Port Aransas South Jetty (Port Aransas, Tex.), Vol. 41, No. 41, Ed. 1 Thursday, October 14, 2010 Page: 3 of 20
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Murray and Mary Judson
Co-Publishers
Mary Judson
Editor
Phone (361) 749-5131 E-mai[: southjetty@centurytel.net
Port Aransas South Jetty
Copyright ©2009 Port Aransas South Jetty • All Rights Reserved
PINIONS
CHESCATING 100 YEARS Of EAMtlY FUN
Member:
South Texas Press Association
Texas Gulf Coast Press Association
Texas Press Association
National Newspaper Association
Thursday, October 14,2010 3A
Dave McNeely
Long love affair
with Port Aransas
We started coming to Port
Aransas in the late 1960s
or early 1970s. My daugh-
ters, Michelle (Mueller) and
Mariposa (AKA Candace
McGriffy), were not yet teen-
agers. (Candace was not yet
Mariposa, either, but that’s
another story. It’s Spanish for
“butterfly.”)
The kids loved the beach,
and I loved to fish, and we’d
travel here with some of our friends from Austin and
elsewhere for a few days at the beach. We were all
young parents, so the money supply was not great.
So we tried to be as minimalist - make that “as
■ cheap” - as possible.
Our first stays were in the old Rock Cottages.
That worked OK, since we were at the cottages
mostly only to sleep and clean up. The beach was
the main attraction.
If we could catch our supper surf-casting, or out
on the south jetty, that was good.
Once, we decided we could save money by camp-
ing on the beach. If you haven’t done that before,
you may not understand why we camped just one
flight. If you have tried it, you probably know: Sand
and grit gets into everything.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t until years later that I was
fold that if you dust yourself with talcum powder all
over just before you go to bed, it will cut the grit.
Even knowing that hasn’t proved sufficiently
enticing enough to cause me to try beach-camping
again; I worry that whoever told me that was lying.
But if I ever do overnight on the beach again, I’ll
give it a try. I have a combination of envy and pity
for the many folks who apparently camp multiple
nights on the beach and not only live to tell about
it, but seem to enjoy it.
Port A had a lot fewer residents and visitors then
than now - as anyone who’s been coming here for
a considerable time well knows. It was considerably
qiore rustic and off the beaten path than it is now.
, One of the thrills for the kids - and for us grown-
ups too, I must admit - was getting out of our cars on
the ferry, looking for pods of bottle-nosed dolphins,
and feeling the ocean breeze in our faces.
, One time in the mid-1970s, the old blue Pontiac
station wagon that had become our camping car was
<; at the front of the ferry as it pulled into Port A.
When the order came to re-start our cars, ours re-
fused to comply. Embarrassed, we wound up having
tp get pushed off the ferry by another vehicle. I can’t
remember how we dealt with the starting problem
- maybe cleaned off the battery terminals. But I
definitely remember the problem.
As we got older and had a little more disposable
- inoome, we began gradually moving.south down the
coast - to some rental houses at Lost Colony, and
eventually to the Sandpiper, the 11-story high-rise
- seven miles down the beach, that is the fraternal
twin of the Seagull.
We’d rent a three-bedroom condo on one of the
higher floors for a week. While the kids were visit-
ing on the beach, some of us guys would go fishing
in canoes down the cut, or wade-fish, across the
main north-south road(State Hwy. 361) and into
,* the shallow bays.
* My first wife Saundra and I eventually divorced,
but my kids were hooked enough on the beach that
, when I got re-married to Carole Kneeland, the state
; capitol TV reporter for WFAA in Dallas, we kept
> coming to Port A just about every summer.
I Carole in 1989 became news director of KVUE-
TV in Austin. She had fallen in love with the Gulf
Coast when she was a reporter for the Corpus Christi
Caller-Times in the mid-1970s. We kept coming to
Port A for a week just about every summer.
* After Carole died of breast cancer in 1998, I
. still came to Port A - with friends, some of whom
began,, to have houses here, and were kind enough
to let me hang out. After my new wife Kathryn
and I married in 2003, we pooled some resources
and bought a condo at Cline’s Landing. Since it’s
partly in honor of my mother Lillian, who left some
money that helped purchase it, we have named it
The Lilly Pad.
We’re four stories up, and face the ship channel,
which we find to be wonderful. The balcony or the
swimming pool provide good venues for relaxing
with a book - or just relaxing. Ships and boats and jet
. skis move to and fro, and usually some dolphins.
