Have a question regarding the history of a Houston-related place, person, or event? If so, add a comment below – the Houstorian may be able to help answer it in a future post.
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34 responses so far ↓
Brandon Mullen // May 3, 2007 at 12:39 pm |
The Shady Tavern or Shady’s Tavern at 1206 W. 20th Street, 77008.
This is an old ice house in the Shady Acres neighborhood near the Heights. They have some artifacts inside that suggests it dates back to 1939. I know it has gone through a couple of periods where it has been closed for a few years. I’m just curious about it date of origin.
Your website is great by the way.
Houstorian Tracey // May 3, 2007 at 11:59 am |
Brandon – Thanks for the note. I know the ice house you mean – it’s a great spot. I’ve been there a few times, though not in the past year or so. I’ll see what I can find out in the next couple of weeks about its history, and will post or link to the information on this page.
Suzanne Holm // September 1, 2007 at 8:14 pm |
What was the name of the venue that used to be housed in an old bank building in the Heights area? In the mid to late ’80’s it featured the likes of BB King, The BoDeans, and Sandra Bernhardt.
I think all cities should have such a website….
Houstorian Tracey // September 4, 2007 at 9:16 pm |
Suzanne – The club was Rockefeller’s (3620 Washington), which opened in 1979 and closed in 1997. The building is still standing, and has been used as an events facility called Rockefeller Hall since 1999. There used to be a blues club across the street (3617 Washington) called Club Hey Hey, but it closed in 1990 (it reopened at 4216 Washington, as the Bon Ton Room). The property where Club Hey Hey was located is now part of an apartment complex.
Brandon – Sorry not to have gotten an answer for you yet – hope to have one soon.
Susan Nichols // November 1, 2007 at 9:54 pm |
Enjoy your website regularly! Who was C. C. Lieb?
Businessman? Photographer rings a bell? He was in business in 1904 in Houston. I have a lovely embossed Happy New Year postcard that his company sent out. Greetings written in German. Thanks. Susan
Houstorian Tracey // November 2, 2007 at 10:21 am |
Susan – There are numerous references to C.C. Lieb in the Galveston Daily News between 1896 and 1907. It appears that Lieb was the director of the Houston Saengerbund (German singing society) during some or all of that period, though I don’t know if that was his only position. (The Houston Saengerbund’s historical records are maintained by the Univesity of Houston, but are likely in German during that time.) One 1896 article mentions that he lived at 103 Rice. I don’t see an ad for any store owned by Lieb in my few copies of the Houston Chronicle from the time period, and I didn’t find any references to him in my Houston history books. But I will see what more I can find on my next trip to the library. I need to do some research for Brandon and some other folks, too.
Brandon – I recently saw something dating Shady Tavern to the 1930’s, so it will be interesting to see what the city directory shows.
Patrick // March 29, 2008 at 1:28 am |
What can you tell me about Camp Logan. It was the scene of Houston’s worse race riot, and I think it is where Memorial Park is now? Do you have any more information?
Houstorian Tracey // March 29, 2008 at 10:03 am |
Patrick – Camp Logan and the 1917 riot are fascinating subjects, and there is a lot of information available on the internet about both (which is the primary reason that this site has only very summary write-ups regarding Camp Logan and the 1917 riot). The land that was used for Camp Logan was indeed later turned into Memorial Park. The riot involved soldiers from Camp Logan, but did not actually occur at Camp Logan. I’ll update the Camp Logan and 1917 riot entries with more links you can follow to learn more.
westres // July 23, 2008 at 3:10 pm |
Great website!
Does any one remember the name of Dan Pastorini’s restaraunt on the Gulf Frwy? It was the only Italian place other than the Spaghetti Wharehouse and certainly the only one on the South Side when I was a kid. It was a real treat and we had to get dressed up.
Gary Thac // February 24, 2009 at 11:10 pm |
Concerning westres question of Pastorini’s restaurant on the Gulf Freeway…she’s thinking of ‘Dantes’. It was there in the 70s…been a few other things since. That was a rumor. Was never owned by our Oiler quarterback.
Houstorian Tracey // July 23, 2008 at 3:26 pm |
Westres – A January 1990 Chronicle article mentions that Pastorini at one time planned to (and maybe did) open a club/restaurant called “Pastorini’s City Limits” on the Southwest Freeway at Westpark. The article says “Pastorini is no stranger to the restaurant biz” but only mentions by way of explanation that his family (his uncle, I believe) had a restaurant in Sonoma, California. Would the restaurant you recall have opened after 1990?
Carole Gallegos // September 25, 2008 at 3:08 pm |
I was born in Houston in 1949 ansd lived on Pickwick Lane in Houston from 1949 until roughly 1956. I cannot find that street anywhere on any map, and when my son moved to Houston, he couldn’t find Pickwick Lane either. At the time it was a post WWII neighborhood, all new houses. There was a fire station neary as well. Can you tell me if the name was changed and if so, when, or if the street itself still even exists?
