Construction Starts at ABDOM

Issue 17...........November 2021

The Lake Jackson Historical Association provides Education relative to the

History and Culture of Lake Jackson, Texas.

The History Museum and Plantation Site

continue to mix the OLD with the NEW

Happy Thanksgiving!

NEW....Construction Starts at ABDOM

At long last, Noble Building and Development, LLC, began Phase 2 renovation of the Alden B. Dow Office Museum on Tuesday, November 16. Noble completed Phase 1 in 2019, when it oversaw the replacement of the roof and stabilization of the foundation.

Jason Bundick and Tim Davenport, both engineers, founded Noble in 2007. The two owners met at church and selected their company name from scripture: “… whatever is true, whatever is noble … think on these things.” (Phil. 4:8) Their logo is the knight, a strategic chess piece.

Noble’s local projects include the recent renovation of Brazosport Hospital’s lobby and the reconstruction of patient rooms on the 2^nd and 4^th floors. In Angleton, Noble built the fabrication shop and U.S. headquarters for Mammoet, the global heavy lifting and transport firm.

Thank you, Noble, for undertaking this project for the Lake Jackson Historical Association!

OLD ITEM..........Curious Collection

Black Light Bulb!

When the Germans began blitzing the United Kingdom in 1940, Americans realized the need to take air raid safety seriously. Hence, blackouts became commonplace in densely populated areas. At night, streetlights, neon signs, flashlights, and car headlights were prohibited. Residents covered their windows with curtains or blankets.

Because the Dow Chemical plant in Freeport was a vulnerable target for enemy aircraft during WWII, black lights were used at night. Lucile Barnes, wife of Dow’s Texas Division General Manager Earle B. Barnes, donated this black light with plaque to the History Museum in 2004. Inscribed on the plaque were the words: “Black Out Light Bulb Circa 1943. Found in B-3332 during Styrene I demolition. In remembrance of the Good Old Days.”

Thank You ..................... LJHA Volunteers

LJHA is fortunate to have a core of faithful volunteers. Some serve in various capacities at the history museum and others act as docent/greeters at the Jackson Plantation Historic Site. Early in November, the LJHA board of directors honored them with a luncheon at the museum. Board members Sherrie Ezell and Fran Hammond organized the event around a fall theme. Lake Jackson mayor Gerald Roznovsky spoke briefly on the value of volunteers. Each guest was presented with Harry Sargent’s book chronicling the history of Lake Jackson.

Rotary to the Rescue!

Hurricane Nicholas left the Jackson Plantation Historic Site strewn with fallen branches. One Saturday morning in October a contingent from Brazosport Rotary, led by David Landsborough, removed multiple trailer loads of debris from the premises. They also spread a weed preventing barricade over the sugar mill ruins, on the mansion foundation, and in the landscaping along the brick pathway. In addition, a couple of volunteers mowed the entire site which covers 3-4 acres. Thank you, Rotary, for sprucing up JPHS!!

Buy A Brick

Members of Lake Jackson Troop 325 watch as new bricks are placed on the Jackson Plantation Historic Site pathway. One addition honors Julian Moreno who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in June, 2020. The other commemorates the life of Jayar Fausto and his work with the scouts.

Pave the walkway to the museum or the Jackson Plantation Historic Site with a personalized brick. Order a Brick here.

Amazon Smile

When shopping this holiday season consider using Amazon Smile! It doesn't cost you anything and Amazon donates when you shop through smile.amazon.com

A Word from the Executive Director

I know that everyone is excited to welcome family and friends this month, as we all celebrate Thanksgiving with good food and fellowship! The Association is also celebrating and giving thanks this month. The museum is finally re-opened, following the arduous process of repairing the damage from Hurricane Nicholas. So, we are very thankful and welcoming people into the museum once again! I want to express my thanks in particular to the city for their support and help throughout this process. I also want to thank the Covarrubias Remodeling Services for doing an excellent job on the repairs. I want to thank Noble Building and Development, in part for their patience as we have worked to get everything ready to move ahead with the ABDOM Restoration project. The project is now underway, for which I am also thankful. Most of all, I am thankful for all of the fans and supporters of the Lake Jackson Historical Association! I hope that you will all consider bringing your family and friends to the museum as part of your holiday celebrations. Just remember that the museum will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday.

David Thomas

LJHA Executive Director