The Local September/October 2016

BIG STORE, BIG INFLUENCE

BY ALEXANDER PETERS

BOLIVAR’S PIRATE CONNECTION

BY VINCE BRACH

REUNION AT ROLLOVER

BY CODY MARTIN

Preserving Our Past A COMPILATION OF HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS FROM THE BOLIVAR PENINSULA

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

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theLOCAL

Contents SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

14

Big store, big influence

IN EVERY ISSUE

Gulf Coast Market—The Big Store—celebrates 30 years of supply and demand, and community

Editor’s Note 5

BY ALEXANDER PETERS

Beach Vibes 7 In the Community 8

23 Bolivar’s Pirate

41 The Slip: An

Outdoors 20

improbable reunion

By the Sea 30

Peel back fascinating layers of history about Simón Bolívar and Jean Lafitte

The story of how one man unexpectedly reunited with an old friend in an unlikely place

Local Events 38

BY VINCE BRACH, PH.D.

BY CODY MARTIN

Connection

Sea & Be Seen 43

September/October 2016

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theLOCAL BOLIVAR PENINSULA’S MAGAZINE

EDITOR IN CHIEF Destiny Martin CONTRIBUTORS Vince Brach, Ph.D. Cody Martin Alexander Peters Dave Roberts Melanie Wallace, Ph.D. PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS Sarah Chapman Steve Liles Luke Mauldin Danny Norrid Corbet Ratcliff Dave Roberts FOR ADVERTISING INFO 650 Media Group, LLC P.O. Box 1747 Crystal Beach, TX 77650 817.505.8208 info@thebolivarlocal.com

The LOCAL, Bolivar Peninsula’s Magazine is produced by 650 Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. The LOCAL is not responsible for facts represented by authors or advertisers. No part of this publication may be used or reproduced without written consent of the editor.

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September/October 2016

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local. EDITOR’S NOTE

Preserving our past THE HISTORY OF THE BOLIVAR PENINSULA is rich

and lively. Ours is a multifaceted story filled with tales of cowboys, pirates, fishermen, weekend visitors, and locals. The peninsula has seen its fair share of triumphs and tribulations throughout the years, and while there may not be large libraries or museums dedicated to the unique history of our beloved Gulf Coast community, our past is preserved by fascinating accounts passed down from generation to generation. Inspired by those who have lived here for a lifetime, or those who have visited every summer since their youth, this issue of The Local aims to capture a glimpse of the peninsula’s rich history by sharing its stories.

This issue would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our contributors. Special thanks to Melanie Wallace, Dave Roberts, Vince Brach, and Alexander Peters. Each of these accomplished writers have illuminated the pages of this issue and allow us to relive the dynamic history of Bolivar Peninsula. Remember The Good Ol’ Days while reading Dave’s Outdoor feature on page 20, or discover Bolivar’s Pirate Connection on page 23 as Vince brings us around the world to understand just how the peninsula got its name.

This year marks the 30th anniversary for The Big Store. Owner Keith Zahar sits down with Alexander

Peters to tell us how the business has grown and served the local community in that time. For more on this, go to page 14. And Melanie takes us on a walk back in time (and back to school) in her column, By The Sea on page 30.

My final thought…while most of the country is bracing itself for colder days ahead, here on the Texas Gulf Coast, we’re enjoying near perfect conditions for some of Fall’s best activities—festivals, fishing, and a few local fund raising events that should be on everyone’s calendar. More details about upcoming local events on page 38. Get out and see all that our 27 miles of beach and bay has to offer!

Until next time, keep it local.

DESTINY MARTIN, EDITOR destiny@thebolivarlocal.com

On the Cover Photographer and educator Corbet Ratcliff captures an image of Point Bolivar Lighthouse shortly after the wake of Hurricane Ike. The original lighthouse was erected in 1852 and served as a beacon that guided mariners into port until 1933. Withstanding three of the worst storms in our history—the 1900 and 1915 storms and Hurricane Ike in 2008—it is an iconic landmark symbolic of the spirit and perseverance of the Bolivar Peninsula.

September/October 2016

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local. BEACH VIBES

Trash to treasured art Join the movement of turning marine debris into a unique work of art

Don't miss the

Fish decor on display at Gallery

By The Gulf in Crystal Beach.

Colorful fish constructed of found aluminum cans, sheet metal, and paint. Two metal fish on found driftwood plaque.

