Vertigo58

Correct you are, There are so many additions to the original topic I am a bit confused, but I would like to say if the theater is going away, I (& my family) are glad we had the chance to enjoy this venue while it lasted. Several years ago River Oaks Theater celebrated the 50 yr anniversary. They played 3 of the films they played in 1939 in this order. The Wizard of Oz, Wuthering Heights and finally Gone With The Wind. The crowd was massive I recall it went around the block. Popcorn was like 5 cents drinks 10 cents like in 1939 or close to. It was neat becasue there was an intermission (like in the old days). Everyone stood and clapped at the end of each film. (tears/choked up) Little did we know that here (today) are now discussing closure and demolition. Another slap in the face for Houston as far as historic preservation is concerned. Rats!

I'd like to ask how you think Market Square might be improved (if you think it needs improvement). Not a very good photo but I would definetely fill in with tons of dirt to create a slope then place foliage throughout. That way visitors have a good view of their surroundings from all angles to matter where they stand or sit. In other words no obstruction of views by passing busses/cars. I would then add turn of century lighting fixtures and just make the whole thing look antique like, as in the Gilded Age. To heck with modern.

and I'm am no expert by any stretch of the imagination but I wonder if the car they were in had bullet holes in it? Just wonder as I happended to see a pic of Bonnie & Clyde's car via Goggle and I was just well, wondering. If there were b holes did they pull out the slugs and examined them a million times? Finally, I recall a TV documentary decades ago where witnesses were being interviewed. After all the interviews the commentator said that the Plaza was only and still is only big enough to hold so many people. In other words he said if every person we interviewed stated they were there it would be physically impossible. Hence, certain percent just wanted the publicity. I still havent seen that latest reel of the assasination this other person said he had on a shelf for 4 decades. The other day a radio jock said : "How in the world could someone have something that important just sitting on a shelf in a closet"? That guy should get the idiot of the century award! agree

Exactly, I am really impressed with this developement (pics helped alot) Houston get with it!

Miller's Outpost was quite "hip" for it's time too. Did anyone mention Banana Republic already? Was too expensive for the common folk (like me) so it didn't surprise me if it vanished.

I was hoping for someone to correct! Considering how long its been its a miracle I recall the names of the songs. Thanks and I know I had to be about 11-12 years old. I never realized how "bubble-gum" the music was at the time. Really camp. One thing I really remember is how most of the girls looked like Marsha and Jan Brady's! Mini skirts and all! Wow!

Now here is one I don't think anyone mentioned above... SKATELAND - Roller Rink on Capitol? which was over in East End off of Harrisburg and Wayside Drive. I recall going there as a kid brother (much to the chagrin of my big sister and her boyfriend). I was basically the kid chaperon! Isn't that smart! Later we would go with the other kids in the neighborhood. The thing that stood out to me was the JUKE BOX music so this will set the date/time frame. Melanie - I got a brand new pair of roller skates you got a brand new key... Jay & the American's - Young Girl get out of my mind, my love for you is way out of line better run girl... Gallery - Oh its so nice to be with you...I love all the things you say and do... Donny Osmond - Go away Little Girl Archies - Sugar Talk about Pop music! A much more innocent time people.

Roger You might try www.IMDB.com they can tell you any and all info on the world of entertainment. Especially if you are searching for a specific person, movie, TV show etc.

Let's remember that the area is "presently" somewhat mixed contrary to what people think. I had a close friend who's mom was a teacher at U of H and she says alot of the campus faculty live in that area still. She is originally from Ireland so maybe she stood out but she always loved the vicinity and close knit neighbors. They had a big 2 story Traditional style home with carriage house and all on a corner lot. I remember it had a 4 car garage and big yard just like in the old TV shows of the 40's & 50's. It was a good feeling brought back great memories as a kid growing up in the late 60's.

This area should be added to "Houston Neigborhoods". Maybe Haif staff will add? I also recall that some of these grand homes even had live peacocks walking around the grounds (fenced in of course) and many of the homes still have large swimming pools, another rare thing on this side of downtown for its day. The area is such an unsung hero of Houston. Not sure why we always called it MacGregor area, but glad you re-emphasized the correct name. See we all learn.

I too am really interested in it's beginnings. There still are areas throughout the neighborhoods that are on slopes and have what once were beautiful parks. Take a drive around and from some angles facing towards downtown and U of H you have a feeling you aren't even in Houston. Kind of takes one back in time when it must have been a very upscale and happening place to live in. I used to go to the frat parties in some of the big spacious homes and always wondered how they came to be and why Houston has left focus on that area. Take a look at the modern style of these homes. I always had the feeling they were copied after Frank Lloyd Wright's artistry. Now is the time to see them as progress will soon envelop and remove many of these one of a kind 1940's and 1950's moderne style homes. I wouldn't doubt if some of them appeared in House Beautiful magazine in those day's. True nostalgia.

