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Recently in Michael Culpepper Category
The Galveston Historical Foundation is beginning a series of History on Tap events in which a local venue will be paired with a wine, spirit, or beer and there will be a short lecture on each. Tonight at 7pm, the first such pairing will be held on the Elissa and the beverage of choice is none other than Elissa India Pale Ale made by the St. Arnold's Brewery in Houston (and it is fantastic by the way).
  The first two beers come free with your $20 admission ticket (sales start at 6:30). There will be a presentation on the making of Elissa (the beer) and why they chose Elissa (the Ship) to be the namesake. There will be another presentation on the commencement of the effort to raise money to help Elissa (ship) sail again. Additional beers can be purchased for $3 each.
So if you're wondering what to do this saturday night, come join us on board for a brew and know that you're helping the cause of keeping her sailing!
*picture of tall ship elissa courtesy of the GHF
This Friday, May 20th at 7:00pm is the Seafarer's Center Gala. This year's Gala will be honoring The United States Coast Guard.
The Galveston Seafarers Center gives seafarers from around the world a place to find a little comfort, communicate with loved ones, and worship in a friendly welcoming environment. Centers around the world share this mission to provide a temporary home to those who spend a great deal of time away from theirs.
The Seafarers Center Gala is the primary fundraiser for the entire year. It is held this May in honor of Maritime Day which falls on Sunday, May 22nd this year.
Please visit www.GalvestonSeafarersCenter.org for more information on ways you can help fulfill the Center's mission and information on the upcoming Gala.
Spring Break brings a sneak peek of summertime in Galveston. The flood of cars on the seawall and people enjoying the beach. When we decide to go to a Galveston beach, there are a ton of choices out there. There are many things to keep in mind when choosing a beach. Parking fees, Family friendly, availability of umbrellas, manageable crowds.... etc.
The beach from 10th - 21st, in my opinion, has the best of all of these choices. There are (currently) no parking fees on the seawall, the beaches are family friendly, the crowds are smaller than those at Stewart and East beach, and WaterWorks Beach Service is there for all your umbrella and chair rental needs.
The Father and son team of Tommy and Matt Goodson put out the Purple chairs and umbrellas every day on their 11 block slice of paradise. Waterworks also sells sunblock for those early months of summer and rents boogie boards and surfboards as well. They are set up now on the weekends and are out there 7 days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
For more information or any questions, email Matt at MattLGoodson@aol.com
If I were to describe a Galveston event... say lone star bike rally... after a couple of minutes, everyone listening that had attended the event would agree that I was giving (for the most part) an accurate description of that event. All ages and genders would agree. The same holds true if I am describing Dickens, Artoberfest, Beach Revue, Wild Game Cookoff.....etc. Mardi Gras is different. The 6 year old little girl catching beads on Postoffice St is going to tell a completely different story than the 60 year old man in a black tie at the Tremont Hotel or the 24 year old from Beaumont who came in to watch a favorite band play on The Strand. In fact, these three probably wouldn't even recognize the event that the others attended. But that' s the great thing about Mardi Gras in Galveston. There is something for everyone. The first Mardi Gras in Galveston was in 1867. Galveston wanted to follow the lead of Mobile, AL and New Orleans, LA in attracting visitors to help local businesses. Galveston, being a party town from birth took right to it. Only WWII brought the festivities to a hiatus. The 2011 Mardi Gras boasts itself as the 100th event on the island expecting 250,000 or more. The Krewe of Aquarius opens and closes the parade season on Feb 26th and March 8th respectively. In between, you can catch the Children's Parade, the Pet Parade, and the Knights of Momus Parade to name only a few. If parades aren't your fix then check out the downtown area for live entertainment, balcony parties and plenty of street food. If black tie hob knobbing is on your ticket, the festivities at the Tremont House and the San Luis Resort promise not to disappoint. If you've never been to Mardi Gras in Galveston, you have to get out and try it. If you've been before, try it from a different perspective this year....unless you're the 6 year old. For more information on this year's festivities, visit www.mardigrasgalveston.com
I grew up in a very small town and went to a very small elementary school. So, needless to say, we didn't have the technology in our schools that kids in larger towns and cities did.