Thank you,
Carole
Gary Thac // June 18, 2009 at 9:23 pm |
Carole, I guess you’ve noticed the old maps here on this site. I’m not sure if any would help or not.
http://houstorian.wordpress.com/old-houston-maps/
Have you considered trying the downtown library?
Or some of the businesses in Houston that specialize in maps?
Houstorian Tracey // September 29, 2008 at 3:31 pm |
Carole – I’ll have to give a best guess for now. Based on the research I’ve done so far, I think Pickwick Lane was likely in or near the area now encompassed by the 77021 zip code, and no longer exists (at least by that name). You might look on the 1942 street map on this site to see if the area south of where OST and Griggs come together (south of downtown) looks familiar, as I think Pickwick Lane was in that area. A number of street names in that area have been changed (and so might not look familiar on a current map), and I’m guessing that some streets (possibly including Pickwick) around there disappeared when Loop 610 south was constructed.
Dana // December 4, 2008 at 8:59 am |
I am interested in the museum area or area called Binz. Particularly the area of Caroline street, around the clayton mansion and a house called Winslow Manor. Would you have information on this area?
Gary Thac // February 24, 2009 at 11:14 pm |
I would like to see a map of the ‘old’ Battleground Road, north of Hwy 225 in Deer Park. Anything in the 50s or 60s.
Dave Saxon // April 28, 2009 at 10:48 am |
My wife inherited a saddle which has “George H. Echols” on a silver plate on the back of it. We are trying to research Mr Echols, reportedly a “Houston oil man” who championed pari mutuel betting and ran for state representative. The family story has the saddle being given to Mr Echols by former governor Shivers. If anyone has information on Mr Echols or his relationship with Gov Shivers, it would be appreciated.
Rich Purtell // June 18, 2009 at 11:02 am |
I live very near Hayes Rd in west Houston . The road is elevated and I was told two different stories, (1) that it a road between old rice fields and (2) that it was actually a RR bed, anyone know which if either is correct.
Houstorian Tracey // June 18, 2009 at 1:37 pm |
Rich – I don’t know the answer, but you might be able to figure it out using the below 1915 topographic map of the Alief area.
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/topo/texas/txu-pclmaps-topo-tx-alief-1915.jpg
Joe Polly // July 15, 2009 at 7:47 pm |
After reading the article on Epsom Downs I thought you might like to know thi. In 1960 my father bought a business and building at 1111 Live Oak. I was told by several employees that the steel used in building this warehouse came out of Epsom Downs. Can it be proven? Probably not. But I have no reason to doubt those gentlemen. They told me many great stories about Houston’s past.
Beth // July 16, 2009 at 10:41 pm |
I have been given an incredible task..and very little time. I have to research any possible deaths on the land where Minute Maid Park now sits. I know it used to be Union Station, and before that…not sure. STILL can’t find any particular deaths that would stand out. Have not gone to the library to research archives from newspapers…but thought off hand SOMEONE would know of something to help me out! (-: ANY information would be so very helpful!
Houstorian Tracey // July 17, 2009 at 7:19 am |
Joe – Interesting story! If you’re looking to verify that information, the following from December 1937 might be helpful: “Epsom Downs, where the ponies galloped and the crowds cheered during the days when horse race betting was legal in Texas, went under the hammer today. The track was bid in a trustee’s sale on the courthouse steps by Dr. Harry Sagansky of Boston for an unannounced amount. The track and the 250 acre tract on which it stood was sold by Walter J. Morrison, trustee, to satisfy notes executed by the Texas Breeders and Racing Association. The sale was subject to a first mortgage held by Louis Sagansky, brother of the bidder.”
Beth – As you mention, that land was part of Union Station for a long time – the station was built in 1911. Finding the Union Station archives would likely be your best bet if you wanted to be comprehensive. If you’re looking for pre-Union Station information, in 1999, Mark Denton of the Texas Historical Commission referred to the ballpark construction site as “one of the most significant archaeological sites in Texas.” I believe the archaeological work at the site was handled by Houston-based Moore Archaeological Consultants (or Consulting). Also, per a newspaper article, on March 21, 1922, an unidentified man was found dying in front of Union Station, and died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. The newspaper article was dated several days later, and noted that the man – who had the initials “E.A.” in his hat – had still not been identified. Hope some of the above helps.
Beth // July 17, 2009 at 9:49 am |
Thanks Tracey! This gives me some good leads!!! I went to school at Incarnate Word Academy…across the street from Minute Maid Park…saw LOTS of individuals around my school…if you know what I mean! I’m sure Union Station did too! (-: I have also checked out some of the old maps and saw that there were some houses or similar structures there too…pre Union times. That land has seen many many people come through there… This is going to be a long journey for me to find out the history! Thanks for all of your help!!!!
