Research Project on Middle Bayou Runs Down a Road and To the Preserve: What Oil and NASA Didn't Get, Still Remains

Old Sig Byrd columns are my frequent source for local history. While there is more Houston every year, (let's hear it for the 4th largest city in the U.S.!) not much of what Sig saw remains. Even 60+ years ago, Sig was lamenting the loss of the city he knew and marveling at the wealth and industry that was building the skyline.

So, surprisingly, it was three columns about wilderness and bayou that piqued my interest. In 1952, Sig wrote about Jimmy Martyn's 28,000 acre farm, off of Red Bluff Rd. A decade later Humble Oil literally bought the farm. Eventually NASA got some of the Humble property. In the 70's, preservation efforts stopped further development and the remaining wilderness is now Armand Bayou Nature Center.

The center is where I hope to be on Saturday. A small girl will be in tow, so we'll see how this trip goes.

"Time Runs Upstream Along Middle Bayou" - The Stroller - Houston Press, Pg. 14 - Friday, January 18, 1952, originally uploaded by Mr. Kimberly.

"A Karankawa Clambake on Middle Bayou" - The Stroller - Houston Press, Pg. 15 - Monday, January 21, 1952, originally uploaded by Mr. Kimberly.

"Research Project on Middle Bayou Runs Up a Tree In Search of a Smidgin of Ballyfoosh Folklore" - The Stroller - Houston Press, Pg. 5 - Saturday, January 26, 1952, originally uploaded by Mr. Kimberly.