Vertigo58

That's what gets me so frustrated when I hear that people toss out old photos like the other thread where someone mentioned some guy had bought an old photography studio, found lots of old photos and decided to just trash, grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. (teeth grinding, blood pressure rising).

Actually, now that you mention it the fact that weather was an issue that night already answers some of my questions and makes quite a bit of sense. Just imagine had it been a nicer evening there may have been hundreds more in attendance hence more photos & 8mm film coverage. I was just a 2 year old kiddie but my mom recalls vividly how the media was all over it during his visit here. There are hundreds of books on the assasination but I still havent heard if they actually spent the night here? Rice Hotel staff would have had 1st hand account of events of that evening I guess, but with father time & people slowing passing away all that knowledge will be lost forever I'm afraid.

President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy had a private dinner in the International Suite at the Rice Rittenhouse Hotel. It was Kennedy's last supper. I don't recall if President Kennedy actually stayed overnight at the Rice. Does any one know if Jackie & he ever did or were they just there briefly for this supper? I would imagine that the room they stayed in would be a tourist attraction (to some). We seldom see footage of their Houston visit only as they depart at Houston International (now Hobby Airport). Wonder if there is anything on Youtube of the Houston visit? Any images of meeting important people while in Houston? Can any of our members assist? Thanks! PS, This photo is from inside the Rice Hotel while visiting.

Your right, man I am loosing it! Please forgive Ms Bundy as her advocation is the study of those harmless creatures flying around us. Don't want to start another bird war. After all she hid out in a Diner (L-C, Romana?) for protection with the others!

Like those perfect Kingwood girls that robbed for drugs & party supplies and of course the Manson Girls. All came from well to do families. Who wants to start a whole new thread?!

Now, now see what Ms Bundy here says about The Birds.

We (as teenagers) used to pass by all of these places going and coming from the McClendon Triple Drive-In way at the end of S. Main somewhere. My mom said this was the place to be during the heyday of the Shamrock Hotel later 1940's. The agenda was 1. Go jitterbug dancing at the Big Band Clubs. 2. Go eat afterwards at these places, not to mention PRINCE"S DRIVE-IN!!! You would see all of your friends there & hang out. Even before the 50's ala American Graffitti.

"L-C Cafeteria - .. A seating capacity of ... ons, the L-C Cafeteria ...ged by Jerry Karisty ...said to be the largest ... ial cafeteria in the ... located with entrances ... at Walker and Travis ... er it is open for break .... nch and dinner. Featur- ...widest variety of foods. ... specializes in Kentucky ... icken, a lunch for less .... cents and a ribeye .... for $1.35. The cafeteria ... its own pastry shop .... tries served there and ... e-out trade.. There is .... of room for banquets ... ies. Continuous service ... :30 to 8:30 pm daily .... Sunday." I remember going there once, ca. 1963, when I was on my own in Houston for the first time. Seems to me there were 2 long serving lines. Correct you are! There were always the 2 long serving lines to take in the BIG flow of downtown shoppers. The L-C sign still hangs to this day but is covered up. Last I recall eating there was after coming from the matineee down the street. This was when DT was not much to be desired as the city grew west. Had to be around 1974-1975. You were lucky to find a table as it would get so crowded, seems almost dream like now. I clearly remember Romana Cafeteria too, because I had an aunt named Romana. We kids would shout "Mom were ready to vist Aunt Romana's Cafeteria! " Great memories

Some of you might, might, might remember the DRIVE-IN movie at the end by 610. Was called The King Center Drive-In. I mentioned in another topic. We saw Blacula there! Had to be around 1972-73 becasue he was like a Shaft dracula dude but was like real hip but bit people. Had platform shoes and a cape. We were one of the very few families that didnt look like everyone else. Not gonna say because everyone will get upset like on that goofy "racism" thread. Hope you all understand. Want to keep peace in the family. In any case it was torn down and is now a Burger King, rats!

In typing sometimes I rush, sorry and things get lost in translation. What I mean is there has been so much negative media jabs and TV programs that say DT is loosing people and $ so they are pulling out. It is a fact that the city is expanding west towards Katy that's nothing new of course. I know Midtown is alive and I am glad but towards DT well, as Donald T might say not so Rosey?!

True, Is it a coincidence that this structure resembles Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas?! Coulda fooled me. I would have made it a dinner/night club instead with all that lavish expense and design, heck yeah! Sadly its in a part of town that ...well, I won't go there.

That is TRUE. I worked there (Suite level) for 2 seasons and see a big difference in patronage/attendance. It was great $ while it lasted and I knew it was a 1 time opportunity so I lived for the moment. Still have the cap that says Enron Field on it (scary) but who would have known? Sticking to the topic though, with the city heading west (Katy) as it has for years I can see DT struggling once again. No one will be happy either way. Hear it everyday.

