Jump to content

Memories Of Montrose


lovett19

Recommended Posts

I'm searching for photographs of Lovett Blvd from the 1960's & 1970's. I'm mainly interested in the section of Lovett Blvd east of Montrose Blvd (dead ends @ Taft). I currently live in the 811 Lovett Townhouses complex, and I've been researching the history of the property.

HAR.com has us listed as being built in 1972. But after digging around the Julia Ideson Library, I found old phone directories that show 811 Lovett Blvd Townhomes were listed as early as 1963. Prior to that was a residence which was used by the architect firm of Bolton & Barnstone. The phone directory also listed an address of 813 1/2 Lovett, which I thought was odd. I contacted Mr. Bolton (this was probably 5 or 6 years ago) and talked to him for a little bit. He informed me that the odd address was the guest house that stood at the back of the property that was used as a studio by the Houston Ballet.

Anyway, I'm a history buff, and would love it if anyone out there had some old photographs of my neighborhood they'd be willing to share on this website?!

Thanks!

Lovett19

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...

HAIF,

I have spent the past few days doing some research on Hyde Park in Montrose, especially on the block of Hyde Park Blvd between Commonwealth and Waugh. I spoke with a man who grew up on the site of the Hyde Park Apartments, and he mentioned that before the Half Price Books store occupied the corner of Waugh and Hyde, there used to be a church on the site...and before that a market. Does anyone have any history on this block? I am developing a sustainable residential building, The Mirabeau B (named after another early owner) on the site (2410 Waugh) and would like to learn as much as possible about the location's long history. Outside of talking with the neighborhood association and an early Houston Press article, my only trail is the property records...

Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 8 months later...

While many newbees of the late 70's and early 80's began the process of self discovery at the ripe young age of 16 or 17, I was not aware of the existence of Montrose until I was 22. What I found back then was absolutely amazing. The excitement, adventure and newness of discovering this part of Houston was wonderfully astounding.

Perhaps I had lived a sheltered life because I had grown up in Houston but had never known about Montrose until then. For a newbee, the area was a great big wonderful world unto itself. It was like Disneyland for gay people.

In addition to the obvious excitement for a young gay man, there was something more. This part of town offered not only a place to relate to others like me, but an area with a personality and flavor unlike any other in the city.

I enjoyed the new discovery for a number of years before my travels took me away from Houston. Since I moved away some years ago, I have been hearing rumblings that it is definitely not the same Montrose.

I still live out of town but I would love to know what Montrose is like today compared to the 70's and 80's. My curiosity is all consuming. I would really appreciate your feedback.

Hopefully, my life will someday return me to one of the most wonderful cities in the world. Until then, I would love to know what's changed about the area and the experience of living there. Thank you :)

Edited by Stargaze
Link to comment
Share on other sites

While many newbees of the late 70's and early 80's began the process of self discovery at the ripe young age of 16 or 17, I was not aware of the existence of Montrose until I was 22. What I found back then was absolutely amazing. The excitement, adventure and newness of discovering this part of Houston was wonderfully astounding.

Perhaps I had lived a sheltered life because I had grown up in Houston but had never known about Montrose until then. For a newbee, the area was a great big wonderful world unto itself. It was like Disneyland for gay people.

In addition to the obvious excitement for a young gay man, there was something more. This part of town offered not only a place to relate to others like me, but an area with a personality and flavor unlike any other in the city.

I enjoyed the new discovery for a number of years before my travels took me away from Houston. Since I moved away some years ago, I have been hearing rumblings that it is definitely not the same Montrose.

I still live out of town but I would love to know what Montrose is like today compared to the 70's and 80's. My curiosity is all consuming. I would really appreciate your feedback.

Hopefully, my life will someday return me to one of the most wonderful cities in the world. Until then, I would love to know what's changed about the area and the experience of living there. Thank you :)

I moved to Houston - that is, Montrose - in 1981, because of its reputation as a free-wheeling, fun, affordable and stimulating place.

