There I was at the library in Victoria working on a particular project; things weren’t going well and my frustration was beginning to get the best of me. At moments like these stepping away from the project is usually the best answer. Ten minutes later I found myself exploring the O’Connor Room. This room holds all of the reference books, commissioner’s minutes, local newspaper and magazine archives — basically anything you can’t check out. I always think of the video sequence in a scary movie where the sleuth is investigating a myth in old newspaper archives.

I’m pretty familiar with all of the books written about Seadrift and Port Lavaca but today I found a book which I’d never laid eyes upon, Looking Back by Paul Henry Freier. The book is a historical scrapbook of Calhoun County and Matagorda Bay, Paul also wrote a column for The Port Lavaca Wave, Looking Back for more than ten years. As I read the introduction, I felt an instant connection with the author and I wondered if I could someday have a book of all of the articles I’ve written.

After skimming the Table of Contents I went directly to the chapter entitled, Strange People, Strange Animals, Strange Days. October is my favorite month of the year so it only seemed appropriate since I’d been on a recent scary movie marathon. A couple of pages into the chapter, there it was… the headline read, The Great Monster Fish of Green Lake. While the article had been published on Wednesday, June 2, 1976 — it was about a sea monster from over 100 years ago!

In the article, Paul explains that in early April of 1913 The Daily Advocate ran a headline offering a $5,000 reward for the capture of a sea monster that was wreaking havoc in the Guadalupe River 25 miles below Victoria eating goats, pigs, hogs and other animals. The Advocate sent a reporter to confirm the sightings which in fact he did the following day. He also reported that the monster was spotted moving towards Green Lake. Apparently the fish was described as “of several tons, with a head like a cross between a horse and a cow with short curving horns.” Colonel Bill Sterrett, commissioner of the state Fish and Oyster Commission identified the fish species as “homosifitoninotabus.”

Everyone was terrified of the sea creature, fearful that it would eat anything in it’s path. Watchers lined the banks of the lake, standing guard alas the fish continued to move upstream feeding along the way. There was even a report in which a “Victoria resident claimed he lost tires off his car to the fish near the ‘Brownsville’ bridge near Bloomington.” Although multiple attempts were made to capture the sea monster none were effective much less killing it.

I looked up from the book and realized The Advocate archives were less than 5 feet from me. It didn’t take me long to find the microfilm; what did take me some time was figuring out how to load it and operate the software. I finally got the hang of it and before I knew I found the headline for the reward and a dozen more within a month’s span. I was extremely disappointed that I could not read any of the text in the articles but I was amazed to be peering into life 101 years ago. I was further disappointed that the headlines stopped mid-May which no evidence of what happened to the sea monster. Below are the headlines I found:

April 7, 1913: $5’000 Reward for Capture
April 8, 1913: Big Fish Story is Confirmed
April 9, 1913: Big Sea Monster Still in Hiding
April 10, 1913: Col Sterrett After The Fish
April 11, 1913: Oh! Horrors! Where’s the Fish?
April 14, 1913: Great Crowds Go Down the River
April 19, 1913: Sea Monster Like Rubber
April 26, 1913: Sea Monster on a Rampage
May 1, 1913: Big Fish Was Seen Here Before
May 5, 1913: Frogs and Fish Fight Fiercely
May 6, 1913: The Monster Swallows Queen

The lights in the building suddenly dimmed and I realized the library was about to close; I’d been on the hunt to find out about the sea monster all afternoon. I left puzzled having not been able to find information about the fish species. I did find that sea monsters and serpents have been reported since the early 1500s.

On the drive home I called my grandma and began to tell her about my day. I started to tell her about the sea monster but before I got too far into my findings she said, “Oh yeah, my dad used to tell me that story also.” I said, “No, this is about a sea monster seen near Seadrift and Victoria.” She explained about a similar story her dad would tell her about a sea creature seen where he grew up. Interesting…

Does this explain why the headlines suddenly disappeared just as quickly as they had appeared?

