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Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Records

 Collection
Identifier: AC-068

Scope and Content Note

The Beaumont Chamber of Commerce has produced surveys, reports of activities and conditions for Beaumont and its business sector to help determine courses of action on many important issues. The Chamber has also produced promotional material to invite industry, tourism, and increased population to the city of Beaumont. The Beaumont Chamber of Commerce magazines and newsletters reported on business trends and issues in Beaumont and the nation. Many of the photographs in the Chamber's collection were used for publications and reports while others were taken to document conditions and events in the city.

The Beaumont Chamber of Commerce records consist of Beaumont photographs, negatives, and slides; newspaper articles and press releases; studies, surveys, reports, promotional books and brochures; programs and invitations; maps and drawings; Beaumont Chamber of Commerce newsletters, magazines and other magazine articles of the Beaumont area; and rosters and directories of members' businesses and products in the form of buyers guides.

Dates

  • 1924-2006, bulk 1950-1980

Creator

Language of Materials

Materials are in English.

Access Restrictions

Some restrictions may apply.

Copyright

The Tyrrell Historical Library does not hold copyright for most of its collections. The researcher must secure permission to publish. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted to the Tyrrell Historical Library. The researcher assumes full responsibility for complying with copyright, literary property rights, and libel laws.

Historical Note

The Beaumont Chamber of Commerce was formed during the height of the first Spindletop oil boom, on January 23, 1903. 165 individuals signed on as charter members. The Chamber began an active program of initiating, and participating in, capitalist economic development projects. Much of its early work was promotional, such as organization of the Southeast Texas State Fair in 1904, and promotion of the oil industry in the 1920's. During the 1950's and 1960's, the Chamber commissioned industrial studies and continued promotional efforts. In 1970, however, new leadership put an end to what it called "ceremonial functions" and moved the Chamber forward in a new program of action.

Various committees carried out Chamber projects, including the Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration of the Lucas Gusher (1951). An extensive collection of publications thoroughly record Chamber activities and publicity efforts. The photograph collection provides a fascinating look at local area industry and downtown Beaumont.

Extent

14.6 Cubic Feet (14.6 cubic feet in 30 boxes.)

Additional Description

Abstract

The Beaumont Chamber of Commerce was organized on January 22, 1903, at a meeting attended by at least 165 people shortly after the Lucas Oil gusher was discovered in 1901. The subsequent activity at the Spindletop Hill oil field brought increased population and interest to the city, necessitating a chamber of commerce. The Chamber has been instrumental in the promotion and development of Beaumont and its industry, including the Port of Beaumont and the deep water (Neches River) shipping channel.

Abstract

This collection holds surveys, reports of conditions, and guidelines for Beaumont and its business sector that helped determine future courses of action on many important issues. The Chamber also produced promotional material to invite industry, tourism, and increased population to the city of Beaumont. Its publications reported on business trends and issues in Beaumont and the nation. The collection contains many photographs, which were used for publications and reports, while others were taken to document conditions and events in the city.

Organization of Collection

This collection is organized into 6 series.
  1. Photographs
  2. Publications
  3. Newspaper Clippings
  4. Correspondence
  5. Chamber of Commerce Projects
  6. Annual Membership Meetings

Acquisition Information

The bulk of the collection was donated by the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce publications were donated by Maurine Gray.

Accruals

Further accruals are possible.

Processing Information

Processed by Tyrrell Historical Library staff, 2012 December.

Finding aid revised and encoded by Tyrrell Historical Library staff, 2012 December.

Subjects

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Finding Aid for the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Records, 1924-2006
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the Tyrrell Historical Library Archives Repository

Contact:

  • Tyrrell Historical Library
  • P.O. Box 3827
    695 Pearl Street
  • Beaumont, TX 77704-3827
  • (409) 833-2759

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