Archeologists: dirt holds Beaumont's past

We were out helping a team of archeologists examine one of the many sites on the Spindletop Dome a couple weeks ago.  The historical digging comes because of construction of a plant site on the dome -- clearing up and preserving the past before marching into the future.  In the picture, Dr. Richard Bothel of Lamar University searches for artifacts in a screen.

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Back to nature, back in time

Brakes Bayou is an secret nature preserve in the heart of Beaumont off of the Neches River. The bayou, which used to serve as an important commercial link for the city in historic times, is now a rarely accessed excursion back in time. This Cardinal and his lady were branch hopping about half way up the bayou. I suppose that for a bird, this is perfect setting. Most of the bayou is surrounded by swampy, fertile areas.
--steve buser

Neches River, Beaumont, Texas, bayou

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Cool Church

The First Presbyterian Church on Green Avenue iit was the first air-conditioned public building west of the Mississippi River and its dome is the only opalescent glass dome inside of the United States.

It was commissioned by Frances Ann Lutcher as a memorial to the Henry Jacob Lutcher family. The church, a strong example of the classic Greek Revival architecture, was completed in 1912.

It serves as a focal point of the center of Orange where the Lutcher Theater, the Stark Museum of Art, Lamar State College Orange and City Hall all sit nearby.

--steve buser

Orange, Texas, Landmarks

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The Spindletop Gush blows again in Beaumont

The Spindletop Gusher which usher the age of oil into Texas blew again today in Beaumont

The precious, sparkling liquid shot more than 100 feet above the derrick. Above, the man under the derrick is catching some of the precious spray in his hat.

It was, of course, a re-enactment, together with the actors, a throng of watchers, Tracy Byrd's "Spindletop Song" about the early 1900's event, and 10,000 gallons of water (sorry, liquid gold is too precious and too messy).

The occasion was to mark Lamar University's successful employee contribution drive to its fund-raising campaign. The event was held at the LU Gladys City/Boomtown museum -- a replica of a town at the time the gusher blew -- the largest gusher that had ever blown in the U.S. It started a gold rush in Southeast Texas and brought plentiful and cheap oil to fuel the new car craze sweeping the nation.

--steve buser

Spindletop, gusher, oil, Texas, Beaumont, Lamar University
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The lumber days of old

Built in 1894, when lumber was king, the Queen Anne style W.H.Stark House in Orange, Texas brings back to life those early times.

This was the house I showed a piece of a couple of days ago. (With the egrets flying overhead)

The 14,000 sf mansion, was the home of the famous lumber baron and philanthropist. Mr. Stark was involved in many other businesses from a Rice Mill, bnaking, a papermill and a land company. The restored home still whispers of those high society days in Southeast Texas. It is now a museum that gives and outstanding look back.

Unfortunately, they do not allow photos inside.

--steve buser

W.H. Stark House, Orange Texas, Museum, High Society

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