Monthly Archives: May 2013

Life in Jefferson County during World War II

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It was a dark time as war spread throughout the world. Sons and even daughters from all walks of life answered the call and left SETX to unselfishly put their lives in danger for a united cause. Some would return a few years later while others made the ultimate sacrifice. On the home front, many did their part in conserving, rationing, and doing whatever else it took to aid the war effort.

During the war there was always a more legitimate threat here compared to inland areas. In the 1940s, Southeast Texas was known for its refineries and shipbuilding. Two major concerns plagued the minds of residents often: U-boats and sabotage. German submarines were a reality along the Gulf coast and sank many ships, costing numerous lives. Fortunately sabotage was only a concern and not a reality in the daily lives of the workers at the area’s refineries.

Doing my research of this time, I noticed mention of victory gardens sprouting up around the country, and the same could be said here although most people in our area already had gardens and fruit trees, which they had tended to since the days of the Depression.

For most residents, life was as normal as it could be under the circumstances. Unfortunately, air raid drills and an absence of lights at night were the norm. In addition, if you lived near the railroad tracks, especially where the tank cars were stored, you were guaranteed that on moonless nights, tank cars would be maneuvered, loaded with fuel and moved north. Obviously, the movement could not be detected from the air in the pitch blackness. Luckily our area, as with the entire mainland, never experienced an aerial attack.

Residents’ news sources were limited during the war. Of course, the daily paper was the main source of information for most, but many people also had radios, which they gathered around each evening to hear the news of the day. News reels at the theater were another popular news resource, but to some of the common folk, a trip to the movies was rare.

After sitting down with a few people and listening to their accounts of this time, I can’t help but feel a sense of admiration. Yes, these were troubled times, but they forged ahead and rose to each and every challenge. To have lived through the Depression and a world war is a immense feat. The people of this time were, and are, our greatest generation.

 

Rediscovering You’re One Year Old

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With the conclusion of the 39th Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour, I can’t help but notice that it has been one year since this blog began. The people I have met, the places I have seen, and the history I have learned have been priceless. In reflecting on this past year, I find myself asking: where should I begin?

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Certainly there are many people who deserve a spot in my wishful “if I could go back in time and talk to” roundtable discussion. Two obvious candidates who would be high on my list are Kate Dorman and Florence Stratton, both of whom I did not know of before early April 2012. I will refrain from adding the other eight in light of a future blog.

One of the most interesting lives that I have stumbled upon certainly has to be that of Blind Willie. Something about being at my first Jefferson County Historical Commission meeting and hearing his name enticed me to find out just how this Beaumont resident had contributed to music.BlindWillieJohnson

Later, I delved into Richard William Dowling’s life beyond the battles he fought. Although such a young man, he accomplished a great deal. Indeed, if he had lived longer, his run of prosperity would surely have continued, and some say he might probably even have run for governor of Texas. Unfortunately we will never know the impact of what could have been. 0_DickDowling

 

 

 

 

The Places

FountainThis blog was created in part because I wanted to cast a spotlight on some of the great treasures that we have in SETX. Not forgetting the three gems in Port Arthur, namely, the Pompeiian Villa, the Vuylsteke, and White Haven, I will say that Beaumont’s Chambers House is my favorite hands-down. All these places have a certain mystique about them, which I love.

I was also thrilled to learn of the Neches River Adventure Tour, and thoroughly enjoyed the rich beauty of our area when I took a trip down the Neches River and spent time amongst the cypress trees.DSC02289

One of my favorite explorations has to be the Jefferson County Courthouse. All thirteen floors, including the old jail, revealed yet another part of our history that I never knew existed.JC Courthouse Jail

 

The History

SETX has its share of historical significance, and I was able to delve into just a small portion of it over the past year. From the discovery of stalags throughout Texas, including Jefferson and Orange counties, to a civil war battle in Sabine Pass and the majestic lighthouse, which stood guard for nearly 100 years. I also explored the destructive aspect of living on the Gulf coast via our tropical storm history.100.jpg

Legends of our past, like Kisselpoo or Bragg Road, have had a fascinating hold on this researcher when digging for the root of the source.

