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09/07/1994 - Regular Minutes - Historic Preservation Committee
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1994 CENTRAL PARK CONFERENCE ROOM 1000 KRENEK TAP ROAD MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Lancaster, Co-Chairman; Gary Halter; Greg Keith; Deborah Jasek; Mary Jane Hirsch; Deborah O'Briant;Steven Smith MEMBERS ABSENT: Joan Lamkin, Chairman; Florace Kling; Bill Fox, Council Liaison STAFF PRESENT: David Gerling,Special Facilities Superintendent; Pamela Einkauf, Senior Secretary GUESTS PRESENT: Bruce Buechler, Brazos Heritage Society I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m., by Bill Lancaster, Co-Chairman. Joan Lam kin was acting as a volunteer in Big Bend for the National Park Service and would be gone about three months. II. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS: Bill welcomed the two new members to the Committee, Deborah O'Briant and Steve Smith. III. SWEARING IN OF NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Bridgette George swore in Deborah O'Briant, and Steve Smith as new members, and Greg Keith and Gary Halter were sworn in for new terms. IV. PRESENTATION OF PLAQUES TO OUTGOING MEMBERS: David Gerling stated that all outgoing members from the committee (Gary Halter as Chairman, Lois Beach, and Gary Basinger) were to be presented with plaques, however, Lois Beach and Gary Basinger were not present. David said that they both promised to be at the October meeting to receive their plaques. David presented Gary Halter with his plaque in appreciation of his leadership and dedication while serving as Chairman from May, 1986 to May, 1994. Gary accepted the plaque with thanks. David explained to the new members that Gary Halter was the originator of the Historic Preservation Committee and the Chairman, who guided the Committee for the first several years. David stated that the position of Chairman had been passed on to Joan Lamkin, however, Gary wanted to remain active on the Committee. V. INTRODUCTION OF GUEST: Bruce Buechler, President of the Brazos Heritage Society explained that in years past, the Society has dedicated a portion of the money they've raised through their projects (like Christmas High Tea, and the Historic Homes Tour) to specific target goals. The money has gone to projects in Bryan, particularly the development of the Heritage Park Historic District and the Carnegie Library. He explained that in 1995, the Historic Homes Tour would be in College Station, and that the Heritage Society as a group, was interested in finding some project in College Historic Preservation Committee Page 2 Station that they could dedicate funds towards. They wanted to do this in order to help, particularly with historic preservation in College Station, but also to generate interest in historic preservation, which would be beneficial to both the College Station Historic Preservation Committee and the Brazos Heritage Society. One of the concerns of the Society was that they did not want to come across as a rival group to the Historic Preservation Committee. At one time, there was some sentiment that the Committee was a separate group from the Brazos Heritage Society, however, Bruce stated that the Heritage Society's new officers wanted to make it explicit that they did not want to be in an antagonistic situation with College Station. They prefer to see themselves as working on the same team with the City. Bruce stated that he was there to get to know everyone, and to ask for ideas in terms of specific projects that the Heritage Society could dedicate funds to. In years past, the amount has been anywhere from $1,000 - $4,500. In 1994, about $4,500 was given to the Carnegie Library. David asked if Bruce wanted a list from the Committee,and Bruce stated that he would welcome any ideas and suggestions. Bill suggested that the Committee mention any ideas that came to mind, with a formal request to be presented at a later date. He asked Bruce what time frame was involved. Bruce stated fiscal year 1994-95 which runs September - September, with money raised in 1994 being given in 1995. Bruce stated that there was no need for the Committee to submit a formal request since they have executive committee meetings monthly, and he would be giving the Heritage Society a report the first week in October about any ideas discussed. He said it would be up to the Committee whether they submitted a list of ideas or just recommended a specific project. Gary Halter told Bruce that he never viewed the Heritage Society as a rival group, nor had he ever heard that sentiment expressed by anyone who'd served on the Historic Preservation Committee. Bruce said he was glad to hear that, but that he had heard other people say different things, including Bryanites. Gary stated that he had served on the Heritage Society when it was originally started, and that it was viewed as a community-wide effort. He said that the Historic Home Tour had been held once before in College Station, and that the Committee would like very much to work together with the Heritage Society. The following ideas were suggested to 13ruce that would benefit from funds dedicated by the Heritage Society: * Gary suggested the depot project as a possibility. Since it was already supported by the Class of 1994, and the City of College Station, it would broaden the effort even more with the support of the Heritage Society. * Gary also suggested doing something in Brison Park, since it's the