“That oil kept coming up, higher and higher, until it flowed over the rotary table—higher still, until, with a tremendous roar, it shot through the top of the derrick in a solid six-inch stream of greenish black crude oil.”

       -Giant Under the Hill," by Judith Walker Linsley, Ellen Walker Rienstra, and Jo Ann Stiles

This is the description of the oil gushing out of the hill on Jan. 10, 1901 in the book, “Giant Under the Hill.” Life for people in Southeast Texas changed forever. Visit the museum on Sat., Jan. 11, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the 119th Spindletop Anniversary to discover what that new life was like.

Hear the music from Sweet Adeline's: Spirit of Southeast Texas. Food can be bought from the Beaumont Lions Club. The Big Thicket Outlaws will re-enact the drillers on the oil field and people in town. Visitors will be given time to take pictures with the re-enactors after each skit. Demonstrations such as blacksmithing and printmaking will also take place. Families can partake in crafts and games from 1901 that include the game of graces, derrick toss and more. The Lucas Gusher’s re-enactments will take place at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“Visitors will have a great time being surrounded by life in 1901,” said Troy Gray, director. “They can expect fun and enjoyment all day long.”

Admission for the anniversary event is $5 for adults; $3 for seniors, age 60 and over; and $2 for children, 6-12. All visitors will receive free admission for wearing a 1901 era costume. Visitors also may get $1 discount, if they purchase tickets at the museum early. 

The Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum is located on the corner of Jimmy Simmons Boulevard and Cardinal Drive on the Lamar University campus. For more information, please call 409-880-1750 or visit www.spindletop.org.