As I type away, before me sit multiple copies of Seadrift Success, the first publication to be distributed in the City of Seadrift, Texas. This find is very unique and, let me tell you, the time I spent searching for this particular newspaper has proven to be well worth it.


I first learned about the weekly publication on my very first interview for this column in September of 2009 with Margaret Chatham. At that time she held the position of City Judge in the City of Seadrift. She was a pleasure to speak with and very generously allowed me to borrow a book, Seadrift Memories, which was produced for Seadrift’s sesquicentennial by a particular committee. Since then, I find myself referencing the book, which I scanned into my computer for future reference. In the book, Seadrift Memories, Brenda Dworaczyk reproduced a copy of a Seadrift Success issue from December 28, 1912. Seadrift Success was entered as second-class matter on September 16, 1911. City Council Secretary Geo. L. Rhea was the editor. A subscription to the paper cost $1.00. I found the publication extremely interesting and have been on a quest to find an actual paper.


In the last issue of Dolphin Talk, Dorothy Geraldine Wilson submitted a letter to the editor writing that she had copies of the actual paper. I was ecstatic and did not waste any time in meeting with her.


We met at the local library where we chatted the afternoon away as I skimmed through the papers. Towards the end of our conversation, Dorothy said I could have the copies as they were just sitting, collecting dust in her home. I could not believe my ears, nor could I mask my excitement.

That evening I began to read the articles, advertisements and classifieds printed nearly 100 years ago. The headlines and information were bold, direct and to the point. Below are various news clips which I found interesting from 1914:
• It was declared by the Attorney General that if you wished to vote, you had to pay a city poll tax to vote in state or county elections.
• The Masons were organized in Seadrift on April 28, 1914; the Seadrift Lodge A.F. & A.M. No. U.D. was instituted and the following officers were selected: R.B. Dennis, W.M., J.W. Trulove, Secretary, A.E. Scott, S.W., and D.L. McDonald, J.W.
• The American Townsite Co. moved their main office from San Antonio to Seadrift the week prior to the June 27, 1914 paper. President A.D. Powers and secretary C.A. Newton were busy as bees when contacted by the Seadrift Success office. President Powers was optimistic regarding affairs in and around Seadrift and his company has come to Seadrift for no other purpose than to make things hum. He also informed that a canning factory would soon be in operation, as orders had been made for 50,000 cans, 2000 boxes to ship in, 1000 field crates and a car load of coal, which certainly looked like business for that in situation beyond the peradventure of a doubt.
• Lumber Business Strong. The McMurry Lumber Co. shipped out a car of sand and cement to POC the week of May 2nd to be used in the construction of a new gin at that place to take care of the fall crop. The company also unloaded a car of fence stays, cypress boat lumber, shingles and car of posts.
• Coal oil could be purchased at 10 cents per gallon, canned tomatoes cost 85 cents per dozen, pure lard 15 cents per lb. and can oats for 10 cents at Prop. Bayside Store, Phone No. 4.
• And, in one of the first columns I read… We will offer a little free advice to the young men and young ladies who read this paper. Never marry until you are certain that single life is a failure and under no circumstances marry until you find someone who will have you. Be sure you are right, then go ahead. Boys, remember that a girl rigged out in ribbons and paint may look good enough to eat; but that smile, however may be made to order and come off with her best clothes.


Mesmerized I sat, realizing that although the issues that I was reading about were from the last century, many are the same we deal with today. Till next time when I hope to share more of Seadrift Success with you! A very special thank you goes out to Dorothy Geraldine Williams Wilson. If it were not for her I would not of have the opportunity to share these articles with you which I will cherish for years to come.