage photos as proof. We rummaged through the archives available through UTSA Libraries Digital Collections to take a look at the Alamo City's past. We rounded up photos from the 1960s that show the West Side as determined by the archive filters. Keep in mind that some shots show what we call downtown today, but was considered the West Side back in the day.

Photos courtesy of UTSA Libraries Digital Collections
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Located in the "Vista Verde North Urban Renewal Area" according to UTSA, La Blanca Nieve Washateria let folks wash their clothes and had tenants upstairs. Note the Pearl Brewery truck on the right-hand side.
Located in the "Vista Verde North Urban Renewal Area" according to UTSA, La Blanca Nieve Washateria let folks wash their clothes and had tenants upstairs. Note the Pearl Brewery truck on the right-hand side.
Everyone loves Amols. This is how the shop looked liked in 1961 when it was located at 525 S. Laredo Street.
Everyone loves Amols. This is how the shop looked liked in 1961 when it was located at 525 S. Laredo Street.
The San Pedro Creek sure has come a long way, hasn't it?
The San Pedro Creek sure has come a long way, hasn't it?
Those classic cars would especially be considered gems today.
Those classic cars would especially be considered gems today.
In this 1968 photo, you can see the business and home of Maria Z. Vasquez. She owned an auto business that was located at the northwest corner of West Salinas and Columbus streets.
In this 1968 photo, you can see the business and home of Maria Z. Vasquez. She owned an auto business that was located at the northwest corner of West Salinas and Columbus streets.
Who remember La Moderna Fruit Stand on Produce Row? This is a snapshot of the store in 1968.
Who remember La Moderna Fruit Stand on Produce Row? This is a snapshot of the store in 1968.
Here's another look at Produce Row circa 1968. With La Moderna Fruit Stand on the right, you can see Plaza Novelty Company front and center.
Here's another look at Produce Row circa 1968. With La Moderna Fruit Stand on the right, you can see Plaza Novelty Company front and center.
Can you spot the Alameda Theater? Here's an aerial view of the landmark spot and surrounding buildings from March 1968.
Can you spot the Alameda Theater? Here's an aerial view of the landmark spot and surrounding buildings from March 1968.
In 1968, 823 Dolorosa Street was home to a Sunglo Fina service station. Here you can see the station and an advertisement for Texas Gold Stamps – and, of course, some really nice gas prices!
In 1968, 823 Dolorosa Street was home to a Sunglo Fina service station. Here you can see the station and an advertisement for Texas Gold Stamps – and, of course, some really nice gas prices!
The '60s were definitely a time for mom-and-pop businesses. El Faro Grocery stood at 325 North Santa Rosa Avenue and was housed in a two-story 19th century limestone building. Check out the sign for the fresh bar-b-q on Sundays.
The '60s were definitely a time for mom-and-pop businesses. El Faro Grocery stood at 325 North Santa Rosa Avenue and was housed in a two-story 19th century limestone building. Check out the sign for the fresh bar-b-q on Sundays.