Houston Audiotour: Van Main Street Market Square tot Spirit of the Confederacy

Alrighty, folks! Welcome to the Wortham Theater Center, where the magic happens! This performing arts center is located right here in downtown Houston, Texas, and it's quite the gem. Designed by the talented Eugene Aubry of Morris Architects, this place was built with private funds totaling over a whopping $66 Million. Talk about some serious dough, am I right? Now, check this out: the City of Houston owns the building, but the Houston First Corporation operates it. Basically, it's a fancy collaboration between the city and this awesome corporation. The Wortham Theater Center officially opened its doors on May 9, 1987, and boy, was it a night to remember! The very first performance was Tango Argentino, and it took place in the Brown Theatre. I guess they really wanted to kick things off with a sultry dance, huh? But wait, there's more! In the Cullen Theater, they presented The Knee Plays, a unique piece written by Robert Wilson and the lead singer of Talking Heads, David Byrne. Now that's what I call a collaboration! This Society for the Performing Arts really knows how to bring the arts to life. Now, fast forward to 2017 and Hurricane Harvey decided to make an unexpected guest appearance. Talk about a party crasher! It caused some damage to the center, and it had to close its doors for a while. But fear not, my friends, because this place made a comeback in September 2018, looking better than ever! Now, let me tell you about a super generous guy named Gus Wortham. He was a local philanthropist and the founder of American General Insurance Company-big deal, right? Well, his estate coughed up a significant portion of the funding needed to build this place. The Wortham Foundation even chipped in a cool $20 million, which is why the theater center is named after ol' Gus. Talk about leaving a lasting legacy! What's really impressive is that during the banking and oil recession of the late 1980s, more than 3,500 donors stepped up to the plate and committed funds for this marvelous facility. Over 2,200 individuals even donated $100 or less to the cause. It was a major community effort, folks! Let's talk about the theaters here, shall we? The Brown Theater is the big one with a whopping 2,405 seats. It's named after generous donors Alice and George Brown. This theater is mainly used for opera and large ballet productions put on by two resident companies: the Houston Ballet and the Houston Grand Opera. Can you imagine a ballet performance with over 2,000 seats filled with awe-struck spectators? Now that's a sight to behold! On the other hand, we have the Cullen Theater, sporting 1,100 seats. This bad boy is named after donors Lillie and Roy Cullen. It's here where you'll find smaller productions and other events. You know, sometimes big things come in small packages, and this theater proves just that! Oh, did I mention that the Houston Ballet started its residency here on September 2, 1987? Janie Parker and Li Cunxin were the stars of the show, bringing the timeless tale of Romeo and Juliet to life. Talk about making a grand entrance! Now, here's a fun fact for you. The glass entry archway at the theater center was originally meant to be part of a glass atrium. However, they realized that Houston's hot summers and the risk of hurricanes didn't quite vibe with the whole atrium concept. So, they left the archway as it was and just enclosed it with glass. Hey, you gotta roll with the punches, right? Speaking of cool stuff, have you seen the Helen Hayes Chandelier in the Green Room? It's a real showstopper, let me tell ya! This beauty was originally installed in 1911 at New York City's Fulton Theater. When that theater got demolished, a lovely couple from Houston, Billy and Janie Lisa Price, swooped in and donated it to the Wortham Center. It's like a piece of history hanging right here in our beloved theater. Now, let's not forget about the grand staircase, or should I say the bank of escalators? Yep, you heard that right. This place decided to mix things up and give us a staircase with escalators instead.