Kathryn’s father, Dr. Peter Terwey, who was chair-
man of the math department at Trinity University in
San Antonio, used to bring Kathryn and her sister
Emily to Port A when they were teenagers. We scat-
tered his ashes, and later those of her step-mother
Jean Vest Terwey, in the ocean here.
A wonderful thing about Port A is that we’ve
developed some good friendships with some nice
folks - some of them part-timers like us, others
full-timers here on the island. We share with them
interests in fishing, eating, bird-watching, music,
reading, writing, bicycling, beach-walking and
cocktail cruising.
We still live and work in Austin, where Kathryn
is a preacher, currently working with the Austin
District of the United Methodist Church. Though I
retired in 2005 as the Austin American-Statesman
columnist on Texas politics and government, I teach
an occasional university journalism course; co-wrote
with Dallas journalist and author Jim Henderson a
book on one of the more powerful Texas politicians
of the 20th Century, the late Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock;
and continue to write a weekly column on Texas
politics for about three dozen newspapers - happily
including this one.
Our principal Port A regret is that we don’t get
here near as often as we’d like. But our grown chil-
dren and our teenage grandchildren love to come
to the Lilly Pad. They and some friends seem to
do a pretty good job of enjoying it -- and the beach
- when we’re not here.
longtime Texas political columnist Dave McNeely,
who retired from the Austin American-Statesman in
2004, writes a weekly column on Texas politics for
three dozen Texas newspapers. With longtime Dal-
las journalist and author Jim Henderson, McNeely
is the author of “Bob Bullock: God Bless Texas.”
Contact him at davemcneely 11 l@2mail.c0m or
.(572)458-2963.
■7a V
Mary Henkel Judson
Birthday wishes for Port Aransas
When the time capsule that is buried (or preserved
in some other way that will withstand the environ-
mental elements of, and natural disasters that may
befall, Port Aransas), I hope those who open it will
know what a newspaper is.
In 2010, the South Jetty newspaper is in its 40th
year of providing news coverage of Port Aransas.
“Strange name,” may be the first thing that comes
to mind if, in fact, there is no South Jetty newspaper
in 2110, so let’s clear that up first.
The Aransas Pass is the channel that leads from
the Gulf of Mexico to the city to the west of us by
the same name, and that intersects with the Corpus
Christi Ship Channel that leads to the Port of Corpus
Christi. Two granite rock jetties flank the pass. The
one on the north is called the north jetty, and the
one on the south — you guessed it — is called the
south jetty.
According to Suzanna Reeder (whose late father
Ray Reeder provided the seed money to start this
newspaper), her partner in the venture, Steve Frish-
man, came up with the name. By 1970, newspapers
in Port Aransas had come and gone, but, like the
granite rocks of the south jetty, Frishman’s aim was
that this newspaper would remain. So, he had the
idea to name the newspaper after something that
would withstand the test of time with the objective
that the newspaper would follow suit.
We hope he is right, and that in 2110 the north
and south jetty still stand as sentries for the Aransas
Pass, and the South Jetty is still reporting the news of
Port Aransas, whether in print, online or both. Who
knows? By then there may be yet another form of
media by which the news is distributed.
Port Aransas in 2010, while much changed from
the village of sandy streets, mostly wooden structures
and modest retail offerings of
the early 20th century, has
become a tourist destination,
primarily for families.
Access to Port Aransas in
2010 is an issue, just as it was
in the early 1900s. Vehicles
arrive in Port Aransas today
by one of two means: State
Hwy. 361 South (from Corpus
Christi), or aboard one of six
20-car ferries. A 28-car ferry will be added to the
fleet, operated by the Texas Department of Trans-
portation, before the end of the year.
My guess is that in 2110, the city still will be
wrestling with the same issues that were reported
in the first edition of the South Jetty in 1970, and
that have continued to occupy the time and minds
of city leaders. Since the early days of the South
Jetty, and with the growth of the city (no longer a
village) a few new issues have cropped up, and they,
too, may occupy the leaders of the community 100
years hence.
Among them:
• Beach maintenance
• Streets and drainage
• Zoning
• Commercial signage
• Development
• Noise pollution
• Light pollution
• Building/architectural restrictions
• Dog (leashes and leavings)
From what I gather, Port Aransas barely flinched
during the Great Depression, and even with a dev-
astating recession in the 1980s, Port Aransas, the
State of Texas and the nation rebounded, but the
development that ensued in the 1990s and the early
2000s was not as well-anticipated as it might have
been. Rather than welcoming the inevitable with a
plan to accommodate it, we found ourselves reacting
to the issues development raised, largely because of
resistance to growth and the “lock the gate now that
I’mJiere” mentality.
