Drumroll please…My Latest Book is about to hit the shelves!

Galveston’s Tremont House Hotel – A History

My latest book, about the history of the Tremont Houses in Galveston, will arrive in stores on May 13th!

I’m looking forward to sharing the stories of this amazing series of hotels with everyone. You may have heard that there have been three Tremonts on the island. Actually, there have been a couple more if you count the smaller ones who adopted the name in between – but yes, three majors.

The current beauty is housed in the historic 1879 Blum Building, which George and Cynthia Mitchell transformed into a world-class hotel.

Presidents, actors, ambassadors, foreign dignitaries, military officials and luminaries such as Sam Houston, Clara Barton, Buffalo Bill Cody, Harry Houdini, Ana Pavlova and more stayed at a Tremont House while visiting Galveston. The list is impressive – the stories are fascinating.

After three years of research in archives locally and across the nation I’ve pulled together a history of the Tremont, illustrated with over 60 photos.

I hope that you enjoy it!

You can pre-order now from your local bookstore or via amazon.com, by clicking HERE, or pick it up when it releases on May 13.

See you at the Tremont!

Great Food Truck Race: Galveston Edition

   Do you watch Food Network’s show The Great Food Truck Race with Tyler Florence?

   Teams from around the country operate food trucks in a winding string of cities, advancing to the next round of competition each week by how much the trucks earn. It’s fun to watch, and today…it was fun to watch them film in Galveston, too!

   The trucks parked in Saengerfest Park on The Strand downtown, and began serving at 11 a.m. Each truck had a film crew assigned to them to capture the action – good and bad.

   When I saw that the array of food included Mexican and Cajun food and seafood, all I could think was “They better have really brought their “A” game.” Galvestonians are a food-loving bunch, and these dishes are regular “food groups” there.

   The crowd wasn’t disappointed. The cooks running the trucks were spirited and enjoyable, despite the pressure of the competition, and the dishes got a round of thumbs-up from everyone I talked to –  which is high praise.

   As the lunch hour approached, the lines got longer and some of the trucks simply couldn’t keep up the pace.

   Others sold out of product and had to make a mad dash to the nearest grocery. If you watch the show, you’ll know that this is one of the biggest “oh no’s” of a day of competition because it causes a truck to miss precious hours they are allowed to serve.

 Pups even came with their owners, hoping that something would drop within their reach.

 

 

   By 2:30 p.m. (I think they were only allowed to serve until 3:00), half of the trucks were sold out.

   We’ll have to wait until the new season airs to see who makes it to the next round…and eventually wins. If you have a favorite television show that films on the road, be sure to check their website. Travel schedules are often posted, letting you join in the fun.

   Thanks to Chef Tyler and the Food Network for bringing the trucks to Texas and Galveston – hope to see you again soon!



Galveston’s Tremont House & the 1900 Storm

Coincidence? Perhaps.

This morning my first thought was that I need to tackle the final draft of the chapter about the 1900 Storm for my upcoming book, History of Galveston’s Tremont House. And no, it actually didn’t occur to me until a couple of hours into work that today is the anniversary of that terrible hurricane.

 

 

About 1,000 people crowded into the Tremont to find shelter during the storm, and luckily all survived. Thousands of other people were not so lucky.

The Thomas Edison film (isn’t it amazing that there is footage?!) entitled ‘Panoramic View of Tremont Hotel Galveston’ was taken in the aftermath, and shows the large structure still standing amid surrounding devastation. It’s the tall white building with narrow windows at the end of this clip. (Click below to view)

I’m looking forward to sharing this and other amazing tales in the History of Galveston’s Tremont House when the book releases in the first part of 2024.

Under Way Once Again: Battleship Texas

   This week the USS Texas, the only surviving WWI dreadnought battleship, moved from her longtime berth at the historic San Jacinto Battleground Site to a dry dock in Galveston for major repairs.

