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Newspaper
Port Isabel Press
Location
Port Isabel, Texas, United States of America
Date
Jul 04, 1958
Page
1
The Port Isabel region gears up for a big weekend with a Junior Coronation at the high school and a main coronation in Brownsville. The Blessing of the Fleet boat parade follows Sunday, while the shrimp industry souvenir supplement debuts with free copies at the Press office. Ruth Mras is confirmed as Port Isabel Postmaster, replacing the acting postmaster since January.
The United States Navy started its first convoy escort on July 1 1800 when 14 merchant ships left Batavia under the frigate Essex to sail around the Cape of Good Hope to America. Lt John Gamble commanded the Greenwich in the July 14 1813 battle with the Seringapatam, the only Marine officer to command a naval vessel in battle.
Ruth Mras, acting postmaster since January 24 1958, won Senate confirmation effective July 1 after a competitive exam. She began as a Port Isabel clerk in 1948 and previously worked for Central Power and Light and trained in law office tasks. Married in 1944 to Francis J. Mras, she and her husband have lived in the Valley since 1944. The Port Isabel office serves Bayside Laguna Vista with four career clerks, a temporary substitute, and a custodial worker.
The Texas International Fishing Tournament offshore expedition from Port Isabel drew praise from president Francis Knapp who reported ideal gulf conditions and heavy sailfish. Ben Stone sailed a 7 foot 3 inch sailfish with Knapp, while Dr. L. P. Noell also tagged a 7 foot 3 inch sail and a large dolphin. A blue marlin struck but was lost. A second expedition is planned ahead of the August tournament at Port Isabel Firemen’s Hall.
Sheriff Boynton Fleming announced that the county department will assist highway patrols during the holiday weekend in unmarked cars. Radar from the sheriff will be used with state and county units to target drunken driving and other dangerous operators, hoping for a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July period.
Rio Grande Council Boy Scouts announce an all Aquatic Skills Week from July 13 to 19 at Camp Perry. J K England says the event expands Long Term Camping with Swimming Life Saving Boating and water sports. Danny Baker leads with Jim Moore Johnny Vandever and Paul Beisenherz assisting. Camping is provisional and participants join a provisional unit for the period.
Postmaster reports that effective July 1 the Post Office department will rate all unpaid or underpaid mail for the deficient postage plus a new five cent short paid charge and dispatch it for delivery. Return fees are also noted in the notice.
The article notes a rise in postage from five to ten cents tied to a large celebration. La Feria News reports San ta Rosa installing a local law officer soon a local jail and a new post office building. The piece ends with a celebratory refrain about workers leaving and hoping to return home.
Texans plan a holiday weekend with parades, coronations, and public ship open houses. The schedule includes Junior Coronation at Port Isabel, Shrimp Fiesta events, a downtown street dance, Coast Guard and Navy vessel viewings, a Saturday street parade, Shrimp Fiesta coronation ball in Brownsville, and a Sunday fish fry plus Blessing of the Fleet.
The Texas Safety Association urges precautions during the July 4 period as homeowners farmers and gardeners face hazards. Falls from cluttered steps and barns, unlabeled poisons, poor wiring and lifting injuries threaten one in nine Texans in 1958.
Governor designates June 29 to July 6, 1958, as Shrimp Fiesta Week to honor commercial fishing. Port Isabel Brownsville area leads shrimp catches with 400 trawlers and about 5000 jobs, with industry worth 15 million dollars in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
A Willacy county delegation reported in Austin that a proposed Port Mansfield to Padre Island causeway and a highway to Isla Blanca Park will be considered, though the State Highway Commission is wary of engaging in causeway projects. Hidalgo and Cameron Counties Water Improvement District No 9 voters face a $9 million rehabilitation proposal next Tuesday.
State, county and city traffic officers appeal for cooperation as Sheriff Boyton Fleming warns of high danger on highways during the Fourth of July. Patrols, radar speed checks and joint operation by sheriff, State Highway Patrol and county officers aim to keep travel safe. Emergency aid stations with Red Cross first aid trained possemen will operate at Boca Chica and Padre Island beaches.
Ralph and M. A. Allen of Pasadena Texas report 15 trout. Lindy Rollman of Port Isabel catches 73 trout plus a bass and a sheephead.
Friday June 27 fishing trip aboard a Gulf boat with guide W W Zimmerman catches three ling including a 62 pound fish. Passengers listed include Mr and Mrs Pete Rogers, Mr and Mrs C D Whatley of Garland and Mr and Mrs J D Martin of Irving.
Sunday June 29 anglers including Mr and Mrs C A Jacobs and Mr and Mrs L G Townsend of Dallas caught 31 trout. Mr Spencer and son of McAllen netted 43 trout with guide John Birge. Roy Cox of Dallas fished with guide John Birge.
The report lists anglers and catches from Texas towns including Eagle Pass San Juan Harlingen and La Feria with trout counts ranging from 4 to 28 and Spanish mackerel noted. Names include C. C. Collins Thomas K. Thompson Clarence Dobbs Allen Wilson Glenn Coppin and others.
Ton Atkins guided the Lizzie Bee to a sizable Spanish mackerel catch reported in the latest fishing note. The record highlights a strong haul and a productive outing for the crew.
On Monday June 30 Edgar Younger of Houston fished with guide Jack Bartholomew and caught 114 trout. Mr and Mrs R L Baxton of Gilmer reported 100 trout. Mr and Mrs Oddie Chitty of Wilts Point caught 76 trout. Jack B Noah and son of Dallas with guide Dons ald Birge landed 27 trout. Jim and Larry Birge of Port Isabel caught 33 trout.
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