Directory of Port Officials Board of Commissioners J. VIRGIL SCOTT, Chairman R. J. CUMMINS W. W. STRONG EUGENE L. HARRIS R. DoT ERNST, Executive Officers

J. RUSSELLWAIT, General Manager W. L. FELLRATH, Supt. Grain Elevator Dept. SIMMONS~ SMYTH,Counsel L. P. MARSHALL, General Supt. and VERNONBAILEY, Terminal Superintendent H. L. WASHBURN, Auditor Chief Engineer H. H. ROSE, Chie[ Clerk CHARLESCROTTY, Research Engineer

OFFICE--FIFTH FLOOR CIVIL COURTS BUILDING, HOUSTON2, T~xAs Telephone Preston 3241

Port Officials GENERALMANAGER ...... J. RUSSELL WAIT HARBORPATROL OFFICER ...... Louis O. DESHAZO Executive O~ice: Civil Courts Building ...... Preston 3241 Telephone Wentworth 3-1859 Residence Telephone Lehigh 7881 CAPTAINOF INSPECTIONBOAT ...... R. E. SHOOK GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT AND Tel~phone Wentworth 3-18 J9 CHIEFENGINEER ...... L. P. MARSHALL FIRE BOAT "PORT " Residence Telephone Hadley 2385 Telephone Preston 2323 Station 21 TERMINALSUPERINTENDENT ...... VERNONBAILEY HOUSTON PORT AND TRAFFIC BUREAU General O~ce: Wharf 14 Telephone Wayside 7163 H. B. CUMMINS, General Manager Residence Telephone W ydown 9-1702 J. L. READ,Assistant SUPT. GRAINELEVATOR DEPT ...... W. L. FELLRATH 227 Cotton Exchange Building, Houston, General Office: Wharf 14 ...... Woodcrest6-1708 Telephone Preston 0552 Administration of the Port

HE POI~.T OF HOUSTONis operated by the Navigation publishes the Tariff which governs all of the activities on its T and Canal Commission of five members, serving without own facilities and, in general, these private terminals for hire pay, who are appointed two by the City and two by concur whohheartedly in this policy of the Board. County Commissioners and the Chairman by the City and County All construction on the navigable waters of the Navigation Commissioners in joint session. These Commissioners serve for a District is subject to the jurisdiction of the Board and, before period of two years, the terms expiring alternate years. construction can be undertaken, it is necessary to have proper This Board of Commissioners appoints, as executive in charge permit from the Board and the United States Engineers. In of the affairs of the Board, a General Manager and Director of general the Board does not regulate or control operations on the Port, who supervises all of the work and activities of the private facilities after they are constructed. Navigation District and has general direction of the affairs of the The Board has plans for improvements at Morgan’s Point, Navigation District. The Navigation District includes all of has committed its funds up to $1,250,000.00 for the construction Harris County. of two tunnels, which tunnels are to be so located as to assure The Board, through its General Manager, cooperates with the removal of all ferries, and these tunnels are to be toll-free. the United States Government in the construction and improve- The Board’s ownership of waterfrontage actually on the ment of the waterway which is known as the Houston Ship Houston Ship Channel is approximately 4 percent of the linear Channel. The Board has constructed a railroad which is jointly footage abutting on the navigable waterway, and under the operated by all of the rail carriers of Texas, and which is Board’s fixed Tariff policy encouragement is given to the invest- extended by the Board to those areas not served by other rail ment of private capital. carriers. The Board’s policy is to own and operate on a Tariff basis, equal to all alike, a well designed terminal property which is The Board has constructed and owns and operates publicly available for all of the commodities moving to and from the owned rail-water terminal facilities in and about the Turning Southwest and on terms and conditions equal to all alike. Basin. These consist of modern transit sheds, wharf apron tracks, Effective July 1, 1945, the Board purchased all of the railroad, and equipment. real estate, and terminal facilities which had been owned by the The Board performs its own carloading and car unloading. City of Houston, and this gives the Board a complete public owner- The Board also operates a modern 3,500,000 bushel capacity Grain ship of the abutting lands in and around the Turning Basin and Elevator which is equipped with two car dumpers and has a fixes the transportation costs and practices which are so important capacity of 80,000 bushels per hour to vessels. in the operation of a world port such as Houston has become. The Board, operating as the Navigation, Canal and Pilot Switching charges, trucking charges, warehouses, and distribution Commissioners, appoints the Houston Pilots and fixes the rules points, and highway and road systems are all affected by the Turn- and regulations under which they operate. ing Basin and its place in the Navigation District as an economic The Port of Houston as it is operating in competition with center, and the development of Houston as an industrial center has other ports consists of approximately 50 percent privately owned been along sound lines and insofar as this development has been and 50 percent publicly owned terminals for hire, and the Board guided by the policy of the Navigation and Canal Commissioners. 21 Directory of Maritime Interests and Foreign Consulates

United States Services FOREIGN ECONOMIC ADMINISTRATION Office: 603 Federal Office Building ...... Capitol 6271 ENGINEER DEPARTMENT Engineer Officials in Charge of the Construction and Main- IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE tenance of the Houston Ship Channel: L. D. CROSSMAN, Officer in Charge Office : 519 Federal Office Building ...... Charter 4-5626 COL. D. W. GRIFFITHS, Corps of Engineers District Engineer, Galveston ...... Tel. 9331 Miscellaneous C. F. BAEHR,Resident Engineer in charge of Harrisburg Field Office ...... Wayside 1583 HOUSTON PILOTS 1524-5 Niels Esperson Building ...... Capitol 9451 COLLECTOROF CUSTOMS, DISTRICT No. 22... FRED C. PABST HOUSTON MARITIME ASSOCIATION Office: Custom House, Galveston, Texas ...... Tel. 7464 C. B. Fox, President; FRANKDUNN, Secretary Houston Office:413 Federal Office Building .... Preston 5194 226 Cotton ’ Exchange Building ...... Preston5517 DEPUTY COLLECTOR IN CHARGE ...... G. J. GEYER THE PROPELLOR CLUB OF THE UNITED STATES Office: 411 Federal Office Building ...... Preston 5194 PORT OF HOUSTON BARGEOFFICE: U. S. Appraiser’s Stores Building HARRISONJ. LUHN,President 9300 Wingate Street ...... Woodcrest 6-3435 Houston Wharf Company ...... Wayside 0848 CHIEFINSPECTOR: ...... E. C. WALTERS ALLEN CHAMBERS, Secretary and Treasurer U. S. Appraiser’s Stores Building .... 7300 Wingate Street ...... Woodcrest 6-3435 Foreign Consulates CUSTOMSAPPRAISER’S STORES ...... R. E. THOMSON ARGENTINA: W. A. EVANS, Vice-Consul .. U" S. Appraiser’s Stores Building Commerce Building ...... Preston 5111 7300 Wingat Street ...... Wayside 2297 e BELGIUM:R. C. PATTERSON, Consul BAYTOWNOFFICE: Baytown ...... ~ ...... CHARLESn. Fox 1816 Second National Bank Building ...... Preston 1434 CUSTOMS AGENT IN CHARGE ...... ALVIN F. SCHARFF BRAZIL: EDISON RAMOSNOGUEIRA, Consul ..... Suite: 906 .Federal 01~ce Building ...... Fairfax 5341 1511 Commerce Building ...... Charter 4-4195 CHILE: T. L. EVANS,Consular Agent NAVY " Commerce Building ...... Preston 5111 PORTDIRECTOR, Naval Transportation Service LT. COMDR. JOHN F. HOLZINGER 4CHINA: SIEN-YUNG YU, Consul 633 Mellie Esperson Building ...... Charter 4-6409 :STEPHENC. H. WANG, Deputy Consul 714 Richmond Roa~! ...... Jackson 2-1177 COAST GUARD COLOMBIA:H. E. DEL CASTILLO, Hon. Consul CommandingOfficer of the Coast Guard Group, Captain of the 1921 Commerce Building ...... Fairfax 1301 Port: of Houston, Texas, and Officer in Charge of Marine COSTARICAi CARLG. STEARNS, Hon. Consul , Inspection: State National Bank Building ...... Preston1104 COMDR~LEO A. WELSH,U.S.C.G.R. CUBA:ENRIQUE MORALES DE LOS nIOS, Consular Agent 7300 :W~ngate ...... Woodcrest 6-9407 Shipping Co.mmissioner ~3717 Audubon ...... Keystone 3-67! ~’ LT. COMDR.JOSEPH B. CARSKADON,U.S.C.G.R. CZECHOSLOVAKIA:DR. CHARLESZ. HOLLUB, Hon. Consul ’7300 Wingate. Wayside 5000 ] 711 Medical Arts Building ...... Preston 2553 DENMARK:DR. A. C. MADSEN, Vice-Consul WAR SHIPPING ADMINISTRATION 1 7444 Harrisburg .. : ...... Wayside 7176 Rec~ruitment and Manning Organization . DOMINICANREPUBLIC: T. L. EVANS, Vice-Consul ,! 213 ~otton Exchange Bldg ...... Charter 4-6041 .t Commerce Building ...... Preston5111 Regional Enrolling Office, U.S.M.S. 831 F~vst.Nati°nal Bank Bldg...... Charter4-2571~ ECUADOR:EDGAR c.CARLOSH. SOULE,MORALESHon. ConsuICH" Consul 640 First National Bank Building ...... Fairfax 5445 PUBI~iC HEALTH SERVICE, RELIEF STATION EL SALVADOR:FIDEL R. QUINTANILLA DR: E.: L. GRAYDON,Medical Officer in Charge, Dooley Building, Room 5 ...... Charter 4:2029 ,: ~: Office: 310 Republic Building ...... Charter4-4768 GREAT BRITAIN: H. F. C. WALSH,Consul General MAJOR L. B. DUFTON, Vice-Consul : D~.P~~TMENT,O~COMMERCE Cotton Exchange. Building ...... Charter 4-4641 BUREAUOF THECENSUS GUATEMALA:T. L. EVANS, Consul BURE.ATJ OF .FOREIGN ANDDOMESTIC COMMERCE Commerce Building ...... Preston 5111 T. U.~ PURCELL,District Manager Capitol6271 HAITI: T. L. EVANS, Consul Office: 603 Federal Office Bldg ...... Commerce Building ...... Preston 5111 WE’~TJ4~R:BUREAT5;.’Ii. .... ::...... E. A. FARRELL HONDURAS:T. L. EVANS, Vice-Consul O~fice:- 1002 :Federal Office Building ...... Capitol 6919 Commerce Building . Preston 5111 J : R. J. SERRANO,Consul DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 935 MeUie Esperson Building ...... Fairfax 1700 BUREAUOF ANIMAL INDUSTRY DAVIDH. EVERETT,Inspector NETHERLANDS: EDMUNDPINCOFFS, Consul . . Off, ice : 907 Federal Office Building ...... Fairfax 3000 Cotton Exchange Building ...... Preston 819! ’~ Waterfront Office : Room 204, NORWAY:S. A. DONLAP, Vice-Consul ::’U. S. Appraiser’s Stores Building ...... No Phone Cotton Exchange Building ...... Capitol 9761 ’ Residence Keystone 3-6052 PANAMA:MRS. S. W. HEALD, Hon. Consul BuREAu Of ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE 4905 Austin ...... Hadley 8292 " Division of Foreign Plant Quarantine PERU: C. A. MILLER, Consul Hi C. MILLENDER; Inspector in Charge ’ ~: 512 First National Bank Building ...... Capitol 5811 ; 205-6-7 U. S. Appraiser’s Stores Building ~. VENEZUELA: W. M. RYAN, Hon. Consul 7300 Wingate Street...... Woodcrest 6-7880 16th Floor Niels Esperson Building ...... Fairfax 2391 22. Over a Century in Shipping

