Wildcatters in recent news...

I've been reading a lot about Spindletop and Texas wildcatters recently, thinking they were of the past.  Yet, I've opened the Houston Chronicle on two occasions in the past month and found articles written about some wildcatters, who may not be out hunting for oil anymore, but they have definitely left their mark and are continuing to do so.  Just thought I would share those articles here.

On June 8th, I read an article about Lester Smith, a wildcatter who has been donating millions of dollars to Houston area health institutions.  A two-time cancer survivor, his latest donation of 15 million dollars to the hospital district is the largest donation they have ever received.  He wanted to do something with his money that would help cancer patients at Ben Taub Hospital.  His donation will go towards a new cancer clinic that will cut wait times and add new equipment.  He is so devout in his battle against cancer, that he has even painted one of his wells pink.  (Houston Chronicle Article)

Clayton Williams is another wildcatter featured in the Chronicle.  I read an article about him in the June 14th paper.  The front-page picture of Williams standing in his office, grinning from ear to ear, with animal hides and mounted kills all around him fits my ideal of a Texas Wildcatter.  At 79 years old, Williams is far from slowing down, owning and operating Clayton Williams Energy.  (Houston Chronicle Article)

Headed to Beaumont

I have always wanted to go to Spindletop because my grandfather was there! 

 My grandfather on my dad's side, Shelby Banks Goodman, was born in Corscicana, Texas in 1880.  When he married my grandmother, Mary Alice Strother, he was 60 and she was only 30.  My father, Shelby Lee Goodman, was born when my grandfather was 62, and my dad was the oldest of five children.  My grandfather died when my dad was 13, leaving him to help raise his four younger siblings.  What little we know about my grandfather comes from the few family stories we have heard over the years, his obituary, and a few pictures that one of my aunts was able to locate and restore. 

My grandfather seems to have lead a very interesting life.  His obituary says that he worked on the second oil well to be drilled at Spindletop.  I have two pictures with him standing in front of an oil well.  He would have been 21 years old at the time.  He is second from the right in both pictures.

I have always wanted to know more about Spindletop because I feel like the more I know about Spindletop, the more I'll learn about my grandfather's life.  It's so hard to imagine what life was like in Texas in the early 1900's, but I'm hoping the museums I visit will give me a better feeling for what it was like back then. 

Here is a picture of a house in Corsicana, that my grandfather lived in.  I'm not sure if he lived here as a child or as an adult.  There's a lady on the front porch with two children.  I've often wondered if that may be my great-grandmother with my grandfather and a great aunt.  The family picture is of my grandfather with his first wife, who is not my grandmother, and his first daughter, my half-aunt. 

  



Grandfather's
Obituary
(back)

Grandfather's
Obituary
(front)















  







Dad, Grandmother, Uncle



I have been reading the book, The Big Rich: The Rise and Fall of the Greatest Texas Oil Fortunes by Bryan Burroughs.  I have really enjoyed reading this book.  I love reading books that mention places that I am familiar with or have visited.  The book gives you a glimpse into the lives of some of Texas' richest oilmen.  It's been a fun read, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a little Texas history!

From my visit to Beaumont, I hope to learn more about Texas oil, Spindletop, and what life was like when my grandfather was a young man in Texas.



Quick Stop...The Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley

On our way to visit the Clara B. Mounce Public Library in Bryan, we discovered a little children's museum right across the street from it.  In an historic building that used to be Bryan's Police Station and Jailhouse, is located The Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley.  Since we had other plans, we didn't get to stay long, much to Peyton's disappointment.  The nice young ladies working the front desk allowed us to take a look around and take some pictures.

The museum kind of reminded me of a much scaled-down version of Houston's Children's Museum.  Exhibits included a spaceship center, an HEB grocery store, a music corner and a reading area.  The children present seemed to really be enjoying themselves.  As we made our way upstairs, we passed a few boys making paper airplanes, testing them out down the stairwell.  A couple of girls were playing a rather large game of checkers, while others were reading.

 

  

I did not notice much use of any technology in the museum.  One flat-screen television hung on the wall near the entrance, broadcasting information to patrons.  Other than that, I don't remember seeing anything else.

This was a cute little museum, that seems to still be in development.  There is plenty of educational activities to entertain young children for a couple of hours. 

The cost of admission is $5 per person, and seniors can get in for $4.  I feel like this price is kind of high, considering it only cost $8 for The Children's Museum of Houston, and that place was HUGE!!  I would think that $3 for adults and $2 per child would be more appropriate.  But, I guess they're trying to raise money for the museum, so it's going to a good cause!

Carnegie History Center

The Carnegie History Center is located in downtown Bryan.  The library has a fascinating history, and it's worth the visit just to experience the beautifully restored building.  Opened to the public in 1903, the library was the result of a grant offered by Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie.  Carnegie libraries can be found all over the world.  Bryan's Carnegie Library is the oldest existing Carnegie in Texas.