Beachcombing Art Exhibit at Gallery By The Gulf throughout the month of October

REASONS TO TRANSFORM YOUR BEACH FINDS

1

IT'S THERAPEUTIC

The creative process encourages self-expression and helps to reduce stress. Use your imagination to turn even the most mundane items, like bottle caps or cigarette lighters, into a colorful display.

2

IT'S ECO-FRIENDLY

Beachcombing is great way to improve the cleanliness of our area beaches.

By transforming marine debris into beautiful works of art, you raise awareness about the harmful effects pollution has on sea life.

3

IT'S ONE-OF-A-KIND

There is nothing more unique than your individual perception and inspiration is all around you. When beachcombing, challenge yourself to see potential in your finds and turn them into a personal treasure!

September/October 2016

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local. COMMUNITY

Hero Among Us HE RUSHED TO RESCUE A CAPSIZED BOAT AND SAVED THREE Zechariah Turk, 25, and his fiancé Sarah Chapman, 24, were enjoying an evening walk on the beach June 20 when Zech, an experienced kayaker, noticed a small sailboat in the water.

Initially, he didn’t think much of it—but revering the ocean’s unpredictability—Zech kept a watchful eye on the skiff as it bobbed on the horizon.

“The next time I looked up, I didn’t see the boat,” he recalls.

“Then I spotted the keels, or pontoon sides, sticking up out of the water. At that point I knew something was wrong.”

Thankfully, Zech acted fast. He flagged down the first passing vehicle he saw and asked the motorists to bring him home about a mile away to retrieve his kayak.

“We knew he wasn’t a crazy person,” says passenger Britta Gonzales of Buna. She and her husband who was driving agreed to drop Zech off then followed him back

to the beach.

As witnesses began to gather and the fleeting sun sank lower in the sky, Zech paddled his kayak as quickly as he could to the overturned vessel drifting farther out to sea, his heart racing at the possibility of what he might encounter once he reached the wreckage.

“I found three people; two young boys and a man without a life jacket hanging on to the capsized boat,” he says. “They were all visibly shaken, but in otherwise good physical condition.”

Zech remained with the group in the water approximately 45 minutes before additional help arrived.

Luckily for the victims (who never made their identity known), Zech’s willingness to promptly take action saved their lives that day. Looking back on the event, Zech says the only thing that troubles him is the amount of people standing by not doing anything. “It’s how you act in the face of adversity that defines you. I’m just thankful God put me in the right place at the right time.” tL

photos courtesy of sarah chapman

I FOUND THREE PEOPLE; TWO YOUNG BOYS AND A MAN WITHOUT A LIFE JACKET...

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theLOCAL

September/October 2016

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Area Information Live Webcams Local Events Business Directory Beach Rentals Fishing Reports

LocalNe ws.com September/October 2016

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local. COMMUNITY

CCA Golden Triangle Director’s Cup Honoring the late Bill Schwarzlose

On Friday, August 12 directors, supporters and friends of CCA Texas competed in the Bill Schwarzlose Director’s Cup, a fishing tournament hosted by the Golden Triangle Chapter’s Board of Directors in honor of the late Bill Schwarzlose who died in 2013.

The event kicked off on Thursday evening with a fish fry at the Bolivar waterfront beach home of Mike and Elizabeth Petit and Ronnie Anderson. Anglers launched early Friday morning, fishing until 1:30 PM, but tough conditions proved to put the group’s conservation tactics to the test!

John Reckart placed first with his catch of a red fish and a trout.

Thanks to generous donations from sponsors including Giglio

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theLOCAL

September/October 2016

Distributing and Chicken Boy Lures, prizes were awarded to nearly everyone in attendance.

“Remembering Bill is what this tournament is really all about,” comments chapter President Tyler Coco. Schwarzlose served as the Golden Triangle Chapter President in the late 90’s and eventually went on to become President of CCA Texas in 2007. He was a passionate outdoorsman and an advocate for game fish research. Sources indicate Schwarzlose was instrumental in establishing the CCA Texas Laboratory for Marine Larviculture at University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas.

For more information about the CCA Golden Triangle Chapter, please visit www.ccatexas.org. tL

Opposite page: CCA Golden Triangle Chapter’s board of directors gather in Port Bolivar on August 12; above: Bill Schwarzlose, former Golden Triangle Chapter President and CCA Texas President from 2007-2012; right: Elizabeth Petit receives a soft-sided cooler at the tournament’s awards ceremony.

