🔒 POP QUIZ: So, you think you know about the Houston Zoo? See how many of these questions you can get right
Do you profess to be a Houston history junkie, a die-hard Houston Zoo fan, or perhaps a genuine zookeeper with a soft spot for trivia? Just how deep does your Houston Zoo knowledge go? Take a few minutes, answer the questions, and see how many you can get right.
Elvis, bucking broncos and the Astrodome: We can’t stop watching this archived footage of the Houston Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a 90-year-old institution touted as one of the world’s largest gatherings of cattlemen and cowboy sportsmen, has returned after a lengthy hiatus due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Timeless burgers: 10 of Houston’s oldest burger joints you have to try
Listed chronologically by opening date, here’s a look at the longstanding Houston eateries that have been dishing out burgers and fries for decades. Note that several of the burger joints listed below have been in business longer than half a century.
‘You don’t forget these storms’: 13 years after Hurricane Ike devastated the Gulf Coast, locals share what they remember most
Ike made landfall over Galveston Island as a Category 2 Hurricane at 2:10 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2008. The storm devastated the regions, killing dozens and causing billions in damage. The Houston-area locals that lived through shared what they remember most about Ike.
‘Candy Man’ Dean Corll was shot dead 48 years ago. Texas EquuSearch will soon begin searching for the remains of any additional victims
48 years ago, Dean Corll, one of the country’s most prolific serial killers, was shot dead at his home in Pasadena, Texas. Texas EquuSearch announced Sunday it will soon begin searching for the remains of any additional victims.
Emancipation Park hosts 149th Annual Juneteenth Celebration with virtual events
Emancipation Park is located in Houston’s Third Ward, and is a great place for community members to gather and celebrate Juneteenth. This year, they have been presenting virtual programs on their online platforms throughout the month of June, with support from corporate partners like Shell.
5 of Houston’s oldest bakeries, dessert destinations
In Houston’s food scene, high value is often placed on innovation, novelty and aesthetics -on the most Insta-worthy menu items, the most unique dining experience or the latest foodie fad. It is no wonder, then, that so many of the city’s oldest bakeries and dessert shops have disappeared.
Celebrating Houston history makers: Meet this year’s 8 award-winners
Eight community volunteers are being honored by Comcast this year, in celebration of Black History Month. It has been four years now since the Mayor’s History Makers Awards presented by Comcast kicked off. Comcast partners with the Mayor of Houston annually to recognize eight African-American citizens who are making a difference in the local community. They deserve to be celebrated every day -- and especially during Black History Month,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said. Publisher, Houston Style Magazine; Edward Pollard, Houston City Council Member, District J; and Dr. Ruth Simmons, President, Prairie View A&M University.
The librarian whose determination became a storied part of Houston history
After serving eighteen years as head librarian, Norman became unsatisfied and wanted to continue her educational path. Therefore, Norman returned to school and received her Master of Education degree from Texas Southern University in 1956. Upon completing her Master’s degree, Norman missed doing what she loved most: being a librarian. KPRC 2 is partnering with Texas Southern University throughout the month of February for a celebration of Houston Black history. She is a junior majoring in Journalism at Texas Southern University.
31 Houston-area eateries that have stood the test of time
In Houston’s restaurant scene, high value is often placed on innovation, novelty and newness -on the trendiest restaurant, the most unique dining experience or the latest foodie fad. His children own and operate the only Christie’s restaurant location still operating. Texas barbecue legend John Davis and his wife Leila opened the historic Houston restaurant in 1935 as Shepherd Drive Bar-B-Q. The eatery still operated out of its original location, situated at 7006 I-45 South at Woodridge. Following the success of its original location, several additional locations followed and a local fried chicken empire was born.
A former Astroworld employee reminisces about the most coveted summer job in Houston
A job at AstroWorld was the hottest thing a teenager could do in Houston in the ’80s. But when our school bus passed by AstroWorld, I often stared at the spectacular rides tucked behind the gate. AstroWorld was ours; it belonged to the children of Houston, not the world or even Texas at large, although we were willing to share. As a child, I remember the sights, sounds, and smells at AstroWorld constantly changing with each new turn in the park. In addition to manning the games and rides, AstroWorld workers were constantly hawking some candy or treat for a few bucks.
