1953 by Nicholas Figueroa
“Black Clouds Caused By Burning Oil Waste,” Corpus Christi Times, July 31, 1953. Accessed April 23, 2022. Access World News
This newspaper articles cover the aftermath of a fire that erupted as a result of ignited oil waste at the salt flats near the Missouri-Pacific tracks in Corpus Christi on July 30, 1953. The fire caused a large mass of black clouds and smoke to permeate in the air in a similar was that reminded residents of a fire from the previous year. The surrounding area that was affected was a predominantly African American neighborhood that was surrounded by heavy industry facilities.
“City Board Endorses ADC Plan for Tunnel,” Corpus Christi Caller, July 8, 1953. Bridges-1953 vertical file. Local History Room, La Retama Library, Corpus Christi, Texas
This article covers the plans proposed by the Bascule Bridge Bottleneck Breakers Board to relocate the Bascule Bridge and the creation of a four-lane tunnel in order to reduce traffic congestion. In addition to these plans, the board called for the creation of new railroad-highway lift. The plans put forward all called for construction and expansion into surrounding neighborhoods inhabited by African Americans.
Access Information: This can be located and accessed at the Local History Archive at the Retama Library in downtown Corpus Christi.
“Dunn Finds Safety Defects At Tank Farms,” The Corpus Christi Times, July 9, 1953. Accessed April 22, 2022. America’s Historical Newspapers.
This articles covers the inspection of several oil tank farm instillations owned by different companies. One of the companies, General American, was directly responsible for a fire the previous year in 1952 that caused heavy damage in the area. The facilities were found guilty of not complying with city ordinances as improper electrical grounding and a lack of adequate fire prevention was discovered. Most of the facilities were situated in the northern portion of Corpus Christi directly adjacent to African American communities who would suffer the most damage in the event of a hazardous waste accident.
Access Information: This article can be found in the database, America’s Historical Newspapers, which is available at the Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi Bell Library. The database is available for students, staff, and faculty to access for free both on and off campus. Community members can visit and use the online resources, but must check in at the circulation desk and asked to be logged on to a computer.
“Dunn Says Oil Tank Farm Not Obeying City Fire Law,” The Corpus Christi Times, July 15, 1953. Accessed April 26, 2022. America’s Historical Newspapers.
This article covers the findings of Director of Public Safety Joseph B. Dunn over the General American Tank storage terminals. Dunn recommended legal action against General American for their neglect of safety protocols and fire prevention equipment. In addition, several issues arose due to dangerous electrical discrepancies. The company was responsible for a fire the previous year that resulted in damaged up to 600 thousand dollars. The oil tank terminals where all situated in the port area of northern Corpus Christi situated directly next to several African American neighborhoods.
Access Information: This article can be found in the database America’s Historical Newspapers, which is available at the Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi Bell Library. The database is available for students, staff, and faculty to access for free both on and off campus. Community members can visit and use the online resources, but must check in at the circulation desk and asked to be logged on to a computer.
“Election of Councilmen From Districts Asked,” Corpus Christi Caller, November 17, 1953. Accessed April 26, 2022. America’s Historical Newspapers.
This article covers the complaints made by Latin American residents of Corpus Christi at a City Charter Commissioner’s meeting calling for equal representation. Latino residents were frustrated with the lack of equality in the Commissioners board and proposed changes to the city’s charter. The citizens requested changes a result of unequal treatment shown towards their communities including unpaved roads, inadequate garbage pick-up, and poor drainage systems.
Access Information: This article can be found in the database America’s Historical Newspapers, which is available at the Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi Bell Library. The database is available for students, staff, and faculty to access for free both on and off campus. Community members can visit and use the online resources, but must check in at the circulation desk and asked to be logged on to a computer.
“Federal Aid Sought Moving Bascule Bridge,” in Corpus Christi Port Book, May, 1953. In Port Book 1949-1955 at the Retama Library, Corpus Christi, TX.
This passage from the Corpus Christi Port Book cover the relocation and expansion of the Bascule Bridge in the port area of Corpus Christi. The city requested to enlarge the bridge entrance for easier navigation for ships entering the port. The relocation and expansion that was planned on expanding into areas in which neighborhoods of African Americans were located. Even though it was noted that the expansion would lead to increased land traffic and navigation hazards, the plans did get federal approval by congress.
Access Information: This can be located and accessed at the Local History Archive at the Retama Library in downtown Corpus Christi.
“Future Land Uses and Zoning,” in Corpus Christi’s 25 Year Plan for Area Progress, September, 1953. Planning-1953 vertical file, Local History Room, La Retama Library, Corpus Christi, Texas.
This Map Covers the projected urbanization and land uses for Corpus Christi in 1953. The map shows that the northern portions of the city were marked for heavy industry. These areas were heavily populated by African Americans at the time and industrial expansion would lead to relocation and removal.
Access Information: This can be located and accessed at the Local History Archive at the Retama Library in downtown Corpus Christi.
“Industrial District of Port of Corpus Christi”. Charles H.F. von Blucher Family Papers, Collection 4, Mary and Jeff Bell Library, Special Collections and Archives Department, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
This map shows the industrial district around the port of Corpus Christi in 1953. As the map shows, heavy industry was situated primarily in the Northern portion of Corpus Christi and especially around the port. The northern side of Corpus Christi was heavily populated by African Americans and most of them lived very close to industrial facilities and plants.
Access Information: This map can be found in the Digital Repository in the Charles H.F Von Blucher Family Papers. The Special Collections Archive at the Mary and Jeff Bell Library at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi can help in accessing this.
“Land Use Plan: Future Area Of Urbanization,” Plate 12, by Harland Bartholomew and Associates, October 1953. In Comprehensive Plan for the Corpus Christi Area in Mary and Jeff Bell Library, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
This map shows the future plans of land use around Corpus Christi. The accompanying text explains how the Area Development Board decided that the area’s best suited for heavy industry and expansion where to locations in the northern and western edges of the city. These locations were designated for heavy industry and these areas heavily populated by African Americans and low-income residents.
Access Information: This map was contained in the Comprehensive Plan for the Corpus Christi Area is located at the Special Collections and Archive at the Mary and Bell Library at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
“Plat Showing Proposed Pipeline Across Southern Alkali Tract at Avery Point,” Charles H.F. von Blucher Family Papers, Collection 4, Mary and Jeff Bell Library, Special Collections and Archives Department, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
This map shows the plans for the proposed pipe line that will at Avery Point. The proposed pipeline would be laid directly through the northern part of Corpus Christi and specifically through African American Neighborhoods who would be displaced and removed.