oR OVERa full century one Southern family has sailed Ameri- vessels were those built at the end of World War No. 1 and today F can ships on the high seas. The freighters of the three Lykes are outmoded, slow and obsolete. Brothers today carry American cargoes from Gulf ports as did Congress in 1936 passed the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, one sailing vessels of Captain James McKay,their maternal grandfather, purpose of which was to rehabilitate the American Merchant Marine over a hundred years ago. by the United States Maritime Commission concluding long range By 1850 Captain McKayhad a fleet of sailing vessels and two building programs with operators. Lykes Brothers Steamship Com- steamships that connected the Gulf cities with the outside world. pany in July, 1939, contracted with the U. S. M. C. for the con- In 1899 his grandsons, Frederick E. and Howell T. Lykes, were struction of 21 modern fast freighters and the first of these was operating steamers from Tampa, Fla., under the name of Lykes launched early in 1940 and named the "FREDERICK LYKES" Brothers. In 1903 James McKay Lykes, another brother, joined after the oldest brother. This vessel was of the Maritime Commission them and in 1906 opened an office in Galveston, Texas. Subsequent- C-3 type, being of 12,800 DWtons and powered by the most mod- ly four younger brothers, Lipscomb G. Lykes, T. M. Lykes, J. W. ern high pressure, high temperature steam plant, with an 8500 ship Lykes and Joseph T. Lykes, joined the organization. By 1936, the horse power turbine, affording a sustained sea speed of 16~ knots. Lykes brothers and their associates had greatly expanded their ship- This vessel is still afloat, having served the country whose flag it ping services, adding to their first established steamer line to Ha- flies throughout the war on all the seas and thereby is one example vana, lines to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean area, the British Isles, of the fulfillment of one purpose of the Merchant Marine Act of Europe, the Mediterranean, the Far East, the Canal Zone and East 1936--that of building a modern American Merchant Marine ca- Coast of Colombia and coastwise to North Atlantic ports, and in pable of serving as a naval and military auxiliary in time of war or all of which Houston’s position was that of an important terminus. national emergency. As the deliveries of these new vessels contracted Thus, steamer services were maintained to practically all ports of for materialized, the companydisposed of a part of its older, slow, the world and the number of vessels used for such totalled 67. These outmoded vessels, effectuating its replacement program.

THE FOUNDERS OF LYKES BROS. STEAMSHIP CO.,INC. Standing, leftto right: J. M. Lykes*,J. W. Lykes, F. E. Lykes and L. G. Lykes*.Sitting:H.T. Lykes*,T. M. Lykes*andJ. T. Lykes.*Deeeased. 23 November, 1945 24 H O U S t O n P o R T B O O K

SOLON B. TURMAN J. M. LYKES, Jr. HARRY C. CULBREATH J. T. LYKES Vice-President--Houston Office Vice-President, TampaOffice President--New York Office Executive Vice-President -- New Or- leans Office.

During the early part of 1941, Lykes Bros. Steamship Co. in- they would be assigned to operators for operation for the W.S.A. augurated its service from Gulf ports to ports in South and East under such an agreement. Assignments became more numerous as Africa. This established the first Americanflag service in this trade building got into full swing, ships being built in 50 to 60 days, and greatly alleviated the problems of exporters, in and adjacent to and by 1944 the company was operating over 100 vessels for the the gulf coast area, as service to that area had been maintained by W.S.A. and was designated for such amongst eleven other companies foreign lines which withdrew their services after the outbreak of as a four star operator. As some 120 operators were being assigned the war. Another expansion by the company of its steamer service vessels and only a few operators maintained offices in gulf ports, in 1941 was that to the Dutch East Indies and the Strait Settle- the companymade available the services of its Gulf offices to many ments for the transporting to this county of much needed tin and operators. The above had only to do with the running of vessels. rubber. Cargo was handled under a separate agency. As cargo again began to By December 7, 1941, "Pearl Harbor," the company’s services move to destinations on the company’s regular trade routes, the to Great Britain, Europe, the Mediterranean and Africa had been handling of such cargo was assigned to the company by the W.S.A. disrupted by the Neutrality Act. Not long thereafter, services to the under such an agency. As the War and shipbuilding progressed more Straits Settlements, Dutch East Indies and the Philippines were dis- and more cargo moved through the Gulf ports and by the Spring of continued by reason of Japanese occupation, and by May, 1942, all 1945, the amount through Houston was exceedingly large. When vessels of American registry were requisitioned, some for charter handling cargo all freights collectable were so done for the W.S.A. and some for ownership, by the War Shipping Administration. and accountable to that government agency. Trade routes of operators became non-existent and vessels were The Company’s loss of ships by enemy action was not unlike directed in employment by the War Shipping Administration as to that of other owners. The first loss occurred on December 8, 1941, where needed most, the tonnage of the Allies being desperately not far to the east of Honolulu. By mid-year, 1942, losses were short. frequent and continued so until mid-year, 1943, after which only a All Lykes tonnage requisitioned by the War Shipping Admin- few losses occurred. One loss was of an unusual nature in that no istration was allocated back to the company for operation for the trace has been seen nor any information heard of the vessel. She was the "TILLIE LYKES"and sailed from Galveston in July, 1942, War Shipping Administration under an Agency Agreement. As new vessels under the government building program were completed bound for Caribbean ports.

