Dedication of the Mayor Eugene A. Braught Memorial Theater at Weslaco Library

WESLACO — The newly decorated auditorium at the Weslaco Library was dedicated on November 29th by officials of the City of Weslaco as the Mayor Eugene A. Braught Memorial Theater.

Kay Braught, widow of the late, beloved Gene Braught, who served as Weslaco’s mayor from 1991 to 2001, was present for the dedication ceremonies and the unveiling of a portrait of Mayor Braught that will hang in the theater lobby. She now lives in Norman, Oklahoma with her daughter.

Gloria Sepulveda, the city’s purchasing director, and Patti Dittburner of Villa de Cortez and Bugambillas Marketplace, planned the renovation of the facility and its beautiful, inviting decor.

The theater-auditorium, which is widely acclaimed for its acoustic design, will be used for additional musical, dramatic and other cultural events for the community.

The Weslaco Area Chamber Redcoats were joined by many community leaders and friends of Kay Braught for the dedication ceremony and reception that followed in the newly decorated meeting room that adjoins the theater.

Following a welcome by Mayor Buddy de la Rosa and recognition of City Commissioners Soyla R. Gonzalez, Adrian Gonzalez, Rene Rodriguez, Jr., and City Manager Anthony Covacevich, Mayor Pro-Tem John F. Cuellar summarized the life and times of the former mayor:

The Braughts’ love affair with the Valley began in 1944 when the young couple, fresh from college in Iowa, moved to McAllen as the high school’s band director. After three good years in McAllen, they returned to Iowa to work on his master’s degree.

A month before the degree was awarded, Weslaco Superintendent Grady Hester called about the band job at Weslaco High School.

Back in the Valley in 1951, Weslaco quickly became home and remained that throughout Gene’s life. In addition to his work in the converted Band Hall at Barbee Field, he was active in the Rotary Club, helped launch the Pigskin Jubilee, worked with other musicians to lay the groundwork for the Valley Symphony Orchestra, and was Weslaco Man of the Year in 1957.

In 1958 the offer came to move into college level teaching, first at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, and four years later to the University of Oklahoma at Norman, where he worked with bands and later became Associate Director, School of Music Teachers.

When retirement came in 1984, it was back to Weslaco, where volunteering was easy. The Symphony Board, H.O.S.T.S. tutoring at the High School, playing drums in a small jazz group, directing the First United Methodist Church Choir, and district activities with the Rotary Club kept him busy. Then, at the urging of friends, he ran for public office, where his accomplishments were many.

Kay Braught expressed her deep appreciation for the honor given to her late husband by naming the theater in his memory.

“The years in the mayor’s office were a true joy,” she said. “Gene’s door was open for citizens, whether to affirm, to express concern, to complain, or just visit. From there he welcomed many Winter Texans, and accepted many invitations to events in mobile parks.

“He enjoyed the duties of office. The endless meetings and trips were always an opportunity to meet and interact with people, as well as speak some good words about Weslaco.”

Programs coming up at the newly dedicated theater-auditorium include the Weslaco Museum’s October-March second Monday and fourth Friday programs, special book-signings, and many additional cultural programs.