1951 by Kenya Zarate

“Area Development Essentials Outlined,” Corpus Christi Caller, December 11, 1951. Vertical Files, Local History Room, La Retama Central Library, Corpus Christi, Texas.

In this article, the city planner during 1951, Harland Bartholomew, outlines the five-point program for the city presented at the first general meeting of all committees and subcommittee of the Area Development Committee of the Chamber of Commerce. This article further details the community plans, including “traffic, parks, schools, recreations, and the financing of the area development projects.” It is a predator to the predecessor to the articles that come out later about replanning by the Harland Bartholomew & Associates will face.

Access information: This article can be found at the La Retama Central Library Local History Room. Community members are required to sign in and can access this article in the vertical files.

Bynum, Kay. “Bartholomew Hopes Citizens Study His City Plan Closely,” Corpus Christi Caller-Times, June 8, 1951. Accessed April 25, 2022. America’s Historical Newspapers.

This article describes Harland Bartholomew’s plan. In this article, Harland Bartholomew’s sixteen-part plan is described into by Bartholomew. This article includes a picture of Bartholomew and quotes from Bartholomew in which he describes the growth of the city. Bartholomew told the Corpus Christi Caller Times, “Corpus Christi being in the early stages of its growth can benefit at this stage much more from a city plan than those older and larger cites which have awkward and controversial situations to correct.” Bartholomew also details his experience working New Orleans, West Palm Beach, and Greenville South Carolina.

Access information: articles found through the database, America’s Historical Newspapers, can be found through the Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi Mary and Jeff Bell Library. TAMU-CC students, faculty, and staff can access the database for free using their Islander login both on and off campus. Community members must check in at the circulation desk and ask to be logged on to a computer to access the free online database.

Greenwood, Jim. “7,000 Homes Built Here Since 1950,” Corpus Christi Caller-Times, May 3, 1953. Vertical Files, Local History Department, La Retama Central Library, Corpus Christi, Texas.

While this article was not written in 1951, it includes a map of the subdivision developments that have occurred from 1950 to 1953. The map was created by Carl Porter, a cartographer for the Zoning and Planning Commission in Corpus Christi. The map shows the southern portion of the city through the Corpus Christi Bay. According to the caption, “the home-building bonanza which has poured an estimated 7,000 dwelling units into the city and its environs since 1950.”

Access information: This article can be found at the La Retama Central Library Local History Room. Community members are required to sign in and can access this article in the vertical files.

Heard, Nancy. “Gas Cinderella of Oil Industry,” Corpus Christi Caller Times, October 14, 1951. Accessed April 25, 2022. America’s Historical Newspapers.

In this article, the journalist describes the gas industry as Cinderella, a folk tale about a princess that was once neglected but married a prince. According to the article, the demand for natural gas is important for the South Texas community. The journalist states, “in Nueces County alone, marketed gas was valued at $10.5 million.” The journalist describes the growth of the gas industry as a result of the war and suggests “no one would dare predict a limit to the industrial and economic benefits which will accrue to South Texas because of the former orphan- natural gas.” Overall, this article predicts the growth of natural gas production in Corpus Christi.

Port Book 1945-59. Corpus Christi: Nueces County Navigation Commission, 1976.

While this book was published well after 1951, it includes a copy of the Corpus Christi Port Books from May 1951. In the 1951 Port Book, one is able to see a letter from the Port Director, Byrd Harris, signed on May 3, 1951. Alongside the letter, one can find a picture from the port of Corpus Christi during 1951 with the caption, “the port of Corpus Christi’s main turning basin measures 1,000 by 5,500 feet.” Furthermore, the plan for the port’s expansion and what companies can be found in Corpus Christi’s port. The 1951 Corpus Christi Port Book ends with short biographies of the commission members of the Nueces County commissioners and the port directors which includes Richard King, Robert E. Salle, Jerome W. Jalufka, John N. Barnes, Duane Orr, Charles J. McManus, James P. Kenny and Byrd Harris.

Access information: This article can be found at the La Retama Central Library Local History Room. Community members are required to sign in and can access this book by looking for the call number 387.105 POR 1954-59.

Taylor Refining Company. "Expanding to Meet Today’s Needs for More Oil Products." Advertisement. Corpus Christi Caller Times, October 14, 1951. Accessed April 25, 2022. America’s Historical Newspapers.

The Taylor Refining Company was one of the largest oil companies operated in Corpus Christi. In this advertisement, the company states, “Expanding to meet today’s needs for more oil products.” They use this advertisement as a way to promote the idea that the oil industry brings “greater comfort, better living, and more convenience” to the Corpus Christi community.

“The Good Earth,” Corpus Christi Caller Times, January 1, 1951. Accessed April 25, 2022. America’s Historical Newspapers.

In this editorial, the Corpus Christi Caller Times highlights demands the Coastal Bend would experience in the time of “gravest emergencies in [the nations] history.” The Corpus Christi Caller Times published the article on January 1, 1951 and served to predict the agricultural and industrial challenges that would result during the development of war. This article also praised the Coastal Bend as it states, “Not only is the area blessed with rich farming lands; but, an even greater asset is found in the type of farmers tilling the soil.”

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