The Valle family, the first recorded latino family in Garland, lived in a one-story home on West Avenue C. Manuel Valle (1898-1977), a Mexican immigrant who fought alongside Pancho Villa, moved to Texas following the Mexican Revolution. He worked at the Dieterich Brothers’ Dairy in El Paso, where he met and married Maria Martinez (1902,1970). The company expanded, and Manuel and Maria were transferred in 1928 when operations opened up in Garland. They were parents to eight children: six boys and two girls.
In 1944, the Valles purchased a home on West Avenue C and added a bedroom, kitchen and closet to accommodate the large family. Both Manuel and Maria stressed education, and all eight of their children graduated from Garland High School where they excelled in academics and sports. Garland Independent School District would later rename an administration building the Manuel & Maria Valle Student Services Center. The family often gave back to the community, even if they did not have a lot themselves. Serving their community and country were important values to them.
Following high school, all six of the Valle sons fought in the military, representing the U.S. Army, Army Air Corps, Marines and Air Force. They fought from WWII to the Korean and Vietnam wars, with the youngest fighting in Middle East conflicts. The eldest daughter helped build planes during WWII, and both daughters married military men. Garland’s latino population has grown extensively since the Valles moved here, eclipsing 40% as of 2020. As the first latino family in Garland, the Valles made a name for themselves and left a legacy for their family and future latino residents.