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Developing Houston: Photographic Treasures from the Cecil Thomson Collection
Houston, Texas, Skyline, 1928.
When Houston was founded in 1836 by brothers Augustus and John Allen, many people were convinced that the idea of founding a city on the soggy patch of land adjacent to the muddy Buffalo Bayou had more of madness than brilliance about it. Since its founding, local government bodies and businessmen have strictly adhered to the Texan pholosophy that everything should be bigger (and better) in Texas. This lofty goal has transformed Houston into a sprawling and prosperous metropolis that ranks currently as the fourth largest city in the United States.
Detail from Isis Theatre, Thomson Advertisement and Camera on Display, ca. 1930.
One of the most interesting periods of growth in the city was the first half of the 20th century. It was during this time that many important buildings, local industries, transportation systems, and entertainment centers sprang up around the city. Photographer Cecil Thomson captured a wide range of subjects through his work, including many of the theaters, oil fields, city blocks, and landmark events that drew people to the city for both business and entertainment.
Jesse H. Jones at Laying the Cornerstone at St. Paul's Methodist Church, 1929.
His photographs chronicle the work of important city notables, including Mayor Oscar Holcombe and businessman Jesse H. Jones, and clearly illustrate how these men left a mark on the city through their business and philanthropic efforts. In Developing Houston: Photographic Treasures from the Cecil Thomson Collection, the staff of the San Jacinto Museum of History has selected over 100 photos from our archives taken by this artist and displayed them with modern photos and period artifacts to tell the story of the development of Houston from a frontier town to a city whose continued growth can be chronicled in the continually changing skyline and culturally diverse neighborhoods.
Developing Houston opens Saturday, May 24, 2008.
Admission to this exhibit is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children 11 and under. Admission is free for members of the San Jacinto Museum of History.
So walk... ride...
 
Detail, Armistice Parade, ca. 1925. Unidentified man Riding Cow, Advertising the Rodeo, ca. 1930
drive... sail...
 
Miss Pontiac in Hermann Circle, ca. 1928. Texas City Disaster: The "Longcamp," 1947.
or fly to the San Jacinto Museum of History to see this exhibit.
Airplane, Port of Houston, ca. 1930.
A free teacher's guide to the exhibit is available here.
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