Ah, the Alley Theatre, a true gem in Houston! This Tony Award-winning theatre company is not only the oldest professional theatre company in Texas, but it's also the third oldest resident theatre in the whole United States. Talk about history! Now, let me tell you how this incredible theatre came to be. Back in 1947, a fearless woman named Nina Eloise Whittington Vance founded the Alley Theatre in a former dance studio with an opening on Main Street. Can you imagine that? A brick corridor led from Main to the back of the studio, giving the theatre its fitting name, Alley Theatre. It's amazing how creative names can come about, right? But wait, the adventure doesn't end there! In 1948, the early paying members of the theatre went on a scavenger hunt for a new location and found themselves an abandoned fan factory on Berry Avenue. The Alley moved there and re-opened its doors in 1949 with a production of Lillian Helman's The Children’s Hour. And from there on, they became a fully professional and Equity company. Talk about an upgrade! The Alley Theatre didn't limit itself to just Houston, oh no! Their productions have played on Broadway at Lincoln Center and have even toured over 40 American cities. They've gone international too, performing in amazing places like Berlin, Paris, and St. Petersburg. Fancy! And just when you thought it couldn't get any more exciting, the United States State Department invited the Alley Theatre to represent American Regional Theatre at the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958. It seems like this theatre has quite the passport, doesn't it? But it doesn't stop there, my friend. In 1962, the Houston Endowment gifted the Alley Theatre with land worth $800,000. And if that wasn't enough, they also received grants worth $2.5 million from the Ford Foundation for their new building at 615 Texas Ave. That's some serious support! Over the years, the Alley Theatre has hosted numerous groundbreaking productions, including Paul Zindel's The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1971. They've collaborated with international luminaries like Edward Albee, Vanessa Redgrave, and Frank Wildhorn. And hey, they've even premiered some pretty big hits like Jekyll & Hyde and The Civil War. Talk about being on the cutting edge of theatre! Today, the Alley Theatre is in the capable hands of Artistic Director Rob Melrose and Managing Director Dean R. Gladden. And let me tell you, Texas Monthly says that no other theatre in Texas comes close to the Alley. Their productions often rival Broadway in quality, thanks to their amazing resident acting company and dedicated production staff. Talk about being on top of their game! Now, I have to mention Hurricane Harvey, which brought quite a challenge to the Alley Theatre. The theatre underwent a complete renovation in the mid-2010s, but unfortunately, it got flooded by Hurricane Harvey and suffered the worst damage of any theatre in Houston. But they didn't let that setback hold them down! They commissioned a touring children's play to be performed in schools throughout the Houston area as a response to the devastation. Talk about resilience! The Alley Theatre's new home, which opened in November 1968, is truly something to behold. It has not one, but two stages! The Hubbard Stage boasts 774 seats, making it perfect for those big productions. But if you're seeking a more intimate experience, the Neuhaus Stage is where you need to be. It has 296 seats and provides a cozy setting to get up close and personal with the performers. So, my friend, the Alley Theatre's story is one of triumph, creativity, and a passion for the arts. It's a place where history meets innovation, and where unforgettable performances are born. I hope you enjoyed learning about this incredible landmark, and I can't wait to take you to the next stop on our tour!

Alright folks, welcome to Tranquillity Park, where it's all about the moon landing and lunar love! Picture this: you're smack dab in the heart of Downtown Houston, with the federal courts building on one side and City Hall on the other. But forget about those buildings for a moment, because Tranquillity Park is where the real lunar magic happens! This place got its name from the famous Sea of Tranquility, where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made their historic moon landing during the Apollo 11 mission. So, you can bet your spacesuit that this park is out of this world! It officially opened its doors to eager visitors back in the summer of 1979, on the tenth anniversary of that monumental lunar landing. Now, if you're wondering what makes this park so special, just take a look at the bronze plaques at the main entrance. There, you'll find the very first words ever spoken from the moon by Neil Armstrong: "Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed." And they've gone the extra mile by writing that iconic phrase in not one, not two, but fifteen different languages! Talk about moon language diversity, right? But the lunar festivities don't stop there, my lunar-loving friends. They've even got a replica of one of Neil Armstrong's footprints on display. I mean, who wouldn't want to step into the shoes of an astronaut, am I right? As you stroll through this amazing park, you can't miss the mounds and depressions scattered around. These are meant to resemble the cratered lunar surface. You'll even spot the towering stainless steel cylinders of the Wortham Fountain, designed to look like the mighty rocket boosters of the Apollo. It's like Houston's very own mini space mission! Now, if you're lucky enough to be here during city functions, art shows, or awesome events like the Children's Festival or the Houston International Festival, you'll experience Tranquillity Park in full moon party mode! And hey, even office workers from downtown escape their desks during lunch hour to have a picnic in this lunar oasis. So, whether you're an astronaut or a lunchtime picnic lover, this park is for you! Oh, and before we leave, make sure to check out the smaller park just across the street. There, you'll find two memorials dedicated to the fallen heroes of the Space Shuttle disasters. It's a solemn reminder that space exploration comes with risks, but it also reminds us of the incredible bravery of those who dare to reach for the stars. Well, my interstellar friends, we're off to our next stop on this tour. Buckle up and get ready for more Houston adventures! We're just getting started in this city built on dreams, determination, and a whole lot of fun! Let's keep that excitement going!