Now, in 2010, we are in the third year of a reces-
sion that is showing signs of at least leveling off,
however slowly. If history repeats itself, we again
will recover and development will resume.
** Issues of access, traffic, parking, density, pedes-
trian safety and ambiance, JLhppe, will have been
anticipated so that the residents of, and visitors
to, Port Aransas in 2110 wifi enjcfy an exceptional
quality of island life.
There is one particular quality of island life I
encountered when we first bought this newspaper
in 1981 that I hope never disappears: Our ability
to disagree agreeably. That has been a critical fac-
tor in this community’s capacity to move forward
against all odds.
And, while the outside world has, indeed, come
to Port Aransas, my fervent hope is that we will hold
dear these three things: tolerance, compassion and
respect for one another.
If I could bequeath one gift to the citizens of Port
Aransas in 2110, it would be those three things that
have enabled Port Aransans to agree to disagree
and proceed in the best interests of this unique
community.
Mary Henkel Judson is editor and co-publisher of
the South Jetty. Contact her at southietty@centurytel.
Mt, (361) 749-5131 or P.O. Box 1117, Port Aransas,
TX 78373.
Cactus Pryor
Winter beach -- in October
It was a winter beach. Beaches are seasonal, too,
like trees.
It was an alive beach. The new norther had
exploded a stampede of cold air. The whiter sand
of the Mustang Island dunes flew lowly over the
darker beach sand like a nervous shroud, almost
foglike. The sea oats were bowing in submission.
The surf, incredibly, had flattened out in the wind. It
was literally blowing the waves down, making them
struggle to come into the shore against the norther’s
cold breath. The crests of the waves were streaming
upward and outward like witch’s hair.
But on the horizon where the wind had full sweep,
the waves looked like huge ruffles Twelve-footers
were keeping the boats in port. Sand was pepper-
ing our faces and seeking entry into our squinting
eyes.
The willet sandpipers and gulls seemed baffled
by the new cold and power of the wind. Birds that
were usually territorial were sharing the same
area, huddled together like sheep. Two orange-
billed black skimmers that you often see flying
inches above the water like torpedo divers were
wandering aimlessly around
the beach, confused. Flights
of wild mallards riding tvith
the wind gusts looked like
jets swooping to the attack.
The cormorants were puzzled,
“Why did we decide to come
south for the winter?
The beach belonged to Peg
and me and the birds. As far as
we could see in any direction.
.. to the north toward Port Aransas ... to the south
toward Mexico, nada. Not another soul dared the
storm. But we were dressed for it. Sweaters covered
with rain suits. Come ... have at us! We’re ready
for you.
But then over the roar of the wind came a new
sound. Like raindrops on a tin roof. Incredibly, it
was sleet pellets bouncing off our water-resistant
hoods. Somebody tell the weatherman... you don’t
have sleet on the Texas Coast in October. . . and
Halloween wasn’t until the next day.
Afterward, the first fire in a new fireplace... hot
chocolate . . . and a warming smugness knowing
that we alone had shared the storm on the beach
and were now secure in our cave.
The next morning, another bonus. Warming
sunshine. The wind now exhausted ... the water
now blue and asleep. And as we strolled the beach,
we harvested our reward for yesterday’s adventure.
Where the waves lapped the sand, they left hundreds
and hundreds of sand dollars. We were rich! And
we were enriched.
Richard “Cactus” Pryor, a long-time Austin
radio personality, author, humorist and columnist,
was for many years a contributor to the South Jetty.
Cactus has been a visitor to Port Aransas since he
was a child, and his love of this island community
shines through his words. In honor of his contribu-
tions, not only to Port Aransas and the South Jetty,
but to his home state of Texas, its history, its people,
places and idiosyncrasies, we have chosen a chapter
from his book, “Playback, ” to include in this edition
of the South Jetty that commemorates the centennial
of the City of Port Aransas. Cactus and his wife
Peggy have a second home in Port Aransas.
Letters to the Editor
Pay officers more
In regard to Mike Roberson being arrested for
not obeying a police officer when his minor son was
stopped, I agree with my son.
It is a shame Port Aransas does not pay its officers
enough so they can all live in the Port Aransas com-
munity and know the young people as well as the
adults on a personal basis.
The officer could have then said, “Don’t worry
Mike, it is just a tail light.”