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theLOCAL

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local. BUSINESS

Big store, big influence Gulf Coast Market–the Big Store–celebrates 30 years of supply and demand, and community

photographs courtesy of danny norrid this photo by destiny martin

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theLOCAL

September/October 2016

BY ALEXANDER PETERS

When the day comes, if The Big Store owner Keith Zahar were to have anything inscribed on his tombstone, it would probably say something along the lines of “I made it up as I went.”

However, one community in particular would beg to differ.

W

here do I start?” Keith Zahar asked himself as he picked over the remnants of his grocery store – at the time, his business of more than twenty years. There was no water, no electricity, no working landlines, no friends or customers, none of the charm that is Crystal Beach, only an everlasting reminder of the wrecked debris and chaos left in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Mother Nature had done her deed with a wink, too. While the nearly sixteen-foot storm surge moved cars and boats miles away from where owners had hurriedly left them during the evacuation, some of the most delicate of items like dozens of eggs were still left without a crack on the top shelves in which each set was stocked. Keith was as much in awe as he was in shock at the details of the devastation. “There’s not enough sympathy to go around when the whole town’s gone,” he tells me, leaning back in his chair in The Big Store’s office.

“Whenever [Ike] happened, I realized that people weren’t coming back unless I put this store back together.”

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The Big Store was, and always has been, a sort of life-line for Bolivar. From the host of charitable events during the holiday seasons to a convenient grocery fix, it’s a real life example of what a major artery looks like in the system that is its local community. And it’s long tenured success, three decades this summer, is proof of just that.

BIG BEGINNINGS The Big Store made its first dollar on May 17, 1986. But to understand the store’s backstory in whole, really, it depends on how far back you want to go. For story’s sake, though, it all began when Keith met Dan Kohlhofer as teenagers while working at a grocery store off Highland Avenue in Beaumont. The two would remain close friends over the years, and when Dan told Keith that he was going to build a new grocery store at the beach, as skeptical as Keith was, he relented and agreed to manage the new venture.

For more than sixteen years, as a duo, Keith and Dan would build a successful business together, with Keith using his steady hand to keep the employees on task and Dan cracking the whip on occasion.

After Dan’s untimely passing, in 2004, in an effort to keep their hard work alive, Keith bought the estate and the store continued to thrive.

“Dan was one of the finest people I ever met in this life,” Keith tells me. “He made sure that everyone who worked with him, everyone he knew, had what they needed.”

16 16 | | theLOCAL theLOCAL

September/October March/April 2016 2016

SHELVES STOCKED FOR THE FUTURE On the drive to The Big Store every day, whether Keith is heading in from his place in Crystal Beach or from his house in Port Arthur, his mind drifts: He thinks about those days when him and his friend sacked groceries together as kids, and about the day the duo first opened The Big Store’s front doors. He thinks about Dan as he passes the remembrance cross on the mainland side of town. He thinks about the community and what can be done to give back through his business. He thinks about some of the store’s longtime employees—some of whom have worked with him for more than twenty years, like Wendy, Craig, and Pedro—and, how had it not been for their dedication to the town, The Big Store may have never reopened after Ike, on May 17, 2009, twenty-three years to the day since the store made its first dollar.

“I realized after the storm that customers weren’t customers anymore—they were all blessings,” Keith tells me. “We realized that everyone who walks through that door is a very special person. There’s probably a million things I could tell you, but we’re still here.” tL

September/October 2016

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theLOCAL

September/October 2016

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local. O U T D O O R S

The Good Ol’ Days I often catch myself day dreaming about what it would be like to stumble upon the Texas coast before human intervention. It is hard to even imagine how perfect the coastline, bays and estuaries may have been. When you hear of stories past, they are often filled with tales of reds so thick that the water turns to a golden hue and skies black with mallards. These stories have always intrigued me, mainly because nowadays, these monumental days are few and far between. While catching or shooting a full bag limit can more often than not prove to be a challenging task, such harvesting of the abundant wildlife that roamed the peninsula and swam in the bays was a way of life back then.

To our grandparents and their

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September/October 2016

parents, the relative ease of harvest was often times a simple task in a rather not so simple way of life.