oldest park in College Station. Perhaps building a gazebo or a bandstand would be appropriate. * David suggested doing something in conjunction with the expansion of Texas Avenue that would be of historical significance to either the County or the City. There had been some mention in past Committee meetings about putting raised planter boxes or statues in a divided median on Texas Avenue. * Gary mentioned Northgate, and David explained to Bruce about the renovation of Northgate, and the hope that the citizens would come to view Northgate as the City's downtown. * David explained to Bruce about the oral history program which had just started, and how the goal of the project was to get verbal history recorded so that it could be transcribed and preserved before it was too late. * David told Bruce that the Committee was always looking for ideas for State Historic Markers. He stated that the City had been willing to support those in the past. Historic Preservation Committee Page 3 Greg commented that he had observed a student reading the depot marker on campus recently. Deborah,said she'd seen someone taking a picture of it. Greg questioned if the marker would be moved to the site of the depot once it was reconstructed. Gary said he thought it would be moved. Bruce stated that the depot and the Northgate area were the two topics that had come up as likely recipients of Society funds, but he wasn't sure what all was planned for the depot. David stated that since that topic was on the agenda,the Committee would discuss it next for Bruce's benefit. VI. UPDATE ON COLLEGE STATION DEPOT GRANT: David passed around a copy of the proposal which was prepared on the project for approval for funding through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Inter-Modal Subsurface Transportation Enhancement Act (ISTEA). An artist's rendering of the 1883 depot, as well as pictures of the actual depot were included in the proposal. David explained to Bruce the background of the depot reconstruction project and how the Class of 1994 wanted to reconstruct the depot as a class project for the University. He explained how a representative from the Class came to the Committee asking for its support and $50,000, since the Class of 1994 could only raise about$85,000. The Committee went to the City Council along with the Class of 1994, and the City Council committed $50,000. It was then decided that the total $135,000 would be used for the 20% required to get funding through the TxDOT ISTEA money that was available. In that way, instead of just a shell of a depot being constructed with nothing on the inside, a museum interior could be added, as well as a parking lot, and a static train display, etc. The idea caused a lot of excitement. The A&M Development Foundation became involved by trying to raise money for an endowment fund for maintenance of the facility. The grant was written and taken to the local Metropolitan Planning Organization IMPO), the City Planning Committee, and the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee then passed it on to the TxDOT State office in Austin, where the grant would be approved. In talking to Austin and the local TxDOT office, it was learned that the more entities involved, the better the chances of getting the project funded. About two days after the proposal was due and already submitted, it was realized that the A&M Board of Regents had not been asked to give their blessing on the project. It takes about three months to get on the Board of Regents'agenda, and by that time the project would have already been funded. No one from the University wanted to sign off on the project and say that A&M would accept the project without the Board of Regents'approval first. Therefore, A&M is no longer a sponsor of the project, however,they are in full support of the project. The Class of 1994 money and the City's money are still available. The only thing that A&M was donating was the land. Since the ISTEA program was built on concepts and not design, the proposal for the depot that was sent in contained a lot more hard designs than needed. Therefore, the MPO decided to go ahead and send the project in and try to get it funded. The decision can be made later as to where the depot will actually be located. The thought is that it could go just off Wellborn Road across from the Albritton Tower. It could also go in the vacant area at the corner of Wellborn and George Bush Drive, on the opposite corner from where the tennis center is located. David said that there may even be a third location being considered, but he was not told which location. David said the general feeling is that in November, when the MPO goes to the Board of Regents with the money asking to put the project on campus, it will be hard for the Board of Regents to turn the offer down. If they do turn it down, then the decision will be made at that time as to where in College Station the depot will be reconstructed. Greg asked if A&M owned the land directly across the street from Olsen Field on George Bush Drive. Gary said no, that it was private land. Steve asked if the ISTEA money had already been granted, and David said that they wouldn't find out until the mid to end of October. Gary stated that it would be a shame if the depot didn't go on campus. Greg stated that as long as it was near the original location, it wouldn't be too bad. David stated that all this had happened since the Committee's last meeting in May, and that he and a representative from A&M had put the