HomeMy WebLinkAboutAC068_BEAUMONT_CHAMBER_OF_COMMERCE_RECORDS_1924_TO-1980Descriptive Sheet
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General Type: Records
The Beaumont Chamber of Commerce AC -068
Records Inventory
Available
Physical Description: 3 cubic feet
Inclusive Dates: 1924-1980
Donor: The Beaumont Chamber of Commerce
DESCRIPTION
The Beaumont Chamber of Commerce formed during the height of
the first Spindletop oil boom, on January 23, 1903. One hundred
and sixty-five individuals signed on as charter members. The
Beaumont Chamber of Commerce began an active program of initiating,
and participating in, capitalist economic development projects.
Much of the Chamber's early work was promotional, such as
organization of the Southeast Texas State Fair in 1904 and
promotion of the oil industry in the 1920s. During the 1950s and
1960s, the Chamber commissioned industrial studies and continued
promotional efforts. In 1970, however, new leadership put an end
to what it called "ceremonial functions" and moved the Chamber
forward in a new program of action.
Although the collection's inclusive dates are 1924-1980, the
bulk of material covers the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. The researcher
will find the collection divided into several series:
correspondence, committee projects, Chamber of Commerce projects,
annual membership meetings, publications, ephemera, newspaper
clippings, and photographs. Various committees carried out Chamber
projects, including the Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration of the
Lucas Gusher (1951). An extensive collection of publications
thoroughly record Chamber activities and publicity efforts. The
photographic collection will provide the researcher a fascinating
look at area industry and downtown Beaumont.
No restrictions apply.