The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown, on the Lamar University campus, will celebrate the unique character and vision of Patillo Higgins at its next Wildcatter Weekend, on Dec. 8, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., with activities focused on Higgins’ biggest dream – a perfect industrial city called Gladys City.

“Patillo Higgins is sometimes a controversial figure in the Spindletop story,” said museum director Mark Osborne. “For us, his vision for Gladys City is inspiring and a great starting point to talk with visitors about what makes a great city.”

During the afternoon, families can learn about the importance of land surveying from members of the Society of Professional Surveyors. Then, using Higgins’ 1892 map of Gladys City as a guide, families can design their own “perfect city.”

Activity sessions are at 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., and reservations are recommended, but not required to attend. Admission is free.

Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown is located on Hwy. 69 at University Drive in Beaumont. Plenty of free parking is available. For more information, please call (409) 880-1750, or contact the museum at [email protected].