ISTEA proposal together, therefore the only people who had seen it were David Godbey from A&M,the people on the MPO, and the City staff. Historic Preservation Committee Page 4 David said even if ISTEA funding is denied, there's still enough money to build a shell. At least from the outside it would look like the 1883 depot, and if nothing else, the other things could be added later. Gary stated that it would be best if Mayor Ringer could talk to the Board of Regents Chairman about the depot project before they meet in November. Bill asked Bruce if the Committee had given him enough information. Bruce said yes, that he had some ideas that he could go back to the Heritage Society with, but he needed a name of someone with whom he could contact by phone (since most of it would probably be done unofficially), when the Heritage Society was ready to get the ball rolling. Bill told him to contact David so that the Committee could be kept informed. Gary said that if the Brazos County Heritage Society participated in the depot project it would add the dimension of county-wide involvement. Gary stated that the railroad station was important to A&M, but it was also important to Brazos County. It would add a symbolic touch if they were involved as well. Greg said that he thought the depot project was a wonderful idea, and several members commented that they never thought they would see it come about. Gary stated that David Godbey was the man responsible for pushing the project and getting it done. He's with the Physical Plant at A&M and he works with the graduating classes on their class gifts. He used his idea of the depot to get the Class of 1994 to endorse the concept of the railroad depot as a class gift. Gary commented that given the average class gift presented to A&M in the past, the depot would be much more enduring. Deborah stated that when the Class of 1994 voted, they voted for a ring fountain to be placed in front of the new sports center. However, no one had estimated in the cost of maintaining the fountain, so the depot was actually the second choice. Bill thanked Bruce and invited him to stay for the remainder of the meeting. VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Gary made a motion to approve the minutes of May 4, 1994. Deborah seconded the motion, and the minutes were approved with no corrections. VIII. UPDATE AND DISCUSSION OF INTERURBAN TROLLEY: Greg passed out updated information to all members on the Interurban Trolley. In the hand-out was a copy of a photo he found in a private collection at the Bryan Library which showed the Interurban Trailers in downtown Bryan. Gary commented that he'd never seen the picture before - it shows the tower of the old courthouse in the background, which was torn down. Greg asked the Committee to keep all information/handouts on the Interurban that he had distributed in the past. He stated that he would be graduating in August, 1995, with a Master's in Land and Real Estate Development and Architecture, and that he would be leaving College Station. He said that he would really like to accomplish some things before he left and, like the depot reconstruction, the trolley would be a very good project since it fit in with history, tourism, etc. He knows that the project would be long term and so he'd like to have someone on the Committee take over where he leaves off, and he would keep in touch. He gave a brief overview of the trolley and it's history in Bryan/College Station for the new members. The trolley was here from June, 1910 until 1923. There were at least five cars and two trailers. He referred to the pictures in the hand-out, which showed what the second style car (#202) looked like. He believes the first cars used were slightly shorter in length. The third type cars (#300) used were electrical, and were put into use in 1915. There were two or three of the first type car used; two of the second style car; two of the third style electrified cars; and at least two trailers, as shown in the photo on the last page of the hand-out. There may have been more of the trailers, since it's known that they were hooked on for football games, and other busy times. The trolley ran from A&M campus, where there were possibly as many as three terminus; ran across Northgate in some manner, then proceeded down Cavitt. From Cavitt it went down College to Main Street and apparently stopped in front of the ice house, which is still standing at the end of Main Street. There were extensions that went to the Allen Academy, and one that went down Villa Maria. Historic Preservation Committee Page 5 The trolley was started here later than in other areas of the country, (most began running in the late 1800's). This caused financial problems because it had to struggle to compete with jitneys (taxis), automobiles, and buses. For a long time, however, it was the primary mode of transportation between the college and Bryan. The only hard evidence that remains of the trolley today is on a street right off of Cavitt, underneath a house which has been stuccoed over. Underneath that house, in the foundation, is a halfway station,which was a large concrete disc that would swivel and thus, turn the trolley around. Greg stated that when he was doing research on the project, he met with the owner of the house, who was willing to tear up the foundation and show him the tracks underneath. Greg said he would be unable to pay the man for repairs, so he declined his offer! Greg said he viewed the trolley project as long and