Namesake of Galveston

By Terry Wallace

Hidden from the public for almost 150 years, the recent rediscovery of an 18th century portrait of Bernardo de Galvez (1746-1786) has led to many questions. Among these are the relationship between Galvez and Galveston, Texas. 

 Galveston acquired its name from Bernardo de Galvez, former Viceroy of New Spain, Spanish Governor of New Orleans and hero of the American Revolution even though General Galvez never set foot on the island. 

 Bernardo Vicente Apolinar de Gálvez was born in 1746 in Málaga, Spain. Both his father and uncle were important military leaders. Choosing a military career, sixteen-year-old Bernardo participated in his first campaign against Portugal during the conflict known as the Seven Years' War in Europe and the French and Indian War in North America. 

 In 1770, Galvez led an offensive against the Apache in West Texas. Several years later, he was named governor of Spanish Louisiana. It was at this time that Galvez began secretly sending supplies up the Mississippi River to the Continental Army. 

 Spain officially entered the war on the American side in 1779. With a strong Spanish army, General Galvez racked up military victories against the British along the Gulf coast at Baton Rouge, Mobile and Pensacola. George Washington considered these victories a deciding factor in the American Revolution. 

 Later in 1784, as governor of Cuba, Gálvez commissioned a new map of his coastal conquests, leading a surveyor to name Galveston Bay in his honor. 

 In 2014, the United States declared Bernardo de Gálvez an honorary citizen, a distinction the United States has granted only eight times - and a fitting tribute to a Spanish hero of the American Revolution. 

 Terry Wallace is the Executive Director of the Gardiner Mill Cottage Gallery Museum in East Hampton, NY. He is the author of Caroline M. Bell and the Peconic Bay Impressionists and Helen M. Kroeger and Otto J. Kurth, The Anchorage Studio and Peconic Bay Impressionism. In 2012, he was awarded a Gold Medal for Best Non-Fiction in the North-East United States by the Independent Book Publishers Association for his book, Cappy, The Life and Art of C. Hjalmar Amundsen.

What’s New on the Island

An established restaurateur opens new Cuban eatery, a community center with coffee shop is now available for group meetings, and a mobile tap truck now available for special events

Three unique businesses have opened in Galveston and Galveston Monthly is happy to share the details with its readers. Galvestonians can now enjoy traditional Cuban food here on the island, enjoy fresh coffee and treats or plan monthly meets in a new space, and serve refreshments at a private event from a mobile tap truck.

 Whether you are looking for a unique bite to eat, a new place to socialize, or a special way to celebrate at your next event, be sure to read what’s new in the neighborhood before planning your day in Galveston.
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Galveston College Announces Culinary Celebration of Island’s Finest

The highly anticipated 2024 Five Fabulous Chefs culinary celebration is November 19-20

Galveston College has teamed up with a quintet of Galveston Island’s finest chefs to host the highly anticipated 2024 Five Fabulous Chefs culinary celebration on November 19 and 20. This two-night event, held from 6-9pm at the Galveston College main campus atrium, promises to be an unforgettable experience for food lovers, showcasing the diverse and vibrant flavors that define the island’s culinary scene. 

 The event will feature the talents of five of Galveston’s top chefs, each renowned for their exceptional culinary skills and dedication to creating unforgettable dining experiences. 

 Attendees will have the opportunity to savor a curated menu of dishes prepared by these culinary stars, including Chef Kelsey Thomas of the San Luis Resort, Chef Sean Walker of the Grand Galvez, Chef Salvador Castro of 1817 Steak and Seafare, Chef Yarik Golobokov of Marmo Café and Lounge, and Chef Marshall Monroe of Coastal Catering. "The college has been part of my life for 30 years,” said Chef Walker. “I think this is a great opportunity to raise money for a good cause and the future of Galveston College culinary.” 

 “It feels great to work with the students and show them the other side of the classroom, where they get to see how we actually operate in the restaurant,” added Chef Thomas. 

 The Five Fabulous Chefs event offers a mouthwatering journey through Galveston’s finest dining establishments. Each chef will participate in the preparation of the event’s signature dishes that showcase their unique style and culinary flair, accompanied by perfectly paired wines and beverages.

"I'm honored to be a part of Five Fabulous Chefs,” said Chef Castro. “This is my first time doing Five Fabulous Chefs and it feels like another huge goal I've achieved after opening my first local restaurant.”

 In addition to the exceptional food and drinks, guests will have the chance to meet and mingle with the chefs, enjoy a cocktail hour, music and participate in a wine and spirits pull. 

 Proceeds from the Five Fabulous Chefs will benefit Galveston College’s Building Tomorrow capital campaign for the new three-story Health Sciences Education Center at the college’s main campus. 

 “This event is a true celebration of Galveston’s local culinary talent,” said Galveston College Foundation Director, Kelly Kennedy. “We are excited to bring together these remarkable chefs, who not only contribute to our community’s vibrant food culture, but also support workforce development by inspiring the next generation of culinary professionals.” 

 Reserved seating for the 2024 Five Fabulous Chefs culinary celebration event is limited and expected to sell out quickly. The event is business attire. 

 Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to experience the best of Galveston’s culinary scene while supporting local education and workforce development. For ticket and sponsorship information, call 409.944.1306.

Galveston's Own Baby Flying Saucer Now On Display

Galveston County Museum recently acquired this 1950’s baby walker for a new exhibit

Did you know some Galveston babies used to fly? The Galveston County Museum recently acquired a Baby’s Flying Saucer, and it is now on exhibit. This baby walker was made by a local cabinetmaker, and it was for sale at Galveston department stores. 

 In the 1950s, cabinetmaker Roy Friddell had an idea for a baby walker. He had 10 children, some of which served as testers for his design. He made the walker with plywood, aluminum, Philippine mahogany bentwood, and padded washable plastic. 

 An image of a baby flying through space completes the space-age theme. This was from a time when the nation was enthralled with scientific exploration amongst the stars. 

 “This unique artifact was donated by the Boyer Family of New Iberia, Louisiana, in memory of Rose Boyer,” said museum director Jodi Wright-Gidley. 

 “Their family had traveled to Galveston sometime in the 1950s and purchased this walker from a downtown department store. They took great care of it for years, then donated it to the museum. If other people have stories about their families having a Baby’s Flying Saucer, we would love to hear about it.” 

 Research has uncovered newspaper advertisements that boast the walker rolled easily in any direction and babies who play in the flying saucer ate and slept better. Shoppers could purchase a pink, blue, or yellow walker in two sizes: king size for $17.95 and the regular size for $14.95. 

 Besides many families who purchased the flying saucers, a young patient at the University of Texas Medical Branch also used the walker. In 1953, a baby named Billy was born with skull abnormalities. He went through a series of surgeries with a long recovery time. 

 Once he was able, Mr. Friddell delivered a Baby’s Flying Saucer to the pediatric ward. Billy reportedly glided around the hospital peaking in the rooms and waving at everyone. 

 Visitors to the Galveston County Museum can now see this unique artifact on exhibit. The museum is located in the old county courthouse at 722 Moody. It is free to visit on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10am to 4pm. 

 The museum now offers a Padlock Mystery Game and private tours by appointment. For more information visit www.galvestoncountyhistory.org or call 409.766.2340.