GUY R. WEBB ROBERT F. RADER CARL B. FOX ARTHUR S. GLADWIN General Agent--Houston Office Manager, Deep Sea Traffic Depart- Manager Marine Division N Houston District Manager, West Gulf Ports-- Office. Houston Office. ment--Houston Office. November, 1945 Houston PORT BOOK

with the requirements of export and import trade through the port of Houston and other Gulf ports. Lykes Bros. Steamship Co. are justly proud to have played a part in the development of the port of Houston. Its officers and asso- ciates expect to play a continuing role in the further development of ocean commerce through Houston and the Gulf ports and into another century of shipping with vessels flying the Lykes House Flag, a number of which proudly carry the home port in bold letters on the stern--HOUSTON.

R. Wright Armstrong Appointed Executive Assistant ¯ ° ° Appointment of R. Wright Armstrong as Executive Assistant of the Fort Worth & Denver City Railway with headquarters at Houston was announced today by Executive Vice President Edward Flynn of the Burlington Lines. Mr. Armstrong, who has just been released from the Army J. R. ASTON where he was a Major in the Transportation Corps, is a native of Local Manager, West Indies-South American Line--Houston Office. Brownwood,Texas, and has spent his entire business career with the Burlington Lines. He was General Agent of the Trinity & Brazos Valley Railway at Fort Worth from 1924 to 1928 and was General With hostilities over, Lykes Bros. Steamship Co. are awaiting Agent of the Burlington-Rock Island Railroad at Houston from the return of their vessels in order that they can re-establish private 1928 until 1934 when he became General Agent of the Fort Worth operation. In accordance with regulations of the United Maritime & Denver City Railway at New Orleans. Authority, under which vessels of all Allied Nations and some In 1936 Mr. Armstrong was appointed General Freight Agent Neutral Nations are bound, it is anticipated owners will have their of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at Denver, and in vessels returned beginning March 2, 1946. While some of the com- 1939 was made General Freight Agent of the C. B. & Q. Missouri pany’s former routes are presently being operated for account of District with headquarters at St. Louis. the War Shipping Administration, those services that are not will be Mr. Armstrong is a veteran of two wars. He was a Captain and re-established under private operation, just as soon as the company’s aide to Major General John A. Hulen, who later became Vice Pres- vessels are returned and providing cargo is available. In addition ident of the Fort Worth & Denver, in World War I and served to the former routes the company’s plans include the continuance overseas with the 36th Division. He also was active in the Texas of the presently operated service from Houston-Gulf ports to the National Guard for many years and was leader of the 142nd In- West Coast of South America and the presently operated service fantry’s famed Old Gray Mare Band. from Houston-Gulf ports to Venezuela, on both of which services In March, 1943, Mr. Armstrong was commissioned a Major in Houston is an important loading port. the Transportation Corps and assigned to the Eighth Transportation To service these various trade routes the company’s plans call zone headquarters at Dallas as Rail Officer and later as Executive for a total of 40 new modern fast freighters of different sizes and Officer. In September, 1944, he went overseas with the 26th Regu- adaptable to the different routes. At the present time Lykes have lating Station, Army Transportation Corps, and served in England, afloat or under contract for construction, and which will be de- France, Belgium and Germanytransporting material to field forces, livered prior to the end of the year, 33 of such ships and will be chiefly the Fifteenth Army. ready to handle its share of cargo and provide service commensurate

Hearing for Improvement of the Houston Ship Channel ¯ ° ¯ A Public Hearing will be held in the Assembly Roomof the Chamber of Commerce, Houston, Texas, on Tuesday, November 13, 1945, at 10:00 A.M., for the purpose of affording all interested persons an opportunity to present their views as to the advisa- bility of modifying the existing project of the Houston Ship Channel in any way at that time. The Harris county Navigation District plans to ask for the following improvements: 1. A depth of 36 feet throughout the Houston Ship Channel from Bolivar Roads to the Turning Basin. 2. A bottom width of 550 feet from Bolivar Roads to Mile- post 30. 3. A bottom width of 500 feet from Milepost 30 to Boggy Bayou (Shell Refinery). 4. A bottom width of 400 feet from Boggy Bayou to Simms Bayou. 5. A bottom width of 300 feet from Simms Bayou to the Turning Basin. 6. Easing of bends at Morgan’s Point, Milepost 35.6 and Mile- post 36.5. Lykes ships under construction at Wilmington, N. C., all of which have been 7. Auxiliary Turning Basins at Hunting Bayou, Simms Bayou delivered. and Brady Island of 900 feet diameters. November,1945 z6 H O ~ S t O ~ P o R T B O O K

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PORT OF HOUSTON INDUSTRIAL MAP ISSUED bY TICE

.:? I 6 i A Directory of the Houston Chamber of Commerce

Many persons and firms located far from Houston desire civic improvement, zoning, fire prevention, public health and tax service and information with reference to their various interests, legislative matters. Men and womenin all walks of life participate for which the Houston Chamber of Commerce is always glad to in this broad field of service to their city and their neighbors. be called upon. MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT Following is the Executive Committee: ROLLAND STOREY, Manager President GEORGESAWTELLE ...... Establishes friendly contacts between members, prospective COL. W. B. BATES...... Vice-President Vice-President members, new citizens and visitors through confidence in the H. O. CLARKE...... Chamber of Commerce. PAUL J. NEFF ...... Vice-President E. A. BLACKBURN...... Secretary of the Board JAMES A. BAKER, JR ...... Treasurer RESEARCH AND STATISTICS HINES H. BAKER...... Member at Large JAMES A. MABRY,Manager Member at Large L. S. ADAMS...... Maintains a file of approximately 1,500 items on subjects of NOAHDIETRICH ...... Member at Large Member at Large informational value with reference to Houston, its trade territory J. M. LYKES. JR ...... and Texas. This information is available to anyone anywhere. W. N. BLANTON..... Exec. Vice-President and General Manager The service rendered by the Chamber of Commerce is divided MANUFACTURERS AND WHOLESALERS into several departments, of which the following is an outline, and Contacts Houston trade territory and assists jobbers and m~nu- they at all times welcome inquiries from those desiring their facturers to develop new business. assistance : EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT AGRICULTURAL W. N. BLANTON,Exec. Vice-President and General Manager W. O. Cox, Manager LT. COL. W. M. HURLEY, Secretary and Asst. Gen. Mgr. (On leave with U. S. Army) T. W. ARCHER, Office Manager Agricultural conditions in Harris County and adjoining coun- ties. Specific information to individuals on farming problems. Boys’ TRANSPORTATION and girls’ rural club work. Information from specialists employed in the department of livestock and dairying, home demonstration and C. E. HOLLOMAN, Manager field crop subjects. County agent work. Information available E. E. DULLAHAN, Assistant through direct contact with the Extension Service of the State Rate quotations. Readjustments of rate situations. Publication Agricultural and Mechanical College. of rate changes. Preparation of statistical information in defense of rate adjustments. Analysis of transportation problems. Dissemi- HIGHWAY nation of information on the car situation and any other transpor- GLEN R. BLACKBURN, Manager rational subjects of interest to shippers. Provides comprehensive service for motorists and tourists and assists in the planning of new or improved highway construction. INDUSTRIAL DEPARTMENT Assists in planning new highways that directly or indirectly benefit LT. COL. W. M. HURLEY,Manager Houston. Sites. Warehouses. Retail locations. Labor situation. Statistical PUBLICITY information on industrial subjects. Business conditions (city and DOLPH FRANTZ, Director state). Present and future industrial possibilities. LIEUT. DOUGLAS HICKS, Manager (On Leave with U. S. Navy) AVIATION-MILITARY AFFAIRS National and local distribution of civic advertising, including MAJOR ROLAND A. LAIRD, Manager news publicity on Houston development. Pictures and cuts of Aviation Houston’s commercial and civic life for the use of visitors and for loan to interested individuals. General information regarding the Promotes the establishment of new air mail and passenger city. Direct contact with local newspapers which makes available services at Houston; endeavors to promote improvements in all assistance for those desiring that character of publicity service. aviation facilities; encourages constructive activities relating to Advice and counsel in the preparation of publicity matter which has commercial and military flying. a bearing on Houston publicity. File of newspaper clippings on Military Affairs stories of interest. Cooperates in all matters having to do with local factors af- fecting military forces of city, state and nation; maintains inti- CONVENTION AND TOURIST BUREAU mate contact between business interests of the city and the mili- T. A. SIEFERTH, Manager tary services; supports and encourages R.O.T.C. organizations in Promotes the holding of conventions at Houston; arranges for Houston. conventions and other conferences and stimulates the holding of FOREIGN TRADE sales conferences at Houston. T. L. EVANS, Manager HOUSTON MAGAZINE Foreign trade problems. Information on Houston, Trade pos- C. E. GILBERT, JR., Editor and Manager sibilities, with special reference to Mexico, Central and South H. C. FroSTER, Advertising Assistant America and the West Indies. Spanish translations. Information on customs regulations, tariffs, and port activities. A monthly business journal, combined with the Port Register.

