Interviewer(s): Ernesto Valdes

Project: University of Houston

Christine Reyna grew up in the Magnolia Park neighborhood of Houston. She is the second generation owner of Reyna’s Florist and Gift Shop and begins the interview talking about the importance of flower arrangements in some Mexican and Mexican American culture practices. The majority of the interview is a reflection of life in 1950s and 1960s Houston. Reyna discusses swimming in the summer, going to sock hops, shopping downtown, curanderas, and going to theatres like Azteca. At one point in the interview, Reyna reads from a document which gives the history of Magnolia Park, how it was established, changes in the ethnic population over time, and business that existed. Other topics discusses include the failed Mercado on Navigation, Plans for the centennial celebration of Magnolia Park, and changes in the east end neighborhoods with new condos and the metro being introduced.