News & Updates

I regret to report that long-time Sugar Land resident, Shirley Phelps Laird, aged 96 passed away recently. My sincerest condolences to Tommy, Karen, and the extended Laird family. Lots of people will miss her.  Click here to view an obituary.

Mrs. Laird

Last time I posted a photo of Dr. E. E. "Dubbo" Jenkins. Pam Helmcamp Clark recently sent me a notice that his son, Bob Jenkins, died recently. Bob lived very briefly in Sugar Land, but he has lots of relatives still living in the area. My condolences to his extended family for their loss.  Click here to view an obituary.

My friend and classmate Marsha Smith noticed that Carrin Mauritz Patman died recently. Her mother was an early superintendent of Sugar Land ISD back in the 1920s. She too was named Carrin. She died giving birth to her daughter. I didn't know that Carrin (daughter) was married to Wright Patman's son. Those of you who know Texas political history will recognize Wright Patman as an influential figure in that part of our state history. Click here to read an obituary.

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Some of you may know that the City of Sugar Land has renamed the old Main Street bridge, the Annette Williamson Wise Bridge, in honor of her commitment and service to our local community. They will hold a celebration on Saturday, June 30. Click here for more information.

Finally, some of you have followed the story of a lost cemetery discovered in Telfair on land where FBISD is constructing a new technical training center. The site is at University Blvd. and Chatham Ave. There will be much more on this as the story develops. Click here to view a local newspaper article.

More People of old Sugar Land

Click the image to view an album of images of people of old Sugar Land. They come from photos Tommy Laird found among his recently deceased mother's collection of memorabilia. There is also a photo of her father Jamie Farrell Wood posted on Facebook. (Thanks, Tommy and Jamie.) Click the image to view the album.

 

Undated photo of J. T. Farrell (SLHS '46).

More Images of Old Sugar Land

Click the image to view an album of images of old Sugar Land. They come from postcards Tommy Laird found among his recently deceased mother's collection of memorabilia. Click the image to view the album.

 

Undated photo of the home economics building at old Sugar Land High School.

Coming Attractions at the Sugar Land Heritage Mueum

Click the image to magnify the flyer.

Friends of the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation will have a social at the museum on the evening of August 9th. The theme is the history of education in our town. Its title is Back to School: Then and Now. I'll have more information as we get closer to the date. Click this link to view info about the Friends organization on the SLHF's Web site.

Tommy Laird recently sent me an 'appetizer,' which I'll try to use in a talk at the event. He found it among his mother's collection of memorabilia. I have never seen a copy before, and it has some intriguing points in it. Retiring Superintendent of SLISD, E. K. Barden, sent this letter to local residents just before he died in 1950. Click the image to view the letter.

SLISD Superintendent, E. K. Barden's valedictory letter at his retirement in 1950.

Miscellaneous Items

Click the image to view an album of miscellaneous historical photos, including Imperial Sugar memorabilia, the Bolivar ferry, and a 1930 aerial photo of west Sugar Land.

 

Bolivar Ferry in 1960.