CIVIC AFFAIRS JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MAJOR GORDON H. TURRENTINE, Manager BAKER W. ARMSTRONG, Executive Secretary (On leave with U. S. Navy) The Civic Affairs Department is the focal point for the Chamber’s activities in behalf of the community’s civic and cultural An organization of young business men of-Houston but a progress. Within the department are the Houston Flower Show distinct division of the Chamber of Commerceoperating under the Association, the Houston-Harris County Committee for Economic latter’s supervision. Promotes the general civic welfare of Houston Development, and committees whose activities relate to education, through a great variety of activities. 28 Grace Line Hans Postwar Service

N KEEPINGwith a 75-year-old tradition of anticipating shipping needs, Grace Line’s postwar service from Houston and other I Gulf ports to the West Coast of South America will offer two hundred per cent more cargo space than furnished by the pre-war Grace Line service between that area and Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Chile. This increase is made possible through construction of fast new C-2 type ships whose schedules are being adapted to a sailing at least every three weeks from Houston. In spite of wartime restrictions, Grace Line, as Agents for the War Shipping Administration, has been lifting out of Houston and other Gulf ports more than double the tonnage handled by that company before the war. The commodities represented by this ton- nage originate in territories for which Houston and adjacent ports are the natural outlets. The Grace house-flag has long been familiar to Texas shippers. The New Orleans and South American Steamship Co., a Grace Line, in 1918, pioneered direct American flag service between U. S. Gulf ports and the West Coast of South America. For fifteen years this service was maintained without interruption but in 1933, this operation was temporarily suspended after cargo offerings declined seriously with the depression. The service was, however, resumed in 1941 as a Grace Line venture and continued until all American flag vessels were requisitioned by the U. S. Government for war work. Re-establishment of this direct steamship service furnishes Houston exporters with all the resources of the ninety-two estab- lished Grace offices and representatives on the West Coast of South America and in Panama. Backed by three quarters of a century of experience in Latin-American trade, these offices are intensively expending every effort to increase trade between Panama, Colombia, W. R. Grace, founder of W. R. Grace & Co., and Grace Line Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chi!e and the United States. This historic background has enabled Grace Line to develop As far back as 1850--only five years after the Texas Congress operations to maximumefficiency in fifty ports between Buena- accepted invitation to join the United States as a state--William R. ventura, Colombia and San Antonio, Chile--a coast line of about Grace, then a lad of eighteen, took the first step on the long road of 2700 miles. For example, it was only through the continued efforts Grace Line’s pioneering service. His family had migrated from Ire- of the Grace management in Chile that Governmental permission land’s County Cork to the port of Callao, Peru. It is possible that was secured allowing immediate reception, discharging and loading the long voyage interested young Grace in the shipping business, of ships under Grace Line operation at all Chilean ports any hour because his first job on arrival in Callao, was a clerkship with John of the day or night. During World War II, this know-howreceived Bryce, ship chandler. further recognition for Grace Line acted as War Shipping Admin- The busy port of Callao, second only to Liverpool in the num- istration agents for all vessels calling at West Coast of South Amer- ber of clearances, had much to teach a young man interested in ica ports. ships. Its harbor bristled with masts of sailing vessels which con-

THE SANTA ELIZA This type of fast vessel is scheduled to enter Grace Line’s Gulf-West Coast of South America Service as soon as present shipping controls are relaxed. 29 30 H o u s t o n P O R T B 0 0 K November, 1945

It was not, however, until after some fifteen years of sailing vessel service, that William Grace experimented with steamers. Recognizing that the route from New York to Valparaiso--via the Strait of Magellan--was a much shorter voyage, but too hazardous for sailing vessels, he chartered a small steamer to test the time advantage. Several trips were sufficiently satisfactory to warrant the construction of four 4,600-ton steam-powered ships. His shipping associates were alarmed. They argued with Grace that nothing larger than a 2,400-ton vessel could be profitable on such a route. Mr. Grace persisted in his theory that where the space and speed are sufficient the cargo will be found. The "Coya," first of the quartet of new ships, left New York for South America on February 7, 1893, and anchored off Val- paraiso thirty-eight days later. Sixty-two days’ sailing time had been lopped off a route which prospered with such speed that four additional ships nearly doubling the capacity of the first four, were soon built and a11 eight ships operated as the Grace-owned New York and Pacific Steamship Company. The Panama Canal opened further pioneering prospects to R. RANNEY ADAMS Grace’s established business. New and handsome, the now-famous President of Grace Line, Inc. Santa Fleet of Grace Line began with the "Santa Luisa," the "Santa Teresa," the "Santa Elisa," and the "Sant~ Ana"--four twelve-knot combination passenger and cargo ships. verged from all parts of the world to the guano deposits, the so- World War I claimed this sister group before the Canal was called white gold, of the Chincha Islands. opened to commerce. Supplies for war, instead of cargo for trade, It was the custom, then, for each chandler to send his clerk sent these ships chasing across the Atlantic instead of sailing ma- racing toward an incoming fleet to solicit the captain’s business. jestically south from NewYork. This, in turn, brought experience Here, it was: first to come, first to serve--and a speedy clerk was in operation and loading that added much to the ever-growing valued equally with good merchandise. know-how of this oldest among American shipping organizations. Young William Grace did his share of such racing, but soon 1918 saw the Armistice, an increase in world trade, and ex- conceived a simpler and more efficient procedure. Accordingly, with pansion of Grace Line operations. It was then that Grace organized Mr. Bryce now his partner rather than employer, the Bryce, Grace the New Orleans and South American Steamship Co., with the & Co.’s "Store Ship" came into being. William fitted a ship with "Nosa King," "Nosa Queen," "Nosa Prince," "Nosa Duke," and chandler’s goods, anchored it in the very midst of the "guano fleets" "Nosa Chief" servicing the Gulf ports in their trade with South and did a thriving business for several years. America: one route to the West Indies and the North Coast of From much of the conversation he had with ship’s captains, South America, another through the Panama Canal to the West from listening to stories of long voyages and the requirements of Coast of that continent. NOSAbecame the only such line which cargo space, he was convinced that there was more opportunity in did not require trans-shipment at Panama. Once again, Grace Line operating ships than in furnishing them with supplies; and more pioneered in space and speed. advantage in operating larger ships than those of the guano fleets. Since December 7, 1941, Grace Line, while maintaining a re- During the time of this Store Ship enterprise, William Grace stricted service on its prewar trade routes to the Caribbean and the met and fell in love with the daughter of one of the ship’s cap- West Coast of South America, has been engaged in war service on tains. She had taken the trip with her father from Thomaston, a world-wide scale. In the capacity of agent for the War Shipping Maine, to the Chincha Islands. This young Lillius Gilchrist was Administration, the company has operated in excess of 10,280,000 lovely enough to bring William from Peru to New England for a deadweight tons of shipping including ship tonnage handled under wedding and a new shipping venture. a berth-agency agreement. The significance of this task is empha- About this time, tea markets demanded speed in cargo delivery sized by the fact that this is approximately the tonnage of vessels and clipper ships were already racing the oceans; the screw pro- pellor had been added to the recently developed steamship, but William Grace knew sailing vessels, believed in an inter-American market, and cared more for cargo space than speed. His experience and convictions persuaded the famous shipbuilders of New England to construct sailing vessels with greater cargo space than they’d ever dreamed of. The world, Mr. Grace was certain, would find the cargo to fill the ships. In 1873, the "W. R. Grace" slid down the ways in Bath, Maine. She was a full-bodied sailing vessel, designed primarily for a large cargo which she carried between New York, Callao and San Francisco, via Cape Horn. In 1875, her sister ship, the "M. P. Grace" proudly sailed the same route, and their fastest time to San Francisco is recorded as 115 days for the "W. R. Grace" and 101 for the "M. P. Grace." Thus, the actual history of Grace Line commenced. William Grace then in his forties--watched the industrial progress of Peru and Chile with a careful eye. Railroads were being built, agricultural enterprises were being developed. Nitrate production and metal ore deposits were being extended. South America needed building sup- plies. Sailing vessels under charter to Grace were soon operating on the route from Puget Sound down along the West Coast of the U. S. to the West Coast of South America, carrying supplies to The Cradle of IV. R. Grace & Co., and the Grace Line. The store ship off the expanding countries. Chin©ha Islands where the Guanoships loaded in the 50’s and 60’s. November, 1945 H 0 u s t 0 n P 0 R T B 0 0 K 31

concerns in the United States. The total consideration for physical properties, land, grain and other items was said to have run over $I,000,000. The plant, formerly known as the American Maid Flour Mills, is situated on a 10-acre tract. Mr. Eric B. Reiner, whowas President of the Houston Milling Company,was elected a Vice President of the Continental Grain Companyand will continue to be in full charge of the operation of the mill. Also all officials and employeesof the HoustonMilling Companywill continue with the Continental Grain Company. Mr. Michael Fribourg of NewYork, recently discharged from the Armyafter overseas service, is President of Continental Grain Companyand Rene Fribourg, also of NewYork, is Chairmanof the Boardof Directors.

