The Galveston Opera House--2012-20 Post Off.st.
by VeronicaG
On the day we visited, a wedding was being set up in the Opera House. What a unique idea! Although we had to take a quick look around, I did manage to snap a couple pictures. Picture #2 shows the private boxes from which I'd love to enjoy an opera!
The rounded arched entrance of this Opera House makes for a grand impression. The building is comprised of red pressed brick with terra cotta elements and is in the style of Boston architect H.H. Richardson. The architect of this building, however, was a little known individual from New Orleans, Frank Cox, but he created a medieval Romanesque structure that would make H.H. proud!
Theatrical organizer, Henry Greenwall, convinced a group of Galveston businessmen to invest in a 1,500 seat theatre and 56 room hotel, which was constructed in 1895-96. The theatre operated until 1974 when it was bought by the Cultural Arts Council and restored. It is still a venue for entertaining the public year round.
The first phase of the restoration (1981)was carried out by Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer and Asso. of New York; the second (1986)by Killis Almond and Asso. of San Antonio. It is the only remaining theater of Henry Greenwall's.
For more information see Galveston Architecture Handbook by Ellen Beasley and Stephen Fox, Rice University Press and Galveston Historical Foundation
Dickens on the Strand
by H-TownJourneyman
Taking place during the first weekend in December on the Strand, the downtown district of Galveston, Dickens on the Strand is a festival that celebrates the holiday season in the spirit of Charles Dickens and the Victorian age. People are dressed in traditional clothing of that time, both participants, and spectators, and there are many interesting sights and sounds that take you back into one of Dickens' classic novels. Vendors line the streets selling anything from little trinkets and handmade crafts, to cooked turkey legs, wassel, and of course, beer! There are carolers on corners singing various yuletide hymns, and Bobbies patrolling the streets, maintaining order. Several parades also take place during the festival, complete with the Queen of England (not the real one, at least I don’t think so!), bagpipe bands, and beggars asking for spare change. Charles Dickens' great great grandson is also a regular attendee of the event! It's a great time to be had, and the bone-chilling Decembers of Texas make it all the more authentic feeling! (I smell sarcasm!) If you are in the area the first weekend in December, check it out!
Texas Revolution Monument
by msbrandysue
You will inevitably see this statue as you come into Galveston on Broadway. While I was there I took a picture so I could research it when I get home. Well, it's actually really interesting! (I say that...I teach the Texas Revolution to my 2nd graders so it means something to me.) However, the info for the statue is below. While you're touring Ashton Villa you can get a good view of it. Beware, though, Broadway is usually very busy!
"The Texas Heroes Monument was one of the bequests of Henry Rosenberg (for whom 25th Street was renamed in 1897) to the city of Galveston. It sits in the intersection of Broadway and Rosenberg Avenue. The trustees of Rosenberg’s estate commissioned the sculptor, Louis Amateis, of Washington, D.C. to produce this 72-foot-high bronze and granite monument commemorating those who fought in the Texas Revolution of 1835-1836.
The bronze statue of Victory atop the columned shaft extends her crown of laurels in the direction of the San Jacinto battlefield, fifty miles north of Galveston, along Buffalo Bayou, where the army of Anglo-Texians under General Sam Houston surprised and captured the forces of Mexican president Antonio López de Santa Anna in 1836. The battle victory forced Santa Anna to concede the independence of Texas from Mexico.
The monument was dedicated on San Jacinto Day, 21 April 1900, by Govenor Joseph D. Sayers."
Best Smoothies in the World!
by aja28 about Smooth Tony's
Another great local spot. Tony is a super person. You'll find a friendly face and some great food and drink at Smooth Tony's. They only use fresh fruit that is in season. They will make any type of smoothy you can think of - blueberry and cantelope? Strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, and banana - you name it. They are just wonderful. They also serve a mean burger. They are great. Sometimes for lunch we would get the monster 32 oz smoothy....mmmm - great on a hot Galveston day. Any smoothy - they are all fantastic
Cheeseburgers are great
Chicken sandwhich is great
Lone Star Flight Museum
by WFTR
The Lone Star Flight Museum features two hangars of airplanes, a historic display area, and a gift shop. Many of the planes are still in flying condition, and volunteers and staff fly them at local airshows. They are often in the process of restoring a plane, so the visitor often sees a plane under reconstruction.
Most of the planes in the museum are from WWII. They have one plane like the one that President Bush (41) flew in the Pacific during WWII. Several have won awards for the detail of their restoration. Most are American, but a few are foreign.
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Left Corner of the Flagship
The Seawall
Battery Kimble
The USS Cavalla (left) and the USS Stewart
