Margaret Muñoz Simon was a radio commentator and ground-breaking Latina activist in Austin, Texas’ Hispanic community. Born c.1908 in Eagle Pass, Texas, Simon moved to Austin with her first husband Henry Muñoz in 1942. She quickly became an active member of the Hispanic community, helping to organize such events as the annual Diez y Seis celebration. The Muñozes soon began publishing the Spanish language newspaper El Democrata, which remained in publication until 1950. During the 1950s Simon began work as a radio commentator, a career which would last over five decades. Simon worked on a variety of programs for many Spanish language radio stations in central Texas. All of the programs involved Simon providing announcements of social events and narratives concerning holidays and historical celebrations such Diez y Seis and Christmas. In the 1950s Simon married her second husband Hugo Simon and also adopted two children.
From the time she moved to Austin, Simon was deeply involved with many civic activities. Simon was a member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Austin. She was a founding member of the Austin League of United Latin American Citizens, the American G.I. Forum, and the Mexican American Business and Professional Women’s Association. Simon was also engaged in political activities, serving as secretary in the “VIVA Johnson” campaign for Lyndon Baines Johnson, and assisting in the political campaigns of Texas politicians such as J. J. Pickle, Gonzalo Barrientos, Mark White, and Ann Richards. Simon was also a member of the Mexican American Democrats (MAD). Recognized as a community leader, Simon’s activities led to many awards and recognitions from her community, city, and state. Simon died on September 8, 1998.
Correspondence, printed materials, financial records, legal documents, photographic materials, and artifacts (1937-1994, bulk 1970-1989) chronicle the life and activities of Latina community activist, radio personality, and journalist Margaret Muñoz Simon. The papers are arranged into ten series: Correspondence, Written Works, Awards, Financial, Organizations and Activities, Printed Materials, Photographs, and Artifacts.
The first series, Correspondence (6 in.) is divided into two subseries: Personal and General. It is arranged chronologically and consists primarily of incoming letters, and sparsely documents Simon’s life from the time she moved to Austin, Texas until the papers deposit. The bulk of this series lies in the Personal Correspondence subseries, materials that relate to Simon’s family relations and personal activities. The General Correspondence subseries primarily contains bulk mail type communications from either businesses or politicians.
Series two, Written Works (6 in.), consists of radio commentaries and newspaper articles written by Simon. The radio commentaries, arranged chronologically, are announcements for social events in Austin’s Hispanic community, and narratives concerning events such as religious holidays and patriotic celebrations. Newspaper articles, mostly from the Austin Light, relate to Hispanic citizens or businesses in Austin. All of the written works are in Spanish.
Awards, the third series (6 in.), includes certificates, citations, proclamations, and plaques received by Simon in recognition of her work within the community.
The fourth series, Financial (6 in.), documents Simon’s economic circumstances, containing financial records such as bank statements, checks, bills, receipts, and legal documents like insurance policies and an abstract of title.
Correspondence, minutes, proceedings, financial documents, and reports make up the largest series, Organizations and Activities (1 ft.). Arrangement is alphabetical by organization, and chronological within each organization. Materials in this series do not give a comprehensive view into Simon’s involvement with the organizations, but give a general view of the types of informational resources members received. With some exceptions, the correspondence contained in this series is generally not specific to Simon, but of the kind that would be sent to all participants. Organizations especially well represented are the American G.I. Forum, LULAC, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (of Austin).
Series six, Printed Materials (6 in), principally contains general materials such as magazines and manuals. The most significant portion of this series is the clippings relating to Mrs. Simon. These clippings concern Simon’s life in general and specific activities in which she was involved.
The Photographs series (1 folder) contains some photos of Simon from c. 1942.
Materials in the Artifacts series (5 in.) are items found in a box marked “Treasures.” Most significant are U. S. Army insignia, probably from her first husband Henry Muñoz who served in World War II.
Standard copyright restrictions apply.
Margaret Muñoz Simon Papers, Benson Latin American Collection, General Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin
Additional arrangement and description of the Margaret Muñoz Simon Papers was provided by Martha Cotera.
Contents of “Treasures” Box: WWII Military Insignia—Private First Class insignia; 2nd Armored Division insignia; Enlisted Men Service Cap insignia. Brass Buckle and Silk Lace Flower.