Videos

DOROTHY GERALDINE WILLIAMS WILSON

Recently I have been receiving more and more phone calls filled with leads to residents which are apart of Seadrift’s history and this one could not have come at a better time. The gentle voice identified herself and my mind was instantly flooded with illustrations from Seadrift Memories. Dorothy Wilson was on the other end of the line, she eagerly began to talk about her father and how she would like to mail me information about him. The call was so unexpected it left me in a daze. Within a matter of days I received a story which intrigued me so I had to find out more about Dorothy’s family history. One thing I did know, Dorothy was an important part in the book, Seadrift Memories, I remember the sketches vividly and had wondered about the artist and her connection to Seadrift since Margaret Chatham had shared the book with me back in September ’09.

Dorothy Geraldine (Williams) Wilson was born in Seadrift, Texas on November 29, 1928 to Dave Williams and Mary Alma Wooldridge Williams. Her parents met on Valentine’s Day in Long Mott then known as “Upper Mott.” They married and moved to “Lower Mott” now Seadrift. She is the third of eight children, but grew up with all boys as her sister passed away during child birth.

Dorothy is a joy to speak with, very lively, and full of information about Seadrift’s history. I bet I could write stories about her and her family well into the Dolphin Talk’s summer editions. Memories of the old school bell signaling the start of the school day beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance are still fresh in her mind. At that time one teacher taught all of the subjects in each grade. Mr. Goeke, Dorothy’s grade teacher even taught her two boys

Another topic of conversation I found extremely interesting was of her father spotting bank robbers, Bonnie and Clyde in Seadrift. Dorothy commented, “Daddy knew her people in Oklahoma and her people knew Daddy’s people. That’s why he was certain it was her in Seadrift with Clyde in their Ford Model T.” Bonnie and Clyde stayed at the LaFitte Hotel, or as Dorothy referred to it as “Honeymoon Hotel” in a room over looking Bay Avenue. It was rumored, Bonnie hired one of the Gaines to take her to see her mother who then lived up the Guadalupe River.

As she held up the painting of the train depot she said, “Now this is where the hobos gathered.” She quickly went onto explain more about the locomotive powered by a steam engine that used coal to operate. Her siblings were always playing around the train depot and she confessed they could have been considered as ‘troublemakers.’

“I remember we would always get too close to the tracks and the conductor would let off steam from the train to shoo us away time and time again — but we always came back.” she said proudly.

It was a passenger train, while Dorothy doesn’t remember how far the train traveled she does remember the children playing around it constantly. Their mission was to ride the train into town. At this time in their childhood they lived only about a quarter mile from the station and the children were persistent. “I remember somehow we flagged the train down and I can’t explain why, but the conductor was not mad.” A smile brightened her eyes, “That day he allowed us to board the train and we rode into the station. I’ll never forget that.”

Dorothy had much to tell about the train and it is no wonder why she holds that painting so close to heart. “Our friends would place pennies on the tracks and watch the train flatten them, not us.” she said. “We took seashells and oyster shells and laid them on the tracks. We hid when we heard the train and giggled in anticipation.” Although nothing resulted other than a couple of broken shells Dorothy realizes now they could have derailed the train.

Thank you to Dorothy for reaching out to me, sharing her story and her time.

DIETER ERHARD

Dieter and his wife escape Germany’s cold weather by spending two months out of the year in Seadrift, Texas. Palm trees and an island atmosphere make them feel at home in Seadrift. After visiting the Art Center one can see the fascination of fish and coastal icons in Dieter’s work, one of the many reasons he was attracted to Seadrift.

In earlier years one can see it in his paintings, now it is found in his steel, aluminum and concrete sculptures. “As I use more fish in my art, I fish less.” he explains. He was a big fisherman in earlier years. While he enjoys a good fish fry, he now prefers to preserve them in art.

Part I of this video series features Erhard’s Art Boat and the many artists from Germany, Guatemala and around the world. I hope you enjoy, email me at jas@deitydesign.net.

ELMER DEFOREST

Mayor Elmer DeForest was born in 1949 in Victoria, Texas. He grew up in Seadrift with mother and father, Hollis and Bernie DeForest. Hollis’ maiden name was Henderson and her family was one of the original settlers in Seadrift. Bernie was a well-known guide and fisherman as were his brothers. From 1941 to 1971 he operated the Houseboat, “Widgeon.”

The video’s focus is Seadrift history. The small coastal town is fortunate to have a Mayor that is so rooted in Seadrift’s history and that wants to make a difference.

Enjoy the videos and send comments to: jas@discoveringseadrift.com

BONUS VIDEO! MILDRED HILL

Mildred Hill was born in Seadrift, Texas in 1915 and has lived most of her life in the humble town. Growing up blocks away from school she remembers the foot trails the children formed. One stop on one of many pathways was the Pavilion, otherwise referred to as “The Bath House.” Her friends enjoyed spending time at the bay front and the Bath House was its spotlight.

This video focuses on Mildred’s chores, school life, family and “Poppa.” She remains active in the community, especially her church. Janie Waghorne explains in the video how Mildred teaches Sunday school classes, tells stories and played a concert for local children.

Please enjoy the videos and send comments to: jas@discoveringseadrift.com