Port Aransas isn’t Houston or Corpus Christi, and
laws are not written to bully its citizens.
Vicki Roberson
Rockport
Police problem
The fact that a traffic stop for a broken tail
light could result in the arrest of the boy’s father
who stopped to inquire what his son had done
is proof your police department may have a prob-
lem.
The fact that the arrest of the father made him so
angry he saw fit to advertise the problem by going to
the trouble of having a sign made and placed by the
street is more evidence of a police problem.
This reminds me of an incident that happened
to me three years ago in Castroville. I was stopped
and issued a citation for making a rolling stop at a
four-way stop sign on a Sunday afternoon when no
other cars were visible in either direction. I could
tell by the officer’s attitude that I should keep my
mouth shut while he wrote a violation summons. The
cost? $250 plus court costs. I have not been back to
Castroville, nor do I anticipate going back.
Small town cops are often on the outlook to hassle
the public for minor infractions of the law. Last
week the one-man police unit of LaCoste drove
slow in front of me trying to lure me into passing
him so he could write a speeding summons. I did
not take the bait. But he stopped a man a few miles
down the road who apparently did take the chance
of passing him.
Your town relies on visitors’ spending money in
Port Aransas for your revenue. It would behoove
the city council to review this incident for possible
policy change. They should also find out why your
police chief, who looks like he would not hurt a fly in
his picture, would agree with this absurd handling.
Howard Pharr
San Antonio
Law is the law
In re: Man protests his arrest,” South Jetty, Oct.
7.
See ‘LETTERS’Page 4A
Todd Hunter
Port Aransas -
a second home
In recognition of Port
Aransas this week, I wanted
to provide some thoughts and
reflect on my involvement
with the Port Aransas com-
munity, citizens and area.
Many times, I feel like Port
Aransas is my second home.
Several of you know that I
live in Corpus Christi, but
my wife’s family has been
involved in the Port Aransas community for many,
many years. After Hurricane Celia, my wife’s
family began staying in Port Aransas and getting to
know the Port Aransas community. In addition, my
wife’s family have been very involved sailors and,
throughout the years, have always been involved in
the various sailing activities between Corpus Christi
and Port Aransas.
During my first term as a legislator (1989-1997),
Port Aransas was very active in the Texas legislature
and was a great support group. In particular, we
fought the good wars and protected the Port Aransas
area from annexation efforts as well as protecting
Port Aransas in beach cleaning efforts. In the early
1990’s, Port Aransas was one of the leaders in the
beach cleaning efforts up and down the coastline of
Texas. Today, Port Aransas is still very involved in
this type of activity. The beach cleaning programs
today are a little different than they were in the late
1980’s and early 1990’s.
When I left the Texas legislature in 1997 to raise
my family, I still kept my close ties with the Port
Aransas community and still was active in various
Port Aransas activities. My oldest son kept up his
fishing and sailing.
I always said that in my first election to the legis-
lature in 1988, the highest percentage of votes that I
got from a precinct came from Port Aransas.
When I returned to the legislature in 2009, the
connection between me and Port Aransas was still
strong and vibrant. I worked the entire session on
windstorm insurance issues as well as hurricane
protection issues. Port Aransas and its citizens
have real knowledge of the type of laws that make
sense for coastal areas. Currently, we are working
together on developing some activities for the 2011
legislative session, including a state recognized Port
Aransas Day.
Overall, I consider Pott Aransas, a second home
and a great friend. Whether you arb in Austin, Texas,
or any place in the State of Texas, everyone seems
to know about Port Aransas or they have visited
Port Aransas during some time period during, their
lives. Port Aransas was a great communily in the
past, is a great community in the present, and will
be a great community in the future. It is an horiBr
to be your state representative, but thank ybt> for
being a great Sfoastal friend. My history with Pori
Aransas certainly helps support Port Aransas being
my second home.
If you have any questions, comments or ideas
please don’t hesitate to contact either my capitol or
district office. My offices are available at any time
to assist with questions, concerns or comments.
Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, is the District
32 State Representative. Contact him at E2-808,
P.O. Box 2910, Austin TX 78768; (512) 463-0672
or todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us.
South Jetty (946-020)
is published weekly
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at
Port Aransas, Texas
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Judson, Mary Henkel. Port Aransas South Jetty (Port Aransas, Tex.), Vol. 41, No. 41, Ed. 1 Thursday, October 14, 2010, newspaper, October 14, 2010; Port Aransas, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth505824/m1/3/: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Ellis Memorial Library.