The Bright Shawl

The Bright Shawl opened its doors in October 1925 and served as the first fundraising project for the Junior League of San Antonio, Inc (JLSA.) It was originally located in the Kampmann home on Nacogdoches Street. The name "The Bright Shawl" was borrowed from the popular novel written by Joseph Hergerheimer in the 1920's. Farris Linen, one of the shops sharing space with the Tearoom, donated a colorful shawl to symbolize the name. The barn in back of the Tearoom was rented to local artists for a fee of $10 per month. During the early years, patronage was exclusive. Approximately 100 diners could be accommodated in the small space. By 1929, The Bright Shawl Tearoom had outgrown this location.