Within the first segment of Juan de Vera Street, just before reaching San Agustín, on the right corner building stood the quaint “Angelito’s Shoe Store”. This establishment not only offered shoe repairs but also sold handmade shoes crafted in its workshop. It served as a gathering spot for local residents and patrons. The owner, Angelito, was a renowned Canarian Wrestler known for his small stature, slim build, and boyish face. Despite his appearance, he was a formidable fighter, victorious in matches held in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and even Cuba. Upon his passing, his son Octavio took over the business.
Continuing past San Agustín, on the left corner, stood the historical Dolores Hospital. Founded in the 16th century, alongside the Nuestra Señora de La Antigua and San Sebastián hospitals in La Laguna, it featured an attached church constructed in the 18th century. In 1923, due to its deteriorating condition, the hospital complex was handed over to the San Vicente de Paul congregation. Following significant renovations, it was repurposed into the Municipal Public Library, named after the prominent Lagunero journalist, “Adrián Alemán”.
Opposite the former hospital, on the ground floor of a restored building, was the Mendez Supermarket. This site now houses the Citizen Services offices of the Lagunero City Council.
REMEMBERING THE VIANA THEATER
Before reaching Anchieta on the left side, the iconic Viana Theater, also known as Circo, Gallera, or Parque Viana, stood since 1894. Initially hosting cockfights, Canarian Wrestling matches, zarzuela performances, circuses, and La Laguna Art Festivals. It was the first venue in La Laguna to screen films and host concerts, being the premier entertainment hub. With the opening of Leal Theater in 1915, Viana Theater’s popularity diminished until its eventual closure. In its final days, it operated as a cockpit and dance hall, witnessing various festivities until its unfortunate demolition along with other unique landmarks in the city.
LEGACY OF NOTABLE LAGUNEROS IN MEDICINE
In a house at the corner of Anchieta resided the poet Antonio Zerolo Herrera with his family. His son, also named Antonio Zerolo, pursued a career in Medicine, graduating in 1916 and serving in various towns on the island. Tragically, he succumbed to the Spanish flu in 1918, commemorated by La Laguna for his sacrifice in battling the epidemic.
Adjacent to Anchieta stood the renowned churrería “The Good Palate” and the popular food house “Micaela”, frequented by attendees of basketball games and Lucha Canaria competitions at the nearby “Anchieta Court”. Dr. Escolásico Aguiar Soto, a beloved paediatrician, operated his clinic along this street, offering round-the-clock medical assistance.
Further along, between Anchieta and Cabrera Pinto, the Carmen school, now the headquarters of the Franciscan Brothers of the White Cross, once hosted Sunday dances supervised by the resident nuns. This street bustled with businesses like Don Pancho’s eating house, silversmith workshop of Don Rafael Trujillo, Víctor’s barbershop, and the Castillos locksmith shop, contributing to its vibrant commercial ambiance.
UNVEILING THE LEGACY OF JUAN DE VERA
Juan de Vera y Zarza, born in Taganana, lived at La Cuna Street number 46, later renamed after him in 1800. He was a distinguished figure, serving as the second lieutenant of the Infantry Company in Puerto de la Cruz de la Villa de La Orotava. He was a descendant of the noble settlers of Taganana and played a vital role in various ceremonial duties. Vera’s lineage and contributions to his community earned him recognition as a noble figure in the island’s history.
