The Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center, a component of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC), will welcome Texas author and historian Paul Spellman for a special presentation on his book, Spindletop Boom Days, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6.
As part of the evening, Center staff will display historic photographs and archival records highlighting the early oil industry in Southeast Texas. Spellman’s book will be available for purchase, and he will sign copies following the program.
Using first-person narratives, Spindletop Boom Days brings to life the people who witnessed the discovery of oil at Spindletop in 1901, a pivotal event that transformed Southeast Texas and reshaped the nation.
The book explores the innovations, challenges and personal stories that emerged during the oil boom, including those of former Texas Gov. Jim Hogg and oil pioneers Walter and Jim Sharp, David Beatty and Joseph Cullinan.
Spellman retired after a 33-year career teaching Texas and American history at the college level. He earned degrees from Southwestern University, The University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and the University of Houston, where he received his doctorate. He is a member of the Texas State Historical Association, the Texas Historical Commission, the Fort Bend County Historical Commission and Western Writers of America. Spellman has authored 15 books and numerous articles on Texas history.
The program is free and open to the public and will be held at the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center, 650 FM 1011 in Liberty. No registration is required.
For more information, call (936) 336-8821 or email samhoustoncenter@tsl.texas.gov.
The Beginning of The End.