100 Years
This New Year’s Day is a very special one; it’s the 100th birthday of The Bungalow. The original owners, Sidney and Thelma Stubbs, took possession on this day in 1922.
Since I can’t be in Galveston today to celebrate this momentous occasion, I”ll not be blowing up balloons or hanging party streamers. Instead, I’ll be doing some online research. I want to find out what life was like back in 1922 and inside my whimsical little place.
I want to learn of the big news of the year and the music and movies most popular back then. I also want to know about the fashions, the prices of food on the table and the gasoline put in those trendy Model T Fords. Fortunately, all of this was very easy to find out.
In 1922, Warren G. Harding was the president of the United States and, from the White House, it was he who introduced the radio to his fellow Americans. Soon, listeners all over the country were swaying to the sounds of Al Jolson, Frannie Brice, Ray Miller and his Orchestra and Paul Whitman.
In 1922, theater-goers were watching Douglas Fairbanks, Gloria Swanson, Lon Chaney, Marion Davies Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Lillian Gish and Rudolph Valentino in silent films like Robin Hood, Oliver Twist, Blood and Sand, Manslaughter and Grandma’s Boy.
In 1922, the annual income for Americans was $3,143. A first-class U.S. stamp cost 2 cents; a gallon of gasoline was 25 cents. A dozen eggs was 39 cents, and a loaf of bread was a mere nickel.
In 1922, in Canada, insulin was isolated and used, for the first time, to treat diabetes. Amelia Earhart was flying around, setting the altitude record for female pilots. Wimbledon Center Court was completed and the Wimbledon Championships began. The Tomb of Tutankhamen was discovered in Egypt. The BBC (British Broadcasting Company) was formed, and the first issue of the Reader’s Digest came off the press.
In 1922, Prohibition laws in the U.S. were strengthened. The Lincoln Memorial was completed and dedicated by former President William Howard Taft.
In 1922, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was formed, and Mussolini and the Fascist party came to power in Italy.
In 1922, fashion-conscious women were wearing Art Deco style, felt hats and bonnets, chemise dresses, high heel shoes and fur coats. Their hair was bobbed! Dapper men were wearing custom-tailored suits, wingbacks, fedoras and newsboy hats. Their hair was shiny and slicked back.
In 1922, many now-famous individuals were born, including actresses Judy Garland, Betty White, Doris Day, Bea Arthur, Yvonne De Carlo. Veronica Lake and Ava Gardner. Also born in 1922 were a number of actors who enjoyed long and notable careers, including Telly Savalas, Carl Reiner, Darren McGavin, Jack Klugman, Jason Robards, Jackie Cooper, Sid Caesar and Redd Foxx.
But, most notably, those born in 1922 - like my own father - would earn the distinction of being part of the Greatest Generation. They lived through the Great Depression and never forgot it. Many fought in World War II. They made possible the freedom and affluence we enjoy today. They taught us about patriotism, answering the call to duty and risking all for the greater good.
Knowing The Bungalow was built for and lived in by men and women like that made me purchase the property. Daily, I am reminded of them; that knowledge continues to make me proud.
-
2022
- Mar 17, 2022 Ivy Dishes
- Jan 29, 2022 Grace Episcopal Church
- Jan 1, 2022 100 Years
-
2021
- Aug 25, 2021 My Fig Tree
- Apr 28, 2021 Darlene's Shrimp
- Apr 24, 2021 Oleander Festival
- Feb 27, 2021 Great Winter Storm
- Feb 10, 2021 The Mourning Wave
-
2020
- Oct 26, 2020 Crepe Myrtles
- Sep 18, 2020 Trimming the Palms
- Jul 19, 2020 The Dancers
- Jul 11, 2020 Postcards
- Jun 20, 2020 Resilience Flag
- Jun 19, 2020 Juneteenth
- Jun 10, 2020 Silk Stocking
- May 27, 2020 Tree Sculptures
- May 6, 2020 Babe's Beach
- Apr 22, 2020 Opera House
- Mar 2, 2020 Texas Heroes Monument
- Feb 15, 2020 Mardi Gras Parade
- Jan 19, 2020 St. Joseph's Church
-
2019
- Dec 15, 2019 Celebrations
- Nov 6, 2019 Fresh Paint
- Oct 21, 2019 Jazz Age Series
- Oct 20, 2019 ARToberFEST
- Oct 6, 2019 Stingeree
- Oct 5, 2019 Pumpkin Time
- Oct 2, 2019 Sea Turtles
- Sep 29, 2019 Powhatan House
- Sep 24, 2019 The Dolphins
- Sep 5, 2019 Lucas Apartments
- Aug 24, 2019 Sandcastles
- Aug 9, 2019 The Daily News
- Jul 18, 2019 Beach Walk
- Jul 10, 2019 La King's
- May 25, 2019 Pleasure Pier
- May 1, 2019 Bolivar Ferry
- Mar 15, 2019 Saengerfest Park
- Jan 19, 2019 Moody Mansion
-
2018
- Dec 18, 2018 The Vintage Suitcase
- Dec 17, 2018 Festival of Lights
- Dec 2, 2018 Sunday Brunch
- Nov 21, 2018 Hendley Row
- Oct 27, 2018 Island Oktoberfest
- Sep 20, 2018 The Strand Clock
- Sep 16, 2018 St. Mary Cathedral
- Aug 11, 2018 No More Shed
- Jun 10, 2018 Rosenberg Library
- May 7, 2018 Stepping It Up
- May 3, 2018 A Happy Hour
- May 1, 2018 Ashton Villa
- Apr 21, 2018 96th Birthday
- Apr 1, 2018 Seawolf Park
- Mar 27, 2018 Ball High School
- Mar 15, 2018 East End
- Feb 1, 2018 Tremont House
- Jan 26, 2018 Menardi Gras
- Jan 24, 2018 Mardi Gras Decor
-
2017
- Dec 1, 2017 Miss Ruby
- Oct 8, 2017 Railroad Museum
- Oct 7, 2017 Tall Ship Elissa
- Sep 9, 2017 Star Drug Store
- Sep 8, 2017 1900 Storm Statue
- Aug 6, 2017 The Turquoise Table
- Aug 1, 2017 Bishop's Palace
- Jul 23, 2017 Garten-Verein
- Jul 21, 2017 Yard Work
- Jul 16, 2017 The Strand
- Jun 17, 2017 Stewart Beach
- Jun 7, 2017 The Original
- Jun 3, 2017 Murdochs
- May 27, 2017 Bryan Museum
- May 19, 2017 Firemen on Call
- May 13, 2017 Williams-Borden Neighborhood
- May 1, 2017 Oleander City
- Apr 28, 2017 God Winks