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This episode comes from the Rosenberg Library Conversation series where J.R. Shaw sat down with historians to talk about some interesting historical events and people in Galveston and Texas history. Thanks to the Rosenberg Library for allowing Galveston Unscripted to hold live podcast conversations in the library. This conversation series was such a great experience and we captured some awesome interviews.

We sit down with Mrs. Tommie Boudreaux and Mrs. Alice Gatson, two amazing Galvestonians and authors who have coauthored "Lost Restaurants of Galveston's African American Community" and "African Americans of Galveston". We cover growing up in Galveston, integration, lost restaurants of the Galveston community, and much, much more. 

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📱Social and other ways to explore Texas History

Galveston's water supply has a fascinating history, from collecting rainwater to drilling deep wells for fresh drinking water. The city established its own water system in 1870 to combat the threat of diseases like yellow fever. Artesian wells were drilled on the mainland to provide 2 million gallons of water daily for the island. In 1895, the Alta Loma Water system was built with 30 wells, a 30-inch water main, and a 152-foot standpipe that held over 500,000 gallons of water. Although the waterworks facility was destroyed in the 1900 storm, the standpipe survived and still stands today, reminding us of Galveston's remarkable achievements in providing safe drinking water to its citizens.

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The Galveston Brewing Company and Falstaff Brewery were important contributors to the beer industry in Texas in the late 1800s and 1900s. The Galveston Brewing Company, established in 1896, became one of the largest and most successful breweries in Texas. After changing ownership and becoming Galveston Houston Breweries Inc., the brewery was eventually purchased by St. Louis-based company Falstaff in 1955. The brewery produced popular beer brands and employed hundreds of workers until it was heavily impacted by Hurricane Carla in 1961. Despite two decades of declining sales and financial troubles, the 1896 brewery still stands tall today as a reminder of Galveston's economic diversity and the beer industry's significant contribution to the city's history.

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Central Middle School in Galveston has a rich history dating back to 1885 when it was founded as the first high school for African Americans in Texas. The aim was to provide education to African American students in Galveston and the surrounding areas. Central initially operated in a rented building before moving to a two-story brick building in 1893, which was designed by renowned architect Nicholas Clayton. The school underwent several improvements over the next four decades, providing additional classrooms, science labs, an auditorium, and a gymnasium. In 1954, the current building was constructed to provide African-American students an equal education to their white peers at Ball High School after age 14. When education in the city was officially desegregated, Central High School became a junior high school, opening its doors to a more racially diverse group of students. Today, Central Middle School carries on the legacy of integrated schools and the first African American high school in Texas, serving as a living reminder of the efforts to provide quality education for all Galvestonians.

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Galveston Playground of the Southwest by Dwayne Jones & Jami Durham

Jami Durham, an accomplished and award-winning professional with a diverse skill set. With a wealth of experience in research, writing, event planning, website and social media management, publication production, public relations, and office management, Jami brings a remarkable depth of expertise to the table. As a co-author of the acclaimed book "Galveston Playground of the Southwest"  and as a consultant and editor for "African Americans of Galveston", Jami has delved deep into Galveston's history and culture. Their work provides valuable insights into the city's past and celebrates the contributions of African Americans to Galveston's vibrant tapestry. Jami is not only a knowledgeable researcher and writer but also an active participant in the community. Having graduated from Leadership Galveston in the class of 2000 and served as a past Landmark Commissioner for the City of Galveston from 1999 to 2004, she possesses a unique perspective on the city's landmarks and their significance.

Resources discussed in this episode:
The Portal to Texas History: https://library.unt.edu/digital-projects-unit/collections/portal-texas-history/

Galveston Texas History Center:
https://www.galvestonhistorycenter.org/
 
Galveston Historical Foundation:
https://www.galvestonhistory.org/

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The Port of Galveston has played a vital role in international trade for many years, serving as a hub for a variety of commodities. Initially used for shipping cotton and agricultural products, the port evolved into a major center for various types of cargo. With the development of railroads in Texas, the transportation of cotton became economically feasible, and cotton compressors allowed for more efficient storage and transport. The district established in the late 1800s was home to numerous cotton warehouses, which stored cotton from all over Texas before being shipped around the world. Today, remnants of the compress and warehouse district can still be seen in the area between 28th and 51st streets and north of Broadway. Cotton remained one of Texas's most profitable exports until the mid-20th century, and the cotton and compress and warehouse district of Galveston was a natural extension of the port.