Gulf Ports Association Conference ¯ ° ° The Gulf Ports Association held its SecondAnnual Membership Meeting at the Rice Hotel, Houston, Texas, on September 28 and 29. Twenty-one representatives from the thirteen memberports were present and the following officers for the new year were elected: J. Russell Wait, Houston, Texas ...... President C. E. Sauls, Mobile, Ala ...... First Vice President Grenville Mellen, Gulfport, Miss ...... SecondVice President John C. Mayfield, Houston, Texas ...... Secretary-Treasurer and the following Board of Directors were nominated: T. V. Standifer "IV. R. Grace," progenitor of today’s Grace Line fleet. This Tampa,Florida was a "Down Easter." From the painting by Charles F. Patter- C. E. Sauls Mobile,Ala. son. Grenville Mellen Gulfport, Miss. E. O. Jewell NewOrleans, La. of all types that comprised the ocean-going American Merchant Louis Ricaud Baton Rouge, La. Marine at the time of Pearl Harbor. Alva P. Frith LakeCharles, La. In the Gulf area alone, Grace Line, between the summerof F. H. Fredricks Beaumont, Texas 1942 and June 1945, has acted as berth agent for the Government E. H. Thornton Galveston, Texas on eighty-five southboundsailings and 156 northboundsailings. H. J. Mikeska Texas City, Texas On completion of its current construction program, Grace Line J. Russell Wait Houston, Texas will have eighteen new "Santa" ships with which to resume and L. M. Adams CorpusChristi, Texas expandits services linking the Americas.. The newfleet will consist James C. Bowie Port Isabel, Texas of nine combination passenger and freight ships and nine cargo F. W. Hofmokel Brownsville, Texas vessels. The latter have all been completedand have been entered in war service. The former are under construction--with deliveries to Matters vital to restoration of peacetimeworld shipping through start in February, 1946, and to be completed in July of that year. ports of the Gulf area were on the program and were discussed at All the new ships, following Grace Line tradition, will be named length. The most important items were: for "Santas" which were formerly membersof the fleet. Serving 1. The Merchants Sales Act. with the new ships, will be the "Santa Rosa" and "Santa Paula," only Grace Line cruise ships to survive the perils of war. 2. Appointment of a Gulf Area Manto the U. S. Martitime According to Mr. R. R. Adams, president of the company, Commission. "Grace Line has expressly designed its service from Houston and 3. Renewalof Legislative Contacts. Gulf ports around fast new ships, since it recognizes that speed and 4. Resumptionof Coastwise and Intercoastal Services. dependability of cargo delivery are major factors in reaching the 5. Surplus Property Disposal Program. desirable South Americanmarket. 6. Submergedand Reclaimed Land Legislation. "The outlook for postwar trade from Texas and the Gulf area is promising,’~ he said, and pointed out that since WorldWar The Membersof the Association were guests of the Foreign II was instrumental in bringing about an expansion of industrial Trade Association at Luncheon at the Rice Hotel on Friday, the production, in the territory tributary to the Gulf, manufacturers 28th, and were entertained.with cocktails and dinner at the Houston located in that area will makea determined effort to enlarge their Country Club Friday night by the Terminal Operators of Houston. export business. Such a movewould provide an outlet for the ad- ditional productivity engenderedby the Waryears, and compensate for the lessened demandfor manufactured goods that has resulted Navigation District from curtailment of military requirements. Purchases Heavy Crane ° ° ¯ The NavigationDistrict operates a fleet of 12 locomotivecranes and throughout the war period has found these cranes of great Houston Milling Company service to industries and operators in the port. In order to improve Sold to Continental Grain ¯ ¯ ¯ these services, the NavigationDistrict recently authorized the pur- chase of a 50-ton, Diesel driven, locomotivecrane of latest design. The Houston Milling Companyproperties in the Manchester in- This crane, with 70-foot boom, outriggers, and every knownmod- dustrial area near the Houston Ship Channel were recently pur- ern appliance witl definitely improveservices rendered by the Navi- chased by the Continental Grain Company,one of the largest grain gation District to the commerceof the port. November, 1945 32 H O U S t O n P o R T B O O K

AMBASSADORS

ON KEELS o ¯ ¯

HOSTSof heroic ships lie at sea bottom today--gallant

martyrs to the cause of peace-loving mankind.

Peace will be preserved by a re-constituted American

Merchant Marine helping to strengthen the bonds of inter-

national friendship through interchange of goods.

Implementing this global good-will are the shipping com-

panies of America.

To these--a sincere salute from Todd for worthy deeds

accomplished and glorious achievements to come.

ToooHous S.,,..u,.o..G CoR,.o,,AT,o. Texas Transport & Terminal Co., Inc., Celebrates Fiftieth Anniversary

OUNDEDin 1895, Texas Transport & Terminal Co., Inc., for more than a quarter of a century has been closely identified F with the development of the Port of Houston. This company is national in scope, with offices in the principal ports of the United States, and has maintained offices in the Cotton Exchange Building in Houston for more than twenty five years. The importance of Houston was early recognized by this com- pany. With the important steamship companies wbich it represented, many of the outstanding shipping services were introduced to the importers and shippers of the southwestern territory. Regular pas- senger service was likewise first introduced into the port by Texas Transport & Terminal Co., Inc. In the early twenties, when the port of Houston was striving for world-wide recognition as a deep-water port, Texas Transport & Terminal Co., Inc., in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce, arranged for the SS "LAFAYETTE"to make a West Indies cruise from this port, which was followed in later years by several other cruises. At that time it was considered by the shipping industry as almost an impossibility for a ship the size of the "LAFAYETTE" to navigate the Houston Ship Channel. The channel was then a far cry from the beautiful waterway which exists today. There were many turns and bends in the channel in those early days, which made it a hazardous venture to navigate a ship of 665 ft. through the winding waterway. Fully realizing the difficulties of the feat, but with the firm conviction that the Port of Houston was destined for greater de- velopment, Texas Transport & Terminal Co., Inc., did not hesitate to lend its assistance to bring about the world-wide recognition Houston gained as a result of this outstandingly successful passenger cruise carrying a large number of passengers S. A. DUNLAP from all points in the United States to the West Indies and return. Local Manager of Texas Transport & Terminal Co., Inc. During the development and growth of the Port, Texas Trans- port & Terminal Co. has constantly extended steamship services to all ports of the world, which in turn attracted large tonnages to destiny of the great southwestern territory, which the port so ef- the Port of Houston, both for export and import. A regular pas- ficiently serves. senger service which was maintained for many years prior to World But this companyis not willing to rest on its reputation of be- War No. 2 was an attraction to many persons traveling to and ing a pioneer in the development of traffic through the Port of from Europe to sail from or land in Houston. Houston. They are actively engaged in post-war plans for extensive Texas Transport & Terminal Co. can truly be said to be one services which will enable Port Houston to maintain its supremacy of the pioneers of the Port of Houston and a firm believer in the as a world port achieved in the past quarter of a century.