Rudy “Plugger” Grigar was one of the first to wade fish the Texas Gulf Coast. In his book Plugger, he describes several schools of hundreds of redfish scattered across East Bay, what he referred to as “Strawberry Patches” (I think the name explains itself). The sheer number of redfish made it possible to go out and fill a 500 pound icechest within a weekend. In Plugger, he tells a story from the early 50s of fishing Hanna’s Reef one night after eating a dinner of fresh-shucked oysters from the reef itself: “The action was hectic! I had 26 big, heavy redfish on my stringer within an hour. I was catching reds so fast that I held my stringer between

my teeth while I reeled the next red in. There wasn’t enough time for me to tie and untie to my waist. The last red was over 12 pounds. I stuffed him on my stringer and bit down on the rope again, but the red had no intention on staying on the stringer.

He popped the rope out of my mouth and 3 of my front teeth along with it.”

I recently was told a memorable childhood story from Hal Bean. His Great Uncle George Bean—future owner of the “Bean Pot” cabin near Swedes Road—had rented the Linn’s cabin for the week (remember the cabin that had Linn spelled out on the roof shingles?). George decided to throw out a gill net to catch a few fish for dinner and after letting the net sit for a few hours, they went to pull it in and this is when the struggle began. What started out as

photos courtesy of dave roberts and the kayak fishing community

a way to put dinner on the table turned into a net with close to a thousand pounds of sow trout.

The men sent the women to get ice and to call friends and family from Port Arthur to come pick up fish to take home. He specifically remembers the biggest trout that was captured out of the group, a 32.75" monster that weighed in at a whopping 13.8 pounds! Hal still to this day has a picture of himself as a young boy holding that trout. “There were well over 100 trout in the 10 pound range, but that was the biggest,” he recalls.

When I hear stories like this it always leaves me astonished and I catch myself wanting to hear more. It is hard to fathom the quantity of fish that once swam in our bays, much less the quality. The older generations were able to catch several fish to put on the dinner table that today’s average angler will spend countless hours searching for to mount on their wall. The things I would do to be able to go back 200 years and stand on Hanna’s Reef to fish! Soon enough though, I will be reminiscing about my youthful days of fishing the Texas coast.

Hopefully my grandkids will be as captivated as I was when I tell them fishing stories about the good ol’ days.

– DAVE ROBERTS

September/October 2016

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local. FEATURE

BOLIVAR'S PIRATE CONNECTION words by Vince Brach, Ph. D.

September/October 2016

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Many visitors to the Bolivar Peninsula know that our beloved playground was named for the famous Simón Bolívar, praised by the French aristocrat Lafayette as “the George Washington of South America”. However, there is far more to this story.

The complex interplay between Simón Bolívar, warring nations, and a certain swashbuckling pirate named Jean Lafitte add fascinating layers of richness to the peninsula’s romance and history.

Christie’s, the renowned London auctioneer, recently sold a pair of presentation pistols that were gifted to Bolívar by the Marquis de Lafayette in 1825. These magnificent guns were accompanied by a lock of George Washington’s hair, a medal, and a handsome gold-inlaid wooden case. This was truly a princely gift, indicating the high regard both Washington and Lafayette had for the young revolutionary at the time. It was about this time that the Bolivar Peninsula received its name.

By the turn of the nineteenth century, America still had such a small naval presence that pirates from several countries regularly wrought havoc among foreign merchantmen trading in the Gulf of Mexico. Chief among these marauders was the Frenchman Jean Lafitte.

Jean Lafitte was described by biographer Gaspar Cusachs as a sort of Robin Hood of the high seas. Lafitte earned notoriety early as a rapacious privateer in his exploits against

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September/October 2016

Above: a view looking along the boardwalk in the humid swamps of the Barataria Nature Preserve, in southeast Louisiana; right: an old canon with wheels from the Museum Quinta Simón BolÍvar in Bogotá, Colombia; the restored colonial house that served as BolÍvar’s residence after the war of independence

IMAGE SOURCE: DREAMSTIME.COM

the British in India. Privateers were pirates under license, or “marque”, by a country to attack the merchant ships of other countries. As a privateer, Lafitte was far more gentlemanly than most pirates, being fierce in battle but often merciful in victory.

Later, Lafitte continued his depredations against both English and Spanish treasure ships in the Gulf of Mexico.

When the wealthy Columbian port city of Cartagena (“carta-HAIN-ya”) began to fight Spain for independence in 1811, Lafitte received a marque from Simón Bolívar himself to sack Spanish ships throughout the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.

Unable to legally dispose of his treasure in the United States, Lafitte utilized the network of islands, swamps and sand bars surrounding New Orleans as a hiding place. This maze of sand and unmapped waterways was named “Barataria” by its inhabitants, possibly as a corruption of barra tierra, “firm sand bank” in loose Spanish. From there, Lafitte smuggled huge amounts of plunder into New Orleans.