involved, and he broke it out into ten steps, with the first couple of steps not costing any money. He felt that if the Committee agreed, the project could proceed as soon as possible, until it came to the point where it would begin to require funds. Greg stated that at this time, he really needs pictures. He's found a few, but he needs pictures of all three car styles and the trailers. He's been to the A&M Archives, and Bryan Public Library, and gone through a lot of different books. He said he has about 200 pages from The Eagle, beginning with 1904, when the city leaders began discussing the idea of a trolley. For some reason it stops in 1907 and picks back up in 1912. He asked Deborah for help since she spends a lot of time going through The Eagle's microfilm. He found an article dated 1915 which describes the yellow and brown colors of the trolley. He needs technical information -what types of trucks, chassis, etc. Greg said he spoke to John Landrum, of the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority in Dallas, (as stated in handout - page 3) and would really like for the Committee to visit the Dallas facilities- possibly some time after football season. Greg stated the Committee needed to try and find the original trolleys. John had explained to Greg that those old trolleys didn't just disappear - they get turned into sheds, feed barns, people live in them, etc. He said farmers usually are the people who have them and if word could be gotten out in some way, usually all that would need to be done would be to make a trade of some sort. Davis suggested putting an article in "The Progressive Farmer" Greg agreed, saying that pictures of all three types and the trailer would need to be included. Greg said that if a trolley is found, but it can't be determined where it came from, or even if we know it didn't come from here - but it's the same year and make as those used here then the Committee should get it anyway. If a trolley turns up later that says "Bryan and College Traction Company", then that would be even more exciting. Bill commented that if the trolley system was abandoned in 1923, the capacity to carry those cars very far, was probably pretty limited. He said that an intensive search in the general area might reveal something. Bill also informed the Committee that at one time, things like old trolleys were used to prop up the banks of the Brazos River. Gary mentioned that in World War II a lot of things disappeared for scrap iron, such as the old train engine that used to be on campus. Greg said his understanding was that when trolleys quit running, most of the time all the equipment and heavy steel underneath disappeared right away, and the shells remained because they weren't really useful for scrap iron. He said there were a lot of cities that had these trolleys and the Committee should be able to find something. He feels that once a trolley is found it should be displayed just as it was found, with some interpretation as well as information on future plans. This would get the awareness of the community up. The next step would be to seek funding and/or financing to restore it as authentically as possible. As far as restoration, John Landrum recommended Gomaco to Greg, stating they did the best work In the hemisphere". They are in Iowa and have done trolleys for New Orleans, etc. Bill asked how far back the company dated and if they were involved in the original manufacturing of trolleys. Greg said no, his understanding, from the articles he'd read from The Eagle, was that there were very few trolley companies and that most originals came from one of two places. One company was located in Philadelphia, and the other in St. Louis. Greg stated that it's possible that they could have done a combination, with the trucks coming out of Philadelphia and the bodies out of St. Louis. However, Gomaco started out doing street surfaces, he believes. He doesn't know how they jumped from that to trolley restoration, but apparently they do an excellent job. The cost to restore a Historic Preservation Committee Page 6 trolley would be a minimum of$100,000, and depending on what condition the trolley is in, it could run as high as$300,000-$400,000. Gomaco likes to start with a shell. Greg feels that the interurban should be marketed as an element to enhance tourism in the area, especially with all the new development coming into College Station. Mary Jane said that she knew of two people that Greg could contact. Tex Owen who was a railroad enthusiast, and Mark Dickson who was President of the Railroad in Georgetown. Deborah stated that there was a very active model railroad club in Brazos County that meets regularly, and they are interested in all sorts of rail transportation. Gary commented that if this project was done, it would be nice if one of the stops the trolley made would be at the College Station Depot. Greg continued, saying that as the trolley neared completion, it would be good to rent a building at Northgate (or on one of the other sides of campus)as a station. In this way, people could get tickets, passes, and memorabilia. Maybe include a museum, and a coffee shop. Renting at Northgate wouldn't be a huge expense. He said he also envisioned a model of the campus as it was in June, 1910, when the trolley started, which would include Old Main and the Mess Hall, which burned the following year. The campus was completely different then. Now on campus the oldest building is the Agriculture Experiment Station dated 1909. Goodwin