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Abilene

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  1. I spent plenty of time riding my bike and goofing off in the Village in the late 60s/early 70s. A few observations: At that time, the Village and the general surrounding area was a bit worn down. Probably just short of “seedy”, but by no means were realtors running around talking about how desirable the area was. West U was considered an ok area, but again, you could not have imagined that in 50 years it would be a money and prestige hub. There were a few nice blocks just west of Kirby and south of University with some pretty nice homes, but by and large West U had a mostly working class vibe. Particularly the further west you went toward the tracks separating West U and Bellaire. The west side of West U as many of you know had some downright shacks and it wasn’t a great area. Same holds true for Southdale area in Bellaire, just west of RR tracks and south of Bellaire Blvd. Somewhat tough working class neighborhood in 1970. Nothing about Bellaire in 1970 reflected money or high society. Plus, the tree canopy hadn’t really developed in Bellaire, so it had a more barren feel from block to block. Areas such as Meyerland, Maplewood, Westbury, Sharpstown and Willowbend were considered more desirable. In the Village around 1970, on NE corner of Morningside and Rice, there was a groovy record store called Gramaphonics. The guy who worked there was a quintessential hippie, skinny, long hair, granny glasses. Quiet place selling albums. Between where the British shop was later opened and the white brick apartment-type house just west of where the Dairy Queen was. Across the street from J. Rich sporting goods. Poor Man’s CC Ice House was on Morningside where Torchy’s is now. Old guys drinking beer and a couple of pinball machines. Pretty much open air. Probably some of them were WWI vets. On Bolsover just east of Kelvin on north side of street was the Village News. Great place which also had a couple of pinball machines. Continue east on Bolsover and there was a post office, a fabric/sewing supply place and a cleaners that did “one hour Martinizing”. On Morningside near where Gingerman is or was, there was a beat up Pilgrim’s cleaners and also a fairly worn out Utotem. Near where the Rodney’s was, there was an old five and dime store, TG&Y. Cavernous seeming and somewhat dark space with few customers. Lots of arcane candy. As has been noted, the “art cinema” location was over that way. I certainly did not have the nerve to step inside. Adults only. Very small theater I would imagine. Just south of the One’s a Meal. I do not think the Village Theater on University and Morningside really ever went “full adult” as alluded to here. It just became defunct. The Exorcist was the last hurrah. Although a subpar movie in my opinion.
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