midtown
what’s inside 2
PAPER
in & about list of happenings in midtown
A PUBLICATION OF MIDTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT • houstonmidtown.com
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mark your calendar midtown meetings and events
exit one era... art in midtown... breakthrough... cataract laser system debuts award-winners... helping hands in midtown
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a midtown “I do” start your wedding in midtown
who do i call
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eatsdrinks • mongoose versus cobra • dolce delights
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art calendar a list of midtown art events
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vote! vote your conscience projects… capital improvements
lookinside
midtownmap
Definitions with midtown meanings...
ex•hibit
a show; presentation. The Arts Calendar points the way to firstclass exhibits, like The Big Show at Lawndale Art Center.
cui•sine
style of cooking.Turn each corner of Midtown’s 325 city blocks and you’ll find the cuisine of over 15 countries at your fingertips.
amen•ities
attractive and desirable features. Upscale amenities, such as slab granite countertops and gated parking, make Midtown a special place to live.
2nd qtr 2012
Preserving A Legacy Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (BSNM) opens new doors in Midtown
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or Paul Matthews, the journey began with a simple U. S. Cavalry hat device, and two paragraphs in a military book. The young ROTC cadet at Prairie View A&M, became intrigued with the story of Buffalo Soldiers – “Black men in blue uniforms” — and why their mention was often reduced to a few lines in a high school textbook. It was the 1960s; a time to ask questions and search for meaning. Fast forward to 2012. Vietnam veteran Captain Paul J. Matthews, with his collection now amassing over 3,000 pieces, continues to share the story of the Buffalo Soldiers, never faltering with the question he poses to students and museum guests. In August, when the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (BSNM) opens the doors at its Midtown address, Captain Matthews will still be asking — What kind of legacy can each of us leave behind? Captain Matthews’ personal collection of military artifacts has served as the core for the BSNM’s original Southmore Blvd. location, the largest collection of African American military memorabilia in the world. More than 45,000 visitors have passed through the museum’s doors since its opening in 2001. Major Charles Williams, a historian and former member of the United States Army, proudly serves as BSNM’s Chief Docent. The purchase, restoration and redesign of the historic Houston Light Guard Armory at 3816 Caroline, will finally give the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum room to stretch, a chance for the remainder of Captain Matthews’ collection to come out of storage and perpetuate the history, tradition and outstanding contributions of African American soldiers. The museum’s “new” home, the historic Houston Light Guard Armory, is the work of “The man who built Houston” — Texas architect Alfred C. Finn (San Jacinto Monument, Capitol Lofts, Post Rice Lofts). Left dormant for years, the 1925 Armory fell victim to squatters, vandals and innumerable pigeons. Fortunately, the building’s “good bones” — walls made of brick veneer and clay tiles, and floors of strong cementitious terrazzo — outweighed the possibility of destruction. Phase I of the Armory’s renovation will soon be completed, thanks to bsnm’s successful $2.6 million capital campaign. An additional $2.1 million will be needed to complete the project and secure the full potential of the museum.
then&now
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oretta Muilenburg, founder of Muilenburg Prosthetics, Inc. (MPI), recently celebrated her 90th birthday among a host of family, friends and admirers, experience life however, her family tradition at the next level. began 69 years ago during a pivotal period in our coun• Studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments and townhomes also available try’s• Lofts history. • Beautiful hardwood floors • Downtown views • 2 swimming pools In •1943, Loretta, originally from Milltown, Wisconsin, Fully equipped fitness center • Cyber café agreed• Controlled-access to marryparking her sweetheart, Al Muilenburg, when he sent her a telegram from San Francisco proposing marriagemidtown after being called into the military during square WWII. Loretta swiftly traveled to California so they 302 G r ay Street Al Muilenburg could be H o uwed sto n | prior 77002 to the departure of his ship. 713.739.7678 After the war ended and he was able to return home, Al acted upon
W W W. P O S T P R O P E RT I E S . C O M
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Currently, BSNM has permanent exhibits covering the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War, WWI and II, Vietnam, Women and Chaplains in the Military and what Captain Matthews refers to as the “Modern Day Buffalo Soldiers” — African American NASA astronauts. A new exhibit highlighting Korea/24th Infantry will soon be added. With the 10,000 s.f. expanded exhibit space — a total 23,000 s.f. over time — visitors will be able to learn the story of African American Army units that have served in America’s Armed Forces as well as the history of the Houston Light Guard and the three-story Armory. Almost weekly, Captain Matthews receives a box, often accompanied by a simple handwritten letter, with a request to accept another military artifact. He honors and respects each piece, large or small, utilizing many as learning tools in middle and high school classrooms. He points out a recently donated WWII megaphone, stamped US Army Signal Corp, serves as helpful today as in the past. Education, a core element of the museum, will continue to be paramount. BSNM has entered into a contract with Houston Community College (HCC) to offer a new Global Studies Program at the museum. As a plus, neighboring HCC-Central students will have access to the educational, program and lobby space that the new museum affords. An Oral History Project, already in the making, will also offer invaluable insight to the experiences of those who proudly served in our nation’s armed forces. To learn more about the Buffalo Soldiers, Captain Matthews suggests The Buffalo Soldiers by William H. Leckie. To learn more about the Houston Light Guards and the Houston Light Guard Armory, visit The Handbook of Texas Online at www.tshaonline.org. Buffalo Soldiers National Museum www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com • 713-942-8920 Location thru July 2012 • 1834 Southmore Blvd. New location, tentatively August 2012* • 3816 Caroline St. *call to confirm as the building’s renovation period may vary
a suggestion from a fellow serviceman and doctor to seek employment in the field of prosthetics. He began working at the Troutman Artificial Limb Company, gluing pieces of wood together, piece-by-piece, for usage in making prosthetic limbs. Later, the Muilenburgs moved to Texas at the urging of one of Al’s patients. Loretta served as an occupational therapist at DeWitt General and Hammond General Army hospitals. She joined her husband in the industry in 1948 when they began the Muilenburg Artificial Limb Company, operating the business out of their home on Hathaway Street, now known as Elgin. “She was an asset to the business and to my father, accompanying him on trips to conferences and meeting other professionals in the industry,” shares son Ted Muilenburg, CP, LP, FAAOP. “She faithfully answered telephone calls, continued on page 8