Especially appealing was the prevalence of gay bars - nearly 30 at that time. It was a magnet that rivaled San Francisco. The optimism was palpable. Jobs were plentiful. People started businesses in the spare rooms of rented bungalows - resale, hairdressing, antiques - all the cliches'. They lived out their dreams. We had a sympathetic mayor; raids on gay bars ceased. All was good.

Then came a double-whammy; an economic downturn, and the devastation that AIDS brought. Young men went from healthy one month to sickly the next, to dead a few weeks later. It was horrible. Radio DJs made unpardonable jokes about Montrose. Did you know that realtors used to be obligated to tell potential buyers if the previous owners of a house had died from AIDS? Houses sat vacant for months on the market. There were even HUD houses on the auction block.

Yet, Montrose persisted. Drag queens bravely plied the streets; artists painted and played. There was a new comraderie. We were staunch.

In the mid-90's Montrose changed. A plethora of townhomes suddenly appeared. Fast food franchises moved in, gourmet restaurants opened and rents increased. Montrose went from a funky, lovable yet disreputable neighborhood to fashionable, seemly overnight.

Which is where we find ourselves now. But yeah. Montrose is still worthwhile.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

In the mid-90's Montrose changed. A plethora of townhomes suddenly appeared. Fast food franchises moved in, gourmet restaurants opened and rents increased. Montrose went from a funky, lovable yet disreputable neighborhood to fashionable, seemly overnight.

Which is where we find ourselves now. But yeah. Montrose is still worthwhile.

The other side of the story is that gays have integrated into society and scattered to the winds. There's no one single gay neighborhood in Houston, now. Rather, it's all just a little gayer.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I moved to Houston - that is, Montrose - in 1981, because of its reputation as a free-wheeling, fun, affordable and stimulating place.

Especially appealing was the prevalence of gay bars - nearly 30 at that time. It was a magnet that rivaled San Francisco. The optimism was palpable. Jobs were plentiful. People started businesses in the spare rooms of rented bungalows - resale, hairdressing, antiques - all the cliches'. They lived out their dreams. We had a sympathetic mayor; raids on gay bars ceased. All was good.

Then came a double-whammy; an economic downturn, and the devastation that AIDS brought. Young men went from healthy one month to sickly the next, to dead a few weeks later. It was horrible. Radio DJs made unpardonable jokes about Montrose. Did you know that realtors used to be obligated to tell potential buyers if the previous owners of a house had died from AIDS? Houses sat vacant for months on the market. There were even HUD houses on the auction block.

Yet, Montrose persisted. Drag queens bravely plied the streets; artists painted and played. There was a new comraderie. We were staunch.

In the mid-90's Montrose changed. A plethora of townhomes suddenly appeared. Fast food franchises moved in, gourmet restaurants opened and rents increased. Montrose went from a funky, lovable yet disreputable neighborhood to fashionable, seemly overnight.

Which is where we find ourselves now. But yeah. Montrose is still worthwhile.

Thanks for the perspective. The part about the radio dj's just goes to show that we can never over estimate the ability of people to behave badly and inappropriately. And I can certainly believe the part about the real estate disclosure requirements because the histeria back then was pretty bad. I hated to hear about some of the grand old Victorian homes being leveled for new brick, mortar and sheetrock - what an unnecessary added tragedy. I glad there is still enough optimism and courage to keep moving forward. I think Houston is lucky to have a part of town largely identified with the gay community because most cities do not share this wonderful amenity. I hope that one day Montrose will return to the glory of its former roots.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you look at pictures of lower Westheimer from back in the day it was packed with businesses, many utilising those old Victorian houses. Over time they went out of business and the houses were knocked down or burned leaving large gaps in the streetscape. It was worsened when a large strip center was built with parking in front. I think it will be hard for Montrose to return to its glory days without somehow returning a true urban streetscape to serve as sort of a Main Street for the neighborhood.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you look at pictures of lower Westheimer from back in the day it was packed with businesses, many utilising those old Victorian houses. Over time they went out of business and the houses were knocked down or burned leaving large gaps in the streetscape. It was worsened when a large strip center was built with parking in front. I think it will be hard for Montrose to return to its glory days without somehow returning a true urban streetscape to serve as sort of a Main Street for the neighborhood.