   A veteran of two world wars, the Texas has a spectacular service record that defies belief. So happy to witness her safe journey today, escorted by local boaters, dolphins, pelicans, sea turtles and other wildlife that seemed to take a great interest in the goings-on.

   I viewed her passage from the end of the Texas City Dike, the longest and-made fishing pier in the world, stretching 5.3 miles out into the Gulf. A couple of thousand other enthusiasts visited and shared stories during the hours-long wait for her appearance. It was more than worth the wait! We cheered as she slowly passed by, and was greeted by cannon fire salute from a spirited group of  re-enactors.

   Now the Texas will remain in a Galveston dry dock receiving repairs and TLC, while her final destination in Texas is decided!



22 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Galveston

   The best laid plans . . . just might have to be “adjusted” due to unexpected weather. If you’re in Galveston on vacation and the clouds try to rain on your parade – don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to entertain yourself, your friends and family inside. Here are a few ideas to consider.

   As always, be sure to call ahead to confirm location hours and if they are open as the weather may be a factor to their site as well.

   Paid parking on the island is handled through the “paybyphone” app, and you’ll simplify your visit by setting it up ahead of time. Download the app, set it up with your license plate and credit card number and you’re good to go!

 

GALVESTON RAILROAD MUSEUM

2602 Santa Fe Place, 409-765-5700

https://galvestonrrmuseum.org

Open Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission

Free parking in the rear lot; app-paid street parking and paid lot parking alongside building.

   Interesting museum about the history of rail travel. Covered walkways between railcars outside. Explore open rail cars from different eras, including the historic Bonnie Brook Rail Car once owned by comedian/actor Jackie Gleason.

 

OCEAN STAR OFFSHORE DRILLING RIG & MUSEUM

20th Street & Harborside, 409-766-7827

https://www.oceanstaroec.com/museum/

Open Daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission

Paid parking lots, or app-paid street parking along the Strand

   The Ocean Star is retired jack-up drilling rig that operated in the Gulf of Mexico from 1969 to 1984 and drilled over 200 wells during that timeframe. In 1995, the OEC purchased the Ocean Star, and after lengthy refurbishment, opened it as a museum in 1997.
The museum is designed to be a self-guided facility with videos, information, interactive exhibits throughout, and takes most visitors about 1.5 hours to tour completely.

BRYAN MUSEUM

1315 21st Street, 409-632-7685

https://thebryanmuseum.org

Closed Monday & Tuesday. Other days open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Thursdays until 7 p.m.)

Admission

Free onsite parking for visitors off Avenue M, and street parking surrounding museum.

   The Bryan Collection is the home of one of the world’s largest collections of historical artifacts, documents, and artwork relating to Texas and the American West.

 

1892 BISHOP’S PALACE

1402 Broadway, 409-762-2475

https://www.galvestonhistory.org/sites/1892-bishops-palace

Self-guided tours daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last ticket sold at 4 p.m.)

Admission

Free street parking available

   Formerly the home of the Gresham family and later owned by the Catholic diocese, it’s one of the most significant Victorian residences in the country.

 

MOODY MANSION / CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

2618 Broadway, 409-762-7668

https://www.moodymansion.org

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last tickets sold at 4 p.m.)

Admission

  One of the attractions I most often recommend on the island, this beautiful mansion is fully furnished and gives a clear impression of what life for the wealthy was like in Galveston’s Gilded Age.

   Be sure to check out the antique car collection on site.

 

CLAY CUP STUDIOS

2219 Postoffice Street, 409-762-CLAY

https://www.claycupstudios.com/walkin

Check website for days and hours, as they vary.

   In addition to walk-in-and-choose projects at this paint-your-own pottery studio, be sure to check their schedule for special classes.

 

LA KING’S CONFECTIONERY

2323 Strand, 409-762-6100

https://lakingsconfectionery.com

Sunday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Friday 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday 11:00 to 9:00 p.m.