BUSINESS BAROMETER OF HOUSTON FOR THE YEAR 1944

Bank Clearings Postal Receipts Building Permits Real Estate Customs Transfers Collections TOTAL...... $5,539,707,872 $4,853,449.49 $9,268,739 $53,416,084 $2,291,618.40 FOR THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF 1945

Bank Clearings Postal Receipts Building Permits Real Estate Customs Transfers Collections January...... $ 520,85.9,352 $ 448,109.06 $ 622,503 $ 5,651,844 $ 144,315.88 February...... 420,040,355 379,645.40 1,037,809 5,362,224 191,845.72 March...... 538,954,743 453,952.29 5,076,803 7,473,301 202,057.20 April...... 466,390,011 400,693.28 1,111,961 5,948,5.96 250,898.67 May...... 479,310,677 434,379.19 4,644,291 5,572,845 118,131.25 June...... 531,857,447 41’0,144.72 1,020,730 7,733,906 195,615.12 July...... 492,411,229 402,380.44 1,840,059 4,309,095 202,562.78 August...... 462,851,151 ; 4’01,108.53 1,385,635 3,487,978 174,318.96 September...... 490,045,109 379,210.64 2,016,698 6,154,141 126,590.56 October...... 512,527,285 435,517.36 1,673,913 7,643,239 164,632.60 TOTAL...... $4,915,247,359 $4,145,140.91 $20,430,402 $59,337,169 $ 1,770,968.74

33 34 H o u s t o n P O R T B O O K November, 1945

0

There’s Plenty of it .in South Texas!

Adequate,low-cost, dependableelectric power is one of the superior advantagesoffered in the

aggressive area served by the Houston Lighting & PowerCompany. This fact was proven during

the war years by the successful performanceof electric service in carrying the tremendousload

called for by this section’s war industries. Now,postwar developmentand expansion greatly

increases this company’sfacilities for supplying electric service in abundanceto factory, farm

and home.

Through sound business managementand the vigorous pursuit of the free enterprise system of

endeavor, Houston Lighting & Power Companyemerges from the war-time era with added

strength, and looks forward to pla.ying a vital part in the developmentof South Texasand its

resources. Cruiser Houston Comes Home for Navy Day

By WILLIAM A. KIRKLAND Vice.President, First National Bank, Houston, Texas

HE U. S. S. Houston, second cruiser of the name, came home interest in its namesake vessel was the ceremony on the steps of the T on October 26, 1945, accompanied by three submarine3: City Hall on Navy Day, October 27, when Mayor Massey spoke U. S. S. Lapon, U. S. S. Odax, U. S. S. Billfish; two destroyers: for all his fellow citizens and presented in their behalf a mechani- U. S. S. Dunlap, U. S. S. Fanning; and one , U. S. S. cal cow to make palatable milk out of powder, an Encyclopaedia Muir. Manning her were many of the officers and men who kept her Britannica, a record player, and a great official flag of the City. afloat on a dark night off Formosa just a year before when a Japa- Captain Orem, in return, presented as a permanent memorial a nese aerial torpedo came within a narrow margin of sinking her. damaged six-inch gun from the ship itself, and Commodore Wm. Thrilling, too, was the presence of 125 survivors of the first cruiser W. Behrens, Commanding Officer, U. S. Naval Training Station, Houston who reported aboard at Galveston the day before to be Bainbridge, Maryland, who put the Houston in commission and led transported to the City of Houston and take part in Navy Day her through all of her operations in the Pacific, gave to the City ceremonies. the tattered Battle Ensign which flew at the Houston’s mast head Commanded by Captain Howard E. Orem, U. S. N., the Hous- during her moments of greatest danger and a Lone Star Flag which ton had just emerged from a long period of overhaul at the Brook- she used to break out proudly on entering and leaving Pacific ports. lyn Navy Yard, to which she had finally made her way after tem- Remarks by Rear Admiral J. J. Clark, CommandingOfficer, and porary repair at bases far out in the Pacific. Nowshe was in first George R. Brown, President of the Houston Council of Navy class fighting trim, even modernized in some particulars, and with League, were followed by a deeply impressive service conducted by Lieutenant-Commander Moreno of U. S. C. G. R., as pilot, nego- the Navy Mothers Club of Houston wherein survivors of the first tiated the channel with ease, tying up at Wharf No. 3 at the Hous- cruiser Houston escorted gold star mothers who cast a wreath of ton Turning Basin shortly after noon. Great numbers of people had flowers on the surface of the reflection pool in memory of lost lined both sides of the channel from Morgans Point to destination, Naval personnel. with industries flying their flags and blowing their whistles--a tri- On Monday, October 29, 1945, this time on the quarter deck of umphant entry, indeed, punctuated by a salute to San Jacinto Battle- the U. S. S. Houston, before two thousand assembled workers in ground with all hands mustered at their stations on the weather the Victory Loan Drive, after speeches by Winston Henry, Drive decks. Chairman, Commodore Behrens, and Captain Orem, setting the Crowds greeted the cruiser and accompanying ships at the Bond campaign in motion, a handsome plaque, cast in bronze from wharves, and from the moment of arrival the City opened up its shell cases fired and equipment damaged and carrying the names heart to officers and men. The entertainment program beginning of fifty-five officers and men losing their lives in actions off For- the first night extended well into the following week. Clubs, mosa on October 14 and October 16, 1944, was solemnly dedicated theatres, football games freely extended courtesies to the visitors. to their memory. Outstanding as a mark of Houston’s official welcome and deep The Houston and all the other ships were thrown open to the

The Cruiser Houston Comes Home

35 November, 1945 36 H O U $ t O r/ P 0 R T B 0 0 K

public each afternoon and many thousands inspected the vessels and the interesting exhibit set up on shore, including motion pic- tures of the Navy in action. Finally early on the morning of Sat- ~rday, November 3, when the ship was turned about in the basin MANCHESTERTER~IN^L and headed into the channel under her own power, an official party, accompanied by a considerable number of citizens, extended ON THE SHIP CHANNEL farewells. Personal expressions of pleasure and appreciation on the part of all hands, followed by formal thank-you letters from each of the Commanding Officers, give more than ordinary assurance that Houston’s hearty welcome and open hospitality did really hit the spot. The visitors were impressed with the Houston Ship Channel, with the great number and diversity of the industries along its One of Houston’s modem and well equipped land- banks, and with the facilities of the Port. Praise is due to the Port authorities, City government and its public works and police de- water facilities. At all times prepared to handle partments, transportation officials, hotels, and many organizations efficiently and satisfactorily all types of shipping and individuals who contributed to the physical arrangements for the ships and to the reception and entertainment of the ships’ and commodities of foreign and domestic trade, companies. including storage and warehousing. DonaldV. Fraser Elected Inquiries solicited. Satisfactory services guaranteed. President and Director ¯ ¯ ¯ Mr. Donald V. Fraser was elected President and a Director of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad Company October 23 to fill the vacancy of the President that has existed since the death of Matthew S. Sloan last June. Mr. Fraser was recently named Vice President of the company MANCHESTER TERMINAL and prior to that served as Executive Assistant to the Chairman and President. He has been an officer in the executive department CORPORATION since 1931 and began his railroad career with the Katy Railroad in the purchasing department in 1916. He is recognized as a close HOUSTON, TEXAS student of railroad economics and has a broad background of rail- road operating experience. He is 49 years old and lives in St. Louis where he will make his headquarters.

Joseph A. Dana Promoted ¯ ¯ ° Effective July 1, Mr. Joseph A. Dana was promoted to the newly created position of Assistant General Freight Agent of the TEXAS Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway Company, with headquarters in Houston. The position of Division Freight Agent, formerly held by Mr. SHIPBglLDINGCOMPANY Dana, was abolished. (SUCCESSORSTO RED HEADBOAT SHOP COMMERCIAL AND PLEASURE CRAFT I BUILDING PERMITS 1 HOUSTON, TEXAS--(1913-1944) Compiled by Research and Statistics Department, Houston Chamber of Commerce COMPLETE BARGE SERVICE $ 4,965,635 1929 29,526,810 SAND BLASTING 1913 1914 3,250,739 1930 17,616,202 GAS-FREEING 1915 1,797,094 1931 11,701,491 TWO MARINE RAILWAYS 1916 3,086,870 1932 2,873,130 1917 3,124,327 1933 3,224,449 1918 2,270,649 1934 4,812,565 1919 6,861,619 1935 6,961,396 1936 18,493,379 THE WAR IS OVER SO 1920 8,531,447 1921 10,398,295 1937 18,606,763 THAT YOU ARE READY FOR 1922 13,390,469 1938 2 S ,052,323 BOAT NOW 1923 19,117,106 1939 26,737,228 1924 17,216,259 1940 24,253,888 1941 19,218,676 HOUSTON PLANT SHIPYARD 1925 35,040,550 Green’s Bayou 1926 28,512,805 1942 11,292,009 7324 Long Drive 7,960,370 Phone W-6-9481 1927 27,326,475 1943 Phone W-9-3535 1928 35.319.503 1944 9.268.739 Source: U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Brown Shipbuilding Company Made Permanent Ship Channel Industry