Learning of the existence and disappearance of an oil pond just off the coast of Texas Point filled me with many more questions, including whether or not Spindletop had a hand in its disappearance.

The Future

This has been an epic year in terms of my thirst for both discovering and rediscovering SETX’s past, and I see much of the same in the next year. I will certainly be exploring Orange and Hardin counties a bit more.

As importantly however, I would like to know what you would like to see here, whether it is the houses, museums, people, or history. You can contact me by email rediscoveringsetx@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can also leave a comment on our Facebook page or @RediscoveringSE on Twitter. Here’s to another great year rediscovering SETX!

 

39th Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour

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Henry and Clara Lang House

It’s that time of year, and it couldn’t come at a better time. The weather, as many visitors and volunteers noted, was superb. The record low temperatures were a blessing. Truth be told, the temperatures last year were in the 90s, so it was ideal to be able to tour these beautiful houses in May with March weather.

The drive through the peninsula was magnificent. I can tell more and more people are building for which I applaud the residents. Even the ferry was almost on time, and even though there was a little wait, the ride could not have been any better.

My first stop on the tour was the Rosa McDonald Peete House, which was built circa 1886. I couldn’t help but notice just how similar the interior was to the Vulsteke House in Port Arthur. The current owners have done an excellent job with the décor. The pews at the dinner table were an appropriate touch, especially since the house is located on Church Street.

After a brief walk, we entered the Henry and Clara Lang House, which was also built around 1886. A very interesting place indeed. Like most houses constructed this year, it’s small but enticing. The back porch is probably the best I saw while on tour. I definitely could see myself lounging about the place. I’m justifiably envious but also happy that the owners shared their treasure.

Peter and Agnes Gengler HouseSpeaking of treasures, I was in a state of bliss as I entered the Peter and Agnes Gengler House, which was constructed at the same time as the previous two. I love this house both inside and out. The current owner is a clocksmith, and he has over 150 clocks displayed throughout the house: a selection that would make any collector drool. I was surprised to see that the house is also up for sale for a mere $641k.

The fourth house on our list was the Mathilda Wehmeyer House and German American Kindergarten School. The landscaping was exquisite, and the white roses were in full bloom. We saw a lot of the front garden because of the long wait to enter. I am used to long lines, but this was different. We eventually found out the reason we were left to admire the garden for so long: the owner required all who enter the house to wear shoe covers, and it was therefore taking more time than usual to start the tours.Line at Wehmeyer House

Huh? You want to enter your house on a public tour, but you do not want the public to touch your floors? I can understand an owner wanting to protect their precious house, but making people put on slippery shoe covers? (It must be added that I nearly slipped on the stairs.) And did I mention that the shoe covers were recycled back to the front door when the back-door bin was full? So ladies and gents with sandals, you have been warned! Please skip this house if you don’t want to wear other peoples’ shoe covers. Truth be told skip this house. Period. It is a nice but MODERN home.

Browning and Sara Crowell HouseAfter the great bootie debacle, we were fortunate to enter the 1888 Browning and Sara Crowell House. What a treat! I was ecstatic to be able to walk through this lovely home and hear some of the unfortunate history of Hurricane Ike; unfortunate for most of the other houses near this gem, because according to the docent, this house did not receive the brunt of Ike’s fury since it is located across the street from a park, and the water damned up the rest of the neighborhood. Buying near a park is good advice when purchasing property along the Gulf coast.

After lunch at Shrimp and Stuff, I headed out alone to the Samuel and Matilda Levine House. I must say, the docents of this house, which was built in 1899, were my favorites. Actually, what am I saying? All the docents did a great job in all the houses! I enjoyed this blue house with all its original wood. It’s a must-see.Samuel and Matilda Levine House

Christopher and Anna Schmidt HouseAnother must-see is the Christopher and Anna Schmidt House. Originally built in 1886, it was restored from a fire in 2008, and the owners have done a superb job with the décor. Oh, and when the tour enters the kitchen, say hello to the cat that sits silently on the stool watching the 10-odd people surrounding him. I guess he’s used to tours. Another treat is the dining table, which was created from old Galveston lumber. The craftsman did an outstanding job.