   Old-fashioned candy counter and ice cream parlor. They’re famous for their salt water taffy. Check their website and Facebook page for time of their free taffy pulling demonstrations, using a machine over 100 years old. See something interesting in the candy case? Ask for a free sample. Ice cream is made from Galveston’s original Purity ice cream recipe.

 

GALVESTON COUNTY MUSEUM

722 21st Street in the courthouse, 409-766-2340

https://galvestoncomuseum.wixsite.com/museum/

Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Free admission.

   A small but fascinating collection with artifacts from Galveston’s past.

 

ROSENBERG LIBRARY MUSEUM

1900 Storm Exhibit

2310 Sealy Avenue

Monday, Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday closed.Parking is free behind the library and across the street on Sealy Avenue.

A curated gathering of photographs of the aftermath of the 1900 Storm, as well as audio recordings of interviews with storm survivors.

 

ESCAPE THE ISLAND (Escape Room)

910 21st Street, 409-443-5092

https://escapetheisland.com

   Visit their website to book a time. Five different themed escape rooms to choose from will keep your family or group entertained for an hour or so of interactive fun.

 

SCHLITTERBAHN WATER PARK (indoor section)

2109 Gene Lucas Blvd. (next to Moody Gardens), 409-770-9283

https://www.schlitterbahn.com/galveston/schedule

Admission

Check website for dates and hours

   Indoor portion of park is great even on rainy days. Free parking.

 

MOODY GARDENS RAINFOREST / AQUARIUM / 3D MOVIE THEATER

One Hope Blvd., 409-744-4673

https://www.moodygardens.com/

Admission

Free Parking

   Check website for hours and special events, which change seasonally. Fascinating for all ages, their year-round attractions are usually open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

GALVESTON BOOKSHOP

317 23rd Street, 409-750-8200

http://galvestonbookshop.com

Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Street parking available (pay on parking app, see information above)

   Wandering through a fully-stocked bookshop is one of my favorite rainy day activities, and this one has selections for everyone in the family. Special section of titles about Galveston, too (including all four of my books). Many local authors like me make sure their books at the GB are personally signed, so they make nice souvenirs and gifts as well.

 

GRAND GALVEZ HOTEL GHOST TOUR (all indoor tour)

2024 Seawall,  Call ahead to make reservations. 409-765-7721, option 1

Thursdays at 5 p.m. and Fridays at 4 p.m.

Fee.

   Led by long time Galvez concierge Melissa Hall, who has gathered stories from staff and guests for years. 90-minute family friendly tour.

 

GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE

2020 Postoffice Street, 409-765-1894

http://www.thegrand.com

   Self-guided and guided tours of an exquisite theater from the turn of the last century. Call for details.

 


TOUJOUSE BAR at TREMONT HOUSE

2300 Ships Mechanic Row,409-763-0300

https://www.thetremonthouse.com

Paid valet parking available. Paid (via app – details above) street parking, free after 6 p.m.

   Sit at a beautifully carved mahogany bar whose history reaches back over a century, and enjoy hand-crafted cocktails. Occasional live music. Call for further details.

 

 

PIRATES, LEGENDS OF THE GULF COAST/HAUNTED MAYFIELD MANOR

2313 Harborside Drive, 409-762-6677

https://www.hauntedmayfieldmanor.com

   Year-round haunted house with live actors, and a pirate museum (separate attractions.) Admission.

 

GALVESTON ARTS CENTER

2127 Strand, 409-763-2403

https://www.galvestonartscenter.org

Wednesday through Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)

Free admission

   Exhibits a diverse array of artwork in all mediums. Family friendly. Check their website and Facebook page for occasional workshops.

 

GRAND GALVEZ DAY SPA

2024 Seawall,  409-515-2154

https://www.hotelgalvez.com/galveston-spa

   Treat yourself to a little (or a lot of) pampering at Galveston’s “Queen of the Gulf.”