Houston History: KPRC introduces ‘The Big 2 Instant News Camera’ during the election of 1974
It wasn’t until 1974 when KPRC 2 introduced a new piece of equipment that would change its news coverage forever. #Houston's @KPRC2 introduced the Big 2 Instant News Camera on #ElectionDay 1974, reporting from multiple candidate HQs simultaneously. https://t.co/HKDIZNPAIp — TAMI (@texasarchive) November 3, 2020Prior to 1974, ‘Big 2 News’ had to do a variety of steps to get footage on air for its newscasts. On November 5, 1974, KPRC 2 introduced the ‘Big 2 Instant News Camera’ on Election Day. Photojournalist shooting KPRC reporter with the Big 2 Instant News camera (KPRC)The Big 2 Instant News Camera changed the way KPRC delivered its news.
Did you know the Houston Zoo has its own resident ghost?
The Houston Zoo opened in Hermann Park in the 1920s and acquired its first ghost just two decades later. The adventurous, German-born lion-tamer Hans Nagel was the institution’s first zookeeper. During his tenure, Nagel, a media darling who’s wild antics were fodder for local newspapers, would become a well-known figure about town.
New Sugar Land 95 report includes a roster of 72 forced laborers likely buried in the unmarked graves
SUGAR LAND, Texas About 2.5 years after workers stumbled upon the first skeletal remains during construction of a Fort Bend Independent School District Career and Technical Center, the school district published a 500-page report honoring the Sugar Land 95.Its not speculation, its archeology, a true historical report that documents all of this, said Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Dr. Charles Dupre. RELATED: Sugar Land 95 reburied, public memorial planned for springThe report includes a roster of 72 African American men who worked and died on Bullhead Convict Labor Camp in the late 1890s and early 1900s, part of a horrific and state-sanctioned prison labor system, who were likely buried in some of the 95 unmarked graves. The roster includes William Crawford, who records suggest was a 21-year-old married man accused of forgery and was gunned down trying to escape the prison camp. Researchers have secured funding for the first batch of DNA extractions, officials wrote on the Fort Bend ISD website. Additional funding will be needed to fund the remaining DNA extractions, analysis, comparisons to existing databases, public outreach, and genealogical studies.Read more here.
Remembering Houston real estate icon Gerald D. Hines and his 7 signature properties you can find in Texas
HOUSTON Gerald D. Hines was known for his commitment to architectural excellence, superior engineering and integrity. Hines at the time the Hines firm was founded in 1957 (Tim Connolly, Hines)His true love was building. Gerald D. Hines brought innovation, excellence in design, the efficiency of construction and sustainability to the international real estate investment and development world as perhaps no builder of our time has done. No city (bears) his signature as clearly as does Houston and in Houston the Uptown / Galleria area is his grandest triumph, said John Breeding, President of Uptown Houston, in a statement. Here are seven signature properties in Texas developed by Gerald Hines.
Galveston history: Why you would never see women at the beach during the Victorian era
HOUSTON A fun guessing game turned into an interesting history lesson when a Galveston museum revealed the purpose behind bathing machines used in the during the Georgian or Victorian eras. According to The Bryan Museum, bathing machines were used to offer Georgian or Victorian women privacy to undress as well as a dry place for swimmers to keep their belongings. At some locations, there were female attendants known as dippers who could help women out of the bathing machines and into the water. Just as they came, women would travel back to shore in the bathing machine and get redressed in private. According to an article on the subject by Messy Nessy Chic, the use of bathing machines diminished during the 1920s.
Meet Charlotte Marie Baldwin Allen, the ‘Mother of Houston’
Charlotte Marie Baldwin Allen Do you know who the "Mother of Houston" is? Meet Charlotte Marie Baldwin Allen. Houston received its namesake and Allen became known as the ”Mother of Houston.”Over the next 45 years, she became a prominent role in the development of Houston. Charlotte Allen died on August 3, 1895. In 1907, Charlotte Baldwin Allen elementary school became the first public school in the city named after a woman.
Remembering the G7 summit that took place at Rice University 30 years ago
HOUSTON On July 9, 1990, seven world leaders stood in front of Lovett Hall at Rice University, for the 16th G7 Economic Summit. Known as the Group of Seven, G7 consisted of seven industrialized nations including France, West Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and the President of the European Commission. G7 members walk through the Sallyport of Lovett Hall at Rice University (Rice University)The 16th G7 Summit, which began in 1975 was held on the campus of Rice University from July 9th through July 11th, its purpose was to provide a venue for the non-communist powers to come together and address economic concerns. G7 members walking on the inner loop at Rice University (Rice University)According to the Houstorian Calendar, its believed barbecue and not-so-great stereotypes of Texas were featured on the opening day of the summit. There is a memorial of the G7 Summit on the grounds of Rice University near Herring Hall.