Was it just folklore like The Loch Ness Monster? One thing I do know is wish I could read those articles! Till next time.

Big Smiles at the Labor Day Beach Bash

Event among several held to facilitate King Fisher Park improvements.

A little over two years ago I came aboard the Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce replacing a resigning President. I had a great board to work with and knew that we had great things in store for us. We all agreed that our goal as the Chamber was to bring Commerce to POC –which meant we needed to focus on things that would help us in doing this.

After a few very long meetings we came to the agreement that we needed a festival—Donna Pyle and Natasha Helm had a meeting of the minds and came up with a Crawfish Fest. Natasha had held two previous 5k runs with the proceeds going to the Chamber, marked to do improvements on King Fisher Beach. Everyone jumped in and tossed ideas around and in just a few months the 1st annual Crawfish Fest was born and was a huge success.

After the Crawfish Fest, we decided to take on the large task of building a new pavilion, knowing this would be a dream of the future. Then we received a call from Russell Cain and Brenda Carter wanting to give us the opportunity to have Larry Joe Taylor at King Fisher Beach on Labor Day Weekend. It was the Chamber’s choice to make an event or just keep it simple and do a picnic on the beach.

Once again the Directors met and chose to host the Labor Day Beach Bash at King Fisher Beach. Jeff Bartz gave us permission to continue on with his first event that was held at Sunday Beach the prior year, calling it “Labor Day Beach Bash with Larry Joe”. This was a huge success as well.

In May of this year we held the 2nd Crawfish Fest with much success and then began spending many hours preparing for the 2nd Labor Day Beach Bash.

As the date approached, it appeared that Mother Nature had different plans for us than we wanted. On Friday, we prepared the grounds for the festival. This event had two large entertainers scheduled, meaning we were in need of two stages and two sources of power available at the park. We overcame those challenges and found two stage areas (4 flatbed trailers), had rails constructed around them to prevent any accidents, and had a 25kw generator donated. We also had the large tent erected on Friday with tables and chairs for folks to enjoy the event.

The weather outlook wasn’t good, and unfortunately I had not prepared for a plan B. Having goofed and overlooked the backup plan, I just had to leave it in God’s hands. As the soundmen for both entertainers showed up in the a.m., the skies start looking overcast. Both crews decided they did not want to chance it and we are going to have to come up with a fast plan B for the event to go on.

We located each band across from each other under the large tent. Just as Larry Joe Taylor was to take the stage the skies opened up. However, that did not dampen spirits; a lot of onlookers scrambled and squeezed under the space that was left under the tent and even stood outside the outer area. We had a hour delay due to having to reroute the electric cords and other delays before “The Voice” finalist Jarod Blake took the stage. We lost some of the crowd in between all this. However the ones that did stay for this next show got a huge surprise as Jarod put on a awesome show, singing his newly released song “Countryfied” along with other songs such as “Simple Man” and “Turn the Page”.

After it was all over, we began to gather things up and call it a day, We had a total of 60 plus volunteers that made this event .Things ran the best they have run in the four events we have hosted. However one thing that I do have running through my mind is all the unnecessary work created by not having the right facilities to hold these sort of events.

My V.P., Donnie Klesel, and I met with a company to get a turnkey quote for constructing some additional cabanas on the old pavilion area and moving the shower along with adding some lights on the beach area. Joe Wiatt has met with several contractors of metal buildings for quotes on just the pavilion.

At this time, we have raised 45K towards our project and are hoping to get some grants or some other available funding to finish the pavilion and ease the work load at these events.

If you are interested in being a part of the Chamber Team, we meet on the 2nd Monday of the month, 6:30 p.m., at the Community Center.

The crowd enjoyed the entertainment by Larry Joe Taylor (top) and Jared Blake (bottom photo) at the Labor Day Beach Bash.

