*** Thanks for sharing these hotel photos which are so much a part of Texas history that they have touched all of us in some way. I grew up in South Texas brush country during the oil and gas boom of the early fifties and traveling to Houston with my family always meant staying in one of these hotels. There was always a big new years eve party in the ballroom of the Shamrock Hotel that was broadcast live [by KTRH maybe] which I could hear on my crystal set receiver!
*** Later upon graduating from college I interviewed for jobs in Houston like every other new graduate, and stayed in some of these hotels [at the expense of potential employers... yea!]
*** Much later after graduate school I landed a job in Houston with a major oil company with a corporate office in the Neils Esperson building. My wife and our friends enjoyed Sunday brunch at the Shamrock often.
*** Current news: When the Shamrock was closed for good everything was sold at auction to the bare walls. Long story short, I have one of the crystal chandeliers from the ballroom. If anyone wants to see it [OR BUY IT] I will get some photos next trip to the park cities in Dallas where it is stored. I have a URL of a similar one just for drill: Its not the same; it didn't come from the Shamrock and it isn't Texana, but you will get some idea of scale and style. http://store.yahoo.com/plazzagallery/58crch.html
*** Thanks for the photos! They are fantastic.
Shamock Hotel, Main and Holcombe. A local legend and the most famous building in Houston for many years. Current status: a parking lot.
Opening night at the Shamrock, March 17, 1949. This was attended by dozens of celebrities and almost caused a riot. There is a scene in the movie "Giant" that is based on this. (The Jett Rink character is based on Glen McCarthy).
Shamrock Pool. At 165 ft. long, this was the largest outdoor hotel pool in the world. It was the big hangout for Houston high society.
