Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Houston Astros game

• Texans bet big on Nico Collins.

• A deep dive into the life of Hugh Roy Cullen

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

- Edmund Burke

Trivia

What is the name of the historic Houston theater known for its Art Deco design?

A) Alley Theatre

B) The Majestic

C) River Oaks Theatre

D) Wortham Theater Center

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Houston building known for its Byzantine frescoes is D) Byzantine Fresco Chapel.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼 Business

Exxon directors re-elected despite shareholder opposition. (link)

Houston companies join major health tech accelerators. (link)

Rouxpour co-owner picks newly renovated Uptown office tower for latest concept. (link)

🏒 Sports

Aaron Wilson Says Texans Are Betting On Nico Collins' Future With Extension. (link)

Texans signing Nico Collins to three-year, $75 million max value extension. (link)

Astros Claim Bullpen Arm Kaleb Ort from the Baltimore Orioles. (link)

🏦 Finance

ConocoPhillips to buy Marathon Oil for $22.5 billion. (link)

Houston bank increases San Antonio footprint with downtown move. (link)

Mike Miles denies illegal financial practices at Third Future Schools. (link)

These Houston companies got the largest SBA loans in 2023. (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

⚾ Houston Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX
Monday, Jun 3rd | 7:10 PM | (More info)

⚾ Houston Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX
Tuesday, Jun 4th | 7:10 PM | (More info)

⚾ Houston Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX
Wednesday, Jun 5th | 1:10 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Jeff Bernat
The Bronze Peacock at House of Blues Houston, Houston, TX
Tuesday, Jun 4th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎵 BossMan Dlow Mr. Beat The Road Tour
House of Blues Houston, Houston, TX
Tuesday, Jun 4th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎷The Kid LAROI First Time Tour 2024
713 Music Hall, Houston, TX
Tuesday, Jun 4th | 7:30 PM | (More info)

🎸 Profanatica with Stormruler
White Oak Music Hall - Upstairs , Houston, TX
Wednesday, Jun 5th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🐉 The Boulet Brothers' Dragula: Season 5
House of Blues Houston, Houston, TX
Monday, Jun 3rd | 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎥 Dial M for Murder
Alley Theatre-Hubbard Stage, Houston, TX
Tuesday, Jun 4th | 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 “Urban winter wonderland in Houston with ice architecture” 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

1973: The Arab Oil Embargo's impact on Houston's economy.

The Arab Oil Embargo of 1973 had a profound impact on the global energy landscape and significantly influenced Houston's economy, a city at the heart of the American oil industry. Initiated by OPEC in response to U.S. support for Israel during the Yom Kippur War, the embargo led to severe oil shortages and skyrocketing fuel prices across the United States. However, in Houston, the epicenter of oil exploration, production, and management, the crisis had a markedly different effect. The city experienced an economic boom as the demand for domestic oil production surged, leading to increased investments, job creation, and a robust growth in the local economy.

This period underscored Houston's pivotal role in the global energy sector, attracting skilled workers, engineers, and entrepreneurs. The city's infrastructure expanded rapidly to accommodate the growth, with significant developments in housing, transportation, and commercial projects. The embargo also catalyzed advancements in energy technology and policy, reinforcing Houston's reputation as a leader in the oil and gas industry.

While the immediate aftermath of the Arab Oil Embargo brought prosperity to Houston, it also highlighted the city's dependency on the oil sector. The economic boom was a double-edged sword, setting the stage for future vulnerabilities to global oil price fluctuations. The embargo's impact on Houston's economy in 1973 remains a critical chapter in the city's history, illustrating the complexities of its relationship with the global energy market and the importance of diversification and innovation in sustaining economic growth.

Famous People From Houston

Hugh Roy Cullen (1881–1957): Oil tycoon and philanthropist.

Hugh Roy Cullen (1881–1957)

Early Life and Entry into the Oil Industry (1881-1920)

Hugh Roy Cullen was born in 1881 in Denton County, Texas. His early years were marked by modest means and a series of ventures in agriculture and cotton ginning before he found his calling in the burgeoning oil industry of Texas. Cullen's entry into the oil business was not immediate; it was through perseverance and a keen sense for opportunities that he began to make his mark in the 1920s, eventually becoming one of Houston's most influential oil tycoons.

Rise to Success and the Oil Boom (1921-1940)

Cullen's approach to oil drilling, focusing on the then-considered unproductive Gulf Coast geological formations, paid off spectacularly. His innovative techniques and willingness to take risks led to significant discoveries, contributing to the Texas oil boom and shaping the state's economy. By the 1930s, Cullen had amassed considerable wealth and had become synonymous with the oil industry's success in Texas.

Philanthropy and Contributions to Houston (1941-1957)

Hugh Roy Cullen's legacy in Houston is not only defined by his success in the oil industry but also by his extraordinary philanthropy. He was deeply committed to giving back to his city and state, contributing to various causes and institutions. The University of Houston was a significant beneficiary of his generosity, receiving millions of dollars from Cullen, which were pivotal in the university's development and expansion. His contributions extended to health care, education, and the arts, impacting countless lives and leaving an indelible mark on the city's cultural and educational landscape.

Legacy and Influence in Houston's Development (1957-Present)

Cullen passed away in 1957, but his influence on Houston and Texas continues to be felt. He is remembered as a visionary in the oil industry and a philanthropist whose contributions transformed the educational and cultural institutions of Houston. The Cullen Foundation, established to continue his legacy of giving, has sustained and expanded his philanthropic endeavors, ensuring that his impact endures.

Key Achievements:

• Emerged as a leading figure in the Texas oil industry through innovative drilling techniques and strategic investments, contributing significantly to the state's oil boom.

• Demonstrated unparalleled generosity through philanthropic efforts, notably transforming the University of Houston and supporting various health, education, and cultural institutions.

• Left a lasting legacy through the Cullen Foundation, which continues to support and enrich the Houston community and beyond.

Summary:

Hugh Roy Cullen's journey from modest beginnings to becoming one of Houston's most revered oil magnates and philanthropists is a testament to his vision, determination, and generosity. His contributions to the oil industry and his transformative philanthropic investments in education, health care, and the arts have profoundly impacted Houston, shaping the city into a vibrant cultural and educational hub. Cullen's legacy, marked by his commitment to improving the lives of Texans and fostering the growth of Houston, endures as a beacon of entrepreneurial success and community engagement.

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-Matthew Larsen

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