Bob Ott // August 27, 2009 at 11:34 am |
I’m doing some family history and if anyone could help with a few items, I would be much abliged:
1. Where was Cafe Sauter and what years was it open? I have a ceramic toothpick holder from this business.
2. My grandfather was a Reo car dealer in the Houston/Galveston area in 1908 -1909. Any histories about this dealership?
3. Are there any directories with citizens addresses for these years. I have some old black & white photos and would like to match them.
thanks
Houstorian Tracey // August 27, 2009 at 12:09 pm |
Bob – I see a “Sauter Cafe” (owned by Gus F. Sauter) in Houston mentioned in a 1904 newspaper article, and a “Sauter’s Cafe” mentioned in a 1909 newspaper article. Then there is a reference to a “Cafe Sauter” in a 1910 article. I think these references are probably all to the same restaurant. No address given, but the city directories at the library should have its location listed. (On your third question, yes, the historic city directories have individuals listed as well.) The library branch is the Houston Metropolitan Research Center – during construction at the Ideson building, call first for the hours.
The Galveston newspaper reported in 1908 that a C.M. Barber, the Southwestern Representative of the Reo Automobile Company, had been arrested for the murder of a man in El Paso. After that, though, I don’t see any references until 1913 and later – mostly ads, but a lot of them. One especially large two-page ad on 12/13/1914 was placed by John Christensen & Co., distributors of Reo Automobiles, at 716-18 Tremont Street in Galveston.
Hope the above is useful.
Pam Mistrot // September 11, 2009 at 10:16 am |
My great grandfather was H.B. Mistrot, founder of the Mistrot Bros Chain Stores – I would like to see more about the history of the store on Main Street and the Mistrot Family – Gustav Mistrot was the owner of the Store on Main Street and their home was at La Branch and Clay ( the home was torn down in 1965 I think. Thank you for all that you are doing to recapture and preserve these wonderful Houston Historical facts. Pam Mistrot
Houstorian Tracey // September 11, 2009 at 10:44 am |
Hi Pam! What a wonderful family connection. I’ll see if I can find anything interesting for you. Please do check back over the next week or two (it’s hard to know when exactly I’ll have time to do research).
Houstorian Tracey // September 12, 2009 at 4:55 pm |
Pam: I was able to do some research today. I’m hoping some of the following is information you don’t already have:
I believe the Mistrot store in Houston (there were many Mistrot stores, as you probably know) was actually on the corner of Texas Ave. and Fannin. The “wholesale annex” was at 606-608 Main St. There are drawings of both buildings in the July 7, 1901 edition of the Houston Daily Post.
Gustave’s full name was Gustave Antoine Mistrot. He appears to have been born in 1862, and died in 1937. There is some geneaological information available for him using a basic internet search.
I didn’t find much quickly about the Mistrot house at 1504 Clay, though it appears to have become or been replaced by apartments by 1941.
I saw a couple of want ads placed by Mrs. Mistrot. One was in 1897, and read: “WANTED – White woman to cook; German preferred; good wages to the right person; call at 1504 Clay avenue. Mrs. G.A. Mistrot.”
Something I saw that I thought was interesting was that Mistrot seems to have leased space for some purpose (possibly warehousing) in the Houston Light Guard Armory building for some period of time. That lovely old building is still standing at the corner of Caroline and Truxillo, and I’m hoping it will be restored soon.
If you do an internet search on “Sisler” and “Mistrot”, you may find a legal opinion about a lawsuit involving G.A. Mistrot.
For more information on the Mistrot family, you may want to check the following book at the Houston library: Gustave Mistrot Cartier, “Mistrot-Segura Story in Louisiana and Texas”.
Hope some of that was new/useful to you.
Pam Mistrot // September 14, 2009 at 7:37 am |
thank you so much!
carolyn cormier // December 5, 2009 at 9:15 pm |
I was raised in the houston heights in the 1070’s and I am looking for old photos of the area depicting black life during that time. I have been very unsuccessful in my atempt.Hope you can help.
carolyn cormier // December 5, 2009 at 9:15 pm |
I was raised in the houston heights in the 1970’s and I am looking for old photos of the area depicting black life during that time. I have been very unsuccessful in my atempt.Hope you can help.
Mary // December 15, 2009 at 2:14 pm |
Do you have any history and/or photos (hopefully) of 5220 Caroline Street (i.e., “Winslow Manor”? Luxury apartments built in 1929. At some point, the 2 bedroom-2 bath, formal dining, formal livingroom (with fireplace), “solarium), butler’s pantry and kitchen were broken up into 1 bedroom-1 baths.
Linda Lederman // December 26, 2009 at 11:07 pm |
Do nyou know anything about the lighted very large horses on Interstate 10, just outside of Houston. Any information would be appreciated
Gary Thac // December 26, 2009 at 11:20 pm |
Linda, I presume you mean houses and not horses? Are you speaking of I-10 West toward Katy or I-10 East toward Baytown? It would help if you knew the nearest Exit number also.