Galveston Causeway: Target of sabotage?

On July 12, 1917, a watchman saw someone toss a lighted bomb from a northbound M.K. & T. train after it passed over the Galveston Causeway.

The Houston Chronicle reported that the man grabbed it and threw it into Galveston Bay. In doing so, he ended up burning his hand.

Maxwell Arentzen, a Philadelphia native who was enjoying a free ride on the freight train, was held on charges related to the attempted bombing. But he told authorities he was removed from the train before the bomb was to have been thrown. Investigators told the Chronicle his story appeared credible.

In its coverage, the Houston Press reported that had the bombing been successful, it "would suspend a flow of munitions for the allies through" Galveston.

Southern Pacific and federal officials combed the bay with hooks to find the explosive. No bomb was found in the days following the incident.

The Sweeney Clock

The clock that now sits at Capitol and Bagby was moved there in the mid-1970s. Originally, it was built in 1908 and placed in front of the Sweeney Jewelry store on 409 Main Street.

Three pictures from Galveston, circa 1907. St. Mary's Cathedral, Galveston Medical College and Sealy Hospital.

The explosion of the Farmer

Two steamers, the Farmer and the Neptune, were racing from Galveston to Houston on March 23, 1853. During the race, the Farmer exploded, killing J.M. Reynolds.

A coroner's inquest into Reynolds' death was held at Galveston, the Houston Democratic Telegraph and Texas Register reported a few days later.

The jury decided that Reynolds died from injuries received when the Farmer exploded during the race.

Blame for the explosion was not placed on the owners or agents of the Farmer. In fact, the paper reported, "Gen E.B. Nichols is the principal, if not the sole, agent in this city of the line to which the Farmer belonged, and he informs us that he repeatedly charged Capt. Webb not to engage in racing with the Neptune or any other boat."

Two photos, two cities

Because I haven't mentioned churches that often, here are two from 1907. First Presbyterian, I believe, was located at Main and McKinney, but someone correct me if I'm wrong. Annunciation Catholic Church, across from Minute Maid Park, was built in 1871 and underwent expansion and reconstruction 13 years later.

I'm almost certain this is a picture looking west down Ball Street toward 21st Street in Galveston.