 

ANTIQUING! Days and hours of antique shops on the island vary widely. Please call each shop or visit their website for specifics.

Antique Warehouse

423 25th Street, 409-762-8620

https://www.facebook.com/AntiqueWarehouseGalveston/

Somewhere in Time

124 20 (at Strand), 409-6844

https://somewhereintimeantiques.com

Big House Antiques

2212 Mechanic, 409-762-0559

https://www.facebook.com/Big-House-Antiques-168427386500765/

St. John Antiques

2001 Postoffice, 409-443-5366

http://www.stjohnantiques.com

Antiques Pavilion

2222 Postoffice, 409-443-5500

https://antiquepaviliongalveston.com

 

TROLLEY RIDES

https://www.galvestontrolley.com

$1 for adults, accompanied minors free

You can still see some of the sights around the Island – rain or not – on a fun  ride along a Seawall Loop, Downtown Loop or Historic Rail Trolley.

Check website for route, times and days, which vary by season.

 

   And of course … if it’s a stormy night on the island, it’s a great time to curl up with my book “Ghosts of Galveston” for some tales of those who’ve never quite left the shores. The version I wrote for middle school readers, “Ghostly Tales of Galveston” is a good choice for families. (Available at the Galveston Bookshop, Tina’s on the Strand, The Admiralty and amazon.com)

   When the weather clears, I hope you’ll join me for one of my walking tours. Information on those HERE.

 

Battle of Galveston Commemoration 2022

   It was a brisk morning on Saturday, but luckily the sun was shining for the annual commemoration ceremony at Galveston’s Trinity Episcopal Cemtery for those lost in the Battle of Galveston. The event was hosted by the Edward Lea Camp of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Thank you to everyone who came from near and far to attend.

   The ceremony takes place each January and is free for the public to attend. You can find out more about Edward Lea, the naval officer whose marker the event centers around HERE.

   The following are some photos from yesterday’s ceremony.

Galveston’s Mardi Gras Houses

     Looking for Mardi Gras festivities that are socially distant? Galveston Island has your answer.

    Galveston Island has been celebrating Mardi Gras with citywide celebrations since 1871, and with private parties before that. 

 

     The town may be covered in sparkling lights for the Christmas season, but it bursts out in gold, green and purple for Mardi Gras. If you pass the houses at night and think you spot a Christmas tree inside a window, it’s most likely a Mardi Gras tree instead.

     The annual parades have been cancelled this Carnival season for safety’s sake, but that won’t stop Galvestonians and their visitors from having fun. Taking a cue from New Orleans, instead of floats this year you’ll find “house floats” around the island. 

    

     Members of the Krewe of Saints who decorated their own homes complied a list of addresses so others can enjoy the fun. You can find an interactive map here

   On Saturday, February 13th between 5 and 7 p.m., some of the participating houses will have beads and surprises for strolling revelers in their neighborhoods.

     If you’re driving through the neighborhoods rather than walking, be aware that some of the streets are one way. There are often  quite a few cars parked in front of the houses, making the streets narrower to navigate.

     Of course, there are more homes decorated than the ones owned by this one Krewe, and the best way to see them all is to drive or walk the streets looking for the festive trimmings. If you only have a limited time, I would suggest exploring Sealy an Ball Avenues.

     If you’re looking for some edible treats to keep up your Mardi Gras energy, you can find Mardi Gras bagels and cookies at Patty Cakes Bakery, king cakes at Maceo Spice Company and delicious seafood gumbo at the Black Pearl.

Have fun and Laissez les bon temps rouler!


 







Printable Gift Certificate: A History of the Hotel Galvez

If you’ve ordered a copy of my upcoming book

A History of the Hotel Galvez as a gift for someone from amazon or

your local bookseller, please feel free to print off  the following

gift certificate so you will have something to put under the tree

or in their stocking! The book’s release date has been scheduled for

February 1, 2021!