Hall, which was dated 1907 or 1908, was torn down. He said there are only one or two buildings left on campus that were in existence when the trolley started. Bill asked about Bizzell Hall, and Greg said it was built in 1909. Greg stated that the project could be stopped at any time without being a total loss. Even if the trolley was obtained and not restored, it could be put in a museum or on display in a park. If restored it could be placed on display similar to the trolley in Bellaire. If it was on tracks, it could run on a short route. He feels that it's a no-lose situation. No matter how far you proceed with the project, there will be a use for it. Greg went over the route outlined in his handout. Deborah stated that Pigpen Road which is located near where the Presidential Library will be, is just a dirt track but it has a very good subface. The only thing that's torn up is the asphalt. She did her design project for Transportation on that road to see what it would take to restore the road in order to deal with traffic from the Events Center. The grade of the road is good. Bill said one of the biggest problems he saw would be the acquisition of right- of-way, etc. Deborah suggested that because University Drive is an F.M., Greg might want to start thinking of alternate routes around the Northgate area that are city streets so that the Federal government wouldn't have to get involved. Gary said that crossing the railroad tracks at Wellborn would also be a problem. Greg said it would have to go under at Wellborn. Before the track could be completed and electrification in place, fares and operating procedures would have to be discussed. The trolley might be run as a deficit operation, like George Mitchell's trolley in Galveston. Mr. Mitchell put in a V-track and didn't really restore it. Greg stated that Mitchell has problems and probably has a hard time getting funding because it was a half-hearted attempt at restoration, even though it adds a lot of atmosphere. Greg said he's ridden it before and it's always crowded. Bill said he remembered when Dallas, Denver, and St. Louis had street cars and that there was a special feeling about them. Gary stated that in a lot of the big cities General Motors bought them out in the years after World War II, and took up all the tracks. Bill said a lot of the trolleys switched from tracks to rubber tires and still ran them off overhead electrification. Steve commented that part of the success of actually getting a trolley to run would depend on it also being a meaningful public transportation system. With all the buildings going up on west campus, and all the resources being located on the main part of campus, he could see a need for some form of transportation, since its too far to walk. The more students the trolley served, the more profitable the operation would be. Deborah said when she first went to work at TTI, there was a group there that did some plans on doing a campus-type transportation system (mono-rail), and if Greg wanted, she'd find out who did it. She knows there were some plans of routes done, showing which would be the best and easiest to use. Traffic pattern studies were done- both driving and walking projections for the future. Those studies that have already been done could help Greg out, as far as routes are concerned. Bill Historic Preservation Committee Page 7 commented that the project was an ambitious one, and commended Greg for the hard work and thought he'd put into it. IX. UPDATE ON BLACK EDUCATION MARKER: Deborah said that nothing further had been done. The information needed to be gotten into shape. She had a hard time getting with Gary and Charles Schultz over the summer, and she needed to know how to format the information. Gary said he'd be glad to help and he knew that Charlie was good at drafting and editing. X. DISCUSSION OF JOINT MEETING WITH COMMUNITY APPEARANCE COMMITTEE IN, OCTOBER: David said the idea came from a conversation with Greg. Most of the ideas that the Historic Preservation Committee members discuss, could very easily be brought up at Community Appearance Committee meetings. David talked to the Community Appearance liaison, and he agreed that historic ideas, beautifying, and tourism, were topics his Committee discusses. David stated he and Greg wanted to set up a meeting with Community Appearance during October. He said that the Committees could meet at the regular time or at the Community Appearance regular time which would be the third Tuesday, at noon, at City Hall. David said the lunch meetings that had been held in the past with Historic Preservation had been successful, but it depended on the members' schedules. David said that if the Committees meet at noon, then Historic Preservation would pay for lunch. Greg and Gary both said they had class at that time. Gary suggested meeting on a Wednesday at noon, if that was o.k. with everyone else. David said that he'd get back to the liaison, and then someone would call and give everyone the details. He asked the Committee to be thinking about how history ties in with community appearance, specifically as it relates to the Northgate project. Greg stated that he wanted to find out where all the things go that have been on campus at one time or another. He knows about the Archives, for books and papers, but he wanted to know about the other items. Gary said some of the cornerstones are in storage, as discussed in previous meetings, and that there was possibility that they would be used in the new Development