25 years ago, while many of you who were in school at the time, sat at your desks and watched some rare television footage, I sat at my desk and watched the clock. I knew the event was to happen around noon and couldn't wait to get home from school so I could watch it on TV. This was to be the first school teacher in space and because of the hype around this mission, the first launch that I remember being really excited about.
My dad got his pilot's license when he was very young and loved to take us kids up in a rented plane on the weekends. I absolutely fell in love with aviation. I thought it was about the coolest thing that had ever happened. My heros became Chuck Yeagar, Alan Shepard, and Neil Armstrong while my brothers looked up to sports and rock legends. NASA's Shuttle program just made space that much more exciting for me. We could now watch liftoff and landing live on Television.
When I got home, I was as devastated as a 10-year old could be. The Challenger had exploded shortly after launch. It was a total loss of the shuttle and the 7 crew members. My young visions of infallibility for our space program and the country as a whole were shattered.
Beautiful innocent visions (or delusions) are dashed for every person at some time or another. For me that day happened 25 years ago today. For many, that day was November 22nd, 1963. For younger readers, it may have been April 19, 1995, April 20, 1999 or September 11th, 2001.
Somehow, that first tradgedy helps you cope with those to come. I guess the first cut is the deepest.
I didn't include any pictures in this entry because some of the images invoked can be stressful and frankly most of the images are found by closing your eyes for a moment.
 So I like to think that i know a good amount about Galveston history. What I know most about in this genre is historic structures in the city. One structure that I've always been curious about but knew little about is Stewart's Mansion. It is at the west end of Stewart road (right before it turns south toward 3005). Well I knew that it was originally a Sealy property and was later sold to Stewart (of Stewart Title fame), but little else. I always wanted to visit the property, take pictures and give a synopsis of the place. Well someone beat me to it and i'm not so small that i can't give credit where it is due.
http://www.gofishgalvez.com/2010/08/trespassers/
Look at the pictures of the pirates of which one is supposedly Jean Lafitte. Ghost legend ( which of course, i believe EVERY word of ) says that the pirates move around at night and protect the place.
Galveston Historical Foundation has had the property on its "properties at risk" list since 2004. Next time you're on the west end, drive by and you'll agree that this mysterious place needs to be saved for many others to wonder about.
photo is courtesy of gofishgalvez.com
One of the very fun (and family friendly) festivals of the year is ARToberFEST. With over 125 artists, it is the premier Galveston art event of the year. Music and food round out the festivities on historic downtown Galveston's Postoffice St.
Net proceeds from the event go to the AIDS Coalition of Coastal Texas (ACCT) and the Galveston Island Humane Society. So stop by this weekend, peruse some great art, and know that you're helping a couple of local charities in the process!
Hours are Saturday 10 - 6 ; Sunday 10 - 5
As part of their sponsorship of the 2010 Galveston Island Beach Revue, IBC is happy to create this advertorial as thanks for their contribution.
One reason to look forward to the beginning of the month (besides the pride of writing another check for the mortgage payment) is getting The Islander Magazine. This 68 page gab has a ton of interesting content. Besides the great features, the magazine also runs monthly columns on downtown, the west end, Galveston history, interior design, island gourmet, and much more. One of my favorite ingredients is the closing shot. It is always a great photograph taken right here on our sandbar.
You can pick up a copy of the Islander Magazine at most of your favorite eateries, nightclubs, and restaurants across town. You can also visit them at www.theislandermagazine.com.
Thank You to Shannon Hall and the staff at the Islander Magazine for your great product and for supporting IBC events including the 2010 Galveston Island Beach Revue!
As an exciting thanks to the readers of this blog and the Islander magazine, here's a sneak preview of the October cover:
 WOW. - painting by Gay Fly As part of their sponsorship of the 2010 Galveston Island
Beach Revue, IBC is happy to create this advertorial as thanks
for their contribution.
This is the sixth edition of IBC's monthly column for Galveston Monthly. You can pick up a free Galveston Monthly at many local locations across the Island.
My favorite Islander By Choice is Henry Rosenberg. Most Galvestonians probably associate his name with our public library or perhaps the elementary school located in the East End or maybe even 25th Street. What many people may not know is that he is responsible not only for many Galveston landmarks but also for many of the philanthropic ventures that kept Galveston livable in the early 20th century. He contributed in ways that he believed would make a unique and lasting impact.