‘United with pride.‘: A look back at Houston’s first LGBTQ Pride Parade more than 4 decades ago
Nearly 50 years ago, the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York were considered the beginning of the modern LGBTQ rights movement. The historical riot was the spark that helped ignite Houston’s first gay and lesbian organization in the early 70s. However, the city didn’t celebrate its first parade celebration almost a decade later.
Texas History: The story of Juneteenth in Houston and its significance to black communities across the US
According to the Texas State Historical Association, this became part of the calendar of public events by 1872 under the direction of the Freedmen’s Bureau. Jack Yates along with a few other community members, who were also former slaves, united to raise $1,000 to purchase ten acres of parkland to host Juneteenth celebrations. However, the magnitude of Juneteenth celebrations declined through the years due to economic and cultural forces. During the 1970’s late Houston Democrat Rep. Al Edwards introduced a bill calling for Juneteenth to become state holiday. Related: Juneteenth celebrations around the country mark the day enslaved Texans were finally told they are free 155 years agoToday Juneteenth celebrations spread all across the country.
Protests, Riots and Activism: A look back at 11 moments in Houston History
(Photo by Dave Einsel/Getty Images) (2006 Getty Images)2011: Occupy Houston movementOn December 11, 2011, several protesters associated with Occupy movements across Texas were arrested near the Port of Houston on Monday. A month prior, several Occupy Houston protesters were arrested in downtown Houston blocking traffic in the intersection of Commerce and Travis streets. Occupy Houston was a collaboration that has included occupation protests that stand in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street. 2017: Womens MarchOn January 21, 2017, more than 20,000 people walked through downtown Houston, one of the hundreds of Womens Marches taking place across the country. 2018: March for Our LivesOn March 24, 2018, nearly 15,000 Houstonians marched through downtown Houston.
Remembering Queen Elizabeth II’s royal visit to Houston nearly 30 years ago
On May 22, 1991, thousands of Houstonians filled the streets waving British flags, hoping to get a glance of British royalty. It was a rainy Wednesday morning when Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Phillip were greeted by a choir group in front of City Hall.
May 5, 1961: NASA sends the first American into space
Astronaut Alan B. Shepard, Jr. is credited as the first American to journey into space on May 5, 1961. According to NASA, in 1959 NASA invited 110 top test pilots to volunteer for the manned space flight program. 1923: Alan Shepard, the naval aviator and NASA astronaut who in 1961 became the second person, and the first American, to travel into space, is born in Derry, New Hampshire. (NASA via Wikimedia Commons)He received numerous awards, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. You can learn more about Alan B. Shepard, Jr. and his mission in the video below.
Houston History: The flu pandemic Houston faced 100 years ago
HOUSTON – Hour by hour, the City of Houston is working around the clock, hoping to flatten the curve and avoid a rapid spread of COVID-19. Nearly 100 years ago in 1918, the world dealt with the pandemic influenza, known as the “Spanish flu.” With little to no knowledge of this influenza, people were dying at a rapid rate. Although the spread began in the early spring of 1918, cities in Texas didn’t become affected until fall. At the time, Houston wasn’t the only city in Texas dealing with the Spanish flu. Learn more about the 1918 flu pandemic in the video below.
Trailblazing Woman: Houstonian Frances ‘Sissy’ Farenthold reflects on almost a century of advocating for women’s rights
AdSissy Farenthold: A Noble Citizen (The Bernard and Audre Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice)1926 - Frances “Sissy” Farenthold is born in Corpus Christi. I liked the competition.”Sissy Farenthold: A Noble Citizen (The Bernard and Audre Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice)1949 - Sissy graduates from law school. Sissy Farenthold: A Noble Citizen (The Bernard and Audre Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice)1969-1973 - Sissy served in the Texas House of Representatives. Sissy Farenthold: A Noble Citizen (The Bernard and Audre Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice)1976-1980 - Sissy serves as president of Wells College in Aurora, New York. She continues to lend her voice and support to human rights efforts around the world and in Houston.