Galveston Glamour

Galveston in the early 40s was like no other place in Texas or anywhere else, I guess. The beaches were gorgeous, clean, sandy and had great waves.

The Medical School is located just a few blocks from the beach, and John Sealy Hospital, the teaching hospital is right there also. The University of Texas Medical School was a part of the University of Texas system then and now.

The houses that sit above the sea wall stand on stilts in case the storm brings the water over the sea wall. The town is about a mile inland.

On one of the piers out in the water was the Balinese Room. A gorgeous nightclub with wonderful food. Dr. Harris, chief of the Psychiatric Service used to take us out for dinner. What a treat. James and I loved to dance to "Sunrise Serenade."


In the other room many people were gambling illegally, of course. They said that the owners had an understanding with the police. When the police needed to raid the place, they would call the Balinese Room as they came over the causeway. When they arrived at the nightclub, all the tables were removed. Everybody was eating and dancing. It never happened when I was there.

Many famous people came to the Camp to entertain the troops who were just being inducted. I particularly remember Rosalind Russell's visit. She came on the arm of the General, wore a floppy had and a flowing dress and exuded CHARM.

The Andrews Sisters also came while I was there. I saw them. They sang “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree With Anyone Else but Me.”