Foundation Building. Greg mentioned that he would like to know what happened to the huge, old campus gates, which he's seen in several pictures. He asked if things of that type were buried, and Steve told him they get auctioned off. Gary said that a lot of things disappeared during World War II for scrap iron. Bill said he knew that two of the chandeliers out of Guion Hall were hanging at Fort Shiloh Restaurant. He recognized them when he went in. He said it was possible they were copies, but he doubted it. Gary said he knew the owner and he probably got them for very little. Bill said that probably not many people know what they are - the restaurant owner may not realize where they came from. He said the rest of Guion Hall is buried out by the Fire Station. It was torn down and buried in no time at all. XI. pISCUSSI9N OF APPLICATION FOR HISTORIC HOME MARKER: An application for an historic home marker was received from Buzz Pruitt for 900 Park Place. The house is in the Oakwood Edition at the corner of Suffolk and Park Place. The Committee approved the home for an historic plaque. David said the owner would be notified by letter and that a time would be set up for the owner to receive the plaque at a City Council Meeting. Bill commented that in the application it stated that the home was one of the first houses built off campus. Bill said that date was off by about sixteen years. His parents built the first off-campus house in 1922. He has the contract and paperwork on that house. The houses around Brison Park were the first ones built. The Oakwood Edition was started in the early 1930's,with the houses along Lee Street being the first ones built in 1936. David said that he would handle everything from that point, and that this would be Historic Home #24. There have only been two buildings designated with plaques. Gary stated that hopefully with the renovation of Northgate, there would be some interest generated among the building owners in that area. Bill stated that part of he and his wife's Christmas present from their children was the money to pay for an historic home plaque. They gave it to him so that he would write up the Historic Preservation Committee Page 8 application for his own home. He hasn't done it yet. David asked if that was the house which was built in 1922. Bill said no, that home was moved down the street and is still there. The house he lives in now was built in 1937. XII. OTHER COMMITTEE CONCERNS: Gary commented on the name tags for all the members. David stated that they were done at Joan Lamkin's request,so that at marker dedications and other official functions, the members would be easily identifiable. It was decided that the members would leave the name tags with Pam for safe keeping. Mary Jane stated that she has enjoyed working for the Bush Library Collection as a volunteer unpacking wooden crates. It's mostly the gifts the Bush family received from other governments. There are three mornings and one afternoon that people are doing this. Greg asked if items were still coming in continuously, and Mary Jane said yes. They unpack the items, put numbers on them, describe them, and then put them on shelves. Mary Jane said they were running out of room, they needed more shelves. She said it was fascinating to see all the things that they had received. David stated that when Oakwood was being remodeled a brass plaque was found and no one knew what to do with it, so the school called him. The plaque reads as follows: LUKE PATRANELLA MEMORIAL CENTER Built by his many friends for the children he loved Erected 1949 The plaque was embedded in a concrete block underneath an oak tree. The rumor that the teachers and principal were spreading was that Luke Patranella was buried under the oak tree. It more or less started a ghost story. Gerald Winn (who Deborah stated was one of her coaches in high school) called David because he knew he was in charge of Historic Preservation, and told him that he wanted him to come pick up the plaque. Mr.Winn told David that he didn't know what David would want to do with it, but he said it was fine if he wanted to put it on the Oakwood campus somewhere. He told David that he didn't know what the plaque had been erected for. Gary stated that Luke Patranella owned Birdwell's Grocery Store. David said he talked to Joyce Birdwell, Luke Patranella's daughter, and she said she remembers the plaque and she remembers it being in concrete over in the Oakwood area. Bill stated that it was a concrete play slab. Mary Jane said she was Joyce's classmate and Mr. Patranella used to put kids in the back of his pick-up truck and they'd ride all over town singing. She said he was a fun man. Greg stated that he also put on an Easter Egg Hunt for the school children. Gary said he'd never heard about it. Greg asked where he held the Easter Egg hunts, and Bill explained that where the garage building across from G. Rollie White is now, there used to be some houses facing the east side of G. Rollie White. Beyond that there is a creek area where a bridge was built. There was a long area just south of those houses where the Easter Egg hunts were held. They held an Easter Egg hunt in Brison Park just after he died in his memory, but Bill stated that he didn't remember it. Bill stated that his recollections were of the hunts held on campus, which is the headwaters of Wolf Pen Creek. David commented that the words "Memorial Center" made it sound like there was a building built in his memory. Bill said that there