~v docking and repair of large ocean-going vessels have to 20 feet depth. Two warehouses with a total of 74,000 square D been added to the facilities offered by the Port of Houston feet floor space are located near these docks. through the establishment of two floating dry docks at the Building ways for simultaneous construction of 12 vessels of Brown Shipbuilding Co., Inc., whose yard is located on the Houston 200-foot length are located on Green’s Bayou and around these Ship Channel at Green’s Bayou. ways are spaces for jigs where prefabrication of sections for eight The yard will offer ships calling at Port Houston in 1946 one more hulls can go forward at the same time. dry dock of ll,500-ton lifting capacity, 536 feet length and 110 These facilities are located in the only Navy yard on the Gulf feet width, and a smaller dock of 3000-ton lifting capacity, 350 of Mexico with facilities for both repair and construction of ships. feet length and 64 feet width. The yard built 359 ships for the Navy, including destroyer escorts, The dry docks are located in a repair basin of 30-foot depth ex- landing ships (medium), landing ships (rocket), salvage ships, tending inshore from the harbor line of the Houston Ship Channel. (infantry) and patrol chasers. Approximately 150 The docks and basin are served by two piers, one 920 feet in length other ships were repaired or converted at Brown during the war- and the other 720 feet. Each carries a gantry crane of 40-ton lift- time years. ing capacity and locomotive cranes of 40 and 25-ton capacity. A Up to establishment of the first dry dock of 3000 tons in De- pier for loading and unloading oil is located in the basin. cember, 1943, the Port of Houston, although third in the United Near the repair basin are shops completely equipped with ma- States in shipping tonnage in pre-war years, had no facilities for chinery for building and repairing ships, such as lathes up to 48 dry docking of ocean-going ships. The 3000-ton dry dock was es- inches, boring mills up to 100 inches, plate roller up to 30 feet, tablished to complete 306-foot destroyer escorts and has also presses up to 2000 tons and modern sheet metal, pipe fitting, hull handled AKs, AFs, LSTs and other types of large craft. and machine shop services. The ll,500-ton dock was born in July, 1945, with arrival of In addition, 3500 feet of berthing space on docks served by four sections of 7500-ton capacity. This 7500-ton dock, with 384 locomotive cranes is available on Green’s Bayou, which is dredged feet length and 110 feet width was put into operation at once. The

The larger dry dock at the left in the repair basin of the BrownShipbuilding Co., Inc., will be raised to ll,500-ton capacity early in 1946 with addition of two sections now under construction at the yard. Smaller dry dock at right is 300O-ton capacity. Shops and beginning of 3500 feet of outfitting docks and wharfs along 20-foot-deep Green’s Bayou are in background. 37 38 H O U S t O n P 0 R T B 0 0 K November, 1945

Brown yard at present is completing two additional sections to bring the dock to its 11,500-ton capacity early in 1946. Herman Brown is president of the Brown yard, with George R. Brown, vice-president; L. T. Bolin, vice-president and general man- THE ager, and J. E. Walters, works manager. Second National Restrictions Lifted on Transport of Petroleum * * * Effective November1, all restrictions over foreign supply and of Houston is transportation of petroleum and petroleum products were lifted by the Petroleum Administration for War. The effect of rescind- ing the controls will be to turn back to commercial channels the transportation of oil and other petroleum transactions, subject only to domestic controls that might be imposed by individual foreign governments. The War Shipping Administration advised that after October 31, a sufficient number of tankers will be available to meet un- OF THE TERRITORY restricted world requirements. IT SERVES Luckenbach Resumes Intercoastal Service * * * Resumption of steamship service from Gulf ports to the Pa- cific Coast has been announced by Luckenbach Gulf Steamship We think of our bank as a typically Gulf Company.The first vessel in the service will be the steamship Jubal Coast institution. A. Early, scheduled from Houston November 21. Vessel has been booked to capacity and after loading at Houston will also load at We share with the people we serve a com- Tampa, Mobile and New Orleans, proceeding direct to the port of mon heritage of achievement and tradition Los Angeles from the latter port. The Luckenbach Gulf Steamship Company operated in this but feel that the past is but a stepping service continuously from July, 1926, to January, 1942, when stone to the boundless opportunities of the operation was discontinued because of the war. It is intended to future. maintain a sailing every twenty-eight days until the volume of traffic warrants more frequent sailings. We firmly believe that our region is destined Freight rates generally are the same as had been in effect before by nature and circumstances to rank among the war, although there are some changes in wharfage, carloading the most favored spots in the entire world and carunloading rates. Port to port ocean freight rates and wharf- age are not subject to the 3 per cent transportation tax. in postwar progress, development and pros- Eastbound sailing dates from the various Pacific Coast ports perity. to Gulf ports have not yet been announced but it is expected that the first sailing will be late Decemberor early January. We are committed to a policy of going the John R. Weiler, who was district manager of Luckenbach Gulf limit in helping to turn bright prospects into Steamship Companyfor a number of years prior to the war, has still brighter realities. And we are deter- returned to his former position after more than three years’ service in the Army Transportation Corps. mined, in fulfilling this responsibility, to maintain the spirit of cordial good will and friendly co-operation which, in itself, is the COMPARATIVESTANDING OF TEXAS PORTS most typical trait of those who live in the I I area we serve. CALENDARYEAR 1944 . From Report U. S. Engineer Department (Short Tons) These facts help to explain why we are RANK TOTAL TONNAGE among the country’s fastest-growing finan- PORT HOUSTON 1 16,956, 538 cial institutions. They may suggest that you Beaumont 2 8,580,011 also will find in The Second National a Port Arthur 3 7,673,935 happy and successful banking connection. Texas City 4 7,095,281 Corpus Christi 5 5,263,210 Port Aransas 6 3,164,600 Galveston 7 2,290,946 Freeport 8 1,172,067 Ingleside Terminal 9 1,128,881 Sabine Pass 10 661,586 Brownsville 11 213,172 Port Isabel 12 189,769 Orange 13 113,726 GRAND TOTAL ALL TEXAS PORTS 54,503,722 American Association of Port Authorities