Stepping through the doors at the Carnegie History Center feels like you're stepping back in time.  Two hand-carved pine stairways flank the entryway.  The tongue and groove pine flooring, the decorative pressed metal ceiling and stairwells are all original to the building.  The library has two oak pub tables, a library table, an oak magazine rack, and several ladder-back chairs that are also original to the library.

 

 



After introducing myself to the librarian, my mother and I began looking around the first floor.  The first floor houses a lot of information and photographs about the history of Bryan-College Station and the Brazos Valley area.  In fact, I discovered some old high school yearbooks and found my mom's junior and senior pictures in SFA High School's Yearbooks (SFA is now a middle school in Bryan).  She doesn't own these books, so it was the first time I've ever seen her senior picture.  Turns out we looked a lot alike!  



My Mom's Senior Pic



My 10th Grade Picture















The second floor of the History Center stores many specialized genealogy resources.  Computers with internet access and microfilm readers are also available for use.  What better place to look up family history than in a library that holds so much history itself.

Clara B. Mounce Public Library

Jarrod and Peyton joined me on my trip to Bryan's public library yesterday.  My mom and my nephew, Brawley, came along as well.  From the outside, it looks like there hasn't been much change to the library since the days when I went there as a kid.  The big bell that was so much fun to ring still sits out in front of the rectangular, two-story building.  Oh, but it does bear a new name now; it's now called the Clara B. Mounce Public Library.

  

Upon entering the library, everything felt so familiar.  The biggest change I noticed to the first floor is the addition of computers.  The circulation desk looks a little more modern than what I remember it looking like.  I spotted on self-checkout machine located on the circulation desk.

After a looking over the first floor, Brawley quickly led us up the stairs to the children's area.  I am so happy to see him excited about visiting the library.  We found an open computer and I showed him how to look up books using the online catalog.  After locating a couple of books, I showed him where to find graphic novels since I remembered him telling me that he liked to read them.  He ended up taking home about four graphic novels, one "I Spy" book and a chapter book to read.

While I was helping Brawley, Jarrod did a little exploring and found a small area with computers set up for Internet use.  Next to the computer area was a small area set aside for teens.  I don't know if this spot has always been here, but I have a feeling it is somewhat new.  The space is a little hard to find, and not quite as elaborate as the teen room we visited at the Houston Public Library.  Mismatched furniture and the room's location made me feel like they were just kind of throwing teens in the corner, as far away from everyone else as possible.  I appreciate the attempt to set aside a spot for young adults and their literature, but the room just felt a bit odd to me.  I also noticed something that I have not seen in any library that I've recently visited.  On one of the walls in the teen room was a sign that said "Quiet Zone!"  Really?  There was one near the computer area as well.  I understand wanting it to be quiet near the computers for those doing research, but I don't think the teen area needs a "Quiet Zone!" sign.  In fact, I've come to expect a little bit of noise when I visit libraries.  I think patrons feel a little more at ease about asking for help when they are not expected to be "quiet."  Anyway, I just think the sign may turn some teens away or make them feel uncomfortable.

  

 

I enjoyed my visit to the Clara B. Mounce Public Library in Bryan.  It was great reminiscing and seeing what kind of changes had been made to prepare the library for 21st century information services.  Some changes in the teen area would make the library much more inviting to young adults.

Busy, Busy, Busy!!

Last week, I was hoping to hit Spindletop by Friday, but it didn't happen.  I had a project due for another class and it ended up taking more of my time than I thought, so Spindletop will have to wait until later this week.  I'm planning for Thursday, but you never know!

I'm presently in Bryan, having come up for my niece's birthday.  I wanted to go to the Carnegie History Center with my mom today, but it's closed on Monday's.  So, we're going to go tomorrow.  The Carnegie History Center was originally the Carnegie Library, Bryan's first public library that was opened in 1903.  My mother remembers visiting the library as a child.  The library has been through renovations, along with the rest of downtown Bryan, and is now used more specifically to share the history of the Brazos Valley.  The library houses several local history collections, including many specialized genealogy references.  I am very curious to see how the inside of the building has been restored.  Any information I happen to stumble upon having to do with my family will be a definitely be a bonus!

After we visit the Carnegie History Center, I want to take my mom to the Bryan Public Library, which I have now learned is called the Clara B. Mounce Public Library.  This library is located directly behind the Carnegie History Center.  This is the library I grew up with.  I remember it having a huge bell out front that my niece and nephew loved to "dong" on every visit.  I wonder if it's still there...guess I'll find out tomorrow!  I want to take my mom to this library so that I can show her how to use an web-based catalog.  She called me last week, saying that she had taken one of my nephews to the library and they were having trouble locating a Skippyjon Jones book because they didn't know the author.  She couldn't find a card catalog anywhere and wasn't sure how to look it up on the computer.  I tried to explain how to use the catalog over the phone, and explained that she could access the catalog at home.  But, I think it may just be easier to help her in person.  Hopefully, my nephew will come along so I can show him too.  Brawley is 8 years old, and just started to enjoy reading for pleasure this year.  I don't want anything to cause him frustration when looking for something to read! 