Ah, welcome to stop number 8, the Sweeney Clock! This is no ordinary clock, my friend. It's a true timekeeping legend in our bustling city of Houston, Texas. Now, let me take you back in time to 1908. Picture this, the streets lined with horse-drawn carriages and stylish folks strolling along. At the intersection of Main and Prairie, there it stood, outside the magnificent J. J. Sweeney & Co. jewelry store - the birthplace of this historic timepiece. For 20 glorious years, this clock adorned the corner, reminding people to cherish every precious tick-tock of life. But as time passed, it was time for a change of scenery. So, in 1929, our beloved clock was whisked away to the Farmer's Market. It must have had a grand adventure there, surrounded by colorful produce and lively traders. After its market escapade, the clock needed a little breather, so it went into storage for a while. But fear not, my friend, for this tale has a happy ending! In 1968, after a much-deserved rest, the Sweeney Clock found its forever home right here, near Tranquillity Park. Now, every time you cast your eyes upon this grand timepiece, think of the history it has witnessed. From elegant horse-drawn carriages to bustling markets, the Sweeney Clock has seen it all. So, let's take a moment to appreciate this time traveler and its enduring charm. Alright, my friend, time is ticking, and there's much more to explore in our grand city of Houston. Shall we move along to our next stop?

But wait, there's more! The Beatles themselves took the stage here, and James Brown gave everyone a taste of his legendary moves. Oh, and you know ZZ Top? Well, their guitarist, Billy Gibbons, got his start right here with his band Moving Sidewalks. Talk about a small world! And let's not forget about Cream, Jimi Hendrix, Ike & Tina Turner, and even Stevie Ray Vaughan. They all brought their incredible talents to this very place. The Coliseum was like a magnet for musical greatness! But it wasn't just musicians who made their mark here. The Houston Skippers, Houston Huskies, and the Houston Cougars all called the Coliseum their home for their games. And let's not forget about Houston Wrestling, where legends were made in the ring thanks to the one and only Paul Boesch. Now, sadly, the Coliseum is no more. But the memories and the stories live on. And hey, who knows what amazing adventures are waiting for us at the next stop?

Back in 1854, the library system started as the second Houston Lyceum, which was like a cool clubhouse for intellectual debates and a place to show off your smarts. But you know what they say, "when you're surrounded by books, you just can't stay apart!" So, the lyceum's library eventually separated from the clubhouse and became its own institution. Fast forward to 1892 when William Marsh Rice, a super generous Houston businessman and all-around awesome guy, donated a whopping $200,000 to build a free public library. That's a lot of books! The library opened its doors in 1895 and even got its own fancy building in 1904, thanks to some financial help from the legendary Andrew Carnegie. Now, let me tell you a little secret about the creation of this library. The amazing women of Houston played a big role! They were like the fairy godmothers of literacy, waving their wands and making sure the city had a library to serve the community. Julia Ideson was named the first librarian, and she hired a single employee to help her spread the magic of reading. As the library grew in popularity, it outgrew its old home, so they sold the property and found a new spot on Thomas M. Bagby's lot. They brought in design architects like Cram and Ferguson, along with William Ward Watkin and Louis A. Glover, to create a building that would make anyone say, "Wow!" The new building opened in 1926, and boy, oh boy, was it a sight to behold! With a Spanish Renaissance design, the library not only had books but also carvings of famous Texas explorers and missionaries. You could say it was like a treasure trove of knowledge! Now, here comes a part of the library's history that might make you raise an eyebrow. Back in the day, the library wasn't very welcoming to everyone who wanted to enjoy the wonders of reading. But thanks to a group of determined African-American educators led by Ernest O. Smith, a library dedicated to serving the black community was established in 1913. After some changes and progress in the library world, the Houston Public Library racially desegregated in 1953. Finally, books didn't care about the color of your skin or the background you came from because knowledge should be for everyone! So, my friend, let's explore this magical place where stories come alive, knowledge is shared, and every reader finds their own adventure. Get ready to be transported into a world where books are the keys to open doors you never knew existed. Shall we continue our journey through the library? Let's go!