We used to go there sometimes and on occasion see Dave Ward (channel 13) having dinner in a discreet corner. Is that the aroma of hot steaming roast beef I smell? Yum!

Trying to stick to the topic of course: I have no problem with a Walgreen's. However, will throw myself under the bulldozer if they even think of touching Someburger! Now, that lousey Yugly Tamale dump place caddy corner from Someburger needs to be imploded. I will light the fuse! Belongs on Crater Houston Alliance-Ugly Bldgs you'd like to implode. Not only is it painted a horrible color, its obvious it used to be a 7 Eleven or something. It looks so out of date and plain tacky, gaudy & pathetic. Ruins the whole intersection and seems like an adult theater from passerby's. Plain fonky. No one even think of touching Stardust Antiques! We worship! One of a kind items for sure. City has way too many Taqueria's already. 1 less wouldn't hurt a bit.

Those cafeterias served what I would call good, "American" dishes. I remember liver & onions, fried/baked chicken, rolls, glasses of iced tea, etc. If all three chains aren't over there in Houston, then I would think that at least two of them are. I'm pretty sure that someone will tell me if I'm right or wrong. I always loved the white rice with brown gravy and the steaming hot turkey. They seldom offer as a dish anymore on the menu. If your lucky and know the manager he can have someone heat up and take to your table. Wyatts was just as delicious and well kept up. Last Wyatt's I remember visiting was across the street from Pasadena Town Square I think? Reasonable prices too! We still have Dinner Bell Cafeteria over here. You ring your little bell and they wait on your table. Fun days.

Downtown for sure...

This is the Galleria & downtown in about 5 years...

I remember visiting San Diego and checking out that awesome outdoor mall still have photos. It was so innovative and a real tourist draw. I constantly ask myself why Houston doesn't follow not in imitating but in being as modern and creative. It had outdoor spiral escalators and huge open food courts. Of course the weather there is more ideal. Gas Lamp District is top's I agree!

Only suggestion, if people would stop calling it that lazy, made up over night name... H-town. Talk about cheesy. May as well call it Cow-town. Howdeeeee!

Following posts originally in this thread: It amazes me how many hidden architectural jewels there are around town (for ex. the chapel at Villa de Matel and the campus of St. Mary's Seminary). We live directly across the street from Villa de Matel convent and it is definitetly one of the most unnoticed jewels of this city. We used to have our Super Neighborhood meetings there on a regular basis. The sisters allow you to tour the basilica which is rare in itself. It has the interior of the cathedrals you would see in Rome or France no kidding. The seating is facing inward instead of forward like most traditional Catholic churches. Its really pleasant to hear the bells toll on time. Other times it plays songs like Ave' Maria. Once I took about 15 bouquets of roses and left for the visitors at spring time. The mother superior told us that Kroger's and other developers have tried again and again to buy them out and they stand defiant. Take it elsewhere. Amen (choir in background)

I'm all for progress and I must agree with many good points you mention. This area is so crammed already that you couldn't squeeze in a toothpick if you tried. Getting in and out of any establishment along those feeder roads is like suicide. The only green space one will find is the topiary browned with car emissions. You are right too much repetition of the same bland businesses hence no creativity left. Going in and out of this area is the equivalent of someone placing a pillow over your face. Trying to over stuff luggage then it explodes everywhere. Woe for for The Galleria area. Now to put on my trusty helmet for the rocks about to be tossed! Peace!

Wonderful research! Seems wooden sidewalks were a nighmare. Must have sounded like hundreds of horses trotting by once. If you see the past note (above somewhere) about the danger wooden sidewalks could do (The Great Chicago Fire). I can see why bricks were an alternative.

We used to shop there too up until the very end at least at Montgomery Wards across the street. I always remember the Big Boy's restaraunt across from Ward's. He was always grinning as you drove by. The whole area went into a downward spiral and by the 80's it hit rock bottom. Too much competition and loss of revenue must have been the culprit. Big Boy had been turned into a dark, dark nightclub.

Maybe HPD wants the establishments to become like a church atmosphere, library or a hospital ward?

Yes, they had stuff like that on this tour/exhibit. I imagine most of it is now in the Smithsonian? All these years I thought they had called this "The Spirit of 76 tour" Thats why I needed to clear up my own mystery with everyones help. Thanks! Not to stray from the subject but I recall going on a field trip around 1967 to Union Station to walk around inside. I remember sitting on what seemed like HUGE wooden seats where passengers waited for thier trains to arrive or depart. In the film "Trip To Bountiful", the inside of Union Station is recreated (Houston 1940's) in the scene where Geraldine Page sneaks away to go back to her little home town. Great early Houston scenes at beginning! Buy it!