Three Deer Terrace

03/29/2024

In our previous post we wrote about the sentimental story behind the name Three Deer, Deirdre Flynn’s namesake. The word Terrace comes from the original plat of the property and area from 1908. Plats were hand drawn back then, including the fonts. During our extensively long journey in applying for permits, addressing, having electricity installed, and more we have had to reference our original plat several times. Looking at all the plats and other 100+ year old documents related to the history of the property, we were inspired by all the fonts and handwritings of the surveyors of the time. We were able to create a font heavily inspired by the original handmade one from 1908 to incorporate in the Three Deer Terrace logo.
The property was originally apart of Laurel Heights Terrace, which still exists today. However in the 1970s the neighborhood was bisected by HWY 281, and many of the properties taken by eminent domain, including parts of the property where the green and yellow house exist today.
There is so much to be learned about San Antonio history via Land Records—most of them are available for free online on the COSA website. In our research online and from meeting our neighbors, we have learned a bit about the families that lived here for generations—from the beautiful oak trees planted decades ago, to a family owned grocery store—this space holds many stories about the interesting history of San Antonio. We are still seeking to learn much more about the stories from the families of the area! We hope to be able to contribute to, honor and pay homage to our community with our small business collective space, Three Deer Terrace.

03/28/2024

The name, Three Deer Terrace, comes from co-owner, Colin Bass’ late mother, Deirdre Siobhan Flynn (1958-2019). Deirdre went by the Irish/Gaelic pronunciation of her name—to make it easier for others to remember the pronunciation, she would say “Deirdre, like three deer… but backwards”. She was known as a forward-thinking and talented artist of many mediums: painting, sculpting, jewelry making, and writing. She often talked about creating a business and displaying her works under her artist name, Three Deer. As we explored many different names for the new space, we kept coming back to Three Deer. Three is known as a magic number and it showed up in many synchronistic ways during our process in finding the space. Deer are a sacred and spiritual symbol of strength, vulnerability and intuition. They are known to be highly sensitive to danger and avoid conflict but have the ability and physical power to defend themselves.
Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Deirdre attended John Marshall High, Trinity University (1980) and UTSA (1992) where she earned her degrees in Fine Studio Arts and Educational Psychology. Her career as a Special Education teacher at Bandera MS and Boerne MS had a profound impact on her many students who kept in contact with her and Colin over the years. Deirdre was known to open her home and heart to anyone without question, including animals. She adopted and rehabilitated many unwanted and abused animals—cats, dogs, horses and somehow always made it work, even on a teachers budget. To honor and remember her, there will be many details lovingly incorporated into the space inspired by her spirit and namesake, Three Deer Terrace.

From Deirdre’s Facebook bio:
I taught Special Ed for 14 years. I currently paint, sculpt, and make jewelry. Animals continue to be one of my favorite pass times. I have raised and released several orphaned animals. Due to an increase in the number of seizures and right side atrophy, I have a service dog, Akeira. My favorite animal will always be Colin, my son.

10/10/2023