Alright folks, welcome to stop number 10, the World War I Monument! This is one impressive memorial, let me tell you. It's located right outside the Heritage Society, next to the lovely Sam Houston Park. Now, this memorial was created by someone mysterious. That's right, we don't know who exactly made it, but let's just say they did an outstanding job. It's made of bronze and granite, which gives it a timeless and majestic look. This monument is here to honor the local heroes who gave their lives in World War I. You know, those brave soldiers who fought for our freedom and made incredible sacrifices. We owe them a great deal of gratitude. To honor these incredible individuals, you'll find a bronze plaque on the monument. And it's not just any plaque, my friends. It's a plaque depicting a mighty eagle. I mean, who doesn't love eagles? They are like the superheroes of the bird world. And as if a cool eagle wasn't enough, this plaque also has a list of names etched into it. Imagine the dedication it took to gather and immortalize all those brave soldiers' names. It's truly a humbling experience to be in their presence. So, take a moment here to pay your respects to these fallen heroes. Give them a nod or a salute, as a sign of appreciation for their bravery and sacrifice. Alright, let's move on to our next stop, shall we?

You know who deserves credit for this awesome place? Former Mayor Sam Brashear. He had the brilliant idea to buy this land back in 1900 and turn it into a park. And boy, did he choose the right spot! This 20-acre park has it all - footpaths, an old mill, a bridge over a charming stream, and even a 52-year-old house that used to be a school. Talk about a park with character! But it's not just Mayor Brashear who made this place special. The Heritage Society, founded by Houstonians Faith Bybee, Harvin Moore, and Marie Phelps in 1954, has been calling Sam Houston Park its home. These awesome folks are all about preserving Houston's history. They've restored historic structures, exhibited historical artifacts, and even created educational programs to teach us about the city's diverse past. And if you love museums, you're in luck! Sam Houston Park is home to the Heritage Society Museum, a little gem dedicated to preserving Houston's history. You can learn so much about the city's past here. Plus, they offer guided tours of the restored buildings in the park, so you can really immerse yourself in the history. Speaking of buildings, there are quite a few impressive ones in this park. From a pre-Texas revolution cabin to an 1891 church built by German and Swiss immigrants, you'll get a taste of different eras. One of the highlights is the Kellum-Noble House, Houston's oldest brick dwelling. It was built by Nathaniel Kellum in 1847, and it's still standing strong after all these years. But let's not forget about the Old Place, which is probably the oldest structure remaining in Harris County. It's a log cabin, thought to be built around 1823 by John R. Williams. They had to move it to higher ground in 2003 because of those sneaky rising waters from Buffalo Bayou. This cabin has seen its fair share of flooding. Good thing it's still here for us to appreciate! Oh, and there's one more house that deserves some attention - the Nichols-Rice-Cherry House. Built around 1850 by Houston merchant Ebeneezer Nichols, it was later sold to his business partner, William Marsh Rice. And get this, it was actually located across the street from the Harris County Courthouse at one point. Talk about having prime real estate! Eventually, it was acquired by Emma Richardson Cherry, a talented Houston artist, who restored it and moved it to the Montrose area. So, if you're ready to step back in time and explore Houston's rich history, Sam Houston Park is the place to be! Trust me, you'll leave here with a newfound appreciation for this incredible city. Let's move on to our next stop - the Spirit of the Confederacy. But don't worry, I promise I won't quiz you on everything we learned here.

And here we are at our final stop, the Spirit of the Confederacy! This bronze sculpture used to be right here in Sam Houston Park, but it has since been relocated to the Houston Museum of African American Culture. The statue was put up in 1908 by a local chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Can you believe it took them nine years to collect the $7,500 they needed? Talk about dedication! So, this sculpture shows an angel holding a sword and palm branch. Quite a powerful sight, I must say. It was dedicated to all the heroes of the South who fought for the principles of States Rights. And let me tell you, they were excited to unveil it on Robert E. Lee's birthday in January of that year. You know, some people had mixed feelings about this monument. Especially in recent years after incidents like the Charleston church shooting and the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville. Some thought it celebrated slavery and racism, while others believed it was an important piece of history. It was definitely a heated topic of conversation, to say the least. Well, ultimately, the decision was made to relocate this statue, along with another Confederate monument in Houston. The plan was already in the works, but the events following the death of George Floyd gave it that extra push. The Spirit of the Confederacy was officially removed on June 16, 2020, and arrived at its new home at the Houston Museum of African American Culture on August 18. And with that, our tour of Houston comes to an end. I hope you had a great time exploring the city with me! If you have any questions or if there's anything else I can assist you with, just let me know.