Wednesday, June 8th, was the first Summer meeting of the Historical Book Committee, and we were extremely pleased to have as guests and speakers, Paul and Sarah Apostolo. Paul and his family are long-time residents here, and he regaled us with stories of life back in the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. Additionally, committee member Agnes Valigura was present to add some of her experiences to these stories. With these reminisces of both Paul and Agnes, we were able to see Port O’Connor in another life.
Paul spoke of growing up here and attending school, and he was able to name some of the businesses in operation at that time. He stated that many of the residents raised their own vegetables and livestock for meats, and if a family needed something at the store; i.e., coffee or flour or sugar, a bartering took place with the store owner. He also reminded us that automobiles were not prominent on the streets of Port O’Connor; one relied on bicycles, carts pulled by oxen or other animals or just your own feet. Fishing boats were powered by oars or sails; only a few of the large ones had motors. Although we were somewhat aware of these facts, they were definitely brought home to us through the stories of Paul and Agnes. But when he told of the means used for finding schools of fish via airplane power, smiles and expressions of awe were evident on the faces of all present.
Mr. and Mrs. Apostolo were the first of the guest speakers to come to a “Book” Meeting; we hope that the next meeting in July will cause another resident to come and share some of his/her experiences with us. As we listened to those stories of life here, it became so easy to put ourselves into this much earlier time of our community, As Paul concluded his stories, each member present recognized that she had more questions to be resolved later.
As the Port O’Connor Service Club is now on its Summer schedule of holding only one meeting a month, the next meeting will be July 7th at 10:00 a.m. in the back room of the Community Center. We welcome all interested women at any time at our meetings; contact Shirley Gordon, Membership Chairman, 983-4365 or Janet Johnson, President, 983-4733 for further information. Do plan to come and say hello.
