RobNPhx

Thanks, OldHouseLover, for the information. The Simms Estate was, more than likely, what I remember from those days.

Thanks to all who replied to my question. I was never aware of the Simm's Estate's existence, but that would sound about right. I don't believe it was a part of the Country Club, but I was so young that...well...who knows? Anyway, thanks again for the replies.

I'm going to venture a guess that it was originally referred to as the "East End" because of it's eastern border with the Port of Houston. Back in our early history, Houston didn't extend eastward beyond that area. If I remember correctly, Houston's eastern borders once ended where Harrisburg and Buffalo Bayou met. My thoughts are in no way conclusive, but they seem as good an answer as any, I suppose.

Does anyone have any knowledge of what may have been an old Southern plantation, or a very old plantation-like home, that once occupied the area just south of the intersection of Polk and Wayside? I grew up just west of that area (Jefferson and Henninger) and seem to recall at least one old and dilapidated stucture, covered by dense foliage and surrounded by several really old trees, back in that general area. Back in those days (mid 60's) I would ride my bike all along the railroad tracks, from Jefferson up to Polk, then scoot over to that area around Wayside. It was maybe some time between '64 and '67 that I discovered the place. I distinctly remember thinking that the place seemed kind of spooky and that I probably shouldn't be there, but my natural curiosity always got the best of me, so I kept going back until I either lost interest or forgot about it. One thing that really stood out about the place, aside from it's creepy feeling, was the row of shanty-style houses that occupied the lot. If memory serves me well, I think there was a manor home, as well. At least it looked to my young eyes like a smallish Southern plantation-style manor home. What I considered back then, and still do this day, was that the place had once been either a prominent manor house with multiple guest quarters, or it was a slave plantation, or both. Now I admit that my memory may be somewhat clouded, or perhaps even totally off-track, but from time to time I have such vivid dreams of that place that I will wake up and think "Wow! Why do I keep thinking of that place after all these years?" If anyone has any information, I would love to hear about it--one way or another. Thanks.

Looking once again at some of the pictures posted here, and seeing the one of the neatly manicured front lawn of Jackson, I noticed what seems to be a monument, or structure, adjacent to steps (not sure what this type of structure is called) of sorts. It also appears to be directly in front of the old tree that is about 20 yards or so (?) in front of the main entrance. While looking around at the picture and observing the steps, I couldn't help but reminisce about my first kiss. That kiss took place directly underneath that same tree. The girl that I kissed was Barbara (last name omitted) and I can still remember the events like they were last week. Funny how something as simple and seemingly as innocent as a photograph can spark such a myriad of memories and emotions. Thanks for the memories.

I attended Jackson from 1969-72, then went on for a year to attend SFA High, finally moving on to Pasadena High, where I spent a year prior to moving on to an almost 25-year career with the U.S. Air Force. I finally retired from the AF back in 2000, opting then to relocate to Phoenix, AZ., where I remain to this day. When I Googled Jackson Junior High this morning I sort of stumbled across this site. My God! This is so nice! Looking at the various pics, especially the one of Susan standing in front and off to the side of the campus on the last day of school in 1972 almost brings me to tears of joy. Now I'm not a guy who's prone to a lot of sentiment, but I have to say--that REALLY tugged at the ol' heart strings. My name is Robert Sikes, and I played on the football team (Leopards!) for Coach Hermann all three years of my attendance. God, I feel like Al Bundy right about now--remembering all the fun times, hard times, competition, girlfriends, good guy friends, teachers, laughter and tears, the pain of trying to fit in with certain groups but frequently unable to do so...and on and on! A few years back I returned to Houston in order to make the arrangements necessary to bury my Mom. Despite all of the pain that was involved with making that horrible trip, I knew I had to include a trip to the old neighborhood. I was a bit shocked at just how the East End looks after so many years away, but there were a few aspects of the area around Jackson's campus that had remained intact just enough to make the ol' nostalgia juices flow like a river. I even saw an old friend who I barely recognized from back then. Sadly, he had turned into a street person, an alcoholic, and had little recognition of me. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this post. I hope to hear at least one reply from someone who might remember me. If not, oh well...it's still great reminiscing with everyone here. Thanks again. Rob