Lafitte’s successes in battle greatly interested the British, who were scheming to attack New Orleans. They made several unsuccessful attempts to turn Lafitte to the British cause. However, Lafitte accepted a commission with the fledgling American army under Andrew Jackson for himself and his “Baratarians”. His valor and brilliant military performance were largely responsible for the American victory over Britain in the bloody War of 1812. Afterward, Jackson’s glowing testimony elevated Lafitte to respectability and fame. Movie fans will remember the swashbuckling rendition of Lafitte by Yul Brynner in the 1958 movie “The Buccaneer”. This action-packed but largely fictional film also

September/October 2016

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starred Charlton Heston as Andrew Jackson.

Predictably, Lafitte could not stay away from his love of battle on the high seas. Gaining command of the Jupiter, one of America’s first chartered warships, he once again struck terror into the Spaniards. For this, he was rewarded by being appointed governor of Galveston. From there, many believe that Lafitte occasionally turned loose his entire crew of cutthroats for wild parties on the Bolivar Peninsula!

However, fortune was to turn against Lafitte. In 1818, a terrible hurricane destroyed much of his fleet.

Meanwhile, America and Britain were beginning to suspect him of continued piracy under the flag of Cartagena.

Some of his ships were captured by both American and British warships.

A number of his crew were tried and executed in New Orleans. Others were taken to Jamaica, where many met a similar fate. By now Lafitte must have felt that the world was collapsing around him.

Exactly what happened to Lafitte is still debated. Some say he died soon afterward in a battle with a British sloop-of-war. A more likely ending involves the story of the Hotspur, Lafitte’s last known vessel. When the Hotspur was hopelessly grounded in “Barataria” in 1820, Lafitte’s cabin boy Charles Cronea deserted and made his way to Sabine Pass. Cronea eventually settled at High Island, where his monument still stands and where he left many descendants. It is said that in 1821 Lafitte sailed off into oblivion from Galveston at the “invitation” of the U.S. Navy, leaving a small group of his former comrades behind.

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Texas historical landmark: the grave site of Lafitte's cabin boy, Charles Cronea, who eventually settled on the Bolivar Peninsula and is buried in the High Island cemetery

From the survivors of Lafitte’s pirate ships come many legends, not the least of which is buried and sunken treasure. While the remains of the Hotspur have never been found, wreckage and cannons thought to have been Lafitte’s have turned up in the waters surrounding Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula. One treasure reputed to be worth $130,000 is rumored to be buried at Bolivar Point. At least one of the survivors of the Hotspur was known to have paid for whiskey and women with a neverending stream of gold doubloons. Holding true to the pirates’ oath of silence, he never revealed their source.

While we may never find a gold coin while beachcombing on the Bolivar Peninsula, there will always be treasure in the names of Lafitte and Bolívar. Their spirits of freedom and adventure—however differently expressed —will forever add color and pride to our American and Texan heritage. tL

MANY BELIEVE LAFITTE OCCASIONALLY TURNED LOOSE HIS ENTIRE CREW OF CUTTHROATS FOR WILD PARTIES ON THE BOLIVAR PENINSULA.

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grand slam Flounder Tournament 2016 GET READY TO WET A HOOK at the first annual Grand Slam Flounder Tournament hosted by Peninsula Sports Park at the Bolivar Yacht Basin Bait Camp on October 22. Proceeds from this fundraising event will help to rebuild the Little League baseball park in Port Bolivar, and provide the team a much-needed local practice and playing field.

Anglers from all over are invited to visit the Bolivar Peninsula and fish our local waters during the highly-anticipated Fall Flounder Run for a chance to win great prizes and support a worthy cause!

Deadline to enter is October 21. For more info, contact Delino Comeaux at 409-392-6002.

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SUMMER PLACE OXFORDS FROM SANDALS TO SADDLE

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September/October 2016

local. BY THE SEA

words by MELANIE WALLACE, PH.D. photographs COURTESY OF THE SIMPTON FAMILY AND CRENSHAW ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL

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Ours is a summer place. The summer people begin to arrive in late May, toting ice chests and lawn chairs and sunscreen. Easily spotted on the ferry, they are the ones with bags of Wonder Bread, unwittingly feeding the birds at the front of the boat. I never really blame them, even when I’ve just washed my car. They are excited…coming for a holiday in a place that I get to live.

