Treat Visitors to a ‘Cool Tour’ During the Holidays

Written by: Suzanne Burton

I came across a new Galveston Island gem last week that I wish to share with the SSNHD residents. I decided to ride the Cool Tours tour bus and they took me on a lively, gossipy, fun, historical tour. It was great! I suggest Cool Tours as an option for residents who may have guests coming to town and want something special to do.

As I approached the bus at the stop in front of the Pleasure Pier I was greeted by the driver and tour guide, Shirley. I lamented that I could have parked closer if I only knew how to parallel park. Shirley said, “Awe heck, parallel parking is easy. I’m also a school bus driver so I can parallel park a school bus.” From that moment on, I knew I would be completely safe in Shirley’s able hands as we twisted and turned around the island. It was evident that Shirley loves the island and pointed out oodles of Galveston historical treasures I didn’t know existed.

The bus was very comfortable and climate controlled, so it’s a good choice for an afternoon out on a cold blustery day. During this off season, island locals may take the tour for only $10, just show your ID upon boarding. Prices and schedule are here. The bus had large clean windows so I took many photos. Please enjoy them.

http://cooltoursgalveston.com/

 Click on any photo to enlarge

National Night Out in Silk Stocking!

National Night Out, hosted by Liz and Bobby Crocker, was a huge success!  Thanks to our wonderful board for coordinating this event!

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD!

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

IN

SILK STOCKING NATIONAL HISTORIC DISTRICT

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2ND

5:30-7:30 p.m.

(Dinner at 6 p.m.)

1307 24TH STREET

Home of Liz and Bobby Crocker

Bring a dish to share and a chair!

Spotlight on…David Bowers!

Meet your 2012-2013 Silk Stocking National Historic District President, David Bowers!  David is a licensed Texas attorney and a Texas Realtor.  His childhood was spent in Kansas and later, he graduated from high school in Vermont.  He graduated from college and law school in Kansas and moved to Houston in 1978 to join Stewart Title Company.   David managed their downtown commercial closing office until 1989 when he got into real estate brokerage and thankfully for all of us, moved to Galveston!  David has served as the 2010 President of the Galveston Association of Realtors, and served on the Galveston City Council (1994-2000) and the Galveston Wharves Board (1998-2000) and was instrumental in bringing back the cruise ship industry to Galveston.  A member of the Rotary Club of Galveston, Elks Lodge #126, and a big brother in the Big Brother, Big Sister program, David has also served as the 2009-2010 President of the Galveston Historical Foundation, and received the Distinguished Volunteer Service Award from GHF, reflecting his passion for and commitment to historic preservation on our island.  Indeed, David rode out Hurricane Ike in 2008 in his 1899 Victorian home on 25th Street and subsequently served on the Ike Recovery Committee.

While known as the “King of Open Houses,” David is known to all of us in the Silk Stocking District as a wonderful neighbor!  We look forward to his strong leadership in the upcoming year!

Silk Stocking Annual Meeting

SILK STOCKING NATIONAL HISTORIC DISTRICT’S

ANNUAL MEETING

Tuesday, September 11,

6 p.m.

@

Eatcetera

www.eatcetera.com

408 25th Street

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

ANNUAL DUES ($20 PER FAMILY)

ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY PARTY!

SILK STOCKING DISTRICT’S ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY PARTY

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4TH,

AT THE HOME OF DAVID BOWERS AND JOHN NAGY,

1400 25TH STREET

JUDGING OF BEST BRISKET, SIDE DISH, AND DESSERT

BEGINS AT 5 P.M.  DINNER AT 6 P.M.  FIREWORKS ON THE SEAWALL TO  FOLLOW!

Please bring appetizers, side dishes, or desserts to share even if you do not enter the contest!  If you are bringing a brisket, please RSVP to [email protected]

 

Bright Solutions Home Helpers

Super Moon Over 24th Street!

Spotlight On John Eanes!

    

     John Zempter Eanes is the fourth generation of his family to live at 1813 24th Street in the Silk Stocking District!  His great grandfather, James Zempter, moved to Galveston in 1900 to be a part of the rebuilding after the Great Storm.  In 1903, he and W.H. Janssen formed a contracting company, Janssen & Zempter Contractors and Builders.  In 1906, he bought lots for sale on 24th Street and began building his own home at 1813 24th Street in the tradition of the Queen Anne period. Built with cypress wood, the home was painted in traditional white with green shutters and windows.  It was also in 1906 that he married Agnes Mary Webb and they had their only child, Shelby Ida Zempter, John’s grandmother.  After the dissolution of his partnership with Janssen, Jim formed his own company, J.W. Zempter Contracting; it prospered along with the growing town of Galveston.  In 1928, major renovations were undertaken that forever altered the facade.  The front door was moved to the center of the home and a vestibule was added in front of the door.  Additionally, 2/3’s of the upstairs porch was taken into the front bedroom facing 24th Street and only the northern 1/3 of the upstairs porch remains to this day.  After the 1915 storm, Jim expanded the building on his lots by constructing four homes on Avenue P, adjacent to the main house.  They were build as rental property and are owned by the Zempter-Eanes family to this day.  Jim Zempter died in his beloved home in 1964 and was proud to say nothing he ever built in Galveston was destroyed by hurricanes or other acts of God.  His wife and his daughter, Shelby Zempter Eanes Mowat, continued to live in the home until their deaths

John moved to Galveston to work and moved into the home as the 4th generation.  He quickly became a true Galvestonian.  One month after his arrival, Hurricane Alicia struck.  As a testament to the skills of his great grandfather, the house sustained little damage.  John began extensive upgrades of the home’s plumbing, electrical systems, air conditioning and kitchen.  A powder room and rear deck were added as well.  In 2001, John had the great good sense to marry Lynn, and together, they began to redecorate the home with antique pieces from both families.  Upstairs bedrooms include the wedding gift furniture of his great grandmother and his grandmother Shelby’s dressing table and dresser.  John continues a family tradition of living and working in Galveston.  He started Galveston Automotive Professionals, and in 2000, he relocated his business from 23rd Street to the current location of 1918 Mechanic.  Twenty-five years in business, the Eanes family always laughs at the fact that John is a mechanic on Mechanic!  

John and Lynn are active members in our Silk Stocking District; Lynn serves as membership chair this year and always opens their home to our board and our neighbors.  It is truly a show place, replete with generations of family heirlooms and a rich history.  More than that, it is cared for with such love and appreciation for James W. Zempter.  Isn’t his family such a tribute to the visionary and hardworking generations of the people of our island?!

April Block Party!

A good time was had by all!  Great to see so many neighbors and new members.  Thanks to the Crockers and Ehrhardts for hosting!  Our next big bash will be our annual 4th of July party, hosted by David Bowers and John Nagy!