If time permits, I need to swing by one of A&M's many libraries.  I'm guessing that the Sterling C. Evans Library is the main one, so I'm hoping to find it.  I don't know my way around campus, so I'll most likely need to look it up on a map before over to College Station.  While on campus, I need to locate the Harrington building because I'll be taking a test there next Saturday.  Like I said, busy, busy, busy!!!

Houston Public Library

After leaving the Houston Museum of Natural Science yesterday, I started heading home but traffic was so heavy, I dreaded getting on the freeway.  So, I asked Peyton if she'd rather sit in traffic or sit in a library until traffic died down a bit.  She chose the library, so I started looking for one.  I saw a "Library" sign on the way to the museum, so I went back to see which library was close by.  The sign led us to the Clayton Library Center for Genealogy Research.  I was curious to check it out, but I wasn't sure if it would be very entertaining for Peyton.  So, I put "Houston Public Library" in my GPS to see what else I could find.  I ended up going to the Smith Neighborhood Library located across the street from the University of Houston.

The Smith Neighborhood Library is just that, a small library that serves the surrounding neighborhood where it is located.  There were probably 15-20 patrons at the library when we arrived.  Most were working on computers or laptops.  A few children were reading books in the children's area.  Peyton found a book she wanted to read, but she stopped by a computer and spotted a program that she had used before and decided to work on it for a while.  When some other little girls asked to use the computer, Peyton graciously gave up her spot and decided to read the book she had found.  I looked up the address for the main library downtown and we headed off to another library.

 



After three circles around the block, I finally found the entrance for parking at the Central Library in downtown Houston.  The small entrance lead to a parking lot underneath the library.  As we tried to navigate our way to the library, a helpful security guard let us know where to go.  He suggested we try the 4th floor first because that's where the children's collection was located.  When we walked in, the movie Gnomeo and Juliet was being projected in front of several parents and children who were working on computers or just enjoying the movie.  We strolled around, checking out the large collection of books, magazines, CD's and DVD's.  What an awesome place for children to work and learn.  Peyton grabbed a few puzzles and sat at a table where she could work and watch the movie at the same time.  I looked around some more, noticing a couple of flat screen TVS which were set up for video game play.  A copy machine and printer were available for patron use.  If you want to use a computer, you have to have a library card.  Patrons swipe their card and select a computer to work on from a list that appears on the screen.  This process makes sure everyone gets a chance to use the computers and frees librarians to tend to other duties.  There was also a self-serve book check-out for patrons to use, rather than having to check out on the main floor.

  

 

 

  

 

Our next stop was the teen room, which was also located on the 4th floor.  As soon as we walked in, Peyton and I both said, "WOW!"  This area seemed more like a teen hang-out rather than a library.  Laughter met us at the door as the librarian and 4 or 5 teens chatted about a movie playing on one of the TV's.  The egg-shaped chairs were the first thing to catch our eyes.  Each chair was directed at a flat-screen TV.  When I asked what it was used for, the librarian said they were set up for playing PlayStation 3.  Computers with large, flat-screen monitors were arranged in back-to-back rows.  Besides the movie being played, another TV was being used by a teen playing a video game.  The bookshelves were painted black and the the bright colors of the furniture gave the room a young, hip feel.  Vending machines, games, and snack tables were also provided.  Audio books and magazines were shelved along with the books, using a special row along the top of the shelves for nontraditional materials.  A large collection of manga and graphic novels were easy to find and access.  It was hard tearing Peyton away from this room.  She said she wished all libraries had a place like this.  I'm sure all kids would feel the same. 

 

 

 

 

 

We were sad to leave the teen room, but there was more library to see.  So, Peyton and I continued our adventure.  The next stop was the 3rd floor.  The 3rd floor contains reference and research materials, nonfiction 800-900's, magazines and newspapers.  Study rooms are available as well as computers and microfilm machines.  This floor was much quieter than the teen room.  And I was asked a couple of times if I needed help finding anything.  This floor felt more like a typical library.

 

 

The 2nd floor is very similar to the 3rd floor.  The second floor contains the rest of the nonfiction collection, the 000-700's.  It also has a section called "Careers, Opportunities, Resources, and Education."  On each floor, there are TV's hung next to the elevator entrances that are used to share information with patrons about library activities.

 

 

 The 1st floor houses the fiction collection, world languages, music, movies, and audiobooks.  Computer stations are also located on the 1st floor.  The same sign-in procedure is used here as it was in the children's room.  Self-checkout stations are available or patrons can use the assisted checkout.

 

 

The Central Library in Houston is an awesome display of what all libraries should strive to be.  It is modern and clean, with easy access to all materials.  With the help of technology, the library is set up so that patrons can successfully help themselves to all services and materials, but helpful librarians are also available for assisstance when needed.  If you haven't been, you have to check it out, it's pretty awesome!