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Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Houston restaurants open after Beryl.

• Upcoming Aaron Lewis concert

• A deep dive into the life of Glenn McCarthy.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.”

– Og Mandino

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Trivia

Which Houston skyscraper is notable for its unique hole-in-the-roof design?

A) Wells Fargo Plaza

B) Bank of America Center

C) Williams Tower

D) Pennzoil Place

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

Houston's famous underground tunnel system is B) Downtown Tunnels.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼 Business

Houston-area restaurants that are OPEN for business after Hurricane Beryl. (link)

Houston restaurants, coffee shops and bars open after Beryl. (link)

🏒 Sports

Rockets' Dillon Brooks likes Olympic-sized challenge against Team USA. (link)

Mike Elko's plan to revive Texas A&M starts 'when nobody's watching'. (link)

🏦 Finance

CenterPoint: Hurricane Beryl's extended stay created challenges for outage response. (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

⚾ 7th ANNUAL SUMMER CHAMPIONSHIP
12512 Walters Rd, Houston, TX
Friday, Jul 19th | 3:10 PM | (More info)

⚽ Kickball!
2100 Arabelle St, Houston, TX
Sunday 21 | time varies | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Aaron Lewis: The American Patriot Tour
713 Music Hall, Houston, TX
Thursday, Jul 18th | 8:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 IDOBI SUMMER SCHOOL
Warehouse Live Midtown, Houston, TX
Thursday, Jul 18th | 5:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🎭 Disney Presents The Lion King (Touring)
Hobby Center, Houston, TX
Thursday, Jul 18th | 7:30 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 “High-tech entertainment district in Houston with virtual reality arcades” 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

1905: The great flood of 1905.

In 1905, Houston experienced one of its most devastating natural disasters when relentless rainfall led to widespread flooding. The great flood of 1905 inundated large parts of the city, causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The heavy rains overwhelmed Buffalo Bayou and other waterways, leading to severe waterlogging in downtown Houston and surrounding areas.

The floodwaters disrupted daily life, displacing thousands of residents and causing extensive property damage. Streets turned into rivers, making transportation nearly impossible and cutting off access to essential services. The economic impact was profound, as businesses were forced to close, and the agricultural sector suffered heavy losses. Emergency response efforts were hampered by the scale of the disaster, highlighting the city's vulnerability to extreme weather events.

The great flood of 1905 underscored the need for improved flood management and infrastructure in Houston. In the aftermath, city planners and engineers began to develop more effective drainage systems and flood control measures to mitigate the impact of future floods. This disaster prompted a long-term commitment to enhancing Houston's resilience to natural disasters, shaping the city's approach to urban planning and infrastructure development in the years to come.

Famous People From Houston

Glenn McCarthy (1907–1988): Oil tycoon and developer.

Early Life and Education (1907–1930)

Glenn Herbert McCarthy was born on December 25, 1907, in Beaumont, Texas. Raised in a modest family, McCarthy's early life was marked by hard work and a determination to succeed. His father worked in the oil fields, which introduced young Glenn to the oil industry from a young age. McCarthy attended Rice Institute (now Rice University) on a football scholarship but left before graduating to work in the oil fields and pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions. His early exposure to the oil industry and his innate business acumen set the stage for his future success as one of Texas’s most flamboyant oil tycoons.

Rise in the Oil Industry (1931–1940)

McCarthy's entry into the oil industry began in earnest in the early 1930s. With little more than sheer determination and a willingness to take risks, he drilled his first successful well in 1932. Over the next decade, McCarthy's keen sense for locating oil deposits and his aggressive business tactics led to numerous successful drilling ventures. By the end of the 1930s, he had amassed significant wealth and established himself as a formidable player in the Texas oil industry. McCarthy's success was not just due to his ability to find oil but also his talent for negotiating lucrative deals and partnerships.

Expansion and Diversification (1941–1950)

During the 1940s, McCarthy expanded his interests beyond oil, venturing into real estate, hospitality, and entertainment. In 1946, he began the construction of the Shamrock Hotel in Houston, which became an iconic symbol of his wealth and vision. The hotel, which opened in 1949, was one of the most luxurious in the world at the time and hosted numerous high-profile events, attracting celebrities and dignitaries from around the globe. McCarthy's investment in the Shamrock Hotel showcased his ambition to transform Houston into a vibrant, cosmopolitan city.

The Shamrock Hotel and Houston's Development (1950–1960)

The opening of the Shamrock Hotel was a pivotal moment in Houston's development. The hotel's grand opening, attended by Hollywood stars and national figures, marked Houston's emergence as a major urban center. McCarthy's vision for the hotel went beyond mere luxury; he saw it as a catalyst for economic growth and urban development in Houston. His investments spurred further developments in the area, contributing to the city's rapid expansion and modernization during the post-war era. McCarthy's influence on Houston's development was significant, as he helped to shape the city's identity as a hub of commerce and culture.

Connection to Houston (Throughout Life)

Glenn McCarthy's connection to Houston was central to his identity and his legacy. His investments in the city, particularly the Shamrock Hotel, played a crucial role in Houston's transformation into a major metropolitan area. McCarthy's flamboyant personality and his success in the oil industry earned him the nickname "The King of the Wildcatters," reflecting both his business acumen and his larger-than-life presence in Houston's social and economic circles. His impact on the city's development extended beyond his business ventures, as he became a prominent figure in Houston's civic and cultural life.

Later Years and Financial Challenges (1961–1970)

Despite his early success, McCarthy's later years were marked by financial difficulties. The volatile nature of the oil industry, coupled with his extensive investments in various sectors, led to significant financial strain. By the 1960s, McCarthy faced mounting debts and legal challenges. Nevertheless, he continued to be involved in the oil industry and real estate, always seeking new opportunities. His resilience in the face of adversity demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his business ventures and his enduring optimism.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement (1971–1988)

In his later years, McCarthy focused on philanthropy and community involvement. He donated to numerous charitable causes and supported various educational and cultural institutions in Houston. McCarthy's philanthropic efforts were driven by his belief in giving back to the community that had supported his success. His contributions to Houston's civic life and his support for local initiatives helped to enhance the quality of life in the city and reinforced his legacy as a dedicated community leader.

Legacy and Influence (1988–Present)

Glenn McCarthy passed away on December 26, 1988, but his legacy in Houston endures. The Shamrock Hotel, although demolished in 1987, remains a symbol of his ambition and vision for the city. McCarthy's life and career have been the subject of numerous books and articles, highlighting his role in shaping Houston's development and his influence on the Texas oil industry. His larger-than-life persona and his contributions to Houston's growth continue to be celebrated, reflecting his lasting impact on the city.

Key Achievements:

• Established himself as a leading oil tycoon in Texas, with numerous successful drilling ventures.

• Built the Shamrock Hotel, a symbol of luxury and a catalyst for Houston's urban development.

• Played a significant role in the growth and modernization of Houston through his investments in real estate, hospitality, and entertainment.

Summary:

Glenn McCarthy's life was marked by his remarkable success in the oil industry and his transformative impact on Houston's development. His ambitious ventures, particularly the construction of the Shamrock Hotel, helped to shape the city's identity and spurred its growth into a major metropolitan area. Despite facing financial challenges later in life, McCarthy's legacy as a pioneering businessman and a dedicated community leader endures. His contributions to Houston's economic and cultural landscape continue to be remembered and celebrated, reflecting his lasting influence on the city he helped to build.

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-Matthew Larsen

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