If I’m at the Big Store, I can spot them, even without actually seeing them. I can identify the summer beach folks by the items in their shopping carts: chips and Velveeta, hot dog buns, and huge bags of inexpensive sandwich cookies. A rite of summer.

Tourists are the bread and butter of our community. I love to see a family of visitors frolicking in the surf, building sand castles, or searching for sharks’ teeth at the edge of the water. Seeing the beach through their eyes makes it even more magical for me. Summertime is a bustling time here.

Then comes Labor Day…or, the day after Labor Day—when the tourists are gone, the beaches are clear, and real life happens on the peninsula. In beach communities, we tend to forget that families live here full-time. Families with children. School children.

The history and life of any community is always closely tied to its schools. Bolivar Peninsula is no different. Shortly after the 1900 storm, the citizens of Bolivar started a county

Top: Crenshaw Elementary & Middle School in Port Bolivar, established in 2005; middle: a group of students in front of a Bolivar school bus, circa 1930s; bottom: Crenshaw elementary students in 2006

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THE HISTORY AND LIFE OF ANY COMMUNITY IS ALWAYS CLOSELY TIED TO ITS SCHOOLS.

school. The Bolivar Common School District, which was located on Madison Street, between Fourteenth and Sixteenth Streets, was operated under a county superintendent. The 1915 storm moved the school to the other side of the highway, and in 1917, a two-room frame building was constructed on the site of the Bolivar School. The school was surrounded by barbed wire and had a stile for crossing because cattle roamed in the area. The wooden school building was moved and became a recreation hall in 1955-1956, when a new brick building was dedicated which served the students of the peninsula until Crenshaw School was opened.

High Island School, at the opposite end of the peninsula, offers an excellent education and extra-curricula to approximately 100 kids, pre-K through 12th grade. Both schools are hubs of activity for students and their parents throughout the school year.

I love everything about the schoolhouse. The smell of chalk dust and mimeographed papers (lost smells, but still there in my memory). The first chill of a September morning, and of course, the new stash of school supplies—a fresh box of 64 crayons, a handful of newly sharpened #2 pencils, and the promise of an empty composition book. Even now, I get a

A view overlooking the Bolivar Habitat Preserve outdoor classroom at Crenshaw Elementary & Middle School. The preserve, which encompasses 25 acres of natural wetlands, provides students the opportunity to learn about the surrounding ecosystem and its wildlife. Two installations of students' ceramic artwork anchor the boardwalk system.

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little thrill as I peruse the school supply aisle at Wal-Mart or Target in late summer. With the boys grown and gone and me retired, I have little need for the stacks of folders and notebook paper, markers and map pencils that find their way into my shopping cart each year.

Poor Mack just shakes his head.

I always wanted to be a teacher.

From the time I could speak, I played school with my dolls, my sisters, the neighborhood kids, and our family dog, Socks. Nanny, my dad’s mother, was my hero. She was a teacher. She dropped out of high school at the age of 15 to get married, had my dad the next year and my uncle the following year and picked cotton to put food on the table. Finally, exhausted from a life of poverty, she decided to follow her dream of becoming a schoolteacher. She took an entrance test, was accepted into the teacher preparation program, then rode her horse, Penny to East Texas State Teachers’ College each Monday morning and back to her home and family every Friday night.

That single act of courage and vision changed the course of the lives of her children, grandchildren, and greatgrand children. My dad and his brother both received college degrees back in the early 1950s, all six grandchildren have advanced teaching degrees, and the great-grands have gone even further in their educations. All because of the vision of one strong mother.

I believe that God called me to teach (I had hoped to be called to be a swimsuit model or movie star…but alas!). Nothing else “fit” when I tried on the idea of a different profession. My decision to become a teacher never let 34 |

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The marquis at High Island School welcomes students and faculty back to campus

Photographed here in the front row, third from the left is the author's grandmother, Nanny, in her first faculty photo in 1940

Your home comfort specialists

me down. My heart gives a little flutter when I see a school bus coming down Highway 87 in the early fall. Crafting a perfect lesson plan gives me the greatest sense of satisfaction and watching the kids on the playground still makes me smile.

As we crank down the shutters and go from beach bags to book bags, I have that end-of-summer feeling…like I need to be somewhere; like I’m playing hooky. I’ll always feel the need to return to the classroom in the fall; to don a new plaid outfit, pack up my new school supplies, and open the door to a new school year.