never was a building, it was just a concrete slab that was more of a gathering area. Mary Jane said that he died in Mexico while he was visiting there. Deborah stated that she would go over to the Archives and look through the history records to see if she could Historic Preservation Committee Page 9 find out what they built. Gary asked if there was some way the plaque could be tied in with the marker for the Consolidated School System located over by the football stadium. He said it would be nice if it could be mounted there with some explanation of what it was. David said he'd like to see a brass plaque mounted next to it, explaining what it was. Greg said that he'd never heard about the Easter Egg hunts until the Oral History meeting in July, when Teeny Wicker talked about Luke Patranella and all the things he did. Bill stated that Luke Patranella was involved in everything. In all the old A&M Consolidated annuals, which began in 1939, you could find ads with his picture. Greg commented that it would be nice if the plaque could be mounted by the creek where the Easter Egg Hunts were held, perhaps with a small monument and another plaque explaining who he was, what he did and where the brass plaque came from. Bill stated that his significance was more to the community than to the University. Deborah suggested putting it in Brison Park since that was the first park in College Station. Bill thanked Bruce for coming and Deborah told him to feel free to visit the Committee any time. Bill asked Steve if he had any comments and he said he was looking forward to working with the Committee. Greg told the Committee that if anyone had any ideas about the Interurban to let him know. Bill commented that it would be a good idea to put a plea in the paper regarding the trolley, because someone was bound to have pictures that could be copied. Bill asked Deborah O'Briant where she worked and she told the committee that she worked at Brazos Valley Medical Center in the pharmacy. XII. ADJOURN: The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m. Interurban update for September 7, 1994 meeting of the College Station Historic Preservation Committee- submitted by Greg Keith. Over the summer I have thought a lot about the possibility of reviving the Interurban Trolley. This is a long-term project that requires ten steps. 1) Additional research for accurate pictures, descriptions, and technical information on the trolleys. # 300 ; 0,4§10::4:. :'" 202 l _____4....j....-:' u; R y t t 111 III MUM r 11 : ,.,, I 1; e- 1 .,,I,i,,1,,,. le, CP. Ip, k 202 , 4 , 7T r •' '�'• 5wc 2) An aggressive search for one or more of the five original trolley shells (There were two or three at first#200,#201,#202, some longer versions#203,#204, and two electrical cars, #300 and #301. The trailers were probably #100 and #101. A trolley of the same year and make would suffice. The search would include placing articles or ads in the Texas Aggie, Texas Highways, and other publications. Trips would have to be made to verify the existence and authenticity of tips received. 3) Aquire a trolley shell. This should be free or very inexpensive. For example, it may require trading a farmer an aluminum shed for the trolley shell. 4) Display the trolley in the state it was found in a prominent place to create awareness. Include some historical interpretation and information on future plans. -------a, ir`:.-7. 4 ..: 7n»s? 'ma y - % iJ (------ ._i\ at 1 �.,---- ilk` --� r a.'7 ,4r- -' ii -; i'''''r -aTtiiiiiiP-i 'y I Alga art,4:41171,-:..,, L ., , , , 0.,-4 ..;, 4:',4571111kirlari4rigl.„1. j I*0 ,. ite- ...1 A.H.. s i-E:I ub:" —`XkIY NCT NOW CRRToo.V FRoM G.oJUC. !-k A) 5) Seek funding, and or financing to restore the trolley as authentically as possible. Try to involve Texas A&M, George Bush Presidential Library, College Station, Bryan, railroad and traction enthusiasts, and the state of Texas (ISTEA$). The Interurban should be marketed as an element to enhance tourism in the area. 6) As the trolley nears completion, rent a building for a station at northgate or one of the other sides of campus. The station should be along the proposed trolley route. An ideal location for the station would be at the Bulls Eye restaurant at Northgate (This establishment can't last too much longer). The station should be nostalgic in appearance. Tickets, souvenirs, memorabilia, tour maps, broshures, and snacks could be obtained here. The station could also function as a museum. I have often thought it would be interesting to have a model of the campus depicting the time before Old Main burned. A campus model set in June 1910 (The date trolley service began)would include Old Main and the Mess Hall which burned within the next year. 7) A trolley route should be proposed. The initial trolley route should be thought of as the most efficient and necessary to handle increased tourism as a result of the George Bush library and the Special Events Center. For example, the best route might be as follows: start at the Texas Avenue hotel district north of University Avenue, turn west on University Avenue and stop at the Interurban Station-Northgate. Continue under the Wellborn overpass on Raymond Stotzer Parkway. Turn south at the McKenzie terminal entrance and stop at the terminal to service airport customers. Continue in the appropriate corridor to service the George Bush Library, Special Events Center, and Kyle Field. From Kyle Field turn south down Wellborn to service Amtrak. At this point the Interurban could turn around and ride the same track or head east down George Bush and north down Texas to complete the route. co \\ o A ,e 1 ‘,/-/‘ ©� ,, ,.r----� USN. , '.