I think you are absolutely right. At least part of the specialness of that era was the combination of the traditional Victorian architectural physicality and a group of guys and gals who wanted to get physical on their own terms irrespective of tradition. Ecclecticism at its best. The great news is that no matter what happens, those of us who were around during that time will always remember what it was like to come of age in a truly great era, and enjoy the experience at least for a period of time.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think you are absolutely right. At least part of the specialness of that era was the combination of the traditional Victorian architectural physicality and a group of guys and gals who wanted to get physical on their own terms irrespective of tradition. Ecclecticism at its best. The great news is that no matter what happens, those of us who were around during that time will always remember what it was like to come of age in a truly great era, and enjoy the experience at least for a period of time.

Quite true.

Unfortunately Houston planning guidelines seem almost designed to prevent that kind of streetscape from ever happening again. Setback rules, minimum parking requirements and a focus on moving automobiles before all else make it almost impossible to create a dense, intimately scaled, pedestrian-oriented streetscape.

"Cruising" lower Westheimer back then was almost a misnomer, since at nights traffic would just about grind to a halt.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quite true.

Unfortunately Houston planning guidelines seem almost designed to prevent that kind of streetscape from ever happening again. Setback rules, minimum parking requirements and a focus on moving automobiles before all else make it almost impossible to create a dense, intimately scaled, pedestrian-oriented streetscape.

"Cruising" lower Westheimer back then was almost a misnomer, since at nights traffic would just about grind to a halt.

I see what you mean.

Although the Houston planning committee probably never set out to make Montrose homogenous with other more generic and less interesting parts of the city, it's a shame that the governed do not have more influence and a stronger voice in their governance. I doubt that the controling powers would seriously consider imposing their guidelines and will on the River Oaks community for fear of going up against such a powerful political block (pardon the pun).

Of course, I realize that River Oaks is a very special part of Houston, but then, so is Montrose.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quite true.

Unfortunately Houston planning guidelines seem almost designed to prevent that kind of streetscape from ever happening again. Setback rules, minimum parking requirements and a focus on moving automobiles before all else make it almost impossible to create a dense, intimately scaled, pedestrian-oriented streetscape.

Rethink that. Had setbacks and parking rules been more lax, it would've been easier to make development pencil out, meaning that there would've likely been even more change to this area. ...but the biggie is just the cost of land and of new construction. The consequent high rents end up limiting the sort of tenant that can afford in such a way as that they completely lack charm.

Edited by TheNiche
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I got my first apartment in Montrose and lived there from the early to mid 80's. I've lived in two other places since then, but always within the loop. Ironically, I moved back to the same old street a year and a half ago. Even though much has changed, much has remained the same.

Sure, the rope swings over the dance floor (Loading Dock) or the treehouse out back (Different Drum) and the naughty back rooms are gone, but we do have men in the shower, on stage (Meteor).

Disco Kroger is still going strong 24/7 and the funky shops and tattoo parlors are still around. Also, many of the best restaurants in town are still in close vacinity.

Remember the T-shirts? "77006 - It's not a zip code, it's a lifestyle". I think that phrase still rings true today.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

IIRC in the 80s it was DANGEROUS after dark down there. My sense is it's better now.

Dangerous? Eh.

I was there when it was happening and I never had a problem there at the time. As far as "better" goes, i had a friend who has been mugged on Fairview 5 times in the last 2 yrs. THAT part of montrose needs to be cleaned up.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Dangerous? Eh.

I had a friend who has been mugged on Fairview 5 times in the last 2 yrs. THAT part of montrose needs to be cleaned up.

Holy schlamoley. Is he getting mugged on one particular part of Fairview, or is it along the whole street? Is he doing anything that might be construed as mugging-inducing?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Where's that?

Why that would be Houston, silly. I am currently an Austinite. Austin is a great place to live but it's all kind of empty if all of your childhood and early adulthood memories are attached to one and only one city: Houston. Co-workers have gag reflexes when I mention Houston but the best home in the world is the one that means the most. Others see a "concrete jungle." Not me - I could write volumes and volumes, maybe even small libraries about the fantastic life memories of Houston. If my career was not so deeply rooted in Austin, I would jump at the chance to return back home. Oh well, I guess I can at least dream for now - but someday !

