Ball High School

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Earlier today, I had the privilege (and pleasure) of speaking to a group of career-minded female students at Ball High School. I was invited to speak about my education and career in journalism and my life as a publishing entrepreneur. The invitation came from Francis Dyess, a friend and fellow member of Texas Executive Women. The experience could not have been more fun.

First, I always enjoy being with young women who have an eye on their futures. And, secondly, I always enjoy sharing my story of knowing at an early age “what I wanted to be when I grew up” and, more importantly, how I knew!

The girls were especially attentive, and after my talk, they asked a lot of very good questions. Clearly, they were smart and ambitious young women and quite serious about realizing their own dreams — of going on to college and, afterwards, pursing meaningful lives of purpose. I was truly impressed!

At the same time, I was also impressed by this large and beautiful school.

Though The Bungalow is located only a few blocks away, I had never been inside Ball High School. And, though I knew a few tidbits about the history of the school, I did not have enough facts to chat knowingly about it. This evening, I aimed to change that. Thus, below are some of the interesting facts I’ve just learned about this historic public school.

Ball High School
The school opened to 200 students on October 1, 1884. It consisted of 12 classrooms, two offices and an auditorium. Its motto was “Best school south of St. Louis and west of the Mississippi.”

On March 4, 1886, the school was named for its benefactor, George Ball, a local dry goods businessman who, in 1883, contributed $50,000 for its construction. Sadly, he did not live to see its completion.

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In 1890, Mrs. George Ball spent $47,000 to remodel, enlarge and beautify the building. At this time, the Rotunda and Dome were added to the north front of the building.

In September 1900, the Great Storm struck, and Ball High School was not spared from the fury of its waves and wind. The west wall slipped; the roof blew off; plaster crumbled; windowpanes crashed; and the metal covering was stripped from the ball of the dome, showing its skeleton of steel ribs.

Afterwards, the citizens of Galveston raised the $45,000 needed to repair the high school and other Galveston schools and, also, to pay the teachers’ salaries.

In 1915, two wings of classrooms were added to the school. And, then, for 30 years, no additions or improvements were made. Today, the main building of the old Ball High School, still stands at the corner of 21st and Ball Avenue. It has been remodeled and expanded and houses the home offices of the American Indemnity Company.  

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In 1954, the Ball High School complex moved to its new location at 41st and Avenue O. This new building cost $3.2 million to build and covered a four-square-block area (from 41st to 43rd Streets and Avenue O to Avenue P). The new location has received many additions and renovations over the years - in 1964, 1974, 1981, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2004 and 2005.

During the 2018-2019 school year, Ball High School had a student enrollment of over 2,045. The total minority enrollment was 73 percent, with 57 percent of students identified as economically disadvantaged.

Over the years, Ball High School has produced many highly successful graduates - architects, artists, attorneys, businessmen and women, engineers, musicians, politicians, physicians, etc.

Additionally, 29 professional athletes claim Ball High School as their beloved aluma mater. And all, I’m sure, still remember well their days at Ball High School, playing for the Golden Tornadoes (Tors) and wearing proudly the team colors of purple and gold.

East End

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George Washington Grover House, 1520 Market Street, was built in 1859. It is one of the first brick homes built in Galveston. (Photo taken in 2016)

George Washington Grover House, 1520 Market Street, was built in 1859. It is one of the first brick homes built in Galveston. (Photo taken in 2016)

The East End Historic District of Galveston encompasses a large 19th-century residential area. Roughly bounded by 11th Street, Broadway Blvd., 19th and 16th streets, and Market and Postoffice streets, the area has one of the best-preserved and largest concentrations of 19th-century residential architecture in Texas. It was developed mainly at a time when Galveston was the state's preeminent port.

The Issac Heffron House, located at 1520 Postoffice Street, was built in 1890. (Photo taken in 2016)

The Issac Heffron House, located at 1520 Postoffice Street, was built in 1890. (Photo taken in 2016)

The densely populated East End suffered significant damage in the Great Fire of 1885, with houses destroyed from 16th to 20th streets and from The Strand past Broadway. The tight grid pattern of lots and the existence of multiple alley residences made fighting the fire difficult within the neighborhood. Rebuilding was swift, with entire blocks rebuilt in 1886. This provided a great opportunity for local architects, such as Nicholas Clayton, Alfred Muller and George Stowe, to design elegant Victorian residences throughout the district.