� / ® 2p _2 0 �` '4u ' C ollege \ Q 23 � �, � tation . 29 S. 33 3435 35 '� A.-- // N as \ _. ` �� Roc ` '• \ k PrelM • CO AE • iNT754v1184N TRti lL.F S I N 3RYAN moty\ 171 ` labia ,i�i rim „" r►' 1. - : j•--•ram ` (�I 1 I R ' i '. It ' - - L1'611149" - - n r_ tip: ��rt k 8) Funding,and or financing for laying track and electrification of the proposed route. 9) Track completed and electrification in place. Fares and operation procedures must be set before service begins. 10) Service begins for the restored 1910 Bryan-College Station Interurban. I spoke to John Landrum, a former student working at the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority in Dallas. He seems enthusiastic about restoring the Interurban Trolley. He would like for our committee to tour his streetcar facilities in Dallas. Some points he stressed were that the line should be electrified (The Bryan- College Interurban was gasoline-powered from 1910-1915. From 1915-1923 the line was electrified). He said he powers the entire operation, barn and streetcars, for under $1000 per month. His research has found that trolley routes are viewed as infrastructure by citizens and businesses. The line adds an element of stability to the community as the routes and schedules are established. Oomaco rolfaj eompanq Manufacturers of }Authentic ?trolley (bars ' , �,,, fCO TAOl1EY !., t.� — 1 ,. ____ _ F;. •.a yet,� IPT ___ • ._ __ 4 III StepBack �, - 1979 .w.1979 , l'i' �. S ...., _-- .� 19.9 �- In Time f Gomaco Trolley Company's latest trolley,#1979, is shown during testing on the rails in Dallas, Texas(above)and on display at the International Public Transit Expo '93 in New Orleans,Louisiana (right).The single-truck trolley is an original Gomaco Trolley Company design. APPLICATION FOR COT,T EGE STATION HISTORIC • Check one: /House Building Owners Name B. E. (Buzz) Pruitt & Katy Pruitt Address 900 Park Place, College Station, TX 77840 Phone (409) 693-3690 Address of Historic Structure: 900 Park Place, College Station, TX 77840 Former campus house yes Describe historical, architectural, or other significance: Please see attached letter. Please attach photograph and return to: College Station Parks and Recreation P.O. Box 9960 College Station, TX 77842 Attn: David Gerling Sr. August 25, 1994 Signature _ Date August 21, 1994 Historic Preservation Committee College Station Parks and Recreation P. O. Box 9960 College Station, TX 77840-9960 Dear Sir: After reviewing the criteria for College Station Historical Markers, I believe that my home at 900 Park Place qualifies to have a marker affixed. My reasons relate to three of the four criteria adopted by the Historical Preservation Committee. Historical Significance: Our home at 900 Park Place was built over 50 years ago and has been occupied by a variety of residents. On August 21, 1938, Colonel Orva E. Beezley and his wife,Loetitia Beezley purchased two lots from H.E. Burgess,President of the Oakwood Realty Company of College Station. These two lots were combined to form the site of the home. One of the first homes to be built off-campus, and one of the earliest structures in College Station, this home was occupied by the Beezley's until July of 1948, at which time it was sold by Mr. Beezley (Ms. Beezley was deceased) to George T. and Dorothy W. Ramsey. The Ramsey's occupied the home for only two years and sold to W. Armstrong Price and Evelyn W. Price in 1950. In August of 1955, the home was sold by the Prices to Andrew E. Buntyn and Marjorie A. Buntyn who in turn sold the home to Billy R. and Mary B. Wright later the same year. The Writghts sold the home to Richard M. and Mary Owen in July of 1957. The Owens occupied the home for the next 29 years. My wife and I purchased the home from Mary Owen (Mr. Owen was deceased)in March of 1986 and have occupied the home from that time to the present. Architectural Significance: This home was built during the same year the city of College Station was formed. It remained substantially in original form until earlier this year when we undertook a major renovation and remodeling that included the addition of a family room, bath, utility room as well as a garage. All renovations were designed and overseen by David Woodcock, an architect who specializes in the preservation of historic architecture. The attached photographs will attest to our success in preserving the historic integrity of the home. This home is an excellent example of the style of building that was undertaken during the earliest years of the city of College Station. Social Significance: The home provides evidence of the unpretentious style of life characteristic of the military academician of the late 30's and 40's. The design of the home is plain, with simple lines, efficient spaces, and attention to utility over elegance. It is located in a neighborhood that is valued for its historic location and significance. Thank you for considering our home for an historic marker. If you have questions, please call. Respectively, 73. 7 B. E. (Buzz) Pruitt 900 Park Place College Station, TX 77840 (409) 693-3690 , . �' _ v�,,,,t r .ice. .. fi. Cc 4. `a K, ,r r • ._.. � ems. _______ •,.\I , ' .l 4 4 .i lk(Ni, .fy it / r ' '� ?, , fs, * .�9 > /l`ma• y ; �:Y?�t ' . A.', 'v g:'",,tir.r ' -''1 . 1 .." -', =--..r--4"" / 'It •-:4 l M r r t .t 1' III II ' d 't } ,1 l `3 „4401. '906- Iu'lluIt1uiwli II , .. _ „- _