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Island of Color: Where Juneteenth Started :https://www.amazon.com/Island-Color-Where-Juneteenth-Started/dp/1418469742

Mrs. June Collins Pulliam, a Galveston native, learned extensively about the history of African Americans in Galveston from her mother, Mrs. Izola Ethel Fedford Collins. Mrs. Collins authored the book "Island of Color: Where Juneteenth Started," highlighting African-Americans' history in Galveston.
Mrs. Collins purpose in writing this book was to shed light on the accounts of her grandfather, a man of color who came to Galveston with his family immediately after the Declaration of Freedom. Additionally, Mrs. Collins used recorded interviews with citizens who were alive when the book was written to tell the story from the perspective of those who lived it.
According to Mrs. Collins, this story's significance extends beyond Galveston and calls for acknowledgment and revelation due to its far-reaching effects on the world.
Mrs. June Collins Pulliam discusses growing up in Galveston, Integration, her mother's book, and how some of her family survived the 1900 storm.  

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The GH&H Freight Depot in Galveston, Texas has a rich history that dates back to the city's post-disaster economic recovery in the early 1900s. Built between 1903 and 1904, the depot played a crucial role in the distribution of cotton, which was Galveston's most profitable export for over a century. The depot was strategically located to connect the port of Galveston to the Texas mainland, making it the region's distribution center for cotton. The building was designed with rail cars in mind, allowing them to be easily loaded with cargo.

The GH&H Freight Depot was integral to Galveston's economy for several decades and played an active role in the port's commerce through the 1950s. Even the nearby Falstaff Brewery utilized the warehouse for a period of time before it closed down. Today, the building and warehouse are listed in the National Register of Historic Places for their significance in transportation and commerce.

Despite being built shortly after the devastating 1900 Storm, which left the city in ruins, the GH&H Freight Depot stands as a testament to Galveston's remarkable resilience and economic recovery. It serves as a reminder of the city's determination to rebuild and thrive after the deadliest natural disaster in American history.

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Welcome to the Bryan Museum, located on Galveston Island in the Lost Bayou district. Here, you can explore one of the largest private collections of artifacts, documents, and artwork related to Texas and the American West. The museum is housed in the historic Galveston Orphans Home, a building with a rich history that has played a significant role in American and Galveston history. From its construction in 1894, to its destruction and subsequent reconstruction after the 1900 hurricane, to its modern day use as the Bryan Museum, the building has an interesting and unique story to tell. Visit the museum for an immersive experience and to connect with the history of the American West.

Interested in the information covered in this episode? Dive deeper into the links below!
https://www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org/blog/orphan-trains-brief-history-and-research-how
https://thebryanmuseum.org/about-us/

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Gaido's Seafood Restaurant, a family-owned establishment and Galveston landmark that has been serving the freshest fish in the Gulf of Mexico for over 100 years. With family roots in the late 19th century, Gaido's is a story of love, family, and a commitment to quality and tradition. As you enter the restaurant, you'll be transported back in time to the year 1911 when San Giacinto Gaido, also known as Cinto, opened this seafood restaurant and began a legacy that still stands today. You can almost feel the history of the place as you explore the scents of the open-flame grilling and the flavors of the unique sauces, seasonings, and salad dressings. Take a seat and imagine the famous faces that have enjoyed a meal here, as well as the thousands of families celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and retirements. And don't forget the delicious Pecan Pie! At Gaido's, you'll be able to taste the history and experience a unique culinary adventure, all while appreciating the century-old family tradition and the commitment to freshness and quality!

Interested in the information covered in this episode? Dive deeper into the links below! http://www.gaidos.com/about/

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