The historic district, designated locally in 1970, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976.

Significant and representative properties, some of which are individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places or as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark include: Bishop’s Palace at 1402 Broadway, George Washington Grover House, at 1520 Market Street and the Issac Heffron House at 1509 Postoffice Street.

East End Historical District Association
EEHDA was formed in 1974 to preserve and maintain the heritage and livability of the East End Neighborhood. Though historical preservation is an important goal of the EEHDA, an equally important goal is to provide a high quality of life for all residents – regardless of age, ethnic background,and interest in historical preservation or EEHDA membership. For example the block parties are open to the public, with nonmembers as well as people living outside the east end encouraged to attend. The EEHDA seeks to accomplish this goal by working closely with city agencies, including the Galveston Police Department, City Council and the Landmark Commission, as well as surrounding historic neighborhoods.

 

Tremont House

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My affection for The Tremont House in Galveston began ia long time ago - in February 1984 - when I walked into its elegant lobby for the first time. I was there to enjoy a full evening of Mardi Gras festivities - a night parade, an elaborate dinner and a much-anticipated Mardi Gras Ball.

In the years since, I have been to The Tremont House many times, with many people and for many reasons. Always, I think of my first experience at The Tremont House and, at the same time, remember fondly the many other great experiences.

As much as I have long adored The Tremont House, it wasn’t until I purchased The Bungalow last year, that I became extraordinarily curious about the story of this beloved downtown hotel. So, as I always do when curious, I started searching for the facts.

Original Tremont House
The original Tremont House was built in 1839, the same year the city of Galveston was founded. Located at the corner of Postoffice and Tremont streets, the sturdy two-story building was the largest and finest hotel in the Republic of Texas.

In June 1865, a devastating fire burned for days in downtown Galveston and destroyed several city blocks. Sadly, the Tremont House stood in its path and, after the burning, lay in ruins for five years.

Second Tremont House
Finally, a new Tremont House was built. The grand, four-story structure was designed by noted architect Nicholas Clayton, who would later design many of Galveston’s most distinguished buildings. When it opened in 1872, the hotel rivaled the grandest attractions in the South.

The new Tremont House drew visitors from across the world. Six future or sitting American presidents and the foreign ministers of France and England are recorded in her guest ledgers.

Noted moments in the Tremont timeline include Sam Houston delivering his last public address; Cotton merchants haggling over deals, and Sioux chiefs sampling Southern cuisine. In The Tremont halls, Victorians came to dance at grand balls, and soldiers from three wars returned to homecoming banquets. This landmark was a center of the social life on Galveston Island and in Texas for 26 glorious years. 

But, sadly, the 1900 Hurricane and the Great Depression, were disasters the Tremont House couldn’t overcome. In 1928, the beloved, but decaying hotel was condemned and demolished.

Third Tremont House
On a visit Savannah in 1972, Cynthia and George Mitchell learned about an innovative preservation program that had been established there; it included a revolving fund for buying and reselling endangered properties. The couple dispatched the Galveston Historical Foundation to study Savannah's achievements and to adapt them to Texas. As a result, contributions from local foundations helped establish a revolving fund for Galveston that has, to die, saved over 30 buildings. 

Mitchell also helped recruit Peter Brink, formerly with the National Trust of Historic Preservation, to lead the Galveston Historical Foundation and The Strand revitalization. Brink persuaded the Mitchells to purchase their first building, the 1871 Thomas Jefferson League Building, and restore it for retail space and offices.

In 1981, the Mitchells purchased the 1879 Leon & H. Blum Building, a former dry goods facility, and had it transformed into the third Tremont House.

