The Event of the Century

Join Beaumont Main Street on May 7 for a look back at the city’s last 120 years. The nonprofit is celebrating its 30th anniversary with “The Event of the Century,” a 1900s Spindletop-themed fundraiser featuring “The Star Cars of Spindletop,” historic highlights from guest speaker and author Greg Riley and entertainment from iRule dancers and from former Astros organist Jim Connors, who will play the recently restored Robert Morton Organ inside the landmark Jefferson Theatre.

“The discovery of the Spindletop oilfields has been described by historians as having an almost incalculable effect on world history, as well as Texas history,” said Tom Bell, Executive Director of Beaumont Main Street. “A look around at the buildings in downtown reveals the economic impact brought to Beaumont in the early 1900s; the discovery of oil changed us from a sleepy little timber town to an industrial mecca.”

Beaumont Main Street’s mission is to preserve and revitalize those iconic downtown buildings, retaining the history they represent while restoring them, beautifying what was once a bustling city hub in hopes to return it to its former vitality. And what better time than May, Bell asks, is there to support such a worthwhile endeavor?

“May is Preservation Month,” he shared. “Proceeds from the Gala will assist Beaumont Main Street with our mission to preserve, protect and promote Beaumont’s Downtown Historical District.”

Ticketholders for the May 7 event are encouraged, but not required, to dress in period clothes, and there will be ample photo ops with iRule dancers, also decked out in garb from the Spindletop era, and with car owners displaying their vintage automobiles.

The Hagerty Star Cars of Spindletop show puts history on full display, featuring numerous vintage vehicles from times past, such as a 1903 Oldsmobile and a 1914 Ford Model T, among many others. Only ticketholders have the chance to see all the automobiles on exhibit at the event.

Guests are invited to enjoy a picnic-style dinner with adult beverages. In addition, those in attendance will be some of the first people who get to listen to the completely restored Robert Morton Organ. The 1927 pipe organ, twice restored now after suffering significant damage during catastrophic weather after its initial restoration, will rise from the orchestra pit, resurrected from its 17-year silence. Theater organist Jim Connors, a former Astros organist known for his wit and talent as a showman, will play the organ during the Beaumont Main Street event.

Speaker Greg Riley, co-author of “Black Gold to Bluegrass,” an interesting and informative book telling the tale of the Second Spindletop Oil Boom in 1925, will put on two presentations at the fundraiser. He will share the story of the Yount Family, and will also enlighten guests with fun facts about the vehicles of the Spindletop era. Riley will be signing purchased books at the event.

ExxonMobil is the Premier Sponsor for the May 7 gala, joining numerous others that are supporting Beaumont Main Street and its mission. All sponsors will be recognized in the event program and “on the big screen” at the theater on the night of the party.

“Making our downtown a better place to live and work is something I am very passionate about,” said Carol Gary of Beaumont Main Street. “I couldn't be happier!”

For tickets or sponsorships and for additional information, contact her at development@beaumontmainstreet.org or (409) 781-4422, or visit the organization’s website www.beaumontmainstreet.org. RSVP by April 26. In addition to the upcoming gala, Beaumont Main Street is hosting an Open House and free tours of downtown on May 18 from 4-7 p.m.

About Beaumont Main Street

Beaumont Main Street, a project of the 501(c)(3) organization BUILD Inc., has established a partnership between the public and private sectors that is dedicated to the revitalization of Beaumont’s Historic Central Business District. Beaumont Main Street is one of 90 communities recognized by the Texas Historical District/Texas Main Street Program, and holds National Accreditation with Main Street America.

In partnership with the city of Beaumont, Beaumont Main Street “envisions an economically vital downtown that stimulates historic preservation, promotional opportunities and job growth while blending professional, business, governmental, retail, residential, cultural, religious, entertainment and educational entities. Preserving our past by educating our youth and motivating younger generations to plant themselves in the richness of our downtown business opportunities empowers preservation.”

– Sharon Brooks