Family History

The Cannon Family

The Fourth of July marks one of the greatest historical events in our nation’s history. The annual celebration of independence is one we share as Americans: the history that shaped our nation and the traditions that shape our families. With the coming holiday and the festivities that ensue, we want to share with you our own family history, as this holiday celebration has been such a great part of it.



Our story dates back to the 1920s when what would become Alamo Fireworks began with door-to-door sales in Sherman, Texas. Sales were on and off up until WWII when Harvey Girdley and Marry Cannon were married and settled down in San Antonio in the 1950s.

Harvey Girdley and Mary (Cannon) Girdley)

Under Harvey and Mary, the business went from hand basket sales to firework stands and officially became Alamo Fireworks Inc. in 1962, the oldest, independent firework company in Texas. In its early years, Harvey, as founding president of Alamo Fireworks Inc., fought alongside the American Pyrotechnic Association to keep firework sales and the industry as safe as possible.

Gayle and John Girdley

In the 1970s the business took a turn from wholesale to retail firework sales and expanded from the first few stands to create almost 200 stores and stands throughout the state in all directions.

Shandelle and Michael Girdley

Nearing half a century later, many of these original locations are still in business, including the original location, and Alamo prides itself in having the largest number of indoor stores of any vendor in Texas.

 

 

Branching from Alamo Fireworks Inc. came BuySparklers.com in 2003 when Shandelle opened the internet-based business, fulfilling her dreams as a business owner and a stay-at-home mom.

The perseverance of our business history has brought us many memories and successes, one of our greatest being the memories we help create for other families like yours. Whether we help you light up your wedding, or are a part of you and your children’s celebration this coming holiday, it has been our pleasure to have you as a part of our family’s history. We hope we have brought the same joy to you.
 

It’s not too late to order fireworks for your own celebrations, and we look forward to working with you if you have any inquiries on how we can be a part of your next celebration. We hope this holiday brings you the same great memories we have shared, and cherished time with your family and friends.