Beautiful day on Matagorda Bay with Captain Larry Wheeler

Did you hear about the 23 soldiers who died in the waters of Matagorda? It is true. In March, 1864 troops camped at DeCrow’s Point sailed to Indianola, marched to Bynio’s Point, crossed what they called a ‘stream’ at Saluria Bayou (also known as McHenry’s) and then built a wooden ferry platform type floating bridge to haul troops and gear across approximately 150 yards of deep water hoping to arrive onshore at Matagorda Island. They misjudged the tenacity of those waters, and they paid a hefty price.

Black troops labored first at the ropes connecting the four or five stages across the divide. The day was windy and chilly and the chop on the water made for tough going. After two successful ferries, the tide shifted, water roughened and the ferry boat platforms began filling with water. The black soldiers and the troops who were ordered onto the makeshift bridge began to sink. Panic and terror set in and many good men fell into the water and began rushing down the narrow bayou cut.
In the gripping diary account of Lieutenant Cordon W. Smith the life and death struggle to survive amidst floating men both living and dead, personal gear and military supplies is recounted in breathless detail. Lt. Smith repeatedly thought he had reached a safe plank or a handhold nearer shoreline in the rushing water, only to again be swept away. Twice he grappled with others who were drowning. He was held under, choked and almost killed in the struggle. In Smith’s diary, he tells of forcing his attackers under to preserve his own life, then realizing he had taken life’s breath from the other. This 69th Indiana Union Regiment, well documented in Civil War History, lost 23 of their own to the volatile waters of Matagorda that day.

This story prompted Katherine Meyer of Round Rock, Texas, a descendant of one man lost that day to travel to our area, take an historical boat tour with our own Captain Larry Wheeler, Fishing Guide and History Buff. The group traveled to the approximated site where the mass drowning happened and honored the memory of her ancestor Albert Cranor, a young 22 year old who perished along with the others. They left flowers and spent time remembering that these men were heroes once, and died tragically in service.

The area known as the Army Hole is maintained by Texas Parks & Wildlife and has great informational signs about the history of the bases.

So, whether you love Matagorda Bay or you happen to be a real history buff, there is much to discover in the waters and sands of the Matagorda and surrounding areas. Pass Cavallo is the pass LaSalle used to enter Matagorda Bay, but he was likely lost. Did you know that the Karankawa Indians helped LaSalle survive?

This story, the tragedy of the Indiana 69th drowning, the history of the much battled for Confederate Fort Espiranza on Matagorda Island (seemingly lost now except for some slight embankments still visible on the historic fort site); the old Army Base or Army Hole, Saluria, Calhoun and DeCrow township sites, the old Lighthouse, knowing the difference between Matagorda Peninsula and Matagorda Island, and other sites we often simply call fishing holes today were major sites of important significance in Texas and US History. Impact on the war, major bearing on the ups and downs of both regional and national economy, business development and fluctuations in population, settlement and community development and digression were all directly dependent upon events such as the weather, geophysical and geographical changes, hurricanes and the unpredictability of the area in and around Matagorda Bay.

One storm season during the war, Cavallo Pass shifted and cut off groups of troops from the remainder of their regiment. The beautiful 150 year old lighthouse was shipped into our area in numbered pieces much like a puzzle. It was then moved across sandy stretches from its deep water delivery to be assembled and erected in its current location where it was and remains the highest spot around. This made it a much fought over landmark and troop lookout station during the Civil War.

Several old veterans once stationed at the Army Base have told of the loneliness of such a post. One said his only assignment was to get up early each morning and remove all the rattlesnakes from the runway that crawled up to sun themselves. They did not want arriving or departing planes hitting the many that were there each day.

The Jetties were built in the mid 60’s, the ICW much earlier and the Victoria Barge Canal was at its height in the 50’s, but have you heard why? They each had influence on the economy of our coast and settlements of population.

