Community organization

Abstract The American Legion is a nonprofit organization operated by and for American veterans. The Legion was established in 1919, and Beaumont’s Post 33 was founded soon after. The scrapbook contains photographs, newspaper clippings, and correspondence from 1948 and 1949 related to the homecoming of Beaumonter Perry Brown on the occasion of his election as the American Legion’s National Commander, the organization’s highest office. According to a handwritten note on the front page, the...

Abstract A group of women established the Altrusa Club on April 11, 1917 in Nashville, Tennessee, as the first women's classified service club. The founders designed the organization as a "main channel through which women leaders in business and the professions can work together as an effective service force to help solve community and world problems and promote understanding among all people." This collection consists of correspondence, regular meetings and board of directors minutes, organizational...

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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 Charlene Kiker (1929-2004) was a lifelong resident of Beaumont, Texas. She worked as a secretary for over thirty years with Mobil Oil Corporation and was president of the Desk and Derrick Club of Beaumont. She had a strong interest in the arts and music and was also involved with the Beaumont Civic Opera, Beaumont Symphony Orchestra, Beaumont Music Commission, Melody Maids, Interfaith Choir, and the choir of the First United Methodist Church. The Charlene Kiker Papers consist of meeting...

Abstract Mayor Becky (Benoit) Ames served as Mayor of Beaumont from 2007 to 2021. She was the longest-running mayor of the city, serving for 14 years across 7 terms. In total, she spent 27 years on City Council. Mayor Ames recieved many awards and recognition from organizations both locally and nationally. This collection consists of memorabilia, correspondence, artifacts, photographs, plaques, awards, and framed items from Mayor Becky Ames' office. The materials represent the many organizations and...

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The Homemaker's Association is a national organization devoted to families and homemaking through educational programs and community service. This collection is related to the Texas Extension of the assoication. It consists of administrative records, as well as yearbooks from 1930 to the early 2000s.

Abstract The Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission (SETRPC) was founded in 1970 with the purpose of bringing to light and addressing community-wide issues. These issues might include environment, criminal justice, pollution, economic development, or city transportation. One way SETRPC addresses issues is through comprehensive studies that evaluate the issue and propose solutions taking into account available resources. This collection is primarily comprised of these studies, along with a land...

Abstract The Beaumont Symphony Society was formed in 1950. After several of its members had visited symphony orchestras in Houston and Dallas, the Society decided to sponsor numerous guest appearances of out-of-town symphonies to perform in Beaumont. Out of this endeavor a Beaumont Symphony Orchestra was created in 1953. A Beaumont Women's Symphony League was soon formed in 1955 to help organize major fund raising events as the Viennese Ball, Debutante program, and the Symphony of Trees each...

Abstract The Texas League of Professional Baseball Teams was first organized in 1888. The Beaumont Exporters were formed in 1920 as part of the Texas League. They played at Magnolia Ballpark through 1929 before moving to the newly constructed Stuart Stadium in 1930. In the 1930s through 1946, the team was an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. It was during this period that they had many successful seasons, winning the championship pennant in the years 1932 and 1938. In 1983, Beaumont once again was...

Abstract On January 1, 1961, citizens of Jefferson County, Texas gathered to devise a plan of action against what they percieved as "organized gambling, prostitution, graft, vice, and corrupt officials" running rampant in the county. Civic leaders, labor spokesmen, and members of churches and schools met with members of the House General Investigating Committee (the James Commission), forming The United Citizens for Law Enforcement (UCLE). The collection consists of organizational and administrative...

Abstract This collection consists of materials belonging to W. Smythe Shepherd, a Beaumont native and business man. Smythe Shepherd was heavily involved in the family business, "Shepherd Laundry". Additionally, he was also active in several local organizations such as: The Sons of the Republic of Texas, Rotary Club, and Texas Gulf Historical Society.This collection contains papers related to Shepherd's involvement with these organizations, as well as business records, photographs, and personal...