Babe's Beach

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A. R. “Babe” Schwartz

A. R. “Babe” Schwartz

The 15-block stretch of beach west of 61st Street in Galveston is known as Babe’s Beach, but not because of all the babes who hang out there

No, Babe’s Beach was named after Aaron Robert “Babe” Schwartz, a lawyer and politician who served in both the Texas House of Representatives (1955-59) and in the Texas Senate (1960-81). He was considered a “yellow dog" Democrat and a force to be reckoned with.

Born in Galveston on July 17, 1926, Schwartz fell in love with the island and its beaches as a boy and, even more so while working as a lifeguard here during the summers.

As an elected official, Schwartz specialized in legislation to protect the environment and manage the resources of coastal areas. He helped create the Texas Open Beaches Act, which guarantees free public access to beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.

At the time of the official naming of the beach and celebration event on May 25, 2015, Schwartz was 89 years old and in attendance, along with a host of his friends, fans and family members.