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I got my first apartment in Montrose and lived there from the early to mid 80's. I've lived in two other places since then, but always within the loop. Ironically, I moved back to the same old street a year and a half ago. Even though much has changed, much has remained the same.

Sure, the rope swings over the dance floor (Loading Dock) or the treehouse out back (Different Drum) and the naughty back rooms are gone, but we do have men in the shower, on stage (Meteor).

Disco Kroger is still going strong 24/7 and the funky shops and tattoo parlors are still around. Also, many of the best restaurants in town are still in close vacinity.

Remember the T-shirts? "77006 - It's not a zip code, it's a lifestyle". I think that phrase still rings true today.

Hey rsb320,

I really enjoyed hearing about your before and after description of Montrose. What is it they say - "you can take the people out of Montrose, but you can't take the Montrose out of the fabulous peeps.

I do have one question, however. My memories of Montose 1980's style is that it was true to the gay culture of that time period in the sense that it heavily focused on celebrating the 20 somethings. Those of who were around back then, have added a year or two to our resumes.

Is there a place (figuratively speaking) of belonging these days in a culture and part of Houston that, at least in the past, has been known for being progressive, sometimes leaving some of us behind? I mean, noone wants to be treated like a third wheel. Or worse yet, dissed and disrespected. Just like in elementary school, sometimes the kids can be kind of cruel. What's your impression of treatment in Montrose in general? Has the age and demographics of the 80's changed very much?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

IIRC in the 80s it was DANGEROUS after dark down there. My sense is it's better now.

You're right, there was sometimes drama - both good and bad. But as long as you were careful and tried to use good judgment, it generally seemed to throw a spark of added excitement and adrenalin into the nighttime air. I mean, there was no telling what might happen or who you might meet. It was anything but boring. Do you think there is still that kind of overall excitement in the Montrose nightlife, with just the smallest dash of danger to spice things up? You know, scary, but mostly like a thriller music video by Michael Jackson.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I asked him that same question after the second one. I think they prey on the ones walking alone and drunk. But I wouldn't be surprised if he had repeat customersm

I think I recall a period that may have been either in the late 80's or sometime in the 90's when bashing was out of control. Do I have my time period correct? How is that problem in Montrose these days? The straights were always very cowardly about their nighttime attacks. They didn't have the balls to drive into Montrose by themself. It was usually a pick up truck load.

I guess maybe the hate filled straights weren't as fearless as they would have liked to have been. Sneaky, spineless bastards actually. Too bad the community did not have any organized strategy for counter terrorism. Or maybe there was and I just never heard about it. Please educate me if you have some insight on this.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey rsb320,

I really enjoyed hearing about your before and after description of Montrose. What is it they say - "you can take the people out of Montrose, but you can't take the Montrose out of the fabulous peeps.

I do have one question, however. My memories of Montose 1980's style is that it was true to the gay culture of that time period in the sense that it heavily focused on celebrating the 20 somethings. Those of who were around back then, have added a year or two to our resumes.

Is there a place (figuratively speaking) of belonging these days in a culture and part of Houston that, at least in the past, has been known for being progressive, sometimes leaving some of us behind? I mean, noone wants to be treated like a third wheel. Or worse yet, dissed and disrespected. Just like in elementary school, sometimes the kids can be kind of cruel. What's your impression of treatment in Montrose in general? Has the age and demographics of the 80's changed very much?

Montrose is still gay, gay-friendly, intellectual, artistic, funky and weird. It's not like the Heights where new people move in and then complain about a bar next door that's been there for years. New people moving into Montrose know full well what they're moving to and you better not mind it or not move here.

To me, it feels like a small town in bohemia-land.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think I recall a period that may have been either in the late 80's or sometime in the 90's when bashing was out of control. Do I have my time period correct? How is that problem in Montrose these days? The straights were always very cowardly about their nighttime attacks. They didn't have the balls to drive into Montrose by themself. It was usually a pick up truck load.

