Aquarena Center and The River Systems Institute at Texas State University will be hosting a Reunion – Celebration for all of those former Employees of the Aquarena Springs Resort 1946 -1996.  (Former employees of Aquarena Center since 1996 are also welcome!) This three day event will include: a 'Memorabilia' exhibit and 'Mixer' Friday Night at the San Marcos Conference Center/Embassy Suites; a Golf Outing, Open House and 'Welcome' at the Texas Rivers Center, Glass Bottom-Boat, Aquarium and Wetland Tours, Barbeque, book signing and Live Entertainment at Aquarena on Saturday; and a Brunch Buffet at the Salt Grass Steak House on Sunday.  To register on line go to 2009 Reunion Registration or call 512-245-7544 to request a registration package.

 

Aquarena Springs was the most popular tourist destination for 50 years and holds strong ties to the many underwater performers, Aqua maids, clowns and pig trainers, glass bottom boat tour guides, Gift Shop personnel, divers, managers and the many vendors who had shops at the park.  This reunion is a celebration and opportunity for all to share fond memories.  In recognition of the many stories past employees have, Texas State University's History Department is offering a 'Public History' class the fall semester and will be collecting oral histories through out the fall and on November 7th. 

The University Archives is collecting information about Aquarena to ensure that its history is preserved for future generations.  Of special interest are records, photographs, and artifacts that show Aquarena’s role as a popular vacation destination.   Specifically, the Archives would like to receive an Aqua-maid costume, items sold in the gift shop commemorating the visit, letters and papers related to Aquarena, postcards, and photographs – especially images that include the hotel, underwater theater, glass bottom boats, and tourists enjoying the water.
  
Questions about donating materials may be referred to the University Archivist at kris.toma@txstate.edu.
 

Proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the Glass-bottom boat endowment to help maintain the historic wooden fleet of boats that have been the centerpoint of Aquarena since Paul Rogers launched his first glass bottom boat in the 1940's.  The glass-bottom boats at Aquarena are the same fleet of boats that has entertained visitors to Aquarena for the last 50 years and require yearly maintenance.  The Glass-bottom boat endowment will insure their survival for years to come.

Margaret Russell & Shirley Rogers