When the new Tremont House opened in 1982, it was the first hotel to open in downtown Galveston in more than 60 years and was a catalyst for the revitalization of Galveston's historic downtown. Its grand opening coincided with the revival of Mardi Gras in Galveston and was commemorated with a grand Mardi Gras Ball which continues today. 

Today, the Tremont House is managed by Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, LLC and is owned by the Cynthia and George Mitchell family as part of Mitchell Historic Properties.

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1888 Toujouse Bar
A popular gathering spot for locals and tourists to Galveston is the lobby of The Tremont House. It features a beautiful, hand-carved rosewood bar that dates to 1888. The bar is named for Henry Toujouse, an immigrant from France, who worked at this bar and, later, owned it. The bar was originally located at the Opera House Saloon, situated in the basement of The Tremont Opera House at Tremont and Market streets. 

Menardi Gras

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Tonight, I attended Menardi Gras 2018, held on the grounds of the Michel B. Menard House, site of Galveston Island’s first Mardi Gras celebration - held way back in 1853.

The grand event, hosted by the Galveston Historical Foundation, was a terrific evening of great food, fun and frivolity. Live music was provided by the Hustlers Brass Band, and partygoers showed up in festive and uniquely interesting Mardi Gras garb and ready to to party hearty

I enjoyed being part of this particular party as much as any I’ve attended since becoming a part-time resident of the island. Key to me was the size of the crowd - not too big! Tickets were limited, so walking around was easy. At the same time, my friends and I were able to secure places at one of the large round tables, so seated dining was available too. The offerings of the New Orleans-inspired buffet could not have been more perfect. Loved the muffuletta kabobs, spicy hot red beans and rice, Cajun sausage-stuffed mushrooms, pulled pork sliders and shrimp etoufee over white rice. All were yummy, and most of us went back for seconds. Champagne and signature adult beverages, to my surprise, were served from an open bar.

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About the Menard House
The Menard House, located at 1604 33rd Street, was built in in the Greek-revival style in 1838 and is the oldest surviving building on the island. The furniture and furnishings, with few exceptions, all date from the first half of the 19th century (1800-1850s). They are of the federal, empire, regency, Biedermeier and William IV styles, as interpreted by American, English, French and German artisans. Carpets, drapes and upholstery fabrics are reproductions appropriate for the period 1830-1850.

Menard died in 1856, and his descendants occupied the house until 1879. In 1880, the house was bought by Edwin N. Ketchum, who was the city’s police chief during the Great Storm of 1900. The Ketchum family owned the home until the 1970s.

During the early 1990s, the house was threatened with demolition by the City of Galveston. The current owners purchased the house and spent years researching, repairing and reconstructing it. Through a partnership with the Galveston Historical Foundation, the house is operated as a museum and is available for private events.

Mardi Gras Decor

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Texas’ largest Mardi Gras celebration kicked off this weekend in Galveston, marking the start of carnival season with concerts and parades. And, The Bungalow, like so many other homes on the island, was ready to welcome guests in traditional Mardi Gras style.

As this is my first Mardi Gras season in The Bungalow, I had to start the seasonal decorating from scratch - and without a clue about what was available in the stores or whatI might want to own and display. (Many of my friends here have Mardi Gras tress, but I wasn’t ready to seriously consider that. Maybe next year!)

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I started by looking at decor items I had stored away in Houston. Luckily, I found I did have a few things that would be perfect here.

One such keepsake is the Mardi Gras King nutcracker I set on the coffee table in the living room. It was as gift a friend gave me back in 2013 (because she knew I collected all kinds of nutcrackers.

I also had a big bag of Mardi Gras beads stashed away. They had been acquired over the span of many years and at various Mardi Gras celebrations - in Mobile, Alabama; Panama City, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; and, yes, even here in Galveston.

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In 2017, a couple of months before I knew I would be purchasing The Bungalow, I attended Mardi Gras festivities in Bossier City and Shreveport, Louisiana (my hometown). Again, I came home with more beads, as well as a couple of medallions offered up by the Krewe of Highland. These are now displayed on the coffee table in The Bungalow too.

Like most of things in The Bungalow, my Mardi Gras stuff come with stories - ones that make me smile and bring back many great memories!