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Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Jared Grodin Honored 40 Under 40.

• Rockets Draft Reed Sheppard Third.

• A deep dive into the life of Frank Sharp.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking."

- Albert Einstein

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Trivia

What annual Houston event is known for celebrating the LGBTQ+ community?

A) Houston Pride Parade

B) Montrose Street Festival

C) Rainbow on the Green

D) Bayou City Art Festival

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Houston district known for its street art and murals is B) Eado (East Downtown).

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼 Business

Jared Grodin Named to Houston Business Journal's 2024 40 Under 40 List. (link)

Surgical startup VenoStent closes Series A funding. (link)

🏒 Sports

Channel 13 sports reporter Adam Winkler announces departure. (link)

Houston Rockets select Reed Sheppard with third pick in 2024 NBA Draft. (link)

🏦 Finance

Howard Hughes buys 6-story office building at The Woodlands Waterway. (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

🏀 2024 HPARD Youth Basketball Program (14u) Moody
3725 Fulton St, Houston, TX
Friday, Jul 5th | 11:00 pm | (More info)

🏀 The Grind: Houston
17120 House & Hahl Rd, Cypress, TX
Saturday, Jul 6th | 4:00 am | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Tribeville Music Festival
White Oak Music Hall Lawn, Houston, TX
Friday, Jul 5th | 12:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 Conjunto Primavera
Arena Theatre, Houston, TX
Friday Jul 5th | 8:30 PM | (More info)

Family

🎭 Bluey's Big Play - The Stage Show
Brown Theatre-Wortham Center, Houston, TX
Saturday, Jul 6th | 11:00 AM | (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 “Houston where each district represents a different season” 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

1853: Yellow fever epidemic hits Houston.

In 1853, Houston faced one of the most devastating health crises in its early history when a yellow fever epidemic swept through the city. Yellow fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease, caused severe illness and death, particularly in densely populated areas with poor sanitation. The outbreak in Houston resulted in a significant loss of life and overwhelmed the city's medical facilities and resources.

The epidemic struck during the summer, a time when the mosquito population was at its peak. Houston's warm and humid climate provided an ideal breeding ground for the disease-carrying mosquitoes. The city's residents were gripped with fear as the disease spread rapidly, causing symptoms such as high fever, jaundice, and severe pain. With limited medical knowledge and resources, the local healthcare system struggled to manage the influx of patients.

The 1853 yellow fever epidemic had profound social and economic impacts on Houston. Many businesses closed, and trade was disrupted as people avoided the city in fear of the disease. The epidemic also highlighted the need for improved public health measures and infrastructure, leading to efforts to enhance sanitation and reduce the mosquito population in subsequent years. This tragic event underscored the vulnerability of urban centers to infectious diseases and the importance of public health initiatives.

Famous People From Houston

Frank Sharp (1906–1993): Businessman and central figure in the Sharpstown scandal.

Early Life and Business Beginnings (1906–1940)

Frank Wesley Sharp was born in 1906 in Camilla, Texas. From a young age, Sharp displayed an entrepreneurial spirit and a keen interest in business. After completing his education, he moved to Houston, Texas, where he began his career in real estate and development. By the 1940s, Sharp had established himself as a successful businessman with a reputation for his innovative approach to property development and urban planning.

Rise in Real Estate and Development of Sharpstown (1941–1960)

In the 1940s and 1950s, Sharp's vision for urban development took shape with the creation of Sharpstown, one of the first master-planned communities in Houston. Sharpstown was designed to be a self-sufficient suburban community, complete with residential areas, shopping centers, schools, and recreational facilities. This development was a pioneering effort in urban planning and set a precedent for future suburban developments in Houston and beyond. Sharp's ability to foresee the growth of Houston and strategically plan Sharpstown's infrastructure contributed significantly to his reputation as a forward-thinking developer.

Expansion and Influence in Houston (1961–1968)

Throughout the 1960s, Sharp continued to expand his business ventures, including investments in banking and finance. His influence in Houston's business community grew, and he became a prominent figure in the city's economic development. Sharp's developments and business activities contributed to Houston's rapid growth during this period, and he was widely respected for his contributions to the city's prosperity. However, his increasing involvement in politics and finance would soon lead to significant legal and ethical challenges.

The Sharpstown Scandal (1969–1971)

In the late 1960s, Sharp became entangled in one of the most notorious political scandals in Texas history, known as the Sharpstown scandal. The scandal centered around allegations of stock fraud and political corruption involving Sharp's banking and real estate interests. Sharp was accused of orchestrating a scheme in which he provided favorable loans to state officials in exchange for their support of legislation beneficial to his business interests. The scandal resulted in numerous indictments and convictions of state officials and significantly damaged Sharp's reputation.

Legal Battles and Aftermath (1972–1980)

The fallout from the Sharpstown scandal was severe for Sharp and his business empire. He faced multiple legal battles and financial difficulties as a result of the scandal. Despite his legal troubles, Sharp continued to maintain his innocence and fought to restore his reputation. The scandal had a lasting impact on Texas politics, leading to significant reforms and greater scrutiny of political and business practices in the state. Sharp's involvement in the scandal remains a cautionary tale about the intersection of business and politics.

Later Years and Legacy (1981–1993)

In his later years, Sharp focused on rebuilding his business interests and contributing to community projects in Houston. Despite the controversies that marred his career, he continued to be involved in real estate development and philanthropy. Sharp passed away in 1993, leaving behind a complex legacy as both a pioneering developer and a central figure in a major political scandal. His contributions to Houston's growth and development are still recognized, but his involvement in the Sharpstown scandal serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of ethical lapses in business and politics.

Connection to Houston and Community Impact (Throughout Life)

Houston was central to Frank Sharp's life and career. His vision and entrepreneurial spirit contributed significantly to the city's development, particularly through the creation of Sharpstown. Despite the Sharpstown scandal, Sharp's impact on Houston's urban landscape and his contributions to the community are enduring aspects of his legacy. Sharp's developments helped shape Houston's suburban growth, and his business activities played a role in the city's economic expansion.

Key Achievements:

• Pioneered the development of Sharpstown, one of Houston's first master-planned communities.

• Expanded his business ventures into banking and finance, becoming a prominent figure in Houston's business community.

• Despite the Sharpstown scandal, contributed to significant urban and economic development in Houston.

Summary:

Frank Sharp's career as a businessman and developer was marked by significant contributions to Houston's growth and development, particularly through the creation of Sharpstown. His innovative approach to urban planning and real estate set new standards for suburban communities. However, his involvement in the Sharpstown scandal overshadowed his achievements, serving as a stark reminder of the complexities and potential pitfalls of the intersection between business and politics. Despite the controversies, Sharp's legacy in Houston remains influential, reflecting both his visionary contributions and the lessons learned from his legal and ethical challenges.

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-Matthew Larsen

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