Thank you for speaking the truth about the Greyhound bus vicinity. Some newcomers to the Midtown area may not know that just on the other side of those bridges (east) are some of the most crime ridden areas of Houston. Some from that area find it very easy to simply cross the bridge to the Midtown area searching for opportunity. Only a few years ago where Rich's Nightclub is a patron was shot/robbed as he left the club. We can use the same excuse that it happend anywhere but being realistic, you can ante up your chances of getting harassed by being in that area. As mentioned earlier residents need to be more proactive and "shout" about thier plight to the right people. This is the only way to get things done. I personally avoid the area because of: 1. The crime 2. Because of that pathetic rail, waiting for it to pass while homeless people walk up to you is quite nervewracking (especially when you have children with you). Wish I could leave it on a more positive note but cant think of one?

A recent movie. Lets not hijack the thread please. Greyhound it is.

I wasn't sure what word to use since almost everyone is so pi sensitive on this forum. I could have said nuthouse, loony bin, psycho ward, etc. They got the point I guess thats all that matters. Peace on earth good will... and MidtownC had the most hilarious reply yet to date!

I might start a thread about peculiar people citings around Houston period. Here on the near east side where Telephone Rd begins we had a guy that would always walk in the middle of the street to Bert's Liquor store. His hair was what got your attention. It was dark and was stacked up in a Samurai - Ninja kind of way. When he walked (real slowly) his hair would stay stiff even in high winds. He may have been the inspiration for Marj Simpson? It must have been about a foot high and kind of wrapped around like cotton candy. His eyebrows looked as if it were eyeliner too. Like Joan Crawfords style. Maybe there were birds living inside but I was too scared to get close enough! Now that I think about it he was kind of cool. Living in his own private Idaho.

and I thought you guys were just joking about ex-convicts arriving there. I also hear that the sanitariums are so overcrowded that the state has no choice but to let some out in public. This is what I was told when living in LA. You see so many deranged people hanging around bus stops & grocery parking lots and beaches just talking to themselves or attacking innocent people. (hope their aren't any on this forum) ...kidding Apparently Houston has the same problem on top of just homeless bums. FYI, there is a phsychiatric rehabilitation building on McGregor & 288. The sign is quite blatant nothing to hide. Wonder if that scares area neighbors.

They were in the center wing at the rear of the hotel. JFK had a small single room on the left, as you entered, overlooking the A/C cooling towers and Jackie had a large corner room looking towards Main and Prairie. Maybe I'm getting too much in to this, but is it possible that that specific area is still there? In other words, is the present occupant aware that they could very well be sitting in the same room where the pres or Jackie sat? If this is true I would like to take a peek albeit it wouldnt even look close to that it day in 63. I guess for the sake of plain curiousity. I would like to say I stood in the same room as JFK. Makes you wonder if the Houston visitors bureau would be interested in noting to tourists? Just have to wonder. On a seperate note does anyone recall where the automobile is stored and can the public view it?

Glad your being very candid about your experiences. The sad thing is people wait until something catastrophic happens before anything gets done. Maybe it will take long petitions sent to council/mayor and especially to Greyhound headquarters? The fact that it gets so dark around that block only fuels the opportunity for trouble. It really looks like a scene from Midnight Cowboy. Mostly men hanging out, pushing drugs or well.....

I'll never forget Mrs Connelly's candid interviews years later, painfull as it must have been internally she must have understood she needed to tell her story for generations to come. A true lady in every sense of the word. I understood she lived here for a while, correct me if I'm wrong. Some high rise condo near River Oaks I think.

[update - This website says that Kennedy was only at the Albert Thomas dinner for 27 minutes, and that he stopped in at a LULAC dinner at the Rice before the Albert Thomas dinner. (So he was at two dinners in Houston that day.) Presumably it's the LULAC dinner at which the photo you posted was taken. If you go here, and click on "Houston" on the left of the screen, there is a series of Chronicle articles with pictures, and you can see them arriving at the Rice, being serenaded by a mariachi band at the LULAC dinner, Kennedy later at the Albert Thomas dinner, etc.] Excellent, excellent, excellent! Best yet. Knowledge is power. Thank you

So that means the quote from the website I found on the events in Houston is not true.See beginning of this topic its states was his last supper, impossible if he stayed at The Texas Hotel. Surely they ate while at the Texas Hotel. Thanks for clarifying.

Main reason I avoid that area. There's just too many desperate people lurking around there. It really resembles a prison yard... without gaurds that is. Another big embarassment to visitors and Houston as a whole. Mayor... councilmen... help?

It would be fantastic if that gentleman could have that photo saved before it ruins or gets lost! I would make plenty of copies and have restored profesionally. I wish he could share with all of Houston. I know I would!

Yeah, I am thinking of revisiting and volunteering for future art car parades. I think one of the most hilarious ones was the guy driving around in a huge Ladies Pump/shoe. Talk about creative!

I grew up on Munger street but the continueing Munger street across the freeway on Dumble. However, I recall as a teenager around 1975 skipping school one day and walking over there with some other buddies jumping over the weird rail and checking out the place. I clearly recall ripping my big Levi bellbottoms on the fence. It was always so mysterious to us neighborhood kids. The place was overgrown with weeds and piles of trash you couldnt tell what the hell it was supposed to be? During the early 80's someone decided to clean it up and reopen, ever since it has gained popularity, art cars and all. At least I can say we used to know about it before it became world known. Trust me it's no big deal. Maybe because I knew it when it was just a eye sore to the area. Cheers!