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Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Beryl may cost Houston billions.

• Bregman homer secures Astros win.

• A deep dive into the life of Thomas H. Ball.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Don’t count the days. Make the days count.”

—Muhammad Ali

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Trivia

What is the name of Houston's famous underground tunnel system?

A) Houston Underground

B) Downtown Tunnels

C) Bayou City Tunnels

D) Space City Subterranean

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The famous Houston park known for its Japanese Garden is A) Hermann Park.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼 Business

Houston struggles with Hurricane Beryl's chaotic aftermath, blackouts. (link)

Hurricane Beryl could generate billions of dollars in economic impact for Houston. (link)

🏒 Sports

Alex Bregman's tiebreaking homer paves way to Astros' 14th win in 18 games. (link)

Astros' Lance McCullers Jr. suffers another setback. (link)

🏦 Finance

Texas insurance company to move into new northwest Houston office. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Friendswood Basketball Scoring Camp
702 Greenbriar Dr, Friendswood, TX
Mon, Jul 15th - 17th | time varies | (More info)

⚾ Monday Night Flag Football
1111 W 13th St, Houston, TX
Monday, Jul 15th | 6:30 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 PARTYNEXTDOOR: Sorry I'm Outside Tour
713 Music Hall, Houston, TX
Mon • Jul 15 • 8:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 Chris Brown The 11:11 Tour
Toyota Center - TX, Houston, TX
Tue • Jul 16 • 7:30 PM | (More info)

Family

✈️ D'Aydrian Harding: The Stay Sober Summer Tour
House of Blues Houston, Houston, TX
Tuesday, Jul 16th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “A city in the clouds, with buildings suspended in the air over Houston” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Houston Historical Events

1892: The first streetcar in Houston begins operation.

In 1892, Houston took a significant step toward modern urban transportation with the launch of its first streetcar system. This development marked the transition from horse-drawn carriages to electric-powered streetcars, greatly enhancing mobility and accessibility within the rapidly growing city. The Houston Electric Company, responsible for this innovation, introduced a network of tracks that connected various neighborhoods and facilitated more efficient travel.

The introduction of streetcars revolutionized daily life for Houstonians. Residents could now commute to work, shop, and socialize with greater ease, contributing to the expansion of the city’s commercial and residential areas. The streetcars ran on a reliable schedule, providing a dependable mode of transportation that was faster and more comfortable than previous options. This advancement played a crucial role in Houston's urban development, promoting suburban growth and integrating outlying areas into the city’s economic and social fabric.

The success of the streetcar system paved the way for future transportation innovations in Houston. As the city continued to expand, the streetcar lines were extended to new neighborhoods, further promoting urban sprawl. This early investment in public transportation set the foundation for Houston's evolution into a major metropolitan center, demonstrating the transformative power of technological advancements in shaping urban life.

Famous People From Houston

Thomas H. Ball (1859–1944): Congressman and namesake of Tomball, Texas.

Early Life and Education (1859–1880)

Thomas Henry Ball was born on January 14, 1859, in Huntsville, Texas. Raised in a family that valued education and civic responsibility, Ball's early life was marked by a strong emphasis on learning and community service. He attended Austin College in Sherman, Texas, where he excelled academically and developed a keen interest in law and politics. Ball's formative years in Texas instilled in him a deep understanding of the state's unique challenges and opportunities, laying the foundation for his future career in public service.

Legal Career and Early Political Involvement (1881–1896)

After completing his education, Ball began his legal career in Huntsville, establishing himself as a capable and dedicated attorney. His success in the legal field quickly translated into political involvement, and he became an influential figure in local Democratic Party circles. Ball's legal expertise and commitment to public service earned him a reputation as a trusted and effective leader. In 1892, he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives, where he championed progressive legislation and advocated for the rights of workers and farmers.

Congressional Career and Advocacy (1897–1903)

In 1897, Thomas H. Ball was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Texas's 1st congressional district. During his tenure in Congress, Ball was a staunch advocate for the development of infrastructure and transportation in Texas. He played a key role in securing federal funding for the construction of roads, bridges, and railways, which were crucial for the state's economic growth. Ball's legislative efforts also focused on improving education and healthcare, reflecting his commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Texans.

Return to Texas and Continued Public Service (1904–1913)

After serving three terms in Congress, Ball returned to Texas and continued his legal practice while remaining active in public affairs. He became involved in various civic organizations and was a prominent supporter of Prohibition, believing that temperance would lead to social and economic improvement. In 1913, Ball ran for Governor of Texas but narrowly lost in the Democratic primary. Despite this setback, he remained a respected and influential figure in Texas politics, known for his integrity and dedication to public service.

Connection to Houston and Development of Tomball (1907–1944)

Thomas H. Ball's connection to Houston and the surrounding areas was significant. He was instrumental in the development of the Houston Ship Channel, which transformed Houston into a major port city and economic hub. Ball's advocacy for transportation infrastructure extended to the establishment of the railroad town of Peck, which was later renamed Tomball in his honor. His efforts to promote industrial and agricultural development in the region contributed to the growth and prosperity of Houston and its neighboring communities.

Philanthropy and Community Engagement (1914–1940)

In addition to his political and legal career, Ball was a committed philanthropist and community leader. He supported numerous charitable organizations and educational institutions, believing that access to education and social services was essential for societal progress. Ball's philanthropic efforts included significant contributions to Austin College, his alma mater, and various local charities. His dedication to community service earned him widespread respect and admiration, reinforcing his legacy as a compassionate and visionary leader.

Later Years and Legacy (1941–1944)

In his later years, Thomas H. Ball continued to be active in civic affairs, offering his wisdom and experience to various community initiatives. He remained a vocal advocate for infrastructure development and social reform, consistently working towards the betterment of Texas. Ball passed away on May 7, 1944, leaving behind a legacy of public service and community development. His contributions to Houston and the state of Texas have had a lasting impact, shaping the region's growth and progress.

Key Achievements:

• Served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, advocating for infrastructure and transportation development in Texas.

• Played a pivotal role in the creation of the Houston Ship Channel, transforming Houston into a major port city.

• Instrumental in the establishment and development of Tomball, Texas, promoting industrial and agricultural growth.

Summary:

Thomas H. Ball's life was characterized by his unwavering dedication to public service and his significant contributions to the development of Houston and Texas. As a congressman, attorney, and community leader, Ball championed infrastructure improvements, education, and social reform, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to benefit the region. His efforts in establishing the Houston Ship Channel and the town of Tomball are testaments to his vision and commitment to progress. Ball's legacy as a compassionate and visionary leader remains an integral part of Texas history, inspiring future generations to continue his work in public service and community development.

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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