Jazz Age Series

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A year or so ago, I was having lunch at Gaido’s with a girlfriend and, after a terrific meal there and before leaving the property, we walked into the restaurant’s ever-popular gift shop. On more than a few occasions, I’ve gone in to browse the shelves and left with an unplanned purchase in my hand.

On this particular day, a paperback book by Ellen Monsoor Collier caught my eye. It was entitled, Bathing Beauties, Booze and Bullets. I picked it up and scanned the first few pages. Soon, I realized the book was a mystery novel, set in Galveston, during the Prohibition era of the 1920s. Of course, I was highly interested and, on impulse, I bought the book.

That night, I started reading and quickly became enamored by the main characters: Jazz Cross, a young society (and wanna-be crime) reporter for the island’s daily newspaper, and her handsome beau, James Burton, a Prohibition agent. Before long, I was hooked on the story and fascinated by the bits of Galveston history, local places and legendary residents inserted throughout.

By the time I finished the book, I realized it was Book Two (of four) of the author’s Jazz Age Series. Ah…so much the better!

I found the other three books on Amazon and ordered them immediately. Within days, I was well into Book One…and even more attached to Jazz and James and all of the other reappearing characters!

Ellen Monsoor Collier

Ellen Monsoor Collier

Then, yesterday, while attending ARToberFEST on Postoffice Street, a table displaying books caught my eye, much like Book Two of the series had so many months ago. Immediately, I realized the person autographing the books was the author, Ellen Monsoor Collier. Delighted, I walked over to meet her and let her know I’d read all of her books and how much I enjoyed them.

Ellen’s smile grew as I went on and on about my affection for her books, the setting in Galveston in the 1920s and the endearing characters. I also encouraged her to write a Book Five and continue the story. I explained I wanted to read more about Jazz and James and find out what the next chapters of their lives might hold.

Sadly, she indicated she was not planning to add to the series. But, I was not deterred. With sincere enthusiasm and encouragement, I urged her to re-think that plan.

Who knows? Perhaps she will.

Rosenberg Library

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The Rosenberg Library, established in 1900 and built a few years later, is the oldest continuously operating library in Texas. That fact, plus the high level of service and resources the library provides, is a source of great pride for the citizens of Galveston, so much so that most locals are library-card carrying fans and frequent visitors. Me included!

Admittedly, I didn’t make it over to the library as soon as I had hoped, but when I did go, I was duly impressed and eager to look around (on all floors) and get a library card of my own. At the same time, I asked about book clubs, special events, etc. Again, I was impressed. The offerings here are amazing!

This statue of Henry Rosenberg is positioned at the entrance of the Rosenberg Library. It is a fitting tribute to the generosity and legacy of this Galveston businessman and philanthropist.

This statue of Henry Rosenberg is positioned at the entrance of the Rosenberg Library. It is a fitting tribute to the generosity and legacy of this Galveston businessman and philanthropist.

The folks working at the front desk were great. All were friendly and very knowledgeable. They seemed to enjoy answering my many questions. So, I couldn’t help myself. I asked a lot of them - especially about the history of the library and its namesake.

I learned a lot!

For example, the funding for the Rosenberg Library Association was provided via a bequest from Galveston businessman and philanthropist Henry Rosenberg. The association was organized on July 10, 1900, as a private corporation to give free library service to all the residents of Galveston. The building itself was dedicated on June 22, 1904, the birthday of its patron.

When the Moody Memorial Wing opened in 1971, it more than doubled the floor space and allowed for a children's library, a history center, several galleries to showcase museum collections and, later, a computer lab.

The Rosenberg Library is located at 2310 Sealy Avenue. For current information about its hours of operation and upcoming special events, please visit www.rosenberg-library.org/.