Community life

Abstract John Thomas ("Tom") Arrington grew up in Fayette County, West Virginia. While attending high school he met his future wife, Sandra Ray Beck. The couple soon dated and then in 1960 married. Tom Arrington went on to graduate with a chemistry degree from West Virginia University. In 1967, the Arrington family moved to Beaumont, Texas, where Tom assumed a position as chemist with the Goodyear Chemical Plant and then later with the Valspar Paint Plant. The family papers consist of photographs,...

Abstract

The Beaumont branch of the Young Men's Christian Organization was formed in 1901 following the discovery of oil at Spindletop and the subsequent population boom. Throughout the 20th century, the Beaumont YMCA served as an important community center and continuously fundraised in order to open new locations and complexes. This collection consists of organizational records and historical materials related to the Beaumont chapter of the YMCA dating from the years 1903 to 1999.

Abstract

The Junior League of Beaumont, a civic organization of women devoted to volunteerism, was first organized in 1937 with thirty-eight members. In 1945 the League joined the Association of Junior Leagues of America. This collection consists of Junior League of Beaumont publications including issues of the “Spinnings from Spindeltop” newsletter and annual reports. Annual reports include information on by-laws and membership lists.

Abstract The Montalbano-Latino-Fowler Papers consist of love letters written by Joseph F. Montalbano of Beaumont, Texas, to Antoinette Montalbano (his wife) and other Latino family members who resided in New Rochelle, New York. Contained in the papers are postcards sent and received by extended family members and documents pertaining to religious worship practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Also included are photographs of members of the Montalbano and Latino families and that of Gloria Grace...

Abstract Morris Cloninger graduated from the University of Texas in Austin and taught English at both Conroe and South Park High Schools. Concetta (nee Mazzagatti) Cloninger became interested in theatre while a student at South Park High School and then attended Lamar Junior College, where she studied under Irene Arnett. She later won a scholarship and did post graduate work at the Pasadena Playhouse College of Theater Arts in Pasadena, California. Upon leaving California, Concetta took the stage...

Abstract Naaman Johnson Woodland, Jr. (1926-2015) was a lecturer for many decades in the Lamar University History Department. He was Vice President as well as Chairman of the Artists Selection Committee for the Beaumont Music Commission, corresponding with performers and agencies to arrange performances in Beaumont. This collection primarily consists of correspondence between Naaman Johnson Woodland, Jr. and a wide variety of performers and talent. Files contain correspondence, programs, headshots,...

Abstract Pierre Ferdinand Patureau (1800-1860) was born in LaRoche, France. He married Anne Rose Machet (1801-1843) in 1820. The couple immigrated to Louisiana with their four children in 1840. One of their grandchildren, Marie Victorine Patureau (1873-1937), married William Cropper (1870-1918) in 1892 and began to collect traces of her family's history. Marie and William moved at some point in the early 1900s from Louisana to Beaumont, Texas. This collection consists of genealogy, correspondence,...

Abstract The Spindletop 2001 Commission along with the Friends of Spindletop organized the centennial celebration held on January 10, 2001. The commemoration took place at the Spindletop and Gladys City Boomtown Museum, and attracted attendees including former United States president George H.W. Bush and country music artist Tracy Byrd. These records are related to the Spindletop 2001 Commission, Friends of Spindletop, and the organization of the collaborative "Spindletop 2001" commemorative event in...

Abstract Ted "Dillon" Powers (1940-2011) was a graduate of Beaumont High School and Lamar University, and later a resident of Austin, Texas. He worked for the Texas Department of Transportation, as well as the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He also was Coordinator of the Texas Historical Commission. The collection consists of papers belonging primarily to Theodore Powers, Jr. and longtime family friend Olliedyne SoRelle. Other families members represented include Nathaniel Burton Powers,...