Free Hot Dogs, Drinks and the Art Poster Contest

On Tuesday, October 7th, businesses and residents of Port O’Connor are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities throughout the Great State of Texas for Port O’Connor’s Night Out Against Crime. Port O’Connor’s 2nd Annual Night Out Against Crime is being sponsored by the portoconnorwatch.com and co-sponsored by the Calhoun County Sheriff, George Aleman.

All communities throughout the State of Texas have been assigned Tuesday, October 7th to celebrate National Night Out which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. Texas is the only state that celebrates a Night Out during October; all other states celebrate on August 6th. This was determined by weather. We all know how hot Texas can be during August.

Port O’ Connor’s Night Out Against Crime is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in the portoconnorwatch.com and in local anti-crime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and community partnership with Calhoun County Sheriff’s office; and (4) Send a message to criminals, letting them know neighbors of Port O’ Connor are organized and fighting back.

From 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. October 7th, residents of Port O’Connor are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights, visit and spend the evening outside with neighbors at the Port O’Connor Elementary School. There will be Fingerprinting for children, Hot Dogs and drinks for all, visit with local officials. The men and women of the Coast Guard will be present, along with the volunteer firemen with their Fire Trucks, and the Calhoun County EMS Emergency Equipment.

The Art Poster Contest will be judged and winners announced. First Place winner will receive a $100.00 Wal-Mart gift card, Second Place a $50.00 Wal-Mart gift card, and Third Place a $25.00 Wal-Mart gift card. Let’s all get out, meet new neighbors and have fun.

Join portoconnorwatch.com to become a part of our community who wants to watch out for our neighbors. Go to the internet, type portoconnorwatch.com and join our watch. There is no charge for becoming a member.

Volunteers are still needed for the event. To donate, volunteer or to learn more about Port O’Connor’s Night Out Against Crime, call Leon Brown at 361.983.2060, or send an email to Leon at lsbkaw@tisd.net.

Submitted by: Leon Brown

An effort is underway to raise funds to plant a live oak tree at Seadrift School as a living memorial honoring Mrs. Nina Weaver. Because of her love of trees, flowers, and especially her love for Seadrift School – both students and personnel – it seems fitting to honor her memory in this manner.

Nina Annette Sanders Weaver passed away on May 25, 2013 at the age of 72. She was born on May 19, 1941 in Seadrift, Texas to the late R.W. “Bill” and the late Goldie Mullins Sanders. Nina was a teacher and administrator for 40 years. She served as Seadrift School lead teacher/prekindergarten teacher for many years before moving to HJM Elementary School campus as assistant principal. From there Nina returned to Seadrift School as principal for three years before retiring in 2003. Nina was well loved by students, staff, parents, and community.

With this gesture of planting an oak tree, we will be acknowledging Mrs. Weaver’s years of dedication, love, and service to the Seadrift community and its school. If your life has been touched by this wonderful person, and you feel so moved, please leave a contribution at the school office with Robin Guice or Larena Kern, or you may mail your contributions to: William Hahn, 2023 FM 2235, Port Lavaca, TX 77979.

Students representing each grade at POC Elementary and a representative from middle school gathered on August 30 at the home of Joe and Vera Wiatt to enjoy ice cream and talk about their role as Advisors to the Friends of the POC Library.  Students will be meeting with the adult board during the school year to work on various projects that will promote the love of learning, reading, and the use of the library.
See “Moving Into Autumn With Friends” on page 5 of this issue to see how you can help Friends of Port O’Connor Library in their effort to build a new library/learning center.
Pictured above: Front row: Amy Resendez, Luke Doggett, Leah Lucy, McKenna Guevara, and Brooklyn Redmond. Second row: Carly Rosenboom, Sarah Doggett and Kyle Doggett. Adults: Board member Melissa Doggett, Assistant Librarian Misty Redmond and Board member Roxanne Ochoa. On the advisory board, but not pictured: Nicholas Ragusin.