Houston – A Second Choice City

Texans are a proud lot, and Houston is no exception. Jesse Jones even remarked in a 1954 letter, as Houston achieved a population of one million people, “Looking at the map, the United States rests of Texas and Texas rests on Houston.”

But not everyone has seen it that way. Looking back at some of the city’s significant turning points, Houston was not the first choice of location. From the city’s founding in 1836 to getting the Houston Ship Channel, the 1928 Democratic Convention, and NASA, Houston was an also-ran, but its city leaders had the last laugh.

 About the Speaker

Debbie Harwell received her doctorate in U.S. history from the University of Houston where, since 2009, she has served as the managing editor/editor of Houston History magazine, published by the UH Center for Public History. A native Houstonian, she incorporates personal knowledge with historical research in teaching, writing for the magazine, and training the staff.

Since 2012, Harwell has taught a Houston history and public history methods classes in the Honors College and History, learning to research, conduct oral histories, and write for a public audience. In addition to her work at Houston History, Harwell’s book, Wednesdays in Mississippi: Proper Ladies Working for Radical Change, Freedom Summer 1964, won the 2015 Julia Cherry Spruill Prize for the best book in southern women’s history. She currently serves on the Harris County Historical Commission.

The Heritage Society presents Legendary Houston, 1960s Love Street Light Circus Feel Good Machine, on Friday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m. in The Ballroom at Bayou Place. Jillian Jopling and Peter McGillivray are the Gala Chairs and past gala honorees. C. C. and Duke Ensell are Honorary Chairs for this year’s event. Brandon Weinbrenner, Master of Ceremonies is Associate Producer & Casting Director at Alley Theatre.

1960s Love Street Light Circus Feel Good Machine Gala is a night to celebrate a decade that brought about radical change. Innovative changes in clothing styles, changes in music, changes in culture, and most important to this night is the change in nightclub styles. Love Street Light Circus Feel Good Machine quickly became a hot spot for psychedelic nightlife in Houston and remained so for many years and transformed Allen’s Landing/Market Square. It was famous for bands such as 13th Floor Elevators, Moving Sidewalks, and ZZ Top made their debut there in 1969. Guests will enter our lounge, reminiscent of the legendary “Zonk Out Room”, to the sounds of a Psychedelic Trio while feasting on themed hors d’oeuvres and colorful beverages. There will be a brilliantly curated Art Gallery Auction with selections donated from the collection of Christy and Lou Cushman. The main event will relive the era with hit songs by the David Caceres Band. A dance contest will be featured, and a Dancing King and Dancing Queen will be crowned. Wear your best interpretation of the 1960s psychedelic era clothing!

Your support of the gala provides support for The Heritage Society’s programming such as school tours, exhibits, lectures, educational videos, and fun-filled family events. We operate ten historic houses, museum gallery, and a collection of more than 23,000 historical items. Help us bring Houston history to life!

The Heritage Society aims to create The Legendary Houston Series, continuing celebrations of our history, culture, enterprise, and spirit. You may view the enclosed reply form or go to heritagesociety.org/gala or contact Laura Woods at 713.655.1912, lwoods@heritagesociety.org with any questions. We are looking forward to seeing you at the 2023 Legendary Houston Gala!