Thank you for your purchase, and Happy Holidays!

Cover Reveal Day for “A History of the Hotel Galvez”

It’s Cover Reveal Day!

Click image to order.

I’m so excited to finally share the full cover of the upcoming ‘A History of the Hotel Galvez’ with you. Sending a huge thanks to the designers at

The History Press who put together the cover look during quarantine. I’m so happy with it, and receiving the image during the uncertain days of Covid was a great light to hold onto.

I really wanted to relay the historic element of of the hotel, and after going through the images I submitted I think they definitely chose a winner.

Today I’ll be reviewing the galleys (a final proof of the book with photo placements, etc.) and sending it back to the presses to become “real.”


Release day is February 1, and it’s already available for pre-order here.

I’m looking forward to sharing some of the amazing stories behind the “Queen of the Gulf.” Have you ever stayed at the Hotel Galvez?

Dancing to Ditties Down on Double Bayou


     A few miles south of Anahuac in the community of Double Bayou in Chambers County, aptly named for its location nestled between two bayous, a long narrow building sits beside moss draped oaks hinting at the much livelier days of the past.

     Don’t let appearances fool you though, this place was once a hoppin’ joint!

     Double Bayou Dance Hall was built in the late 1920s using cedar logs as a dance floor, hog wire and wood for the walls topped by a tin roof. The tacks and staples that held tar paper covering can still be seen on the exterior wood.

     During Juneteenth in the 1920s and 30s, many revelers would come to the “The Place,” as it was known locally, all the way from Galveston. The celebration often lasted three days, but always ended in time for Sunday school and church.

     A storm destroyed the original hall in 1941, but Manuel Tanzy Rivers (“Rivers”…appropriate name, don’t you think?) used the original materials to rebuild it just down the road in 1946 after returning from after World War II. The hall served as a gathering place for community events during the week, and a dance hall on the weekends.

     The hall was on the ‘Chitlin’ Circuit’ for the next couple of decades. The circuit, which gained notoriety in an interview with Lou Rawls, was a group of performance venues in the South that were safe for African American musicians to perform during the Jim Crow era. Major acts on their way to Houston would often detour to play impromptu gigs at the famous hall.

     The audiences at Double Bayou came from all different ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds to share their love of music and the Texas Blues arriving by boat, automobile or on foot from local towns, Houston, Galveston and Austin.

     Rivers’ nephew, blues guitarist Floyd “Pete” Mayes and his band the Texas Houserockers played their first professional gig at the Double Bayou Dance Hall in 1954, and soon became the house band playing there through the early 1960s.

Frottoir

    Mayes took over the dance hall after his uncle passed away, and in later years hosted jazz, rhythm & blues and zydeco concerts there in between his performances around the nation. In the old days, zydeco was called “La-la’ and would often include an accordion and rub board (frottoir) or sometimes a fiddle and a rub board.

     From 1955 until 2005 Mayes hosted a Christmas matinee that became a traditional excursion for many music loving Texans. Cowboys would smoke brisket on the lawn and local women offered homemade pecan, lemon meringue and sweet potato pies as music drifted out the doors and windows and into the surrounding trees.

Pete Mayes inside the Double Bayou Dance Hall

    Mayes and his band recorded a CD titled “Pete Mayes and the Texas Houserockers LIVE! At Double Bayou Dance Hall in May 2003. Treat yourself, and listen to a snippet of one of the tunes HERE.

     Mayes passed away in December 2008. Just three months earlier Hurricane Ike’s 20-foot storm surge washed over the Bolivar Peninsula and swept north, flooding the Double Bayou area. The storm broke walls and damaged the roof, but left the dance hall damaged but standing.

     Today the ruins stand behind a Texas State Historical Marker, with the falling roof and broken floorboards sheltering snakes and spiders rather than musicians.

      The only music that echoes through the windows and doors these days is the wind and rustle of leaves.