Montiano Coat of Arms Tapestry

Montiano Coat of Arms Tapestry [Photo: “Spain Presents Tapestry to City,” by Karen Harvey, in Record 4-30-95. Descendants of Manuel d Montiano, Florida’s governor during the 1740s, stand beside a century-old tapestry with the Montiano Coat of Arms. The tapestry was presented by their father, Luis de Larramendi during a ceremony yesterday at Government House. The children are, from left, Fernando, Lourdes, Marcelo, Coro and Ignacio. The room in Government House will be used for public events. The material in front of the tapestry display represents the design that will be used for window treatment. For more information see “Ancient City Echoes” Monday, Page 3A.] “Tapestry Weaves City’s Past With Present Time,” by Karen Harvey, in Compass, 5-1-95.” Luis de Larramendi has roots in St. Augustine, even though this weekend marked only his second visit to the Ancient City. Larramendi came here from Spain with his wife and five children to present a century-old tapestry to the Historic St. Augustine Preservation Board. The tapestry displays the five-century-old coat of arms of the family of Manuel de Montiano, Florida’s Spanish governor from 1737 to 1749. It will be hung permanently in a room in Government House now dedicated as the Sala de Montiano room. The room, Preservation Board director Ross Fullham said, “is to be used for events and programs for the public.” It will be used for activities “relating to historic St. Augustine’s heritage.” Montiano was governor during the difficult years when English General James Oglethorpe twice attempted to conquer the town. Currently the room dedicated to the former governor is open only at specified times as renovation and planning continues. It contains 19th and 20th century-style paintings and furniture and will also be used for Preservation Board Meetings. Until this dedication, the room was known as “The East Wing” of Government House. Government House, located West of the town plaza, has a heritage dating back to the early 1700s when a structure was built as the residence and office for the governor of Spanish Florida. When Florida became a United States Territory in 1821, the building was deemed adequate to serve as a courthouse and civil building. It housed the first legislative council in 1823. For decades the building has been repaired and restored, continuing as a center of governmental activity. Residents today remember it as “the Post Office,” and it currently serves as headquarters for the Historic St. Augustine Preservation Board offices. One section is devoted to a museum of Florida history, and archeological artifacts are on exhibit in the main hallway on the first floor. It is a building in which all residents should take pride, and one which all visitors should see. Our past and our present are joined in Government House, and the gift presented by Don Manuel de Montiano has added to its heritage. More exhibits will be added to the “Sala de Montiano” over time as the room becomes more accessible to the public.