"Aline B. Carter ([1892]-1972) is most widely known for her work as a poet, but she was also interested in music, art, philosophy and astronomy. Her aim in life was to work through the arts for world peace. Aline was privately tutored and then attended Wellsley in 1913. She also studied harp at the Boston Conservatory. In 1915 she married Henry Champe Carter (1861-1948), a well-known Texas attorney, Judge and former president of the State Bar Association of Texas. They raised three sons: Henry Champe, Frank and David.

(Aline Carter photo by Paul Maley shortly before her death)

Aline served as Poet Laureate of Texas from 1947-1949 and as vice-president of the Poetry Society of Texas. She was a charter member of Avalon and encouraged aspiring poets through the annual Aline B. Carter Peace Prize. She also frequently awarded prizes for poems by high school students and adults. Aline published and illustrated her first book of poetry Halo of Love, donating all proceeds to charity. In 1968 she published a second book, Doubt Not the Dream. Her books were on exhibit at the Woman’s Pavilion during Hemisfair in 1968. Her work also appeared in numerous publications and anthologies. One of Aline’s final works is a 1,000 page historical fiction manuscript entitled Light Beyond the Hills, based on her grandmother Sarah Riddle Eagar’s life in Old San Antonio. The manuscript was never published, but is in this collection. Known as the " White Angel" in her flowing white organdy dresses, Aline was widely admired for her charity. She visited jails to comfort and encourage prisoners to practice religion in daily life. The collection contains several letters from prisoners who wrote Aline asking for her influence upon the court and seeking inspiration to better their lives. She was also legendary for throwing an annual Christmas party for the children of a San Antonio orphanage. Deeply centered in her faith, Aline maintained a chapel in her home at 119 Taylor Street and at the family vacation beach property in Port Aransas. Both residences are still maintained by her sons."

(The Carter house as seen in 1972 with the observatory on top which used to hold a 4-inch refractor. Inside the dome were the words "The Heavens Declare the Glory of God".)