On a recent boat tour with Captain Wheeler, I learned he is now offering his history tour for hire. You can hear the stories of the history of the area, walk in the sand where history happened, and learn little known lore of our Texas past. Captain Wheeler’s breadth of knowledge is impressive and his entertaining and fun delivery is a treat. A comfortable boat tour, a walk on pristine and undeveloped island sand unspoiled by population, shell seeking and beach combing, and the real story of what happened here long and not so long ago makes for a special outing and a time you won’t forget. You will enjoy yourself, that’s for sure. And you are sure to learn something you never knew. I know I did.

If you would like to inquire about a tour, or you just want to talk Texas History, no problem. Get in touch with Captain Larry Wheeler. (l.wheeler@att.net or 361-649-6409). He’s a real talker; you won’t have any problem getting him to tell you more about the coastal area we love to call home. The tour he offers is a hobby and the information is a passion of his, so the price is reasonable, the trip enjoyable and appropriate for children to seniors. He can tailor your outing to fit your needs if you like. In fact he says that he and other guides will shuttle groups to the island for a day of exploring on their own, returning to pick them up at an appointed time, if they would like.

Just one more opportunity to have fun and learn new things in our wonderful area that you should know about. There are some really good books detailing the information at our local library as well. Message Captain Wheeler and ask for his ‘best of’ recommendations. You will see our waters in a whole new way when you know the long and dramatic history…

Great food and fellowship shared by friends and neighbors at the POC Muster.

The Warriors Weekend 2016 is fast approaching. This marks the 10th year we have welcomed those wounded heroes to our little paradise, and we expect even more for WW 2016. More than 900 wounded vets will fly, bus, drive and share a ride from across the nation into Victoria, Port Lavaca and POC before converging at the POC Community Center for a special time of fishing, fun, food, fellowship, finding healing and a feeling of camaraderie.

It is an enormous undertaking to provide a much needed weekend of acceptance and appreciation to these often neglected heroes. Housing, food, transportation boats and bait, fish cleaning and fun are all a part of their visit. The financial obligation is staggering. Ron Kocian and the WW.org board lead the fundraising efforts year around to make the annual event successful. They have long hosted a fundraising party in Victoria called the Warriors Weekend Muster. Muster, meaning assembly or gathering of troops, especially for inspection or preparation is a fitting name for the event that prepares for the task of honoring our wounded warriors.

This year marks the first of hopefully many Musters in POC. March 5th at the Community Center, 200 plus supporters joined together for a delicious steak dinner, a live auction, and huge raffle. The auction and raffle items were amazing, interesting and widely varied. Custom ice chests and guns, Argentinean Dove Hunts, Coastal Art and Décor, Jewelry and Guide trips all were raffled or auctioned at sometimes astonishing amounts to raise more than $35,000 for WW2016 at the POC Muster. Each dollar raised means more heroes served. So it was a fulfilling evening with good success.

There remain a few areas of need for the upcoming WW2016. Huge thanks to Duffy’s Lawn and Garden of Victoria for supplying golf carts for transport of heroes and their families in and around town for past Warriors Weekends. Unfortunately, they have closed that branch of their family business and will not be able to serve this year. Many visiting heroes need or require transportation assistance so golf carts are much needed. If you have one that could be used for this, please contact Jim or Linda Butler to make arrangements at 361-237-8053. They coordinate the golf cart brigade.

Housing for our heroes is always a big need. Do you have a guest room, fishermen’s quarters or guest house you could volunteer? Call Bill Tigrett and give him the details. Homemade desserts are needed for the mealtimes. Cookies and cakes make our visiting heroes feel special. If you can provide one or more homemade goodies, please call or text Kelly Gee with your information. There will be a need for food for the sandcastle builders, and Kim Sonnier will be coordinating the schedule.
Volunteer opportunities during the weekend of May 20-22 abound. If you want to share your appreciation and thanks with our visiting warriors, make plans to check in at the Community Center with Janice Driver, Volunteer Coordinator, during the event. You can help make this weekend part of the best of the rest of their lives. Many of them have risked their lives to protect yours.

Donnie Klesel buys raffle tickets for great prizes.

Live auction items moved fast.

