"Porter family provides gallery of Bay City photographs" By Bobbie Gaspard

   Vance Coralton Porter was born near Hillsboro, Laurence County, Alabama, on October 13, 1888.   He was the eldest son of Robert Lee Porter, Sr., and Rose Ella Le May Porter.   His early education was provided by tutors who lived in the homes of the several families whose children were taught.

"Badouh Bros. one of Bay City’s earliest businesses" By Carol Sue Gibbs

   Among the early businesses in Bay City during the first decade of the 1900s was Badouh Bros.   The Badouh brothers, Edward M. and Anton Michael had a storefront on a 7th Street corner whose sign read Badouh Bros. General Merchandise.

Early newspaper headlines, articles about Bay City

   EDITOR’S NOTE: The Bay City Breeze was the city’s first newspaper, with its first edition appearing the year of Bay City’s founding in 1894.  Most of the following articles are from the late 1890s and early 1900s from the Breeze, as well as state newspapers reporting about Bay City events.

Early Matagorda leaders

GERVAIS, SINCLAIR DAVID (1779–1838).  Sinclair David Gervais, early Texas jurist, was born on February 21, 1779, in Charleston, South Carolina, the son of John Lewis and Mary (Sinclair) Gervais.

"Tribute to The Woman’s Club of Collegeport" By G. W. Franzen

   Collegeport Day is a time to remember and celebrate our community’s rich heritage.    Early Collegeport flourished as settlers arrived bring hope for new beginnings and prosperity.      After all, Collegeport’s motto was “The Town of Opportunity.

Collegeport Day 2024

Saturday, May 25Mopac House15274 FM 1095, Collegeport, BBQ dinner served at noonPlease bring side dishes or dessertsPlease direct donations to:Mopac House FoundationP. O. Box 175Collegeport, TX 77428Contributions at the door welcome.Register upon arrival.

Longtime Palacios, Collegeport preacher of the ‘auld sod’

   For 28 years, the Presbyterian churches in Palacios and Collegeport were led by a “true son of the auld sod.”    George Frederic Gillespie, who had a true compassion for the people in his churches, also had a far-reaching influence on all residents of those communities.

Gillespie kept up his ministry until death

   Following the 1946 car wreck (see related story) he had friends from Palacios who drove him to Collegeport each Sunday.   For many years, in the 1940s, Rev. Gillespie wrote the Thanksgiving message in the Palacios Beacon as well as Christmas messages and also one about the needy in the town.

Bay City National Guard left for Mexico 100 years ago

   The days of ’61 were recalled by the old Confederates who looked on the scene. Mr. D. A. Coston and wife were there to see their son Grover off. Capt. J. C. Jones, whose son C.R. is one of the company, and W. H. Pressley and Capt. Frank Rugeley formed a little group waiting for the start.    M.

Bay City caught in fury of 1909 ‘Velasco’ hurricane

 Headlines from Houston Post over its news articles tied to 1909 hurricane impact in Matagorda County.Fifty Per Cent of Business and Residence Section Damaged and Loss Will Total $250,000Under Martial LawArmy of Constables Sworn In to Protect PropertyBut One Loss of LifeInfant of Mr.