I guess maybe the hate filled straights weren't as fearless as they would have liked to have been. Sneaky, spineless bastards actually. Too bad the community did not have any organized strategy for counter terrorism. Or maybe there was and I just never heard about it. Please educate me if you have some insight on this.

I remember that too, and I thought that was one of the reasons that the Guardian Angels started a chapter in Houston. But my earlier "dangerous" comment wasn't only about gay bashing, although that is part of it. I seem to recall the statistic that Lower Westheimer led the city in armed robberies back then, and that open use of IV drugs was a big problem with those seedy motels and modeling studios. If I'm remembering wrong, no doubt someone will correct me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I remember that too, and I thought that was one of the reasons that the Guardian Angels started a chapter in Houston. But my earlier "dangerous" comment wasn't only about gay bashing, although that is part of it. I seem to recall the statistic that Lower Westheimer led the city in armed robberies back then, and that open use of IV drugs was a big problem with those seedy motels and modeling studios. If I'm remembering wrong, no doubt someone will correct me.

I wasn't aware being dragged into those seedy motels and modeling studios (of which almost lined door to door from Bagby to Stanford) was a major problem there. I always thought people went there voluntarily.

As far as my memory goes, I think there was an uptick in gay bashings after the AIDS scare came onto the scene, but that is through a teenager's eyes (82?), though. It is possible it came before then.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm told by the old timers that the cops used to go to suspected homo establishments and log the license plates of the cars in the lots. Then, that information would be printed in the newspaper in order to shame those people. Back then, they gathered primarily at private venues and residences, etc. (I'm guessing this would be the 1050's & early 60's.)

The area has always had hustlers. That's why they put up those "No Turn" signs at night to cut down on the cruising-for-sex traffic. Enter stage - The Guardian Angels. Then, Covenant House opened, where the residents had a curfew. Then, AIDS and the bashers followed. Then, crack & meth came along. Guess that's where we are now...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My time living in Montrose was late 60's early 70's. Back then it wasn't gay bashing but hippie bashing. If you had long hair you were subject to it not only by local rednecks but frequently by the police.  

I have a couple of questions Fringe. Was the percentage of gay family members as high during that time as it was in the 80's and 90's? Any historical info about the time period of Montrose's transition from straight to predominantly gay took place? The beginnings? Midpoint? Effectively complete? I heard the percentage back in the 80's and 90's was around 99 percent. How are we doing now that Montrose has become fashionable again for some of the straights to start moving back in? Is this the point where we say ?. . . "there goes the neighborhood." I certainly hope not.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm told by the old timers that the cops used to go to suspected homo establishments and log the license plates of the cars in the lots. Then, that information would be printed in the newspaper in order to shame those people. Back then, they gathered primarily at private venues and residences, etc. (I'm guessing this would be the 1050's & early 60's.)

The area has always had hustlers. That's why they put up those "No Turn" signs at night to cut down on the cruising-for-sex traffic. Enter stage - The Guardian Angels. Then, Covenant House opened, where the residents had a curfew. Then, AIDS and the bashers followed. Then, crack & meth came along. Guess that's where we are now...

A friend who lived in Montrose for many years and still isn't far away, said that the latest problem with the hustlers/homeless young people is that they tend to hang out in a sort of pack, I think he said in the area of the former Tower Theatre. If that's accurate, how much of a problem are they to the community these days? Back in the 80's it usually wasn't too hard to spot them because there was an obviously non-gay street dirtiness/roughness about them. I would imagine that problem is about the same.

Edited by Stargaze
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Montrose is still gay, gay-friendly, intellectual, artistic, funky and weird. It's not like the Heights where new people move in and then complain about a bar next door that's been there for years. New people moving into Montrose know full well what they're moving to and you better not mind it or not move here.

To me, it feels like a small town in bohemia-land.

Thanks for that response. Austin is similar - the generalization in Austin is often found on bumper stickers and t-shirts: "Keep Austin Weird." The interest in maintaining the weirdness and funkiness barometer tend to create an overall gay friendly atmosphere.

What about your perspective on the other part of my question relating the treatment of older gays in Montrose by the younger? Any thoughts there?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...