Memorial Table at POC Muster

At the Port O’Connor Muster there was great food, fantastic fundraising and lots of laughs. Still, the sacrifice made by those who serve is a solemn thing. Many pay the ultimate price while serving, giving lives to protect the country they love. Col. Mike Petrash, Retired, serves as the Warriors Weekend Field of Honor Coordinator and brings a palpable gravity and a meaningful reminder of that sacrifice to the evening’s festivities. Col. Petrash conducted the POW/MIA Ceremony for the POC Muster. All veterans were asked to stand at attention as Col. Petrash explained the memorial table set at the dinner to honor all those who are missing or killed in action. The colonel did a great job of detailing the setting of the memorial table and the purposes for items included. The table meaning is explained in this paraphrased excerpt from the Army Family Support Website:

“A small round table set for one has a single chair leaning against it empty in memory of the one who will never join the family meal table again and symbolizes the frailty of one prisoner alone against suppressors. . The table is set with a white table cloth symbolizing the purity of their intentions to serve their country. The single red rose signifies the blood shed to ensure our freedom; the yellow ribbon on the vase represents the families who wait and the ribbons worn on lapels of thousands who demand accounting of the missing. The slice of lemon reminds of their bitter fate, salt sprinkled on the plate signifies their countless tears, the glass inverted for those who cannot toast with loved ones this night. The candle is a reminder of the light of hope in hearts to lead them home, away from captors back to a grateful nation. The Bible reminds us to pray to the Supreme Commander that all those lost and missing will soon be back within our ranks. The chair is empty, they are not here. They have made the ultimate sacrifice. May we never forget.”

With beautiful authenticity Col. Petrash led the crowd through the tradition of the POW/MIA Ceremony. As veterans stood at solemn attention, the roll call, the reading of the names and ranks of those from our specific area who have given their lives in service, were read aloud with honor and reverence. The somber gaze and focused attention of those veterans standing in respect of the fallen and lost was heartfelt and very impressive. Civilian attendees were silent and respectful, and found themselves profoundly moved by the Ceremony and the lives represented. It was a powerful symbol of the sacrifice and loss that brings passion and purpose to those who work hard to make Warriors Weekend happen.

A custom cooler filled with coastal cooking supplies was donated to the POC Muster by Becky Haynes and the Port O’Connor Service Club.

POC Community Service Club wants to invite you to our annual Spring Garage Sale. Saturday, April 9th from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. We will be selling unique finds and atypical treasures at extraordinary prices. You may find a cute outfit for the summer weather, an undiscovered antique, some much needed fishing gear or even a new chair. The items offered are all donated by POC folks and our neighbors, and never cease to amaze us in their variety and assortment. Plus, don’t forget the Bake Sale where you will find home baked goodies and Service Club Cookbooks for sale. All proceeds go to fund our scholarships and other community service projects, so you can feel good about shopping for a good cause.

At 12:00 noon we will begin our famous $1 Bag Sale. Shoppers will be able to fill up a large shopping bag with whatever amazing assets remain for just ONE DOLLAR PER BAG! Now, if you wait for the $1 bag sale you are sure to miss out on the special treats, but come back at noon and you are sure to find some budget belongings that you simply must make yours for a bargain price. It’s an epic sale and we are looking forward to seeing all of our friends and neighbors there supporting the Service Club and their ongoing projects.

Oh, and don’t worry. There is still time for you to donate your priceless surplus and extravagant extras to the garage sale. You may drop them off at the County barn just behind the JP office or bring them to the POC Community Center on Friday, April 8th before the sale. They will be added to the sale that gives back to our community.

Did you or someone you know attend POC Elementary and now are graduating with plans to go to college, trade or tech school? Then that is all it takes to be eligible to apply for the Service Club Scholarships. Contact your High School Counselor or a Service Club member to submit application for 2016 Scholarship awards. We love helping local kids become successful as they pursue their dreams.

There are many opportunities to be involved in our great little town. Stay informed so you can stay involved. The annual Easter Sunrise Service is a really special experience on our beautiful front beach that you don’t want to miss. Chamber, Lions, VFD, Friends of the Library and many others have activities in the near future.

So, until next time, be safe, live simply, love openly, forgive generously and remember what novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne said, “Every individual has a place to fill in the world and is important in some respect whether he chooses to be so or not.” Come join us, we can help you find your important place.