HE Thirty-Fourth Annual Meeting of the American As- sion and other Federal agencies to return to their former owners T sociation of Port Authorities was held in Chicago in the all of such facilities as soon as the same can be done without serious Palmer House on October 11-12. One hundred and four effect upon the supplies moving to the occupation forces; and be port officials from all sections of the United States and Canada it further were in attendance, the South being especially well represented by "RESOLVEDthat in these cases where the government has ac- men from all the South Atlantic and Gulf Coast Ports. Interest in quired the fee title to such port facilities, and the return of peace the proceedings was very high, since this was the first meeting of indicates that the ownership thereof by the United States is not the Association since the war and there were many postwar prob- now or will not be essential, that the title thereto be revested in lems to be discussed. the former owners. The following oflqcers were elected: "RESOLVEDthat the American Association of Port Authori- Arthur Eldridge, Los Angeles, Calif ...... President ties, Inc., hereby urges Congress to adopt such amendment to the E. O. Jewell, New Orleans, La ...... First Vice President Civil Aeronautics Act as will prevent discrimination against water R. K. Smith, Ottawa, Canada ...... Second Vice President carriers in the granting of air service certificates. (Adopted by vote H. C. Brockel, Milwaukee, Wis ...... Third Vice President of U. S. Members only.)" Tiley S. McChesney, New Orleans, La .... Secretary-Treasurer The new Board of Directors are: "WHEREAS,the ports of this nation are largely built upon Andrew Lane Boston, Mass. tide, submerged and reclaimed lands, and the members of this Asso- G. H. Pouder Baltimore, Md. ciation have invested large sums in the construction of port facilities J. Spencer Smith Tenafly, N. J. in reliance upon an unbroken line of decisions declaring the owner- Walter Garlan Camden, N. J. ship of such lands to be in the states and their grantees; and Wm. McC. Paxton Norfolk, Va. "WHEREAS,for the past few years, certain federal officials T. H. Banfield Portland, Ore. have attempted to upset this rule of property by asserting that Col. W. C. Bickford Seattle, Wash. such lands are owned by the federal government, or that otherwise Grenville Mellen Gulfport, Miss. the federal government has some proprietary interest in them; and Alva P. Frith Lake Charles, La. "WHEREAS,the continued assertion of such pretended claim C. P. Means Charleston, S. C. casts a cloud upon the title of the members of this Association, Wm.Rosasco, Jr. Pensacola, Fla. rendering more difficult the financing of further harbor develop- C. E. Sauls Mobile, Ala. ments; now, therefore, be it J. Russell Wait Houston, Texas M. W. Oettershagen Chicago, Ill. "RESOLVEDthat the American Association of Port Authori- ties hereby urges upon the Senate of the United States that it adopt Theo McCombs Hamilton, Ont. Stat. HJR 225, or a similar resolution quitclaiming any such pre- Alex Gray St. Johns, N. B. W. R. Martin Long Beach, Calif. tended federal claim; and be it further A. H. Abel Oakland, Calif. "RESOLVEDthat a copy of this resolution be sent to the Judi- ciary Committee of the Senate of the United States, and to other The Executive Committee is as follows: interested federal officials and bodies. (Adopted by vote of U. S. Walter Garlan, Camden, N. J ...... Atlantic Ports Members only.)" J. Russell Wait, Houston, Texas ...... Gulf Ports W. R. Martin, Long Beach, Calif ...... Pacific Ports "WHEREAS,the Propeller Club of the United States by resolu- After routine reports at the first session, President R. T. Spang- tion at its 1944 Conference endorsed the principle of Foreign Trade ler, Miami, Florida, delivered his annual address followed by the re- Zones and urged that such zones be established in major United port of Secretary Tiley S. McChesney, New Orleans, La. There States ports; therefore, be it were many timely subjects on the program, those of especial in- "RESOLVEDthat the Propeller Club of the United States gives terest were: its endorsement to the CELLERBILL (H. R. 3382) introduced "Prospects for Foreign Postwar Commerce." in the House of Representatives on June 5, 1945, by Congressman "Disposal of Surplus Federal Marine Terminals and Airport Emanuel Celler of New York to amend Section 3 of the Foreign Property." Trade Zones Act of June 18, 1934, so that manufacturing and ex- hibition of merchandise may be permitted in foreign trade zones "Postwar Cargo Handling and Pier Design." and thus extend the advantages of such zones. (Adopted by vote "Revival of Domestic Shipping Coastwise, Intercoastal and of U. S. Members only.)" Great Lakes." A large number of resolutions were passed by the Association, many being memorial or expressions of thanks, the most important "WHEREAS,conditions and problems differ greatly between being the following: the several regions in which the ports of the United States are lo- "WHEREAS,during the war the United States Government ac- cated; and quired the title to or the right of possession to publicly owned "WHEREAS,the functioning of the U. S. Maritime Commis- sion is of vital importance to the interests of such regions; now port facilities throughout the nation by condemnation proceedings and leases; and therefore, be it "RESOLVEDthat the American Association of Port Authori- "WHEREAS,the commercial needs of the ports of the country ties respectfully requests the President of the United States in mak- require that such facilities be placed in commercial operation’ as ing appointments to the U. S. Maritime Commission to give due soon as is practicable and consistent with military needs; now, consideration to the appointment of members from the various re- therefore, be it gions in which our ports are located, who are familiar with the "RESOLVEDthat The American Association of Port Authori- particular local problems and conditions thereof. (Adopted by vote ties hereby petitions the Army, the Navy, the Maritime Commis- of U. S. Members only.)" 39 November, 1945 40 Houston PORT BOOK

Public Wharves

~~’ Covered Open Railroad Wharf Length Feet Berthing Area Area Car Material Capacity Sq. Ft. Sq. Ft. Storage Wharf Shed

823 2 Vessels 66,299 35,085 30 Creosoted Pile Concrete No.1 ...... Wood No.2 ...... 522 1 Vessel 53,500 23,190 55 Concrete 799 2 Vessels 35,930 46,031 60 Concrete Steel No.3 ...... Concrete No.4 ...... 777 2 ,Vessels 60,827 27,841 73 Concrete 80 1 Vessel 3,680 .... Wood Open No.5 ...... Wood Nos.7 and8 ...... 800 2 Vessels 591340 16,000 .... Wood 600 1 Vessel 72,700 28,338 61 Concrete Steel No.10 ...... Concrete No.11 ...... 530 1 Vessel 66,660 29,160 65 Concrete No.12, Twostory ...... 530 1 Vessel 95,644 29,260 60 Concrete Concrete and Steel 460 1 Vessel 91,156 32,500 57 Concrete Concrete and Steel No.13, Twostory* ...... Grain Berth No.14 ...... 480 1 Vessel 49,040 26 Concrete No.15 ...... 480 1 Vessel 6-51640 21,830 48 Concrete (Also Grain Berth) Concrete 500 1 Vessel 86,836 10,000 30 Concrete (Also Grain Berth) Steel ManchesterWharf (No. 75) ...... None ChannelFuel Dock(No. 77) ...... 253 1 Vessel 32,295 20 Wood 201:~.03 ...... 82 Concrete Distribution Warehouse...... Wood CottonConcentration Shed ...... 277,163 ...... 150

Totals...... 7,834 18 Vessels 1,232,898 384,250 817

*Equipped with 17,000 cu. ft. refrigerated space. Private Wharves

Berthing Wharf Owned By Length Capacity Type of Wharf and Use

150 Ft. 1 Vessel Creosoted timber fitted with hopper and conveyor ArmourFertilizer Works ...... for fertilizer. 3,428 Ft. 8 Vessels Concrete apron track: Cotton and general cargo. HoustonWharf Company ...... Concrete: Cotton and miscellaneous cargo. ShipChannel Compress Company ...... 800 Ft. 2 Vessels MagnoliaPetroleum Company ...... : ..... 150 Ft. 1 Vessel Creosoted piling and clusters: Oil wharf. Houston Milling CompanyDivision of Continental Gram Company (American Maid Flour Mills) (Using 500 Ft. 1 Vessel Grain loading berth for elevator with four spouts. ManchesterWharf) ...... Creosoted piling: Handling steel products. TennesseeCoal, Iron &Railroad Co ...... 400 Ft. 1 Vessel Southern Pacific Lines (MorganSteamship Line) ...... 1,250 Ft. (Slip) 3 Vessels Concrete: General cargo. 500 Ft. 1 Vessel Creosoted piling and clusters: Oil wharf. EasternStates Petroleum Co ...... Concrete: Cotton and general cargo. ManchesterTerminal Corporation ...... 1,600 Ft. 4 Vessels Coastal Oil & Transport Co. (Leased to American Lib- erty PineLine Company) ...... 150 Ft. 1 Vessel Creosoted piling: Oil wharf. GulfRefining Co...... 590 Ft. 1 Vessel Steel bulkhead, pile clusters: Oil wharf. 1,400 Ft. 3 Vessels Concrete and creosoted piling: Oil pipe lines and SinclairRefining Company ...... case goods. General AmericanTank Storage Terminals...... 600 Ft. 1 Vessel Creosoted piling: Oil wharf. 150 Ft. 1 Vessel Creosoted piling: Oil wharf. HoustonLighting & Power Co ...... Steel bulkhead: Oil wharf. TheTexas Company ...... 1,400 Ft. 3 Vessels ChampionPaper & Fibre Co ...... 200 Ft. 1 Light Draft Barges, etc, creosoted piling, Vessel steel decking; Paper, Pulp, Salt, Caustic 150 Ft. 1 Vessel Creosoted piling: Oil wharf. Crown-CentralPetroleum Corp ...... (Barges only), Creosoted piling: Oil wharf. AmericanRepublics Corp. (Barge Wharf)...... 40 Ft. 4 Barges AmericanRepublics Corp. (Oil Wharf)...... 150 Ft. 1 Vessel Creosoted piling: Oil wharf. United States Maritime Commission (ToddHouston Shipbuilding Corp.) ...... 2,600 Ft. 5 Vessels Steel bulkhead fitting out berths. ShellOil Co., Inc ...... 2,600 Ft. (Slip) 4 Vessels Creosoted piling: Oil wharf. SanJacinto Ordnance Depot ...... 1,500 Ft. 3 Vessels Concrete piling: Cargo shed. GulfPipe Line Co ...... 200 Ft. 1 Vessel Creosoted piling: Oil wharf. HumbleOil &Refining Co ...... 1,400 Ft. 4 Vessels Concrete piling: Oil wharf. Houston Barge Terminal (Shipside Contracting Co.)* ...... 900 Ft. 5 Barges (Barges only): General cargo.

Totals ...... " ...... 22,808 Ft. 52 Vessels. 9 Barges.

*Located on Upper Channel about 2½ miles above Turning Basin.