The dog days of summer 2014 are finally past us, during days like this we should either be inside where it’s nice and cool or out on the bayfront, enjoying the warm coastal waters. I’d been thinking about what to write about for this next article and needed some inspiration so I headed over to the Calhoun County Museum. What better catalyst could I find only a mere five minutes from my house?

It’s bewildering how many of us have lived here for ten plus years but have never visited the museum. As I walked around I recognized several photos, artifacts, families and businesses but there were many which sparked numerous questions. I scribbled on my notebook things to ask George Anne Cormier, the museum’s director.

The Calhoun County Museum was established in 1964 by the Calhoun County Commissioner’s Court. Originally housed in the 1896 Jail building, it eventually moved to the Courthouse Annex Building and then to its present location. A photo of the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony which was held on November 1, 1991 greets you at the front entrance.

After studying all of the exhibits I was excited to speak with George Anne. It’s refreshing to talk with someone who is so passionate about our local history. Three hours later we were immersed in a deep conversation about Calhoun County — we talked about the mid-1800s to present day. I want to share with you several of the people and events we talked about which many of you may not be aware of.

One of my favorite aspects of learning about the area and history is being able to lose time asking questions and sharing little bits of history I’ve learned along the way. I often feel like a sleuth surrounded by an arsenal of reference books which hold the answers deep within their pages.

Angelina Belle Peyton Eberly, The Lady Cannoneer, an innkeeper and a hero of Austin, Texas.

In December 1842, Sam Houston ordered the secret removal of the archives of the Republic to safekeeping. Mrs. Eberly, realizing that the symbols of national government were being removed from the city, fired a six-pound cannon into the General Land Office Building, arousing the town to what they considered theft. The ensuing conflict became known as the Archive War, which was won by the Austinites, preserving Austin as capital of Texas and keeper of the archives. In April 1847 Angelina moved to Port Lavaca and operated Edward Clegg’s Tavern House. She then moved to Indianola and ran the American Hotel there until her death in 1860 at the age of 62. She is buried in the Indianola Cemetery, however her grave is unmarked.

Sutton-Taylor Feud

On March 11, 1874, William and Jim Taylor boarded the steamship Clinton, docked at Morgan’s Wharf and shot and killed William Sutton and Gabriel Slaughter. A reward was offered for the Taylor brothers and this started a manhunt that caused the death of Jim Taylor in a skirmish, in 1875, near the town of Clinton. Bill Taylor, however, was brought to trial twice.

Taylor escaped from the jail at Indianola on September 15, 1875, the day of the devastating hurricane. Records show that he was eventually captured and kept in jail in Galveston and brought to Indianola for trial. Eventually the charges were dropped and the Sutton-Taylor Feud became history. It is thought that he was released because it was too expensive to transport him to and from Indianola.

City of Port Lavaca Bankruptcy

The museum has several commemorative plates marking the celebration of the city’s founding. One plate from 1990 honors the city’s 150th birthday celebration even though the city went bankrupt in the early 1900s. The Port Lavaca city government functioned until November 1916, when the city went bankrupt. It incorporated again as a general-law city in November 1919. Why or how the city could have gone bankrupt was not defined. Both George Anne and I wondered as this area was incredibly popular.

Health Ranch

In the early 1900s there were Pleasure Piers built in each city which made up Calhoun County. The county’s motto included fishing, birding, beach combing and bathing. Politicians, legislators and prestigious families from all over the state would travel via the Southern Pacific Railroad and the San Antonio Mexican Gulf Railroad to visit our coastal community. Indianola was incorporated in 1846 and served as a major port. Some predicted it to supersede the Galveston port until it’s tragic destruction in the storm of September 1875. The locals had plans to build a health ranch (pictured in this article) in Alamo Beach to accommodate the growing population and tourists. People would be able to bask in the sun and lay in the water which residents believed was a powerful curative.

Dr. Frederick Jonathan Roemer

The Roemer family was incredibly influential in Upper Mott, Roemerville and Port Lavaca. Dr. Roemer owned the first automobile in Calhoun County and is credited to inventing the first heater for automobiles. The original patent is still in possession of his son, Dr. Ronald Roemer.

There are many other pieces of history I’d like to cover in upcoming articles. Until then I’d like to encourage you to visit the Calhoun County Museum, http://calhouncountymuseum.org and take in some of our local history. You never know, you might find me there!

Clint & Barnacle

Looking Forward To Fall Weather

Greetings from the island everyone, hope all of you are doing well and staying cool in this typical south Texas summer heat. There were actually a few mornings several weeks ago that had a nice cool Fall feeling to them. An unusual mid-summer norther drifted down far enough south to bless us with a little reprieve, and tease us into thinking that summer was nearing the end, but I sure don’t think so. Normally all of August and into the first few weeks into September are the dog days of summer for us south Texas folks, but that’s OK, it keeps those Yankees up north where they belong. . . I’m kidding! Or am I?

