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In January 1997, after hearing about and viewing the deteriorationof the tomb of Juan Miguel Longoria (1815-1875), Diana Borja decided to consult with relatives about undertaking a restoration project. The tomb, located in the Longoria Cemetery in Blue Town, Tx., is privately owned by Amelia Longoria and Minerva Pearcy. The owners granted permission to restore the tomb ( Tomb or Boveda in Spanish). Additionally, a core group of relatives came forth to eager to participate and donate to the effort. Later the number of relatives involved was significantly expanded. In February 1998, Diana viewed a television program about the efforts that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department had undertaken to restore historical buildings in Roma, Tx. Thereafter, Diana contacted the department asking them to suggest names of lacal contractors active in the Roma Restoration Project. She contacted several contractors and settled on one, Paul Rivera. Paul had worked on the restoration of the Goliad Mission and would later work on the Port Isabel Lighthouse. September 1, 1998
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Diana decided on white marble stone which would be inscribed with the family information. Work on the restoration began in March 1998 and the project was completed in May 1998. Paul took slides of his work in progress. The dedication of the restoration of the tomb will take place on October 24, 1998 at the Longoria Cemetery and a reception will follow at the Santa Maria Community Center in Santa Maria, Tx. | ||
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