By this stage, time was running out and I was determined to see the last three homes. Luckily, lines become shorter in the latter hours of the tour, so it took no time at all before I was able to see the Joseph and Philomene Magna Cottage. The tour of this 1888 house is short and sweet, but I like what the owner has done. It is a small house, but it’s decorated well. One of its unique points is that, because she was determined to have a proper bath, the owner gave up her closet space in the two bedrooms. I enjoyed this little house with the large deck in the back. I’m sure the owner will get many years of pleasure out of it.Joseph and Philomene Magna House

Samuel and Sallie Cook Cottage (Restoration in Progress)Next on the list was the restoration-in-progress Samuel A. and Sallie Cook Cottage. The stained glass was excellent. I look forward to seeing this fully restored in a later tour.

Of course, I saved the best for last. As the tour started winding down, I went to see the George and Magnolia Sealy House, Open Gates,” which was built around 1889-1890. This was worth touring, and the stories of the 1900 hurricane were thought-provoking. The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB) owns this gem, so it’s private and in much demand on the tour. Be prepared to wait in line but that know it’s worth it.George and Magnolia Sealy House

A trip to Galveston wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the cemetery. As usual, the yellow wildflowers were a sight for sore eyes.

cemeteryCongratulations to the Galveston Historical Foundation on yet another successful tour. I hope to return in the coming week for another round of these fine homes. To the wonderful docents who volunteer their time for this event: you are appreciated!

Clifton Steamboat Museum

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This post will certainly have to be divided into two parts because that’s just how much the Clifton Museum has to offer: from fine art, sculptures, authentic models of sailing ships and steamboats, to an eye-catching full-fledged tugboat sitting majestically on the property for all to see. I truly spent hours enjoying all the old photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia from our past; not to mention the amazing statues that line the grounds.DSC04993

I had passed this museum a few times previously but this was the first time I actually embarked on an exploration of its many treasures. Beginning with the steamboat smokestacks at the entrance to the parking near O’Hearn’s Pub, I felt that this place was very different from the norm. By the way, yes, O’Hearn’s is a full service pub that would make Richard William Dowling proud. Unfortunately it’s not open for business but it can be rented, along with Moresi’s Foundry, which is an excellent place to hold meetings, parties, reunions, etc.

DSC04946The first thing that caught my eye as I entered the museum was a tall wooden structure. Yes, the models of early ships were in view along with the last engine of the tug Hercules, but this structure was both massive and intriguing. I was told it was part of the grain elevator at the port of Port Arthur. It was built between 1895 and 1898 and constructed almost entirely of Longleaf Yellow Pine, which is now extinct.

As you walk through the museum, you will find an abundance of collections and exhibits. The first two “eye-catchers” are the many ship models, including the City of Beaumont replica for which a plank from the original ship was used to make the railings and decking. These models were created by Robert V. Haas. I must say that the fine detail that went into these treasures is amazing. The second is a collection by sculptor Matchett Herring Coe. There are many pieces of his work on display.

There are many other exhibits lining the rest of the first floor, most of which are tributes to those who fought for this land. Whether you’re interested in the Native American “Freedom Warrior” display or the Texas Revolution, the Civil War, WW1, WW2, Korean Conflict, or Vietnam War exhibits, they are all here. And truth be told, I have yet to explore the second floor.DSC04969

Like most of my jaunts, my first visit was full of pleasurable historical discovery. The Clifton Museum will not disappoint; it has a tremendous amount of history from all realms on offer, and I hear there are many other opportunities in the works as well. So stay tuned!

For those who are members of the Beaumont Heritage Society, the annual meeting will be held at O’Hearn’s Pub on May 21st at 5:30 pm. The museum will be open to the public at 4 pm so everyone can have a look around. I will certainly be there!

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http://www.cliftonsteamboatmuseum.com/

Tours are available by appointment only. Please call (409)842-3162 for more information regarding the Clifton Steamboat Museum.

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The Clifton Steamboat Museum Complex is a beautiful meeting place and entertainment facility for groups up to 300. Banquet facilities are available to accommodate any type of party, seminar, meeting or reunion. For more information please click here or call (409)842-3162.

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