So this fall, when you spot Eva Gail tooling down Highway 87 in her big yellow school bus, think about the kids and their teachers. Change from your sandals to your saddle oxfords, and settle in for a quiet season here in this place that we love. tL

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September/October 2016

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local. EVENTS

September/October Fall is one of the best times to enjoy the bounty of Bolivar Peninsula.

From festivals to fishing, here's a look at what's happening locally.

EVENT

International Sea-Bean Symposium October 14-15 / 9 AM

BENEFIT

Stingaree Saltwater Slam 2016 September 17 / 6 AM

Hosted every year by the Bolivar Peninsula Lions Club, the Stingaree Saltwater Slam is a fishing tournament that provides scholarships for local students. Kids are welcome to compete in the Hardhead Contest where the winner will receive $500 scholarship! Guaranteed cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. Individual fee is $100, or $350 for a team of four. Early registrations discounts apply by September 16.

Visit the link below for complete rules and registration.

www.bplions.org/stingaree-saltwater-slam-2016

Coastwide Fall Beach Cleanup September 24 / 9 AM - NOON

Sponsored by the Texas General Land Office. Volunteers can sign up online at texasadoptabeach.org to take part in a fun-filled day at the beach that makes a difference. Each volunteer will be given data cards, gloves, pencils and trash bags. All volunteers are advised to wear closed-toe shoes, bring sunscreen and plenty of drinking water. Check-in at 8:30 am Crystal Beach Volunteer Fire Department, 930 Noble Carl Dr. For more information, contact Janis Malitz at 409-454-4756 or janis.malitz@texasadoptabeach.org.

www.texasadoptabeach.org theLOCAL

www.seabean.com/symposium/2016

EVENT

7th Annual Jane Long Festival October 14-15 / 11 AM

Hosted by the Bolivar Peninsula Cultural Foundation, the 7th Annual Jane Long Festival expands to a two-day event, now held on the third weekend in October at historic Fort Travis Seashore Park. Attractions include tours of Fort Travis, the Pirates & Petticoats production performed by the Way Off Broadway Players, live music, food and craft vendors.

Gates open at 4 pm Friday and at 11 am on Saturday. Free admission and parking.

www.janelongfestival.org

COMMUNITY

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Every year since 1996, at the height of the sea bean season, a group called The Drifters gathers for the International Sea-Bean Symposium and Beachcombers' Festival. This year's event will be hosted at the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in Galveston. The public is invited—and encouraged—to attend. It's free and fun for everyone!

September/October 2016

COMMUNITY

Trunk-Or-Treat Halloween Bash October 29 / 5 PM

The annual Trunk or Treat and Ghost On The Coast spookhouse will be held at the Big Store on Saturday, October 29. Decorate your car or golf cart and come join the fun. Dress up in your best Halloween apparel and enter the Costume Contest. Bring your decorated pumpkin, they will be judged by the public. Don't miss the action, it's a real HOOT!

www.crystalbeachlocalnews.com

CPR Training Course September 17 / 10 AM Sponsored by PEMSI and Texas Crab Festival Charities, this hands-on CPR course is free for residents and property owners of the Bolivar Peninsula. Space is limited. Call 409-684-2005 for more information.

PBVFD BBQ Cook-off September 23-24 / 11 AM Join the Port Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department at their 18th Annual BBQ Cook-off. Barbecue dinners on sale from 11 am - 5:30 pm. $15 donation for two-meat plate, $10 donation for onemeat plate. Raffle prizes at 5 pm, live auction at 6 pm. For more info, contact Malcom Comeaux at 409-771-7026 or BJ Jewell at 409-599-7815.

Grand Slam Flounder Tournament October 22 / 6 AM Help raise funds to rebuild the Little League ballpark in Port Bolivar by participating in the first annual Grand Slam Flounder Tournament, hosted by Peninsula Sports Park. First, second, and third place prizes awarded for heaviest stringer of four. Deadline to register is October 21. Contact Delino Comeaux at 409-392-6002 for more details.

Beachcombing Art Exhibit Ongoing in October Visit Gallery By The Gulf for a unique new installation of beachcombing art. Exhibit includes home decor, jewelry, paintings and more.

1980 Hwy 87 Crystal Beach, TX 77650

Celebrating the Mother of Texas Annual Jane Long Festival now a two-day event words by brenda smith

T

he 2016 Seventh Annual Jane Long Festival—reflecting the success of our celebrated Mother of Texas—is expanding to a two-day event in October with even more Fort Travis installations now open for tours to complement reenactments by the Texas Army, the Sons of the Republic of Texas, and other groups.