Well the seaweed looks as though it might finally be slowing down washing ashore on the beach. This has been one of the worst summers for the sargassum that I can recall. Apparently as has been with any growing season, this was a bumper crop year for that stuff. But in spite of the unsightly and smelly beach it creates, the seaweed does act as an erosion barrier for the beach and dunes, which is definitely a positive aspect of it’s summer ritual of washing ashore. As with any of life’s happenings, you gotta take the bad with the good, so sayeth philosopher Clint.

Well the garden is played out for the summer, simply too hot and dry to grow anything out here right now. I’ll plant some type of greens in the Fall, so that the chickens will have something to munch on during the winter, but that will be the extent of my gardening until early Spring. Before then, I’ll construct twelve more small raised beds, 2 1/2 feet square each, to grow more watermelons next year. I did pretty well growing them this summer, so I’ll try some different varieties including a few seedless ones.

Before that time I’ll also use my small Mantis tiller to mix in a large amount of rabbit manure into all of my raised beds. My friends from Seguin, Cricket and Jim, trailered down 1,500 lbs of rabbit manure for me in 150 lb tubs. That’s right, 1,500 lbs!! Granted, loading a few tubs at a time into the boat and hauling them across the bay wasn’t the easiest task, but I’ll take it. Rabbit manure is said to be a wonderful organic fertilizer, so I’m looking forward to trying it.

Well that’s it from the island for now, everyone take care and have a great day.

“Labor Day Beach Bash”

Seems only a few weeks ago everyone was waiting for school to be out for the summer. Now that time has come and gone, and the 2nd Annual “Labor Day Beach Bash” is right around the corner, coming August 30th. Check out details at www.portoconnorchamber.com –This will end the summer events sponsored by the Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce. There have been several events to raise funds for a new pavilion on King Fisher Beach, If you are not aware of this, there is a layout of the new pavilion and upgrades to the area posted on the bulletin board at the local post office. The people involved in working these events have put in many hours and a lot of labor to raise funds for this upgrade for the community to enjoy. Come out and enjoy and support a family day at the beach, enjoy the games, vendors, music and don’t forget the sun screen!!!!

New & Renewed Members–2014

Warrior’s Weekend
Hustler Marine
Mike & Beverly Clifton
Scott & Kelly Wheat
S&J R.V. Park & Storage Lot
Sylvia’s Hair Salon
J. Jordan Properties
Reel Fishing Guide Service
Dolphin Kayak and Water Sports,LLC

One of the most selfless things a person can do is spend time helping others. One way to help is by volunteering. There are many reasons to volunteer. People volunteer because they are passionate about the work or program. People may volunteer because it gives them a sense of purpose and meaning. People may also volunteer because they see an opportunity to give a child a different life, a different future. Whatever the reason, we should volunteer because our heart is “calling” us to do so. It is evident that the volunteers at THE HARBOR have been “called” to help everyone who walks through our doors.

As a volunteer, it is important to feel nourished, appreciated and valued. We value our volunteers and truly appreciate their input and participation. Our staff is always willing to work with you to create a position that suits your unique talents and gifts. We are always in need of more volunteers. So, if you are looking for new ways to volunteer, and are interested in joining THE HARBOR family, please call our office at 361-552-1982. Together we can help lessen the trauma to victims by providing a safe haven for them, and doing our part in creating an environment where violence is no longer tolerated. We look forward to hearing from you.

Calhoun County Republicans are excited to be hosting for the first time ever the Senate District 18 Quarterly Meeting. Senate District 18 is composed of 19 1/2 counties in south-central Texas: Aransas, Austin, Bastrop, Caldwell, Calhoun, Colorado, DeWitt, Fayette, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Lavaca, Lee, Matagorda, Refugio, Victoria, Waller, Washington, Wharton, and a western portion of Fort Bend County.

The meeting will be held on Saturday, August 23, in the Community Room of Grace Episcopal Church on Austin Street in Port Lavaca.  There will be a continental breakfast buffet from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.  The meeting will consist of information from our State Representatives on the Executive Committee, Ben Zeller and Becky Berger.  There will be multiple speakers representing all levels of the State Government, including Senator Glenn Hegar and State Representative Geanie Morrison.  Various candidates will be present to visit with the audience and present their platforms.

Our current State Senator, Glenn Hegar, is running for the position of State Comptroller.  At present, there are at least two candidates who will be running in a special election called by the Governor if Senator Hegar wins in November.

From Noon until 1:00 p,m,, there will be a fish fry buffet, complete with all the trimmings and desserts.  The meeting will resume at 1:00 p.m. and continue until 3:00 p.m.

The public is invited, however, reservations are requested (361-552-0917) in order to prepare the proper amount of food and drink.