Rosenberg was born in Bilten, Switzerland in 1824. He moved to Galveston in 1843 and worked in dry goods before eventually buying the business with his savings. By 1859, he owned the leading dry goods store in Texas. In the coming years, his titles would include: Swiss Counsel of Texas, Director of the First National Bank of Galveston, President and primary investor of the Galveston Railroad Company, and City Alderman to name a few.
It was not until after Mr. Rosenberg's death in 1893 that Galvestonians realized how much space this fair city took up in his heart. He left large sums to build and support the Galveston Orphan's Home, The Rosenberg fountains, Rosenberg Free School, Eaton Chapel, Grace Episcopal Church, Galveston's first YMCA Building, the Texas Heroes Monument, and of course Rosenberg Library.
The Galveston Orphan's Home was built in 1895 on the west side of 21st street between M and M and M 1/2. That same year, the Letitia Rosenberg Women's Home, named after his deceased first wife, was erected at 25th and O 1/2. The architecture and fabric of our island still benefit today from these contributions, but more importantly young lives were changed for the better within those walls.
The section of Henry Rosenberg's will that gets my "cool factor" award has to be the drinking fountains "for man and beast". He left $30,000 for fountains to be built throughout the city. That he wanted them in all communities and included the animals' needs says a lot about this man. 17 granite fountains were erected - most with lower basins for animals of all kinds to enjoy. About half of these fountains are still around today and can be viewed at various spots around the island. Each one is inscribed "Gift of Henry Rosenberg".
The Rosenberg Free School and the YMCA building were two very thoughtful gifts that we no longer get to enjoy (except through photos). The Free School was replaced in the mid 1900's by a more modern structure. The Galveston YMCA building was torn down in 1954.
 The Texas Heroes Monument at the intersection of Broadway and Rosenberg Street, is one of the most viewed and admired landmarks in our city and is the reason that 25th was named after Rosenberg. Many may not realize that this monument tells the true story of the Texas Revolution. Most know that Lady Victory's extended arm points to the battle grounds at San Jacinto where independance was won for the Texans. However, there are also four very vivid bronze panels at the monument's base that show not only the victory of San Jacinto, but also the Goliad Massacre, the Battle of the Alamo, and General Houston Charging against the large numbers of the Mexican army at the final battle.
In Rosenberg's eyes, his most important gift was the Library that now bears his name. It was the first free library in the state of Texas. In his will, he wrote about the gift of the library: "I desire to express a practical form of my affection for the city of my adoption and for the people among whom I have lived for so many years. Trusting ... that it will be a source of pleasure and profit to them and their children and their children's children for many generations."
Henry Rosenberg's built his home (which still stands) in an older neighborhood on Market Street. It was an unusual move when people of his means were normally building mansions on Broadway. He preferred to live among society rather than above it. Rosenberg was a rich man in many ways, not the least of which was his richness of generosity toward people without means. It is something that, although has recently come into vogue, wasn't very prominent in Henry Rosenberg's time. His qualities should be an inspiration to any Islander.
Images are courtesy of Rosenberg Library.
Growing up, my Grandfather had three pieces of advice that echoed in my ears from the time I was 5 years old until his death 2 years ago.
1. Marry a good Catholic girl.
2. Join the Knights of Columbus.
3. Drive on the right hand side of the road.
Two of these wishes, I have completely ignored. The third, i try to do my best with. However, the second is the subject of which this blog addresses. Grandpa was very proud to be a fourth degree Knight and wanted dearly for his children and grandchildren to be involved with and support the organization.
Well, i found my way to fulfill this wish.... sort of.
 The first friday of every month at 7:30pm, the local Knights of Columbus (1912 Winnie) hosts a Texas Holdem poker tournament. It is $25 to enter and pizza and beer (tips encouraged) is supplied for free. So September 3rd, if you're not busy (and not scared), I'll see you at the Knights of Columbus!
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 Looking for great gift ideas, authentic island made apparel or need to replace your favorite t-shirt post-Ike? Look no further than Islander By Choice apparel! Click here for our current inventory!
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The first two beers come free with your $20 admission ticket (sales start at 6:30). There will be a presentation on the making of Elissa (the beer) and why they chose Elissa (the Ship) to be the namesake. There will be another presentation on the commencement of the effort to raise money to help Elissa (ship) sail again. Additional beers can be purchased for $3 each.