This free, family-oriented festival is held every year—now on the third weekend of October—at historic Fort Travis Seashore Park. For visitors coming from Galveston, the park is located less than two miles from the Bolivar ferry landing and can be seen from Highway 87 (since renamed Jane Long Memorial Highway).

The weekend’s entertainment will showcase our beloved Jane Long, who most of us know from school history books as the Mother of Texas. But

what you might not realize about this woman’s incredible story is…

• she was left alone on Bolivar Peninsula and survived one of the coldest winters recorded in history, • she fended off threatening Indians, • gave birth to a daughter and, later…

• became an invaluable assistant to famous Texas leaders such as Stephen F. Austin, Mirabeau B. Lamar, Sam Houston, and William B. Travis during their fight for Texas Independence.

The Jane Long Festival features vendors galore, delicious food, games, fun children’s activities, and local entertainment, all set to the backdrop of Galveston Bay. Situated at the near point of Bolivar Peninsula, the park grounds provide spectacular views of passing freighters, cruise ships, a plethora of seabirds, and porpoises, making this the most beautiful festival site in the state of Texas.

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local. FEATURE

The Slip: An improbable reunion words by cody martin | photos courtesy of steve liles

S

teve Liles was born in 1956, the same year that Rollover Pass opened. Steve’s father served as a Marine in Korea and all five of Steve’s uncles were veterans as well.

Besides having a love for their country, they all shared a love for fishing and knew our bay systems like they were their very own personal lake. Despite the vast amount of available water to fish, at certain times of the year, you could find the Liles family standing shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of other fishermen at Rollover Pass, aka The Slip.

Steve muses that Rollover became known

locally as the Slip because if you happened to wander too close to the edge, you may slip and end up in the Gulf of Mexico.

In 1963, when Steve was just 7 years old, he met a young black girl who was about the same age while their fathers were fishing. The young girl’s father enjoyed telling stories and Steve and the young girl would often share Oreo’s while listening. Although segregation would not be outlawed until 1964, it seemed the fishermen around the Slip during those times didn’t see color. Everyone just shared a common love for fishing.

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Rollover Pass received its name during the time of Spanish rule through Prohibition, when ship captains would roll barrels of imported and exported goods across the peninsula to avoid customs.

Regardless of age, color, or creed, thousands have gathered along the Rollover bridge and the banks of The Slip for decades; each pining to catch at least one fish from the multitude of species that daily swim in and out of the man-made cut. Photos from 1956 shown here.

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Around 50 years later in 2011, Steve decided to make a trip to the Slip to take part in the annual Golden Croaker run. Forced to retreat to his truck to wait out a passing thunderstorm, he thought about calling it a day and returning home, but something in his gut told him to stay.

After allowing the storm to pass, Steve grabbed his gear and headed down to his spot on the Gulf side. He noticed an older black woman with salt and pepper hair sitting a few feet down from him on a rock and decided to strike up a conversation. “How long have you been fishing here?” Steve inquired. “Well over 40 years,” she replied. The time-frame matched up and piqued his curiosity, so Steve casually asked if her Daddy was still with us. The woman replied that her dad had passed several years ago and at that moment, they both realized that some fifty years earlier, they sat in nearly that same spot eating Oreo’s while listening to her father tell stories. The two shared laughs, memories and tears for several hours without catching a single fish. Nearly half a century had past since they had first met as young kids; the world had changed a lot, but the uncanny desire to just get away for a while had brought about an improbable reunion. A “real” reunion as Steve points out.

Steve Liles is just one man and his is just one story. So many thousands of people have frequented Rollover throughout the years and each of those people certainly has their very own story to share. Steve says that if you’re quiet enough on a cool, calm morning, you can almost hear the voices and stories of the crowds who came before you. tL

sea

be seen

From A Bird's Eye View by Kara Kennedy

East Bay Sunset by Destiny Martin

Beach Shadows by Debra Deckard September/October 2016

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Taking Flight by Angela Berton

Share your LOCAL scene.

Send us photos of your favorite places, people and past times on the peninsula and your image could be featured in an upcoming issue of our magazine. Submit high resolution (300 dpi) images to info@thebolivarlocal.com. Please include your name, contact info and the title of the image.

High Island Sunset by Bryan McDowell

Still Daylight by Brent Rayborn

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September/October 2016

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