In the 1950's and 60's, there was an area near Benitez in East Donna, this area was known as "El Rincon Del Diablo". It was a notorious place, 13 bars all lined up one right next to the other in a circle. It was a hot night spot, every weekend it was packed by men in cowboy boots (with half their pant tucked into their right boot) and by cantineras. They would bar hop and dance the night away, listening to loud conjunto music in these bars made out of wood (with screen doors and open windows for ventilation). Lots of local musicians would stop by here and play loudly in "El Rincon Del Diablo". One of the most well known bars here was named "Chupi, Chupi", what a name!
This place was also known for having crime on a regular basis. Fights would regularly take place for a variety of reasons, including family honor, women, money, territorial reasons, and just because they were borrachos. If you were looking for a prostitute, this is where you would go to find one.
The area where this place was located is now a Donna city park, the memories of sleaziness, good beer, even better fights and loud blasting conjunto music are long gone. But to those that were there, "El Rincon Del Diablo" still holds a unique place in their hearts.
This made me think of my great grandfather.... According to my mom he was a quite the regular at el chupi chupi after a long week in the labores. Thanks for the memory and the smile! -A Donneño in Austin
ReplyDeleteMY UNCLE JUST TOLD ME OF THIS PLACE WHICH HE SAYS WAS ALSO HIS AND MY GRANDPAS HANG OUT HE SAYS LOS DONNENOS WOULD PLAY SONGS FOR A QUARTER HE ALSO TOLD ME NARCISCO WORK OR OWNED A BEER AND FOOD STORE IN EAST DONNA TEXAS THEY ALL KNEW HIM AS CHICHO MARTINEZ ,IF SO THAT MEANS I MET HIM AS A KID WE USE TO BUY CANDY THERE ,CAN YOU CHECK THIS OUT FOR ME ?IT WOULD MEAN ALOT I REMEMBER THE OLD POOL HALL AND AVILAS BAR ,THE RED FOX
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