KING WILLIAM DISTRICT

The stretch of houses and buildings along St. Charles between 5th and 7th captures the remnants of Brownsville's residential past. Some of the most outstanding structures are the S.W. Brook House, the J.T. Canales home, the Young House and the Alonso Building. For those familiar with San Antonio's King William District, this is Brownsville's miniature version.

Ed Stapleton, an attorney and former Cameron County Democratic Party Chairman, owns the Russell-Cocke House on the corner of 6th and St. Charles. Built by Judge William Russell in 1877 and subsequently purchased by Confederate General Joseph Cocke, the house evokes the elegance of Southern charm.

"I couldn't afford it, but I bought it anyway," says Stapleton. "It may have not been the best financial decision, but it was the best personal decision. You are in the middle of old Brownsville, yet at the same time you feel like you inhabit a distance locale.

"I sit on my second-story balcony in the late afternoon with a book in my hand and the dependable southeastern blowing and I am transported to another time. Like the shade from trees, Brownsville's past hovers over this place."

Stapleton, like others, sees the importance of downtown striking a broader chord with the public. He points out that experts rank Brownsville as Texas' second most important city historically behind San Antonio.

"Downtown is filled with architectural gems, but the surrounding neighborhoods aren't bereft of wonderful homes dating back to the late 1800s and the early 1900s," explains Stapleton, one of those old-time lawyers who still preaches that old-time religion of social justice.

"Combine these with West Brownsville and the elegant neighborhoods on both sides of Palm Boulevard and the old city retains its rich past. I love the tranquility here. I like the sounds of the late afternoon. Or maybe I should say the lack of sounds.

"Downtown grows quiet except for those few denizens who emerge under the cover of darkness. I don't meditate. I don't contemplate. I listen. I like what I don't hear. When I awake in the morning, it's to the sound of the cathedral bells pealing the arrival of another day. I always give thanks for another day."