Tree Sculptures

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Hurricane Ike was a major storm, one that few here will ever forget. It blew across Galveston Island on September 13, 2008, and its damaging winds played havoc on many structures and uprooted many of the island’s most beloved trees. Thousands of other trees were lost, as well. They simply could not survive the salty flood waters of a 15-foot tidal surge. (Sadly, many of the lost trees were planted right after the Great Storm of 1900 to reforest the island.)

Months after Ike, artists took matters into their own hands and began to replace the majestic oaks that once lined many neighborhood streets with whimsical tree sculptures. Now, there are more than 35 of them dotting the island landscape. Many are located in the Historic East End District.

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This morning, I decided to spend a couple of hours “playing tourist” and seek out some of these most unique masterpieces.

I had heard “3 Pelicans and a Fish” could be found near The Mosquito Cafe, so I headed in that direction first and there, behind the restaurant, I spotted it. This great work is one of 10 tree sculptures in Galveston created by Indiana artist Dayle Lewis.

I found another Lewis’ sculpture, “Great Dane,” at 1228 Sealy (facing 13th Street). The owners of the home here have a Great Dane, named Hunter. Apparently, the old tree had actually grown around the fence at the very spot where the paws in the sculpture grip the fence.

Sadly, just after “Great Dane” was finished, someone stole one of the paws. I hear the homeowner offered a reward: $50 for the return of the paw and $500 for the hands of the thief! Fortunately, the sculptor, who was still on the Island, carved and installed a new paw.

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In the yard of the red brick house at 511 17th Street, I found “Angel Cradling Bunny,” one of seven tree sculptures created by Houston artist Jim Phillips. At this house on the corner, the sculpture watches over the yard, which is a bird, butterfly and bunny sanctuary.

Happy to say, I found several other works by Phillips today. “Dalmatian” and “Fireplug” were two of my favorites. They are located on the grounds of Galveston City Hall, near the Fire Station 1.

“Tin Man and Toto,,” two more favorites, were found at 1702 Winnie. Word is King Vidor, one of the directors of the movie, The Wizard of Oz, was born in the front downstairs bedroom of this property.

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Finally, I went to see “Pod of Dolphins and Mermaid.” This one, created by painter and wood sculptor Earl Jones, is located at 902 Ball Street. The dolphins in the sculpture represent the children of the family, and the Mermaid represents the mother. This tree had been the homeowners’ “family tree.” I hear they are very happy to still have their tree, even in its new form.

So, I’ve now seen about one-third of Galveston’s treasured tree sculptures. Looking for them was fun, looking for the rest of them will be too!

Pleasure Pier

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The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, a dining and entertainment complex, is located where 25th Street meets The Seawall and the Gulf of Mexico. It features family-oriented attractions, including rides, midway games, a wide selection of food venues and concessions and retails shops.

Dining options here are always described as “fun food” in the Pier’s promotions. I’d say that’s about right. Currently, restaurant tenants include Big Top Bites, Brew Station, Bubba Gump’s, Carousel Court Sweets, Slices & More, and Scoops.

Stopping in at Bubba Gump’s is always a delicious choice. The shrimp here is always great, and so too is the restaurants’s award-winning, show-cooked ribs. I also love Bubba Gump's spacious dining room and patio; both have splendid views of the Gulf and The Seawall.

Tickets
To gain access to the pier, all visitors older than three years of age must purchase a Pier Pass ($4 each). The passes are sold at the entrance to the Pleasure Pier.

Parking
Parking is very limited in the area, but there are several options to choose from. There is a Premium Paid Parking Lot directly across from the Pier, next to Fish Tales restaurant, and there is parking along the seawall. To the east, just a few blocks away, is a city parking garage.

Carousel at Pleasure Pier in the 1940s

A Bit of History
The new Pleasure Pier opened in 2012, on the site where the original Pleasure Pier stood from 1943 to 1961 - until it was destroyed by Hurricane Carla. The original Pleasure Pier featured rides, an arcade, aquarium, concessions, a large ballroom and opportunities to fish at the end of the pier. (The photo directly above was taken of a popular carousel ride at Pleasure Per in the 1940s.)

The Pleasure Pier site was also home to the USS Flagship, an over-the water hotel that was built in 1965 and, sadly, devastated by Hurricane Ike in 2008.