Honoring Texas History, Heritage Society Lunch Was a 'Big, Wonderful Thing'

Priscilla Dickson
Honoring Texas History, Heritage Society Lunch Was a 'Big, Wonderful Thing'

Phoebe Tudor, Mark Sullivan and Minnette Boesel

HOUSTONIANS WERE CAPTIVATED by beloved Frank Billingsley's recounting of his family history at the Heritage Society's annual luncheon, where Billingsley was the event emcee.


He told the tale of how his 11-generations-great grandfather Captain Jesse Billingsley led his men into the Battle of San Jacinto and originated the battle cry "Remember the Alamo." And this story was followed up by author Stephen Harrigan's onstage appearance, giving an insight into the pages of Big Wonderful Thing, Harrigan's latest book about Texas' struggle and triumph in a land of extremes. In conversation with podcaster Ken Wise, Harrigan discussed the Spanish explorers, Comanche warriors, Tejano activists and Texas wildcatters who have made our state so great.

Chaired by Gwen and Ed Emmett and Angela and Will Cannady, the event also honored Gary White, who is retiring from the Heritage Society after 30 years.

Jo Furr and Harriet Latimer

Donna Vallone and Kristina Somerville

Carleta Sandeen and Fran Callahan

Carol Brooks and Steve Lucchesi

Alison Bell, Gary White and Carolyn Johnson

Jean Wilson, Tim Richey and Carla Bisong

Barry Mandel and Frank Billingsley

Nancy Willerson, Jane Wise and Caroline Hassell

Will and Angela Cannady and Gwen and Ed Emmett

Mary Maxey, Nancy Willerson and Ginger Blanton

Stephen Harrigan and Ken Wise

C. C. and Duke Ensell

Parties

WHEN HURRICANE HARVEY unleashed its wrath, Mumbai-born author Nishita Parekh and a few family members, some of whom had homes in evacuation zones, holed up in her second-story apartment, safe from the flooding — but trapped. “Five adults and two kids, crammed into this one-bedroom space,” recalls Parekh. “We ended up having a good time. But that experience planted a seed in my mind that this would make a good premise for a mystery."

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Art + Entertainment

Treebeards Red Beans and Rice with sausage (photo by Becca Wright)

IN 1978, EARL Campbell was the number-one draft pick for the Houston Oilers, Republican Jim McConn was Mayor of Houston, and the Texas Medical Center was growing exponentially. Treebeards also burst on the scene in burgeoning Downtown, and quickly became a beloved lunch tradition.

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Food