They were inspired to see that it gets done. Through the course of preparing our Keepsake Centennial Edition, the lack of histories for many of our pioneer families, some of our organizations and many of our businesses was discovered. That, I hope, will be inspiration to collect what history has not been lost, put it together What a day!

The Port Aransas Centennial Celebration last Saturday brought together as many local residents in one place as I have seen in years. Visitors joined in the celebration, too, and they were certainly welcome. It was, however, heartwarming to see so many people who call Port Aransas home come out for the celebration.

Kudos to all involved in putting on the celebration, and there were too many to call by name. Suffice to say the Centennial Committee, led by the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce-Tourist Bureau, and the Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association played the lead roles.

The common theme that played throughout the day was the high regard present-day residents have for those who went before them, and their desire to keep that history alive. Your ancestors would be proud.

One thing the centennial brought out is the need to record our histories – whether it is of families, businesses or organizations. I spoke to several people who were alerted to the fact that there is no formal written history or timeline for our school district. and keep it updated so when Port Aransas celebrates its bi-centennial the 100 years upon which we now embark will be well documented.

We’ve only been involved in the history of Port Aransas since the mid-1960s (Murray as a surfer from Corpus Christi, me visiting the beach from my homes in Robstown and Refugio). That involvement increased over the years until we married, bought a lot and built a beach house here in 1976, then the newspaper in 1981 and, finally, when we moved here permanently in 1983. That’s not a lot of time in the grand scheme of things, but we’ve certainly set down some deep roots here that would be awfully difficult to pull up – and we have no desire to do so.

However, with that much personal history tied up in Port Aransas, we found the centennial experience to be one of bonding and reconnecting with people we’ve known all or most of that time, but who we may not see on a day-to-day basis. Those friendships and acquaintances we hold dear and they enrich our lives.

Those connections are the threads that weave the fabric that is Port Aransas, and it is soft, and warm, and comforting. We are privileged to be part of it.

The centennial celebration made us even more appreciative of Port Aransas and its people, and it was apparent the celebration was important to many, whether they are natives, newcomers or visitors.

Saturday, Port Aransas celebrated Port Aransas.

Cheers to Port Aransas, and cheers to all involved in putting on the centennial celebration.

Mary Henkel Judson is editor and co-publisher of the South Jetty. Contact her at southjetty@centurytel. net, (361) 749-5131 or P.O. Box 1117, Port Aransas, TX 78373.