Author: Robert Kimberly
Sig and the City: From The Houston Library's Microfilm Reader to Your Computer
Lately, I’ve benefited from moderate bouts of unemployment and our daughter’s happy introduction to day care. This has given me some predicable and productive free time. Productive mainly for the fans of Sig Byrd, Houston’s mid-century chronicler of the the local underclass. If he had never strolled the streets, there would be no huge void in the city’s history. But his writing tells parallels tales to the popular take on the city and its developement. Civic boosters must have had a daily conniption, reading about drunken barflys, grifters, the private eye, hitchhikers and many others who are the real-life characters in Byrd’s noir-esque writing.
The Houston Press is archived on microfilm and the I’ve been scanning the 1952 columns for their eventual posting on the Sig Byrd set on Flickr. June through December is on my computer, awaiting titles and other amending before they are internet-ready. 1953 is, to the best of my knowledge, is all there for the reading. I never intended to be be an archivist, but making Sig a subject of research has reduced my sloth slightly and compelled me to visit locales that I wouldn’t have otherwise (Morgan’s Point, TX and Morales Cemetery in North Houston.)
I have hopes these efforts wil evolve into a more formal archive, but until then, Sig’s writings will simply be more accessible to those few who are interested. And that is a good thing.
Wednesday Night Photo Post: Urb-Ex in the HOU
Adventures in eyesores.
I don’t have any urban exploration cred, but I do have every copy of Infiltration. Fortunately, others live a life I only read about. See the below pix for this week’s adventures in Houston, and for sight-seeing in Europe visit sleepycity.
Stay Classy, Houston-Driving White Corvette Owner
I’m not saying I wouldn’t try some automotive dumbassery if I had a car like this, but I would try to keep it on the road and away from gawking pedestrians.
Wednesday Night Scanned Newspaper Post: The Greatness That Was The Houston Press, circa 1952
“Chinar Grotto’s ‘Teen-Age Revue'” – Photo & Caption, Houston Press, 1952, originally uploaded by Mr. Kimberly.
Wednesday Night Photo Post: Don't Know Why… Stormy Weather
I love storms. Especially if they occur while I am sitting at home. The last few afternoons have been pleasant breaks from the heat.
This Weekend in Photos: Townhouses, Airports and Masons… Oh, My
I’m looking forward to cooler days, this weekend was scorching. But the heat didn’t stop us from a little in-town sightseeing.
1940 Airline Terminal Museum – Houston, TX 2010 – a set on Flickr
New Favorite Thing: All-White Model of Watts Tower
On our next trip to LA (when…?) I want to visit Watts Tower. Even more so after seeing this cool model online.
Christians Who Don't Mind Foreigners: Indian Hills Christian Church Student Ministry
Conspiracies in the New Neighborhood: My Kind of People
“Why Do The Children Deserve The Massive Debt of The ‘R.D.’ Oligarchy?” – Willowbend Blvd. – Houston, TX, originally uploaded by Mr. Kimberly.
This odd sign is the only thing in the neighborhood like it. Outside the Loop isn’t known as a hotbed for conspiratorial thought, but I’m sure Glenn Beck is on a lot of the TV’s here. Being a fan of conspiracy theories, I’m pretty well versed in most of the major players. The “R.D. Oligarchy”is a total mystery to me, though. It doesn’t ring any bells and Google shows nothing.
Guess I’m leaving a note the next time I walk that way.
Neon Poisoning 